Keeping the Course: Audra’s Path from Athlete to Umpire

In the world of rowing, many athletes find ways to stay connected to the sport long after they hang up their oars. For Audra Vair, that connection came through umpiring—a role she never anticipated but now embraces with purpose and pride.

Audra’s journey began in high school, when she discovered rowing in Grade 9. “I enjoyed everything about it—the movement, the teamwork, the feeling of improvement tied directly to effort,” she recalls. That passion carried her through university and graduate school, with stints at the University of Ottawa, UBC, and various summer clubs. She eventually earned a spot on the Canadian U23 team in 2007 and later competed at the 2010 FISU World University Rowing Championships and the 2011 Pan American Games.

But by 2011, injuries, including a rib issue, started to take their toll. “In the spring of 2011, I couldn’t consistently train in a boat or put pressure on my ribs” Audra explains. “So, when they asked folks at the National Training Centre to help out at a high school regatta, I volunteered in the finish tower with umpire Judy Sutcliffe.” That experience was eye-opening for Audra. “Watching the races, being asked for my opinion during a protest—it gave me a whole new perspective. I realized how important umpires are in ensuring races are safe and fair.”

Judy Sutcliffe’s mentorship proved pivotal, as it has been for many others. “Honestly, if you surveyed umpires, I think a surprising number would trace their start back to Judy,” Audra laughs.

When her competitive career officially ended in late 2011, Audra wasted no time. She took her umpiring course in early 2012 and began officiating almost immediately, balancing it alongside coaching at Western University. In 2014, a move to Edmonton to build her career at the University of Alberta, and eventually a permanent job with Alberta Health, shifted her focus fully to officiating. Though she coached briefly with the Edmonton Rowing Club’s university program, umpiring ultimately became her primary contribution to the sport.

Now serving as the provincial umpire coordinator in Alberta, and training to become a Clinician Umpire to support umpire development, Audra manages both administrative responsibilities and on-the-water duties. Her priority? “Making sure regattas are safe and fair,” she says. “It’s not just about following rules for the sake of rules—many, if not all of them, are rooted in safety.”

Living in Alberta presents unique challenges. “We don’t have many racing opportunities in the Prairies,” she says. “That makes every regatta count. We have a really collaborative umpiring community here. Everyone chips in, everyone travels. We do it because we know how important the race experience is for athletes.”

So, what advice does she have for aspiring umpires? “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved. In smaller provinces like Alberta, where events are limited, it’s important to take initiative and stay connected. Opportunities are out there, but you often have to create them for yourself.”

From finish tower volunteer to provincial umpire coordinator, her path is a reminder that there’s more than one way to give back to the rowing community, and sometimes, those unexpected turns lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Interested in becoming an umpire? Learn more about how you can get involved HERE.