Message from the Swim BOP Chairman
The Bay of Plenty Region is facing a considerable shortage of technical officials. An officiated swim meet with the correct number of pool deck officials is required to have your swimmer’s time ratified in the SNZ database.
Many of the senior officials you see at our regional meets no longer have kids swimming, and this model is definitely not sustainable long-term. Therefore, Swimming Bay of Plenty needs parents to start considering the Inspector of Turns pathway once they have time keep for two sessions. Also, for Inspectors of Turns who have officiated for more than a year, start looking beyond this role. Another area that needs help is on the Electronic Timing Desk. At present, the region has two operators, and we need at least two more. Do you want to turn up to a BOP meet to be told that we haven’t got enough officials to ratify the event?
That’s the last thing we want as well, but if we don’t start doing something about it now, it will be a reality sooner rather than later.
Greg Swanberg
Chair Technical Committee Swimming Bay of Plenty
TECHNICAL OFFICIALS (TOs)
Technical Officials (TOs) play a crucial role in ensuring fair and competitive swimming events, and they are ordinary people from all walks of life. With many current officials stepping down as their children move on from the sport, it’s vital to encourage new individuals to take up these rewarding positions, such as Timekeepers, Inspectors of Turns (IOTs), and Starters.
Becoming a TO not only offers the chance to work with passionate people and gain valuable skills but also provides an unparalleled view of the action at swim meets. Many roles are easy to learn, making it accessible for newcomers, while advanced positions can offer even deeper involvement for those willing to commit.
Whether you want to help out at club nights or aspire to higher responsibilities, your participation is essential for the future of swimming competitions. By joining as a Technical Official, you can rekindle your excitement for the sport and support swimmers while ensuring the integrity of competitions for all.
Getting Started
Swimming New Zealand has recently updated the official training pathway, making it clearer and simpler than ever. Training includes both online modules and hands-on experience at club and regional meets.
LEARN BY DOING
IOTs is the role most in need of an increase in numbers however we are also needing volunteers to continue further on the pathway after they have some time consolidating their IOT training.
As a Timekeeper you are responsible for taking the manual (stop watch) times for the swimmer in your lane. You may also be required to stop the backup (semi-automatic) timing when the swimmer in your lane has finished the race. (There is no longer a national qualification for Timekeeper.)
An Inspector of Turns ensures swimmers comply with the rules for starts, turns and finishes. The rules differ for each stroke, so Inspectors of Turns need to know the rules for each swimming stroke. Your jurisdiction is from the beginning of the last arm stroke into the wall and ending with the completion of the first armstroke leaving the wall except in breaststroke when it shall be the second armstroke.
The Starter is responsible for giving all swimmers a fair and equal start. The Starter has full control of the swimmers from the time they are handed over to him/her by the Referee.
Each Judge of Stroke shall ensure that the rules related to the style of swimming designated for the event are being observed and shall observe the turns and the finishes to assist the IOTs. Your jurisdiction is the full length of the pool.
The Referee has full control over all Officials and swimmers. The Referee must enforce all rules and any decisions made regarding the conditions of the race.
LEARN MORE
TRAINING WORKSHOPS
We are looking at bringing an IOT workshop back for those interested in taking up an officials role at the pool deck. In the meantime, please get in touch, and we will be able to advise how to get about embarking on the journey.
The following training workshops will be available (exact timing to be confirmed):
TBA
TBA
TBC
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
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