| On the Same Page The E-Newsletter of the USA Swimming Officials Committee February 2008 |
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2008 Olympic Trials
The team of officials selected to work the 2008 Olympic Team Trials – Swimming in Omaha, Nebraska this year has been finalized. For a complete list, click here.
Applications to Officiate
Applications to officiate at this year’s national meets have been posted. They include applications for the U.S. Open Championship and the Speedo Junior National Championships, both in Minneapolis, MN, and the USA Swimming Short Course National Championships in December in Atlanta, GA. Additionally, applications to officiate for the summer zone and sectional meets can also be accessed. Click here.
National Officials Certification
A reminder to those officials who were “grandfathered” until December 2007 for N2 and N3 certification. The deadline has been extended until March 31, 2008. You can apply for recertification through the on-line Officials Tracking System. Just log in with your USA Swimming website account and then access the system by clicking the Certification Application link. Remember, you are responsible for applying for recertification, it is not automatic. If you have questions about the system, a list of Frequently Asked Questions with their answers has been prepared, click here.
Maxwell Award
Congratulations to Boots Hall of Potomac Valley Swimming as the January recipient of the Maxwell Excellence Award for service to local swimming. To learn more about the award and to see a list of previous recipients, click here.
Officials Online Tests
The new combination tests for recertifying Starters and Referees satisfy the requirements for the minimal testing guidelines. Click here to access the officials on-line test site.
Training Resource
The Safety Card Checklist for Referees on the USA-S website has been updated. Click here.
Situation
A recently certified Stroke and Turn official working a 10 & under backstroke event raises his hand to signal a possible disqualification. When approached by the Chief Judge to discuss the observed infraction the official explains that the swimmer in lane 3 is wearing nose plugs, which constitutes using an artificial device to enhance performance. When the call and explanation are relayed to the Deck Referee the disqualification is not accepted. Correct ruling? For the recommended resolution to the situation, click here.