USA SwimmingUSA SwimmingStroke & Turn ClinicStroke & Turn Clinic

Clinic LogisticsClinic Logistics

• Timeline, facilitiesTimeline, facilities• BathroomsBathrooms

• BreaksBreaks

• IntroductionIntroductionss• Clinician(s)Clinician(s)

• You!You!– ClubClub

– Children in swimming?Children in swimming?

– Years of experience at a swim meetYears of experience at a swim meet

– Why you’re hereWhy you’re here

AgendaAgenda

Motivation for VolunteeringMotivation for Volunteering

• Wanted to do something usefulWanted to do something useful

• Thought I would enjoy the workThought I would enjoy the work

• Family member or friend would benefitFamily member or friend would benefit

• Previously benefited from activityPreviously benefited from activity

• Wanted to learn; to get experienceWanted to learn; to get experience

Reasons for VolunteeringReasons for Volunteering

• To use skills in a new settingTo use skills in a new setting• To explore new interestsTo explore new interests• To gain work experienceTo gain work experience• To learn new skillsTo learn new skills• To find new friendsTo find new friends• To develop a sense of accomplishment and self worthTo develop a sense of accomplishment and self worth• To challenge oneselfTo challenge oneself• To work for a causeTo work for a cause• To gain recognition for ones abilitiesTo gain recognition for ones abilities• To meet requirements of a course or programTo meet requirements of a course or program

Officiating PhilosophyOfficiating Philosophy

Fair and equitable conditions of Fair and equitable conditions of competition are maintained and competition are maintained and uniformity in the sport is uniformity in the sport is promoted so that no swimmer has promoted so that no swimmer has an unfair advantage over another.an unfair advantage over another.

What does that mean?What does that mean?

• Success of every meet depends on the Success of every meet depends on the official’s integrity, knowledge, concern and official’s integrity, knowledge, concern and regard for the competitive interest of the regard for the competitive interest of the swimmerswimmer

• One set of rules applies to all swimmersOne set of rules applies to all swimmers

• Swimmers get the benefit of the doubtSwimmers get the benefit of the doubt

• We do not judge styleWe do not judge style

• Demonstrate impartiality and professionalism Demonstrate impartiality and professionalism on deckon deck

““Goals” by OfficiatingGoals” by Officiating

• Ensure a safe environment on deck and in Ensure a safe environment on deck and in the waterthe water

• Fairness to all competitors, giving the Fairness to all competitors, giving the benefit of the doubt, in every instance, to benefit of the doubt, in every instance, to the swimmerthe swimmer

• Identify “improvement areas” for coaches Identify “improvement areas” for coaches and swimmers and swimmers

• Have fun!!!Have fun!!!

Basic Concept 1: Basic Concept 1: Take officiating Take officiating seriously and work hard at itseriously and work hard at it

1.1. Study USA Swimming’s official rulebookStudy USA Swimming’s official rulebook

2.2. Uniformly interpret and apply rules regardless Uniformly interpret and apply rules regardless of the levels of athletesof the levels of athletes

3.3. Call violations as seen; don’t guess or anticipate Call violations as seen; don’t guess or anticipate (Use “DQ-slip” as memory jogger)(Use “DQ-slip” as memory jogger)

4.4. Be fair and consistent; always give the benefit Be fair and consistent; always give the benefit of the doubt to the swimmerof the doubt to the swimmer

5.5. Disregard club affiliationDisregard club affiliation

6.6. Exercise good judgmentExercise good judgment

Basic Concept 2: Basic Concept 2: Work regularly Work regularly at the job.at the job.

1.1. Officials need practice, just as competitors doOfficials need practice, just as competitors do

2.2. Working regularly builds confidenceWorking regularly builds confidence

3.3. Attend training sessions regularly to keep up Attend training sessions regularly to keep up with rule changes and new interpretationswith rule changes and new interpretations

4.4. There is no substitute for experienceThere is no substitute for experience

Basic Concept 3: Basic Concept 3: Be professional Be professional in mannerin manner

1.1. Fairness to all competitors must dictate actionsFairness to all competitors must dictate actions

2.2. Dress properlyDress properly

3.3. Make decisions quickly and decisivelyMake decisions quickly and decisively

4.4. Avoid coaching swimmersAvoid coaching swimmers

5.5. Admit a mistake if wrong, competitor’s welfare Admit a mistake if wrong, competitor’s welfare is more important than your own ego.is more important than your own ego.

Basic Concept 4: Basic Concept 4: Uniform Uniform (North Texas)(North Texas)

• White top (polo shirt)White top (polo shirt)• Navy pants, slacks, skirt or shorts Navy pants, slacks, skirt or shorts • White footwear with rubber solesWhite footwear with rubber soles

(Prelim – Finals Meet – Final session)(Prelim – Finals Meet – Final session)• Navy top (polo shirt)Navy top (polo shirt)• Khaki slacks, skirt or shortsKhaki slacks, skirt or shorts• White footwear with rubber solesWhite footwear with rubber soles

USA SwimmingUSA Swimming

• HQ – Denver, COHQ – Denver, CO• Divided into Divided into

– Zones (4)Zones (4)– Regions (14)Regions (14)– LSC’s (59)LSC’s (59)

• Texas – 5 LSC’sTexas – 5 LSC’sNT – North TexasNT – North Texas

The rules of swimmingThe rules of swimming• USA Swimming USA Swimming

rules:rules:– Found online at USA Found online at USA

SwimmingSwimming

– In USA Swimming In USA Swimming rulebook which will rulebook which will be sent to you in late be sent to you in late JanuaryJanuary

• Shall and mustShall and must

• MayMay

RulesRules• Review rules before every swim meetReview rules before every swim meet

• A stroke briefing is conducted at the officials A stroke briefing is conducted at the officials meeting held before each sessionmeeting held before each session

• Refer to your rulebook or ask other officials for Refer to your rulebook or ask other officials for clarification when you are unsureclarification when you are unsure

• The answers to all questions in the online test can The answers to all questions in the online test can be found in the USA Swimming rulebookbe found in the USA Swimming rulebook

Be sure to use 2014 rulebook for online testBe sure to use 2014 rulebook for online testFor Masters Swimming questions, refer to For Masters Swimming questions, refer to

complete online rulebookcomplete online rulebook

The officials teamThe officials team

• RefereeReferee

• StarterStarter

• Administrative OfficialAdministrative Official

• Chief JudgeChief Judge

• Stroke & Turn JudgeStroke & Turn Judge

• Meet DirectorMeet Director

• TimersTimers

We swim four strokesWe swim four strokes

Components of a strokeComponents of a stroke

– STARTSTART – from the start of race until head breaks – from the start of race until head breaks the surfacethe surface

– SWIMSWIM – from head breaking surface until – from head breaking surface until beginning of last stroke into the turn/finishbeginning of last stroke into the turn/finish

– TURNTURN – from the beginning of the last full – from the beginning of the last full stroke into the wall until head breaks the surfacestroke into the wall until head breaks the surface

– FINISHFINISH – from beginning of the last full stroke – from beginning of the last full stroke into the wall to the touch at the end of the into the wall to the touch at the end of the prescribed distance OR at the time the judge prescribed distance OR at the time the judge shifts the vision to watch the wall at the touchshifts the vision to watch the wall at the touch

FreestyleFreestyle• What to look for:What to look for:

– Any stroke(s) Any stroke(s)

– Any kick(s)Any kick(s)

– Swimmer must touch the Swimmer must touch the wall at each turn and at the wall at each turn and at the finish; any part of the body finish; any part of the body may be usedmay be used

– At start and turns, head must At start and turns, head must break surface of water by the break surface of water by the 15 meter mark15 meter mark• Head = chinHead = chin

BackstrokeBackstroke• What to look for:What to look for:

– Start in water with back to the Start in water with back to the course course • Feet and toes may not be in Feet and toes may not be in

or bend over the edge of the or bend over the edge of the guttergutter

– Swim on backSwim on back– Any stroke(s) Any stroke(s) – Any kick(s) Any kick(s) – Some part of swimmer must Some part of swimmer must

touch the wall at completion touch the wall at completion of each length, and at the of each length, and at the finish, on backfinish, on back

BackstrokeBackstroke• If submerged at the start and turns, If submerged at the start and turns,

head must break the water surface head must break the water surface by the 15 meter markby the 15 meter mark– Head = chinHead = chin

• At each turn, the swimmer MAY: At each turn, the swimmer MAY: – Turn to breast and may utilize a Turn to breast and may utilize a

continuous single or continuous continuous single or continuous simultaneous double arm pull to simultaneous double arm pull to initiate the turninitiate the turn

– The backstroke “flip turn”The backstroke “flip turn”– Once swimmer touches wall, the Once swimmer touches wall, the

turn is completeturn is complete– Swimmer leaves wall on backSwimmer leaves wall on back

BreaststrokeBreaststroke• What to look for:What to look for:

– Forward startForward start– Must swim on the breastMust swim on the breast– Cycle strokeCycle stroke: one pull and one : one pull and one

kick, in that order; kick, in that order; • Head breaks surface every cycleHead breaks surface every cycle

– PullPull: Simultaneous arm : Simultaneous arm movement in same horizontal movement in same horizontal planeplane• Hands recover from the breast on, Hands recover from the breast on,

under or over waterunder or over water• Elbows under water except last Elbows under water except last

stroke before turn or finishstroke before turn or finish

BreaststrokeBreaststroke– KickKick: Simultaneous vertical and : Simultaneous vertical and

horizontal movements of the horizontal movements of the legs; feet turned out during legs; feet turned out during propulsive phasepropulsive phase

– At At turns and finishturns and finish: : • body must be on the breast; body must be on the breast; • Touch must be made with both Touch must be made with both

hands -- separated and hands -- separated and simultaneously -- at, above or simultaneously -- at, above or beneath the water’s surfacebeneath the water’s surface

• Shoulders at or past vertical Shoulders at or past vertical toward breast when feet leave toward breast when feet leave wallwall

Breaststroke pulloutsBreaststroke pullouts

• After the start and each turn:After the start and each turn:– During first arm pull, hands MAY be brought During first arm pull, hands MAY be brought

completely beyond hip linecompletely beyond hip line

– Swimmer MAY at any time prior to the first Swimmer MAY at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick, take a single butterfly kickbreaststroke kick, take a single butterfly kick

– Head must break surface at widest part of second Head must break surface at widest part of second pullpull

ButterflyButterfly• What to look for:What to look for:

– Must swim on breastMust swim on breast– PullPull: Arms must be brought : Arms must be brought

forward simultaneously over water forward simultaneously over water and recovered simultaneously under and recovered simultaneously under the waterthe water

– KickKick: All up and down movement : All up and down movement of the feet and legs must be of the feet and legs must be simultaneoussimultaneous

– At turns and finishAt turns and finish, touch must be , touch must be made with both hands -- separated made with both hands -- separated and simultaneously -- at, above, or and simultaneously -- at, above, or below the water’s surfacebelow the water’s surface

Butterfly start and turnsButterfly start and turns

– If submerged at start and If submerged at start and following turns, head must following turns, head must break surface by 15 meter markbreak surface by 15 meter mark

– One arm pull under water is One arm pull under water is allowed which must bring allowed which must bring swimmer to surfaceswimmer to surface

– After each turn, swimmer must After each turn, swimmer must return to breastreturn to breast

– No cycle: swimmer may take No cycle: swimmer may take as many kicks or pulls as he/she as many kicks or pulls as he/she likeslikes

Individual medleyIndividual medley• Forward startForward start• Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyleButterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle– Freestyle is any stroke not in the style of the Freestyle is any stroke not in the style of the

other threeother three• Rules for each stroke applyRules for each stroke apply– Intermediate turns conform to turn rules for that Intermediate turns conform to turn rules for that

strokestroke– Transition turns conform to finish rules for that Transition turns conform to finish rules for that

strokestroke– Freestyle start and turn must be toward the Freestyle start and turn must be toward the

breast off the wallbreast off the wall

Medley relayMedley relay• Backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyleBackstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle

– Freestyle is any stroke not in the style of the other Freestyle is any stroke not in the style of the other threethree

• Rules for each stroke applyRules for each stroke apply– Intermediate turns conform to turn rules for that Intermediate turns conform to turn rules for that

strokestroke– Transition turns conform to finish rules for that Transition turns conform to finish rules for that

strokestroke

• No swimmer shall swim more than one legNo swimmer shall swim more than one leg• Each swimmer must leave the pool immediately Each swimmer must leave the pool immediately

upon finishing his/her leg, except the last swimmerupon finishing his/her leg, except the last swimmer

USA Stroke & Turn Training Video

Legal?Legal?or not?or not?

Infractions: all strokesInfractions: all strokes• Did not finishDid not finish

• Walking on or pushing off the bottomWalking on or pushing off the bottom

• Pulling on lane linesPulling on lane lines

• Not touching the wall at each endNot touching the wall at each end

• Interfering with another swimmerInterfering with another swimmer

• Not starting and finishing in the same laneNot starting and finishing in the same lane

• Unsportsmanlike conductUnsportsmanlike conduct

• Delay of meet (Referee’s jurisdiction)Delay of meet (Referee’s jurisdiction)

• False start (Starter’s and Referee’s jurisdiction)False start (Starter’s and Referee’s jurisdiction)

Judging swimmers with Judging swimmers with physical disabilitiesphysical disabilities• Rule 105Rule 105

– Newly rewrittenNewly rewritten

• If there are swimmers with disabilities If there are swimmers with disabilities participating, Referee will notify judges in participating, Referee will notify judges in advanceadvance

• Judge any part of that body that is usedJudge any part of that body that is used

• Do not judge a part of the body that cannot be Do not judge a part of the body that cannot be usedused

• Base your judgment on the rule, not the Base your judgment on the rule, not the swimmer’s techniqueswimmer’s technique

Relay take-off judgingRelay take-off judging

• Referee or Chief Judge assigns positionsReferee or Chief Judge assigns positions

• Lane judge stands beside the blocks and looks Lane judge stands beside the blocks and looks to side of pool (inside out); side judge stands at to side of pool (inside out); side judge stands at edge of pool and looks inward (outside in)edge of pool and looks inward (outside in)

• ““Toes to NoseToes to Nose” When the toes of the outgoing ” When the toes of the outgoing swimmer leave the blocks, look down to see if swimmer leave the blocks, look down to see if the incoming swimmer has touchedthe incoming swimmer has touched

Relay take-off slipRelay take-off slip

• If you observe an early take-off, mark x on the swimmer # for that lane. Do not raise your hand as dual confirmation is required.

• Referee or designee will collect all slips after the event is complete in order to check for dual confirmation of early take-offs.

When you observe an infractionWhen you observe an infraction

• Upon observing an infraction within your Upon observing an infraction within your jurisdiction, raise your hand overheadjurisdiction, raise your hand overhead

– Keep your hand up long enough that it is clearly seen Keep your hand up long enough that it is clearly seen by Referee, Chief Judge, and Coachby Referee, Chief Judge, and Coach

• If you raise your hand, you don’t have to make a If you raise your hand, you don’t have to make a call. If you don’t raise your hand, you cannot call. If you don’t raise your hand, you cannot make a callmake a call

• The benefit of the doubt goes to the swimmerThe benefit of the doubt goes to the swimmer

• After signaling a DQ, continue to observe all the After signaling a DQ, continue to observe all the swimmers in your jurisdictionswimmers in your jurisdiction

When observing a violationWhen observing a violation

• Did it happen inside my jurisdiction?Did it happen inside my jurisdiction?• RAISE YOUR HAND RAISE YOUR HAND with a straight arm with a straight arm

above your headabove your head• REVIEWREVIEW – – THINKTHINK – – What did I really What did I really

observe??observe??• Be ready to tell the Chief Judge about your Be ready to tell the Chief Judge about your

observation and explain why it was a observation and explain why it was a violationviolation

• Remember, you can always recall your Remember, you can always recall your decision after raising your arm.decision after raising your arm.

When you observe an infractionWhen you observe an infraction

• Make notes on your heat sheet of your Make notes on your heat sheet of your jurisdiction and what you observedjurisdiction and what you observed– You will develop a shorthand that works for youYou will develop a shorthand that works for you

• When you have no swimmers in your When you have no swimmers in your jurisdiction, or between heats, complete DQ jurisdiction, or between heats, complete DQ slipslip

• The disqualification slip (DQ) is the primary The disqualification slip (DQ) is the primary means of articulating a disqualification to means of articulating a disqualification to coach and swimmercoach and swimmer

How to complete a How to complete a disqualification disqualification (DQ) slip(DQ) slip

Disqualification slipDisqualification slip

• Always record Event #, Heat #, Lane #Always record Event #, Heat #, Lane #• Name of swimmer or team (optional but helpful)Name of swimmer or team (optional but helpful)• Violation – most, but not all, are printed on the Violation – most, but not all, are printed on the

slipslip• Your PRINTED name and trainer’s initialsYour PRINTED name and trainer’s initials• Referee’s signature – the Referee must approve Referee’s signature – the Referee must approve

the DQthe DQ– RunnerRunner– Walk to Deck Referee (find the whistle)Walk to Deck Referee (find the whistle)– Send with stroke judge or Chief JudgeSend with stroke judge or Chief Judge

Disqualification slip (cont’d)Disqualification slip (cont’d)

• Definitions:Definitions:– STARTSTART – from the start of race until head breaks the – from the start of race until head breaks the

surfacesurface– SWIMSWIM – from head breaking surface until beginning – from head breaking surface until beginning

of last stroke into the turn/finishof last stroke into the turn/finish– TURNTURN – from the beginning of the last full stroke – from the beginning of the last full stroke

into the wall until head breaks the surfaceinto the wall until head breaks the surface– FINISHFINISH – from beginning of the last full stroke into – from beginning of the last full stroke into

the wall to the touch at the end of the prescribed the wall to the touch at the end of the prescribed distance OR at the time the judge shifts the vision to distance OR at the time the judge shifts the vision to watch the wall at the touchwatch the wall at the touch

Disqualification slip (cont’d)Disqualification slip (cont’d)

• If clarification is needed, be prepared to If clarification is needed, be prepared to answer these three questions to Chief answer these three questions to Chief Judge or Referee:Judge or Referee:– What was your jurisdiction?What was your jurisdiction?

– What did you see?What did you see?

• Paint a picturePaint a picture

• Keep your hands stillKeep your hands still

– Which rule was violated?Which rule was violated?

• Use rulebook terminologyUse rulebook terminology

Disqualification processDisqualification process

• S&T judge observes infraction within his/her jurisdiction S&T judge observes infraction within his/her jurisdiction and raises handand raises hand

• S&T judge, or Chief Judge, completes a disqualification S&T judge, or Chief Judge, completes a disqualification slipslip

• S&T Judge, Chief Judge, or designated person ensures S&T Judge, Chief Judge, or designated person ensures DQ slip is transferred DQ slip is transferred quicklyquickly to Referee for approval to Referee for approval

• Referee approves DQ slip and delivers slip to Admin Referee approves DQ slip and delivers slip to Admin Judge who processes the informationJudge who processes the information– Note: Referee has authority to overturn the Note: Referee has authority to overturn the

disqualificationdisqualification• Copy of the slip delivered to swimmer’s coachCopy of the slip delivered to swimmer’s coach• Final results reflect the swimmer’s disqualificationFinal results reflect the swimmer’s disqualification

Disputes over calls by Disputes over calls by coaches or parentscoaches or parents

• Parents with questions should contact their Coach, Parents with questions should contact their Coach, who in turn may contact the Meet Refereewho in turn may contact the Meet Referee

• Coaches with questions should contact a RefereeCoaches with questions should contact a Referee

– Direct coach nicely; do not answer questionsDirect coach nicely; do not answer questions

• Do not talk about calls with other officials on the Do not talk about calls with other officials on the deck or with club parents or friends in the stands or deck or with club parents or friends in the stands or anywhereanywhere

• Only ask about a call in the officials room during a Only ask about a call in the officials room during a meetingmeeting

NTS Official UniformNTS Official Uniform

• Plain white collared shirt Plain white collared shirt (tucked in)(tucked in)

• Tailored navy blue pants, Tailored navy blue pants, shorts or skirt (no denim)shorts or skirt (no denim)

• White socksWhite socks• White non-skid shoesWhite non-skid shoes• USA credentialsUSA credentials• NametagNametag

Preparing for the meetPreparing for the meet

• Prior to meet, communicate with Referee that Prior to meet, communicate with Referee that you wish to continue your trainingyou wish to continue your training– Find Meet Packet on NTS website or your team’s siteFind Meet Packet on NTS website or your team’s site

• Read up on rules prior to the meet, and bring Read up on rules prior to the meet, and bring your USA Swimming rulebook with youyour USA Swimming rulebook with you

• Wear the uniform and display your credentialsWear the uniform and display your credentials• Sign in to officiate; find out time of officials Sign in to officiate; find out time of officials

meetingmeeting

Preparing for the meet Preparing for the meet (cont’d)(cont’d)

• Attend the officials briefing prior to the meet Attend the officials briefing prior to the meet to receive instructions and assignmentsto receive instructions and assignments– Meet trainerMeet trainer

– Find out how heat sheets will be distributedFind out how heat sheets will be distributed

– Bring a writing implement (and clipboard)Bring a writing implement (and clipboard)

• Bring your on deck training card for the Bring your on deck training card for the official you worked with to complete with you official you worked with to complete with you and signand sign

Meet OrganizationMeet Organization

Meet Referee

Meet Director

Marshals

Deck Referee*

Admin Referee*

Clerk of Course

Timing Equipment Operator & Timing

Judge

EntriesRegistration

OVC’s

Computer Operator & Desk Personnel

Head Starter*

Chief Judge*

Stroke & Turn Judges

Starters

Head Timer

Timers & Recorders

Positions around the poolPositions around the pool

   8    

   7    

   6    

   5    

   4    

   3    

   2    

   1    

JurisdictionsJurisdictions

   8    

   7    

   6    

   5    

   4    

   3    

   2    

   1    

Types of judgesTypes of judges

• Stroke Judge Stroke Judge – sometimes called Walker, walks the sides of – sometimes called Walker, walks the sides of the pool; may be two walkers on each side called lead-lagthe pool; may be two walkers on each side called lead-lag– Also responsible for 15 meter mark for freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, Also responsible for 15 meter mark for freestyle, backstroke, butterfly,

and medley eventsand medley events

– Responsible for half the lanesResponsible for half the lanes

– Referee determines jurisdiction for each strokeReferee determines jurisdiction for each stroke

• Turn Judges Turn Judges – stand at both ends of the pool– stand at both ends of the pool– Responsible for turns and finishesResponsible for turns and finishes

– May be responsible for one or more lanes, most likely 2-3 lanesMay be responsible for one or more lanes, most likely 2-3 lanes

– Referee determines jurisdiction for each strokeReferee determines jurisdiction for each stroke

• Stroke and Turn Judge Stroke and Turn Judge – judge both stroke and turns, – judge both stroke and turns, jurisdiction is end wall to mid-pooljurisdiction is end wall to mid-pool– Often used in short course, when there are insufficient officials, or pool design Often used in short course, when there are insufficient officials, or pool design

precludes walkersprecludes walkers

Position of Turn JudgePosition of Turn Judge• At least one foot at edge of pool At least one foot at edge of pool

(balance!)(balance!)

• Hands and papers (heat sheet, DQ Hands and papers (heat sheet, DQ slips, clipboard, etc.) behind back or slips, clipboard, etc.) behind back or by sides when swimmers are in your by sides when swimmers are in your jurisdictionjurisdiction

• Look calm and professionalLook calm and professional

• Step back when no swimmers are in Step back when no swimmers are in your jurisdictionyour jurisdiction

• If not directed where to stand by If not directed where to stand by Referee, stand where you can see the Referee, stand where you can see the swimmers in your jurisdictionswimmers in your jurisdiction

Fair and Equitable JudgingFair and Equitable Judging

• Judging should be consistent among different Judging should be consistent among different officials at a meetofficials at a meet

• Judging should be consistent at different meetsJudging should be consistent at different meets• All of the rules are enforcedAll of the rules are enforced– We don’t individually choose to enforce some We don’t individually choose to enforce some

rules and ignore othersrules and ignore others

Fair and Equitable JudgingFair and Equitable Judging

• The rules are enforced across all age groups The rules are enforced across all age groups and levels of abilityand levels of ability

• Officials demonstrate impartiality in their Officials demonstrate impartiality in their enforcement of the rulesenforcement of the rules

• Take officiating seriously and work at it. Take officiating seriously and work at it. Competitors have a right to expect officials to Competitors have a right to expect officials to know the rules and interpret them correctly, know the rules and interpret them correctly, fairly, consistently, and courteouslyfairly, consistently, and courteously

Mental TrapsMental Traps

• Advantage vs. disadvantageAdvantage vs. disadvantage

• The “twice theory”The “twice theory”

• ““We don’t disqualify 8&Under swimmers”We don’t disqualify 8&Under swimmers”

• Don’t infer – call what you see, not what Don’t infer – call what you see, not what you don’t seeyou don’t see

• Don’t ask me to judge my childDon’t ask me to judge my child

ConductConduct

• No outward manifestations during a race No outward manifestations during a race regarding illegality of competitor except regarding illegality of competitor except raised hand (NO pointing).raised hand (NO pointing).

• Do NOT cheer, coach or swap Do NOT cheer, coach or swap disqualifications; control your emotionsdisqualifications; control your emotions

• Minimize/avoid fraternization with Minimize/avoid fraternization with swimmers, coaches or spectators; swimmers, coaches or spectators; disregard club affiliation and personal disregard club affiliation and personal relationships. Need to remain unbiased.relationships. Need to remain unbiased.

ConductConduct

• Do not concentrate on frequent violators Do not concentrate on frequent violators to the exclusion of othersto the exclusion of others

• Give undivided attention – start to finishGive undivided attention – start to finish

• If uncertain of role, consult with the If uncertain of role, consult with the Referee (if you are on deck, make a call Referee (if you are on deck, make a call and report)and report)

StrokeStroke and Turn Judge and Turn Judge Requirements to Complete CertificationRequirements to Complete Certification

• Join USA Swimming/North Texas Swimming Join USA Swimming/North Texas Swimming and display registration card while on deck and display registration card while on deck ($52)($52)– Must do background check Must do background check Level 2Level 2 through USA through USA

Swimming ($39)Swimming ($39)

– Must complete USA Swimming online Athlete Must complete USA Swimming online Athlete Protection Training (FREE, but must be registered) Protection Training (FREE, but must be registered) http://www.usaswimming.org/protect

• Attend training clinic and pass online testAttend training clinic and pass online test

• Satisfactorily complete on deck training sessionsSatisfactorily complete on deck training sessions

For your training sessions…For your training sessions…

• Try to contact the Meet Referee in advance to Try to contact the Meet Referee in advance to see if good training can be accomplished.see if good training can be accomplished.

• Always carry your USA-S Membership Card Always carry your USA-S Membership Card and Officials Certification Cardand Officials Certification Card– You will be asked to show these to the meet refereeYou will be asked to show these to the meet referee

• Seek excellent, experienced deck mentors.Seek excellent, experienced deck mentors.

• Get Feedback! Always try to improve.Get Feedback! Always try to improve.

• Use the updated training cardsUse the updated training cards

Carry your cardsCarry your cards

All dates current!

Yours will show Stroke & Turn, Level T

After TrainingAfter Training

• Complete your S&T online testComplete your S&T online test

• After completing your test, and when you are After completing your test, and when you are finished with your training sessions, scan (or finished with your training sessions, scan (or photograph) and email complete set of cards to photograph) and email complete set of cards to the Officials Chairthe Officials Chair– Be sure you have taken your testBe sure you have taken your test

• Congratulations! Congratulations!

• Print and carry your new Certification Card for Print and carry your new Certification Card for your next session.your next session.

Continuing your Stroke & Turn Judge Continuing your Stroke & Turn Judge certificationcertification• Renew membership with NTS and USA Swimming each Renew membership with NTS and USA Swimming each

yearyear

• Keep Level II Background Check and Athlete Protection Keep Level II Background Check and Athlete Protection Training currentTraining current

• Take online recertification test every two years or attend Take online recertification test every two years or attend NTS Annual Officials Recertification ClinicNTS Annual Officials Recertification Clinic

• Work a minimum of 10 sanctioned meet sessions every Work a minimum of 10 sanctioned meet sessions every year to recertifyyear to recertify– Your training sessions will countYour training sessions will count

– Swim season year (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31)Swim season year (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31)

– Tracked in OTS; you have capacity to track your ownTracked in OTS; you have capacity to track your own

ResourcesResources

• www.ntswim.org– Officials sectionOfficials section

• www.usaswimming.org– VolunteersVolunteers

• OfficialsOfficials

–Rules & RegulationsRules & Regulations

–Officials Online TestsOfficials Online Tests

– Training Resources – Officials Swimming ManualTraining Resources – Officials Swimming Manual

If all else fails – ASK!If all else fails – ASK!

• Use all resources availableUse all resources available

–Other officialsOther officials

–RefereesReferees

–Area Officials RepsArea Officials Reps

–Officials ChairOfficials Chair

–Officials CommitteeOfficials Committee

Stroke & Turn CertificationStroke & Turn Certification• Attend S&T Clinic Attend S&T Clinic • Register as USA Swimming Non-Athlete Register as USA Swimming Non-Athlete • S&T Tests (USA Swimming On-line/open book )S&T Tests (USA Swimming On-line/open book )– S&TS&T– Timer Timer

• Apprentice on deck (BB, B/C level, or Apprentice on deck (BB, B/C level, or unclassified)unclassified)– As observer, Min 5 sessions As observer, Min 5 sessions – As “primary”, Until recommended to applyAs “primary”, Until recommended to apply

• Work 10 sessions annually at 3 or more meetsWork 10 sessions annually at 3 or more meets

Wrap up – QuestionsWrap up – Questions??

Thanks for your Thanks for your participation!participation!

& &

GOOD LUCK!GOOD LUCK!