Accreditation and Re-Accreditation of AC Referees

In November 2014 the ACA approved a new Accreditation and Re-accreditation Programme for ACA Referees and Umpires, aimed at getting all candidates successfully accredited. The programme covers communication skills, people management, coping with difficult on-court situations, managing appeals against decisions, and practical refereeing technique alongside the Laws and Rulings of Association Croquet.

Requirements

The on-lawn questions and demonstrations carry an expected pass mark of at least 80%. Meeting the examination requirements makes a candidate an ACA Accredited AC Umpire/Referee.

The most significant recent change is the requirement to complete the Australian Sports Commission's Introductory Level Officiating: General Principles Course, an online course at learning.ausport.gov.au that can be done in stages or in one sitting.

Staying accredited

Active ACA accredited officials must undergo reaccreditation every four years, keeping an Official Activity Record of officiating duties (events officiated, refresher courses, and so on). Existing umpires and referees must also complete the Australian Sports Commission course before reaccreditation.

If reaccreditation isn't sought within four years, a member is placed on an inactive list. This doesn't preclude seeking reaccreditation later, and members may continue to umpire/referee as usual, but without official ACA accreditation they cannot officiate at any ACA event.

The full policy is available to any member who wishes to study it.