Commissaires
Like
any other sport, each of the five cycling sports has its own body of
rules that define how a competition is run. In cycling, Commissaires
are the officials who are responsible for ensuring that the competition
is conducted within the boundaries of those rules.
These rules originate from the world governing body of all the cycling sports, the International Cycling Union (UCI) or "Union Cycliste Internationale".
In Canada, the National rules are administered and modified by the
Canadian Cycling Association (CCA) which delegates authority to
provincial associations such as the Alberta Bicycle Association.
Cycling
is a diverse group of five separate sports, so the format and
particular rules for each major cycling sport (BMX, Cyclo-cross,
Mountain Bike, Road and Track) are very different. They use different
kinds of bikes, different skills, and take place in different courses
or facilities specific to each sport. You wouldn't use a mountain bike
on a racing track, for instance. And a road racer would have skills and
training which vary from those of a BMX athlete or Cyclo-Cross
competitor. Due to these differences, we train officials to specialize
in particular disciplines.
Love Cycling? Become a Commissaire!
At a well executed race, two of the four main groups of people that make our sports possible are barely noticed. They are the "Commissaires"
(officials or referees for cycling races) and organizers. Of course,
the other two much more visible 'essential' groups involved in any
sport are the athletes and their coaches.
The
Alberta Bicycle Association has come to recognize the importance of the
work performed by our Commissaires as they are known. It is their role
to ensure that all aspects of the competition under their supervision
are conducted according to the UCI and CCA regulations and Alberta
Bicycle Association policy.
Many
people who have never been involved in sport as an official fail to
appreciate the time, dedication, and effort these people put into
training for and practicing their craft. Of those who are involved as
Commissaires, many find their contribution to the sport, though
different, to be every bit as satisfying as those who participate as
athletes or coaches.
The
Alberta Bicycle Association is always looking to recruit new officials;
it takes a great number of Commissaires to ensure that races in all
Cycling's sports and disciplines are properly supervised.
If
you are interested in a semi-professional volunteer role that will help
you to appreciate and become involved in your sport in a whole new way,
then consider becoming a Commissaire. Contact ABA at 1-877-646-BIKE
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