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Officials are present at all
competitions to enforce the technical rules of swimming so the
competition is fair and equitable. Officials attend clinics, pass a
written test and work meets before being certified. All parents are
encouraged to get involved with some form of officiating.
Clerk of the Course
(Administration): Arranges the swimmers in their proper
heats and lanes prior to a race (most meets held
across the state do not use a clerk of course. Meets are
preseeded).
Referee: Has
overall authority and control of the competition, ensuring that all
the rules are followed; assigns and instructs all officials, and
decides all questions relating to the conduct of the
meet.
Relay Takeoff
Judges: Stand beside the starting blocks to observe the
relay exchange, ensuring that the feet of the departing swimmer
have not lost contact with the block before the incoming swimmer
touches the end of the pool.
Timers:
Operate timing devices (watches or semi automatic timing systems)
and record the time for the swimmer in their lane. 2 or 3 timers
are needed for each lane. This volunteer position offers an ideal
opportunity for new parents to work in a swim meet.
Turn Judges:
Observe the swimmers from each end of the pool and ensure that the
turns and finishes comply with the rules applicable to each
stroke.
Starter:
Assumes control of the swimmers from the Referee, directs them to
"take your mark," and sees to it that no swimmer is in motion prior
to giving the start signal.
Stroke
Judges: Observe the swimmers from both sides of the pool,
walking abreast of the swimmers, to ensure that the rules relating
to each stroke are being followed. The positions of Stroke Judge
and Turn judge may be combined into one position called the Stroke
and Turn Judge.
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