Officials

Officiating for NBSC

For every meet the Club enters there is a requirement to provide Swimming Officials (SOs). This is usually in the form of timekeepers or judges, but also stewards/marshalls and other helpers. If we do not provide enough SOs, Meets cannot be licensed and swimmers’ times will not be officially recognised. Also, if a Meet or Gala does not have enough SOs it could ultimately be cancelled.

As a club, we have always managed to provide our expected officials but over time this changes as many of our officials are parents of older swimmers. We need a constant flow of parents, grandparents and older swimmers getting involved, so we do expect parents of squad swimmers to take up a role supporting the club.

Why do we need Technical Swimming Officials?

SOs are a central part of every swimming event and play an important role in ensuring the events run smoothly, safely and within the sport’s regulations.

How do you become a Swimming Technical Official?

A number of roles exist within officiating, from Timekeeper to Judge 1, Judge 2, Judge 2S and Referee.

Firstly you must be 14 years or older and a member of the ASA so you are insured for your activity on poolside. The Club will ensure that you are ASA registered when you participate in SO training.

The first step on the ladder of officiating is to become a Club Timekeeper (although all those aged 15+ will be placed straight onto Judge 1 training, as timekeeping forms a part of this qualification – see below). We run courses which consists of online assessment followed by practical experience/assessment of timekeeping on the poolside. Once the assessment is successfully completed you can officiate on the poolside at any club event but not at Licenced Open Meets.

Once you have reached the age of 15+ then you are eligible to become a Judge 1. Judge 1 qualifies you to be a Timekeeper, Chief Timekeeper, Relay Takeover Judge and a Turn Judge.

Once you have completed this you are then eligible to continue to Judge 2. Judge 2 qualifies you to judge Strokes and Finishes.

Once you have completed this you are then eligible to continue to Judge 2S (Starter). Judge 2S qualifies you to start races.

The last step is to become a Referee. This requires theoretical instruction and specified practical experiences. It is followed by a formal examination after which successful candidates take a final poolside practical assessment leading to qualification as a British Swimming Referee.

Who do I contact to get involved?

Please speak with the Workforce Development Officer. Alternatively, you can express an interest to the Gala Co-ordinator, Team Selector or your child’s coach.