• Things are going to look different as we begin swim meets again until the pandemic is over.  Plan on:
  • Wearing a mask and social distancing
  • Knowing and understanding the local, state and facility restrictions for swimming events.
  • Advance planning and commitment.
  • Official’s meetings via Zoom.
  • Deck rotations being assigned in advance and communicated via email.
  • Deck training being assigned in advance with the opportunity for the Trainee and Trainer to meet prior to the meet via Zoom.
  • “Walk on” officials will not likely be accommodated
  • Being prepared for difficult conditions on deck.

***It is very important that all officials read the meet document

News and Updates  - December 2020

• The boundaries for our areas for each Area Chair have been re-defined.  Please see the OSI website for details. 
• A big thank you to Reed Sloss who has been serving Oregon Swimming for 17 years and will be stepping down due to the current situation.  He was the Central Oregon Area Chair, the Sanction Chair, was certified as ET/AO/S & T/ Starter/Referee and a trainer.  He was also very supportive of HS swimming.  Oregon Swimming is very appreciative of Reed’s long-time support.
• Concussion training reminder – Referees must complete their concussion training annually; all other officials must complete it once.
• The USA Swimming Professional documents and videos are available on the USA Swimming website under Education & Training.  Look them over when you have time to keep your officiating principals fresh in your mind.
• The tech suit restrictions, proposed by the Age Group Development Committee, went into effect for 12-and-under swimmers on September 1, 2020. 
• The format for the Oregon Swimming winter championship meets is still being determined.  Stay tuned…information will be on the website when it is available.
• Plan ahead for Western Zones for next summer – 2021.  The WZ mentoring and reimbursement program will be available for both the WZ Age Group meet and the WZ SR meet for all of those officials that make a full commitment to the meet.
• If you are interested in officiating at a National meet (and qualified), applications will be posted on the USA Swimming website 180 days before the event.  The applications will be pulled 120 days before the event, and they will select approximately 60 officials per meet. 
• Please use current information from this website and USA Swimming for any training.
• Dive Certification - If an athlete is not dive certified, they MUST start in the water.  If they are dive certified, they MAY start from the block, the side or in the water.
• Block rules with relay starts - A swimmer must have at least part of one foot in contact with the starting platform in front of the adjustable back plate during a relay exchange.
• When using backstroke ledges, at least one toe from each foot must be in contact with the wall.
• DQ slips - make them clear and legible - fix clerical errors.
• Deck changing & suit issues - get the coach involved.

• There is no "I" in TEAM - Our purpose is to work together for the common good - every job at the meet is very important.  Accept any assignment as a Team Player!
• Stick to the rule book and avoid rumors – use common sense and good judgment…and remember…the benefit of the doubt always goes to the swimmer!

Awards and recognition:

• The 2020 Dick Parker award for excellence in Officiating went to Pat Allender! 
  • He has served as ET / AO and S & T.  He is one of the experts in Oregon with the Hy-Tech and computer operations.  His behind the scenes support for HS Swimming is instrumental in preparing and running the championship meets.  We appreciate the MANY years that Pat has served Oregon swimming…this is very well deserved!

• Newbee Award -  2020  ET – Karen Arpag - HRST
• Newbee Award  - 2020 S & T -Christie Semualo - LHST

• Official of the Month - 2020
  • January – Pat Allender
  • February – Mike Ahten
  • March – Patrick & Sonya Huskey
  • April – Bob Heymann
  • May – Bob Sommers
  • June – Amit Kumar
  • August – Ricci Huling

USA Swimming Safe Sport - MAAPP

The Oregon Swimming Community is experiencing a great loss with the passing of John Haring on Feb 19, 2019.  John has been an official with Oregon Swimming for the past 10 years, a referee since 2013. He was the Area Officials Chair for the Portland Eastside region of OSI.  John served as the club president for the Canby Swim Club and was active as the official’s coordinator for many years.  John and his wife Debby have continued to support our community even after their children no longer participated.  

John was passionate about finding and training new officials for his club and OSI.  He was an exceptional mentor for our officials. Many of the officials that you see on the pool deck received training and mentoring from John over the years. His work has created a solid foundation from which we operate today.  

As a Referee John was well known for serving our athletes. He was always compassionate and supportive. He would do whatever he could to give every athlete a chance to complete and do their best.  John always ensured that all athletes were treated with respect and fairness.  His laughter and passion for our sport will be greatly missed and we are blessed to have had John serve Oregon Swimming for so many years. 

In lieu of flowers to honor John's commitment to youth swimming, anyone wishing to do something in his name, donate to: Canby Swim Club-The Gators P.O. Box 21 Canby, Oregon 97013. Please note that the donation is in memory of John Haring to be used for scholarships, and is tax deductable.