The Professional Chief Judge or Assistant and Mentor to All Officials 1

Transcription

1 The Professional Chief Judge or Assistant and Mentor to All Officials 1 A Professional Chief Judge (CJ) should: 1. Read the GUIDE TO OFFICIATING SWIMMING (the Chief Judge and Stroke and Turn Judge chapters in particular!), Officials Briefing, Radio Etiquette & Protocol, and Lead/Lag Coverage for Stroke Judges the on the USA Swimming website 2. Know the Rules and the USA Swimming Rules Committee interpretations 3. As Team Lead Chief Judge Plan Prior to Arriving at the Meet - Contact the Meet Referee based on the level of the meet being conducted to confirm - all duties for the Chief Judges (see Attachment A Guide for CJ Assignments ) type and use of cameras (TV, timing, underwater judging confirmation), if any pool configuration and locations for starter area and administrative tables the jurisdiction and protocols expected from the Stroke & Turn officials the process how officials will take and leave their deck positions including awards the level of Stroke Briefing expected use of Relief and Reserve Judges the proper procedure, if relay takeoff pads are used for relays use of assigned Chief Judges (or not) for Time Trials radio protocol expected how Declared False Starts (DFS s) will be processed before and during a session procedures for how Deck Referees and admin table will receive DQ, DFS and No Show slips for review and sign off finals protocol for alternates so the Chief Judge in Starter s area can assist the Deck Referee Contact the Host and Meet Director to determine (and request) the availability of meet supplies, equipment and services - Radios, clipboards, watches, batteries, disqualification (DQ) slips, paper, chairs, towels, pencils, high-speed copier(s) etc. Internet access and printers Social time and date, if any Communicate all of the above with the CJ team for initial assignments before they arrive at the meet including when they are expected to arrive at the meet (Leadership Team Meeting, Chief Judge Meeting, attendance at General Meeting) 4. Plan Prior to Officials Briefings ARRIVE EARLY and be prepared for last minute changes All Chief Judges meet upon first arrival at meet to: Review assignments & duties Confirm location of equipment items All Chief Judges should allow for approximately one hour before each planned briefing to - Review assignments and prep for each session s requirements Review and resolve all assignment challenges Prepare sign in sheets 5. At Pre-Session Officials Meetings - Call for sign in of all Officials and verify if they will be present for the next session and announce: the expectation that Officials will be staying for Time Trials and start a sign-in sheet ask Starter or Deck Referee evaluation candidates to meet with the evaluators if they have not met already the time to be on deck and in position Introduce the Meet Referee, Meet Director and the Assigned Team (usually at the first meeting) STOP the briefing whenever a dignitary enters the room for introduction, especially if there is a guest speaker Conduct a stroke briefing using the Official s Briefing on USA Swimming website under Training Resources Review Deck Protocol expected for the meet Review Proper Lead Lag procedure for Stroke Officials Review Jurisdictions, including 15m Review the Chief Judge s role and how to communicate with the Lead Chief Judge and Deck Referees Review Relay Takeoff s, Dual Confirmation and X = Early Take Off, O = Good Exchange Announce and post Officials Assignments in multiple locations Announce Relay Take-Off assignments & hand out relay take-off slips Relay take-off slips may be passed out during the relay break, if there is one Make sure relief shifts and rotations are clear and when the relief shifts will take place during the session Distribute heat sheets to CJs, Deck Referees and Starters 6. During Competition: Perform a radio check prior to the beginning of each session Advise the Deck Referee that all judges (turn and stroke) in your quadrant are in place (several minutes before the session start) Get to know the officials in your quadrant Use a mentoring approach when talking to a Stroke or Turn Official that is out of position or using improper protocol USA Swimming Officials Committee June 2012

2 The Professional Chief Judge or Assistant and Mentor to All Officials 2 Always observe the officials in your quadrant, not the swimmers Use the Stroke Judges to carry DQ slips from the turn end when things get busy. Make sure the Strokes Judges are familiar with this procedure When assigned as the CJ in the Start Area: write up dual-confirmed false starts (hand the DQ slip to Starter first as they initiated the DQ) process no-show and Declared False Start slips according to the protocol verified in meet preplanning Know, and use, the Radio Etiquette and Protocol guidelines on the USA Swimming website Be aware of other radio communication to avoid talking over each other while calling in infractions Use the correct terminology when calling in infractions Halt radio communication once the Deck Referee has blown the short whistles. Resume after waiting for any False Start or No Show calls by the DR in the heat Alert the Deck Referee by radio of a possible disqualification as soon as an official in your area of responsibility raises a hand or makes eye contact (depending upon protocol for the meet) by using the following announcement: Possible disqualification, Stroke Judge Lane 1 or Lane 8 Side, and quickly identify the lane, if possible Possible disqualification, Lane X start / turn end (or range of lanes, if turn judges cover more than one lane). In many meets the event number and heat number may also need to be announced (more than one course, chase starts, etc.) When approaching the official, make sure you ask What is your jurisdiction? You want to make sure the infraction occurred in the official s jurisdiction Which Lane? Immediately identify the lane to the Deck Referee What did you see? You want the official to explain what they saw without using their hands What is the rule? You want to make sure that the official has an understanding of the rules If there is an obvious incorrect call (jurisdiction or rule) or uncertainty, the official may withdraw the call. If this occurs, inform the Deck Referee. The Deck Referee should then ask for the swimmer to be released, if being held at the finish end. Report the infraction to the Deck Referee slowly, clearly, and concisely using Rulebook language State I recommend (after reporting the infraction) or state I need further discussion If I need further discussion is requested it means the CJ has reasonable doubt about the infraction and needs to speak to the Deck Referee privately, not over the radio If the Deck Referee asks questions, the CJ is responsible for obtaining specific information necessary for the Deck Referee to make a decision If the Deck Referee states, I need further discussion, this means that the DR has a reasonable doubt about the infraction and needs to speak to the Chief Judge privately If a discussion with the DR is needed, other CJs should cover your jurisdiction while meeting with the DR Make sure to get acceptance confirmation from the Deck Referee before filling out the DQ slip Initial the bottom of the DQ slip and ensure that the Stroke or Turn Judge (not the CJ) prints their name on the DQ slip Hold the swimmer and notify them of the DQ. Work as a team, a CJ from another deck area may need to assist with this task. When notifying athletes, respectfully state, You were disqualified for. The CJ should never coach, give a personal opinion, or add extraneous information. If the DQ has not been finalized, move the swimmer away from the start and advise, There is a possible issue with your swim. We are waiting on details. The Deck Referee will convey further instructions Report that the swimmer has been notified for Relays: Check the take off slip of the judge or judges nearest your location If there is one or more X, announce a possible disqualification and the lane(s). Announce, Lanes n to m clear if there are no Xs Go to the other Judge and compare the second take off slip Announce either, a dual confirmed Early Take Off, lane number & which swimmer or, All clear Lanes 1 to 4 or Lanes 5 to 8 7. At the End of the Session Collect equipment (radios, bells, lap counters, clip boards, watches and pencils) Collect Order of Finish heat sheets and any master heat sheets from Deck Referees and Starters, if being used Collect lane Timer Sheets and take them to the Administrative Referee (Official) Plan for a post-meet session to debrief and prepare for the next session, as needed 8. After the Competition Thank all the officials Complete requested evaluations as assigned Collect all sign-in sheets for input into OTS Deliver sign-in sheets to person(s) responsible for OTS data for the meet Remember to include Time Trials Remember to mentor in a constructive manner if there is a need to talk to an official about suggestions for improvement Thank your CJ colleagues and yourself for a job well done. You ve completed an assignment which had a great influence on the success of the meet REMEMBER: You are working with volunteers. Adopt a kind and thoughtful mentoring approach at all times. USA Swimming Officials Committee June 2012

3 The Chief Judge Guidelines for Breakout of Assignments Attachment A Team Lead or as assigned: Daily Greetings, Announcements and Time Lines Introduce the Meet Referee, Meet Director and the Assigned Team IRS letter from Meet Referee Resolution of personality issues among the team Resolution of concerns with deck officials Keeping briefings on track and on schedule Setting up team assignments so each judge gets a rotation through each quadrant Being flexible on jurisdictions and protocol and adapt to the requirements of the Meet Referee, as well as the needs of the Athletes and the Meet Briefing of Officials Conduct a stroke briefing using the Official s Briefing on USA Swimming website under Training Resources Convey Deck Protocol expected for the meet Review Proper Lead-Lag protocol for Stroke Judges Review jurisdictions and 15m mark for the meet Review the Chief Judge s role and how to communicate with the Chief Judge Review Relay Take-off s, Dual Confirmation and X = Early Take Off, O = Good Exchange Managing of Timers and Counters Prepare timer clipboards with pencils & watches. Check with venue to assure timer clipboards are ready Add timers recording sheets and counting or split sheets for distance events to clipboards Distance Events ensure split sheets, lap counters and bells are operable and in place Make sure timers know that they are responsible for checking swimmers and relay teams names Confirm Starter will do the timers meeting if using volunteer timers Announce and give instructions if using officials as timers Managing of Officials Prepare sign in sheets Announce and post Officials Assignments in multiple locations Announce Relay Take-Off Judging assignments & hand out relay take-off slips Make sure relief shifts and rotations are clear and when and how relief will take place during the session Management of Deck Prepare Master Heat Sheets Distribute heat sheets and deck assignment sheets to Meet Referee, Replay Referees, Deck Referees, Starters (include Order of Finish ) and Evaluators Include Heat Sheet - 2 column / single sided, adequate DQ and No Show Slips for CJ's ONLY Deck Referee & Meet Referee, Starter and Chief Judge heat sheet include the time-line Include counting sheets for distance day events on Starter's clipboard Prepare relay take off slips and hand out to appropriate officials Radios Hand out Radios prior to each session & Collect Radio at the end of each session (remember the invigilators and Replay Referees) Make sure that Radios are in a secure location between sessions Make sure radios are charged Conduct a Radio check prior to each session Chairs for officials at the start and turn ends are in position and toweled dry USA Swimming Officials Committee June 2012

4 Checklist for Chief Judge Advancement Evaluations (Refer to the National Certification Advancement Summary 1 ) Attachment B There are three basic criteria categories for each level of evaluation - Knowledge and application of: 1) the rules and regulations, 2) National Championship protocols, procedures and guidelines, and 3) USA Swimming s team philosophy for officiating. N2 CJ Evaluation Prerequisites 2 for requesting an evaluation: N2 certified Stroke and Turn (ST) Judge At least 8 sessions working as an N2 Stroke and Turn Judge and has worked at least 4 sessions as a CJ under supervision of an N2 or N3 Chief Judge since N2 ST certification N2 CJ - Performance Requirements for an Advancing Evaluation Demonstrate an understanding of the current USA Swimming Rules and Regulations Demonstrate an understanding of the current Rules Interpretations published by the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations (USA S Rules & Regs) Committee Demonstrate a basic understanding of National Championship protocol and guidelines for the CJ position Demonstrate an initial awareness and knowledge of the Chief Judge duties and responsibilities as outlined by the Meet Referee; or per Attachment A if the Meet Referee gives no specific direction Is able to complete the duties and responsibilities with guidance from others Demonstrates awareness of the urgency and timely need for processing all duties and responsibilities Completes the paperwork and processes needed for success with guidance from N2 or N3 Chief Judge mentors Demonstrate an understanding of working as a team, and perform as a team member Demonstrate an understanding of the need for attention to detail and accuracy Uses the radio to accurately communicate using the recommended protocol N3 initial CJ Evaluation (this is not a certification level) Prerequisites 2 for requesting an evaluation: N3 Stroke and Turn Judge and N2 certification as Deck Referee or Chief Judge. Active as an N3 ST and N2 CJ or DR in the LSC at all levels of meets At least 8 sessions as a Chief Judge (where a CJ team is used in each session) since certification as N2 CJ or N2 DR N3 initial CJ Evaluation - Performance Requirements for a recommendation to proceed to an N3 final Evaluation Demonstrates an understanding of, and correctly applies: the current USA Swimming Rules and Regulations, the current Rules Interpretations published by the USA S Rules & Regs Committee, and National Championship protocol and guidelines for the CJ position Demonstrates advanced understanding of the Chief Judge duties and responsibilities outlined by the Meet Referee ; or per Attachment A if the Meet Referee gives no specific direction Completes all of the assigned duties and responsibilities with minimal guidance from others Undertakes all duties and responsibilities with the appropriate sense of: correctness, attention to detail, consistency, urgency and timeliness Understands the flow of paperwork and processes needed to be a successful CJ Works well with the team of CJs, showing initiative and support for the team members Demonstrates attention to detail and performs duties with consistent accuracy N3 final CJ Evaluation Prerequisites 2 for requesting an evaluation: Active Chief Judge since N3i evaluation with varied experience that includes high-level meets, preferably outside the home LSC. (High level meets include sectionals, grand prix, zone meets, LSC championships) Worked at least eight (8) sessions as a Chief Judge after receiving a recommendation N3 initial CJ evaluation N3 final CJ Evaluation - Performance Requirements for N3 Certification recommendation Understands and correctly applies: the current USA Swimming Rules and Regulations, the current Rules Interpretations published by the USA S Rules & Regs Committee, and National Championship protocol and guidelines for the CJ position Understands of and correctly applies National Championship protocol and guidelines for the position Correctly applies Chief Judge Duties and Responsibilities outlined by the Meet Referee as conveyed by the Team Lead Chief Judge Completes, without guidance from others, all assigned duties and responsibilities consistently and correctly with appropriate attention to detail, use of radio protocol, urgency and timeliness Works well with the team of CJs, demonstrating the ability to lead, motivate and resolve conflicts 1 There are other requirements that need to be met before an application for National Certification can be submitted and approved. 2 Do not ask to be evaluated before the prerequisites have been satisfied. USA Swimming Officials Committee June 2012

5 HOW TO COMPLETE THE DQ SLIP (Adapted from Zone 4 Pacific Swimming for the SC Swimming LSC - rev 10/12/12) The DQ Slip is our primary and official means of articulating disqualifications to the Coach/ Swimmer. To ensure that the DQ Slip is clear and accurate, and to prevent misunderstanding, confusion, and frustration, we have adopted the following standard for filling it out in a consistent fashion. 1. Upon observing a rules infraction in your jurisdiction, immediately raise your hand and get the attention of the Chief Judge or Deck Referee. Continue observing your area of jurisdiction until it is clear of swimmers 2. Mark the swim (Event, Heat, and Lane) on your Heat Sheet (or some other paper) and jot down a note describing the infraction. Making a note helps make sure you do not forget the information, especially if you have multiple infractions. 3. Depending on the specific protocol for the meet (the Meet Referee will inform you of this at the briefing), fill out the DQ Slip. Note that at some meets, the Chief Judge or assistant chief judge will complete the DQ slip with information provided by the S/T Judge. The instructions below (a. through j.) are for the completion by the observing S/T Judge. a. Enter the Event, Heat, and Lane Number. This critical information identifies the swim in which the infraction occurred. There must be no corrections to this information on the DQ Slip (scratch outs introduce doubt with regards to the identification of the correct swim). b. Enter the Swimmer s/relay s Name if you have this information. If not, leave it blank the Chief Judge, or Deck/Admin Referee will match the Swim with the Swimmer/Relay during processing. c. Write the Swimmer s Team Abbreviation in the upper right hand corner, above Lane, if you have this information. d. Place an X on the Event (Breaststroke, Butterfly, Backstroke, Individual Medley, Freestyle, Relays, Other). Except for Other, this corresponds to the event being swum (as listed in the Heat Sheet). Other is used for non stroke violations. e. For regular stroke events, place an X when in the swim the infraction was observed (Start, Swim, Turn, or Finish). This is a very important component in the articulation of the infraction we need to be able to match the violation with the part of the swim during which it occurred. Generally, we define these parts of the race as: Start From the start of the race until the head breaks the surface. Swim From the head breaking the surface until the beginning of the last full stroke into the turn/finish. Turn From the beginning of the last full stroke into the wall until the head breaks the surface.

6 Finish From the beginning of the last full stroke into the wall to the touch at the end of the prescribed distance. f. Print your Last Name next to the Judge. Add First Name, if needed for clarification (when 2 or more Judges with the same Last Name are working in that session). Please make sure your name is legible the Chief Judge, Deck Referee, and Admin Referee must be able to read it. g. The Chief Judge, if one is used, should initial next to the Judge name. h. The Deck Referee should print his/her Last Name next to Referee and mark an X next to Swimmer and/or Coach, as appropriate. i. Meet protocol will determine the distribution of the white/yellow copies of the DQ slip. It is important that slips are given to the Deck Referee as soon as possible. If you are giving the yellow copy of the slip to a swimmer, give the slip and refer the swimmer to his/her coach. Be mindful what you say to a swimmer to avoid coaching. 4. Please refrain from making any other marks or writing any other information to explain your call on the DQ slip. If you make a mistake, tear it up and start over! Remember that DQ slips are carbonized and writing on multiple slips makes the second copy of multiple slips unreadable. Individual Medley Judge the IM as four separate segments, each its own race. Each race has all four components (Start, Swim, Turn, and Finish), except in the 100 IM, which has no Turns. Place an X on the Event (Individual Medley). Mark when in the swim the infraction occurred under the stroke in which it was observed. Remember, transitions are judged as Finishes, then Starts, so they are marked as such, depending on the part of the race in which the infraction was observed. Intermediate turns are judged as turns, and marked the same. Circle the infraction(s) under the appropriate stroke(s). Relays Mark Relay stroke infractions just like those for the individual events and enter the Swimmer number(s) who committed it/them. Backstroke Turn violations (Past Vertical at the Turn) Once a Swimmer rotates past vertical towards the breast (if he/she chooses to do so), there are two things he/she might do that violate the rules. Both things are non continuous turning actions. To properly and consistently articulate the infraction, the following convention should be used: If the Swimmer rotates past vertical, fails to or delays taking the arm pull or moves his hand in a waving motion and does not begin a

7 downward pull while making up distance to the wall prior to initiating the turn, mark Delay initiating arm pull. If the Swimmer rotates past vertical and takes more than one arm strokes prior to initiating the turn, mark Multiple strokes. If the Swimmer rotates past vertical, completes the arm pull and does not immediately initiate the turn in some manner, mark Delay initiating turn. One Hand and Non Simultaneous Touches Mark L only or R only for One Hand Touch violations and L R or R L for Non Simultaneous Touch violations on your program for future reference, if it becomes necessary. While our goal is to have all DQ slips filled out in a standard and consistent manner, failure to do so does NOT constitute automatic grounds for not approving or overturning an otherwise valid disqualification. Referees should continue to use their best judgment and common sense when processing a disqualification report. If the infraction is not listed, write it in next to Other for that stroke. Use the correct terminology (from the rulebook). Examples: Breaststroke: Kick - not in same horizontal plane Breaststroke: No Touch flip turn Butterfly: No Touch flip turn Freestyle: Fail to do a forward start* Pull on lane line* Fail to start & end in same lane* Interfere with another swimmer* Re-submerge* Bounce off or walk on bottom* No touch at turn * Illegal in all strokes but not listed on DQ slip ONE FINAL COMMENT: Remember, the Meet Referee has final say in how to complete the DQ slips. One MR may wish to have minimal information, the next may wish to have much more information, which may reflect more teaching and help to the coach as well as clearly stating the infraction.

8 Session Chief Judge - Radio Protocol RED conversation to Deck Ref, EMBOLDENED BLACK conversation with S/T Judge When you see the Official s hand go up, you begin walking towards that S/T official. As you walk, the following statement is made on the radio to the Deck Referee: I have a possible disqualification at the Turn/Start end lanes. If the S/T official has not lowered their hand, remind them to do so. Ask the S/T official, What is your jurisdiction then, What lane? Circle the lane on your heat sheet. Then report to the Deck Referee on your radio a second time, I have a possible disqualification at the Turn/Start end, Lane. Ask the S/T official to describe what you observed completely. Take notes on your heat sheet. Next ask the S/T official, What is the rule violation? IF you are clear on the official s call and description, STEP AWAY from the official and call the Deck Referee on your radio [WAIT for the Deck Referee/Starter such as the beginning of a heat where their focus will be on the START or at the conclusion of a race]. I have a possible disqualification at the Turn/Start end, Event, Heat, Lane for (name the exact rule violation). The official reported (description during the turn, during the swim at the finish etc.). I recommend the disqualification. The referee generally says, I confirm (or I accept ) the disqualification for delay of initiating the turn, event 45, heat 2, lane 3 [for example]. Please write the slip. OR In the event that the official was not in a position to properly observe the swimmers in their jurisdiction or the official was not totally sure about the call, remember, any doubt goes to the benefit of the swimmer. You can say to the deck referee on the radio: I have concerns about the call and I do not recommend acceptance for the following reason(s). This becomes a wonderful training opportunity to work with the official. If you do not recommend a call, the official deserves an explanation. Be honest, but be supportive when you discuss the call with the official.

9 South Carolina Swimming Deck Protocol Stroke and Turn Judges (Open to be amended by the Meet Referee at any meet) Pre-Meet 1. Attire is white shirt over navy blue pants (short or long) or skirt/skort (women). White shoes (Crocs acceptable at the SC LSC meets). Long pants are often times required to work Finals within a Championship Type LSC meet (Prelims and Finals). 2. Arrive at least 1 hour before the session you will work. 3. Report to the Meet Referee (or his/her designee) and sign in. Make sure you have both certification cards with you. Once Meet Starts 1. Go to your appointed jurisdiction at 5-10 minutes ahead of Session start time unless the Referee tells you differently. 2. Understand your lane jurisdiction and stand accordingly. If you are a Stroke and Turn Judge at the Start or Turn end of a lane, know whether you have 2,3,4, or 5 lanes to watch and stand accordingly - in the center of that jurisdiction. 3. Do you not talk with timers or swimmers while a heat is in progress, even if the swimmer is not yet in your jurisdiction OR there are NO swimmers in your lane(s). We need to continue to look professional. If there is a situation where some talking must be done, face the pool at all times and lean toward the person who needs to get information from you OR share something with you.

10 4. When the swimmer enter your given jurisdiction, move to the edge of the pool with your right foot forward, slightly hanging over the edge of the pool. This position allows you to only lean slightly forward to get a view when the swimmer(s) touches. Otherwise, you will have to lean over in an awkward (and, perhaps, unsafe) manner. 5. When the swimmer(s) leaves your jurisdiction, step back to the original position. 6. If you see a stroke infraction, raise your right hand. Keep it up until acknowledged by the Referee or Chief Judge. 7. On the Backstroke, Turn or Stroke/Turn Judges closest to the outside lanes come around to the side to view feet placement after the start. The Starter will need to make the call before the Start. However, if after the Start a swimmer uses the top/top edge of the gutter to help propel himself forward, then the call is yours to make. After the swimmer leaves the wall, go back to resting position. Come to pool edge at turn and finish. After swimmers in your jurisdiction have completed their swim, return to the resting position. 8. On the Breaststroke, immediately after Start step up to edge of pool as described above to watch proper stroke implementation. At the conclusion of the second arm pull and heads are up (or younger swimmers whose head pops up right after the dive), go back to original, resting position. As soon as swimmer arrives back in your jurisdiction watch them into the Turn or Finish, unless you are functioning as just a Turn judge (then it is just the last stroke in at finish or turn and until the head breaks the water surface). Depending on the length of race, repeat protocol above. 9. On the Butterfly, immediately after Start, step up to edge of pool to watch for proper kicking and arm pull to bring swimmer to surface. When head breaks surface go back to resting position. When swimmer arrives back in your jurisdiction, step back up to edge of pool to watch for turn/finish unless you are functioning as just a Turn judge (then it is the last stroke in - finish OR turn, then until head breaks surface).

11 Depending on the length of race, repeat protocol above. 10. On the Freestyle stroke, the Referee will typically give specific minimum coverage assignments. This usually entails one Stroke and Turn Judge on each side of the pool at each end to watch for touches. The referee may also assign a Stroke Judge to watch the 15 Meter mark after the Start. 11. On Relay events there are two types: A. Medley Relay Will probably have same assignments you had for the other parts of the session. Referee will assign officials into place to help with the Relay Take-offs. If you are asked to help because you have a Relief role for the session, the following is the typical protocol: Observes relay exchanges to make sure a swimmer does not leave the platform or wall until the other swimmer touches May have jurisdiction over 1 or several lanes Independently records possible infractions Marks relays take offs good and bad (0 and X, respectively) Does not raise hand if he/she sees an early take-off Watches feet first of departing swimmer, then looks to the touch of the incoming swimmer; swimmer on block is allowed to be motion; Looks to other official confirming take-offs (if more than one lane) and if approached shows relay card/sheet to that official without speaking (dualconfirmation) May double as Turn Judge B. Freestyle Relay Referee will assign. Other information is same as above. While the heat is in progress, stand in to your assigned place. In events of this many swimmers in each lane, it may be difficult to re-establish proper position. After 4 th swimmer has left the block, your observation job is done; you may out of the way of the timers. 12. Do not leave assigned position until Referee or Chief Judge has dismissed you.