Fina ows officials school base slides 19-01_2012

Fina

Open Water

Official’s

School

[venue, month

YEAR]

[Lecturer/s]

Housekeeping, Health & Safety

Restrooms

Evacuation

Accident

Questions are OK!

Fina Open Water Clinic [Venue, Month Year]

Purpose:

To establish a universal, standardised judges training and

testing system to:

• expand the pool of qualified Fina list judges

• prepare and deepen the knowledge of Fina qualified officials

• ensure a consistent, clear, competition conduct in Fina Open Water

events.


Sessions will cover:

Origins of the Open Water Swimming

The Structure of FINA

Rules for the Competition & Duties of Officials

Risk Management

Details on running Open Water Events


Day 1:

Welcome and Introduction

Introduction of Participants

School Objectives

Origins of Open Water Swimming

History

Definition

Marathon Swimming

Fina Events & Olympic event

Organisation of FINA & Structure

General Rules

Technical Rules

By-laws

Refreshment Break (1030-1045)


Day 1 (Cont):

Introduction of Officials

Roles proscribed by Fina

Duties & Powers of Officials

Chief Referee

Referee

Starter

Chief Timekeeper • Determining the swimmers returned time

Timekeeper

Lunch Break (1230-1330)


Day 1 (Cont):

Duties & Powers of Officials… cont

Chief Finish Judge • Determining the manual finish placing

Finish Judge

Race Judge (& feeding platform responsibilities)

Turn Judge



Day 1 (Cont):

Duties & Powers of Officials… cont

Safety Officer

Course Officer

Clerk of Course

Reserves

End of Session (1700 Approx)


Day 2:

Race Rules

The Start

Venue

The Race Disqualification Procedure

Emergency Abandonment

Finish



Day 2:

Race Rules… cont

Confirmation of Finish Placings & Times Application of Rule SW 11

Use of Video recording/Slo-mo equipment

Risk Management

Safety Considerations Planning for Risk minimisation

Assistance & Support

Relationship with Organising Committee

Boats/Escort Craft

Communications

Pre-Race briefings – Officials / Teams / Safety Support

Head count – in & out of the water

Lunch Break (1230-1330)


Day 2:

Competition Management: Local Standards

FINA Standards – World Championships / Marathon World Cup / Grand Prix Series / Other events

Event planning • Operational considerations & Permissions

• Water Quality & temperature

• Venue Planning & layout

• Entry Information to Teams/Swimmers

• Technical Officials Meeting

• Team Leaders Meeting



Day 2:

Officials’ Decision Making

Protests

FINA OW Swimming Officials Lists

Criteria

Selection of Officials for World Championships and Olympic Games

The Professional Official

End of Session (1700 Approx)


Day 3:

Questions & clarifications

Examination

Summary & wrap-up

Conclusion of FINA Open Water Swimming Judges School


Introduction

of

participants

Origins of Open Water Swimming

Modern marathon and open water events take us back to the

source of life and the origins of swimming.

The first three Olympic Games all held swimming in open-

water environments.

The resurgent interest in recreational and Adult swimming has

spurred renewed interest in open water competition.

Pool and open water swimmers have competed for the first

Olympic marathon swim, over 10km in Beijing in 2008.

Fina Structure

FINA – founded on 19 July 1908 at the Manchester Hotel,

London (GBR)

Founding Federations:

• Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain,

Hungary and Sweden

Current Federations:

• 201 Federation members by 2009

Fina Structure

Organisation of FINA:

General Congress

Technical Congresses

FINA Bureau • Fina Executive

Committees (permanent)

Commissions (discretionary)

Fina Structure

Congresses:

General Congress is highest authority within FINA

Technical Congresses

Swimming Diving Water Polo Synchronised

Swimming

Open Water Swimming

Masters

Fina Structure

22 Bureau

Members

•President •Vice Presidents (5) •Honorary Secretary •Honorary Treasurer •Members (14)

Non-Voting Members

•Honorary Life President •Honorary Members •FINA Executive Director

Fina Structure

FINA Committees:

Swimming (1908)

Diving (1928)

Water Polo (1928)

Synchronised Swimming (1956)

Sports Medicine (1968)

Masters (1986)

Open Water (1992)

Fina Structure

FINA Commissions:

Doping Panel

Athletes Commission

Coaches Commission

Press Commission

Doping Control Review Board

Legal Commission

Swimsuit Approval Commission

Technical Commissions at World Championships and

Olympic Games (Bureau Liaison, Technical Committee Chairman, Technical Committee Vice Chairman and

Technical Committee Honorary Secretary)

Fina Rules General – apply to all disciplines

Open Water Swimming (OWS) – specific Technical Rules

Medical – Health & Medical aspects

Doping Control – WADA Rules & obligation

Fina Bylaws General

Marathon Series – Regulations

Grand Prix Series – Regulations

Security & Safety

Decisions of Fina Bureau (normally via Bylaw)

Competition specific conditions & regulations Stated in conditions of entry

Open Water Swimming: Rules

Swimming rules exist for no

other purpose than to regulate

fair-play.

They are designed not only to

keep swimming competition

consistent, pure and correct,

but also to ensure that all

swimmers in a particular race

are subject to the same

restrictions and regulations

Open Water Swimming: Rules

Open Water Swimming FINA events include:

World Championships distances of 5

km, 10 km & 25 km (every uneven

year)

Junior Championships –in age groups

over 5km or 7.5 km (even years)

Marathon World Cup events of 10 km

(Annual Series)

Grand Prix Series of events more than

10km (Annual Series)

Olympic event: 10 km

Olympic qualifying event/s

Break

Open Water Swimming

OWS 1.1 Open Water Swimming shall be

defined as any competition that takes

place in rivers, lakes, oceans or water

channels except for 10km events.

1.1.1 Marathon Swimming shall be

defined as any 10 km event in open

water competitions.

1.2 The age limit for all FINA Open

Water Swimming events must be at least

14 years of age.

Open Water Swimming

Races are swim in a wide variety

of Open Water environments:

Ocean Swims

Lake Swims

River Swims

In a wide variety of courses:

Point to point swims

Large single circuits

Small closed circuit courses

comprising multiple laps

Open Water Swimming

Officials are key to successful Open Water

Swimming competitions.

Objectives are:

Promote & improve Open Water Swimming

Develop interest & participation in Open Water Swimming

Encourage physical fitness & improve the quality of

competitive swimming Fairness & consistency

Develop life skills

Water Safety Positive discipline Attitudes to life

Fair play & respect Fitness & Health

Open Water Swimming

Why Officiate ?

Are we there for our son or daughter ?

For our own ego, personal objectives, likes, dislikes, emotions, prejudices ?

Some other reason?

Open Water Swimming

Officials Culture & Values

We are there for the swimmers

We are there to help youth grow physically and mentally and to participate personally and actively

Our goals are to demonstrate for youth the benefits of discipline and perseverance

We must try to create a school of life

To help youth learn to respect and accept decisions

From every experience – good and bad – one can learn positively

It is important in all that we do to maintain objectivity and a sense of responsibility to all swimmers

Open Water Swimming

Officials have the opportunity to contribute to consistent

officiating throughout the world in the following ways:

To promote positive attitudes

To expand opportunities for training & experience

To maintain honesty & integrity

To encourage openness

To acknowledge the use of good judgement

To display decisiveness

To demonstrate a willingness to admit mistakes

These behaviours reflect the actions of successful officials as

well as provide a common foundation for the skill of officiating

OWS 2: Officials

Chief Referee

Referees

Chief Judge

Chief Timekeeper plus 2 Timekeepers

Chief Finish Judge plus 2 Finish Judges

Safety Officer

Medical Officer

Course Officer

Clerk of Course

Race Judges Races over 10km – 1 per competitor

10km Races – Feeding platform

(Race Judge role is dependent on Course)

OWS 2: Officials

Turn Judges each course change

Starter

Announcer

Recorder

Officials may not act in more than one capacity simultaneously – a new duty can only be undertaken once the previous duty is concluded

OWS 3.1: Chief Referee 3.1 Have full control & authority

over all officials & shall approve

their assignments and instruct

them regarding special features

or regulations related to the

competition. The Referee shall

enforce all the Rules and

decisions of FINA and shall

decide all questions relating to

the actual conduct of the

competition, the final settlement

of which is not otherwise

covered by these Rules .

3.2 have authority to intervene in the competition at any stage to

ensure rules are observed.

Open Water: Chief Referee 3.2.1 In cases of hazardous

conditions that jeopardize

the safety of the

swimmers and officials, in

conjunction with the

Safety Officer, can stop

the race.

3.3 Adjudicate on all

protests related to the

competition in progress

3.4 Give a decision where

judges & timekeepers

results disagree

Open Water: Chief Referee 3.5 Signal to swimmers, by

raised flag and short

whistle blasts on a

whistle, that the start is

imminent & when

satisfied indicate by

pointing the flag at the

starter that the race may

commence.

3.6 Disqualify any swimmer

for any violation of the

rules personally

observed, or which is

reported by other

authorised officials.

Open Water: Chief Referee 3.7 Ensure that all necessary

officials for the conduct of the

competition are at their

respective posts. He may

appoint substitutes for any who

are absent, incapable of acting,

or found to be inefficient. He

may be appoint additional

officials if considered

necessary

3.8 Receive all reports prior to the

start of the race from the Clerk

of the Course, Course Officer

and Safety Officer

Open Water: Referee

3.9 Have authority

to intervene in the

competition at ay

time to ensure

that FINA rules

are observed.

3.10 Disqualify any

competitor for

any violation of

the Rules that he

personally

observes.

Open Water: Starter

3.11Start the race in accordance

with OWS 4, particularly :

4.6 The Starter shall be positioned

so as to be clearly visible to all

competitors.

4.6.1 On the starter command

“take your marks” they shall

take up a starting position with

at least one foot at the front of

the platform. 4.6.2 The Starter will give the starting signal when he considers

all swimmers are ready.

4.7 The start signal shall be both audible and visual.

Open Water: Chief Timekeeper 3.12 Assign at least three Timekeepers to their positions

for the start and finish.

3.13 Ensure that a time check is made to allow all

persons to synchronise their watches with the official

running clocks 15 minutes before start time.

3.14 Collect from each

Timekeeper a card showing

the time recorded for each

swimmer, and, if necessary,

inspect their watches.

3.15 Record or examine the

official time on the card

(Watch*) for each swimmer.

Open Water: Timing Rules

OWS 7.2.1 directs that times should be determined by

following the procedure in SW11:

SW 11.1 The operation of Automatic Officiating Equipment

shall be under the supervision of appointed officials. Times

recorded by Automatic Equipment shall be used to determine

the winner, all placing and the time applicable to each lane.

The placing and times so determined shall have precedence

over the decisions of timekeepers. In the event that a break-

down of the Automatic Equipment occurs or that it is clearly

indicated that there has been a failure of the Equipment, or

that a swimmer has failed to activate the Equipment, the

recordings of the timekeepers shall be official (See SW 13.3).


SW 11.2 When Automatic Equipment is used, the results shall

be recorded only to 1/100 of a second. When timing to 1/1000

of a second is available, the third digit shall not be recorded or

used to determine time or placement. In the event of equal

times, all swimmers who have recorded the same time at

1/100 of a second shall be accorded the same placing. Times

displayed on the electronic scoreboard should show only to

1/100 of a second.

SW 11.3 Any timing device that is terminated by an official

shall be considered a watch. Such manual times must be

taken by three timekeepers appointed or approved by the

Member in the country concerned. All watches shall be

certified as accurate to the satisfaction of the governing body

concerned.


SW11.3 (Cont.) Manual timing

shall be registered to 1/100 of

a second. Where no Automatic

Equipment is used, official

manual times shall be

determined as follows:

SW 11.3.1

If two (2) of the three (3)

watches record the same time

and the third disagrees, the

two identical times shall be the

official time.

Watch # Time

1 1:34:12.30

2 1:34:19.29

3 1:34:12.30

Official time 1:34:12.30


Following SW11:

SW 11.3.2

If all three (3) watches

disagree, the watch

recording the

intermediate time shall

be the official time.

Watch # Time

1 1:34:12.27

2 1:34:12.28

3 1:34:12.31



Following SW11:

SW 11.3.3

With only two (2) out of

three (3) watches

working the average

time shall be the

official time.

Watch # Time

1 1:34:12.27

2 1:34:12.28

3 -- -- -- --


Open Water: Timekeeper

3.18 Promptly after each finish

record the time and swimmers'

number on the timecard and

turn it over to the Chief

Timekeeper.

Note: When Automatic Officiating

Equipment is used, the same

complement of hand timers is to be used

3.16 Take the time of each swimmer assigned. The

watches must have memory and print out capability

and shall be certified correct to the satisfaction of the

Management Committee.

3.17 Start their watches at the starting signal, and only

stop their watches when instructed by the Chief

Timekeeper.

Break

Open Water: Chief Finish Judge 3.19 Assign each Judge to

a position.

3.20 Record and

communicate any

decision received from

the Referees during the

competition.

3.21 Collect after the race,

signed results sheets

from each Judge and

establish the result and

placing which shall be

sent directly to the Chief

Referee.

Open Water: Finish Order

Similar process to

Swimming & Timekeeping

Record the placing order

from all judges

Determine the result on

precedence order (the

number of times one

swimmer placed ahead of

another)

Rk J1 J2 J3 Pl

1 4 5 4

2 5 3 3

3 3 2 5

4 2 4 7

5 8 8 2

6 6 7 6

7 7 6 8

8 1 1 1


Similar process to



from all judges



number of times one


another)

Rk J1 J2 J3 Pl

1 4 5 4 4

2 5 3 3 5

3 3 2 5 3

4 2 4 7

5 8 8 2

6 6 7 6

7 7 6 8

8 1 1 1


Similar process to



from all judges



number of times one


another)

Rk J1 J2 J3 Pl

1 4 5 4 4

2 5 3 3 5

3 3 2 5 3

4 2 4 7 2

5 8 8 2 8

6 6 7 6

7 7 6 8

8 1 1 1


Similar process to



from all judges



number of times one


another)

Rk J1 J2 J3 Pl

1 4 5 4 4

2 5 3 3 5

3 3 2 5 3

4 2 4 7 2

5 8 8 2 8

6 6 7 6 7

7 7 6 8 6

8 1 1 1 1

Open Water: Finish Judge

3.22 Be positioned in line with

the finish where they shall

have at all times a clear view

of the finish.

3.23 Record after each finish

the placing of the swimmers

according to the assignment

given.

Note: Finish Judges shall not

act as Timekeepers in the

same event.

Open Water: Race Judge 3.24 Be positioned in an escort safety craft (where

applicable), assigned by random draw prior to the start,

so as to be able to observe, at all times, his appointed

swimmer.

3.25 Ensure at all times that the Rules of competition are

complied with, violations being recorded in writing and

reported to a Referee at the earliest opportunity.

Open Water: Race Judge 3.26 Have the power to order a

swimmer from the water upon

expiry of any time limit so ordered

by the Referee.

3.27 Ensure that his appointed

swimmer does not take unfair

advantage or commit unsporting

impediment on another swimmer

and if the situation requires

instruct a swimmer to maintain

clearance from any other

swimmer.

Open Water: Race Judge In circuit races where a

feeding platform is present, the judge assigned to each platform shall manage the platform to ensure: Only authorised people are

present on the platform

The swimmer’s authorised representatives act appropriately to ensure all swimmers are able to feed

Note: This is not yet a rule but a practise utilising the current rules

Open Water: Turn Judge 3.28 Be positioned so as to ensure

all swimmers execute the

alterations in course as indicated

in the competition information

documents and as given at the

pre-race briefing.

3.29 Record any infringement of the

turn procedures on the record

sheets provided and indicate the

infringement to the Race Judge at

the time of infringement by blasts

on a whistle.

3.30 Promptly upon completion of the

event deliver the signed record

sheet to the Chief Judge.

Break

Open Water: Safety Officer

3.31 be responsible to the Referee for all aspects of safety

related to the conduct of the competition.

3.32 check that the entire course, with special regard to the start

and finish areas, is safe, suitable, and free of any obstruction.

3.33 be responsible for ensuring that sufficient powered safety

craft are available during the competition so as to provide full

safety backup to the escort safety craft.

Open Water: Safety Officer

3.34 provide prior to the competitions to all swimmers a

tide/current chart clearly indicating the time of tide changes on

the course and showing the effect of tides or current on a

swimmer's progress along the course.

3.35 in conjunction with the Medical Officer advise the Referee if,

in their opinion, conditions are unsuitable for staging the

competition and make recommendations for the modification of

the course or the manner in which the competition is

conducted.

Open Water: Medical Officer 3.36 be responsible to the Referee for all medical

aspects related to the competition & competitors

3.37 Inform the local medical facilities of the nature of

the competition and ensure that any casualties can

be evacuated to medical facilities at the earliest

opportunity.

3.38 In conjunction with the Safety Officer, advise the

Referee if, in their opinion, conditions are unsuitable

for staging the competition and make

recommendations for the modification of the course

or the manner in which the competition is conducted.

Ensure the First Aid facilities identified under Bylaw

BL 12.14 are provided

Observe the Medical Rules

Open Water: Course Officer

3.39 Responsible to the Management Committee for the

correct survey of the course

3.40 Ensure that the start and finish areas are correctly

marked and all equipment has been correctly

installed and, where applicable, is in working order

4.41 Ensure all course alteration points are correctly

marked and manned prior to the commencement of

the competition

4.42 With the Referee and Safety Officer inspect the

course and markings prior to the commencement of

the competition

4.43 Ensure that Turn Judges are in position prior to the

start of the competition and report this to the

Referees.

OWS: Clerk of Course 3.44 Assemble & prepare competitors

prior to each event and ensure

proper reception facilities at the

finish are available for all

competitors

3.45 Ensure each competitor is

identified correctly with their race

number & that all swimmers have

trimmed fingernails, toenails and

are not wearing any jewellery,

including watches.

3.46 Be certain all swimmers are

present, in the assembly area, at

the required time prior to the start.

OWS: Clerk of Course

3.49 Ensure that all competitors

leaving the water at the finish

have the basic equipment

required for their well being

should their own attendants not

be present at the time

Issue & return of transponders

Monitor withdrawals & inform the Recorder

3.47 Keep swimmers & officials informed of time before

start at suitable intervals until the last five minutes,

when 1 minute warnings shall be given

3.48 Be responsible for ensuring that all clothing &

equipment left in the start area is transported to the

finish area and kept in safekeeping

Open Water: Recorder

3.50 Record

withdrawals from the

competition, enter

results on official

forms, and maintain

records for team

awards as appropriate

3.51 Report any violation

to the Chief Referee on

a signed card detailing

the event, and the rule

infringement

Open Water: Officials Summary

Arrive on site in plenty of time & report promptly on-site. Find

out where you need to be and when

Be prepared – make sure you are familiar with the rules and

bring the correct equipment for your role & personal wellbeing

Comfort – remember you could be on a small boat for a long

period of time with minimal facilities

Reserves – include reserves in the officials assignment plan

to cover sickness, unavailability or incapacity

DO NOT LEAVE THE VENUE after the race until cleared to

do so by the Chief Referee - pass all relevant documentation

to the recorder should it be required for reference

Have fun !

Break

Open Water : Race Rules - Start

4.2 The Clerk of Course shall

keep competitors and officials

informed of the time before the

start at suitable intervals and at

one minute intervals for the last

five minutes

4.1 All Open Water competitions shall start with all competitors

standing on a fixed platform or in water depth sufficient for

them to commence swimming on the start signal.

4.1.1 When starting from a fixed platform competitors shall be

assigned a position on the platform, as determined by random

draw.


4.3 When the number of entries

dictate the start shall be

segregated in the Men's and

Women's competitions. The

Men's events shall always

start before the Women's

events.

4.4 The start line shall be clearly

defined by either overhead

apparatus or by removable

equipment at water level


short blasts on a whistle when the start is imminent and indicate

that the competition is under Starter's orders by pointing the

flag at the starter.

4.6 The Starter shall be positioned so as to be clearly visible to all

competitors

4.6.1 On the starter command “take your marks” they shall take

up a starting position with at least one foot at the front of the

platform.

4.6.2 The starter will give the signal when considers all swimmers

are ready

4.5 The Referee shall indicate by a flag held upright and

Open Water : Race Rules - Start 4.7 The start signal shall be both audible & visual

4.8 If in the opinion of the Referee an unfair advantage has been

gained at the start the offending competitor will be given a

yellow or red flag in accordance with OWS 6.3.


4.9 All escort safety craft shall be

stationed prior to the start so

as not to interfere with any

competitor, and if picking up

their swimmer from behind

shall navigate in such a way

as not to manoeuvre through

the field of swimmers

4.10 Although they may start

together, in all other respects

the men's and women's

competitions shall be treated

as separate events.

Open Water : Race Rules -

Venue 5.1 World Championships and FINA

competitions shall be for Open Water

distances, 25 kilometres, 10 kilometres and 5

kilometres, conducted at a venue and course

approved by FINA.

5.2 The course shall be in water that is subject

to only minor currents or tide and may be salt

or fresh water.

5.3 A certificate of suitability for use of the

venue shall be issued by the appropriate

local health and safety authorities. In general

terms the certification must relate to water

purity and to physical safety from other

considerations.


Venue 5.4 The minimum depth of water at any point on the course

shall be 1.40 meter.

5.5 The water temperature should be a minimum of 16°C. It

should be checked the day of the race, 2 hours before the

start, in the middle of the course at a depth of 40 cm. This

control should be done in the presence of a Commission

made up of the following persons present: a Referee, a

member of the Organising Committee and one coach from

the teams present designated during the Technical

Meeting


Venue 5.6 All turns/alterations of

course shall be clearly

indicated.

5.7 A clearly marked craft or

platform, containing a

Turn Judge, shall be

positioned at all

alterations of course in

such a manner as not to

obstruct a swimmer's

visibility of the turn.


Venue 5.8 All Feeding Platforms, turning apparatus and Turn Judges

craft/platforms shall be securely fixed in position and not be

subject to tidal, wind or other movements.

5.9 The final

approach to the

finish shall be

clearly defined

with markers of a

distinctive colour.

5.10 The finish

shall be clearly

defined and

marked by a

vertical face.

Open Water : The Race

6.1 All Open Water

competitions shall be

Freestyle events.

6.2 Race Judges shall

instruct any swimmer

who is, in their opinion,

taking unfair advantage

by pacing or slip

streaming with the escort

craft to move clear

Open Water : Disqualification 6.3 If in the opinion of the Chief

Referee or Referees, any

swimmer, or swimmer’s approved

representative, or escort safety

craft, takes advantage by

committing any violation of the

rules or by making intentional

contact with any swimmer, the

following proceeding shall apply:

1st Infringement:

A yellow flag and a card bearing the

swimmer's number shall be raised to

indicate and to inform the swimmer

that he is in violation of the Rules.

Open Water : Disqualification 2nd Infringement:

A red flag and a card bearing the swimmer's number shall be raised

by the Referee (OWS 3.6) to indicate and to inform the swimmer that

he is for the second time in violation of the Rules. The swimmer shall

be disqualified. He must leave the water immediately and be placed

in an escort craft, and take no further part in the race.

Open Water : DQ / Escort Craft 6.3.2 If in the opinion of a Referee, an action

of a swimmer or an escort safety craft, or

a swimmer’s approved representative is

deemed to be ‘unsporting’ the referee

shall disqualify the swimmer concerned

immediately.

6.4 Escort safety craft shall manoeuvre so

as not to obstruct or place themselves

directly ahead of any swimmer and not

take unfair advantage by pacing or slip

streaming.

6.5 Escort safety craft shall attempt to

maintain a constant position so as to

station the swimmer at, or forward of, the

mid point of the escort safety craft.

Open Water : The Race

6.6 Standing on the bottom during a race shall not disqualify

a swimmer but they may not walk or jump.

6.7 With the exception of 6.6 above swimmers shall not

receive support from any fixed or floating object and shall

not intentionally touch or be touched by their escort safety

craft or crew therein.

6.7.1 Rendering assistance by an official medical officer to a

swimmer in apparent distress should always supersede

official rules of disqualification through “intentional

contact” with a swimmer (OWS 3.1).

Open Water : The Race 6.8 Each escort safety craft shall

contain: a Race Judge, a person of

the swimmer's choice, and the

minimum crew required to operate the

escort safety craft.

6.9 No swimmer shall be permitted to

use or wear any device which may be

an aid to their speed, endurance or

buoyancy. Goggles, a maximum of

two (2) caps, nose clip and earplugs

may be used.

6.10 Swimmers shall be allowed to use

grease or other such substances

providing these are not, in the opinion

of the Referee, excessive.

Open Water : The Race 6.11 The pacing of a swimmer by another

person entering the water is not

permitted.

6.12 Coaching and the giving of instructions

by the approved swimmer’s

representative on the feeding platform or

in the escort safety craft is permitted. No

whistle shall be allowed. Feeding poles

are not to exceed 5m in length when

extended. No objects, rope or wire may

hang off the end of feeding poles except

national flags. National flags are allowed

to be attached to the feeding pole but

may not exceed the size of 30cm x 20

cm.

Open Water : The Race 6.13 When taking sustenance

swimmers may use Rule OWS 6.6

provided Rule OWS 6.7 is not

infringed.

6.14 All swimmers shall have their

competition number clearly

displayed in waterproof ink on

their upper back, arms and

hands.

6.15 Each escort safety craft shall

display the swimmer's competition

number so as to be easily seen

from either side of the escort safety

craft, and the national flag of the

swimmer's Federation.

Open Water : Race Time Limits 6.16.1In all events, time limits shall

apply as follows from the finish time of

the first swimmers:

Events under 25 km 30 minutes

Events of 25 km 60 minutes

Events over 25 km 120 minutes

6.16.2 Competitors who do not finish the

course within the time limits shall be

removed from the water except that

the referee may allow a competitor

outside the time limit to complete the

course but not participate in any

points or prizes awarded.

Open Water : Emergency

Abandonment 6.17.1 In cases of emergency abandonment

of races of 10 km or less, the race will be

restarted from the beginning at the earliest

possible moment.

6.17.2 In cases of emergency abandonment

for any race of longer than 10km, where

the lead swimmer has accomplished at

least ¾ of the race, the final ranking will be

as reported by the Chief Referee. If the

lead swimmer has not completed ¾ of the

race, it will be restarted from the beginning

at the earliest moment possible.

Safety of Athletes, Coaches and Officials is

PARAMOUNT

Open Water : Race Rules –

Race Finish 7.1 The area leading to the

finish apparatus should

be clearly marked by

rows of buoys which

narrow as they get closer

to the finish wall. Escort

safety craft should be

stationed at the approach

to and entrance of the

finish lane to ensure that

only the escort safety

craft authorized to do so

enter or cross this

entrance.


Race Finish 7.2 The finish apparatus

should, where possible, be

a vertical wall at least 5

metres wide fixed if

necessary to floatation

devices, securely fastened

in place so as not to be

moved by wind, tide or the

force of a swimmer striking

the wall. The finish should

be filmed and recorded by

video system with slow

motion and recall facilities

including timing equipment.


Race Finish 7.2.1 When automatic Officiating Equipment is used for timing of

competitions in accordance with rule SW 11, microchip

transponder technology capable of providing split times is

mandatory and should be added to the Equipment. Use of

microchip transponder technology is mandatory for

competitions at the World Championships and Olympic

Games. Microchip transponder

timing technology will be

recorded officially in tenths of

seconds. The final places will be

determined by the referee

based upon the finish judges’

report and the finish video tape.


Race Finish

7.2.2 It is mandatory for all swimmers to wear a microchip

transponder on each wrist throughout the race. If a

swimmer loses a transponder the Race Judge or other

authorised. Official, will immediately

inform the Referee who

will instruct the

responsible Official on the

water to issue a

replacement transponder.

Any swimmer who

finishes the race without

a transponder will be

disqualified.


Race Finish

7.3 The Finish

Judges and

Timekeepers

shall be placed

so as to be able

to observe the

finish at all

times. The area

in which they are

stationed should

be for their

exclusive use.


Race Finish 7.4 Every effort should be made to ensure that the swimmers'

representative can get from the escort safety craft to meet the

swimmer as they leave the water.

7.5 Upon leaving the water some swimmers may require

assistance. Swimmers should only be touched or handled if

they clearly display a need, or ask for assistance.


Race Finish 7.6 A member of the medical team should inspect the swimmers

as they leave the water. A chair, in which the swimmer can sit

while an assessment is made, should be provided.

7.7 Once cleared by the medical team, swimmers should be

given access to refreshment.

Break

Escorted Swims

Races over 10Km usually require escort craft for each swimmer,

dependant on the course.

Escort Craft need to be sufficiently large to accommodate

Swimmers Representative, Race Judge, & necessary boat crew

Safety escort craft can be kayak / canoe / surf-ski / rowboat or

other manually powered craft to provide close support to the

race but must be supported by powered safety craft capable of

taking competitors to medical support if required (Applies to all

swims including those circuit based and/or 10km or less)

Safety Craft Considerations

Paddlers need to be sufficiently fit to complete the course in

variable weather conditions or in sufficient numbers to “rest &

rotate” during the race

Powered safety craft must be capable of running at low speed &

should include basic medical support equipment to provide first

response assistance to swimmers removed from the water.

Have back-ups for both manual & powered craft to cover no-

shows & breakdowns

Open Water : Risk Management

Local boat, canoe,

rowing & kayak clubs

Local amateur radio

organisations

Local Life Saving

Association

Sea & Boy Scouts

The Red Cross

EMS Groups

Safety is the paramount issue in the organisation and conduct of

any open water swimming event

The first step in planning an open water swim is the

consideration of safety factors.

Assistance and support (get contact details prior to race day):


Risk management plan – document and

action as appropriate

Risk 1 Assessment Action & by Whom




Reasonably Practicable steps need to be

taken to manage identified risk


Assistance and support

Local Hospital

Police

Local media

Fire Service

Coastguard

Independent Rescue groups

Local Harbour-master

Public Liability Insurance

Open Water Organisation

Organising a competition requires a team of personnel with

specific responsibilities in the lead up during & following the

event

Organisers involved in the planning need to include the

following responsibilities in their structure:

Event Organiser/OC Chair – leading the Event team

Event Administrator – Assists & back-up to the Organiser

Course Officer – Course planning, implementation &, de-rig

Safety Officer – development of Safety & Risk Management plans,

sourcing, briefing & managing the Safety crews on the water

Medical Officer – Development of the Medical plan for the event,

sourcing, briefing & managing the Safety crews at the event

Chief Referee – liaison to ensure the rules are observed, coordination

of Technical officials for the event

Event Planning

Gain the necessary permissions as early as possible

Plan the course well

Use historical information to assess likely race conditions, temperature

& environmental factors

Check the distance with GPS if available

Include as much information about the course and race

conditions in the call for entries to assist competitors in their

preparation

Make sure entry conditions are clear, including any medical

check / authorisation if required

Ensure sufficient personnel are available with the right

qualifications/skills to run the event

Include sufficient reserves in the planning to cover any that become

unavailable at the time of the event

Event Planning

Make sure the craft to be used are suitable to the task with

the necessary equipment on board

Sufficient Lifejackets should be available for all personnel on

the water

Plan briefings for Event Staff & Safety crew, and Technical

team meeting for different times

Ensure appropriate Medical personnel are available on site to

render assistance both during the race & immediately after

the finish

Identify facilities for Doping Control if required


Plan a safe well marked and patrolled open water swimming course

Start & Finish Areas must be highly visible from both land and water

Competition Doctor is mandatory

Escort craft personnel must be alert to symptoms of hypothermia, heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Trained and competent escort craft personnel

Basic medical equipment in safety craft

Platforms of correct size/load


Safety Officer & Course Officer

should constantly monitor the

conditions in the build-up and during

the race to ensure conditions remain

safe for competitors

Safety & Risk Management plan

should be documented & widely

distributed to all who may need to

know

Identify potential Hazards

Assess impact of hazard & probability of

occurrence

Isolate, Eliminate or Minimise the hazard

if the risk is considered significant


Communications network: two way radios with dedicated

channel for Referee and Assistant Referees and shore

control. Separate channels for other officials, safety personnel

Mobile Phones if necessary, with a list of phone numbers

Effective public address system

Announcer with knowledge of OWS and who can give

progressive race results, instructions and emergency

announcements.

Horn for race abandonment

Strongly recommended not to allow late entries

Conduct pre race briefing: course description, water temperature, surf/water conditions, pinpoint hazards and currents in detail

Establish accurate head count of swimmers before the start, at the start and verify during the race and at the finish

Instruct swimmers and escort personnel of the system to be used to notify race officials if a swimmer withdraws.

Establish a cut off time where swimmers may be removed from the water (events up to & including 10 km - 30 minutes after the first finisher)



Medical and first aid resources at the finish: massage,

refreshments (sealed containers),

hot water bottles, or Ice

blankets etc.

Ambulance on stand-by

. THE RACE ORGANISERS AND OFFICIALS PRIMARY CONCERN IS FOR SAFETY AND THEY

NEED TO BE PREPARED TO TAKE PROMPT DECISIVE ACTION DEPENDING ON THE

CIRCUMSTANCES.

Break

Open Water :

Competition Management

Plan early to avoid issues closer to the event

Course planning

Safety issue identification

Dialogue with appropriate Authorities, gain necessary permissions

Gain necessary permissions

Provide as much information as possible when calling for

entries

Course Map / information

Safety issue identification / Safety Plan

Likely water temperature & climatic conditions

All Entry criteria

Open Water :

Competition Management Teams Leaders meeting is

conducted by the Meet/Technical Director

Roll call of Country representatives

Introduction Of Chief Referee & Referees for Men & Women

Confirmation of entry

Course Officer explains the course (Have a map or presentation)

• Weather & Climatic Conditions

• Start & Finish procedures

Safety issue identification / On-water

Open Water :

Competition Management Teams Leaders meeting is

conducted by the Meet/Technical Director

Medical Officer briefing & Doping Control process

Feeding Platform access/restriction (if required)

Draw for Escort craft / Starting platform position (if required)

Other Technical matters / Questions

Organising Committee housekeeping matters

Open Water :

Competition Management

Organising Committee:

Venue planning

Sustenance for Athletes

(post-race) & Officials

Toilets & Showers

Sunscreen

Shade for Athletes

Secure area for Swimmer

Gear

Medical treatment area in a

secure private area

Secure area for doping

control

Liquid for Number removal

Organisation of FINA Events

Applications to host FINA events are approved after

consideration of various criteria & a site visit if necessary

World Championship & Olympic Games are under the

management of the FINA TOWSC Commission

Other FINA Events are supervised by FINA Delegates

Organisation of FINA Events The TOWSC Commission manage the assignment of

duties to the TOWSC Members and appointed

Technical Officials

Other FINA Events are supervised by FINA Delegates

Chief Referees must be FINA list referees

Break

GR 9.2 Protests

GR9.2.1 Protests are possible…

a) If the rules and regulations for the conduct of the

championships have not been observed;

b) If other conditions endanger the competitions and/or

competitors, or

c) Against decisions of the referee; however, no protest shall be

allowed against decision of fact.

GR 9.2 Protests

GR9.2.2 Protests must be submitted

a) To the referee

b) In writing

c) By the responsible Team Leader only

d) Together with a deposit of 100 Swiss francs or it’s equivalent, and

e) Within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the respective competition

or match

If conditions causing a potential protest are noted before the event a protest must be lodged before the signal to start is given.

GR 9.2 Protests

GR 9.2.3 All protests shall be considered by the referee.

If he rejects the protest, he must state the reasons for his

decision.

The Team Leader may appeal the rejection to the Jury of

Appeal whose decision will be final.

In the Olympic Games and World Championships the

Commission in each discipline shall consider the protest and

give recommendations to the Jury of Appeal.

GR9.2.4 If the protest is rejected, the deposit will be forfeited

to the management body of the competition. If the protest is

upheld it will be returned.

FINA Officials Lists:

Open Water Swimming:

2 Lists of Referees

• 3 Referees per Federation on each List, organisers of FINA World

Championships & Olympic Games total 8 Referees.

List No. 8 (01.01.2009 – 31.12.2012)

List No. 9 (01.01.2011 – 31.12.2014)

Criteria:

• experienced OW official at Conitinental Championship or Fina

Event within the last 4 years

• Graduated a Fina School

Age limit: 65 years from start of List period

FINA Officials Lists:

Selection of OWS Officials for FINA Events

World Championships – proportional Continental representation

Olympic Games – One per Continent

Criteria: On FINA Lists. Must have been judge at

Continental Championships (except Host)

World Championships: Accommodation paid

Olympic Games: Travel & accommodation paid

The Professional Official:

Expect to be challenged

Know the rules

Know what you have to do on site

Prepare yourself

Answer your questions

is there for our sport of Open Water Swimming

Enjoys to be involved

Must have a deep and all around knowledge of the rules

Applies maximum effort to the meet and the work

Is neutral – not in the middle point

Enforces the rules with understanding and not with dictatorship

Applies the rules as witnessed and not as “I think or I heard”


Is prepared to listen

Is not afraid to say: I was wrong in my judgment

Is not pedantic about points of rules

Is ready to accept the Referee’s decision

Treats all swimmers equally

Does not pre-suppose a situation

Is someone, who officiates with understanding and respect, not:

Me – I’m the official – you're just a swimmer

Is easily accessible through the Referee to swimmers and

coaches regarding infractions if requested

Always gives the outward appearance of physical fitness and

being in control


Appearance, dress, movements around the start & finish areas,

race course, gestures, etc., must be smart and respectful

Confirms the meet is conducted in a good sportsman like

manner

Maintains dignity at all times

Be attentive, give & show a serious impression

Spectators are watching you as you undertake your duties

Look forward to and enjoy officiating at each meet. Do not show

an “I have to be here” attitude

Make certain, that all is in place, to see the competition is

conducted in a safe, controlled and fair manner


Listens to and considers another point of view put forward

Be impartial applying the rules and interpretations for one and

all. Keep a balanced outlook

Work with all other officials, to make sure, it is an event that all

swimmers enjoy being part of

When reporting an infraction, write it out as the rule states, not in

your own words

Finally, be prepared to have the courage to make the tough call

when it is necessary


Equipment:

Sun glasses (if outdoors)

Sun protection material (if outdoors)

Whistle / Pens / Paper / Start list

Flags & whiteboard + pens

FINA Handbook – or rules in your own language

Thank You!

[Lecturer] Email: {email address}