SkillsActive has unveiled new national occupational standards, which have been designed to help support the development of elite officials across a range of sports.

The sector skills council has developed the new Level 4 standards in partnership with Sports Officials UK (SOUK), which identified a lack of structured training for officials at elite level. Health and safety awareness, participant production and the ability to handle the media are among areas covered by the standards, which follow the introduction of Level 3 standards in 2007.

Representatives from a number of sports - including cricket, football, swimming and cycling - contributed towards the development of the standards, which will be used by NGBs to develop qualifications and training schemes. SkillsActive chief executive Stephen Studd said: "With increased media spotlight, the development of officials at all levels, across a wide spectrum of sports is an area of increased focus.

"As we look ahead to London 2012, it is crucial that our sports officials are given opportunities to grow their skill set, gain qualifications and forge a pathway to the elite level." Mike Gilks, an Olympic and World Championship badminton umpire and SOUK vice president, added: "This should be of enormous benefit to aspiring top officials in all sports by identifying the more intangible areas that extend well beyond even the skilled application of the rules or laws of any sport."