Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Judge Certification Clinic Agenda

1. Stroke & Turn Judge Certification Clinic

2. Agenda • Introduction • Ozark Swimming Philosophy of Officiating • Zero Tolerance Policy / Athlete Protection • Certification Requirements • Officials Uniform • The Rules – Overview and Video • Judging Process • Resources • Forms and Handouts Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 2

3. Why Become an Official There are lots of great reasons to become a swimming official… Contribute meaningfully to the sport! Great view! Hospitality! Camaraderie! (we’re a fun and sometimes funny group) We need you! • • • • • Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 3

4. Ozark Swimming Officiating Philosophy • One set of rules applied by certified officials provides an equitable and level playing field for all competitors – from beginning swimmers to Olympians • An official is an “interested observer” who reports infractions witnessed during competition • Observation should be consistent for all rules and all swimmers • Do NOT infer or extrapolate Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 4

5. What does this mean? • Success of every meet depends on the official’s integrity, knowledge, concern and regard for the competitive interest of the swimmer • One set of rules that apply to all swimmers regardless of age or ability • The benefit of the doubt always goes to the swimmer! • Officials demonstrate impartiality and professionalism at all times before, during and after a meet, when in uniform • Everything is grounded in the rules…what is allowed and what is not. “Ugly but legal” – Officials are NOT coaches Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 5

6. Zero Tolerance Policy There is no tolerance for inappropriate physical contact, abusive actions, verbal or otherwise, inappropriate language, or other inappropriate interaction with swimmers or others. • Applies to: Officials, Coaches, Chaperones, Meet Workers, Club Board Members, Others in positions of authority over swimmers • Policy extracted from USA Swimming Code of Conduct, Article 301 • Incidental contact – will happen but must be kept to minimum • One – on – one situations in other than public areas must be avoided Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 6

7. Certification Requirements New Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Judge / Official Must be a minimum of 18 years of age Attend a USA Swimming New Officials (Stroke & Turn Judge) Training Clinic Become a member of USA Swimming as a non-athlete member Register / Create an account on the USA Swimming website Initiate the Acxiom Level 2 Background Check on USA Swimming and Ozark Swimming (Officials page) website Complete online Athlete Protection Course on the USA Swimming (LSC is: Ozark) and Ozark Swimming (Officials page) website Complete the Concussion Protocol Training • • • • • • • Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 7

8. Certification Requirements cont’d • Complete online, open book Certification Test: Stroke & Turn Judge / Timer — A minimum passing grade of 80% is required  Your test must be completed within 21 days of attending this clinic! • Apprentice at Ozark Sanctioned Meets for a minimum of 4 sessions — 3 sessions must be at sessions where the majority of athletes are 12 & under • Request an Observation as a Stroke & Turn Judge — Observations are only held at sessions where the majority of swimmers are 12 & under Apprentice Session and Observation must be completed by 28 Feb 2024 • To maintain your certification you’ll need to work 6 sessions, at Ozark Swimming sanctioned meets after certifying Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 8

9. The Officials Team Referees: • Meet Referee – In charge of everything that happens on and off deck • Deck Referee – Works with the Meet Referee to keep the meet moving • Admin Referee – makes sure times, paperwork are correct Starter: • So much more than three short words! They make it look easy Chief Judges: • The assistant to the Referee and mentor to all Officials Stroke and Turn Officials: • The eyes and ears of the Referee Team Electronic Timing System Operator Meet Director – The Ringmaster Timers – Volunteers just like you! Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 9

10. Ozark Officials Uniform • Plain white collared shirt • Khaki pants, shorts, skirt, skort, kilt • White, ankle height socks • White athletic – style shoes • Ozark Swimming credentials • Look professional at all times! A detailed uniform policy will be given to you at the conclusion of this clinic Modeled by actual Ozark Official Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 10

11. Rules • The rules for all strokes can be found in the blue pages of your USA Swimming Rule book • Review the rules before every swim meet • An Officials Briefing is conducted during the officials meeting before each session of a meet. Each stroke will be reviewed at this meeting • Refer to your rule book or ask other officials for clarification when you are unsure Your fellow officials are here to help you! • The answers to all questions on the online test can be found in the USA Swimming rule book Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 11

12. Conduct Expectations • Maintain a positive attitude at all times • No cell phone usage on deck • Do not cheer for or coach swimmers • Control emotions on deck • Do not discuss calls with anyone other than Referees or Chief Judges unless asked • Smile! Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 12

13. Definitions • Arm – That part of the body that extends from the shoulder to the wrist • Body – The torso, including the shoulders and hips • Finish – The instant that a swimmer touches the wall at the end of the prescribed distance • Horizontal – Parallel to the surface of the water • May – Permissive, no mandatory • On the Back – Position of the body when the shoulders are at or past vertical towards the back • On the Breast – Position of the body when the shoulders are at or past vertical towards the breast Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 13

14. Definitions • Propulsive – Having the power to propel • Scissor Kick – Use of the opt of the instep of one foot and the bottom of the other foot in the propulsive part of the kick • Shall -- Mandatory • Simultaneously – Occurring at the same time • Touch – contact with the end of the course • Turn – A point where the swimmers reverse or change direction • Vertical – Perpendicular to the water surface • Wall – Vertical portion of the pool, contiguous surfaces of the deck and overflow gutter, the front portion of the starting block or platform, or the touchpad at the end of the course Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 14

15. Components of a Stroke The rules describe the stroke by the following components: START – from the start of the race until the head breaks the surface of the water SWIM – from the head breaking surface until beginning of the last stroke into the turn / finish TURN – from the beginning of the last full stroke into the wall until the head breaks the surface FINISH – from the beginning of the last full stroke into the wall to the touch at the end of the prescribed distance OR at the time the judge shifts their vision to watch the wall touch at the completion of the race Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 15

16. Freestyle • Forward start is used • Any stroke or combination of strokes may be swum in a freestyle event • Swimmer can stand on bottom but may not push off. As in all strokes, swimmers are not allowed to pull forward on the lane lines • Head must break the surface by the 15 meter mark after start and each turn. Thereafter, swimmer must remain on the surface until after the next turn • Some part of swimmer’s body must touch the wall at completion of each length or required distance • In the individual medley and medley relays, freestyle means any stroke other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 16

17. Common Infractions --Freestyle • Head did not break surface of water by the 15 meter mark • Walking on/springing from bottom of the pool • Pulling on the lane line • No touch at turn Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 17

18. Backstroke Backstroke start is used: • In-water, facing the start end with both hands on gutter or starting grips • Guttered pool – Feet/toes may be above the water, but may not be in, on, above lip, or bent over the gutter at any time before or after the start • Flat wall pads – Feet/toes may be placed above the water level • When using backstroke ledges – toes of both feet must be in contact with the wall • Stoke/Kick • Any style as long as swimmer remains on the back. Must break surface throughout the race except swimmer may be submerged after start and before each turn not more than 15 meters where head must break surface. • Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 18

19. Backstroke • Turns • During turn swimmers may go past vertical to the breast and may utilize a continuous single or continuous simultaneous double are pull to initiate the turn • Some part of the swimmer must touch the wall at the completion of each length • Shoulders at or past vertical toward back when feet leave wall • Finish • Some part of swimmer must touch the wall while on the back Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 19

20. Common Infractions- Backstroke • Toes above lip of gutter after start • Head did not break surface of water by the 15 meter mark • Shoulders past vertical towards breast • Delay initiating arm pull • Delay initiating turn • Re-submerged during the swim / not at the finish • Pulling on lane line Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 20

21. Breaststroke Forward start is used Stroke • Body kept on the breast • Stroke cycle is one arm pull and one leg kick in that order • Simultaneous arm movement in same horizontal plane • After start and each turn one arm stroke may be completely back to legs…head must break surface at widest part of second pull • Recovery by the hands from the breast on, under, or over the water • Elbow under water except last stroke before turn or finish • • Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 21

22. Breaststroke • Kick • After start and each turn, prior to the first breaststroke kick, a single butterfly kick is permitted • Movement of the legs shall be simultaneous • Feet turned out during propulsive part of kick • No alternating, scissors, or butterfly kick, except as stated, is allowed • Turns/Finish • Shoulders at or past vertical toward breast when feet leave wall • Touch shall be made with both hands separated and simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface • At the last stroke before the turn and at the finish an arm stroke not followed by a leg kick is permitted • Head may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the surface of the water at some point during the last complete or incomplete stroke cycle preceding the touch Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 22

23. Common Infractions- Breaststroke Head did not break surface of water by widest part of second stroke Butterfly kick Scissors kick Alternating kick Arms past hipline One hand touch Non-simultaneous touch • • • • • • • Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 23

24. Butterfly • Forward start is used • Swum on the breast (shoulders at or past vertical toward the breast) • Multiple kicks permitted after start and turns but first arm pull must bring swimmer to the surface • Must break surface throughout the race except swimmer may be submerged after start and each turn not more that 15 meters where head must break surface • Arms, shoulder to wrist, brought forward over water and pulled back simultaneously Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 24

25. Butterfly • Kick • Simultaneous up and down movement • No alternating, scissors, or breaststroke kicking movements • Turns/Finish • Shoulders at or past vertical toward breast when the swimmer leaves the wall • Touch should be made with both hands separated and simultaneous at, above, or below the water surface Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 25

26. Common Infractions- Butterfly • Head did not break surface of water by the 15 meter mark • Alternating kick • Breaststroke kick • Non-simultaneous arms • Underwater recovery • One hand touch • Non-simultaneous touch Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 26

27. Individual Medley • Start: Forward start • Stroke/Kick • Rules for each stroke apply • Must swim ¼ event distance as prescribed in stroke, in order of Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle • May not swim in the style of the other three strokes during the freestyle leg • Turns/Finish • Intermediate turns conform to the turn rules for the stroke • Transition turns conform to the finish rules for the stroke Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 27

28. Common Infractions- Individual Medley • Swimming more than ¼ of the race in the style of butterfly, backstroke, or breaststroke Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 28

29. Relays • Freestyle Relay • Freestyle rules apply • Each swimmer must swim ¼ of distance • Medley Relay • Rules pertaining to each stroke apply • Each swimmer must swim ¼ of event, distance prescribed stroke, in order of Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Freestyle • May not swim in the style of the other three strokes during the freestyle leg • Takeoffs • Swimmer’s feet/foot must remain in contact with the starting platform until the incoming swimmer has touched the finish wall or pad Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 29

30. Relays • In relay races involving in-water starts, the team of a swimmer who has lost touch with the end of the course before his/her preceding teammate touches the wall shall be disqualified unless the swimmer returns to the wall before starting his/her leg of the race. (Some part of the body must be touching the wall before starting) • Each relay team member shall exit the water immediately after finishing their leg of the race • Note: During the freestyle leg of medley relay, the swimmer must return to the breast after each turn before any kick or stroke and remain on the breast through out the swim (otherwise it’s considered backstroke) • Observing relay take-offs: watch the feet leave the blocks then check to see if the incoming swimmer still needs to touch (“toes to nose”) Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 30

31. Common Infractions -Relays • Early takeoff • Swimming more than ¼ of the race in the style of butterfly, backstroke, or breaststroke (if a medley relay) Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 31

32. Relay Take – Off Slips Completing: • Insert Official’s Name • Insert Event Number and Heat Number • Circle Appropriate Lanes Being Judged • Place O for Legal Take-Off, X for Illegal • Take-Off (remember: “O” for O.K.) Where do completed slips go: • After last swimmer enters water, slips will be collected by Chief Judge / Deck Referee • Complete DQ Slip if confirmed Illegal Take- off. Notify team and attach Take – Off Slips with DQ. Notify Referee 4 2 X John Doe–A–Deer Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 32

33. Swimmers with Disabilities Judged according to all USA Swimming rules for the parts of the body used by the swimmer It is the coach or swimmer’s responsibility to notify the referee of disability, who will then instruct the stroke & turn judges • • Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 33

34. Masters Swimming Rule Modifications: • MS 1.1 Forward Start: The forward start may be taken from the starting block, the pool deck or a push from the wall. The forward start or the backstroke start shall be used for freestyle events. The starter’s long whistle indicates that the swimmer must take a position with at least one foot at the front of the platform, the edge of the pool, or on the wall before the command “Take your mark”. The backstroke start may be used as the in – the – water start during freestyle events. [USMS 101.1.1 and 101.5.1] • MS 101.3.3 Butterfly: The breaststroke or whip kick may be used exclusively or interchangeably with the butterfly kick. Only one breaststroke or whip kick is permitted per arm stroke, except that a single breaststroke or whip kick is permitted prior to the turn and finish without an arm pull. Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 34

35. Sample Test Question 3. In the breaststroke: At each turn and at the finish of the race, what is required to make a legal touch or finish? Hint: Please see reference 101.2.4 for the correct answer A. The touch shall be made with both hands separated and simultaneously. The shoulders must be parallel to the water level. B. The touch shall be made with both hands separated and simultaneously at, above, or below the water level. C. The touch shall be made with both hands separated and simultaneously at the water level. D. The touch shall be made with both hands separated and simultaneously below the water level. Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 35

36. When you Observe an Infraction Upon observing an infraction: • Raise your hand overhead. Make sure you have nothing in your hand — Keep your hand up until it is acknowledged by the Referee and / or Chief Judge verbally or with eye contact when the swimmers are no longer in your jurisdiction — Continue to observe all the swimmers in your jurisdiction — Report your observation to the Chief Judge / Deck Referee. Use Rule Book or DQ Slip language to communicate what you observed • Make notes of your jurisdiction and what you observed • Complete the DQ slip when you have no swimmers in your jurisdiction or between heats • The disqualification (DQ) slip is the official means of communicating a disqualification to a coach and swimmer Remember: As Officials we cannot disqualify a swimmer. We are interested observers only reporting an observed rule violation! Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 36

37. Radio Etiquette Deck officials using headsets or radios should communicate in a very exact manner and process Suggested Radio Process – Stroke & Turn: The Officials should communicate in a very succinct and consistent manner, such as: OFFICIAL – “Possible disqualification, heat____, lane ____, (state infraction using correct terminology on DQ Slip) at the turn / start end REFEREE – “Confirm possible disqualification for heat____, lane ____, turn / start end, for _____________, please notify the swimmer.” The Referee may ask for more clarification or for you to repeat the infraction. If so, repeat the infraction again Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 37

38. Disqualification Reports • Confirmed name of the Swimmer — Only if you are talking with the Swimmer • Event #, Heat #, and Lane # • Violation — Note: Most, but not all violations are listed on the DQ slips — When marking an IM or Relay violation, be sure to mark the IM or Relay box on the DQ slip • Your Initials Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 38

39. Mental Traps of Officiating Advantage vs. Disadvantage – A violation of the rules should be noted and the competitor disqualified whether an advantage is gained or not Twice Theory – Some Officials feel they should wait until an infraction happens more than once before they call it. If there is any doubt about the violation, then don't make the call! Continue to give all the competitors uniform coverage in observing their performance We don’t disqualify “10 & unders” – People who take this position often rationalize it by saying they don’t want to cause "mental trauma" to a youngster. Many coaches appreciate the reinforcement or what they have been teaching in practice at the meet! Don’t Infer (extrapolate) or Anticipate – This simply means: you can only call what you see, NOT what you think you might have seen in a brief glance Don’t look for reasons to disqualify – If you see the infraction and it is clear, report it, but if you are uncertain, remember that the benefit of any doubt must go to the athlete Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 40

40. Excellence in Officiating • Take officiating seriously and work at it Athletes, coaches and parents have a right to expect officials to know the rules and interpret them correctly, fairly and courteously • Judging should be consistent among all officials at every meet Officials do not judge style. Ugly isn’t illegal! • All of the rules are applied fairly and consistently across all age groups and levels of ability Know the rules! Review the rules before each meet. Officials must work hard to fully understand the rules and the responsibilities in applying them • All officials are expected to demonstrate impartiality at a meet No visible cheering for a particular swimmer or team while in uniform and displaying credentials. Avoid fraternizing with coaches and swimmers on deck Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 41

41. Working a Meet • Contact Meet Referee in Advance • Stroke Briefing • Assignment and Jurisdiction • Observation Techniques • Reporting Disqualifications Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 42

42. What to Expect as an Apprentice Official Before the session / meet: Schedule your Apprentice Session(s) – You need to apprentice for a minimum of 4 sessions at meets in our LSC. Make sure you contact the Officials Coordinator early to schedule your apprentice sessions. If you’re not sure if a meet is right for you or if the session will count, email or call Refresh your Rules Knowledge – The night before a meet re-read the Technical Rules (the blue pages) in your Rule Book. Even veteran officials do this. Review the DQ Slip too. It is important to use the correct language when making a call Prepare for your session(s) – Get a good night’s sleep the night before a meet. You’ll be standing on a pool deck with a Mentor for the entire session (with breaks)! Make sure you have a clipboard with storage and a couple pens too. Eventually you may want to invest in your own 2 – way radio and headset. If you’re working an outdoor meet bring a white hat and sunscreen! Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 43

43. What to Expect as an Apprentice Official (cont) Day of the session / meet: Plan to arrive 60 minutes before the start of the session you plan to apprentice at – The Officials Briefing is usually held in the Hospitality Room 45 – 60 minutes prior to the start of EACH session Sign-In – Once you arrive locate the Hospitality Room. Just follow someone in khaki’s and white polo or ask someone with a name tag to direct you to Hospitality. You will need to Sign-In as an Apprentice Stroke and Turn Judge. During the Briefing, you will be assigned a Mentor. Mentors are veteran officials who will work with you on deck Be in Uniform – Our uniform is outlined in the materials you were given at the clinic. Make sure you have your credentials visible at all times when you are working as an official. If you do not have your credentials we cannot allow you on deck Using your credentials to gain access to the deck when you are not working as an official, or to a meet that charges an entry fee is unacceptable and grounds for disciplinary action. We are a team – We’ve all been the new kid on the block. Every official has been where you are today. We are here to help you succeed as an official. When we’re off deck we joke and have fun. When we’re on deck we take our assigned job seriously Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 44

44. What to Expect as an Apprentice Official (cont) After the session / meet: Take a moment to review – After each session your mentor will sit down with you and review your progress as an apprentice. You may also receive feedback from the Deck and Meet Referees. There is a great 10 – point Self Evaluation on the Officials Page; this is something many of our officials do after each meet or session they work Stay in touch – Your Officials Coordinator is here to help you succeed not only as an apprentice but as a fully certified official. If you have any questions, concerns or just need to vent please call him / her. Make sure you contact him / her about the sessions you want to work and your Observation too. This may seem like a trivial request but we need to make sure we have mentors for you and that we still maintain a fair deck for the athletes. Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 45

45. Resources Ozark Swimming website http://www.ozarkswimming.com – click on the Officials tab • USA Swimming website: http://www.usaswimming.org • Officiating Swimming Links: • General officiating - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeVRTapa Zi0 • Butterfly – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYLaAq7puHU&feature=related • Backstroke – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwj7zPQ4D00&feature=related • Breaststroke – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj8YzwB7B18&feature=related • Freestyle – http:///www.youtube.com/watch?v79pdZgcJWsw&feature=related • Review – you make the call – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xifsGPdkTY&feature=related • Relay and IM – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpk6YboSLsQ&feature=related • Link to all the videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/officiateswimming?feature=watch#p/u • Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 46

46. Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 47

47. THANK YOU!!!! See you on deck billrener@gmail.com Ozark Swimming Stroke & Turn Clinic 48