From 2025 through to 2027, the National Championships will be held in Perth, Western Australia. This will mark the first time the event has been hosted in Perth since 1997, and we’re going to need the help of the Perth cycling community to make these the best Nationals ever. As with any major sporting event, an army of volunteers and officials are needed to make it all happen. Commissaires play a vital role in organizing and regulating the National Championships.
What is a Commissaire?
A cycling commissaire, also known as an official or referee, is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations at cycling events. They oversee everything from the start to the finish line to ensure fair play and safety for all participants. In Australia there are several levels of Commissaire that can officiate at road events, with Club/Regional being the entry level and all the way up to National/Internation Elite. Starting at the first level, you could be tasked with the following at Nationals:
- Assisting high level Commissaires with bicycle and equipment checks.
- Time Trial staging area.
- Line judging for finishing results.
Taking the Commissaire Exam
To become an accredited commissaire, you must first pass an online exam administered by AusCycling. This exam tests your knowledge of racing regulations, safety protocols, and the duties of a commissaire. The exam contains multiple choice questions that cover topics such as:
- Race procedures and regulations
- Equipment regulations
- Responsibilities of riders
- Responsibilities and duties of commissaires
- Handling protests and appeals
- Managing safety and risk
- Understanding timekeeping and results
You will need to study the AusCycling commisaire training manual and rules handbook to pass the exam. These resources provide all of the information required to answer the exam questions.