Last updated on March 20th, 2024 at 11:38 am
Is there a simple, inexpensive way to increase the quality of training new stroke and turn swimming officials receive? Yes. Linda Eaton, of Colorado Swimming, created a half-page sheet with information for both trainees and trainers.
Contents for Guidance for New Swim Officials and Their Mentors
How to Use
Hard copy or soft, it’s easy to use this information. You can print the document and keep it with your uniform or in your meet bag. Then, it’s easy to take it to swim meets. Or, if you prefer, bookmark this post so it’s easy to access on your phone.
Meet Referees and Other Mentors
Another option is for meet referees and other mentors to give a printed copy to trainees and trainers. Then, ask them to read it before working the meet. Or, use the QR code below to share this post electronically. This is quick and easy to do at a swim meet or other training time.
New Swim Official Trainees
New trainees can check the list each time before working a swim meet. Doing so will help them become aware of areas where they need instruction.
Those Who Train New Swim Officials
Those who train new swim officials can keep a copy with their swim meet stuff or bookmark this page and review it each time before training.
Why Use This Info For New Swim Officials?
Training usually takes place over a series of swim meets and with different trainers. As a result, gaps in training sometimes occur. These questions and information can help spot potential gaps. Then, the trainee and mentor can work together to fill them.
Questions for New Swim Official Trainees
- Relay Take-Off (RTO): Have you filled out Relay Take-off slips yet?
- Disqualification (DQ) Slip: Have you filled out a Disqualification slip yet?
- Communicating a DQ to a Swimmer: Have you communicated a disqualification to a swimmer yet?
- Counting: Have you counted completed lengths during a freestyle distance event (500-1650)?
- Radio: Have you used a radio yet?
Information for Trainers
- Review USA Swimming’s “The Professional Stroke and Turn Official” to see if there are any points that need covering with your Stroke and Turn Judge trainee.
- Discuss how to watch the water – what to look for on the start, on the swim, on the turns, and on the finish.
- Discuss common observation techniques – when the feet leave the wall, look up the body to see if the swimmer is in the proper position (past vertical toward the back/breast), etc.
- Start with having a brand new person watch just one lane. As their training progresses, have them scan two lanes, then 3 lanes.
- Review proper protocol – step up at the edge of the deck when swimmers are in your jurisdiction; step back when they leave your jurisdiction.
- Review proper way to stand when officiating, including having nothing in front of you to potentially obstruct your view of the swimmers.
Additional Help
The following posts may also help new swim officials understand and fill their role well.
- Mobile-friendly Deck Protocol Briefing
- Swim Meet Officials: Jurisdiction, Placement, and Protocol
- Several other Stroke and Turn Judge related posts
Downloadable Files
These files contain the information for trainees and trainers listed above.
Sharing Guidance for New Swim Officials and Their Mentors via QR Code
By displaying this code on a device or printed on 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. 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
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.
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!