Officials Update5

In this Issue:

Protocol for:

Doing the Job
Raising Hands
Freestyle Events
5 Lane Pools

Most of this weeks' edition is devoted to protocol as there have been a number of comments shared regarding the operation of meets and how officials can help (both the meet and ourselves). Don't forget that many of these issues may have occurred before in prior years but might only be getting attention now that we've been stressing the importance of the officials job. And many of these are just a couple of items that could (and should be covered) in an officials meeting before each meet begins.

Whose responsibility is it to take care of issues with officials not doing their job? At some meets, it is particularly noticeable that the official is more intent on looking at lanes in the other officials' jurisdiction rather than their own. Is this something I, as a parent (who is also an official), should bring to the attention of the starter or should the coaches say something to the starter? Coaches should strive to work with the officials to create fairness across the competition with a reminder that it's really up to the head official (starter/referee) to set the standard in execution of meets. The Starter/Referee should be informed, keeping in mind that benefit of the doubt is also extended to officials (we're all doing the best we can) but there's also the expectation that we're expected to do the right thing, calling those blatant infractions. So as an informed parent, it's probably something that you can share your concern with your coach and offer to help in what ever way possible. And leave it up to your coach to handle appropriately (in fact, they may ask you to help - so take on that responsibility carefully).
Our protocol of calling disqualifications includes "making it official" by raising our hands. As discussed during training, Stroke & Turn infractions are indicated by raising of the hand for about 5 seconds or so - so be bold and get those hands in the air whenever you observe and infraction of the rules. For relays, the protocol is to use Relay DQ forms that are available on the Briefing Sheet. A nod or shake of the head (to your relay takeoff partner) might indicate whether you have a call or not but should not replace the use of the form (or marking the heat sheet). That way there is less likelihood that relay take-off judges are influenced by their partner and are instead making an independent, informed decision.
Freestyle is so easy to officiate - or is it? It seems that some officials aren't quite sure how to officiate during this "easy" stroke. Actually, I've heard a rumor that there are 23 ways to get disqualified in Freestyle so officiating during this stroke is not to simply stand in the middle of the poolside or walk back and forth a bit but aimlessly. The most important thing to be in a position to watch in freestyle is the touch at the turn end - virtually everything else can be seen being stationed at that position. When officials stay in the middle of the pool, it’s impossible to see the touch or “see the gap” if there is space between the swimmer and the wall, confirming that there was a missed touch.
We have a 5 lane pool and it's sometimes confusing as to how to use the 5th lane in the final heat. The 5th lane should be used as an exhibition lane for the final heat (where there are 2 other swimmers from each time who are competing to score). Ideally, the 5th lane should be swapped between teams for the events (for example, the visiting team gets the 5th lane for girls events, the home team gets it for boys events). It doesn't matter how big the teams are nor does the host team get "home team advantage" - it really should be shared and something that is agreed to by the coaches before the meet.

B-Champs

Don't forget that in addition to all the great work you all are doing that we have our Champs meets coming up. And an important part of that is our Divisional Champs - also known as B-Champs on Saturday July 17. Many of the host teams are trying to plan ahead and look forward to having officials on deck to help with Starting and Stroke & Turn duties. Please keep this in mind and if you can help out, please do. It's a great way to continue to support our sport and these developing swimmers. Feel free to contact your volunteer coordinator or club parent representative for more information.

Questions

Q1: If a 15 & over swimmer gets a B DQ time in the 100 free are they ineligible to swim freestyle in the medley or free relay even though it's only a 50?
A1: Relays are a little different than individual events. While technically the swimmer should be allowed to swim, most coaches recognize that if they made the B DQ time in the 100, there's a high likelihood that they'd also make the 50 B DQ time. The swimmer should be swimming something other than free in the Medley (provided they haven't also achieved a B DQ time in another stroke) and should probably not swim the free relay. But sometimes the coach doesn't have a choice based on the number of available swimmers. It's a balancing act for coaches based on fairness across the competition.

Q2: I remember the advice to be aware of unusual commotion around the blocks (or coaches yelling to make sure their kids are on the blocks) and be gracious toward the hustling swimmer when there is an empty lane. But should the starter really wait for a swimmer who is not ready to swim?
A2: It's a balancing act for the starter where you are encouraged to wait but don't delay. If there's a valid reason for tardiness to the blocks, that's one thing - like officials blocking the way, timers giving them bad information on the event/heat that's up next, etc. But being distracted, goofing off with friends, etc. just doesn't cut it.

Q3: There have been a number of swimmers who have been wearing commercial logos and swim camp caps from other entities than their own team. I thought that these were not allowed in Midlakes and that swimmers should turn them inside out if they were going to wear them. Are these acceptable or not? And what about the "shark fin" caps?

A3: It is usually best for a swimmer to wear their team or a solid color. The USA Swimming Rule Book:Section 102.9 provides the rules for this - and please note the distinction between logos and advertising. In addition, the Midlakes Swim Operating Plan addresses this in Section E: Competitive Regulation 11. No logos for school or club teams other that Midlakes shall be allowed on caps or meet suits. There is no rule against the "shark fin" caps in USA Swimming or Midlakes - there is one prohibiting these in high school swimming though.

Thanks again for all the work you do. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. If you know of others who should receive 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