BECOME AN OFFICIAL
PROPOSED LECTURES AND EXAMINATIONS
A swim meet needs a lot of officials. For an eight lane pool at least 40 are necessary if it is to run well. Being an official is a very good way of supporting your children in competing and you can develop a better understanding of the sport.
There are also some fringe benefits! If you volunteer before the meet you will have free pool entry, you will receive a complementary program and lunch and snacks are usually provided at full day meets.
We have recently experienced difficulty staffing our meets in the ACT and all swimming parents (and swimmers - you can attend lectures and sit for the Timekeepers Credential at 14 years now) to attend lectures and exams. In this way you will assist by contributing to the essential professionalism of the meets. Without properly qualified officials swimmers times cannot be recognised.
The following lists the positions for which examinations are held. In most cases, all that is involved is a lecture. You will be supplied with notes prior to the lecture and will have ample opportunity to ask questions at the lecture and a written exam which takes an hour or so. Most people pass! Candidates should have gained experience in the positions before going to the exams, e.g. at Club Nights and District Meets.
The lectures and exams are organised by the District ALEC Convenor - Association Lectures and Examinations Committee - Judy McLeod phone 62542386 or email emcleod@pcug.org.au.
Qualifications are available for the following positions:
Timekeeper
A great place to start. Really easy 9 especially with our button timing system) and you get a great view of race finishes. We always need plenty (three per lane plus a chief)!
Finish Judge
In manually timed meets (we don't have many of these now) determines (visually) the placement of the competitors at the finish \endash where Finish Judges placings disagree with timekeepers, the Judges over-rule.
Starter
For the power junkies, especially with the One Start Rule. Looks an easy job except for the Mens Open 50m free BUT a good starter insures all swimmers have a fair go. Sorry we don't use a gun these days.
Check Starter
Marshalling of swimmers for the start and ensures that each swimmer is in the right heat and lane for all events. An important position in all meets.
Recorder
Seeds entries (may also accept and process entries at some meets), processes results, checks times, keeps records and generally makes the Referee's life miserable. A Recorder may also handle withdrawals and this also helps the meet to run smoothly.
Referee
Controls the meet and solves all problems. Must know everything contained in the Swimming Digest (Rules of Swimming). Most Referees started swimming officialdom as other officials and qualified as their interest and involvement grew.
Turn Judges and Judges of Strokes
Separate positions at a meet but included in the Referee qualifications.
How to Run a Meet and Meet Manager Training
If there is enough interest, lectures will also be arranged for these two important aspects of swim know how.