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From Parents' Handbook, USA Swimming:
Officials are present at all competitions to enforce the technical rules of swimming, so the competition is fair and equitable. Officials attend clinics, pass a written test, join USA Swimming as a non-athlete and apprentice at six meet sessions before being certified. There are several positions filled by officials at swim meets: Referee, Starter, Relay Take-off Judge, Turn Judge and Stroke Judge.
Referee - has overall authority and control; ensures that all rules are followed; assigns and instructs all officials; decides all questions relating to the conduct of the meet
Starter - Assumes control of the swimmers from the referee, directs them to "take their mark" and sees to it that no swimmer is in motion prior to giving the start signal
Relay Take-off Judge - stands behind the starting blocks to observe the relay exchange, ensuring that the feet of the departing swimmer have not lost contact with the block before the incoming swimmer touches the end of the pool
Turn Judge - observes the swimmers from each end of the pool and ensures that the turns and finishes comply with the rules applicable to each stroke
Stroke Judge - observes the swimmers from both sides of the pool; walks abreast of the swimmers to ensure that the rules relating to each stroke are being followed. The positions of Stroke Judge and Turn Judge may be combined into one position called the Stroke and Turn Judge.
DST sponsors periodic clinics to certify officials in the USA Swimming program, and we encourage our parents to attend other such clinics in the area. Levels of certification include stroke & turn judge, starter and referee. This is one way parents can really help our program, and we encourage interested individuals to fill these roles. In order to host high-quality competitions, it is essential that DST have a large contingent of well-qualified officials. It is expected that DST officials will also volunteer at non-hosted meets and regional championships. Our team participates in mini meets, A/BB/C meets for which there are no qualifying times, "A" level meets, and regional and national championships. In other words, any parent of any swimmer, regardless of age and ability, can be an official. Upcoming local Officials’ Certification Clinics will be announced on the Middle Atlantic and DST websites. If you have any questions about becoming an official, or about judgments that have been made against your swimmer, please contact Kent Steeves via boosters@freestyles.org
Currently certified DST officials are listed below:
Referees - Fred Frank, Cecil Gordon, Kent Steeves, Donna Vernon,
Starters - None
Stroke & Turn Judges - Chris Sontchi, Drew Hastings(in training)
Need more information on getting involved?
Click HERE for the Middle Atlantic Officials area.
Have questions about rules or past judges' calls?
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Additional clinics may be scheduled and will be announced on the MA website. All MA Clubs hosting meets are expected to develop officials within their membership. If your club has sufficient interest and would like to host a clinic, please contact the committee at Officials@maswim.org
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