The following situations are problems that arise most often at swim meets. It is hoped that, by observing the suggestions accompanying them, swim meets will run more efficiently with better qualified officials.

1. Have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE when going to work at a meet. If you don't, the swimmers are likely to suffer.

2. BE AT THE POOL AND READY TO WORK at least an hour before the session is to begin-- particularly, if you are doing stokes and turns. The Referee at this time will be giving instructions as to any rule changes or interpretations and procedures for the session.

3. REPORT PROMPTLY to the officials' area and sign in. This lets the Referee know that you have arrived. STAY IN THAT AREA. It is very frustrating to have a list of people checked off and to find that they have disappeared when the briefing or the meet is ready to begin.

4. ACCEPT AN ASSIGNMENT TO OFFICIATE at a meet ONLY IF YOU INTEND TO HONOUR THAT COMMITMENT. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend, courtesy demands that you let the person in charge of officials know as soon as possible. Never simply be a "no show". The swimmers suffer from your negligence.

5. ACCEPT THE ASSIGNMENT you have been given at a meet. The Meet Manager or Referee has placed you there for a reason. Also, keep in mind that it never hurts a senior or master official to time a session, or be the clerk of course, etc. You would be surprised at how "rusty" you have become in the interim!

If you find yourself doing the same job for several sessions, a word to the Referee can usually alter that situation.

6. When you arrive at your assigned station for the session, DON'T LEAVE YOUR POST. Timers have been known to change lanes to time their own children and others have left their jobs to watch their sons/daughters compete. BE IN THE RIGHT POSITION to do your job properly.

7. In many cases, you will be officiating at a meet where your son/daughter will be competing. It is a great temptation to leave the pool deck when your swimmer is done. Speak to the Referee, preferably before the session commences to ARRANGE FOR A REPLACEMENT. If you leave the deck in the middle of the session without someone to replace you, you're being unfair to both the swimmers who have not yet competed and your fellow officials who are left to carry the load.

8. KNOW THE RULES THOROUGHLY as they apply to your assigned positions. It is NOT a waste of time to glance over pertinent rules and sections in the rule book prior to the session.

9. Officials and officiating should be as UNOBTRUSIVE and INCONSPICUOUS as possible. Do NOT be overly "officious" in your authority, particularly as it applies to stroke and turn judging and refereeing.

Keep in mind that swim meets are held for swimmers and you, as an official, are there to assist them by providing adequate technical supervision for the meet. You must act in such a manner as to insure that no swimmer gains an unfair advantage over another. Also remember that inattentive or inefficient officiating is unfair to the swimmer, too. You are there to SERVE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF EACH PARTICIPANT.

10. BE IMPARTIAL. Be careful not to use your position to the advantage or detriment of any swimmer or team. Remember: Officials do NOT COACH NOR CHEER while working.

11. Keep in mind the DRESS CODE IS WHITES, preferably long pants for men and dress slacks or skirts for women.

12. Remember that at any session, the REFEREE'S DECISION IS FINAL. Do not take offence if your decision is overturned.

13. Do not lecture a coach or debate disqualifications with a swimmer while working the deck. REMAIN COOL AND PROFESSIONAL AT ALL TIMES. REFER ANY PROBLEMS THAT MAY COME YOUR WAY TO THE REFEREE.

Revised-February 1992

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