PVS OFFICIALS
2/9/2024 NOTE: USA Swimming has recently reorgazined all certifications so that they are uniform across all LCSs. The CO and TO certifications will no longer be recognized as separate certifications by USA Swimming and are not required to become an Administrative Official (AO). However, PVS recognizes the importance of these positions to our organization and will continue to train people at these positions. Clinics, certification requirements, etc., will be controlled by USA Swimming. PVS will continue to decimiate information as it becomes available. Please click HERE for guidance from USA Swimming.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a certified USA Swimming Official for Potomac Valley Swimming (PVS) and York Swim Club. You can identify the officials on deck by their "uniforms." All PVS Officials (including Apprentice Officials) are required to wear a white polo style shirt over navy pants/shorts/skirt/skort. White shoes are also prefered. There are two processes in becoming a certified official: Registration with USA Swimming and Certification through PVS. This page will focus on describing the job of each type of official. We like to describe the types of officials as either "wet side"or "dry side" officials. "Wet side" officials include Stroke and Turn Judges, Starter, Chief Judge, Referee. They are called "wet side" because due to their positions on deck, closest to the pool, they are more likely to get wet. The "dry side" or "table" officials (Electronic Timing System Operator, Hy-Tek Computer Operator, and Administrative Official) are postitioned at the table and have a less likely (not impossible) chance of getting wet. Details about the Certification process can be found by following the hyperlinks embedded in the section titles.
***If you have any questions or concerns, please contact York's Officials Chair: Carolyn Kotarski ([email protected])***
ENTRY LEVEL OFFICIALS:
The Stroke and Turn Judges are located at both the start and turn ends of the pool. If it is a Long Course meet (50 meter pool) you might also see these officials walking the length of the pool. ST Judges ensure that the rules relating to the style of the swimming for that event are being followed. If they see a violation (for example a 1 handed touch in breaststroke) they raise their hand and record the violation. This is a great position for those that want to have a low stress job. And, you have an excellent view of the pool.
The Hy-tek Computer Operator works on the computer using Hy-Tek's Meet Manager (MM) program under the spervision of the Adminstrative Official (AO). Meet Manager is used to "run the meet." Pre-meet (meaning before competition begins) responsibilities include generating meet programs, lane timer sheets, and processing positive check in, for example. Once competition begins, the CO will collect the times generated by the timing system, adjust the times as instructed by the Admistrative Official, enter disqualifications, and print results. Using Meet Manager, the CO gets the times from the timing system after each heat. If you are a CO, you will be busy the entire session. If you like to multi-task, this is the job for you!
The Electronic Timing System Operator is seated at the table (which is located at the start end of the pool) and is a very important member of the "dry side" team. The TO is in charge of running the electronic timing system. Essentially, you follow a set routine: you have to make sure the system is ready for the start of each heat, save the times at the completion of each heat, and advance the system so it is ready to begin again. Being a TO is not difficullt. You have to concentrate on each race. However, that is your only job. Being able to multi-task is not a requirement. As with the CO, you will be working under the supervision of the Admistrative Official. The AO is certified as a TO and is there to help and provide relief if you need to step away.
ADVANCED LEVEL OFFICIALS:
The Admistrative Official is in charge of making sure that the athletes get the correct times, along with supervising and coordinating the TO and CO. If you love to multi-task and problem solve, this advance level position is perfect for you. You also have to be a "people person." You have to be certified as a CO and TO before you can train to be an Admistrative Official.
The Starter is in charge of starting each race. This official stands next to the Referee and is the one holding the microphone. They will annouce the event and heat. To signal the start, they will say "Take your marks" and them depress the start button which triggers the horn and starts the electronic timing system. Other tasks include observing false starts, keeping track of empty lanes, and recording the order of finish. Being a certified Stroke and Turn judge is required for this position.
If you like to walk, Chief Judge is the position for you! You observe the Stroke and Turn Judges. When one raises their hand, you go speak with that official to discuss the call and report the call to the Referee. This can involve using radios to communicate directly with the Refeee.
The Referee is in charge of all the officials and manages the actual competition. They stand next to the Starter and is the person who is blowing the whistle (the "chirps" and the long whistles that you hear during the meet) to indicate that it is time for the Starter to start the race. The referee ensure the safely of the swimmers and enforces all applicable rules. In order to be a Referee, you are required to be certified as a Stroke and Turn Judge, Starter, Chief Judge, in addition to having observation sessions at the table (TO, CO, AO) or be certified as an Administrative Offiical.
The Meet Referee is responsible for the overall conduct of the meet. They serve as the Team Leader, ensure consistency form session to session, and handles meet issues. All meets are required to have a Meet Referee. In order to be a Meet Referee, you have to be certified as a Referee and as an Administrative Official.
HOW TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER AS A CERTIFIED OR APPRENTICE OFFICIAL
coming soon!
