Motorsport Australia volunteer officials are encouraged to complete a free, online course, designed to build knowledge and confidence in the sport.

Created by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) to align with National Volunteer Week, the course features seven different modules with the focus of educating officials on how to protect themselves and their participants in their chosen sport.

Making up the course are modules on understanding the modern participant, fundamentals to officiating, decision-making considerations, optimising the environment and interacting with participants.

Take the free online Community Officiating Essential Skills Course here.

The free course considers 40 different sports and takes aspirations and motivations into account, with those who complete it to receive a certificate.

Replacing the ASC’s Community Officiating – General Principles Course, the new course is one of the biggest changes to officiating within the nation in more than two decades, and CEO Kieren Perkins OAM was pleased to offer it for free to all volunteer officials in the country.

“Our community referees and umpires play a crucial role in sport and can have an immense impact on the environment in which people play and are involved,” Perkins said.

“This modern approach supports the development, education and training of officials, empowering them to create safe, inclusive and enjoyable sporting environments where everyone can thrive.

“National Volunteer Week is an ideal time to upskill yourself and find new ways to be involved in sport.”

Take the free online Community Officiating Essential Skills Course here.

National Volunteer Week is being held this week, 20-26 May.