If the home team has a PIAA official, that official is the Referee/Starter. If the home team has a certified US Swimming Official or NCAA certified Official then that official may be the Referee/Starter, unless a PIAA official from the visiting team wants to assume the duties of Referee/Starter. In any event, a certified official will take precedence over a league certified person as Referee/Starter.
The Referee/Starter should be dressed in white.
1. Check the condition of the pool
2. Check to see the blocks are all securely fastened
3. Check to see that the lane lines are tight
4. Check to see that the skimmer openings in the swimming lanes are covered.
5. Check to see that the 15-meter distance is marked from each end of the pool.
6. If there are any questions about pool depth resolve before the start of the meet.
7. Check to see that the table has copies of the PIAA and league rules. Contract the League president after the meet to report any violations.
8. Verify that the meet lineups are at the scorerÕs table by 5:45 PM. After the meet, notify the league President of any team that did not comply by 5:45.
9. Make sure that each team has access to all lanes for ½ of the warm-up period and that the opposing team clears the deck area.
10. Check the starting system and recall device
11. Hold pre-meet meeting with timers, coaches scorers, stroke & turn judges and runners.
1. Start each race, ensuring a fair start.
2. Enforce the false start rules
3. Look for violations of the stroke, turn and finish rules.
4. Verify/sign off on DQÕs by the Stroke & Turn Officials (this is a refereeÕs option. The referee can waive this if working with experienced officials or if pool logistics make it impractical).
5. Check relay starts on the starting end of the pool.
6. Handle all questions/protests
7. If inclement weather threatens, the referee/starter may elect to hold the exhibition events at the end of the meet to try to get the meet completed that day.
1. Verify that both scorers agree on the score.
2. Sign both score sheets
3. Instruct scorers to take the DQ cards for their respective teams to give to the coach.
4. Contact the League president about any problems during the meet.
1. The responsibility of the timer is to time the race
from the starting signal to the time any part of the swimmerÕs body touches the
wall at the end of the race. Timers are not to worry about whether the finish
was legal. Times are written on the card for that event. Write both decimal
places even if the last place is a zero. (23.30 is NOT to be written 23.3). There
are three timers on each lane. The official time is the middle time (the time
between the fastest time and the slowest time). If two watches record the same
time then that is the official time. If a timerÕs watch does not start or
otherwise malfunctions and a backup time is not available then the two remaining
watch times are averaged. The digits representing the
thousands place are dropped with NO rounding. Example: 23.33 and
23.42 average to 23.375. The 5 in the thousands place is dropped so the
official time is 23.37.
2. One timer in each lane is designated the head timer/recorder for that lane. All three watch times are to be recorded and the official time is to be circled.
3. Timers should start their watches for each event even if there is no swimmer in their lane in case a backup time is needed.
4. Timers should help with deck control Š keeping swimmers away from the blocks until it is their turn to swim.
The Starter/Referee should conduct a test for all timers to ensure that all watches are working and record close to the same times.
1. Tell the stroke & turn officials that their responsibility is to make sure that all stroke and turn rules are followed and to disqualify any swimmer who violates those rules. Notify the referee/starter if you see infractions occurring that are not being called by the responsible official. An inattentive official in unfair to both teams.
2. The swimmer is to be given the benefit of the doubt. If a stroke and turn judge is not absolutely sure of the infraction it is not to be called. This does not mean being lenient because of age or ability. Each stroke has rules and they need to be consistently enforced.
3. Point out to the stroke & turn officials that there are many ways to swim a stroke that are not pretty but are not necessarily illegal. Only true violations of the rules are to be called.
4. Instruct the stroke and turn officials that if they see a violation they are to immediately raise their hand except on a relay when the hand is not raised until the last swimmer on the offending team has entered the water.
5. Instruct the stroke and turn officials to fill out a
DQ card with the event number, the lane and the details of the violation. The
stroke and turn official is to bring the DQ card to the Starter/Referee
at the end of the race for the Starter/Referee to initial (unless waived by the
Starter/Referee).
6. Instruct the stroke and turn officials where they are to be and what their lane responsibilities are (determined by the layout of each pool).
1. The coaches are not to confront the stroke and turn officials about a DQ. These questions are to be directed to the Referee/Starter.
2. Review the procedure to change event entries after the meet has started with the coaches.
3. Inquire about any unusual starts or turns, hearing impaired swimmers etc.
4. Warn the coaches about deck control and to keep the swimmers quiet behind the blocks.
5. Remind the coaches to check for any jewelry that might pose a safety hazard to the swimmer.
1. The coach writes out a card with the following
information:
a. Swim team name
b. The event number and description for which the
change is being made
c. The lane number and name of the swimmer being added
or dropped.
2. The coach will take the card to the scorerÕs table
and give it to the scorer for the opposing team.
3. The scorer receiving the card will write the number
of the event currently being swum and circle it.
4. Both scorers will make the appropriate changes to the
score sheets and the announcerÕs copy.
5. The card is to be stapled to the home teamÕs score
sheet at the end of the meet.
1. The primary responsibility of a stroke and turn judge
is to fairly enforce the stoke and turn rules for each event.
2. Always remember that the benefit of the doubt goes to
the swimmer. If an official is not absolutely certain of the infraction it is
not to be called. There are many ways to swim a stroke that while may not be
pretty are still not illegal.
3. Before each meet each official should review the
rules for each stroke.
4. If there is a stroke infraction raise your hand
immediately (except on a relay where the hand is not to be raised until the
last swimmer on the offending team has entered the water). Fill out the DQ card
with the event number, the lane and the details of the infraction. Take the
card to the starter/referee as soon as the event is over (unless waived by the
referee/starter). Remember, DQ cards are learning tools for coaches to instruct
their swimmers on correct stroke technique.
5. It is legal to stand up on the freestyle stroke.
Walking or pushing off the bottom is not permitted but it is ok to stand up and
then resume swimming. The same is true of the back stroke provided that
the back remains facing the end of the pool toward which the swimmer was
swimming and the swimmers body does not pass vertical toward the breast.
6. On the freestyle leg of the medley relay or the
freestyle leg of the individual medley NO stroke position on the back is
permitted.
7. Swimmers are to be disqualified for stroke
infractions during exhibition events the same as during the regular event.
8. STROKE RULES Š FROM 2001-2002 National Federation
Rule Book:
ART. 1 ... The
Backstroke:
(a) The
backstroke start shall be used.
(b) The
body shall remain on the back to the degree the shoulders do not turn
over beyond the vertical plane except while executing a turn.
(c) Any
stroke is permitted.
(d) Any
kick is permitted.
(e) The swimmer may be completely submerged during
the turn or for a distance of not more than 16.4 yards (15
meters) after the start and each turn. By that point, the head must have broken
the surface of the water.
(f) The turn requires that some
part of the swimmer's body contact the end wall. After the swimmer's
head has passed the backstroke flag, prior to the turn, the swimmer's upper
shoulder may (but is not required to) rotate past the vertical toward the
breast before the touch is completed provided such rotation
is accompanied by an initiation of the turning action or continuation into the
wall. The initiation of the turning action shall be accomplished
by a single-arm or simultaneous double-arm pull, or in the absence of
such pulls, by a downward, underwater movement of the head. After
the initiation of the turning action, no additional arm pulls may be started;
however, kicking and gliding actions are permitted. The
swimmer shall assume a position on the back before the feet leave the
wall.
(g) The finish requires completion of the required distance and contact with
the finish pad (when automatic timing is used) or
finish end by any part of the swimmer.
ART. 2 ...
The Breaststroke:
(a) The
forward start shall be used.
(b) The
body shall remain on the breast except while executing a turn.
(c) On
the start or turn, one arm stroke beyond the hipline followed by one leg kick
may be made while the swimmer is underwater. The head must break the
water surface prior to the arms beginning the recovery part of the second
arm stroke, which is the forward movement of the hands. Thereafter:
(1)
Hands shall not be brought back beyond the hipline;
(2) Some portion of the head must break the water
surface sometime during each stroke cycle (one arm pull followed
by one leg kick) except after the final arm pull to the turn or
finish.
(d) There shall be no
sculling with the hands at the end of the first arm stroke following
the start or turn.
(e) The stroke requires that
the arms shall move simultaneously and in the same horizontal
plane, without any alternating movement. Both hands shall be pushed forward -from
the breast simultaneously on, above or under the surface of the water. Elbows
must remain under the water except for the last stroke at the finish of
the prescribed distance (butterfly recovery is not permitted at any time).
(f) The kick requires the feet be drawn up with the knees bent. The feet must be
turned outward during the propulsive part of the kick. All movement of the legs and feet shall be simultaneous and in the
same horizontal plane. No scissors,
flutter, or downward butterfly kick (developed from a flexing and extending of the knee) is permitted.
(g) The
turn requires a simultaneous touch with two hands not necessarily on the
same plane after which any manner of turn is permitted. The shoulders shall
be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the feet leave the wall.
The legal body position shall be regained prior to the first arm pull.
(h) The finish requires
completion of the required distance and contact with the finish
pad (when automatic timing is used) or finish end with both hands simultaneously,
not necessarily on the same plane.
ART. 3 ...
The Butterfly:
(a) The
forward start shall be used.
(b) The
body shall remain on the breast except while executing a turn. After the start
and after the turn, the swimmer is allowed one or more leg kicks, but only one
arm pull under water.
(c) The stroke requires that
both arms simultaneously pull backward under the water, then simultaneously recover over the water. At any given time
corresponding points on both hand shall be at the same horizontal level.
(d) The kick requires that
both legs and feet move up and down simultaneously in the vertical plane. Scissors, breaststroke and alternating up and down
movements of the legs are not
permitted.
(e) The
turn requires a simultaneous touch with two hands, not necessarily on the same plane, after
which any manner of turn is permitted. The shoulders shall be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the feet leave
the wall. The legal body position shall
be regained prior to the first arm pull.
(f) The swimmer may be
completely submerged for a distance of not more than 16.4 yards (15
meters) after the start and each turn. By that point, the head must have broken
the surface of the water.
(g) The
finish requires completion of the required distance and contact with the
finish pad (when automatic timing is used) or finish end with both hands simultaneously,
not necessarily on the same plane.
ART. 4 ... The Freestyle:
(a) The
forward start shall be used.
(b) Any body position, stroke
and kick is permitted and any combination of styles may be used.
(c) The turn requires that
some part of the swimmer's body contact the end wall.
(d) The swimmer may be
completely submerged for a distance of not more than 16.4 yards (15
meters) after the start and each turn. By that point, the head
must have broken the surface of the water.
(d) The
finish requires completion of the required distance and contact with the finish
pad (when automatic timing is used) or the finish end by any
part of the swimmer.
ART 5 ... The
individual medley:
(a) Begins
with the forward start.
(b) Competitors shall
swim the butterfly for the first quarter of the required distance of the complete
race, the backstroke for the second quarter, the breaststroke for the third quarter and any stroke
other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly for the last quarter.
(c) Competitors
shall adhere during each quarter of the race to the position, stroke,
kick and turn rules governing the stroke being swum.
NOTE: Turns at the end of the first three strokes are considered turns.
The finish is the end of the final lap of the race. PENALTY FOR EVENT FORM VIOLATIONS: Swimmer is disqualified from the
event.
ART.
1 ... The medley relay is swum by a team of
four competitors, each swimming one quarter of the required distance of the race. The
first shall use the backstroke start and swim
backstroke; the second shall swim breaststroke; the third, butterfly; and the fourth shall swim any
stroke other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly. Each swimmer
shall adhere to the position, stroke, kick, turn
and finish rules governing the stroke being swum.
ART. 2 ... The freestyle relay is swum by a team of
four competitors, each swimming one quarter
of the required distance of the race in any style, adhering to the turn and
finish rules of the freestyle event. The first swimmer of the relay team must use the forward start.
The Suburban Swim League will abide by the National Federation Rules and Regulations with the following exceptions:
Swimmers and Divers Eligibility:
25 yards to 25
meters
1.094
25 meters to 25
yards
0.9141
30 yards to 25
yards
0.8333
30 yards to 25
meters
0.9113
25 meters to 30
yards
1.0973
25 yards to 30
yards
1.2000
Swimming Events
1. The individual swimming events to be contested will
be freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke for all five age groups
and individual medleys for the 12&under, 14&under and 15&over age
groups and a free relay for the 8 & under age group. (See Event Sheet
Attached)
2. A person may compete in four events, one of which
must be a relay.
3. The order of events will be as follows: 8 & Under
Free Relay, 15&over 50 Freestyle, Medley Relays, Breaststroke, Individual
Medleys, Butterfly, Backstroke, remaining Freestyle, and Freestyle Relays.
4. In dual meets, Swimmers may move up any number of age
groups to compete in individual events or on relays.
5. An Exhibition Swimmer must swim the stroke being swum
in that event, unless both coaches agree on something else two events prior to
the event. This will be a Coaches agreement. Exhibition heats may be swum as
specified on the meet schedule and should be recorded on the Exhibition meet
sheets.
6. False starts for swimmers will be as follows: Events
for ages 8-10-12 will be allowed 1 fast false start. Events for ages 14&15
will be allowed No false starts. (Note: If a 10 year old swims in a
14&U event, the No false start rule will be in effect for that
swimmer.)
7. Protests of rule infractions will be as follows:
a. Infractions of the rules must be brought verbally to
the attention of the Meet Referee before the next event.
b. Protests not resolved by the Meet Referee must be
submitted in writing by the team protesting to the President of the League. The
President will call a special meeting of the teams involved and the Arbitration
Board. The Arbitration Board shall pass final judgement of the protest. The
protest must be postmarked no later than 48 hours following the meet. Two
alternatives will be appointed to the Arbitration Board made up of the
officers), if members of the Board are involved in the protest.
8. Only 2 swimmers/teams may score for each team in each
relay and individual event.
Swim Teams & Coaches Responsibility:
1. Pools are to be available as follows:
a. Starting time for warm-ups is 5:00 p.m.
b. Starting time for meets is 6:00 p.m. (6:30 p.m. is
the latest starting time at the RefereeÕs discretion.)
c. If a meet has been started and then postponed due to
inclement weather, the Head Coaches turn all Event Sheets over to the Referee,
and plan a scratch meeting 10 minutes prior to the start of the rescheduled
meet for changes. An entirely new line-up may be submitted from the point of
the last event swum at the postponed meet, taking into account the number of
events in which a swimmer may have already participated.
2. In dual meets, the two clubs competing will each
furnish the following:
a. 1 timer for each lane 9 timers
b. 1 stroke and turn official
c. 1 score keeper
3. If available, a PIAA Official will be in charge of
the meet as Referee. (Home team responsibility)
By mutual consent, the two teams may agree to some other acceptable method of selecting officials if either club has difficulty supplying itÕs quota.
1. The home team will swim even lanes and the away team
will swim odd lanes. These lanes are to be noted by each SwimmerÕs name on the
score sheets prior to the beginning of the meet. If a swimmer swims in the
wrong lane, he or she will be disqualified.
2. The 9 timers per team per meet will be assigned as
follows: Home team lanes Ń 2 visitor timers, 1 home timer; Visitor team lanes Ń
2 home timers, 1 visitor timer. Timers will use the middle time of the 3
recorded as the swimmers time.
3. Cards are to be used (not paper) for the times of
each lane in dual meets. These cards should include: Event #, Lane #, Time and
swimmerÕs name.
4. All lanes will count in a six-lane pool. Individual
events will be scored 5-3-1. Relay points will be 8-4-2 in a six lane pool and
6-3-1 for less than six lanes. In a pool with eight lanes, the six deepest will
be used.
5. Every pool must have a recall device for false
starts.
6. The Home coach has the option to call a meet off by
3:30 p.m. because of cold or foul weather. Once both teams are at a meet, if at
all possible, the meet is to proceed. The Meet Referee makes the ultimate
decision. Deadline to start is 6:30 p.m.
7. The home club MUST have available
at the scorerÕs table a copy of the current National Federation Rule Book, plus
a current copy of the Suburban Swim League Rules and Regulations.
8. 3 copies of the Score Sheets are to be at the
scorerÕs table by 5:45 p.m. Failure to do so will be a $10.00 penalty to the
offending team. However Coaches may change the entries for an event by
informing the scorerÕs table of changes on a 3 x 5 card. Changes must be made
two events prior to the event currently being swum. (SEE RULE 14)
9. The home team must notify the League President within
48 hours of the meet score. There will be a $10.00 Penalty for not
complying.
10. Records that have been broken must be placed on a 3x5
card and handed in at the seeding meeting. The league will keep two sets of
records. One set will contain the best times in yard pools and the other will
contain the best times in meter pools. All records will be kept to the
hundreds.
11. All communication to the Suburban Swim League must be
handled by the Coach or Club Representative of the respective Club.
12. Of the three score sheets presented at the scoring
table by 5:45 p.m., the home and visitor scorekeeper sheets are official. The
third copy is for the use of the announcer and should be marked as Announcer
Copy. This copy is to be used only for the purpose of announcing the meet,
never as an official copy for the purpose of scoring the meet. It is the
responsibility of the announcer to update this copy as changes are made so that
the announcing of the meet is accurate.
Meetings:
Dual Meet Order of Events
1. Girls 8 & Under 100 Free Relay
2. Boys 8 & Under 100 Free Relay
3. Girls 15 & Over 50 Free
4. Boys 15 & Over 50 Free
5. Girls 10 & Under 100 Medley Relay
6. Boys 10 & Under 100 Medley Relay
7. Girls 12 & Under 100 Medley Relay
8. Boys 12 & Under 100 Medley Relay
9. Girls 13 & Over 200 Medley Relay
10. Boys 13 & Over 200 Medley Relay
11. Girls 8 & Under 25 Breast
12. Boys 8 & Under 25 Breast
13. Girls 10 & Under 25 Breast
14. Boys 10 & Under 25 Breast
15. Girls 12 & Under 50 Breast
16. Boys 12 & Under 50 Breast
17. Girls 14 & Under 50 Breast
18. Boys 14 & Under 50 Breast
19. Girls 15 & Over 50 Breast
20. Boys 15 & Over 50 Breast
21. Girls 12 & Under 100 IM
22. Boys 12 & Under 100 IM
23. Girls 14 & Under 100 IM
24. Boys 14 & Under 100 IM
25. Girls 15 & Over 100 IM
26. Boys 15 & Over 100 IM
27. Girls 8 & Under 25 Fly
28. Boys 8 & Under 25 Fly
29. Girls 10 & Under 25 Fly
30. Boys 10 & Under 25 Fly
31. Girls 12 & Under 50 Fly
32. Boys 12 & Under 50 Fly
33. Girls 14 & Under 50 Fly
34. Boys 14 & Under 50 Fly
35. Girls 15 & Over 50 Fly
36. Boys 15 & Over 50 Fly
37. Girls 8 & Under 25 Back
38. Boys 8 & Under 25 Back
39. Girls 10 & Under 25 Back
40. Boys 10 & Under 25 Back
41. Girls 12 & Under 50 Back
42. Boys 12 & Under 50 Back
43. Girls 14 & Under 50 Back
44. Boys 14 & Under 50 Back
45. Girls 15 & Over 50 Back
46. Boys 15 & Over 50 Back
47. Girls 8 & Under 25 Free
48. Boys 8 & Under 25 Free
49. Girls 10 & Under 25 Free
50. Boys 10 & Under 25 Free
51. Girls 12 & Under 50 Free
52. Boys 12 & Under 50 Free
53. Girls 14 & Under 50 Free
54. Boys 14 & Under 50 Free
55. Girls 15 & Over 100 Free
56. Boys 15 & Over 100 Free
57. Girls All Age Crescendo
58. Boys All Age Crescendo