Interested in Becoming a Certified Official?

If you are interested in becoming a certified Virginia USA Swimming official, please contact one of your Official's Co-Chairs:

Bill Ross
379-3370
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or

Al Thompson
560-5488
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Poseidon will pay the annual membership fee ($50) for those officials who actively work on behalf of Poseidon at USA Swimming meets.  You can get a copy of the registration form on the Virginia Swimming web site under "Registration."  You are looking for the "non-athlete form."  Print it out and turn it into the Poseidon Office for payment.  Some forms are also available on deck in the first bin.  Registrations should be turned in before the end of the year to keep membership current.

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 and work meets before being certified. All parents are encouraged to get involved with some form of officiating.

Clerk of the Course (Administration): Arranges the swimmers in their proper heats and lanes prior to a race.

Referee: Has overall authority and control of the competition, ensuring that all the rules are followed; assigns and instructs all officials, and decides all questions relating to the conduct of the meet.

Relay Takeoff Judges: Stand beside 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.

Timers: Operate timing devices (watches or semi automatic timing systems) and record the time for the swimmer in their lane. 2 or 3 timers are needed for each lane. This volunteer position offers an ideal opportunity for new parents to work in a swim meet.

Turn Judges: Observe the swimmers from each end of the pool and ensure that the turns and finishes comply with the rules applicable to each stroke.

Starter: Assumes control of the swimmers from the Referee, directs them to "take your mark," and sees to it that no swimmer is in motion prior to giving the start signal.

Stroke Judges: Observe the swimmers from both sides of the pool, walking 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.

Visit www.virginiaswimming.com for additional information about officiating.