Do you ever get bored at a swim meet? Do you like to be part of the action? Do you want to have a good seat to see your child swim in every meet and every race? Would you rather stay busy AND be able to watch your child participate in something they love?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have an opportunity for you.

Please consider becoming a SAIL Swim Official. There are several opportunities at each meet. I’ll take a few minutes to describe the positions below.

They include everything from just getting your feet wet (pun intended) to being in charge of the meet itself. All of the positions are essential and important for us to have a meet. Of course, our main goal is to make sure the meet is fair for each team and every individual swimmer, but it is also a good opportunity to meet people and to have a good time.

The first opportunity is a position called Stroke and Turn. These S&T judges (as the name implies) watch and judge the different strokes for the different swimmers. I know it can look intimidating, but it is actually rather straightforward. Each meet, we need 6 total S&T judges (3 per half) from our team while the other team(s) provide the remaining S&T judges. You probably already know a lot of the rules (think 2 hand touch at the turn and end of breast stroke that everyone yells to the swimmer.) Some people don’t like to disqualify (DQ) swimmers, but really I think the important thing to remember is that you are helping the swimmer learn. I’ve had many coaches thank me for helping tell a swimmer that they are doing something incorrectly.

The second opportunity is for Starter. For starter, there are actually 2 positions. For most meets, the home team provides the Starter (person who says, “Take your mark” and hits the buzzer to start each heat. The visiting team usually provides the Assistant Starter (also sometimes referred to as the Deck Referee). This person scans the pool to make sure everything is ready to start the next race. Then they blow the whistle to signal the Starter to begin their cadence. Each of these positions require someone who pays attention to details and keeps up with the race. I like both of these positions because I am always in a good place to see the races and it keeps me involved and engaged. The time passes quickly.

Finally, there is the Meet Referee. This position again is actually 2 positions. The home team provides the Referee while the visiting team provides the Assistant Referee. These people ensure that the meet runs smoothly and fairly. Often they are seen reviewing potential disqualifications with the stroke and turn judges or starter. They also are the final decision makers on the main meet issues that may arise. Again, this is a position that is often in a good place to see what is happening in each race. Also, it is a good opportunity to get your steps in for the day.

We have been very fortunate that several new people have stepped up this year to learn these important positions. I would encourage you if you ever considered “trying” one of these positions to let me or Laura Fee (310-387-9065) know. We have another opportunity this Thursday, which is our last dual meet this summer, for you to “shadow” an experienced person. Next summer, we will need more people to step forward to learn these positions.

Did I mention that you get to wear the cool (white and tan/ white) combo and everyone will look at you with envy and respect?

If you have any questions, please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to talk to you.

Sincerely,

Mike Evans

(864) 609-7484