If you've ever competed in a functional fitness event, you know that good judging can make or break the experience. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or a fan of the sport, you've probably seen competitions where calls felt inconsistent, movement standards were unclear, or judging just didn’t seem fair. That’s exactly why Technical Officials (TOs) are essential.

At the Canadian Functional Fitness Federation (CFFF), we’re working hard to build a structured, reliable, and professional officiating system—one that ensures fair and well-run competitions at every level. And that’s where YOU come in.

If you love this sport and want to help it grow, becoming a TO is one of the best ways to get involved. Whether you’re an active athlete, a retired competitor, a coach, or just someone who wants to contribute, here’s everything you need to know about why TOs matter, what we’re doing to improve officiating in Canada, and how you can become part of it.

What Do Technical Officials (TOs) Actually Do?

In simple terms, TOs are the referees of functional fitness. Their job is to make sure:
✅ Athletes meet movement standards—every rep counts, and no reps are fair and consistent.
✅ Events run smoothly—timing, calls, and results are handled professionally.
✅ Competitions remain fair—everyone plays by the same rules, no matter where they compete.
✅ Athlete safety is prioritized—proper movement standards help reduce injury risk.

Without properly trained TOs, events can become subjective, inconsistent, and frustrating for both athletes and organizers. That’s why we’re making sure that every competition in Canada follows a clear, structured TO training process—so that no matter where you compete, you get the same high standard of judging.

Why We Need More TOs in Functional Fitness

Functional fitness is growing FAST. With our 2025 National Championships coming up and more sanctioned competitions across Canada, we need a strong team of trained officials to keep up with demand.

Here’s why now is the perfect time to become a TO:

✔️ Functional fitness is becoming more structured as a sport—this is your chance to help shape it.
✔️ Fair judging helps athletes perform at their best—consistency makes the competition better for everyone
✔️ Canada needs more certified TOs to run high-quality events—without trained officials, events can’t grow.
✔️ Opportunities to travel & officiate internationally—be part of the biggest events in the sport.
✔️ You don’t need to be a top athlete to be involved—stay connected to the sport in a meaningful way.

This is about more than just calling no-reps. It’s about building a fair, professional, and world-class competitive environment for athletes at every level.

How We’re Training & Certifying TOs in Canada

To make sure that every competition in Canada is judged at the highest level, we’ve built a clear and accessible TO certification pathway.

🟢 Level 1 TO – Start Here (Free & Online)

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to get involved—no prior experience needed.

What it includes:

✅ Online training covering basic movement standards & officiating guidelines
✅ A quick 14-question multiple-choice test (pass with 80%)
✅ Essential for judging online qualifiers

How to start:

👉 Go to cfff.fit/TO1 and complete the free Level 1 training!

TO level 1

🟡 Level 2 TO – Event-Specific Training (Live & Practical)

Who it’s for: Certified Level 1 TOs looking to judge in-person events.

What it includes:

✅ Live training seminar (via Zoom) before a competition
✅ Event-specific prep—covering movement standards for that competition
✅ Opportunity to judge at sanctioned competitions

How to start:

👉 Complete Level 1, then sign up for a Level 2 event seminar before an upcoming competition: cfff.fit/to2

TO Level 2

🔴 Level 3 TO – Elite Certification (Judging at Nationals & Beyond)

Who it’s for: Experienced TOs aiming for high-level competitions, including Nationals & Worlds.

What it includes:

✅ Judging multiple in-person competitions
✅ Evaluation from senior TOs to ensure top-level officiating
✅ Certification to officiate at Nationals & International events
✅ Pathway to becoming an iF3 International TO

How to start:

👉 Get experience at Level 2, then apply for a Level 3 evaluation at Nationals: cfff.fit/to3

TO Level 3

Why You Should Become a TO

Not sure if TO training is for you? Here’s why it’s worth it:

✔️ Stay involved in functional fitness even if you’re not competing.
✔️ Help build the sport into a respected, professional competition format.
✔️ Learn valuable skills that can transfer to coaching, event management, and officiating.
✔️ Gain opportunities to judge at high-profile competitions in Canada and internationally.
✔️ Support the next generation of athletes by ensuring fair and well-run events.

Ready to Get Involved? Here’s How to Start

Becoming a TO is easier than you think—and it’s completely free to get started.

1️⃣ Go to cfff.fit/TO1 and take the free Level 1 online course.
2️⃣ Sign up for a Level 2 live training session before an upcoming event.
3️⃣ Get hands-on experience at competitions and work towards Level 3.
4️⃣ Join the team that will shape the future of functional fitness officiating in Canada!

The Future of Functional Fitness is in Your Hands

Functional fitness is evolving. With structured judging, standardized movement standards, and international recognition, we’re building a real, respected sport—but it all starts with having high-quality Technical Officials.

If you love functional fitness and want to make a real impact, becoming a TO is the best way to get involved. Whether you judge one event a year or make it part of your career, you’ll be helping grow the sport, support athletes, and ensure the highest level of competition in Canada.

Sign up today at cfff.fit/TO1 and take your first step toward becoming a certified Technical Official!