Swim officials - why get involved?
Every swim competition needs a number of officials for the event to run. If the event is to be licensed by Swim England so that times are official and can go on rankings then there must be minimum numbers of officials, and they must hold the right qualifications. Swimmers need official times to be able to qualify for Counties, Regionals and National events. Some lower level (level 3) open meets will also require swimmers to have an official time to be able to enter.
Each event will need timekeepers, turn judges, stroke judges, a starter and a referee, so we always need more people to train up so our swimmers get the opportunity to compete and get official times.
What you get
If you become an official and help out when your child is racing, not only will you save your spectator’s entrance fee, but most events will provide you with lunch, drinks, and often travel expenses. You don’t have to wear all white anymore - the rules have changed to black trousers/skirt/shorts with your officials’ polo shirt. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you are helping out grass root sport and supporting children in their swim journey.
Officials – how do I become one?
To become an official you will first need to be a Swim England member (Club Support). Once we have a membership number we will arrange a DBS check and you will need to complete the Swim England safeguarding course, these are club requirements to volunteer poolside. The safeguarding course is 3 hours and completed online.
Swim England describe the courses as follows:
Swim England’s Safeguarding CPD is bespoke and reflects the needs of a pool environment.
The course will help you to understand:
- What child safeguarding and child protection means
- Key government legislation in relation to safeguarding and protecting children
- Swim England’s safeguarding policies and procedures
- The types, signs, and symptoms of child abuse
- How to respond to possible signs of child abuse and take appropriate action if concerns arise.
- The second course you will need to complete is the Institute of Swimming’s Judge 1 theory course.
This is an e-learning course that you register for and do in your own time.
The Judge Level 1 online learning is designed to help you to understand the roles of a:
- Timekeeper
- Chief timekeeper
- Inspector of turns
- Chief inspector of turns
You will also be introduced to the relevant World Aquatics rules along with video footage which will help you to interpret how those World Aquatics rules are applied in practice.
Once you have completed the theory course we can help arrange practical training where you partner with experienced officials at events until you are signed off to officiate unaccompanied. We have other volunteer officials in the club who can support you through this process.
The club will meet all costs for you to attain the relevant qualifications, membership and checks.
Sign me up!
If you are up for the poolside action of becoming an official, please email our membership secretary mandi.sturmeytmbsc@gmail.com and copy in workforcetmbsc@gmail.com.
We will send you the Swim England membership form to complete. Once we have you registered and you have a membership number we will need to arrange a time for you to bring documents into the office for the DBS check.
Whilst we are waiting for the DBS check you can start your training. You can find the dates and times for the next available Safeguarding course here - Events & Courses - Swim England North West (swimnorthwest.org) and start your Judge theory training by booking on here -
https://www.swimming.org/ios/course-information/swimming-technical-officials-judge-1-theory/
