Officials Update 2

In this Issue:

Officials Training And Coaches Orientation

What about those "Meetings"
Midlakes Finals Schedule
Questions

Officials Training And Coaches Orientation

Thanks to all of you who attended Officials Training. All clubs were represented - and we had a good mix of new and returning officials. If you missed out, please be sure to check in with your club's officials' representative or the Midlakes website for updates for this year. And if you have any questions about officiating in Midlakes, please be sure to let me know. Shirts for those who attended are on their way - once delivered to your club, I'll let you know. At the Coaches orientation meetings held May 20th and June 4th, all Midlakes club coaches were provided with their share of DQ forms and a Mini-Rule book. If you are looking for them for your club, please contact your coach - or let me know and we can track them down. As a reminder, there were no major rule changes for this year and there was only clarification regarding swimwear. All swimwear must be textile and may have only drawstring fasteners (no buttons, zippers, snaps, hooks, etc.).

What about those "Meetings"

As we covered during the training, coaches and officials meetings (including timers) are being important to a successful meet. Timing of the meetings usually occur before the meet start: Coaches - 45 minutes before, Officials - 30 minutes before, Timers - 15 minutes before. And here's some ideas of what to cover at these meetings:

At the coaches meeting, you'd want to cover expectations for running the meet. Clarify expectations around swimmers being ready to swim, ready to "start" by responding to the command and then holding steady on the blocks for the signal. You'll also want to cover what the starting process will be for the backstroke (which whistles will be expected). The coaches can alert the starter/referee to any special situations with their swimmers (handicaps, exhibition heats, etc.).
At the officials meeting, you'll want to be sure to review any rules questions, remind the officials to raise their hand when they observe an infraction with a friendly reminder about we call the "blatant" infractions (not the ones you "think" you saw). You'd also want to be sure to address any questions regarding relays, address jurisdiction in your pool environment (how many lanes, walking the sides, etc.), and how you'll be processing DQ slips.
If you don't have a head timer to do the timer's meeting, you'll want to cover the basics for being a good timer. Much of it is available on the Midlakes Website under Documentation http://www.midlakesswimleague.org/Documentation/2008/2008%20TimersBriefing.pdf.

Midlakes Finals Schedule

A-Champs will be conducted with prelims starting the week of July 19th (afternoons Monday through Wednesday) and finals at KCAC in Federal Way on Saturday. USA Swimming Certified Officials are used during these events so your help would be appreciated - so please reserve this time on your calendar if you can help!

Senior Prelims - Monday July 19th - Hosted by Mercer Island Beach Club

Junior Girls Prelims - Tuesday July 20th - Hosted by Newport Hills

Junior Boys Prelims - Wednesday July 21st - Hosted by Samena
Finals - Saturday July 24th - Hosted by Strattonwood/Triangle/Columbia Athletic Club

And as a reminder, please be sure to help with your Division Champs (also referred to as B-Champs) - the host clubs need officials as well and any official (USA Swimming or otherwise) can help out.

Questions

Q1: A swimmer has a tough time swimming the breaststroke legally because of a physical disability. Do we just let them "slip by" - or how do we fairly judge their stroke?
A1: A swimmer with a physical deformity (missing limbs, sight or hearing impairment, etc.) have special rules for them (as outlined in the rule book) and usually have a doctor's note that is on file - and the coach would notify the referee that such a letter exists. Generally, officials will judge based on what swimmers can do rather than what they can't - and intent is an important part of this judgement call. However, if a swimmer is physically capable to get the stroke right, a doctor's note isn't going to matter. Swimmers need to be taught to swim legally (and remember it doesn't have to be "pretty" to be legal) and sometimes a breaststroke (or butterfly) swimmer may have to concentrate on the other strokes (free and back) which they can swim legally.

Q2: You mentioned that someone could kick all the way down the pool without using their arms. Could they start their arms, and when tired, kick the rest of the way?
A2: Yes, that would be allowed, provided that the first armstroke brought the swimmer to the surface of the water, they extended their arms (after recovering over the water if they pull) and then touched the wall with their hands. If they do recover their arms, it must be over the surface of the water. Rule 101.3.2 provides for the butterfly stroke rules and there is no requirement for a minimum number of strokes nor that the armstroke is required during the event (or leg if a Medley event).

As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns. If you know of others that would like this information, please let me know - and if you are no longer interested in receiving these, let me know and I'll remove you from the distribution list.

Regards,

Scott Allen
Officials Chair
Midlakes Swim League