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CONNECTICUT SWIMMING, INC.
OFFICIALS MANUAL
PUBLISHED BY
THE OFFICIALS COMMITTEE
Michael L. Huffman – Chairman
Ken Block
Ed Doernberger
Ed Dunn
Carol Feeney
Pam Libertiny
Bill Repass
December, 2006
Contents
Introduction
Connecticut Officials Program
United States Swimming
Professional Swimming Officiating
CSI Referee Guidelines
CSI Guidelines for the Starter
CSI Guidelines for the Deck Referee
CSI Guidelines for Stroke and Turn Judges
Calculating the Official Time from Electronic Timing Systems
High School Championships OVC Coverage
Appendices
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Appendix B USA Swimming suggested meet personnelo
Appendix C Timers Instruction Outlineo
Appendix D Guide to 2005 Rules for frequent referenceo
Appendix E Stroke Briefing Outlineo
Appendix F Common S+T Disqualificationso
Appendix G CSI Warm-up Procedureo
Appendix H CSI Scratch Rules
INTRODUCTION
The Officials Manual is designed to act as a guideline for the officiating of meets sanctioned or approved by Connecticut Swimming, Inc., in a manner that is consistent and uniform with USA SWIMMING Rules and promotes fair, well-run competitions. This manual should be used in conjunction with the current USA swimming rules and regulations rulebook at all Connecticut Swimming competitions.
I would like to acknowledge especially the contributions of the current officials committee for their insights and input into reviewing and revising this document.
Michael L. Huffman, Chairman
Officials Committee
CONNECTICUT SWIMMING, INC. OFFICIALS PROGRAM
The CSI Officials Program is designed to train and certify individuals as "officials" for the conduct of USA swimming sanctioned swim meets in Connecticut Swimming. The program also affords individuals the opportunity to become nationally certified. All certifications issued by Connecticut Swimming are in accordance with the requirements endorsed by United States Swimming. New Minimum Standard Guidelines for LSC Officials were developed and adopted at the LSC Officials Chair Seminar in Colorado Springs in late October, 1995. These requirements have been modified by Connecticut Swimming and are as follows:
REQUIREMENTS:
To be certified as a CSI official, an individual must accomplish the following:
Attend a CSI deck officials clinic.
Pass an "open book" written examination covering the position in which he/she wish to be certified. These examinations are available online from either the Connecticut Swimming web site or the USA Swimming web site. Exams at all levels require a minimum grade of 80% to pass. These exams and all required training sessions should be completed within one year of the date of the clinic attended.
Train in the position the appropriate number of sessions under a certified CSI referee and have the referee sign their certification card after each working session. The appropriate number of sessions are as follows:
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Starter 5 Sessionso
Referee 6 Sessions
For Stroke+Turn and Starter training, one of the sessions may be a non-USA sanctioned meet as long as it is run by a USA certified referee.
Training is not allowed at freestyle only meets. S+T and Starter training is not allowed at CSI championship meets (Regionals, Age Groups, and Seniors)Certain meet officials and all referees, starters, stroke and turn judges and meet administrators (managers) are also required to be members of United States Swimming in order to be certified.
NOTE: An individual who wishes to become a referee or starter must start out as a stroke and turn judge and progress through the other positions to that position.
That progression is as follows:
Stroke+Turn to Starter A minimum of 1 year as Stroke+Turn before attending a starters clinic, passing the test, and beginning training.
Starter to Referee A minimum of 1 year as a Starter before attending a referees clinic, passing the tests, and beginning training.
An individual who is transferring from another LSC may start his/her training at the highest level of certification held in that LSC. Therefore, someone who is certified as a starter in another LSC may attend a deck officials clinic, pass the starter's examination and be certified as a starter.
CLINICS:
CSI generally conducts officials clinics throughout the year and announcements are made in advance of each clinic. These announcements are posted on the Officials page of the CSI website.
DECK OFFICIALS CLINICS:
The clinics have an introductory session that covers the general fundamentals of officiating philosophy as well as some discussion of recent changes at the national level, and specialized instruction in the rules and techniques of the positions being taught. Separate clinics are held for Referees and Starters.
CLINIC SCHEDULE:
At the beginning of each short course season, the Officials Committee will publish a schedule of upcoming clinics on the Officials page of the CSI website. It is suggested that all clubs post this schedule on their respective websites/bulletin boards for all members to see.
Additional clinics may be scheduled after the start of the season.
RECERTIFICATION AND WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR DECK OFFICIALS
All referees, starters and stroke and turn judges in CSI must be recertified every two years. This recertification can be performed in the following ways:
Attending an officials clinic designated for recertification.
Attending the annual officials meeting.
Completing the recertification exams required for their current level of certification.
In addition, in order to remain certified, each official must work six complete meet sessions each year. (six
for Starters and six for Referees as well). In other words, each official, in addition to working six sessions per year, must recertify by attending a clinic and completing the appropriate re-certification tests every two years.MEET MANAGERS' WORKSHOP
A workshop for those meet managers (administrators) who will be managing meets during the upcoming season is offered each fall.
RECOGNITION:
Officials who satisfy the requirement for certification at any level in CSI will receive a Connecticut Swimming officials patch and also may purchase a USA Swimming Connecticut Officials shirt. The current supplier of these shirts is:
OFFICIATING AT MEETS:
All CSI swim meets are conducted in accordance with the USA SWIMMING Official Rules for Competitive Swimming. Officials who wish to work a meet should not wait to be called. Normally, the meet manager will contact the officials chairmen of the clubs that are scheduled to participate in the meet and will request the names of the officials from those clubs who will work the meet. This procedure does not always guarantee that the meet will have enough officials. Consequently, any official who wishes to work at the meet should talk with the assigned deck referee during the warm-up period. The deck referee will let you know whether your assistance is needed.
All officials are encouraged to wear their white official's shirts and navy blue bottoms (shorts, skirts or pants), and those that are "on the deck" are required to do so. All officials must have their current United States Swimming membership card and their CSI certified officials card with them to be permitted to officiate. All deck officials should carry a pen and a whistle and may find a clipboard useful. Officials who are "in training" for a position should advise the referee. Remember to have the deck referee sign your certification card at the end of the session, and take advantage of that opportunity to ask any questions you may have before they slip your mind.
OFFICIALS ROSTER:
The current roster of CSI certified officials is a database maintained by the current CSI Officials chairman. This list is available on the CSI website through the Connecticut FAST system. This database is updated regularly throughout the course of the year.
GENERAL INFORMATION - United States Swimming
Following is the website for USA Swimming. Under the volunteers/officials tab there is an endless supply of information and articles about all aspects of officiating. It is well worth spending some time browsing the areas of this website.
Two very interesting locations are the Forums and the Situations pages. On the forums site you various questions and discussions about every aspect of officiating. The situations page has hundreds of various situations and their resolutions. These are broken down by Referee, Starter, S+T.
http://www.usaswimming.org/USASWeb/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=40&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en
PROFESSIONAL SWIMMING OFFICIATING
A good official has a firm knowledge of the rules and their intent. Knowledge of the rules builds an appreciation for them. The rules are designed to provide fair conditions of competition for all. A good official understands the philosophy and intent of the rule. There are many fine rules-people who can't officiate, but there aren't any fine officials who don't understand the rules.
The official who considers in advance where a rules problem might occur and plans to solve that eventuality before it occurs is a valuable ally.
When a volunteer official enters the pool deck an aura of professionalism should enter with him/her. Becoming a professional volunteer swim official doesn't just happen. It takes effort, ability, study and diligence. The key to success is the mind set that "I am a Good Official." The swim official who is the professional is the one:
who considers it a privilege not an obligation to officiate;
who is consistent and provides a uniform interpretation and application of the rules in all situations;
who has a protective rather than a punitive attitude toward enforcement of the rules;
who puts forth maximum effort before, during & after the last heat;
who has a strong working knowledge of the rules;
who focuses on observation not expectation, anticipation, nor preference;
who listens;
who is honest enough to admit an error in judgment;
who knows his intention is right and his attention was correctly focused;
who doesn't get hung up on worst case scenarios;
who avoids adversarial relationships;
who doesn't make officiating a contest between the competitor and the official, i.e., "he always false starts;"
who doesn't project probable outcomes, then makes a decision;
who informs a swimmer or coach of an infraction;
who is physically fit and has a proper professional appearance;
who provides a safe and fair competition for all;
who acts in the spirit of good sportsmanship;
who finds it rewarding to serve;
who maintains his/her dignity;
who recognizes merit in another point of view;
who renders timely decisions;
who is impartial;
who has the courage to make a call they observe;
who has respect for all those working to make a swim meet a great experience for young people;
who practices critical self-evaluation; and
who keeps a balanced outlook.
CSI REFEREE GUIDELINES
MEET REFEREE RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensures that meet follows all applicable USA SWIMMING rules
Appoints, assigns and instructs all officials and marshals
Is final authority for all activities at meet
Defines and assigns the responsibilities of other referees (deck, administrative, etc.) at the meet and provides supervision and direction to any such referees
REFEREE CHECKLIST
Items for review prior to the meet
Meet Announcement
scratch procedure - Connecticut Swimming Scratch Procedure is an appendix to this Manual
special instructions
warm-up procedures - Connecticut Swimming Warm-up Procedure is an appendix to this Manual
warm-up lane assignments
warm-up schedule
Appointing officials for the meet
unless the meet manager does so, the referee, to the extent possible, should appoint officials beforehand rather than assuming enough officials will show up
look at meet entries to see which officials' children are swimming in which sessions
the current CSI officials roster is posted on the CSI web site.
use networking
Recommended checklist for inspection of pool facilities
Effective January 1, 1994, Article 103.4.3 A has been amended to permit the LSC waive the requirement that lanes be numbered right to left as the swimmers stand facing the course
backstroke flags ( short course: 15ft/4.57m from each end; 7ft/2.13m over water)
backstroke flags ( long course: 5m/16ft, 5in from each end; 1.8m/5ft, 11in over water)
backstroke lane line markers (15m from each end)
recall rope ( short course: 36ft/11m from starting end)
recall rope ( long course: 15m/49ft from starting end)
water level (3.5ft/1.07m) minimum
water temperature (between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit)
overflow recirculation system -- no appreciable current or turbulence
starting system (strobe 15ft from starting end) -- check battery
air horn
timing system
counters for distance events
announcing system
bullpen location, equipment and staffing
Timing Judge location, equipment and staffing
swimmers' area
leading edge of starting block no more than 18 inches above water's surface where water is 3.5ft in depth [see Articles 103.11.1 and 103.2.3 B of the USA SWIMMING rule book for corresponding heights for greater water depths]
Items to review with meet manager
DQ procedures and routing of DQ slips. A copy of the DQ slip is available on the Connecticut Swimming website on the forms page.
warm up procedures and lane assignments
scratch procedure and degree of reseeding after coaches scratches
card flow - runner - DQ slips or cards to go to referee (and/or deck referee) before going to Timing Judge
determine whether head lane timers should circle middle times
determine time-line and obtain copies for self and starter. If posted, be sure it is labeled "estimated"
identify or appoint Timing Judge who determines official times; if a computer is being used, this would usually be the computer operator
remind meet director and scorers that referee must rule on each time determination in event of partial or complete system failure - the timing adjustment procedure is part of this manual.
establish number of timers per lane to be used and confirm that enough timers will be available and, if not, make plans for announcer to ask for additional timers; determine identity of head timer; determine timer quotas of the various clubs, if established by meet director
coordinate announcer and starter messages
confirm availability of stop watches for timers' use
confirm and obtain from meet director an adequate supply of DQ slips and relay take-off sheets
confirm availability and type of heat sheets for self, any deck referee and Starter
determine need for coaches' meeting
obtain the referees horn from the host
arrange for each official to get a copy of program and a supply of DQ slips and relay takeoff checklists
arrangements for drinks to be provided for officials (particularly the starter) and the timers during the course of the meet
confirm if refreshments and/or food are free for officials in uniform
confirm seating and deck space allocation for teams and spectators
Assignments and rotations of officials
assign marshals or official(s) other than yourself to supervise warm-up
consider size and shape of pool and recommended jurisdictions in making assignments of officials; (in case of "L" or "T" shaped pools, judging should not occur from the accessible side opposite the inaccessible segment)
CSI recommended stroke & turn jurisdictions:
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http://www.usaswimming.org/USASWeb/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=246&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en (select the recommended jurisdiction document from the list)
if sufficient number of officials are available, use administrative and/or deck referee and/or chief judge.
USA Swimming suggested organization for a large meet, assuming sufficient personnel are available:
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formulate a specific rotation schedule for each session; do not depend on officials themselves to fill-in or go on breaks; frequent rotations are better
use starter as a turn judge or starter and deck referee as poolside relay takeoff confirmation judges if you are short on officials
consider using newer officials for key roles (deck referee, starter) in lower level meets
ensure that officials are provided programs, DQ slips, relay takeoff checklists and meet evaluation forms
minimize number of different starters in a session (no more than three)
do not be reluctant to use more experienced officials as stroke and turn judges: they can be used as trainers of less experienced officials
use place judging for finals in absence of electronic timing
Officials' meeting
hold officials' meeting before timers' meeting and review:
assignments and rotation assignments and point(s)
deck or administrative referee, if possible
starter
chief judge, if possible
stroke, turn or stroke and turn
chief timer, if not appointed by meet manager
poolside relay take off judges
recall rope responsibility
timing judge
procedures for DQs
Procedures for disqualifications will be set by the referee at the officials briefing.
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The meet referee or deck referee must sign all DQ slips before the slips are given to the computer table. A DQ is not official until signed by the referee.o
Every reasonable effort should be made to locate and notify all swimmers of a disqualification. In all cases this should be done in as supportive a manner as possible. If a swimmer cannot be located, the referee should be notified and the information passed to the swimmers coach.Procedures for Relay Take-offs
Distribute relay take-off sheets to officials assigned to this task
The relay take-off checklist is an appendix to this Manual
Dual confirmation is required; Responsibility of the writing of the DQ slip will be spelled out by the referee.
Collect relay take-off sheets and keep with record of meet
Distribute copies of the Meet Evaluation Form and remind officials to complete and turn it into the Meet Manager before leaving the meet. This form is also available online and may be filled out at anytime following the meet.
Assign official to give timers' instructions
assign official to give timers instructions and conduct watch test -- should usually be the primary (or first) starter
consider attending timers' meeting for clarification of questions
Timers' instructions
A general timers briefing is contained in Appendix C of this manual
.Time line considerations
Obtain a copy of the pre- and post-scratch time lines and monitor progress of the meet against the post-scratch time line .
If time line is likely to be a problem, consider which events should be dropped in that eventuality and consider whether the meet committee and/or the coaches should be brought into that decision making process as well as the Meet Manager
If events have to be canceled and that fact is not established prior to the beginning of the meet, try to establish the events to be canceled and announce to the coaches and the meet director at least an hour and a
half (in the case of a four hour session) before the scheduled end of the meetAs tempting as it may be, do not attempt to collapse two heats into one unless the event is longer than 200 yards. The savings are negligible below that level
General considerations
As the meet referee you need to set the tone of the meet with all of the officials in attendance. This is done by leading by example and being thorough and diligent with all the tasks required of you. Remember the swimmers are the #1 priority of everyone in attendance.
Keep Track of Overall Flow of Meet
Try to be where problems are most likely to occur
Be aware of event number and heat at all times
Be aware of problems with scratches and no-shows
Be on deck whenever possible; but do not fail to occasionally check with Timing Judge and touch base with the Meet Manager
If feasible, visit with and rotate among officials during meet
Always have ready access to the USA SWIMMING rule book
Useful to have a clipboard; essential to have a whistle
Be available to workers, officials, swimmers and coaches
Remember to thank timers and officials at end of each session
Don't leave without:
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getting your own card signed by the Meet Managero
completing the Meet Evaluation Form and giving it to the Meet Manager
Meet Committee/Meet Jury
The Meet Referee decides on the composition of the "Meet Committee" (unless established in the meet announcement) to be convened to aid in the resolution of any particular problem at the Meet Referee's discretion. The composition of the "Meet Committee" is not defined in the rules, but should include those with expertise on the matter under consideration. The "Meet Committee" may cancel or postpone a meet prior to its commencement or after the Meet Referee has suspended the meet (Article 102.8.4 A&B). In this instance, the "Meet Committee" should include the Meet Referee, the Meet Manager (or other representative of the host club) and selected coaches whose swimmers are entered in the meet.
The use of a "Meet Jury" is used when there is a protest filed affecting the eligibility of a swimmer to compete (as defined in Article 102.11.2). The "Meet
Jury" may allow a swimmer to compete under protest and then refer to the CSI General Chairman or designee for adjudication.
CSI GUIDELINES FOR THE STARTER WITH THE NO RECALL STARTING PROCEDURE
RATIONALE
The first start generally is the swimmers best effort. Therefore, swimmers should not be penalized for a good start by having a race recalled due to someone false starting. Under the no-recall starting procedure, the penalty for a false start is imposed on the offender after completion of the swim. This starting procedure, however, emphasizes swimmers responsibility to concentrate on the start and the race and not be affected by actions of the other swimmers on the blocks. If confirmed by the Referee, swimmers reaction to the movement by another swimmer could result in a disqualification or at the very least, in a delayed response to the start signal. Also note that, under this procedure, Informing the athlete about a disqualification for a false start after the event is consistent with all other disqualifications under the swimming rules.
Starters Responsibilities
National Championship starting procedures will be in place, except that, if a false start occurs, no recall signal will be given. Instead, the Starter shall allow the race to proceed and shall make a written record and immediately report to the Referee the lane or lanes which false started. Any other observation by the starter or information relative to the start should also be reported.
If, after assuming the starting position on the command take your mark , a swimmer leaves their mark prior to the start signal and the Starter has time to give the stand command, no signal shall be given and the offending swimmer will be disqualified by the Referee or a Referees designee after confirming the lane with the Starter. All other swimmers entering the water in reaction to the stand command shall be released. The starter shall inform the heat by saying please remain motionless or second start and shall restart the heat.
The starter may recall a heat for unusual circumstances, such as a lane line break, sudden noise interfering with the start signal, or anything that may affect fair conduct of the race.
Referees Responsibilities
The referee shall use the current National Championship procedure for initiating a race and shall observe each start for movement prior to the signal and other irregularities. The Referee shall record the observations immediately after the start, but shall allow the race to continue without recall. If the Referee and Starter independently agree on the infraction and the lane or lanes, the swimmer or swimmers in those lanes shall be charged with a false start. The referee or a designee shall inform swimmers of the violation upon completion of the race. No false start can be charged if a heat is instinctively recalled by the Starter and the heat shall be restarted. In the 50 meter races, notification of the infraction will be communicated by the referee or the chief judge at the starting end to the chief judge at the finish end who then will inform the athlete of the infraction.
Recall Starter
A recall starter will not be used with this procedure. The starter shall have full responsibility of ensuring that proper starting procedures are implemented and enforced.
Starting instructions
Referee will blow a series of short whistles (4 or more) to indicate to the swimmers behind the blocks to prepare for their heat.
Unless there is an announcer, Starter announces the event and the number of heats before the first heat
The Referee will blow 1 long whistle, indicating to the swimmers to step up (or in, in the case of backstroke/medley relay)
Once the Starter/Referee are satisfied that all swimmers are present, the referee will extend 1 arm towards the starter, closing the heat. It is at this time that the heat is closed and no additional swimmers may step up.
The starter will then issue the command take your mark, and send the heat off.
As the last swimmer in the heat passes under the backstroke flags the referee will again blow the series of short whistles and the starter will announce the next heat # only (heat 2).
Once the last swimmer has finished the referee will blow the long whistle and the process will start over again.
Notes:
If after the long whistle is blown and the starter/referee determine a swimmer is missing, they will call for the swimmer by lane, name, and club. This is done once and once only. If the swimmer is not behind the blocks and ready to step up the referee will extend his/her arm and close the heat.
During backstroke starts the first long whistle indicates to the swimmers to step into the water. There will be an additional long whistle to indicate to the swimmers to return to the wall and take their starting position.
Maintain a consistent cadence and rhythm.
False starts
If in motion before the starting signal.
Must agree with referee and/or the deck referee. If DQ agreed, complete a DQ slip (or mark the card if DQ slips are not being used) and personally advise the swimmer in as supportive a manner as possible of the
false start .The recommended method in Connecticut Swimming is that the starter will approach the referee if he/she observes a false start.
If a swimmer falls in response to "stand up", he/she may be relieved of false start charge
Disqualifications
Declared False Start
Deliberate delay
Deliberately entering water on "stand
up"Not ready to swim
No show
other misconduct
Other Considerations
Say " Yard" or " Meter", not "Yard s" or "Meter s"
Say " Butterfly", not "Fly"; Say " Breaststroke", not "Breast"; Say "
Backstroke", not "Back"; Say " Freestyle", not "Free"; and Say " Individual Medley", not "I.M."Use hand signals for hearing-impaired swimmers, regardless of whether or not they are looking at you.
Likely other duties, if assigned by
refereeturn judge
poolside relay takeoff confirmation judge
give timers' instructions (the guidelines for timers' instructions are set forth in the referee section of this manual)
Meet Evaluation Form
When you have completed your last session of officiating at a meet, please complete and turn in to the Meet Manager your Meet Evaluation Form. This for is also available on the CSI website and may be filled out anytime following the meet.
CSI GUIDELINES FOR THE DECK REFEREE
In addition to the following, you may reference the Deck Referee/Starter guidelines document from the following site:
http://www.usaswimming.org/USASWeb/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=246&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en
Starting and finishing instructions
coordinate with starter
judge start for same elements as starter
have air horn/gun prepared to recall a heat in case of an equipment/facility problem. This can include a start that you feel is unfair to the athletes
if directed by Referee, whistle swimmers from the water promptly upon last swimmer finishing the event [this may have a major impact on the time line - pay attention]
in event of a recall, move promptly to consult with the starter and/or the referee prior to talking to the affected swimmer
for gun lap events ( freestyle events > 16 lengths), ring bell, sound air horn or fire gun from starting end of pool over lane of lead swimmer when lead swimmer is 2 laps plus 5 yards/meters (flags) from finishing the event.
Maintain the order of finish.
Maintain the lap count sheets for distance events.
Likely Other Duties, if assigned by referee
turn judge
confirming poolside relay takeoff judge
Meet Evaluation Form
When you have completed your last session of officiating at a meet, please complete and turn in to the Meet Manager your Meet Evaluation Form. This can also be done online at the CSI Website after the meet
.
CSI GUIDELINES FOR STROKE AND TURN JUDGES
Stroke and turn judge responsibilities
Before the meet, review USA SWIMMING Technical Rules, Article 101
Apply the rules uniformly and consistently
Stroke Judges - look at each lane equally even if empty
Turn Judges - observe feet, then shoulders, then the touch, etc., but always in the same order
Know the deck protocol:
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don't talk to swimmers unless specifically spoken tonote on cards/heat sheets if swimmer misses pad or gets bad touch at finish
on whistle - turn judge stands to right of chair
on start - turn judge comes up to observe first pull
pay attention; don't gossip; be courteous; applaud
Never Leave Post - without telling the referee first
Accept your jurisdiction at the officials' briefing
review where to stand; to the right of the starting block, or on the side, when swimmer approaches the touch or finish, etc.
Comply with standard protocol for a disqualification:
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judge was in position to make disqualificationo
judge knew the proper rule interpretation for the infractiono
Declare a DQ (by raising hand and arm) when you observe an infraction, but call what you did see and not what you did not see; i.e., one hand not touching, not one hand touching. The Benefit of the Doubt goes to the swimmer (not sure; no DQ)!After declaring a DQ, you must:
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If DQ slips are not being used, mark the card held by the head lane timer as a "DQ" and personally inform (a) the swimmer in as supportive a manner as possible of the nature of the infraction and (b) the referee of the nature of the infraction and give the marked card to the referee or deck referee. Use the rulebook verbiage whenever possible.Officials Stroke Briefing
See Appendix E for points to be touched on during the stroke briefing. This is to be used as a guideline and may be changed to fit any particular situation.
Meet Evaluation Form
When you have completed your last session of officiating at a meet, please complete and turn in to the Meet Manager your Meet Evaluation Form
Calculating the Official Time from Electronic Timing Systems
Please note that the timing examples listed here are from the USA swimming rulebook. It is best to always use the most current rulebook when working with timing issues.
(Based upon the 2005 USA SWIMMING Rules and Regulations)
TIMING SYSTEMS: Every race in a swimming competition shall be timed with one or more of the following systems, listed in their preferred order of use:
Automatic: A timing system that is started automatically by an electric impulse or a transducer capable of detecting a gun report and stopped at the finish by the swimmer touching the touchpad.
Semi-Automatic: A timing system that is started automatically by an electric impulse or transducer capable of detecting a gun report and stopped by buttons pushed by timers at the finish touch of the swimmer.
Manual A timing system consisting of individual lane timers, each of whom operates a manual digital watch (i.e. a digital readout handheld electronic timing device designed primarily for that purpose) that is both started and stopped by the timer.
TIMING SYSTEMS DESIGNATION - Timing systems shall be designated in the order in which results are used as follows:
Primary System The primary system shall determine the Official Time of each swimmer, unless comparison of primary with secondary and/or tertiary system data indicates a malfunction of the primary system. A primary system shall always be in place and shall consist of one of the following, listed in their preferred order of use
Automatic Timing.
Semiautomatic, with three (3) or two (2) buttons per lane, each operated by a separate timer.
Manual, with three (3) or two (2) watches per lane, each operated by a separate timer.
Secondary System If the primary system is not manual watches, a secondary system of precedence lower than the primary system must be used. The secondary system may be.
Semiautomatic with one (1), two (2), or three (3) buttons, each operated by a separate timer.
Manual with one (1), two (2) or three (3) watches per lane, each operated by a separate timer.
Tertiary System Unless the primary system consists of three (3) or two (2) manual watches per lane or the secondary system consists of at least one (1) manual watch per lane, a tertiary system which includes at least one (1) manual watch per lane shall be provided.
TIMING PERSONNEL - The following are the duties of the timing personnel:
Timing Equipment Operator The Timing Equipment Operator shall be responsible for the automatic or semiautomatic timing equipment, including the electronic starting system and scoreboard (if used), and shall advise the Referee of any system problems that might affect the accuracy of times or whenever the touchpad is observed to have failed to record the finish when the swimmer completed the race.
Timing Judge Under the direction of the Referee, the Timing Judge shall determine the Official Time for each swimmer as follows:
Receive and review the automatic and/or semiautomatic timing results from the Timing Equipment Operator, and compare primary timing results with the backup timing results to determine their validity.
Receive the times recorded by the Head Lane Timers from the Chief Timer and use those times to the extent needed to determine the Official Time for each swimmer, including when a Manual Timing System is used as the Primary System.
Notify the Referee whenever a time obtained by the primary timing system cannot be used as the Official Time.
Record disqualifications approved by the Referee.
DETERMINATION OF OFFICIAL TIME
Automatic Timing When achieved by properly operating automatic timing equipment, the pad time shall be the primary time.
Semiautomatic and Manual Timing Whenever semiautomatic or manual timing is used, the times (Primary or Secondary) shall be determined as follows:
If the times of at least two of the three buttons or watches agree. that time shall be the time for that timing system.
If all three buttons or watches disagree, the time of the intermediate button or watch shall be the time for that timing system.
If only two button or watch times are available, the time for that timing system shall be the average of those two button or watch times. The digits representing thousandths of a second shall be dropped with no rounding.
If only one button or watch time is available, the time of that button or watch shall be the time for that timing system.
Primary Timing System Malfunction A primary timing system malfunction may have occurred if:
The difference between the time obtained by the Primary System and the backup system(s) is .30 second or more.
A late or missed touch is reported by an official observing the finish.
Adjustment for the Timing System Difference When a malfunction of the primary timing system is determined by the Referee, the official lane time is the backup time after applying any required timing system adjustment. The adjustment shall be made prior to integrating backup times with
accurate primary times to establish the Official Times and determine the Order of Finish.The adjustment for timing system differences may be incorporated into the semi-automatic system by design, or be calculated based on
Adjustment for Malfunction on a Lane When a malfunction is confirmed on a lane, the backup times for that lane shall be adjusted by calculating the average difference between valid primary and valid backup times of the other lanes in that heat. This shall be done by adding, or subtracting when
appropriate, that average difference to the valid backup time of the lane where the malfunction occurred.EXAMPLE (LANE MALFUNCTION):
Systems used:
Primary - Automatic
Secondary - Semiautomatic, three buttons (intermediate button time shown in italics)
Tertiary - Manual, one watch.
| LANE | PRIMARY
PAD TIME |
BUTTON
A |
BUTTON
B |
BUTTON
C |
WATCH
TIME |
PAD
MINUS MIDDLE BUTTON |
OFFICIAL TIME |
|
1 |
52.21 |
52.07 |
52.12 |
52.14 |
52.04 |
.09 |
52.21 |
|
2 |
52.18 |
52.01 |
51.91 |
52.06 |
51.95 |
.17 |
52.18 |
|
3 |
51.05 |
51.01 |
50.97 |
51.00 |
50.95 |
.05 |
51.05 |
|
4 |
51.04 |
50.78 |
50.88 |
50.93 |
50.84 |
.16 |
51.04 |
|
5 |
51.96 |
51.30 |
51.35 |
51.38 |
51.27 |
.61* |
Error |
|
6 |
51.65 |
51.57 |
51.56 |
51.59 |
51.55 |
.08 |
51.65 |
|
7 |
52.27 |
52.13 |
52.18 |
52.13 |
52.10 |
.14 |
52.27 |
|
8 |
51.87 |
51.58 |
51.75 |
51.89 |
51.65 |
.12 |
51.87 |
* Difference of .30 of a second or more, late touch confirmed.
Add the differences between pad and intermediate (middle) button time (excluding the malfunctioning lane); total = 0.81.
(The intermediate button time is shown above in boldfaced italics.)
Divide 0.81 by the number of valid lanes to determine an average: 0.81 divided by 7 = .11571; the digits after hundredths are dropped, leaving a
timing system difference of .11.Add the timing system difference to the valid backup time for Lane 5: 51.35 + .11 = 51.46 (the Official Time for Lane 5)
F. Adjustment for Malfunction Equally Affecting an Entire Heat When, because of an early or late start, or other equipment or operator malfunction, the time of the
Automatic or Semiautomatic primary timing system is equally incorrect for all the lanes in a heat, but the Order of Finish and thus the absolute difference of time between the swimmers is accurate, the times of the primary system shall be adjusted by calculating the average difference between the primary times and the valid backup times and adding, or subtracting when appropriate, that difference to the primary times of every lane in that heat.EXAMPLE (HEAT MALFUNCTION):
Systems used:
Primary - Automatic (Late manual start confirmed)
Secondary - Semiautomatic, three buttons (Button times not valid);
Tertiary - Manual, one watch (valid)
| PRIMARY
PAD TIME |
WATCH
TIME |
WATCH
TIME LESS PAD TIME |
HEAT
ADJUSTMENT |
OFFICIAL
TIME |
|
|
1 |
52.12 |
55.14 |
3.02 |
+ 3.06 |
55.18 |
|
2 |
51.56 |
54.61 |
3.05 |
+ 3.06 |
54.62 |
|
3 |
51.09 |
54.18 |
3.09 |
+ 3.06 |
54.15 |
|
4 |
50.12 |
53.18 |
3.06 |
+ 3.06 |
53.18 |
|
5 |
49.78 |
52.90 |
3.12 |
+ 3.06 |
52.84 |
|
6 |
49.06 |
52.06 |
3.00 |
+ 3.06 |
52.12 |
|
7 |
52.21 |
55.30 |
3.09 |
+ 3.06 |
55.27 |
|
8 |
52.92 |
55.99 |
3.07 |
+ 3.06 |
55.98 |
Add the differences between the pad and watch times, total = 24.50
Divide 24.50 by the number of lanes to determine an average: 24.50 divided by 8 = 3.0625; the digits after hundredths are dropped, leaving a heat adjustment of 3.06.
Add the adjustment factor of 3.06 seconds for late start of the primary system to each pad time to obtain the Official Time for that lane.
Confirm that the differences between pad and watch times per lane do not differ by .30 seconds or more (i.e., indicating potential missed pad touch).
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
How to Find Out if the Touchpad Time is Valid
Compare the touch-pad time with the back-up button time to find the difference.
Most automatic timing system printouts can be set to show a star ( * ) if the difference in these times is .30 seconds or more ( >.30 seconds.) The touch-pad time is the official time if this difference is less than .30 seconds ( <.30 seconds. )
If the difference in (1.) is >.30 seconds, compare the touch-pad time to the intermediate (middle)
watch time. If this difference is <.30 seconds the touch-pad time is the official time.If the difference in (2.) is >.30 seconds then compare the button time with the intermediate watch time. If this difference is <.30 seconds, calculate, for each of the other lanes, the difference between the button time and touch-pad time.
Use the average of these differences to adjust the back-up button time to obtain the official time for the lane in question, as described in the USA SWIMMING Rules.
If the touch-pad is missed on a turn during the race, the final "split" time shown by the automatic timing system may be the final touch-pad time and can be confirmed by
The biggest problem arises when all comparisons of times give a difference >.30 seconds. Check whether the three manual watch times are close, in which case use the intermediate watch times as the back-up time and calculate the official time as described in (2.)
If the watch times vary, ask the lane timers for any additional information they may have. Then it will be necessary to speak directly to the Referee to determine the method to be used in this specific case to find the official time.
Example: When the Differences are Not All Positive
| Lane | Pad
Time |
Button
Time |
Difference <.30 ( >.30) |
Watch
#1 |
Watch
#2 |
Official
Time |
| 1 | 33.76 | 33.61 | +0.15 | 33.56 | 33.74 | 33.76 |
| 2 | 32.09 | 32.15 | -0.06 | 32.20 | 32.12 | 32.09 |
| 3 | 32.41 | 31.74 | (0.67) | 31.78 | 31.67 |
31.86 |
| 4 | 32.04 | 31.88 | +0.16 | 31.66 | 31.97 | 32.04 |
| 5 | 34.60 | 34.38 | +0.22 | 34.28 | 34.88 | 34.6 |
| 6 | 33.21 | 33.05 | +0.16 | 32.98 | 33.23 | 33.21 |
To compute the average difference, aggregate the differences that are <.30 seconds taking into account the signs: +0.15 - 0.06 + 0.16 + 0.22 + 0.16 = +0.63; compute the average: +0.63 divided by 5 = +0.126; and drop the digits after 100ths to give +0.12 as the average difference. Thus, the official time for lane 3 is +0.12 + 31.74 = 31.86.
HIGH SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
OVC COVERAGE BY CSI OFFICIALS
PROCEDURE FOR CSI OFFICIALS:
Coordination of USA swimming officials coverage for Connecticut high school swimming championships is the responsibility of the current Officials chair.
The following procedures will apply to OVC coverage of high school meets by CSI officials:
Officials will be provided to observe all class finals and the Connecticut High School Open championship.
Every effort will be made to provide 4 officials for each meet. If 4 officials are available:
o
o
Each official will be provided a program and, as the meet progresses, indicate any non-conforming swims and the reason for such on the programo
At the completion of the session these programs will be collected by the referee (or referee designee), consolidated, and given to the current CT LSC officials chair.o
Upon verification, the officials chair will forward these to the CT swimming office.If 4 officials are not available:
o The coaches in attendance shall be notified that any requests for observation must be made in advance. The officials in attendance will then observe the swims requested noting this on the program. The remaining procedures above will then be followed.
If Required, the actual OVC request forms are available either on the USA swimming website or on the Connecticut Swimming website on the forms page.
Appendix A Recommended Stroke and Turn Jurisdictions
| Back | Turn Judge | Full jurisdiction - inside backstroke
flags
Turning action must be continuous On back until touch at finish and at end of backstroke leg in IM & MR May be assigned to watch feet after start |
| Stroke Judge | Between the flags (15 meter marks),
swimmer remains on back
No pulling on lane lines or edge of pool Head must break surface by 15 meters Judge walks between 15m marks |
|
| Breaststroke | Turn Judge | At the start/leaving on turns
Stroke-kick through first "head up", including widest arc of second arm pull On entering a turn or finish Last stroke in, head breaking surface Arms on same horizontal plane from beginning of the 1st arm pull Simultaneous 2 hand touch Elbows under water, except last stroke at finish Proper stroke/kick cycle into wall |
| Stroke Judge |
Kick and stroke after head breaks surface through next to last stroke
into wall Responsible for kick all the way to the wall Elbows under water during recovery phase |
|
| Butterfly | Turn Judge |
Kick through 1st arm pull Body towards the breast when feet leave the wall. Body on breast by 1st arm pull Last stroke in (underwater recovery) Simultaneous 2-hand touch |
| Stroke Judge |
Kick and stroke after 1st armstroke through next to last arm
stroke into wall. Kick all the way into wall at turns/finish 15m heads up mark |
|
| Freestyle |
Turn Judge
Stroke Judge |
Full jurisdiction, observe turns/touches May be assigned 15m heads up mark |
Appendix B USA Swimming Suggested Meet Personnel
Meet Director
Meet Referee
Administrative Referee
Entries, Registration, OVCs
Clerk of Course
Timing Equipment Operator and Chief Timing Judge
Computer Operator and Desk Personnel
Deck Referee
Head Starter
Starters
Chief Judge
Stroke and Turn Judges
Chief Timer
Head Timers
Timers
Recorders
Chief Marshal
Marshals
Appendix C Timers Instructions
Timers' instructions should include the following:
positioning of timers - at finish, looking down over edge
when to start and stop watches
start on strobe if possible, otherwise on sound
stop when any part of body touches; timers not concerned with legality of finishing touch
conduct watch check
times should be within 0.30 seconds of each other
review use of backup timing system button(s) if available
head lane timer should not do both button and watch
generally pushed only at finish; same rules as for stopping watches
review starter verbal instructions and role of deck referee
review role of back-up timer(s) and where positioned
o
o
need to be indicated by raising hand and, if necessary, calling out "backup timer"describe use of runner(s) and if possible introduce runner(s)
if applicable, describe movement of timers for 25 yard events
Head Lane Timers' Responsibilities:
o
o
record times from watches in same ordero
check on swimmers' name for each evento
check relay swimmers' names(first and last), age, and order of swim on card before each relayo
raise hand or have another timer raise hand if starter is proceeding too fast for you to record the times or if you have a problem
Appendix D - Guide to 2005 Rules for Frequently Referenced Topics
Topic/ USA SWIMMING Rule Book
Awards pp. 27 & 64,66,67
Backstroke Flags p. 47-48
Cancellation p. 28-29
Change of Program/Postponement p. 28-29
Costume/Insignia p. 29
Disqualifications p. 29-30
Eligibility pp. 65-66
Entries p. 23-34
4-Hour Rule p. 66
National Championships pp. 70-83
Protests pp. 30-31 & 72-73
Records pp. 49-54
Referee p. 32-33
Relays -- Swimming order p. 22
Representation pp. 63-64
Scratch Procedure pp. 24 & 73-74
Seeding pp. 25-26
Start p. 33-34
Starter pp. 33-34
Starting Platform pp. 46-47
Swimoffs p. 25-26
Timers pp. 36-37
Time, Determination of Official pp. 37-41
Unsportsmanlike Conduct p. 30
Appendix E Stroke Briefing
Freestyle
touching the walls at each turn and the finish
not interfering with other swimmers
not standing down and then pushing off
no walking
no pulling along lane lines
Backstroke - Generally
"Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards or 48 ft. 14 in.) after the start and each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface of the water."The swimmer shall be on his back at all times except when executing a turn. The normal position on the back can include a roll movement of the body up to, but not including 90 degrees from the horizontal.
any part of the swimmer may touch to finish
swimmer may be submerged at the finish. The recommendation for judging this is as follows:
o
can't leave the back or turn over before touch at finish, watch from directly above, if possible
after the start, standing in or on the gutter or toes curled over the gutter is a stroke violation
Backstroke - Turns
key is "continuous turning action", i.e. a uniform, unbroken motion with no pauses
after the upper shoulder rotates beyond the vertical toward the breast, a continuous single arm pull or a continuous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn
there shall be no kick, arm pull or floatation that is independent of the continuous turning action
the position of the head is not relevant
the shoulders must be at or past vertical toward the back when the swimmer leaves the wall
Butterfly
up and down kick: motion of feet simultaneous
no scissors kick or breaststroke kick
arms must recover over and under the water simultaneously
hands must touch the wall simultaneously
any number of kicks but only one arm pull under water at turns
no flutter kick off the wall
body must be towards the breast during the entire swim
body must be past vertical toward breast when swimmer leaves wall
finish simultaneous two hand touch
Breaststroke
no scissors or flutter kick under water on pullout or turns.
1 single downward butterfly kick may be used during first stroke off the start and each turn. If used, must be between the start of the first arm pull and the start of the first breaststroke kick.
on pull out or after turn, one pull, one kick while submerged (may be a combination of butterfly kick/breaststroke kick). Head must break the surface of the water by the time the hands turn inward at the widest point of the 2nd arm stroke.
head must break surface of water once per cycle
head must break surface at some time during the last complete stroke cycle going into the turns and the finish
hands may not pass hips except during pullout on start and turns.
feet turned outward during propulsive part of stroke
no scissors, flutter or butterfly kick
simultaneous two hand touch at turns and finish
Arms must remain in the same horizontal plane from the beginning of the first arm pull
after turn, body must be past vertical toward breast when swimmer leaves wall
finish two hand touch simultaneously
hands must be pushed forward together from the breast, on, under or over the water
arms must move simultaneously and in the same horizontal plane
the elbows shall be under the water during the recovery portion of the stroke except for the last stroke at the finish
Individual Medley
Fly/Back/Breast/Free
turn rules for particular stroke apply at intermediate turns
finish rules for particular stroke apply at completion of respective stroke
Medley Relay
back/breast/fly/freeturn rules for particular stroke apply at intermediate turns
finish rules for particular stroke apply at completion of respective stroke
Appendix F - COMMON STROKE & TURN DISQUALIFICATIONS
1. FREESTYLE:
a. Failure to touch at the turn. (NOTE: if touch missed, swimmer may reach back and make a legal touch or may come back if he missed the wall, but only in freestyle.)
b. Walking or springing from the bottom of the pool.
c. Finishing in the wrong lane.
d. Getting artificial assistance (e.g., grasping and pulling on the lane lines; pushing off side walls.)
2. BACKSTROKE:
a. After the starting signal, standing in or on the gutter.
b. Swimmer submerged after start or turn and head surfacing beyond 15 meters (16.4 yards).
c. Getting artificial assistance (e.g., grasping and pulling on the lane lines to assist forward motion; pulling or pushing off side walls.)
d. Non-continuous turning
e. When shoulders have turned past vertical on the turn, swimmer misses touch on the wall and sculls back to touch.
f. Failure to return to or past vertical toward the back before swimmer leaves the wall on the turn.
g. Turning shoulders past vertical at the finish.
3. BREASTSTROKE:
a. Arms not in the same horizontal plane from the beginning of the first armstroke.
b. At the start or after any turn, head still below the water surface when the hands begin to turn inward at the widest part of the second arm stroke.
c. Over-the-water recovery with elbows out of the water (except after last stroke at the finish).
d. Sidestroke or scissors kick (any alternating movement).
e. Dolphin or flutter kicks (with the exception being a downward dolphin kick as defined during the start and after each turn) .
f. Touch not simultaneous or 1-hand touch on turns or finish. (Need not be on the same level.)
g. Body not at or past the vertical towards the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall after a turn.
h. Getting artificial assistance.
4. BUTTERFLY:
a. Alternating kicking movement, such as flutter kicks.
b. Scissors or breaststroke kicking movement.
c. Arm recovery not over the water after pull into the turn or finish (usually characterized by short pull and an underwater, stabbing touch).
d. Hand touch not simultaneous or 1-hand touch. (NOTE: Hands need not be at the same level on either turns or the finish.)
f. Getting artificial assistance.
5. INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY:
a. Violation of any rule pertaining to individual strokes. (NOTE: when turning from the butterfly to the backstroke, after a legal touch, the swimmer's shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the back when the swimmer leaves the wall."
b. Following turn rather than finish rules when turning from one stroke to another (e.g., when going from backstroke to breaststroke, the swimmer's shoulders in the backstroke may NOT turn past vertical prior to the touch of the wall).
c. Swimming any variation (legal or illegal) of backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly in the freestyle leg.
6. RELAYS:
a. Early take-off (swimmer on the block leaves before incoming swimmer touches the wall).
b. Failure to swim proper order of strokes.
c. Stroke violation.
d. Failure to swim required distance.
e. Entering the water without permission: whole team is disqualified if any member, other than the swimmer designated to swim, enters the pool before all other competitors have finished!
Appendix G - CONNECTICUT SWIMMING, INC.
WARM-UP PROCEDURE
Pre-meet Warm-up Period
Control/Supervise - key words for safe warm-ups
Marshals/Officials should be actively supervising the warm-up to ensure that proper procedures are followed. At least one Marshall/Official should be on duty. Marshals have authority to enforce these warm-up procedures and maintain order in the swimming venue, to warn or order to cease and desist, and, with the concurrence of the meet referee, to remove, or have removed from the
swimming venue anyone, including a swimmer or a coach, in violation of these procedures or behaving in an unsafe manner. The meet host is responsible for providing sufficient Marshals/Officials to comply with this paragraph. All persons serving as Marshals must be members of USA SWIMMING.Coaches are reminded that they are responsible for the supervision of their swimmers during a warm-up, just as they are when they are on deck at practice.
Under certain conditions, it may be necessary to divide the swimmers into two groups. When a session is
made up of 12/unders and 13/overs, the swimmers may be divided by age. When a session is made up of only 12/unders or only 13/overs, the swimmers may be divided by sex. Whether included in the meet announcement or not, the Meet Referee may alter the division(s) of the warm-up, whether by time or by lane, to ensure fairness to the swimmers.Total meet warm-up shall be a minimum of 50 minutes with the only exception being 8/under meets for which the minimum shall be 30 minutes.
General Warm-up Period
Allocate the first 4/5 of warm-up time to general warm-up in all lanes evenly divided among the total number of swimmers. For example, in a 50 minute warm-up, the first 20 minutes would be for girls and the second 20 minutes for boys. Before the second group enters the water, the pool should be completely cleared of the first group.
There will be no racing starts off the blocks or the edge of the pool at this time - swimmers must jump in for warm-up swims. During this portion of the warm-up, plastic traffic cones should be placed on the starting blocks, so that all swimmers are aware that the blocks are not to be used.Specific Warm-up Period
This portion of the warm-up is made up of the final 1/5 of the warm-up period.
During the specific warm-up period, at least two lanes in a six lane pool shall initially be available for circle swimming. If the meet session includes longer events, consideration should be given to setting aside one or more outside lanes for pace work.
The remaining lanes shall be set aside for one way sprints from the blocks. Sprint lanes shall be so designated by moving the plastic traffic cones from the starting block to the far end of the lane. Outside lanes generally should not be opened for sprints, except for long course meets.
When a lane is being converted from a general warm-up lane to a sprint lane, a marshal/official shall "hold back" the first swimmer in the sprint lane until the lane is cleared of circling swimmers.
The Meet Referee shall have the power to increase or decrease the number of lanes devoted to any particular use, if, after taking into account the number of swimmers in lines for other uses, he/she feels this will create a more effective and fair warm-up.Important Points to Remember during