Pacific Swimming. Beginning Stroke & Turn Officiating. Philosophy, Rules and Protocol

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1 Pacific Swimming Beginning Stroke & Turn Officiating Philosophy, Rules and Protocol Adapted for Pacific Swimming based on 2011 USA Swimming Officials Manual Last Revised by: Jim Hare September 10,

2 Contents Officiating Principles & Basic Concepts, 3-7 The Officiating Team and Responsibilities, 8-14 Reporting Violations, Rules for Swimming Competition, Freestyle Backstroke Butterfly Breaststroke IM, Relays Judging Swimmers with Disabilities Conduct, Attitude, and Mental Traps, S&T Levels, Certification, & Advancement Policy Timing Systems and Official Times,

3 Officiating Principles Safety, Fairness, and Fun Ensuring safety of swimmers in water and on deck Judging compliance with rules not style; unusual or doesn t look right isn t necessarily illegal Fairness to all competitors; giving benefit of doubt, in every instance, to swimmer 3

4 Basic Concepts Take officiating seriously and work hard at it Study USA Swimming s official rulebook Uniformly interpret and apply rules Call violations as seen; don't guess or anticipate Be fair and consistent; always give swimmer benefit of any doubt Disregard club affiliation Exercise good judgment Judge entire field in a fair and competitive manner; judge equally 4

5 Basic Concepts Work regularly at job Officials need practice, just as competitors do Working regularly builds confidence and understanding Call violations as seen; don't guess or anticipate Attend clinics regularly to keep up with rule changes and new interpretations and learn from or officials There is no substitute for experience 5

6 Basic Concepts Uniform Men: navy blue slacks (no jeans) or shorts, white shirt and rubber soled white shoes Women: navy blue skirt, slacks (no jeans) or shorts with white blouse and rubber soled white shoes Always wear your USA Swimming registration card in a visible manner while on deck For final sessions in Trials & Finals meet, Head Referee will usually provide instructions on proper attire, particularly for Head S&T 6

7 Basic Concepts Be professional in manner Fairness to all competitors must dictate actions Dress properly Make decisions quickly and decisively Don't drink, eat, or smoke on deck Avoid coaching swimmers Refrain from cheering--control your emotions Don't fraternize with swimmers, coaches or spectators during competition Admit a mistake if wrong; competitor's welfare is more important than your own ego 7

8 Conduct No outward manifestations during a race regarding illegality of competitor except raised hand Do not cheer, coach, or swap disqualifications; control your emotions Do not fraternize with swimmers, coaches or spectators; disregard club affiliation and personal relationships Do not concentrate on frequent violators to exclusion of ors Give undivided attention -- start to finish If uncertain of role, consult with Referee or Head S&T (Chief Judge) 8

9 The Officiating Team Head Referee - has overall responsibility for officiating of meet Administrative Referee assists Head Referee in all admin functions Deck Referee - in charge of officiating a specific deck Head Starter - assigned and evaluate starters Starter - perform starting during competition Head S&T (Chief Judge) and Assistant Head S&T (Assistant Judge) In charge of S&T assignments and evaluations Stroke & Turn Judge (S&T) Ensures rules relating to style of swimming specific strokes for event & turns/finishes are properly followed Timing Judge responsible for collecting timing info from timers and equipment operator and resolving discrepancies with Meet Referee Timing Equipment Operator Responsible for operation of Colorado Timing electronic system (or manual timing results) 9

10 Stroke Judge Responsibilities ensures that rules relating to style of swimming designated for event are being observed ( ) Turn Judge ensures that, when turning or finishing, swimmer complies with turning and finishing rules applicable to stroke used ( ) Relay Take-Off Judge ensures that a relay swimmer is in contact with platform when incoming swimmer touches end of pool ( A) 10

11 Responsibilities The Referee (or, at Referee's discretion, Chief Judge) assigns and instructs Stroke and Turn Judges and Relay Take-off Judges Before competition begins, Referee determines respective areas of stroke and turn responsibility as well as jurisdiction ( ) The following sheets describe responsibilities of Stroke Judge and Turn The following sheets describe responsibilities of Stroke Judge and Turn Judge separately. Judge separately. In most LSC Competitions, especially Short Course, Stroke Judge and In most LSC Competitions, especially Short Course, Stroke Judge and Turn Judge responsibilities are combined as Stroke and Turn Judges (S&T) Turn Judge responsibilities are combined as Stroke and Turn Judges (S&T) positioned at each end of pool with lengthwise jurisdiction equally positioned at each end of pool with lengthwise jurisdiction equally divided at mid-point of pool. In those cases, S&T Judge will divided at mid-point of pool. In those cases, S&T Judge will observe and report both Turn and stroke violations under his or her observe and report both Turn and stroke violations under his or her jurisdiction. jurisdiction. 11

12 Stroke Judge Responsibilities At start, Stroke Judge is responsible for observing swimmers at 15 meter mark for all strokes except breaststroke After start, Stroke Judge walks sides of pool, preferably abreast of swimmers during all strokes except freestyle ( ) Stroke Judges should ensure that all of swimmers are observed on a fair and equitable basis 12

13 Responsibilities Turn Judge The Turn Judges are positioned at eir end of pool ( ) A Turn Judge at starting end of pool must position himself so he can step forward quickly to observe first stroke and kick in breaststroke, butterfly or individual medley events as soon as starting signal is given and swimmers leave blocks. (NOTE: A judge in this situation must not block Timers' view of Starter, starting device, or Starter's view of swimmers.) Unless instructed orwise by Head Referee or Head S&T, Turn Judges should work as a team to assure fair and adequate coverage Example 1: On a six-lane pool with 2 S&T assigning to 3 lanes each, only one S&T should observe swim when re are 3 or less swimmers on a particular heat Example 2: If less than full complement of swimmers swimming in your assigned lanes, strive to pay same attention to those swimmers as if re is a full complement of swimmers Position yourself at best vantage point to observe swims If all swimmers touch wall at same time, best vantage point is at left- or right-most lanes of your jurisdiction 13

14 Responsibilities Turn Judge For backstroke start, Turn Judge at farst starting block from Starter should provide a hand signal (indicating lane number) to alert Starter as to which swimmer (in his/her half of pool) has his/her toes above lip of gutter. The Turn Judges at each end of blocks should also be at a position (without obstructing Timers, Starter, and Deck Referee) to observe any violation in lanes within ir jurisdiction after start signal is given The Stroke and Turn Judge s responsibilities begin AFTER start. Any action prior to start is Starter's responsibility or, in case of relay take-offs, it may be Relay Take-off Judge's responsibility. Each Stroke and Turn Judge should observe start; however, his duties commence immediately AFTER start 14

15 Responsibilities Relay Take-off Judge Lane Judge Stands immediately besides starting block Side Judge Looks across lanes from side of pool 15

16 Reporting Violations Jurisdiction ( ) Only Referee or a Stroke and Turn Judge can disqualify for stroke, turn or finish violations. A Relay Take-off Judge is only official, or than Referee, who can disqualify for an infraction of relay take-off rule Protocol Upon observing an infraction in ir jurisdiction, Stroke/Turn Judge or Referee shall immediately raise one hand overhead ( ) that includes Relay Take-off Judge if only one is used. If "double confirmation" on an early relay take-off is used, a Relay Take-off Judge does NOT indicate an observed early take-off with a raised hand. ( B) 16

17 Reporting Reporting Violations Report violations, in writing, to Referee, detailing event, heat number, lane number and violation. Use standard USA Swimming DQ form ( , ) Be prepared to accurately answer following "3 Questions" if asked by Referee or Chief Judge, using language from rulebook Where were you? (Jurisdiction) (How far were you from swimmer? Were you stationary or moving? "What did you see? (Description)" "What rule was violated? (Infraction)" In In most most local local meets, meets, S&T S&T judge judge is is responsible responsible for for filling filling out out DQ DQ slips. slips. At At national national meets meets or or some some high high level level meets, meets, Chief Chief Judge Judge is is usually usually one one writing writing DQ DQ slips. slips. In In this this case, case, Chief Chief Judge Judge will will approach approach S&T S&T Judge Judge to to discuss discuss possible possible DQ, DQ, asking asking above above 3 3 questions. questions. After After Chief Chief Judge Judge confirmed confirmed that that DQ DQ is is valid, valid, he he or or she she will will fill fill out out DQ DQ slip slip and and ask ask S&T S&T Judge Judge to to sign sign it. it. The The Chief Chief Judge Judge will will n n deliver deliver DQ DQ slip slip to to referee. referee. 17

18 Reporting Violations Processing DQ Slip Do not leave your position until you have observed last swimmers under your jurisdiction (or relieved by a S&T if one is available If you are on turn end of pool, make every effort to get to start end to talk to swimmer without running Ask swimmer to step behind timers (avoid touching swimmer if necessary, use a slight tap on shoulder with your finger tip) Take your time to properly fill out DQ slip. Enter event, heat, and lane number, swimmer s name, check infraction, and SIGN legibly, and indicate wher swimmer was notified Inform swimmer of violation you observed using language from rulebook - do not tell swimmer what proper stroke should be or what you think may have caused violation. For 10-UN swimmers, try to get down to ir level. Be encouraging - use Good, Bad, Good method Do not engage in discussion of rules with swimmer, coaches, or parents. If challenged, politely ask m to talk to Chief Judge or Head Referee Hand yellow part of DQ slip to swimmer. Give white part of DQ slip to Deck Referee (or both parts if unable to locate swimmer) Tips: Mark on your program next to swimmer s name Heat & Lane information, where were you standing, infraction, and jurisdiction 18

19 Disqualification Reporting Violations Can be made only by official within whose jurisdiction infraction has been committed ( ) Must be based on personal observation ALWAYS give swimmer benefit of any doubt Disregard opinion of ors Apply simple test: BE SURE VIOLATION OCCURRED, UNDERSTAND CLEARLY WHAT IT IS, AND BE PREPARED TO EXPLAIN IT 19

20 Disqualification Reporting Violations Any swimmer who acts in an unsafe or unsportsmanlike manner observed by stroke/turn Judge may be considered for disciplinary action at Referee's discretion ( ) Swimming across lanes does not disqualify a swimmer unless interference occurs at Referee s discretion; however, stroke/turn judge should report any observed interference to Referee. The swimmer must start and finish in same lane. ( , ) Standing on pool's bottom during a freestyle race shall not disqualify a swimmer unless he leaves pool or walks or springs from bottom. (NOTE: standing on bottom after start and before finish of any or stroke shall constitute a disqualification.) ( ) No swimmer is permitted to wear or use any device or substance to help his speed or buoyancy during race (102.8.E) 20

21 Reporting Violations The DQ Slip 21

22 Reporting Violations Disqualification Swimmers who leave pool (within area under your jurisdiction) before completing required number of laps shall be disqualified Mark Did Not Finish box on DQ slip 22

23 Disqualification Reporting Violations Relay disqualification (NOTE: all se are Referee's calls or, in some cases, Relay Take-off Judge's decisions): No swimmer shall swim more than one leg in any relay event. ( A) A swimmer or than first swimmer shall not start until his teammate has concluded his leg. ( C) Any relay team member and his relay team shall be disqualified if a team member, or than swimmer designated to swim that leg, enters pool in area where race is being conducted before all swimmers of all teams have finished race. ( D) Each relay team member shall leave water immediately upon finishing his/her leg, except last member ( E) The team of swimmer whose feet have lost touch with starting platform (ground or deck) before his/her preceding teammate touches wall shall be disqualified. (101.7.F) 23

24 Rules for Swimming Competition Freestyle Start -- Forward start shall be used ( ) Stroke -- Use of any swimming style except in I.M. or Medley Relay, where "freestyle" means any style or than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Some part of swimmer must break surface of water throughout race, except it is permissible for swimmer to be completely submerged during turn and for a distance of no more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after start and each turn. By that point, head must have broken water surface ( ) Turns -- Upon completion of each length, swimmer must touch wall or pad at end of course with some part of his body. (NOTE: a "hand touch" is NOT required!) ( ) Finish -- when any part of swimmer touches wall or electronic pad at end of pool after completing prescribed distance. ( ) To assist judges in evaluating submerging portion of rule, each of To assist judges in evaluating submerging portion of rule, each of lane lines must be marked at 15-meter (16.4 yard) distances from lane lines must be marked at 15-meter (16.4 yard) distances from each end. Stroke judges should be positioned to ensure that each end. Stroke judges should be positioned to ensure that swimmer's head breaks water surface prior to 15-meter mark and swimmer's head breaks water surface prior to 15-meter mark and some part of body remains surfaced until swimmer executes some part of body remains surfaced until swimmer executes next turn. next turn. 24

25 Rules for Swimming Competition Freestyle Examples of violations Failure to touch at turn. ( ) (NOTE: if touch missed, official should not turn away immediately, since swimmer may reach back and make a legal touch or may come back if he missed wall - provided that he or she has not touch opposite end of course.) Finishing in wrong lane ( ) Walking or springing from bottom of pool ( ) Getting artificial assistance (e.g., grasping and pulling on lane lines for forward motion) ( ) 25

26 Rules for Swimming Competition Backstroke Start -- Back start shall be used ( ) Stroke ( , ) Standing in or on gutter or curling toes over lip of gutter immediately after start is not permitted. Swimmer must push off on back and continue swimming on back throughout race Some part of swimmer must break surface of water throughout race, except it is permissible for swimmer to be completely submerged during turn and for a distance of no more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after start and each turn. By that point, head must have broken water surface To assist judges in evaluating submerging portion of rule, each of To assist judges in evaluating submerging portion of rule, each of lane lines must be marked at 15-meter (16.4 yard) distances from lane lines must be marked at 15-meter (16.4 yard) distances from each end. Stroke judges should be positioned to ensure that each end. Stroke judges should be positioned to ensure that swimmer's head breaks water surface prior to 15-meter mark and swimmer's head breaks water surface prior to 15-meter mark and some part of body remains surfaced until swimmer executes some part of body remains surfaced until swimmer executes next turn. next turn. 26

27 Rules for Swimming Competition Backstroke Turns -- ( ) Upon completion of each length, some part of swimmer's body must touch wall If swimmer missed wall, he or she may come back to touch wall provided that swimmer s shoulder has not turned past vertical or reached opposite end of course During turn, shoulders may turn past vertical toward breast, after which a continuous single arm pull or a simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate turn There shall be no kick or arm pull that is independent of continuous turning action The swimmer must have returned to a position on back upon leaving wall Finish -- when any part of swimmer touches wall at end of pool. ( ) 27

28 Rules for Swimming Competition Backstroke Examples of violations Sliding toes up after starting signal and standing in or on gutter ( ) Swimmer submerged after start or turn and head surfacing beyond 15 meters (16.4 yards) ( ) Getting artificial assistance ( ) Turning shoulders past vertical at turn and, after completion of arm pull, eir gliding or taking additional kicks/pulls to bring swimmer closer to wall before initiating somersaulting action. (Note: this constitutes a pause in turning action!) ( ) When shoulders have turned past vertical on turn, swimmer misses touch on wall and sculls back to touch. ( ) Failure to return to or past vertical toward back before swimmer leaves wall on turn ( ) Turning shoulders past vertical at finish ( ) 28

29 Rules for Swimming Competition Backstroke - Rules Interpretation The USA Swimming Rules and Regulations Committee emphasized that : On continuous turning motion: The key to a proper interpretation of backstroke rule is phrase 'continuous turning action,' i.e., a uniform, unbroken motion with no pauses. After upper shoulder rotates beyond vertical toward breast, a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate turn. There shall be no kick, arm pull, or flotation that is independent of turn. The position of head is not relevant. ON total submerge at finish: The turn judge should, when possible, be given jurisdiction and should watch swimmer approaching wall. If swimmer completely submerges prior to turn judge having to shift his attention to touch at wall, this would be a DQ. Once turn judge must watch for touch, this DQ would be too close to call. 29

30 Rules for Swimming Competition Butterfly Start -- Forward start shall be used ( ) After start and each turn, swimmer's shoulders must be at or past vertical toward breast ( ) One or more leg kicks are permitted but only one arm pull under water, which must bring swimmer to surface ( ) Stroke -- Both arms must be brought forward over water and pulled back simultaneously ( ) Some part of swimmer must break surface of water throughout race, except it is permissible for swimmer to be completely submerged during turn and for a distance of no more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after start and each turn. By that point, head must have broken water surface ( ) 30

31 Rules for Swimming Competition Butterfly Kick -- All up and down movements of legs and feet must be simultaneous ( ) The position of legs and feet need not be on same level but y shall not alternate in relation to each or. (The feet may move vertically, provided y move toger. They may actually be crossed, or one may be higher than or, provided no alternating action is introduced. As long as any change is caused by a "drifting" of legs rar than by a propulsive action, no infraction should be called. Therefore, important criterion warranting disqualification is a propulsive action of an alternating nature) ( ) A scissors or breaststroke kicking movement is not permitted ( ) 31

32 Rules for Swimming Competition Butterfly Turns and Finish -- The touch must be made with both hands simultaneously (need not be on same level) ( , ) A legal touch may be made at, above or below water surface ( , ) Turns only: Once a touch has been made, swimmer may turn in any manner desired, but prescribed form must be attained from beginning of first arm stroke ( ) These criteria also apply to butterfly leg of an IM or medley relay 32

33 Rules for Swimming Competition Butterfly - Examples of violations Hand touch not simultaneous or 1-hand touch. (NOTE: Hands need not be at same level on eir turns or finish.) Be alert for a legal, "quick" touch, which can mistakenly be interpreted for a 1-hand ( , ) Arm recovery not over water after pull on turn or finish (usually characterized by short pull and an underwater, stabbing touch) ( ) Alternating kicking movement, such as flutter kicks ( ) Scissors or breaststroke kicking movement ( ) Getting artificial assistance ( ) 33

34 Rules for Swimming Competition Breaststroke Start -- The forward start shall be used ( ) Stroke -- ( ) After start and after each turn when swimmer leaves wall, body shall be kept on breast The arms must move simultaneously and in same horizontal plane without any alternating movement The hands must be pushed forward toger from breast on, under, or over water and must be brought back on or under water surface The elbows shall be under water except for last stroke at finish of prescribed distance The hands shall not be brought back beyond hip line except during first stroke after start and each turn 34

35 Rules for Swimming Competition Breaststroke Stroke (continued) -- ( ) Some part of swimmer's head shall break water surface at least once during each complete cycle of one arm stroke and one leg kick, in that order, except during first cycle after start and each turn The swimmer's head must break water surface before hands turn inward at widest part of second stroke During first cycle after start and each turn, swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to legs NOTE: NOTE: Eir Eir a a complete complete or or incomplete incomplete movement movement of of arms arms or or legs legs from from starting starting position position is is considered considered as as one one complete complete stroke stroke or or kick.) kick.) 35

36 Rules for Swimming Competition Breaststroke Kick ( ) After start and each turn, a single butterfly kick, which must be followed by a breaststroke kick, is permitted during or at completion of first arm pull All vertical and lateral movements of legs shall be simultaneous The feet must be turned outwards during propulsive part of kick A scissors, flutter, or downward butterfly kick is not permitted, except as noted above Breaking surface with feet shall not merit disqualification unless followed by a downward butterfly kick Definition Definition of of a a scissors scissors kick: kick: Use Use of of top top of of instep instep of of one one foot foot and and bottom bottom of of or or foot foot in in propulsive propulsive part part of of kick. kick. 36

37 Rules for Swimming Competition Breaststroke Turns and Finish -- The touch must be made with both hands simultaneously at, above or below water surface (but two hands need not be on same level) ( ) The head may be submerged after last arm pull prior to touch, provided it breaks water surface at some point during any part of last complete or incomplete stroke cycle preceding touch ( ) (Turns only) Once a touch has been made, swimmer may turn in any manner desired In IM, completion of breaststroke leg is judged as a finish, NOT a turn ( B(3)) 37

38 Rules for Swimming Competition Breaststroke - Examples of violations At start or after any turn, head still below water surface when hands begin to turn inward at widest part of second arm ( ) Over--water recovery with elbows not touching water ( ) Touch not simultaneous or 1-hand touch on turns or finish. (Need not be on same level.) On turns, be alert for a legal, "quick" touch, which can be mistakenly interpreted as a 1-hand touch ( ) Scissors kick (and any alternating movement) ( , ) More than one butterfly kick or any flutter kicks underwater after start or after push off at turn. A natural relaxation of legs when coming off wall at turn, or a slight leg action induced by piking of body when taking arm strokes at start or turn, is not considered a voluntary movement and, refore, shall not be identified as a kick. ( ) Body not on breast when beginning first arm pull following start or turn ( ) Body not at or past vertical towards breast when swimmer leaves wall after a turn ( ) Getting artificial assistance ( ) 38

39 Rules for Swimming Competition Breaststroke - DQ Slip Revisit Breaststroke Rules Interpretations: After last arm pull into wall at turns and finish, arms would no longer have to be in same horizontal plane and swimmer could be briefly submerged while reaching for wall. At first pull off wall, arms would still have to be in same horizontal plane ( ) 39

40 Rules for Swimming Competition Individual Medley (IM) Order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. (101.6) (Reminder: In IM, "freestyle" means any stroke or than butterfly, backstroke or breaststroke. ( )) Rules pertaining to individual strokes govern disqualifications ( ) The turns from one stroke to anor are considered finishes, NOT turns, and are to be judged accordingly. For example, when going from backstroke to breaststroke, swimmer's shoulders in backstroke may NOT turn past vertical prior to touch of wall moreover, swimmer must be at or past vertical towards breast when leaving wall in breaststroke ( B (2) ) 40

41 Rules for Swimming Competition Relays Freestyle -- any desired stroke or combination of strokes; swimmers usually do "Crawl. ( ) Medley -- order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle. (In Medley Relay, "freestyle" means any stroke or than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly.) ( , ) Rules pertaining to individual strokes govern disqualification ( ) No competitor may swim more than one leg ( A) As in IM, finish rules, rar than turn rules, apply at end of each stroke ( ) Except for last swimmer, relay swimmers must leave water immediately upon finishing ir leg ( E) 41

42 Rules for Swimming Competition Relays - Examples of violations Stroke violation ( ) Failure to swim proper order of strokes ( ) Failure to swim required distance ( ) Take-off violation (decision only by Referee/Relay Take-off Judge) ( F) Entering water (Referee decision): whole team is disqualified if any member, or than swimmer designated to swim, enters pool before all or competitors have finished! ( D) For a relay team to be disqualified both (side and lane) judges must For a relay team to be disqualified both (side and lane) judges must independently assess that an early take-off by a particular swimmer has independently assess that an early take-off by a particular swimmer has occurred. Because a confirmation from anor point of view is required, a occurred. Because a confirmation from anor point of view is required, a Relay Take-off Judge does NOT indicate an observed early take-off with a Relay Take-off Judge does NOT indicate an observed early take-off with a raised hand. Relay Take-off Slips are used to ensure that two judges, raised hand. Relay Take-off Slips are used to ensure that two judges, observing independently and from different vantage points, have observing independently and from different vantage points, have observed same infraction. observed same infraction. 42

43 Rules for Swimming Competition Relays - Reporting relay take-off violations ( F) For a disqualification to be confirmed, both judges must properly fill out relay take-off slip: Enter event number Enter heat number Mark box appropriate for assigned position After each swimmer leaves block mark swimmer number with a "O" (circle) if swimmer's take-off was OK (not early) or with an "X" if swimmer left early. Take care to conceal se marks from swimmers in lane or lanes being judged because swimmers might believe ir team has been disqualified and not put forth ir best effort Sign form (The form can be signed at any time, but it's not valid without signature) Both judges who observed early take-off must sign a Disqualification Report which, toger with Relay Take-off Slips that indicated dual confirmation of early relay take-off, is submitted to Referee for disposition 43

44 Judging Swimmers With Physical Disabilities Judge, in accordance with USA Swimming rules, any part of body that is used ( ) Do not judge a part of body that cannot be used ( ) e.g. In breaststroke and butterfly events, swimmer must reach forward as if attempting a simultaneous two-hand touch. However, only longer arm must touch if arms are of different lengths Base your judgment on actual rule, not swimmer s technique For Turn and Finishes, a blind or visually-impaired swimmer is permitted to have a tapper, which is a pole with a soft-tipped end. The swimmer is tapped with tapper as notification of turns and finish. Sound devices shall not be used ( ) For Relay Take-Offs, a physical touch may be required to signal relay swimmer when his/her teammate has touched wall. The specific method may be tailored to swimmer s preference so long as it does not aid swimmer s take-off or interfere with timing ( ) Relay swimmers who cannot exit water immediately may be allowed to remain in lane until all relays have finished so long as y do not interfere with or swimmers or timing equipment ( ) 44

45 Mental Traps Advantage vs. disadvantage (as a basis for making a judgment) The "Twice Theory "We don t disqualify 8 & Unders" ( age group may change to 10 & Unders) "Don t ask me to judge my child" Don t Infer (Extrapolate) I ll save a trip since or S&T Judge at starting end must have written up same DQ any way 45

46 Timing Systems and Official Times All officials should be familiar with timing system, its basic operation, and concept of official time Stroke and Turn officials may be asked by Referee to assist in checking out timing system components during pre-meet preparation or in event of a timing system malfunction Stroke and Turn officials should be aware of proper operating procedure for timing equipment and report discrepancies to deck referee Example: A lane timer operating more than one similar devices (2 buttons or 2 watches) ( ) 46

47 Timing Systems and Official Times All officials should be familiar with timing system, its basic operation, and concept of official time Stroke and Turn officials may be asked by Referee to assist in checking out timing system components during pre-meet preparation or in event of a timing system malfunction Stroke and Turn officials should be aware of proper operating procedure for timing equipment and report discrepancies to deck referee Example: A lane timer operating more than one similar devices (2 buttons or 2 watches) ( C) 47

48 Description of Timing Systems Manual timing requires use of hand-held, battery powered, digital read-out stopwatches. Digital wristwatches or dial watches are not permitted. Lane timers perform "start" and "stop" actions ( C) Semi-Automatic timing is activated by an electronic pulse from a starting device or transducer. Finishes are recorded by buttons pushed by timers at swimmer's finish touch. ( B) Automatic timing is activated by an electronic pulse from a starting device or transducer. Finishes are recorded by swimmer's contact with touchpad ( A) 48

49 Timing Personnel (1) Lane Timer -- A lane timer starts and stops a watch and/or presses a button on a lane. By doing so, y provide a time from each timing system y use. A Lane Timer may be asked to operate a watch and button simultaneously, but y may not operate two watches or two buttons at same time ( , B) Head Lane Timer (Lane Recorder) -- In addition to performing duties of a Lane Timer, Head Lane Timer also records manual watch times from that lane, verifies that proper swimmers are competing in that lane, and reports if a swimmer delays in touching or misses touch pad at finish ( A, B, D) Chief Timer (Head Timer) -- This person is responsible for all Lane Timers and Head Lane Timers. In addition to assuring lanes are adequately staffed and Lane Timers are properly briefed prior to each session, Chief Timer supervises timers during session, collects recorded times from Head Lane Timers (usually done by runners ), and starts additional watches to be used as a substitute in event a Lane Timer s watch fails and record additional backup time for heat winners ( ) 49

50 Timing Personnel (2) Timing Equipment Operator -- When automatic (pads) or semi-automatic (buttons) timing equipment is being used, he is responsible for operating timing console. ( ) Timing Judge -- Receives times produced by automatic or semi-automatic timing systems (when used) and manual (watch) times from each lane. Uses that information to determine Official Time for each swimmer. The Timing Judge also receives any signed disqualifications from Referee. Provides Recorder (this duty is frequently performed by computer operator) with information regarding Official Times, disqualifications, or reported/observed absences (i.e. empty lanes) for each swimmer scheduled to compete. The Administrative Referee may perform duties of Timing Judge ( C1, 2) 50

51 Level 1 (Trainee) Stroke and Turn Judge Levels Has just started training process for officials Should not work on deck without a trainer and cannot submit DQ slips without concurrence signature of trainer Level 2 (Independent) Successfully complete S&T certification process Can work independently as S&T or Head S&T on A level meets with minimum supervision Level 3 (Experienced) Can work independently and comfortably as S&T or Head S&T on AA without supervision Level 4 (Zone Leadership) Highly experienced S&T and can work comfortably as S&T or Head S&T at qualifying meets Level 5 (Pacific Leadership) Shows leadership at LSC or National championship level meet 51

52 Stroke and Turn Judge Certification Minimum Requirements Register with USA Swimming and attend Stroke/Turn clinic Successfully pass background certification and complete on-line Athletic Protection Training Course on USASwimming.org Successfully pass open book Stroke/Turn & Timing Officials tests on USASwimming.org Complete a minimum of 4 on-deck training sessions with a qualified trainer within 1 year. Meet Referee will enter number of sessions and position into OTS Upon meeting minimum requirements, Trainee initiates certification process by informing Meet Ref or Chief Judge that he or she wishes to be evaluated for certification by filling out a Request for Evaluation Form. Note: Trainee must work entire meet to be considered for upgrade. The Meet Referee may choose to do evaluation personally or delegate to Chief Judge or a senior official (level 4 and above) The Meet Referee (or Chief Judge) will share eval results with applicant at end of meet If satisfactory, Meet Ref will sign Upgrade Request Form recommending certification and forward to Zone Officials Chair; if upgrade not recommended, inform applicant of areas needing improvement Zone Officials Chair will update certifications on OTS if approved 52

53 Background Check & Athletic Protection Training Course Requirements All USA Swimming officials must successfully complete a background check in order to join or to renew as non-athlete members and to work on deck as carded officials. Please be aware of following: Details about background check requirements and a link to initiate background check process are on USASwimming,org and PacSwim.org USA Swimming background check is an online process using this link: Click on Initiate a Background Check and follow prompts. Cost for Level 2 check, which is required for officials, is $39. Renewal is required every 24 months at a cost of $19. Pacific Swimming will reimburse cost of background check for all level 2 and above officials. Reimbursement will be made through official's zone, with LSC n reimbursing zone.. Level 1 (trainee) officials are not required to complete a background check, since y are required to be working under supervision of a level 2 or higher official. All USA Swimming officials must also pass on-line Athletic Protection Training Course available on USASwimming.org. Go to: USASwimming.org>Programs & Services>Athletic Protection>Education 53

54 Stroke and Turn Judge Recertification Must complete formal classroom S&T recertification training or served as clinic lecturer once every two years Must work a minimum of 4 sessions as S&T or S&T Trainers each year Officials Tracking System (OTS) is official mechanism used by Zone Officials Chair to as to determine wher above requirements have been met. Officials can use OTS to print out a Certification Card detailing which positions and levels you are currently certified (LSC and National certifications) 54

55 Stroke & Turn Advancement Policy Level 1 (Trainee) An individual is designated as level 1 upon completing first clinic session or ondeck training session for position Level 2 (Independent) An individual is advanced to level 2 as soon as he/she is certified for that position Level 3 (Experienced) Must held a level 2 position for a minimum of 1 year and worked a minimum of 6 sessions of sanctioned meets per year Must receive recommendation for advancement from two different Head Referees on ir officials performance evaluation report Level 4 (Zone Leadership) Must held a level 3 position for a minimum of 1 year and worked a minimum of 6 sessions per year (with at least one LSC championship meet) Must receive recommendation for advancement from three different Head Referees and approved by Zone Officials Chair Level 5 (Pacific Leadership) Recommended by Zone Officials Chairs and approved by Pacific Officials Committee 55

56 Reference Info USA Swimming Pacific Swimming LSC Officials Info - registering, name tags, training, forms USA Swimming Meet Officials Shirts 56

57 Thank you for volunteering as a Pacific Swimming official! 57