Whether you are volunteering at your first competition or upgrading your rating, this guide outlines every role on the shore and on the water.

Competitions rely on two distinct groups to keep the action running safely and on schedule.

Officials directly influence, evaluate, and protect the competition.

Judge: Evaluates rider runs and determines event scores.

Scorer: Records the exact scores reported by the judges.

Driver: Operates the towboat safely. Requires extensive experience with precise boat paths, competition speeds (Wakesurf, Wakeboard, Wakeskate), and turns. Drivers must master various boat brands (Nautique, MasterCraft, Malibu) and prioritize rider location at all times. 

Safety: Ensures compliance with all safety policies. Eliminates site deficiencies and serves as the primary on-call responder for on- and off-water incidents. 

Announcer: Communicates the running order, highlights live activities, and broadcasts schedule changes. 

Personnel handle the logistics and event flow on the ground.

Dock Starter: Keeps the competition moving. Stays on the starting dock to ensure the next riders are ready, manages equipment/ropes, and throws the rope to the boat (if applicable).

Competition Director: The official event host. Facilitates all site reservations and coordinates personnel resources.

Registrar: Verifies participant compliance before their turn. Confirms active USA-WSWS membership, SafeSport completion, and entry fee payment.

Official ratings follow a progressive ladder. Check the USA-WSWS Officials Directory to find and contact officials or see who is already certified in your region.

Aspiring ➔ Assistant ➔ Regular ➔ Senior ➔ PanAm (International)

_{*Note: A minimum rating of Assistant is required to serve on site as an Official Trained Driver.} 

To ensure all collegiate wake sports events are fully sanctioned and safe, host teams must meet the following official staffing requirements.

Minimum Required Personnel

Every sanctioned wake event must have these two trained officials present on-site:

• Trained Safety Coordinator
• Trained Driver Official (with a level rating of Assistant or higher)

Cross-Divisional Safety Coordinators Allowed: Safety coordinators certified in other USA Water Ski & Wake Sports divisions (Show Ski, 3-Event, NCWSA, Barefoot, Kneeboard, etc.) can serve at Wake Sports events. 

Want to get safety certified? Check out the Safety Training Program Resources to learn how to become an official Safety Coordinator.

Cross-Divisional Drivers Allowed: Certified drivers with a rating of Assistant or higher from 3-Event, Show Ski, or the NCWSA can drive for collegiate Wake events.

Wake-Only Drivers: Drivers who are only certified for Wake cannot drive for any other sports divisions.

If you are a Wake-only driver candidate, follow this four-phase pipeline to earn your credentials:

MVR Check: Log into your USA-WSWS member portal and submit a Motor Vehicle Record check to clear any DUIs.

Boating License: Upload a valid state boating license. If your state lacks a license requirement, you must complete the 2-hour online NASBLA course. 

Online Course: Complete the official training module on the USA-WSWS website.

Written Test: Request and submit your written exam by emailing cathy@cathywilliams.com for official USA-WSWS approval.

Evaluation Sheet: Download the Trained Boat Driver Practical Evaluation Form. _{(Note: The form utilizes the word "skier" but is fully valid for wake disciplines).}

Sign-Off: Complete your basic in-person safety handling check under the supervision of a currently rated driving official.

Just-In-Time Training: These practical evaluations may be performed directly before or during live wake competitions. _{Note: Large training groups require a sanctioned clinic, which must be hosted by an active member club.}

Trainers: Once fully certified by the national office, you are authorized to act as an approved official to train, evaluate, and sign off on new candidates for other teams, clubs, and individuals.