Training → examination → applicable supervised practice → ISF committee decision → qualification certificate. Choose the route for your current status in your Passport. An examination certificate confirms knowledge; it does not grant or promote a qualification.
Referee prerequisites — Sections 8.5.1–8.5.4
Junior Referee: minimum age 14; one year competing in ISF events or working as a volunteer/assistant; at least 85% in the online test; one supervised refereeing internship.
Regional Referee: minimum age 16; three events as a Junior Referee; at least 90% in the test; two full events as a supervised Side Referee; confirmation by the regional or national referee panel.
National Referee: minimum age 18; at least one year as a Regional Referee; 95% examination in English and the native language; four regional events and at least 10 sessions; interview with the national ISF commission.
International Referee: minimum age 21; at least two years as a National Referee; three international events and at least 12 sessions, including three record-attempt sessions; written English examination and ISF Referee Committee interview.
The examination also applies its published critical-question criteria. The committee verifies category prerequisites; passing alone is not a qualification decision.
Competition secretaries — Section 9
Prepare registration, weigh-in, start lists, attempts, protocols, backup and final results. Choose the foundation or current-secretary route. This page introduces no additional mandatory secretary practice conditions.
Validity and re-certification — Section 8.6
Referee certificates are valid for two years. Officials must work at least two events annually at their level and keep current with rule changes. A break of one year for Junior/Regional or two years for National/International requires re-certification. The committee assigns restoration or promotion routes; neither is automatic.
