Briefing Notes for the Session Referee

The following article appeared in the October 1997 Newsletter "OFF THE BLOCKS" and appears here with the permission of the author, Paul Jenkins.

1. Report to Officials Chairperson. Discuss meet procedures with the Meet Manager. Obtain supplies.

2. Time you session to maintain an acceptable pace, if not already timed.

3. Check officials positions. Approve and/or recommend changes to Meet Manager.

4. Check facility (Blocks, BS markers, 15 metre mark, FS rope etc.)

5. Attend officials meeting. Brief officials.

6. Arrange communication with the Clerk of Course for information on the number of heats and number of empty lanes, as well with Starter, regarding procedures for DQ's and the Chief Timekeeper for signals.

7. Signal heats to the blocks. Verify that electronic system has been re-set back to zero before each start and before race is turned over to Starter. Check that the Chief Timekeeper is ready. Ensure all swimmers are ready before turning over to Starter. Ensure a fair start.

8. DISQUALIFICATION PROCEDURE

  a. Review instructions, with Stroke/Turn Judges prior to session.

  b. Request that all DQ's be reported to the Referee (Swimmer, DQ slip, Referee).

  c. Approve or reject DQ's on the basis of tolerances set in briefing.

  d. Ensure the swimmer or coach is notified appropriately of DQ.

  e. Check that DQ and time are noted on DQ slip, and that Slip is signed by the Judge. Has the time/lane card been lined off?

  f. Record time of swimmers notification of infraction on your program. The 30 minute protest time begins following the conclusion of the respective event.

  g. Notify the Chief Finish Judge of any protests.

9. Keep track of problems on your heat sheet for later evaluation.

10. Do a sweep for each heat for the Chief Finish Judge. Always check your sweep with that of the electronic score board. Were there any light touches?

11. AWARDS PROCEDURE

  a. Review instructions with Chief Finish Judge prior to session.

  b. Direct him/her to determine winners according to established procedure.

  c. Check for any disqualification before confirming winners.

12. There may be a 20 minute warm-up break before distance events. On distance swims, verify with Chief Timekeeper that BELL LAP arrangements are satisfactory. Keep your own lapcount.

13. Thank Officials before leaving the deck.

14. Check with Recorder/Scorer for pending record applications which might require your signature.