1. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 1 Chief Timekeeper Clinic August 2014

2. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 2 Today Chief Timekeeper Role Before the Meet Before the Meet – Briefing During the Meet After the Meet Situations to Discuss Questionnaire – 15 minutes Review (answers)

3. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 3 Chief Timekeeper Role Of all the intermediate positions, Chief Timekeeper is probably the most straightforward Accurate timing by this team is ESSENTIAL The Chief Timekeeper and their assistant must maintain a constant check on the accuracy and the efficiency of all the Timekeepers (Timers)

4. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 4 Arrive early — at least one hour before the start Check with the Meet Manager about the conditions of the watches and check watches, if required Arrange a sign-out system for the watches, if requested by the Meet Manager Arrange a time with the Referee and Starter for a “Watch Check” Have extra batteries (if appropriate), watches, and pencils for Timekeepers on the deck, during the meet Before the Meet

5. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 5 Before the Meet Discuss with the Referee: Unofficial times recorded on the lane timer sheets by the Timekeepers, long distance may have cards for recording What are the signals for advising the Referee if any Timekeepers have a problem? (ie: swimmer mix-up) Will there be two (2) swimmers per lane in distance events? Is there a need to appoint relay take-over judges? Special Procedures: Distance Events - two swimmers per lane? Need extra Timekeepers? 25m Swim in a 25m pool - Will swimmers be moved to start at the turns end, or will the Timekeepers be moved to take the finish at the turns end?

6. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 6 Before the Meet - Briefing Conduct a briefing session and watch-check with all Timekeepers, 25 to 30 minutes before the start of the session: Introduce yourself and your assistant and explain your duties Ensure you have enough Timekeepers and arrange for more if required Identify any new Timekeepers and ensure they work with experienced Timekeepers Appoint relay take-over judges, if required, and discuss correct position for observing the relay take-over and procedure for reporting of a disqualification Select a Head Lane Timekeeper for each lane. If you do not have a certified Inspector of Turns in each lane, notify the Referee

7. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 7 Discuss how to operate the different kinds of watches or plungers, that will be used. Stress that the person that starts the watch MUST stop the watch. DO NOT EXCHANGE A WATCH ONCE IT HAS BEEN STARTED. Identification of swimmers: Lane timer sheets or heat sheets; long distance may be cards Correct heat/ lane… check name on paperwork Matches the swimmer in the water Relays - Swimmers swim in correct order Before the Meet - Briefing

8. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 8 Discuss the recording of times: Recorded to the hundredths Correct location on the paperwork beside swimmers name If long distance events with cards: Before the Meet - Briefing Prelims Timed Finals/ Finals

9. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 9 Splits: When - Every time the swimmer touches the wall How - Lean over the end of the pool and observe the touch Where to record them on the card - Far right side of the card and on the back if not enough room. (Note: The CFJ may request splits to go on the back). On distance events (800 and 1500), if you miss a split, put a line through the space where the split would have been recorded. This will assist you in keeping track of where the swimmer is in the race for the Bell Lap. Before the Meet - Briefing

10. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 10 Official Times: Were the Timekeepers instructed to put them on their paperwork? (Almost never) If so, how to calculate them using 2 or 3 watches Light touches when using electronics: Swimmer does not touch the pad firmly enough to activate the electronics Report it to the Chief Timekeeper or Assistant Write “ Light Touch ” or “ LT ” on the lane sheet/ heat sheet/ time card Before the Meet - Briefing

11. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 11 When and how to ring bells if you have 800m or 1500m events during the session: In 25m pool: For 800m race - Ring bell at the 750m lap For 1500m race - Ring bell at the 1450m lap In 50m pool: For 800m race - Ring bell at the 700m lap For 1500m race - Ring bell at the 1400m lap A hand bell shall be rung for each swimmer: Over the right lane rope of his/her lane as he/she approaches the backstroke flags And continue until the turn is completed and the swimmer has passed the backstroke flags Before the Meet - Briefing

12. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 12 How does the Timekeeper: Signal for help when they have a problem? Raise their arm Reset their watch? On the Referee’s first whistle to start the next heat or as instructed by the Chief Timekeeper Advise Timekeepers to record times as fast as possible and to be prepared for the next race Relays: The first leg of relays (50 or 100 splits) shall be timed by all Timekeepers and recorded and published as official times Ensure the Timekeepers know the relay take-over rules, the Head Lane Timekeeper is charged with this duty Before the Meet - Briefing

13. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 13 During the Meet SW 2.8.1 The Chief Timekeeper shall assign the seating positions for all Timekeepers and the lanes for which they are responsible. It is advisable that there shall be three (3) Timekeepers for each lane. If Automatic Officiating Equipment is not used, there shall be two (2) additional Timekeepers designated, either of whom shall be directed to replace a Timekeeper whose watch did not start or stopped during an event, or who for any other reason is not able to record the time. When using three (3) digital watches per lane, final time and place is determined by time. CSW 2.8.1.1 When using less than three digital watches per lane, the final time and placing shall be determined by time.

14. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 14 During the Meet SW 1.2.2 Where Automatic Officiating Equipment is not available, such equipment must be replaced by a Chief Timekeeper, 3 Timekeepers per lane, and 2 additional Timekeepers. If there are only two (2) Timers, then the Chief Timekeeper or their assistant shall have their times recorded on the card of the first and second place swimmers in the event of an Age Group swimmer breaking a record in a Senior Meet The extra Timekeeper is essential for large meets and helpful at all meets In the event you don’t have extra Timekeepers, you or your assistant will provide the time

15. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 15 During the Meet SW 2.8.3 The Chief Timekeeper shall collect from the Timekeepers in each lane a card showing the time recorded and, if necessary, inspect their watches. A runner will be assigned to collect the cards You should look at the first one or two heats to ensure the times are being recorded properly, and in the proper places (splits, timed finals, heats, etc.)

16. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 16 During the Meet SW 2.8.4 The Chief Timekeeper shall record or examine the official time on the card for each lane. Official times are normally put on the cards by the Chief Finish Judge If electronics are being used, the times are taken from the official electronics printout by the Chief Finish Judge

17. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 17 During the Meet SW 11.3 Any timing device that is terminated by an official shall be considered a watch. Such manual times must be taken by three Timekeepers appointed or approved by the Member in the country concerned. All watches shall be certified as accurate to the satisfaction of the governing body concerned. Manual timing shall be registered to 1/100 of a second. Where no Automatic Equipment is used, official manual times shall be determined as follows: “Certified as accurate”….is done at the watch check Times obtained from watches/ semi-automatic timing (plungers) stopped by an official will be considered a manual time

18. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 18 During the Meet Determining Manual Times SW 11.3.1 If two of the three watches record the same time and the third disagrees, the two identical times shall be the official time. SW 11.3.2 If all three watches disagree, the watch recording the intermediate time shall be the official time. SW 11.3.3 With only two (2) out of three (3) watches working, the average time shall be the official time.

19. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 19 Records CSW 12.19.3 Record swims shall be timed and recorded by an Automatic Officiating Equipment system or by three (3) Timekeepers. For a RECORD there must be THREE (3) watches. The Chief Timekeeper or their assistant should always have their times recorded on the card if there are only two (2) Timekeepers

20. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 20 Records CSW 12.19.4 A time achieved while swimming the first “leg” of a relay, or while swimming any part of an individual event with an electronic timing system start, may count as a record. For a split time to count as a record, the swimmer must legally complete the full distance of the event or “leg” of the relay. There will be a time card or a request form for an “Official Split”. The Referee should advise you as soon as he is advised, and arrangements made to time the 50m end.

21. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 21 Chief Timekeeper Summary Signal the Referee if something goes wrong in your area that needs to be fixed and requires the meet to stop Take the time of the winner of each heat or other lanes as required Supervise all Timekeepers: Check their times are accurate by observing the time being recorded Check that the Head Lane Timekeeper is recording the information in the right place on the cards Have your time recorded if required for a third time, or if a Timekeepers time is not right Chief Timekeeper’s time is a diplomatic way for the Chief Timekeeper to supervise every lane and observe that time are accurate The Chief Timekeeper’s time is not used when three (3) good times are recorded

22. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 22 Chief Timekeeper Summary Evaluate Timekeepers Move Timekeepers from a lane with no swimmer to a lane where a Timekeeper did not get a start on their watch Solve ongoing problems in your area of responsibility

23. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 23 Sign record applications Ensure all watches are returned, shut off, and stored properly. Those that are not working are marked and brought to the attention of the Meet Manager Return the watches to the office or the Meet Manager After the Meet

24. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 24 Chief Timekeeper Briefing Sheet Meeting with Referee: Watches all work, or is the meet using Electronics Checklist of events; Any Relays, 25m, 50m, 800m, 1500m Do Timekeepers record official times on paperwork Arrange signals for 25m/ 50m events Will there be two swimmers per lane for distance events Where do you want the official time for the first leg of the relays written Need to appoint Head Lane Timekeepers Need to appoint Relay Take-over Judges Briefing of Timekeepers: Introduce yourself, assistant, Starter Do you have enough Timekeepers Put novice Timekeepers with experienced ones Do you have enough Head Lane Timekeepers… if not, inform the Referee Discuss the operations of the watches If electronics or plungers are used, review the procedure for their use Reminder: The start is connected electronically with the starter’s device; only the depression of the plunger button with index finger is required when the swimmer completes the race.

25. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 25 Chief Timekeeper Briefing Sheet Briefing of Timekeepers: (Continued) Arrange with Referee and Starter to do a “Watch Check”. Let the watches run a full minute before stopping… to ensure that all their times are consistent Paperwork – Ensure correct name, heat, lane Times: Yes or no for official times on paperwork Record times to the 1/100 th Record times on the correct location on paperwork Splits – Where, bells for 800m and 1500m events Light Touches – Where to record and who to notify Relays – Swum in correct order, first leg will require all Timekeepers to take a time It is an Official Time... where to record Problems – Procedures if you have a problem in your lane Procedure and time to report on deck – Have Fun!!! Take extra watches and pencils on deck with you

26. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 26 Chief Timekeeper Situation # 1 a) Observe the Timekeeper working. Are they attentive? Are they starting and stopping the watch properly? If everything appears normal give them another watch, and explain the problem. USE A LOT OF DIPLOMACY, we only have so may Timekeepers. If nothing appears to work, move them to another position. (assist the Chief Finish Judge or Marshal, etc.) 1. Timekeeper 2 in Lane 5 consistently records times that are 0.40 to 0.60 faster than the other two Timekeepers. b) Review the correct procedure for taking splits and finishes. Is the Timekeeper starting the watch by the sound of the start device instead of the flash? Is the Timekeeper anticipating the finish? Make sure the Timekeeper is watching the wall, not the swimmer. Be in the proper position to observe the touch.

27. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 27 Chief Timekeeper Situation # 2 2. The Timekeepers in Lane 4 are all inexperienced. a) Trade places with one experienced Timekeeper to assist the others.

28. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 28 Chief Timekeeper Situation # 3 3. Timekeeper 1 in Lane 3 takes her split times seated in her chair. a) Advise the Timekeeper of the importance of observing the touch and that the time recorded is not correct unless the touch is observed from the correct position. b) Review the correct position for taking splits - standing over the lane.

29. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 29 Chief Timekeeper Situation # 4 4. Timekeeper 1 in Lane 4 is a qualified Inspector of Turns. He is trying to take splits and judge turns at the same time. a) Ask one of the other Timekeepers to take the splits and explain that the two jobs don’t work together because both require his attention at the same time.

30. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 30 Chief Timekeeper Situation # 5 5. All three Timekeepers in Lane 6 are recording times that are inconsistent with the electronic results. a) Observe the Timekeepers working: Are they attentive Are they starting and stopping the watches correctly There may be a faulty touch pad, advise Referee of concern

31. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 31 Chief Timekeeper Situation # 6 6. After the start, three Timekeepers raise their hands. They have missed the start. a) Are they all in the same lane: If so, are there any lanes with no swimmers? If you have empty lanes, move the Timekeepers in the lane with the problem. If no empty lanes and no extra Timekeepers, the Chief Timekeeper and their assistant can take a time. Remember… If you start the watch, only YOU may stop the watch!!!

32. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 32 Chief Timekeeper Situation # 7 7. The Referee has blown his whistle to signal the start of the next heat. The Timekeepers in Lane 2 raise their hands. a) There is a problem in Lane 2. Use your prearranged signal with the Referee to hold the start. Do not let the race start with a problem among your Timekeepers. b) Make sure it its an important problem. (ie: swimmer mix-up, do not hold the start for a minor problem) The Timekeepers must try to come up to the speed the Referee requires.

33. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 33 Chief Timekeeper Situation # 8 8. Determine the official times for the following: 1:09.59 1:07.15 1:10.24 1:05.61 1:07.36 1:11.93

34. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 34 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire Questions before we begin? We will use the questionnaire for the correct answers Remember…there may be one or more correct answers for each question 20 minutes

35. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 35 1. Before the start of a meet the Chief Timekeeper shall: a. Check that all watches are in good working order b. Issue watches to Timekeepers c. Brief Timekeepers regarding their duties d. Assign an individual to each lane to judge relay take-overs e. Assign Head Lane Timekeepers f. Issue bells (where appropriate) g. Arrange with the Starter to conduct a “watch check” h. Establish working signals with the Referee Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire

36. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 36 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 2. The Chief Timekeeper shall: a. Take the finish time of the winner of each heat b. Position himself so that he can observe the finish of each heat c. Make his own tabulation of the order of finish of each heat d. Disqualify swimmers for turn infractions which he observes e. Signal all Timekeepers to clear and reset their watches f. Check the recorded times, randomly, for heats g. Affix his time, when necessary, on the paperwork of the winner of a heat or final h. Satisfy himself that all Timekeepers are competent i. Tabulate lengths completed in long distance races

37. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 37 j. Have the authority to disqualify k.Have one or two assistants l.Have the authority to over-rule an automatic time and replace it with a manual time m.Have extra watches/ batteries available n.Assign Timekeepers to take split or record-attempt times o.Start at least two watches for each race p.Randomly, examine the paperwork q.Ensure that at least one extra watch is started for each race r.Alert the HLT and/ or Timekeepers to location of times and signatures when meet has both preliminary and time final events 2. The Chief Timekeeper shall: (continued) Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire

38. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 38 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 3.In long distance events when there is a bell-lap, the Chief Timekeeper shall: a.Delegate responsibility for tabulating lengths and ringing the bell to each Head Lane Timekeeper b.Verify the tabulation of completed lengths with the assigned lane Timekeeper and Referee before authorizing the bell to be rung

39. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 39 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 4.When an automatic judging and timing system with electronic touch-pads is in use: a)It is necessary to have a full complement of Timekeepers on duty unless another approved backup system is available b)It is necessary to have a full complement of Timekeepers on standby in the officials' room, in the event of a malfunction c)The Timekeeper will transcribe the automatic times onto the paperwork

40. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 40 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 5.In developmental meets, the minimum number of Timekeepers that should be assigned to each working lane of the pool is: a.Two b.One c.Three d.Three in any integrated meet where a swimmer with a disability is in the lane

41. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 1:01.39 1:10.78 4:03.47 59.99 2:12.04 2:21.15 4:18.24 41 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 6.The following times were measured on manually operated digital watches. Determine the official times for each swim: a.1:01.321:01.391:01.43 b.1:10.671:10.89 c.4:03.474:03.264:03.54 d.1:00.03 59.95 e.2:12.042:12.152:12.04 f.2:21.342:20.97 g.4:18.074:18.42

42. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 42 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 7.The Chief Timekeeper shall instruct the Head Lane Timekeeper to ensure that: a.The correct swimmer is in his assigned lane b.The correct paperwork is being used c.The correct times are being read and recorded d.All times are recorded to 100ths of a second e.In manually timed meets, official times are correctly calculated and recorded (when so directed) f.Preliminary, final, and split times are recorded on the paperwork, as directed g.In Relay events the swimmers compete in the correct order

43. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 43 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 8.The Chief Timekeeper should instruct the Head Lane Timekeepers to ensure that: a.One Timekeeper is assigned to take split times b.The Chief Finish Judge is informed in the appropriate manner if a swimmer fails to touch the touch-pad or touches it lightly c.Relay take-over infractions are reported to the Referee d.A swimmer's manual backup times are adjusted to agree with the automatic times

44. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 44 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 9.During a short course relay, an official split is taken: a.By all Timekeepers assigned to a lane b.At the completion of the first leg of a 4 x 50m relay c.At the completion of each swimmer's leg of the relay d.At the end of the first leg of a 4 x 100m relay

45. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 45 Chief Timekeeper - Questionnaire 10. In a manually timed meet, long course, an official split at 50m of a 200m relay event is taken: a.By having all Timekeepers move to the 50m end of the pool for the start of each heat, then return to the finish end for the remainder of the meet b.When there are sufficient Timekeepers and watches to staff both ends of the meet c.When a coach requests an official split and there are sufficient Timekeepers and watches to staff the lane(s) in question

46. © Copyright 2013 - 2017 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 46 Thank you Approved by the Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Board