CLARIFYING OFFICIALS’ CARDS

It’s a question we’re asked frequently by competitors and divisional bodies - which officials are able to Steward or Scrutineer a particular division at an upcoming race meeting? Essentially, that is a decision for the relevant racing division because under Speedway Australia rules all Stewards and Scrutineers are appointed by the divisional body.

Speedway Australia’s part in the process is to administer the relevant cards that indicate the level of duties that an Official has been approved to undertake.

• Level 1 – Can officiate State and National titles.
• Level 2 – Can officiate all other race meetings
• Level 3 – Can officiate under supervision
• Level 4 – Can assist at race meetings

The requirement to receive a card is for one divisional body to sign off the official. This doesn’t indicate that the official can only adjudicate for that body, but merely the group who originally approved them. In some places, a local fulfils the role of Steward for multiple divisions. This is perfectly acceptable too, as the divisions provide their consent by agreeing to race at the venue.

It’s not practical to issue cards for every division, nor is it feasible to put all potential divisions on the phone app. For example, our sample Club Steward Safety Liz would need 30 separate cards to officiate in New South Wales…. or a very long phone! So there does need to be a bit of interplay between divisions and officials, but essentially if a division wishes to utilise an official and they are already approved to the correct level for the race meeting then they are good to go.

Note: Speedway Sedans Australia have their own cards and approval process, so you do need approval from them to officiate their divisions (e.g Street Stocks, Junior Sedans).