Training and Development

First Steps to Becoming a Technical Official

Prior to beginning your training to be a technical official, all persons need to first do the following:

1. Be a member of a Swimming Australia club
2. Have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC, Blue Card or state equivalent) on Swim uploaded Central
3. Complete the Community Officiating Essential Skills course (COES) through the ASC website (Australian Sport Commission) and upload the course completion certificate (not individual modules) on Swim Central

Now that you meet the basic requirements, you may start your officiating training.

ONLINE TRAINING MODULES TO BECOME AN OFFICIAL

THE TO TRAINING WEBSITE

The TO Training website provides interested persons with a range of courses to become a State qualified technical official.

The following online training modules are available on the TO Training website;

Timekeeper and Chief Timekeeper

Timekeeping is arguably the most important role at a meet. We owe it to our swimmers to record their times accurately, so they are correctly recognised for their performance. The course covers all the different types of timing equipment used at club and state level meets.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Timekeeper
  • LG Chief Timekeeper

Call Room Supervisor and Check Starter

Call Room Supervisors and Check Starters are pivotal positions not only ensure the smooth running of the meet, but they also create a positive environment for swimmers and enable accurate recording of results.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Call Room Supervisor
  • LG Check Starter

Inspector of Turns (IoT)

Their role is to ensure fairness for all by checking that every swimmer starts, turns and finishes correctly during a race. They work in partnership with the Judge of Stroke and Referee to monitor the entire race. The work of these officials is highly valued by swimmers and coaches. IoT feedback is crucial for development and ensures that nobody has an unfair advantage.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Inspector of Turns

Judge of Stroke (JoS)

They ensure fairness for all by checking that every swimmer’s race is in accordance with the rules. JoS works in partnership with the IoT and Referee to monitor the entire race.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Judge of Stroke

Starter

The quality of the start can directly impact the race results. Accredited starters are highly sought after and a fundamental ingredient of every swim meet.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Starter

Recorder

The Recorders manage critical duties on behalf of the Referee. It is a complex yet highly satisfying role for people with an attention to detail who enjoy being at the centre of the action checking results. They are responsible for recording and publishing of the race results.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Recorder

Meet Manager Operator

Meet Manager from Hy-Tek is the software for running swim meets. Mastering its operation is both highly satisfying and crucial for meet setup, entries, operation and results.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Meet Manager Operator

Further training guides available:

Announcer

Training done on pool deck with an experienced announcer.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Announcer

Referee

Referee courses are organised by each individual state. While the courses are not compulsory, they are highly recommended to assist you in your preparation in becoming a Referee.

To start your journey as a Referee, you need to have completed the following assessments: Timekeeper / Chief Timekeeper, Call Room Supervisor / Check Starter, JoS, IoT, Recorder and Starter Level 1.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Referee

Referee Multi Class

To start your journey as a Referee Multi Class, you must be a Referee Level 1.

• Learner Guide Resource (POOL)
  • LG Referee Multi Class

Advanced Self-Management

Physical and mental fitness, goals, training and self-care.

• Learner Guide Resource
  • LG Advanced Self-Management

Once a person completes an online training module, they should upload the relevant certificate on Swim Central.

Then they can start training on pool deck in that role to gain experience, and keep track of the training hours to show the assessor. When they are ready, they can request a practical assessment.

It is recommended but not compulsory to do the following courses together as they complement each other:

• Timekeeper & Chief Timekeeper
• Call Room Supervisor & Check Starter
• Judge of Stroke (JoS) & Inspector of Turns (IoT)

Technical Officials at National Events

For a technical official to be appointed to work at a National events they must

1. have a minimum JoS and IoT qualification, and
2. are required to have completed the following Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) education courses via the SIA website:
   1. Safeguarding Children and Young people in Sport
   2. Competition Manipulation and Sport Gambling
   3. Anti-Doping Fundamentals
   4. Annual Update

The SIA certificate displaying the badges must be loaded onto Swim Central for verification and the technical official is then able to provide an expression of interest to be selected for National events.

Please contact officiating@swimming.org.au if you have any questions.

POOL Officiating Pathway:

OPEN WATER Officiating Pathway: click here

OPEN WATER Officiating Pathway Learner Guides available soon.

All resources are also available on the TO training website.

Technical official information and updates are available via our dedicated  technical official hub, which can also be accessed via the Circle App on your phone.