Become an Official

Officials are those folks dressed in white that you see on poolside at all swimming galas. Without them galas can't function. They are crucially important to swimming both in your club and in clubs throughout the country.

We have a constant requirement for swimmer's parents, and older swimmers, to train as new officials. ASA licensed galas such as our Tulip Open meet have a prescribed number of officials which need to be in attendance to meet the licensing conditions.

It's only by attending these types of licensed galas that your children can achieve qualifying times for higher level meets, and for County, Regional and National level competitions. There is a constant demand for new officials because many leave the sport as their children move off to university and out of the club.

There are 2 basic levels or roles:

Judge Level 1: A Judge at Level 1 is trained to carry out the following duties: Timekeeper, Chief Timekeeper, Inspector of Turns Chief Inspector of Turns, Relay Take-off Judge.

Judge Level 2: A Judge at Level 2 is trained to carry out the following duties: Judge of Stroke, Finish Judge and Chief Finish Judge. Training as a Starter can be incorporated as an additional skill to achieve the Judge Level 2(S) qualification. J2(S) is a pre-requisite to undertaking Referee training.

The training for J1 Level takes place over the course of the swimming season from September to July. The training is workbook based and there will be a couple of classroom sessions which will normally be in the clubhouse, and practical sessions on poolside during galas where you will be mentored.
We should emphasis there is no cost involved to the individual. The club pays the ASA a small fee for your training.

Benefits of Becoming an Official:

  • Increase your technical knowledge of competitive swimming.
  • Supports the swimmers, club and sport.
  • Most clubs/events will provide free parking or parking expenses.
  • Most clubs/events will provide free entry and lunches.
  • Regional and National events will provide overnight accommodation expenses.
  • Looks good on CVs/Personal Statements of those doing sports A levels and GCSEs/BTechs.

 

Any parents interested in volunteering to help out at galas as judges, timekeepers or stewards please contact secretary@slcsc.co.uk.