New requirements for trainers
For instructors who issue national licences, The DSV sets out new requirements. They must hold a national licence themselves and have several years’ experience at German Championships. At the same time, the selection process is changing.
Until now, instructors were nominated on the recommendation of the regional sailing associations or the Training Committee and subsequently appointed by the relevant vice-president. Under the new provisions, they will be appointed by the DSV in consultation with the regional sailing associations. This does away with the previous system of nomination and appointment. Appointment by the vice-president is replaced by appointment by the DSV.
SBF is no longer a prerequisite for the umpire’s licence
One of the requirements for the umpire’s licence, which umpires need for regattas, has been removed. Under the new wording, applicants are no longer required to hold the recreational craft licences specified for the relevant sailing area. The relevant paragraph (b) has been deleted in its entirety.
The existing requirements regarding the duration and content of the training remain unchanged: at least ten teaching units must have been completed in the relevant training modules over the previous four calendar years; the requirement for positive assessments or approvals also remains unchanged. However, the group of potential assessors is being expanded.
Until now, positive assessments for umpires had to come from at least two DSV instructors. In future, international umpires will also be able to provide the required assessments, alongside German instructors. In addition, there is a requirement that the endorsements must be from at least two different events. This is intended to ensure that the assessment is no longer based on a single event alone.
In summary, this means that umpire training will continue to be linked to documented training and practical experience. In future, however, the evidence of such experience may be provided by a wider range of qualified individuals.
Exam marking will be standardised more strictly
The procedure for regional and national licence examinations is also changing. The multiple-choice section and the open-ended questions will continue to be marked by two instructors on site, and the results will be communicated to the candidates.
New rules have been introduced for cases where an on-site assessment is not possible. Previously, the course leader was only required to inform participants of an alternative procedure. Under the new rules, the course leader must first agree this alternative procedure with the DSV office. Only then may they inform the participants.
Three changes with varying scopes
The planned changes affect various stages of the training and licensing process. For the first time, specific minimum requirements regarding licences and experience are set out for instructors. The recreational boat licence is no longer a prerequisite for the umpire’s licence, whilst international umpires will in future be able to grant authorisations. With regard to examinations, the procedure to be followed in the event of a discrepancy in marking will be formally established.
In your view, which of the three changes will have the greatest impact on the training of race officers, referees and umpires?
Janek Struchholz
Volontär
