Stroke and Turn Officiating – We Have Liftoff
By Ron Van Pool
Stroke and turn officials are indeed the “eyes of the referee.” The foundation of swimming officiating is to ensure that all the athletes are treated fairly and that any benefit of the doubt goes to the swimmer. Throughout the race, the stroke and turn officials observe the swimmers to ensure that the rules are uniformly applied and no one gains an unfair advantage.
The Artemis II crew was well on their way to the moon as I began to write this article. It occurred to me that during the leadup to launch, during the launch, and throughout the space flight, the many engineers that we see and hear at mission control and the launch center are the “eyes of the mission.” They are dedicated to the mission, have studied it in depth, have rehearsed it, and now ensure that the astronauts (also known to us as the swimmers) are cared for and can execute at the highest levels.
As stroke and turn officials, we are not unlike the professionals observing and guiding Artemis II. We must:
- Be familiar with the meet (mission) information.
- Know the rules, protocols, and jurisdictions (mission technical assignments).
- Receive instructions and assignments at the officials’ meetings (mission simulations and count-downs).
- Perform in a professional and confident manner (reliance on practice and experience).
- Consistently observe the athletes (attentive to monitoring the spaceship and its crew).
- Communicate clearly and accurately concerning infractions and the applications of the rules (identify and remedy issues throughout the mission).
As “professional” officials, we continuously need to hone our skills, whether we are just beginning our officiating journey or are gaining experience at higher levels. USA Swimming has an incredible base of resources for us to utilize to grow and refresh our skills and experiences. Among these resources are:
- Online training through the USA Swimming University.
- LSC training clinics and on-deck apprentice experiences.
- Officiating opportunities at all levels of meets.
- USA Swimming Officials Committee “Hot August Nights” webinars (schedules available in the Officials Newsletter).
- Evaluations as we become qualified for them at Officials Qualifying Meets (OQMs).
- Officials mentoring, both as a mentor and as a mentee.
Just as we see and are inspired by the entire Artemis II team, our athletes, coaches, parents, and fans are inspired by our tireless, professional efforts as officials and, in particular, as stroke and turn officials. The stroke and turn officials are the “eyes of the referee” just as the ground crew are responsible for mission control from liftoff to splashdown.
Every time we go to a meet and assume the role of stroke and turn – WE HAVE LIFTOFF!