This outline should be printed for each attendant.  Additionally, please print all items in #3 below as a packet.

 

  1. Introduction
    1. Introduce yourself and give certification level, etc and any official position held (officials chairman, etc)

 

  1. Thank your clinic attendees for their commitment to the sport of swimming
    1. Return received is more than your investment

                                                              i.      Meets will no longer be boring – you will be involved

                                                            ii.      You will realize a more full relationship with your child

                                                          iii.      You will be “on the deck” where all the action takes place

 

  1. Introduce handout package and briefly comment about each form
    1. Package Contents

                                                              i.      IS officials application

                                                            ii.      USA swimming non-athlete application

                                                          iii.      Indiana officials standards

                                                          iv.      Website addresses for test taking and rulebook

                                                            v.      Meet officials and coaches sign in form

                                                          vi.      Officials Position Assignment form

                                                        vii.      Recommended USA swimming stroke briefing

                                                      viii.      Rule changes in effect (not yet published in the rule book)

                                                          ix.      IS disqualification form

                                                            x.      Relay takeoff forms

                                                          xi.      Apprentice guidelines (be sure to discuss this as it is new)

 

  1. Golden Rule:  The benefit of the doubt ALWAYS goes to the swimmer!
    1. Only call what you see, not what you do not see (i.e. one hand touch)
    2. Never discuss a swimmer’s action with another official just prior to making a call
    3. Do not call a violation if you are unsure
    4. Always ask questions
    5. Scan lanes, even when empty.   Do not focus on one or two swimmers

 

  1. Discuss Pool Layout and positions of deck officials
    1. Officials required

                                                              i.      Referee, starter, S/T, etc.

    1. Officials positioning
    2. Rotation
    3. Hospitality

           

  1. Show Video
    1. Read stroke rules for each stroke BEFORE viewing the video for that stroke and discuss any rule changes not yet shown in the videos
    2. Stop during the video and explain as necessary.

 

  1. Discuss Attire for Officiating
    1. Shirts, pants/shorts, shoes, credentials
    2. Protocol while on duty, look professional

 

  1. Pre-Meet Check-in
    1. Sign-in Sheet
    2. Notify Meet Director/Referee (especially if you are apprenticing)
    3. Officials Meeting

-          stroke briefing

-          jurisdiction

-          DQ procedure

-          specific rotation

-          Etc.

 

  1. Disqualification Procedure
    1. Raise your hand
    2. Referee or Chief Judge will come over and ask;

                                                              i.      What lane?

                                                            ii.      Where were you standing?

                                                          iii.      What did you observe?

                                                          iv.      What does the rule say?

    1. When you are sure you saw an infraction but unsure of the exact rule wording or jurisdiction, make the call.  Discussion with CJ or referee will follow.  (having a DQ form for reference in your pocket will tend to eliminate this situation)
    2. Officiate every meet the same and enforce all rules continually (consistency)
    3. CJ or referee will complete DQ form.  YOU need be sure to check that it actually indicates what you observed.

 

  1. Administrative functions
    1. Briefly explain each function: Computer operators, timing console operators, timing judges, clerk of course
    2. General procedures set by meet entry letter: scratches, event order, scoring, etc.
    3. Seeding of events (prelim/finals or timed finals)

                                                              i.      See attached seeding charts

    1. Resolution of lane/heat malfunctions

                                                              i.      See attached timing resolution examples

 

  1. After the meet or session
    1. Get your card signed in the appropriate place by the meet or deck referee
    2. Each session counts toward fulfillment of apprentice sessions or recertification requirements, regardless of length of session or events swum.
    3. Have the meet or deck referee sign a card or paper if you have not yet received your credentials.

 

  1. Completing application forms
    1. Forms mailed directly to IS after successful completion of tests
    2. Tests taken online only (see section 14 below)
    3. Fees and application forms mailed to IS before apprentice sessions 

 

  1. Taking the tests
    1. You will be required to register on the USA Swimming website prior to taking any tests
    2. Download a copy of the rulebook.  It is helpful to keep that window open and complete the tests in a separate window.  You may also print the pages you need instead of using an online copy.  Refer to “How to Become an IS Official” for page references, found on the IS website.
    3. Select the online test to be taken.  Tests to be taken:

                                                              i.      Technical – Stroke and Turn/Timer

                                                            ii.      Admin – Clerk of  Course, Timing Judge, Timer

                                                          iii.      Technical/Admin – Stroke and Turn/Timer, Clerk of Course, Timing Judge

                                                          iv.      DO NOT TAKE ADMINISTRATIVE TEST

    1. Complete the online test and submit for grading.  You can save and continue later if you desire.  Be sure to complete all questions completely, especially if you start and stop multiple times.
    2. The test results will be sent to the test taker and to IS.
    3. Upon receipt of ALL required test results, fees and application forms;  IS will process the application and forward  credentials to the applicant.

 

  1. Apprentice Sessions
    1. May start apprentice sessions anytime after passing the online tests and mailing your application and fees to IS. You do not to wait for your credentials to apprentice.
    2.  Bring a 3 x 5 index card to obtain your referee signatures until you receive your credentials.
    3. Need 4 apprentice sessions for S & T (3 at Technical and 1 at Admin for dual Tech/Administrative levels to be fully certified.
    4. Bring several copies of the apprentice guidelines to each meet to be handed to referee and S & T mentors.

 

  1. Enjoy yourself and remember we really do need you in order to provide a professional and enjoyable environment for our children to swim in.