Gala Officials

In order to run and host galas, we also need people to train as Officials.  There is a structured training programme for Officials, from entering as a Timekeeper right up to Referee and all the various roles in between, it is a fantastic opportunity to understand competitive swimming a little better.   It can help share the sport of swimming with your child as you learn the rules of competitive swimming which of course you can share with your own swimmer, encouraging them and supporting them with their own races.  

Without qualified officials, it would be impossible to run galas and your swimmer would not be able to compete. We always need parents/grandparents of swimmers to offer their services to be trained as ASA (British Swimming) Officials. By training as a gala official, you are helping your swimmer and other swimmers in the club achieve their potential by being able to compete at all levels.  As with any sport, volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation. The training is provided locally and once qualified, you will always get a poolside view of the action, free refreshments (often including lunch), maybe a seat, maybe even a t-shirt but most of all a sense of wellbeing for giving something back to the sport, the club and your swimmer!

If you are interested in becoming an official please speak to one of our officials or email [email protected]

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Timekeeper

This is an introduction into the world of the swimming official. It covers the practical aspects of what is required if a timekeeper by means of a short theory session followed by a practical assessment.

The minimum recommended age for candidates to undertake this training is 14 years, and all need to be registered members of a British Swimming affiliated club or member of the Institute of Swimming (IoS).

Judge Level 1  

This is the first level of British qualification. It encompasses the role and duties of a Timekeeper, Chief Timekeeper and Inspector of Turns.

The minimum age to start training is 15 years. Candidates will be required to undertake some formal theory instruction and gain practical experience working on the poolside with a mentor. A course workbook is provided for completion after which there will be a practical assessment.

During the practical assessment, candidates will be required to answer questions orally. Upon qualification candidates will be attributed with the qualification Judge Level 1 on the British Swimming Database and will be encouraged to become a Licensed Official.

  Judge Level 2  

This is the second level of qualification. It encompasses the role and duties in relation to all aspects of judging and the theoretical role and duties of Starter.

The minimum age to start training is 16 years and candidates must have already qualified as Judge Level 1. The training follows a similar format to that of Judge level 1 with formal instruction, mentored pool side training with workbook followed by a practical assessment.

Judge Level 2s - Starter

Candidates wishing to qualify as a Starter will be required hold the Judge Level 2 qualification and have completed a minimum of 20 hours post qualification experience as Judge Level 2.

Training will consist of a prescribed number of practical experiences as a Starter before undertaking a formal practical assessment.

Successful candidates will be attributed with the Starter qualification: Judge Level 2S

 Referee

The minimum age for training is 19 years providing the candidate is aged 20 years as at 30 November in the year of the theory examination.

This course contains theoretical instruction and specified practical experiences. It is followed by a formal examination in November after which successful candidates take a final poolside practical assessment leading to qualification as a British Swimming Referee.

Norwich Swan Officials