Warm Up Marshall

This article was prepared by Paul Jenkins and appeared in the January 1999 newsletter "Off the Blocks"

Why are they needed seems to be a common question. In today's society where risk management plays an ever increasing part of every day life, the function of the Warm Up Safety Marshal is simply there to see that the SNC rules are being adhered to. The lawyers tell us that an organization is liable if an accident occurs and no marshal is present. However this is not the case if one is now present and making every effort to ensure SNC warm-up procedures are being followed. The duties of a Warm Up safety are not difficult. Common sense is the most important aspect of the job. Obviously if one sees a swimmer dive into the water and not enter feet first in a non sprint lane then this cannot go without action. Simply remind the swimmer that diving is not allowed unless it is a sprint lane and please do not to do it again. I usually get the swimmers attention by standing at the end of the lane and wait for the swimmer to get there and beckon to him/her. Waving a flutter board also increases your visibility. If you have to reach down and make contact, use the flutter board.

Positioning oneself behind the blocks and observing is a good spot with another Marshall at the turn end. Once you are satisfied that the warm-ups are being conducted in accordance with SNC procedures then feel free to walk around the deck and return to your start point

Good interpersonal skills on your part are a must, but occasionally you will run into attitude. If this happens, after doing your best either by speaking to the swimmer or coach, do not attempt to resolve any conflict, simply refer the incident to the Referee for resolution.

As mentioned in the last issue of "OFF THE BLOCKS", a traffic vest is a good idea and makes you more obvious as the Safety Marshall.