ABOUTOFFICIALS
Why become an Official?
- Swimmers train to compete, officials are needed to provide these competition opportunities.
- Being an active official and volunteering your time whether your club is the host or not, will help our swimmers in their development.
- Clubs are encouraged to engage their officials' progression through assigned roles at competitions, which will complement the club's ability to host and assist at meets.
- A minimum number of officials are required for clubs to obtain a sanction for swim meets.
- Volunteering at swim meets is the fastest way to earn points!
What are the official positions in a competition?
Timekepper
The Timekeepers are located behind the starting blocks of their respective lanes at the start end of the pool and are responsible for the timing of swimmers using the semi-automatic timing equipment (plungers) and / or watches. Two timers per lane are generally required for a session.
Safety Marshal
Ensure swimmer safety by following the Swimming Canada Competition Warmup Safety Procedures during the warm-up
period. Reports to the Referee.
Judge of Stroke and Inspector of Turn
Stroke and Turn judges are charged with observing the swimmers and reporting infractions of the rules of each stroke.
Chief Timekeeper
The Chief Timekeeper is in charge of the timekeepers and provides assistance to them.
Administrative Desk (Clerk of Course)
The Admin Desk (Clerk of Course) is responsible for organizing the swimmers on the deck and ensuring all information provided is up to date, accurate.and follows the information found in the Meet Package.
Chief Recorder-Recorder (Recorder-Scorer)
The Chief Recorder (Recorder-Scorer) is responsible for compiling the times and generating result printouts using swimming specific software.
Chief Finish Judge / Chief Judge Electronics
The Chief Finish Judge (CFJ) or the Chief Judge Electronics (CJE) determines the official times, results and placing of the swimmers.
Meet Manager
The Meet Manager is the general manager of the entire competition. They have duties before, during and after the meet.
Starter
The Starter, working with the Referee, is responsible for starting the race and judging the fairness of the start.
Referee
The Referee is the official with the most authority on deck and provides the best possible environment in order to maximize swimmer performance while ensuring the session is run fairly, consistently and smoothly.Swim Ontario serves as the provincial governing body of competitive swimming in Ontario. We inspire Canadians through world leading performances to embrace a lifestyle of swimming, sport, fitness and health.
To learn more, visit the Swimming Ontario website.
What does official wear during competition?
Swim Ontario Officials Dress Code policy:
- Chief Timer: White polo (top) over black bottoms with black footwear
- Timers: White top over black bottoms.
- All other officials: Red Polos (top) over black bottoms with black footwear. This also includes Head Lane Timer performing turn judge duties.
More Information
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
