The ISA maintains a documented process for the selection and appointment of Technical Officials and Judges for the Olympic Games, ISA World Championships and other competitions under its authority. The process is overseen by the ISA Technical Committee (ISA TC) in accordance with the ISA Rulebook and the ISA TC Terms of Reference.

The ISA TC appoints or recommends officials based on the requirements of each competition and the individual’s qualifications, experience and suitability for the position. The Technical Director is appointed by the ISA TC, while Contest Directors are selected based on relevant professional, international and national experience. Head Judges are selected from top-ranking professional judges following a recommendation from the ISA TC and ratification by the ISA Executive Committee.

Judging panels are selected by the ISA TC using the ISA Judges database. Selection criteria include:

• ISA event experience;
• ISA judging accreditation level;
• professional surfing judging experience;
• the individual’s internal ISA performance rating;
• demonstrated international judging qualities and experience; and
• the operational and technical requirements of the relevant competition.

ISA Member Federations may submit the names and qualifications of judges for consideration by the Technical Committee. Submission of a candidate does not guarantee appointment. Following the Technical Committee’s decision, selected Judges are notified directly by the ISA.

The size and composition of each judging panel are determined according to the competition format, the number of competition podiums and the needs of the Event. ISA-appointed Judges serve without national affiliation in the performance of their judging duties and are expected to act independently, impartially and consistently in applying the ISA judging criteria and competition rules. No more than one scoring judge from the same country may serve on any panel.

Further information is available in Chapter 2, Section III.B of the ISA Rulebook and the ISA Technical Committee Terms of Reference.