In this issue:
Congratulations to Mercerwood Shore Club as Midlakes “A” Champions. Also, congratulations to the following “B” Champs winners: Div I – Edgebrook, Div II – Samena, Div III - Maple Hills, Div IV - Tam O'Shanter, Div V – High Woodlands. Job well done to all.
Lots of “thank you’s” to pass around (in no particular order):
Kudos to specific officials from other officials and coaches: Susan Sutich (OL), John Lynn (EB), Hans Bjorenstad (MSC), Charlie Czech (MSC), Ugur Koksu (MSC), George Luksetich (FW), Tom Matthes (PL), Dick Benster (MICC), Paul Jensen (SS), Mark Yang (COL), Xin Zhou (COL), Ken Gronewald (COL), and Rich Burkenholder (COL). Great job to all of you!
Thanks to all of the officials – especially those USA Swimming officials who stepped up to help with the post-season events. And special recognition to those who worked all 3 Champs meets – Bob Keller (FW), Mike Howard (MICC), John Lynn (EB), and Harumi Branch (SS). Bob gets extra recognition from around the league as this may be his last year with Midlakes. Knowing Bob, we may still see him poolside - yet he worked more than his share of meets over the years and was instrumental in recruiting lots of other officials who are volunteering their time with Midlakes & PNS. I appreciated his willingness to help organize the officials on deck at the 3 Champs meets when I couldn't!
And a couple of personal accolades: "Scott, you and all the officials at A champs did an amazing job." "Thank you for the hours and hours of work as well as the emotional and intellectual energy you have expended on our behalf." "You have always been an incredible support for swimmers and coaches. Thanks for the time and effort you put in to make the season run smooth, fair and fun." "Our coaches are better informed, our meets have seen a SIGNIFICANT rise in quality and consistency of judging, and all of us feel we honestly have a voice. You are one of the primary reasons Midlakes is able to make the transitions necessary to deal with a larger and more experienced group of swimmers while still recognizing the needs of the summer-only swimmers."
Finally, thanks for your trust in me and allowing me to be a resource for you - especially when things didn't go as expected. I know that as we progress as an organization, there will be "growing pains" - but those are good things because we can learn from those experiences! And as always, be sure to let me know if you have additional questions or concerns that you'd like to see addressed for next year.
Here are some comments received that might help look at things in new or different ways - some serious, some funny:
On making sure everyone is on the same page: "First, I learned that if you use a Fox40 whistle and wear ear plugs, you might damage other people's ears without meaning to. (I need to find a good whistle that isn't quite so loud, but is really reliable.) Second, you really DO need to do officials briefings and timer briefings and coaches briefings at Midlakes meets, even though a lot of people involved won't show on time, won't really know what you mean about certain things, etc. The variability in experience of everyone makes setting expectations much more important. Third, setting expectations won't guarantee balanced performance - and we all need to accept that. People are there to help, because they care, but they aren't all professionals - and that's OK."
On officiating protocols: "When I was studying my rules and getting clear on possible DQ's to watch out for, my son said, "I hope I get my strokes right so you don't disqualify mmm . . ." Then, without me saying anything, quickly shifted to--"I know, I know, I hope I don't disqualify myself!" He had been listening to me practice my list of infractions and always add a little practice response to the anticipated parent/ coach question of "Did you disqualify so-and-so?".
On getting your official's crew engaged: "As new swim team coordinators, we were so focused on getting "new" parents trained, we neglected to look at our "B" team stroke and turn judges vs. "A" team. Unfortunately, ALL of our current and newly trained officials were "A" team parents. We were so fortunate to have some very willing parents that traveled to away "B" meets to help us out!"
Please watch for updates for next year’s season – Officials Training announcements will be made sometime late March/early April. In the meantime, if you have friends who would like to be included, please pass along their email address and I’ll add them to the distribution list. And if anyone is interested in becoming a USA Swimming certified official, please contact me as training sessions are being scheduled now for September and October.
And lest I forget, it has been a pleasure serving as Midlakes Officials Chair - thanks to all of you and your involvement! Your efforts have made a difference in supporting kids and their athletic efforts in swimming. On behalf of the board, it is much appreciated.
Scott Allen
Midlakes Swim League
Officials Chair
