Becoming a Swim Official

Contents Why become an Official? Pool Layout Role Descriptions “Official’s” Equipment Don’t be put off Your next Steps

Why become an Official Swimmers can’t compete without them The club cannot enter events without them …or may get deducted league points! Be involved with your swimmers and learn about swimming rules. Poolside offers the best viewing position Many perks - free gala entry, better parking, T- Shirts, tea and cake etc “Passes the time” Expenses can be covered – County even pay for registration

Timekeepers Referee Stroke Turn Finish Starter Turn Positions at the Pool Chief Timekeeper

Judging Levels Judge Level 1 –You train in most poolside jobs –Timekeeping is your likely job at a Gala –Typically about 1 swimming season to qualify Judge Level 2 –You’re doing jobs that look for infringements and write out slips to report a disqualification recommendation to the Referee –Typically about 1 swimming season to qualify Judge Level 3 –You are the Referee –You decide who should be disqualified You have to do each level before moving on to the next level

Judge 1: Timekeeping At its simplest: Check swimmers name Press stopwatch when the “gun” goes You may have to judge turns Press stopwatch when swimmer finishes Write down “swimmer times”

Judge 2: Stroke Judge Watch swimmers Walk alongside swimmers to get a good view Check they are doing the right stroke! Check the swimming style is legal Report infringements

Judge 2: Turn Judge Watch swimmers turn Ensure the swimmer touches the wall Ensure the technical aspects of the turn are legal Report infringements Don’t fall in

Judge 2: Finish Judge Write down the order in which the swimmers complete the race This requires practice –On long and uncompetitive races it is the easiest job –On tight/fast races it’s the toughest job

Judge 2AS: Starter You stand up Check referee happy to start the race Check swimmers are “still” on blocks Say “On your Marks” Press start button Sit down! Helen – can do this with one leg

Judge 3: Referee Check for safety Organise officials into a team Blow whistle Say if you are happy Disqualify swimmers when you’re not happy Look important

Officials Equipment Be Cool

Don’t be put off Time Commitment –You’re there at pool anyway Difficulty –Everyone does these jobs Responsibility –No worse than ensuring your swimmers kit bag has everything! You will be chaperoned/mentored so just come along and give it a try...

Your Next Steps Talk to a Club Official –Helen, Tony, Lawrence, Jason, Julian, Jon etc Complete a Form Theory Lesson –You’re walked through a series of questions and answers –You might be shown videos Mentored at Galas –You get shown what to do and what to look for Oral Exam –Once confident and having had enough practice, you are tested on the above questions and answers An “Official’s Lanyard” arrives in the Post

You’re part of the Sport You’re more than a bag packer when you’re an Official