For swimmers the annual State Teams event is a State of Origin style clash between all Aussie states, territories and the Kiwis. For technical officials it’s kinda like High School Movie meets Police Academy (without the singing and with more grey hair)! This year I was one of the few lucky ones to be selected […]
Can we eliminate the dark side of assessments?
Context Budding technical officials require assessment in order to become accredited. This is a fundamental part of ensuring that officiating standards are maintained. I am not an Assessor myself, but as SMNE ATSCC, assessments happen on my watch under my direction. Very occasionally a candidate reacts so badly to their assessment experience, that we never […]
Our experiences of Technical Officials online training
Context The SMNE Area is responsible for the sport of swimming in NE Sydney (Australia). It has about 16 clubs affiliated with it who have 1,280 swimmers as members. SMNE is one of the smallest Areas in NSW by swimmer numbers, but is one of the strongest by results. It requires Technical Officials to run […]
How to pass the swimming referee exam
The Swimming Referee exam was introduced by Swimming Australia (SAL) earlier this year. I sat it last week and people have asked me to give some tips about how to prepare. Here are my suggestions. I reserve the right to change these once I get my result!! 1. Know how to Referee!! Yes I know […]
How to fit and remove a backstroke ledge
Swimming NSW authorised the use of backstroke ledges at their State Open meet this weekend. I am very grateful to Peter Shell for teaching me how to use one, and agreeing to share via this video. The protocol at the start of backstroke races has been adjusted to incorporate the ledges. Inspectors of Turns are […]