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I have read and agree to abide by
the Alberta Officials Code of
Conduct (Link here)?
January 2013
1
The clinics should be taken in
the following order:
– Level 1
– Stroke and Turn
– Chief Timekeeper
– Clerk of Course
– Chief Finish Judge
– Recorder Scorer
May be
taken in
any
order
– Starter
– Meet Manager
January 2013
2
Chief Finish Judge Clinic
January 2013
3
Course Outline
Chief Finish Judge Role Responsibilities
Timing Systems
Rules Pertaining to Determining Official Times
Sources of Error in Times
Rules pertaining to position
Role at Meet
– Prior to the meet
– During the meet
Questionnaire
January 2013
4
Role of Chief Finish Judge
To determine the official times and placing
for all swimmers in all races.
– In order to determine the official time for swimmers
the CFJ needs to apply the rules to determine official
times based on:
an understanding of the timing system being used
and
an ability to recognize and correct errors in
recorded times with the Referee approval.
– We will look at the common timing systems used at
swim meets and then we will review the rules
regarding the determination of official times
January 2013
5
Timing System Basics
Watches
Plunger
Picture shows three
timekeepers per lane
January 2013
– 3 timers (watches) per lane
when used as a stand alone
system.
– Meets may run with two timers
(watches) per lane, this;
increases the chance of
timing errors (less
redundancy)
Puts more demands on CFJ
to average the watch times
(possible source of error)
6
Timing System Basics
Watches
Plunger
Picture shows three
timekeepers per lane
January 2013
More demand on chief
timekeeper(s) who need to
capture as many third times
as possible and provide
backup for timekeepers
– Sources of error
reaction time of timekeepers
at start signal
human error in starting or
stopping watch.
7
Timing System Basics
Semi automatic system
using plungers.
Plunger
– Start signal starts timing system
and timekeeper records interval
times and finish times by
pushing button on plunger.
– Times from each plunger are
recorded on a timing computer.
– Plungers are considered to
be a watch for timing
purposes.
ResultsProgram
January 2013
8
Timing System Basics
– Advantages;
Plunger
January 2013
Improved accuracy over
watches as there is no
reaction time delay in start.
Improves heat turnover time
as times do not have to be
recorded manually.
– Sources of error
timekeepers inadvertently
press button on plunger prior
to taking an interval or finish
time
forget to take interval times
which confuses timing
computer (if not caught by
operator).
9
Timing System Basics (con’t)
Automatic system using timing
pads.
– Start device starts timing system and
pads record interval touches and
final touches.
– Timing pad has several flat switches
that run the width of the pad which
close when the swimmer touches the
pad and records the time on the
timing computer.
– Most accurate timing system
– Common Sources of error
Swimmer may not hit pad with
enough force to register touch
(More common for
younger/smaller swimmers),
January 2013
10
Timing System Basics (con’t)
January 2013
Pads can have “dead spots” that
don’t record touches
The pad may fail in which case no
touches are recorded
End result is an erroneous time that
may or may not be caught by timing
system operator.
– A backup system is required to provide
alternate times in the event that an
automatic time is not recorded
─ A backup system should be
independent.
Note in the picture that two timing
computers are used.
Separate computers (PC or laptop) will
be used to interface with each timing
computer (one for pads and one for
plunger back-ups)
11
Rules for Determining Official Times
General Rules
• All times are recorded only to 1/100 (SW 11.2
round to fastest)
Disqualifications
SW 11.4 Should a swimmer be disqualified during or
following an event, such disqualification should be
recorded in the official results, but no time or place
shall be recorded or announced
At most meets you will mark the lane timekeeper sheet
or the electronics report with the designation DQ. Ensure
the DQ is clearly marked for the Recorder/ Scorer.
SW 11.5 in the case of a relay disqualification, legal
splits up to the time of the disqualification shall be
recorded in the official result
This is done by the Recorder/Scorer at most meets
January 2013
12
Manual Times & Manual Placing
Determine the official times of the heat. (SW 11 Timing)
SW 11.3 Any timing device that is terminated by an
official shall be considered a watch. Such manual
times must be taken by three Timekeepers appointed
or approved by the Member in the country concerned.
All watches shall be certified as accurate to the
satisfaction of the governing body concerned. Manual
timing shall he registered to 1/100 of a second. Where
no Automatic Equipment is used, official manual time
shall be determined as follows.
When three watches are being used:
In the event that all three watches agree, that’s the
official time.
1:02.66,
1:02.66,
1:02.66
The official time is 1:02.66
January 2013
13
Official Manual Times
SW 11.3.1 If two of the three watches record the same time
and the third disagrees, then the two identical times shall
be the official time.
1:02.66, 1:02.76, 1:02.66
The official time is 1:02.66
SW 11.3.2 If all three watches disagree, the watch recording
the intermediate time shall be the official time.
1:02.60, 1:02.76, 1:02.94
The official time is 1:02.76
CSW 11.3.3.1 If only TWO watches are being used, the
arithmetic average to the hundredth shall be the official
time. (Rounded to faster time)
If there are two watch times: 1:02.65, 1:02.76, then the
official time is:
(.65+76) / 2 = 0.705, (drop the 5 becomes 0.70), =
January 2013O.T. of 1:02.70
14
Official Manual Times
– This is where a calculator can be very handy.
– Complete the official time on the right of the lane timer
sheet or space on card
– Once all official times for the swimmers in the race have
been recorded pass the sheet on to the recorder scorer
for entry in the results program.
January 2013
15
Automatic Timing System
(SW13.1 & SW13.2)
SW 13.1 When Automatic Officiating Equipment (see FR 4) is
used in any competition, the placing and times so
determined and relay take-offs judged by such Equipment
shall have precedence over the timekeepers.
When an automatic timing system is used the
results recorded by the system shall be considered
to be official unless there is evidence of a
malfunction
January 2013
16
Automatic Timing System
Failure of the system
SW 13.2 When the Automatic Equipment fails to record the
place and or time of one or more swimmers in a given
race:
SW 13.2.1 Record all available Automatic Equipment times
and places.
SW 13.2.2 Record all human times and places.
January 2013
17
Automatic Timing System
(SW13.1 & SW13.2)
Failure of the system
SW 13.2.3 The official place will be determined as follows:
─ Complete comparisons of Automatic Equipment
times and places versus backup times and places (if
available).
─ The Electronics operator may indicate a malfunction
or inactivation of the equipment (light touch) by a
note on the computer print out paper.
─ In this case the CFJ should use the manual times
and mark the time card (MT) Manual Time.
─ Should the CFJ see a discrepancy of greater than
0.3 to 0.5 seconds between an automatic time and
the manual time, it should be viewed as a possible
malfunction of the electronics and reviewed by the
Referee or dealt with as determined in the pre-meet
briefing. Please check carefully!
January 2013
18
The Official Time
SW 13.3 The official time will be determined as
follows:
SW 13.3.1 The official time for all swimmers having an
Automatic Equipment time will be that time.
SW 13.3.2 The official time for all swimmers not having an
Automatic Equipment time will be the three digital
watches or the Semi-Automatic Equipment time.
If there is no automatic equipment time use three human
times (Finish Judges not needed in Canada)
January 2013
19
Timing System Output
What are you going to see?
– Watches
Lane timer sheets (Cardless Meets)
Cards
– Automatic and Semi Automatic Systems
Output sheets
Pads and plungers
January 2013
20
Timing System Output
Abbreviations in ARES output
‘A’ behind time is an average of two
plunger times calculated by computer
2:35.01A
‘B’ behind time is a backup time inserted
by operator 2:35.01B
‘M’ behind time is a manual time inserted
by operator 2:35.01M
January 2013
21
Timing System Errors
How do you determine if there is an error in the
recorded time?
– When using timing systems at swim meets two
systems are usually employed to provide adequate
redundancy (Note: watches are independent and
therefore have inherent redundancy – again
repeating what was said earlier – 2 watches may be
sufficient but 3 is better.)
To Determine if there is an error compare the times
recorded by the primary system with the times
recorded by the backup system
– if there is a significant discrepancy (> 0.3 to 0.5
seconds) you investigate further.
January 2013
22
Timing System Errors
Lets look at the results from a typical timing system
A normal printout
A printout where the operator caught a timing error and
inserted a manual time
A printout where the operator caught a timing error and
edited the time (using a backup time)
A printout where the operator didn’t catch the timing
error and a second touch was recorded by the swimmer
(latest version of timing software should highlight this for
operator)
A printout where a timekeeper pushed the plunger early
A printout where the operator of the backup system did
not restart the timing computer after a test start
January 2013
23
Example Automatic Timing System Output
1. Check Start Times
Pads
Plungers
18:50:26.84
18:50:26.84
2. Compare Finish Order
1:47.57
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
4
5
2
6
7
3
8
1
January 2013
1:48.28
1:51.87
1:52.79
1:53.39
1:47.74
3. Compare Finish Times
1 4
1:48.37
2 5
1:52.09A
2 are recoded on Pads sheet for easy comparison
Plunger3Times
1:52.91
4 6
1:53.48
5 7
6 3
7 8
1:56.84
8 1
Note the program averages
two plunger times and places
1:57.08
an “A” behind the time.
1:54.62
1:54.69
1:56.96A
1:57.25A
24
Timing Example
2:23.74
2:33.18.18
9:25.50
9:40.31M
Note – Operator inserted a manual time for lane 2. Go to backup time for official time
Note – Recorded Start time differ for pads and startup. In this instance it means that the machines have not
been Synchronized and you need to take extra care to match the pad and plunger times as the heat and
event times can be in error.
January 2013
25
Automatic Timing Output Example
14:02:00.03
Interval times
14:02:00.03
Note Start times
2
2:13.14
1
2:31.15
DQ
Plunger times
1
2:44.71
2
2:45.42
Note: Electronics operator and CJE have observed finish and have declared pad times as official after DQ entered.
Sometime later the Recorder observes that the plunger times for lanes 1 and 2 have significant differences to pad times.
Final plunger times (one plunger only) differ by 15 seconds. One plunger time may indicate a potential problem but is not
sufficient to overturn an electronics time. CJE decision stands.
Electronics presumed correct.
January 2013
26
Timing Problem
Lane 7: CFJ accepted time from plungers of 20:18.96. Timers had
recorded a manual time of 18:39. Coach protested that they had
swimmers time as 18:39.33. What would you do?
Hint – count the number of interval times (plungers)–30 for a 25m
pool. Next compare the interval times with the backup, the sixth
and seventh interval differ. Swimmer swam extra lap, use backup
January 2013
27
Before the Meet
Pre-Meet Briefing With The Referee.
– Ask how the Referee wishes time discrepancies to
be handled
– Would he like you to solve them according to the
rules, and then advise him of the decision for his
approval?
How does the Referee want to handle the
signing of each event’s results? (SW 2.10.2)
– After each event or at the end of the meet?
Introduce yourself to the other Key officials.
– Your responsibilities require you to interact with the
Clerk of Course, the Chief TimekeeperRecorder/Scorer (Desk Control) and the electronics
operators
January 2013
28
Familiarize yourself with the timing system(s) to
be used and how the results will be presented.
– If an electronic timing system is being used, meet with
the operators to clarify how potential problems will be
handled. For manual time recording review with the
chief timekeeper how results will be recorded.
Obtain the supplies you will need for your
sesssion
– Calculator (if math is not your strong point)
– Pens/pencils to mark sheets
– Stapler
– Optional – rule book.
January 2013
29
Location?
Accessible to the Referee for resolution of
time/place discrepancies.
Usually ,but not always, in a room to the side of
the deck or an area free of excess traffic, noise,
or air turbulence (you don’t need papers flying
around) with easy access from the deck for
receipt of Timekeeper sheets or electronic
printouts.
There should be easy access or communication
to the Electronics operators and Chief Recorder
/ Scorer-Meet Office.
January 2013
30
During the Meet
If there are problems with the times the
Timekeepers are recording, advise the Chief
Timekeeper of the lane and the problem that is
occurring. The Chief Timekeeper looks after his
Timekeepers.
Be prepared to mentor / teach novice Assistant
Finish Judges (once you have some
experience!)
January 2013
31
After the Meet
Check with the Referee, Recorder/Scorer, and/or
Office for any out-standing problems.
If you have been having timing system problems (stuff
happens) you may want to ensure that the Referee will
be available for the time required to complete the
results, in the event you require his approval or
decision to resolve a problem.
Return all meet materials, pens, staplers, etc.
January 2013
32
CHIEF FINISH JUDGE QUESTIONAIRE
Questions before we begin?
Correct answers will turn RED on left mouse click
January 2013
33
1. The Chief Finish Judge has the authority to:
a. disqualify swimmers;
b. appoint an Assistant Chief Finish Judge to assist him;
c. establish the results and order of finish which is sent
directly to the referee;
d. resolve all decisions relating to the place and time of
swimmers, authorized by the Referee;
e. schedule Swim-Offs and inform the Referee and
Coaches.
January 2013
34
2. An indication that the results from an
automatic judging and timing system may
be invalid is:
a. a difference of greater than 0.30 seconds between manual
and automatic times;
b. an annotation of "light touch" on the automatic time-slip;
c. a manual time from the Chief Timer recorded on the time
card;
d. a report from the turn inspector that the final touch-out was
illegal;
e. an annotation of "light touch" on the time card by the Head
Lane Timer;
f. three manual backup times which are identical to 1/100ths of
a second.
January 2013
35
3. Two or more swimmers with good
automatic times that are identical to
1/100ths of a second (in the same or
different heats) shall:
a. be declared tied;
b. be placed according to their 1000th times (if
available);
c. be placed according to their manual backup
times;
January 2013
36
4. Determine the official times and places for Heat 5
and record the times.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
5
5
5
1:11.45
1:11.48
1:11.62
Official Time
January 2013
TIMER 2
TIMER 3
1:11.40
1:11.69
1:11.47
1:11.43
-
Placing
A - 1:11.45
1st
B - 1:11.45
1st
C - 1:11.65
2nd
37
5. Determine the official places and times for Heat 4.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
TIMER 2
4
4
4
1:06.19
1:06.30
1:06.85
1:06.31
1:06.79
OFFICIAL TIME: A - 1:06.29
B - 1:06.30
C- 1:06.82
January 2013
TIMER 3
1:06.39
1:06.26
-
ST
1
,
ND
, 2
. 3RD
38
6. Determine the official times and places for
Heat 2 and record the times.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
TIMER 2
2
2
2
4:05.58
4:05.86
4:05.79
OFFICIAL TIME: A BC-
January 2013
4:05.75
4:05.70
4:05.93
TIMER 3
4:05.69
-
4:05.66 , 1ST
4:05.70 , 2ND
4:05.86 . 3RD
39
7. Determine the official times and places for
Heat 3 and record the times.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
3
3
3
OFFICIAL TIME: A BC-
January 2013
1:21.40
1:21.30
1:21.87
TIMER 2
1:21.43
1:21.39
-
1:21.43 ,
1:21.36 ,
1:21.83
.
TIMER 3
1:21.53
1:21.36
1:21.80
2ST
1ST
3RD
40
8. Determine the official times and places for
the event.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
4
5
6
1:01.49
1:01.37
1:01.43
OFFICIAL TIME: A - 1:01.43
B - 1:01.43
C - 1:01.43
January 2013
TIMER 2
TIMER 3
1:01.43
1:01.56
1:01.58
1:01.43
1:01.43
1:01.43
ST
, 1
, 1ST
. 1ST
41
9. Determine the official times and places for
the event.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
7
8
9
HEAT TIMER 1
1:07.45
1:07.46
1:07.36
OFFICIAL TIME: A BC-
January 2013
TIMER 2
TIMER 3
1:07.49
1:07.31
1:07.57
1:07.47
-
1:07.47 , 2nd
1:07.46
, 1st
1:07.46
1st
_________.
42
10. Determine the official times and places for
the event.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
7
7
8
OFFICIAL TIME: A BC-
January 2013
1:09.37
1:09.37
1:09.33
1:09.41
1:09.37
TIMER 2
TIMER 3
1:09.46
1:09.41
1:09.39
1:09.20
1:09.41
1:09.31
, 1st
, 3nd
2nd
43
11. Determine the official times and places for
Heat5.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
5
5
5
1:01.24
1:01.39
-
TIMER 2
1:01.43
1:01.30
1:01.38
TIMER 3 AUTOTIME
1:01.35
1:01.30
1:01.26
1:01.36
1:01.32
1:01.36
OFFICIAL TIME: A - 1:01.36 , 2nd
1, st
B - 1:01.32
C - 1 :01.36 . 2nd
January 2013
44
12. Determine the official times and places for
Heat 6.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
6
6
6
59.25
59.43
59.48
TIMER 2
59.49
59.45
TIMER 3 AUTOTIME
59.32
59.41
-
59.36
59.49
OFFICIAL TIME: A - 59.36
, 1ST
B - 59.42M
, 2ND
C - 59.49
. 3RD
January 2013
45
13. Determine the official times and places.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
2
2
3
OFFICIAL TIME: A BC-
January 2013
1:30.60
1:30.72
1:30.69
TIMER 2
TIMER 3 AUTOTIME
1:30.71
1:30.71
1:30.83
1:30.64
1:30.80
1:30.71
1:30.73
1:30.72
1:30.73
1:30.73 , 2ND
1:30.72
, 1ST
1:30.73 . 2ND
46
14. Determine the official times and places.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
1
1
3
56.63
56.71
56.87
OFFICIAL TIME: A - 56.78
B - 56.76
C - 56.83
January 2013
TIMER 2
56.71
56.76
56.76
TIMER 3 AUTOTIME
56.70
56.81
56.87
56.78
56.76
56.83
ND
, 2
1
, ST
. 3RD
47
15. Determine the official times and places for
Heat 7.
SWIMMER
A
B
C
HEAT TIMER 1
7
7
7
OFFICIAL TIME: A BC-
January 2013
27.39
27.27
27.37
TIMER 2
27.43
27.30
27.39
TIMER 3 AUTOTIME
27.31
27.37
27.45
27.95
27.39
3RD
27.45
,
27.30M
, 1ST
27.39
. 2ND
48
16. When melding time cards from different
heats to determine the official order of
finish of the event, the cards of
disqualified Swimmers should be:
a. placed at the bottom of the stack;
b. placed according to time and place;
c. removed from the stack and submitted
separately;
d. destroyed, since the times are not legal;
e. numbered but placed last.
January 2013
49
17. Indicate the correct responses:
a. In an electronically operated event, once the order of
finish has been completed by the Chief Finish Judge,
he/she shall be responsible for recording those placings
in the appropriate box on the time card.
b. It is the responsibility of the Chief Finish Judge to notify
the referee when there is a tie for last place or second
alternate for a final or consolation final.
January 2013
50
18. Indicate the correct responses:
The Chief Finish Judge shall:
a) notify the recording room to delay publishing results when a
problem such as a swim-off or a protest has occurred;
b) arrange swim-offs with coaches and swimmers and notify the
referee;
c) Endeavour to record the order of finish in electronically timed
meets;
d) ensure that all DQs, Ties, and DNFs are appropriately flagged
for the typist or computer operators;
e) before results are posted, sign the print out of the finish order of
each event after ensuring that it is correct;
f) notify the Chief Timekeeper of the repeated discrepancies in
times or recording of times in specific lanes.
g) ensure that times achieved by swimmers who are subsequently
disqualified are not published.
January 2013
51
19. It is accepted practice that an identified
discrepancy of 0.30 seconds or more
between the automatic and backup
(manual) times for a lane shall:
a) be an indication of a possible “light touch” or
equipment malfunction;
b) cause the Referee to order a re-swim;
c) cause the Chief Judge Electronics to stop the
meet and check the touch pads;
d) cause the CFJ to review both the automatic
and backup places and times.
January 2013
52
20. Two or more swimmers with good
automatic times that are identical to the
100ths of a second shall:
a) be placed according to their order of finish as
determined by the automatic system;
b) be declared tied;
c) be placed according to the automatic 1000ths
of a second if these are available;
d) be placed according to the manual backup
times
January 2013
53
Questions 21 to 23 relate to the position of Chief Judge Electronics
21. Some of the responsibilities of the
Chief Judge Electronics are to:
a) advise the Referee and/or CFJ whenever the
equipment malfunctions;
b) notify the CFJ whenever backup times should
be used in lieu of automatic results;
c) observe the final touches of all swimmers;
d) observe all touches to ensure they are properly
recorded by the automatic system;
e) physically operate the system computer;
f)
ensure that the equipment is located so that he
can clearly observe all finishes;
January 2013
54
21. Continued
Some of the responsibilities of the Chief
Judge Electronics are to:
g)
ensure that the system is stopped manually for a lane
if it fails to stop automatically, and so indicate to the
CFJ;
h)
ensure that the system is started manually if it fails to
start automatically, and so indicate to the CFJ;
i)
ensure that the equipment is in good working order
before the meet begins;
j)
ensure that the system is activated by the Starter's
signal;
k)
be fully familiar with all rules pertaining to electronics
and
January
2013 the operation of the complete system.
55
22. If a touch pad fails to respond
immediately when touched by
a swimmer, the operator shall:
a) stop the system for the lane (s) concerned and
invalidate the times and places;
b) not interfere with the system but let it function
normally;
c) manually activate the touch for the lane (s)
concerned and note "light touch" on the printout;
January
2013
d)
ignore
the problem and let the CFJ resolve it.
56
23. If a race has been successfully started
but the automatic system has failed to
activate, the operator shall:
a) manually activate the system and inform the
CFJ / Referee;
b) manually activate the system and inform no
one;
c) set up the equipment for the next race and
wait.
January 2013
57
24. When automatic judging and timing
systems are in use:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
the places and times determined by the system shall
be official, unless they are invalidated by the Referee
or CFJ;
times shall be recorded to 100ths, even if 1000ths are
provided;
swimmers whose times are tied to 100ths shall be
placed according to the manual backup times;
there shall also be a full complement of timekeepers or
another form of backup system;
only one timekeeper per lane is satisfactory as a
backup timing system;
a malfunction of the system shall require the race to be
stopped and swum again.
January 2013
58
25. Electrical Operators shall:
a) operate or assist in the operation of any SNC
approved automatic judging and timing
equipment;
b) have authority over Chief Judge Electronics;
c) have the automatic timing equipment
positioned anywhere with a view of the finish of
the race;
d) have the automatic timing equipment
positioned near the end of the pool in line with
the finish;
e) be any person competent to run the
equipment.
January 2013
59
If the course is given by an Instructor;
– Complete the ‘Officials Certification Form’,
attach and send to the email address on the
form.
When you have finished the online
course:
– Complete the ‘Online Certification Form’ and
attach, and send email to the address on the
form.
Forms are located at,
– http://www.swimalberta.ca/officials/officialsJanuary 2013
forms.htm
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Thank you.
We would like to acknowledge the initial work on the power point presentation
done by Swim Ontario and Swim Alberta
January 2013
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