Best Practices for a Successful Swimming Meet Starter

1. BEST PRACTICES OF A GOOD STARTER

2.  Safety is our biggest concern  Success depends on integrity, knowledge, concern and regard for the athletes. Officials’ Philosophy  One set of rules applies to all swimmers  Swimmers get benefit of doubt  Demonstrate impartiality and professionalism  Starters: Exude Calm 2 Best Practices of Good Starter

3.  Review Meet announcement and sessions, warm-up and Competition start times  Starters / Deck Referees Team Pre-Meet (Days before Competition)  Team Rotation (If Multiple Starters)  Re-read “Professional Starter”  Re-Review “False start scenarios”  Practice ”Take Your Mark” – conversational, clear and calm invitation 3 Best Practices of Good Starter

4.  Starter’s responsibility to ensure a fair start for all athletes: Every swimmer, Every heat Starting Philosophy  Patience at each step  Continuous learning from each experience  Expect the unexpected 4 Best Practices of Good Starter

5. GOAL: Fair Start for all Swimmers:  The Starter is reading the field, to determine when the Field is ready to start, not the other way around. Starter’s Mindset  Patience is critical to a successful start.  Quiet, especially finals  Knowing when athletes are ready to get into starting position  Knowing when the field is ready to be sent  Knowing when to intervene 5 Best Practices of Good Starter

6. GOAL: Every start is your best start: Starter’s Mindset  Age group, seniors, juniors, open, pro series, Trials: They all get a best opportunity at a great start. 6 Best Practices of Good Starter

7. Rule 101.1.2 Starting Rules B. When the swimmers and officials are ready, the referee shall signal with an outstretched arm to the starter that the swimmers are under the Starter’s control. 7 Best Practices of Good Starter

8. Rule 101.1.2 The Start D. When a swimmer does not respond promptly to the command: “take your mark”, the Starter shall immediately release all swimmers with the command “stand up” upon which the swimmers may stand up or step off the blocks. Starting Rules E. A swimmer shall not be disqualified for an illegal starting position at the start if the race is permitted to proceed. Enforcement of the correct starting position is the responsibility of the Starter. 8 Best Practices of Good Starter

9. Goal: Ensure a Fair Start for All Swimmers 1. Knowing when the field is ready to assume the starting position Goals of the Starter 2. Knowing when the field is ready to receive the starting signal 3. Knowing when it is necessary to intervene so that these two goals may be realized. 9 Best Practices of Good Starter

10. Where to stand “Deck Position” Within approximately 5 meters from the start of the pool. Mechanics of the Start Able to observe entire field AND distinguish each swimmer in each individual lane Starter chooses position, referee adjusts to starter 10 Best Practices of Good Starter

11. Best place on deck for Starter is an individual preference. Starter should stand where entire field can be observed, but also distinguish between individual swimmers. Deck Position of the Starter Typically getting an ”angle” of view, within about 5 meters from start end of pool. If the ideal position to start forward starts provides an ”angle” of view distinguishing individual swimmers, then starting backstroke swimmers may also need a similar “angle” of view. 11 Best Practices of Good Starter

12. Where to Focus prior to Start Generally best to look to the center lane/s, using your peripheral vision, adjusting if need be for left or right eye dominance. 12 Best Practices of Good Starter

13. Before “Take Your Mark (TYM)” Patience as the swimmers step up on the blocks (or place feet and both hands for backstroke starts). • Starting Mechanics Raise microphone to “ready position” upon(or just prior to) long whistle, while gripping cord in other hand. • Watch and wait for swimmers to be ready for your invitation • 13 Best Practices of Good Starter

14. “Take Your Mark (TYM)” Conversational voice, in a slightly descending tone Starting Mechanics • Inviting the swimmers to swim • Is a Statement not a question • Delivery is relaxed and confident. • 14 Best Practices of Good Starter

15. Sending the Athletes Be patient as swimmers become stationary  Stationary does NOT mean motionless  Judge stationary from a vertical plane at front of block Starting Mechanics  Check for proper foot position Forward Start: One foot at front of block • Backstroke Start: Toes not curled over gutter, both hands on either grips or gutter. •  Give Start Signal when all swimmers are stationary 15 Best Practices of Good Starter

16. When Things Don’t Go as Planned: Starting Mechanics  ”Stand Please”  Softly and with great calm  PATIENCE to allow swimmers to refocus  Re-Inviting ”Take Your Mark” 16 Best Practices of Good Starter

17. After the Start:  Watch swimmers until heads up Starting Mechanics  Keep microphone open in case recall is needed  Mark potential false start/s  Mark any empty lanes  Turn to watch the next heat of swimmers behind the blocks 17 Best Practices of Good Starter

18. Things Starters say:  “Take Your Mark”  “Stand Please” Starting Mechanics  “Relax please” for longer delay  “Lane “X”, toes please” to lower toes in backstroke.  “Thank you (Ladies/Gentlemen)”, (only if requested by deck referee), to clear pool 18 Best Practices of Good Starter

19. The False Start Rule: When all swimmers are stationary, the starter shall give the starting signal (101.1.2.C) • False Starts Any swimmer starting before the starting signal is given shall be disqualified if the Referee independently observes and confirms the Starter’s observation (101.1.3A) • 19 Best Practices of Good Starter

20. Before Starting Signal When you observe a stationary swimmer make a starting motion: False Start Protocol Stand the heat, step it down • Indicate a lane on your heat sheet • Alert referee “I have a potential false start” • If dual confirmed, notify swimmer(Chief judge or Deck Referee) • 20 Best Practices of Good Starter

21. After Starting Signal Watch heat enter into the water to be certain you have a fair start Indicate on your heat sheet the lane(s) • False Start Protocol Permit adequate time for referee, then Notify referee “I have a potential false start” • Compare sheets without discussion •  If confirmed, swimmer notified, DQ written  If not, prepare for next heat without discussion. 21 Best Practices of Good Starter

22.  Pre-session checks  The Timers’ meeting Additional Starter Responsibilities o Use the online brief o SafeSport/MAAP  Order of Finish (OOF) o If multiple starters, typically Next Up does OOF  Counting Lengths, Ringing bells 22 Best Practices of Good Starter

23. Starting Paralympic Athletes: Respond to their needs  More time getting on blocks?  More time assuming starting position?  May start in the water, on deck or sit on the starting platform.  May need more time getting out of pool  Focus, but don’t fixate  Avoid standing heat  Hold the same expectations 23 Best Practices of Good Starter

24. Starting Paralympic Athletes with Hearing Impairments Starter shall use hand signals (Rule 105)  May have coach/assistant using signals on the other side of pool or behind blocks.  Remote strobe  May ask for lane assignment closer to strobe  Referee should be close to starter for better communication 24 Best Practices of Good Starter

25. Deaf and Hard of Hearing (105.3) Starting Hearing impaired Swimmers .1 Deaf and hard of hearing swimmers require a visual starting signal, i.e., a strobe light and/or Starter’s arm signals...Starter’s arm signals are shown in Figures 1 and 2(105.3). A false rope is required in the event of a recall, provided the meet host is notified by the entry deadline that a deaf or hard of hearing swimmer will be participating. Practice in Mirror 25 Best Practices of Good Starter

26. Confirmation of Pool Set-up & Equipment Competition Lanes – confirm # of lanes – Pre- Competition Deck Positioning where each starting block is seen – Starting Equipment, microphone, Speaker/s, strobe/s – Traffic flow on deck, pre-agree on management of – traffic during starts Potential sources of loud / disruptive noises – 26 Best Practices of Good Starter

27. Arrive early Stay focused on Starter duties; let others take care of everything else Review Heat sheet – heats, timeline, special situations/needs of swimmers Day of Meet: Pre- Competition Confirm whether there are any Paralympic athletes – Confirm whether there are any Hearing and/or sight impaired athletes – Timer meeting Confirm OOF requirements, count sheets, bells Communicate deck position with Deck Referee Get in rhythm with swimmers / facility Be on deck early – everyone else has too much to do, don’t have time to search for starter... 27 Best Practices of Good Starter

28. Confirm start equipment, including blocks, speakers, strobe/s, volume, test start Day of Meet: Pre- Competition Clear Start / Deck Ref area: no podiums or “music sheet” style stands Minimize use of clipboards to keep hands free 28 Best Practices of Good Starter

29. Equipment Confirmation Testing (At least 30 minutes prior to start of competition) Blocks – Speaker/s Operational – Pre- Competition Confirmation Test speaker volume(Use conversational voice, – adjust equipment volume as needed, Same setting for all starters); With a partner, ensure commands can be heard from all lanes. Speaker feedback issues – Report any issues to Facilities management, Head Starter & Meet Referee. Confirm issues have been resolved(or not) – communicate status to Head Starter / Meet Referee well prior to start of competition. Best Practices of Good Starter 29

30. Starter helps set the tone Relaxed – Preparing for Great Starts Calm – Voice and demeaner – Take care of your voice – night before, – morning of and during competition. Do what works for you – Green Tea, black coffee, throat lozenges'(just not during starts) – Proper hydration during session – 30 Best Practices of Good Starter

31. Pre-Heat: Competition (Teamwork) – Starter Duties  Observing next up swimmers – equipment, nervous tendencies, etc.  Potential missing swimmer/s versus heat sheet  Communicate missing swimmers and/or equipment issues to Deck Referee prior to Long Whistle 31 Best Practices of Good Starter

32. Championship Meets: Multiple Starters (rotation) Competition (Teamwork) – Starter Duties Typically 1stup starter confirms and tests equipment during invigilation • Next up starter typically does OOF. • On-Deck starter takes over OOF for last heat of their event, while next up starter steps into place to begin observing 1stup heat swimmers for their event. • Be ready to step in to start for another starter. • 32 Best Practices of Good Starter

33. • Relaxed • Focused • Exudes calm confidence Conclusion • Enjoy • Learn 33 Best Practices of Good Starter

34. Thank you! Questions? Brian Schaenzer bjschaenzer@me.com 402-203-7813 34 Best Practices of Good Starter

35. Addendum 35 Best Practices of Good Starter

36. Scenario #1 Swimmer leaves the set or stationary position prior to the starting signal. The starting signal is then given. The race proceeds and assuming the Starter observed the early start and the Deck Referee independently observes and confirms the Starter’s observation, the offending swimmer is disqualified at the conclusion of the race. False Start Scenarios THIS IS A FALSE START 36 Best Practices of Good Starter

37. Scenario #2 Swimmer leaves the set or stationary position prior to the starting signal. The swimmer upon realizing the early starting motion attempts to catch himself/herself. Starter says absolutely nothing, and the swimmer fails to halt the forward motion and goes into the pool. False Start Scenarios THIS IS A FALSE START 37 Best Practices of Good Starter

38. Scenario #3 Same as #2, but this time the Starter says “Stand Please” after the swimmer leaves the set or stationary position. The other swimmers in the heat stand. The offending swimmer struggles, but again is unable to halt forward motion and falls into the pool. False Start Scenarios THIS IS A FALSE START 38 Best Practices of Good Starter

39. Scenario #4 Same facts as scenarios #2 and #3 above. However, this time when the command “Stand Please” is issued, the offending swimmer struggles, but can stand or step off the blocks. False Start Scenarios THIS IS NOT A FALSE START 39 Best Practices of Good Starter

40. Scenario #5 Same facts as scenarios above. However, this time when the command “Stand Please” is issued, a swimmer different from the offending swimmer instantly bolts from the blocks and enters the water. False Start Scenarios THIS IS NOT A FALSE START 40 Best Practices of Good Starter

41. Scenario #6 The swimmer, upon hearing the command “Take Your Mark” starts down to take a set or stationary position. However, the swimmer loses their balance before coming set and falls into the pool. False Start Scenarios THIS IS NOT A FALSE START 41 Best Practices of Good Starter

42. Scenario #7 What about where the Starter gives the “Take Your Mark” command and all swimmers come down and take a set position. Prior to the starting signal, a swimmer initiates a starting movement which the Starter sees, but instead of standing the heat, the Starter waits just a moment allowing that swimmer to reset prior to the starting signal. False Start Scenarios THIS IS NOT A FALSE START 42 Best Practices of Good Starter