Course:Officiating Swimmers with a Disability: Course used to teach officials about officiating swimmers with a disability. (Thank you Colorado Swimming for sharing!) Click for PDF file of course.
Target Groups for Course and Some Key Responsibilities
Meet and Deck Referees
Athletes or athlete representative are required to inform referee of impaired swimmer and request accommodations.
Meet Referee is the final decision on Disqualifications
Meet Referee will determine if accommodations can be met and will instruct officials as to the accommodations/modifications.
Stroke and Turn Officials
Officials observe swims based on rules. Officials are instructed to become familiar with Article 105.5 (this is encouraged during training of new officials).
An impaired athlete does not have to inform the referee because they do not want to be officiated under Article 105. This is their choice.
Coaches
Senior Coach – Swimmers who are at the High School Level and swim with HS can be a member of club swimming, and impaired swimmers are not always aware of this opportunity.
Age Group Coach – athletes as this level are wanting to be involved in club sports, are competitive, and are involved with friends.
Both set of coaches can help athlete be competitive, grow both athletically and socially.
Can help athletes move to Para if warranted
Rationale for Course
Face to face conversation, instruction and discussion is always better. It helps with comprehension and development of programs. It also provides the means to offer support to all affected groups.
Explanation of what impairments are and different impairments in each group. Provide specific examples.
Instruct officials on what they should be aware of when observing swims. (Article 105 of USA Swimming Rulebook)
Show what support staff is and how it looks
What starting devices are and examples of types
How modifications look for an impaired swimmer and what happens during observing swims
How rules are observed and implemented
How integrating impaired swimmers into clubs affects swimmers