In this Issue:
Officials Training Well Attended
2009 Rule Updates
DQ Forms
and Rule Books Distributed
Midlakes Finals
Schedule
Questions
Officials Training Well Attended
Thanks to
all of you who attended Officials Training in May. 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.
2009
Rule Updates
There were no major rule changes for this year but there were some significant interpretations/clarifications that you need to know about both from FINA (the international swimming governing body) and USA Swimming. Check the Midlakes website Officials' page for the changes that you need to be aware of:
1) The wearing of multiple swim suits is not
allowed.
2) The officiating of the butterfly kick during
the breaststroke start and turns is clarified.
3) “Legging” or body-suit type swimwear is
not allowed for swimmers 12 and under.
DQ Forms and Rule Books Distributed
At the
Coaches meeting held June 4th, all Midlakes club coaches were provided
with their share of DQ forms and 2 Mini-Rule books per team. If
you are looking for them for your club, please contact your coach - or
let me know and we can track them down.
Midlakes Finals Schedule
A-Champs will be conducted as Timed Finals at the prelims scheduled during the week of July 20th (afternoons Monday through Wednesday). 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 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
Q1:
Can relay swimmers be changed - both who is swimming and their order?
If so, when?
A1:
Relay swimmers can be changed if they are entered in the meet and
identified as alternates on the relay entry. The order of the
swimmers are as entered with the original meet entries - but swimmers
can change their order by declaring their intent to do so to at least
the timers, if not the referee/starter, prior to the start of the heat.
Once the heat has started, no changes to the swimmers or their order is
allowed.
Q2:
What does the designation "SIDE or LANE" mean on the Relay Take-off
forms?
A2:
"SIDE or LANE" is when there are more than 2 takeoff judges. At
many USA Swim meets, there are 4 judges looking at takeoffs - 2 pairs,
one pair looking at half the pool, one judge each at the side of the
pool, two judges in the middle of the pool (each looking towards their
respective side of the pool). This is generally referred to as
"splitting the pool". In Midlakes, we usually only have 2 judges -
so they would mark SIDE only. Split coverage will likely be used
for our relays at Champs.
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.
Scott Allen
Midlakes Swim League
Officials Chair
