Mobile-Friendly Deck Protocol Briefing

Last updated on March 20th, 2024 at 04:35 pm

Need a quick, easy, and concise way to explain detailed long course deck protocol to officials? You, or others, can easily view this succinct briefing on a smart-phone. Or you can print or edit one of the downloadable files below. Competitive swimming relies heavily on volunteer officials to work meets. As with all youth sports, turnover is expected and large meets often draw officials from a variety of areas. If shared, this summary helps to quickly and effectively bring all together “on the same page.” Try it at your next long course meet!

NOTE: Like many swim official tools, this one has been passed around enough that the originator is unknown. Thanks to Susan Winter of Utah Swimming for sharing it. If you are or know, the originator of this file please contact us. Thanks!

Deck Protocol Briefing

It’s important to review deck protocol, jurisdiction, and placement with officials at every meet. Why? Doing so yields a more consistent and accurate result. Pools vary, as does the number and experience of officials. An officials’ briefing helps everyone behave according to the same set of expectations.

Most deck protocol briefings are given verbally. Some are fortunate enough to have a whiteboard to help. To aid quicker understanding and more thorough retention, also consider giving each official access to the following deck protocol summary. Do this either by giving a printed copy to each or sharing a link to this post. Remind them to only reference it when off-deck.

Sharing Swim Official Deck Protocol Briefing via QR Code

By displaying this code on a device or paper, others can scan it and come directly to this post. If displayed high and large, it can be scanned by many from a reasonable distance. This allows people to read along during training. Thus, increasing retention and performance. If they bookmark the page, they can also refer to it later if needed.

What is a QR code?

A QR Code (quick response code) is a type of 2D bar code used to provide easy access to information through a smartphone or other device. The Host Great Meets QR codes contain information that when scanned, leads a person directly to a specific post.

How to Use a QR Code

Many smartphones and other devices have barcode and QR code scanning built-in. Simply open the camera or barcode scanning app and point it at the code. Make sure all four corners of the code are in view. Let it focus and soon a link should appear on the screen. Click on the link. It will bring the device directly to the post. For more detailed instructions, see https://www.wikihow.com/Scan-a-QR-Code

Why use a QR code to share this post?

Sharing helpful information helps others do a good job. Boost their performance by sharing information in a way they can reference later if needed. Even if they don’t need it later, sharing both verbally and visually increases retention. Using a QR code also allows for quick, easy, paperless, and touchless sharing. This method is especially useful on wet pool decks.

Swim Official Long Course Protocol Briefing: General Instructions

• Stand at the long whistle for breaststroke, butterfly and individual medley events at the right of chair, move up to position beside block.
• During prelims step back between heats
• Stand with one foot forward, hands behind the back or at the side.
• When seated, feet on the deck (don’t cross your legs), sit up (no slouching).
• Turn off all electronic devices; do not use your cell phone during your assignment.
• Wear only the meet credentials.
• Upon observing a possible disqualification, raise your hand above your head, finish observing your jurisdiction, then return to your chair and stand next to the chair.  When you receive eye contact from the chief judge, lower your hand.  When the chief judge arrives to your chair, please be seated.  Take a deep breath and answer the questions asked of you by the chief judge in a calm manner without using your hands.  If we use reserves, we will adapt the protocol with the reserve going in and the official moving to the CJ.
• During finals, clap for the swimmers, especially the final heat.  Don’t forget to smile and enjoy yourself.
• At the end of the session, wait to be dismissed (there may be swim-offs).
• Don’t discuss DQ’s on deck, in hospitality, or in public.
• Look out for each other – we are a team!

Position Specific Protocol Briefing by Stroke

If desired, click on the labels below to filter the information shown. For example, if you know the events offered in the upcoming session, you can click and just show them. The briefing tells what each position should do for each event.

Downloadable Swim Official Protocol Briefing Files

Have access to a printer or want to modify the summary to better meet your needs? Click the button below to use either file.

Preparing for a swim meet? Check out The Ultimate Swim Meet To-Do List. Then, get a bird’s eye view of Who does What at Swim Meets. Both include easy-to-follow links to related information. Doing a smaller, simpler meet? Host a High School or Developmental Swim Meet will help.

Need more help? See 20+ Ways to Get Swim Meet Timers and Officials: 20+ Ways to Get them for Swim Meets. 

Also, discover a few things you can do to Increase Safety at Swim Meets. Find ideas to implement before your meet as well as last-minute quick and easy tips!