Officials Update - Pre-Season 2009
In this Issue:
New Email Address/Contact Information
USA Swimming Certification Opportunity
There's now a new email address for Midlakes Officials' communication - midlakesswimofficial@gmail.com. Please use this for sending your questions and concerns and be sure to add it to your list of "safe" email addresses (if you filter email addresses). We also have our own portion of the Midlakes website devoted to officials: http://www.midlakesswimleague.org/Officiating.htm.
We're always looking for ways to improve our communication - and as part of this, we're looking for a contact point at each club for communicating Officials' information. If you know that you are that person or know who that person is, please let me know so I can update our contact list.
Midlakes Officials' Training dates have been set and all training will take place at Newport Hills Swim and Tennis Club. As in prior years, we have had some rule changes and clarifications, so this training is required for all - besides it's a good refresher and a way to network with other officials. The first 2 hours is for everyone covering protocol and Stroke & Turn, the third hour is for starters/referees (announcers are welcome during this time).
Saturday, May 16 9:30am-12:30pm
Wednesday, May 20, 6pm-9pm
Thursday, May 28, 6pm-9pm
There is also an additional training opportunity Sunday, May 17 9am-12noon during an inter-squad meet at Newport Hills. We will be observing and giving officials a chance to see starts and swims in the water but we will not actually be officiating and making disqualification calls. This will offer you a chance to ask questions and reflect on what you learned in the training session in a "real-time" environment before you actually take on that judge role during the season.
USA Swimming Certification Opportunity
If you have ever thought about becoming a USA Swimming Certified Official, here's your chance! Monday, June 1 from 7 to 9pm there will be a USA Swimming Official's Clinic. More information is available on the PNS website http://www.teamunify.com/pnws2/__doc__/official_clinics.html. If you plan to attend, please contact the instructor Teri White (TWhite@MassMutual.com) to ensure she has enough materials for you.
As you may have heard, due to scheduling conflicts with KCAC, A-Champs will now be conducted as Timed Finals at the prelims scheduled during the week of July 20th (afternoons Monday through Wednesday).
Senior Prelims - Monday July 20th - Hosted by Mercer Island Beach Club
Junior Girls Prelims - Tuesday July 21st - Hosted by Edgebrook
Junior Boys Prelims - Wednesday July 22nd - Hosted by Mercer Island Country Club
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!
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, please let me know and I'll remove you from the distribution list.
Scott
Allen
Midlakes Swim League
Officials Chair
