Top 10 Reasons to Become a Georgia Swimming Official:

•    Support the team with your time as a volunteer.

•    Be on deck with your kids at swim meets. There’s no better view of the pool.
• Learn more about the sport of swimming (don’t you wish you knew why your child DQ’d? What does non-continuous turning action mean anyway?)

* Because you’re a valued volunteer, be well-taken care of with:

• Free heat sheets (you’ll actually know the heat and lane assignments)

• Free food

• Free admission

• Since United States Swimming is a tax-exempt charitable organization, volunteer expenses such as mileage, hotel, and meals are potentially tax-deductible.

• Nice people who will mentor you in the sport (Officials really are nice once you get to know them!)

You can make a difference! Don’t sit in the stands and get a sore back, stand up and be involved with the swimmers on deck ;-)

Questions? Contact Georgia Swimming Officials Training Chairperson, Rob Schreer (h2oref@bellsouth.net). Officials clinics are offered seasonally. Don’t miss your chance this season become certified. Check it out at http://www.gaswim.org/officials.htm.

HOW TO BECOME A GEORGIA SWIMMING OFFICIAL

USA Swimming is a non-profit organization that depends upon dedicated volunteers. Committed individuals donate time, energy, and expertise at every level: from the national board of directors down to local swimming clubs. Georgia Swimming is the governing body for USA Swimming in our state. Georgia swimming is looking for volunteers interested in becoming entry-level officials: either Administrative Judges, who deal with swimmers’ entries, timing equipment, and scoring, or Stroke & Turn Judges, who evaluate swims.

 In competitive swimming, the quality of officiating directly affects the quality of performance. Consistency and professionalism in officiating cannot be assured without adequate staffing. The time spent is satisfying, and you will have the opportunity to make some great friends and share the deck with some wonderful athletes. If you are interested in becoming an official, please review the following information and contact me as noted below.

COST

USA Swimming registration:  2007 non-athlete registration fee (single) is $48.00.

registration after September 1 is valid through December of the following year (2008 fee is $49.00).

USA Swimming Rule Book is included with “official” registration.

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Exception: .If you are already a current non- athlete member of US4 Swimming, paying the registration fee /5 not necessary.

TRAINING

Orientation & Clinic:  Attend a clinic. A number of clinics are offered annually at various locations. You will pay a $15 fee and receive instructional materials and do on-deck training. Clinic dates can be found by contacting Rob Schreer h2oref@bellsouth.net

On deck:  Under supervision of a certified official, Administrative trainees shall work a minimum of 4 sessions; Stroke and Turn trainees shall work a minimum of 6 sessions.

Georgia Swimming will sanction or approve a variety of meets for the short and long course seasons. Most scheduled meets are posted at: www.gaswim.org

Attend a pre-meet briefing 1 hour prior to the start of each meet (session).

Other Expectations:  Age - minimum of 18 years of age

Attire - solid navy blue skirt, shorts, or pants; white collared shirt, and white shoes

Attitude - SMILES to advance the sport

Test - open book

Two year certification - after successfully completing training and test.

AFTER TRAINING

On deck:   Certified officials are welcome to work any Georgia Swimming meet they attend, or at any USA Swimming-sponsored meet they attend by contacting the Meet Referee and attend a pre-meet briefing 1 hour prior to the start of each meet (session). A typical 3-day Georgia Swimming weekend meet consists of five sessions: one Friday evening session, morning, and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Some meets are 1-day, morning, and afternoon affairs; some championship meets run more days and/or more Sessions.

Recertification:  For recertification, a certified official shall work a specified number of sessions during a two year period.

Promotion:  Georgia Swimming certifies four types of official: Administrators, Stroke & Turn Judges; Starters; and Referees. USA Swimming offers three levels of certification: Local, National, and National Championship.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS: G00D TIMES & GOOD FRIENDS.

MORE INFO:  Rob Schreer, Georgia Swimming Officials Training Chairperson,

Phone (770) 333-0425 or email h2oref@bellsouth.net