Tips, lists, forms, and training resources for swim meet officials
Last updated on January 31st, 2022 at 04:26 pm As an experienced national level swim meet official, Linda Eaton of Colorado Swimming gets asked, “What do I need to do to be a good Chief Judge at higher level meets?” Here’s her response. Prepare Read the meet announcement and know all the rules that will […]
Chief Judge Advice for Higher Level Swim Meets Read More »
Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 04:23 pm Swim meet officials usually gather before each session to receive instruction and assignments. Often, a stroke briefing takes place. At multi-session meets, it’s nice to have many ways to convey this important information. The Jeopardy-style stroke briefing is one way to changes things up. This Stroke Briefing
Swim Meet Officials’ Stroke Briefing in Rhyme Read More »
Last updated on February 10th, 2023 at 03:10 pm Large Championship swim meets may use multiple Chief Judges. If so, the Team Lead Chief Judge will find this Chief Judge assignments worksheet useful. It has space to record both off-deck and on-deck assignments. Modify as needed to fit your swim meet needs. Chief Judge Assignments
Chief Judge Help: CJ Deck Assignments Read More »
Last updated on December 11th, 2023 at 11:09 am It’s very common for swim meet referees, or chief judges, to organize and assign officials once they arrive at a meet. This method can work for small, local meets as long as enough officials show up. However, many use forms like the following to help organize
Forms to Help Organize Swim Meet Officials Read More »
Last updated on January 19th, 2023 at 10:43 am Many officials use radios to quickly convey disqualification(DQ) information at swim meets. Accuracy is a must. Using radio protocols helps to increase effective communication because it creates an anticipated pattern. USA Swimming details one type of radio protocol in The “Professional” Chief Judge document. At some
Abbreviated Radio Protocol for Swim Meets Read More »
Last updated on July 7th, 2021 at 10:14 am Athletes count on a well-trained Chief Judge and accurate, well-processed calls. Linda Eaton, of Colorado Swimming, created this role-play exercise to help swim meet officials practice Chief Judge radio skills. The exercise may be done as part of a clinic with others, or for personal review.
Swim Meet Chief Judge Radio Role Play Exercise Read More »
Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 06:30 pm A swim meet referee may choose to use an official, or officials, in the chief judge role at a meet. There are many ways to use this position. Influencing factors may include the number and experience of available officials, pool configuration, and the level of swimmers
Swim Meet Chief Judge Protocol: One Method Read More »
Last updated on May 9th, 2023 at 10:38 am The protocols used by officials at higher-level swim meets are sometimes confusing to new officials and those without Stroke Judge experience. This post aims to shed light on the jurisdiction, placement, and protocols used by Stroke and/or Turn Judges at swim meets. Jurisdiction Simply put, jurisdiction
Swim Meet Officials: Jurisdiction, Placement and Protocol Read More »
Last updated on April 17th, 2023 at 04:41 pm I recently spoke with club leaders from two different teams who would like to host swim meets. I asked about their initial concerns. Both began with, “How do I get officials?” This is a challenge for many swim teams. It’s especially daunting for teams that have
Officials: 20+ Ways to Get Them for Swim Meets Read More »
Last updated on September 16th, 2022 at 12:45 pm What is Athlete-Centered Officiating? It is making “the things that directly affect the athlete” the top priority, explained Patrick Hunter, a former member of the USA Swimming Officials Committee. A while back, I read an article authored by Patrick and felt his ideas were worth sharing.
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Last updated on February 10th, 2023 at 03:29 pm A good swim meet starter can help the swimmers get a great start for their race. Of course, as with any part of their race, the swimmer is ultimately responsible. But few will question that a good starter can have a positive influence on an athlete’s
Swim Meet Starter: Advice on Being a Good One Read More »
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. How to Use Hard copy or soft, it’s easy to use
Guidance for New Swim Officials and Their Mentors Read More »