OFFICIAL

At the Lifesaving Society, any form of abuse, harassment, neglect or violence will not be tolerated. That's why, in collaboration with the Regroupement Loisir et Sport du Québec (RLSQ), we take steps to provide a healthy environment, free from abuse, harassment, neglect or violence.

We encourage the reporting of such behaviors as soon as they occur. We will not tolerate any form of abuse, harassment, neglect or violence, whether physical, psychological or sexual, in any program or activity provided by ourselves or our members.

By making this service available to you, we wish to demonstrate our commitment to protecting our members by offering them a safe, fair and trustworthy environment.

To learn more about the Lifesaving Society's integrity policy, click on the image below.

 

ACCREDITATION

Licensing (accreditation) is mandatory for all officials wishing to participate in lifesaving sport trainings and competitions sanctioned in Quebec and Canada. Accreditations are valid from September 1 to August 31 of the current season. 

Coaches must undergo a criminal background check every two years. Please note that minor coaches (under 18 years old) are not required to complete a criminal background check. For any questions, please contact the Sport Lifesaving Coordinator at sauvetagesportif@sauvetage.qc.ca

 

This ensures formal recognition of the official's role as well as liability insurance coverage. It is the responsibility of each official to ensure that they are accredited before officiating at a competition.

 

FORM - Official Accreditation

To Become an Official

Individuals who wish to obtain certification as an official must:

COMPLETE OFFICIALS LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 TRAINING
These training courses are designed to equip both new and more experienced officials with the essential knowledge and skills required to perform their role during sport lifesaving competitions.

Please note that a volunteer officially obtains Official status when they:

  1. Are accredited as an Official
  2. Have completed Officials Training (Level 1 and Level 2)
  3. Hold an Official’s shirt.

Recognition of Prior Learning for Officials

The Lifesaving Society has established a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process for officials. This program aims to recognize expertise and provide a clear pathway to validate prior experience related to Officials Training.

Please note that new officials must complete Officials Level 1 and Level 2 training in order to obtain their certifications. This process is intended for officials who:

  • Have already completed Officials Level 1 and Level 2 training
  • Have several years of experience as an official
  • Have regularly participated in regional, provincial, and national competitions

Applications will be evaluated based on skills, experience, and supporting documentation provided.

The validity period of officials certification is 2 years from the date of certification or RPL approval. Certification remains valid without the need for recertification if the official:

  1. Accumulates more than 35 hours of volunteer service within a 2-year period

  2. Actively participates in:

    • Regional, provincial, and national competitions
    • Sport lifesaving activities during the Annual Forum

 If your prior learning and experience meet the training requirements, the recertification will be issued and you will receive an email confirmation. 

 

FORM - Recognition of Prior Learning for Officials