For many years, the Marathon Racing Committee has supported the International Canoe Federation by helping members qualify as International Technical Officials (ITO) and volunteer at World and European Championships. In the last two years two new members of PaddleUK and the marathon community have qualified as ITO’s.
One of the newly qualified ITO’s, Mags Dilai (Nottingham Kayak Club), has agreed to share her experiences of qualifying and working as an ITO at marathon international races this year.
What is an ITO?
An ITO is an international technical official. In Canoe Marathon this means being positioned around the course to watch for any infractions that need reporting back to the Chief Official, and to keep track of where all paddlers are in relation to laps and position in the race. ITO’s also register paddlers on and off the water and may serve as starters, finishers or in boat weighing.
What was the process of becoming an ITO like?
Firstly, you must first be nominated to the ICF by your national governing body (PaddleUK and the MRC). I was approached by the Marathon Racing Committee and, although I was unsure at first because I didn’t know exactly what was involved, it quickly appealed to me. I’m a bit of a paddling geek, I attend international events to watch, and I enjoy being helpful, so the role felt like a perfect fit.
To become an ITO, you have to pass 2 written exams/multiple choice exams: one on ICF statutes, and one on discipline specific rules. The exams are timed and open book but there is very little time to flick through anything so you do need to know your stuff on the rules and learn a bit about the ICF and how it operates. The more fun side of ITO assessment is the practical part. You get to work alongside established ITOs at a world championships. Each person you work with reports back to inform the decision on whether you pass to be an ITO or not. I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to work as an ITO in the first year I qualified but it’s not always the case. You normally have to give your availability via your governing body and then the ICF select a team for each event.
Your first internationals as a qualified ITO was this year. What did you get up to?
This year I covered a turn for two days and then portage judging on another day. At the portage, I was in charge of waving the yellow flag to signal a penalty and directing paddlers to the penalty box. It’s not the most popular job because you have tired, confused paddlers and at that moment they definitely don’t like you!
The turn I was on was hectic because it was under a kilometre from the start, on a concrete bank where often large groups were turning in flowing water!
What has been some of your favourite roles to take on as an ITO?
I really like being a course umpire. That usually means being on the water in a boat, keeping an eye on a turn or a part of the course that could get interesting. It’s really exciting to see the races unfold and it’s non stop counting boats and keeping track of numbers, so you don’t get bored!!
What would be your advice to anyone considering becoming an ITO?
I would say prepare for long days out in all elements, far from toilets and food! Take everything with you. It’s definitely not a holiday; it’s hard work but it is also a great experience. Being an ITO gives you a unique view of competition and the volunteer effort that makes the live race we see on the live streams possible.
I’ve met people from all over the world who share the same passion for paddling (maybe not as geeky in their marathon paddling knowledge as me though)! I’ve got invitations to go and visit fellow ITOs from across the globe and paddle their local waters, although I feel bad that the exchange for them is Nottingham!
Thank you Mags for sharing your experiences. If you are interested in becoming an ITO or even intrigued enough to have a conversation about it, please contact the Marathon Racing Committee via the Secretary.
