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Begin presentation at Slide 2
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
– Starter
– Meet Manager
January 2013
May be
taken in
any
order
2
CHIEF TIMEKEEPER
CLINIC
January 2011
3
Chief Timekeeper Role
Position of Chief Timekeeper is very
straightforward.
Accurate timing by team of Chief Timekeeper &
Assistant is ESSENTIAL.
They must maintain constant check on accuracy
& efficiency of Timekeepers.
January 2013
4
Before the Meet
Arrive early — minimum one hour before start.
Check with Meet Manager;
– What timing system is to be used, electronics,
plungers, watches, or dolphin system.
– Are there Stroke & Turn officials for each lane?
Arrange sign-out system for watches, if
requested by Meet Manager.
Arrange ‘Watch Check’ with Referee & Starter.
Supplies during meet - batteries, clipboards,
watches, pencils for Timekeepers on the deck.
January 2013
5
Before the Meet
Discuss with Referee:
– Are official times recorded on cards by
Timekeepers?
– Signals advising Referee of Timekeeper
problems? (e.g.: card mix-up)
– Is there a need to appoint relay takeover judges?
– Who will be conducting the briefing for
timekeepers, Referee or Chief
Timekeeper?
January 2013
6
Before the Meet
– Special Procedures
Distance Events - two swimmers per
lane?
Need extra Timekeepers, 25 metre Swim
in 25 metre pool
– Will swimmers move to turns end, or
will Timekeepers move to turns end to
take finish?
January 2013
7
Before the Meet - Briefing
If the Chief Timekeeper is to conduct the briefing
session and watch check with Timekeepers, it
should be done 25-30 minutes before session
start .
– Introduce yourself, your assistant - explain
your duties.
– Ensure enough Timekeepers & arrange for
more if required.
– Identify new Timekeepers & ensure they work
with experienced mentor Timekeepers.
– Appoint relay take-over judges, if required:
discuss position for observing relay takeover,
procedure for reporting disqualification.
January 2013
8
Before the Meet - Briefing
Designate Head Timekeeper - each lane.
If you do not have a certified Inspector of Turns
in each lane, arrange alternate coverage with
the Referee.
Discuss operation of equipment to be used,
watches, Dolphin System, or plungers.
Stress
– the person that starts the watch MUST stop
the watch.
– DO NOT EXCHANGE A WATCH ONCE
STARTED.
January 2013
9
Before the Meet - Briefing
Identification of swimmers.
Correct
name
- matches
the
swimmer
inare
the
Correct
For
timed
heat
finals
-on
fororcard
heats,
finals,
lane
laneand
numbers
heat
number
are located
Relays - Swimmers swim in correct order.
water.
located“Finals
under
under “Heat”,
January 2013
10
Two examples of lane
sheets on the right.
• In event 26 there are
seven heats.
• Lane 4 has a swimmer in
each of the seven heats.
• Lane 8 has no swimmer in
heat 1.
• If a swimmer steps
forward (in Lane 8) for this
heat it is important that
you ask the swimmer to
wait for his assigned heat
and/or signal to the chief
timekeeper that there is a
problem in your lane.
January 2013
11
Splits:
When - Every time the swimmer touches the
wall.
How - Lean over the end of the pool and
observe the touch.
Where to record them on the card
– Far right side of the card and on the back if not
enough room.
– On distance events (800 and 1500), if you miss
a split, put a line through the space where the
split would have been recorded.
– This will assist in keeping track of where
swimmer is in race for Bell Lap.
January 2013
12
Before the Meet - Briefing
— Where to record times on Lane
Sheets
o Split times are recorded automatically
when you push one of the buttons if
semi automatic timing or dolphin
wireless stopwatches are used.
o If using watches, split times should
be recorded on sheets provided.
January 2013
13
Before the Meet - Briefing
Light touches when using electronics:
– Swimmer does not touch the pad firmly
enough to activate electronics.
– Report to Chief Timekeeper or Assistant
– Write “Light Touch” on time card.
January 2013
14
Before the Meet - Briefing
When, how to ring bells: 800/1500m events during
session.
In 25m pool:
• 800m race - Ring bell at 750m – lap 30
• 1500m race - Ring bell at 1450m – lap58
In 50m pool:
• For 800m race - Ring bell at 700m – lap 14
• For 1500m race - Ring bell at 1400m – lap 28
Ring bell over the right lane rope as swimmer approaches
backstroke flags & continue until turn completed &
swimmer has passed backstroke flags.
January 2013
15
Before the Meet - Briefing
• How does the Timekeeper signal for help when they
have a problem?
• Resetting of watches - on Referee’s first whistle to start
next heat or as instructed by Chief Timekeeper.
• Advise timekeepers to record times as fast as possible &
prepare for next race.
• Relays
─ The first leg of relays (50/100 splits) shall be timed
by all timekeepers – as they are official times.
─ Ensure timekeepers know the relay take off rules,
the Head Timekeeper is charged with this duty.
January 2013
16
During the Meet
SW 2.8.1 The Chief Timekeeper shall assign the seating
positions for all Timekeepers and the lanes for
which they are responsible. There shall be three
(3) Timekeepers for each lane. If Automatic
Officiating Equipment is not used, there shall be
two (2) additional Timekeepers designated,
either of whom shall be directed to replace a
Timekeeper whose watch did not start or
stopped during an event, or who for any other
reason is not able to record the time. When
using three (3) digital watches per lane, final
time and place is determined by time.
January 2013
17
During the Meet
CSW 2.8.1.1 When using less than three digital watches
per lane, the final time and placing shall be
determined by time.
SW 1.2.3 - Where Automatic Officiating Equipment is not
available, such equipment must be replaced by
a Chief Timekeeper, three (3) Timekeepers per
lane, and two (2) additional Timekeepers.
If only two (2) Timekeepers, then Chief Timekeeper or
Assistant shall have their times recorded on time card
- the first, or second place Age Group or PARA swimmer
in the event could breaking a record the meet.
Extra Timekeepers are essential for large meets &
helpful at all meets for relief.
January 2013
18
During the Meet
SW 2.8.2 - The Chief Timekeeper shall collect
from the timekeepers in each lane a
card showing the time recorded and, if
necessary, inspect their watches.
Assign runner to collect cards.
Survey first one or two heats to ensure times are
recorded properly, & in proper places. (splits,
timed finals, heats, etc.)
January 2013
19
During the Meet
SW 2.8.3 - The Chief Timekeeper shall record or
examine the official time on the card for
each lane.
Official times are normally put on cards by Chief
Finish Judge.
If electronics are used - times are taken from
official electronics printout by Chief Finish
Judge.
Times obtained from watches, plungers, or
dolphin wireless systems (without electronics),
are considered Manual Time.
January 2013
20
Records
CSW 12.18.3 - Record swims shall be timed and
recorded by an Automatic
Officiating Equipment system or by
three (3) timekeepers.
A RECORD requires THREE (3) watches.
Chief Timekeeper or Assistant should always
have their times recorded on the card of the first
and second place swimmers if only two (2)
Timekeepers.
January 2013
21
Records
CSW 12.18.4 - A time achieved while swimming the first
“leg” of a relay, or while swimming any part
of an individual event with an electronic
timing system start, may count as a record.
For a split time to count as a record, the
swimmer must legally complete the full
distance of the event or “leg” of the relay,
and the official time, for the individual event,
shall be equal to or better than the
qualifying time for the event. ( See also SW
12.10 and SW 12.11 ).
‘Official Split’ - An extra card attached to normal card
requesting an “Official Split”. Referee should advise you
& arrangements made to time the 50 metre end.
January 2013
22
Chief Timekeeper
Summary
Evaluate and arrange mentoring of
Timekeepers.
Move Timekeepers from lane with no swimmer
to lane where timekeepers did not get start on
their watch.
Solve ongoing problems in your area of
responsibility.
January 2013
23
Summary
Signal Referee if something goes wrong in your area that
needs fixing & requires meet to stop.
Take time of heat winner of each race or other lanes as
required.
Supervise all Timekeepers.
– Check times accurate by observing recorded times.
– Check Head Lane Timekeeper recording information
in the correct place on cards.
– Have your time recorded if required for a third time, or
if a Timekeeper's time not right.
– Chief Timekeeper’s time is a diplomatic way to
supervise every lane & observe times are accurate.
– Chief Timekeeper’s time not used when three (3)
good times are recorded.
January 2013
24
Chief Timekeeper
After the Meet
Sign record applications.
Ensure all watches returned, shut off, &
stored properly. Those not working are
marked & brought to the attention of the
Meet Manager.
Return watches to office or Meet Manager.
January 2013
25
Chief Timekeeper - Situation # 1
Timekeeper 2 in Lane 5 consistently records times that are
0.40 to 0.60 faster than the other 2 Timekeepers.
Observe Timekeeper working. Are they attentive,
starting & stopping watch properly? If everything
appears normal give them another watch - explain the
problem. USE A LOT OF DIPLOMACY. If nothing
appears to work, move them to another position.
(assist the Chief Finish Judge or Marshall, etc.).
Review correct procedure for taking splits/finishes. Is
Timekeeper starting watch by sound of start device
instead of flash? Is the Timekeeper anticipating finish?
Make sure Timekeeper is watching wall, not the
swimmer. Be in proper position to observe touch.
January 2013
26
Chief Timekeeper
Situation # 2
The Timekeepers in Lane 4 are all
inexperienced.
Move one of the inexperienced timekeepers and
replace with an experienced Timekeeper from
another lane.
January 2013
27
Chief Timekeeper - Situation # 3
Timekeeper 1 in Lane 3 takes split times seated in
her chair.
Advise Timekeeper of importance of observing
the touch. Time recorded is not correct unless
the touch is observed from the correct position.
Review the correct position for taking splits
–
standing over the lane observing the touch.
January 2013
28
Chief Timekeeper - Situation # 4
Timekeeper 1 in Lane 4 is a qualified Inspector of
Turns. He is trying to take splits & judge turns at
the same time.
Ask one of the other Timekeepers to take splits
& explain that the two jobs don’t work together
because both require his attention at the same
time.
January 2013
29
Chief Timekeeper - Situation # 5
All three Timekeepers in Lane 6 are
recording times that are inconsistent with
electronic results.
Observe the Timekeepers working:
– Are they attentive?
– Are they starting & stopping watches
correctly?
– There may be a faulty touch pad, advise
Referee of concern.
January 2013
30
Chief Timekeeper - Situation # 6
After the start, three Timekeepers raise their
hands. They have missed the start.
Are they all in the same lane?
•
•
•
If so, are there any lanes with no swimmers?
If you have empty lanes, move the Timekeepers in
the lane with the problem.
If no empty lanes, no extra Timekeepers
• Chief Timekeeper or Assistant can take a time.
REMEMBER
IF YOU START THE WATCH, YOU MUST STOP THAT
WATCH!!
January 2013
31
Chief Timekeeper - Situation # 7
The Referee has blown his whistle to signal the start of the
next heat. Timekeepers in Lane 2 raise their hands.
There is a problem in Lane 2.
– Use prearranged signal with Referee to hold start.
– Do not let the race start with a problem among your
Timekeepers.
Make sure it is an important problem (e.g. card mix-up).
– do not hold the start for a minor problem.
– The Timekeepers must try to come up to the speed
the Referee requires.
January 2013
32
Chief Timekeeper - Situation # 8
Determine the official times for the following:
Lane
Timer 2
1
1:09.48
1:09.70
1:09.59
2
1:11.92
1:11.95
1:11.93
3
1:07.15
1:07.15
1:05.67
1:05.61
1:05.67
Timer 3
Official Time
Timer 1
4
Chief Timer
1:07.10
1:07.15
1:05.60
1:05.61
5
1:07.41
1:07.31
1:07.91
1:07.41
6
1:10.24
1:10.25
1:10.23
1:10.24
January 2013
33
Chief Timekeeper
Questionnaire
1. Before the start of a meet the Chief
Timekeeper shall:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Check that all watches are in good working order;
Issue watches to timekeepers;
Brief timekeepers regarding their duties;
Assign an individual to each lane to judge relay
takeovers;
Assign Head Lane timekeepers;
Issue bells (where appropriate);
Arrange with the Starter to conduct a “watch check”;
Establish working signals with the Referee.
January 2013
34
2. The Chief Timekeeper shall:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Take the finish time of the winner of each heat;
Position himself so that he can observe the finish of
each heat;
Make his own tabulation of the order of finish of each
heat;
Disqualify swimmers for turn infractions which he
observes;
Signal all Timekeepers to clear and reset their
watches;
Check all recorded times of the winner of each heat;
Affix his time, when necessary, on the time card of the
winner of a heat or final;
Satisfy himself that all timekeepers are competent;
Tabulate lengths completed in long distance races
January 2013
35
Cont’d
j. Have the authority to disqualify;
k. Have one or two Assistants
l. Have the authority to over-rule an automatic time
and replace it with a manual time;
m.Have extra watches/batteries available;
n. Assign timekeepers to take split or record-attempt
times;
o. Start at least two watches for each race;
p. Examine all the time cards;
q. Ensure that at least one extra watch is started for
each race.
r. Alert the HLT and/or timekeepers to location of
times and signatures when meet has both
preliminary and time final events.
January 2013
36
3. In long distance events when there is a bell-lap,
the Chief Timekeeper shall:
a. delegate responsibility for tabulating lengths
and ringing the bell to each Head Lane
Timekeeper;
b. verify the tabulation of completed lengths
with the assigned Lane Timekeeper and
Referee before authorizing the bell to be
rung.
January 2013
37
4. When an automatic judging and timing system
with electronic touch-pads is in use:
a. it is necessary to have a full complement of
Lane Timekeepers on duty unless another
approved backup system is available;
b. it is necessary to have a full complement of
Lane Timekeepers on standby in the officials'
room, in the event of a malfunction;
c. the Lane Timekeeper will transcribe the
automatic times onto the time cards.
January 2013
38
5. In developmental meets, the minimum
number of Timekeepers that should be
assigned to each working lane of the
pool is:
a.two;
b.one;
c.three;
d.three in any integrated meet where a
swimmer with a disability is in the lane.
January 2013
39
6.The following times were measured on
manually operated digital watches.
Determine the official times for each
swim:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
A
B
1:01.32
1:10.67
4:03.47
1:00.03
2:12.04
2:21.34
4:18.07
1:01.39
1:10.89
4:03.26
59.95
2:12.15
2:20.97
4:18.42
January 2013
C
Official Time
1:01.43 1:01.39
1:10.78
4:03.54 4:03.47
59.99
2:12.04 2:12.04
2:21.15
4:18.24
40
7.The Chief Timekeeper shall instruct the
Head Lane Timekeeper to ensure that:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
the correct swimmer is in his assigned lane;
the correct time card is being used;
the correct times are being read and recorded;
all times are recorded to 100ths of a second;
in manually timed meets, official times are correctly
calculated and recorded (when so directed);
f. preliminary, final and split times are recorded on the
time card, as directed;
g. in Relay events the swimmers compete in the
correct order.
January 2013
41
8.The Chief Timekeeper should instruct the
Head Lane Timekeepers to ensure that:
a.
b.
c.
d.
one timekeeper is assigned to take split times;
the Chief Finish Judge is informed in the appropriate
manner if a swimmer fails to touch the touch-pad or
touches it lightly;
relay take-over infractions are reported to the
Referee;
a swimmer's manual backup times are adjusted to
agree with the automatic times.
January 2013
42
9.During a short course relay, an official split
is taken:
a.
b.
c.
d.
by all timekeepers assigned to a lane;
at the completion of the first leg of a 4 x 50 m relay;
at the completion of each swimmer's leg of the relay;
at the end of the first leg of a 4 x 100 m relay.
January 2013
43
10. In a manually timed meet, long course,
an official split at 50m of a 200 m relay
event is taken:
a.
b.
c.
by having all timekeepers move to the 50 m end of
the pool for the start of each heat, then return to the
finish end for the remainder of the meet;
when there are sufficient timekeepers and watches
to staff both ends of the meet;
when a coach requests an official split and there are
sufficient timekeepers and watches to staff the
lane(s) in question;
January 2013
44
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/off
icials-forms.htm
January 2013
45
Thank you.
We would like to acknowledge the initial work on the power point presentation
done by Swim Ontario and Swim Alberta
January 2013
46