Wisconsin Swimming Website - “Officials” Page
www.wisconsinswimming.org
Index
Announcements
Maintaining Certification
Official Training Clinics
Officials Roster
Officials Awards
Policies & Guidelines
Educational Materials
Forms
Rules Interpretations &
Links of interest
Contact Info for Officials Newsletters & Committee
Committee
Meeting Minutes
Announcements
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USA Swimming Rule Interpretation on Medley Relays and IMs. - USA Swimming Rule
Interpretation
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New NCAA Swimming and Diving Officials Program
Beginning September 1, 2015, the NCAA will introduce an Officials program in the sport of Swimming
& Diving. With the release of the new Swimming and Diving Rules Book on September 1, only those
officials who have successfully completed the testing requirement and registered as an NCAA official will
be eligible to work one of the four NCAA Championship meets. NCAA Playing Rule 4 also recommends
that member institutions and conferences begin using NCAA registered officials after September 1. Memo from NCAA Swimming and Diving Rules Committee
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Legislation adopted at 2014 USA-S House of Delegates Annual Meeting
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Latest Wisconsin Swimming Officials Newsletter - June 2015
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Updated Officials Roster as of 9/29/15
Maintaining Certification:
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Annual Registration and Recertification - Certifications for Wisconsin Swimming are done on a twoyear (bi-annual) schedule. The current certification period is 1/1/2015 through 12/31/2016. Bi-annual recertification clinics are held every other even year, and will next be held in the fall of 2016 for the 20172018 certification period.
For 2016 and forward, USA Swimming non-athlete membership cards will no longer be issued to Wisconsin
officials. Instead, officials will use a copy of their OTS generated USA Swimming Official Certification Card
as their primary means of verification of their LSC and National official certification levels needed for
serving in assigned positions. These Official Certification Cards also show the expiration dates of the
official’s USA Swimming registration, Criminal Background Check, and Athlete Protection Training. They
may be viewed or printed from OTS by going to "My Certification Card". However, officials may
also view or print their USA Swimming Registration card by signing into their USA Swimming account and
going to "My Deck Pass".
To maintain certification on an annual basis, as for 2016:
1.
A Stroke/Turn Judge must complete 4 sessions per year, and a Starter/Referee must complete 6
sessions per year. Administrative Officials must complete 4 sessions per year, with at least one
session as an Administrative Official. The remaining may be in any of the 6 positions for which the
Administrative Official supervises/directs: Entry/Registration Personnel, Clerk of Course, Timing
System Operator, Scoring Personnel, Timing Judge, or Meet Management Software Operator. May
also work in a higher capacity as Administrative Referee, or Meet Referee.
2.
Complete the USA Swimming online Athlete Protection Training (now every two years instead of
annually)
3.
Criminal Background Check Renewal - All non-athlete members, whether they have initially
completed a Level 1 or Level 2 check are required to complete the Renewal Check every 24
months. The cost for renewing a Level 2, as required for officials, is $19.00. Please be certain to
choose "Option 2 - Renewal" to avoid paying for a full $39 initial CBC. Wisconsin Swimming has
approved the reimbursement of costs for officials to successfully complete an initial
CBC. Reimbursement requests should be submitted to Pat Lewno, LSC Treasurer, 5330 Linden Circle,
Racine, WI 53406. Requests must include a copy of a receipt or credit card statement, showing the
amount paid.
4.
Complete the USA Swimming 2016 Non-Athlete Registration Application. Please allow three weeks
for processing. All officials must be non-athlete members of USA Swimming. This registration is
done on a calendar year basis. Pay the USA Swimming registration fee of $62.00. (Make check
payable to Wisconsin Swimming). NOTE: The registration process is quicker and simpler if you send
an individual check. If your club pays this fee for you, please seek reimbursement after you have
registered.
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5.
Complete the Wisconsin Swimming Officials Annual Release of Information form as below. Be sure to
include your current e-mail address (please print legibly). Communications from the Officials
Committee will be sent via e-mail, therefore, it is important that we have a current e-mail address.
o
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2016 USA Swimming Non-Athlete Registration Form - PDF -Word
2016 USA Swimming Official's Registration and Release of Information Form - PDF Word
Bi-Annual LSC Recertification required at the end of every even numbered year (i.e. end of
2016 for 2017-2018 certification) - Same requirements as odd numbered years, plus:
o Attend a Wisconsin Swimming Officials Recertification Clinic, or
o take the USA Swimming on-line Recertification Test, or
o participate in other alternatives provided by the Wisconsin Swimming Officials Committee, such
as attending 75% of the sessions at an Officials’ Qualifying Meet in that calendar year, obtain N2
or N3 certification in any position, or participate in a Starter/Referee Training Clinic as a Stroke
and Turn Judge.
o Stroke & Turn Judge - Must officiate a minimum of four sessions, at two or more different
meets eachyear; Starter/Referee - Must officiate a minimum of 6 sessions, at two or more
different meets each year
Official Training Clinics:
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To request a training clinic in your area, please use our new online request form HERE.
If you have any questions about officials training clinics, please do not hesitate to contact Michael Harbert,
Wisconsin Swimming Officials Chair, aquaymca@yahoo.com, or 715-573-9651 Please refer to the "Officials
Policies & Guidelines" area below for more information on steps to become an official. For more information
on a clinic that is being held click on the date below.
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Administrative Official Clinics
o Monday, October 26th - via SKYPE
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Stroke and Turn Judge Clinic
o Saturday, October 3 - Madison East YMCA
o Thursday, October 8 - James Madison HS
o Saturday, October 10 - Red Plex
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Starter/Referee Clinic
o Saturday, October 3 - Madison East YMCA
Officials Roster:
Officials: Below is the Officials Roster for Wisconsin Swimming certified officials. If any of your
information is incorrect, contact Ben Radloff at bradloff5@hotmail.com.
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Officials Roster (including Admin Officials) - Updated 9/29/15 - (Excel) (PDF)
Officials Awards:
"Patty Kramer" Officials of the Year Awards
Congratulations to 2015 Wisconsin LSC Officials of the Year award recipients, Michael Mellock and Gregg
Barta!
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2015
2015
2014
2014
2013
2013
2012
2012
2011
2011
2010
2010
2009
2009
Stroke & Turn Judge: Mike Mellock - SWAT
Starter/Referee: Gregg Barta - LAKE
Stroke & Turn Judge: Emily Spears - UN
Starter/Referee: Michael Harbert - WAYS
Stroke & Turn Judge: John Gupton - SWAT
Starter/Referee: Mark Wong, FCY
Stroke & Turn Judge: Marisue and Mike Horton, BAC
Starter/Referee: Kim Stoll - LAKE
Stroke & Turn Judge: Suzanne Gibbons-Burgener - DFAC
Starter/Referee: Judy Felts - SCSC
Stroke & Turn Judge: Frosty Girdley - BAC
Starter/Referee - Don Heinz - UN
Stroke and Turn Judge - Vicki and Dave Stone - TIDE
Starter/Referee: Patty Kramer - UN
Officials Lifetime Achievement Award:
Congratulations to inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Joe Domitrz!
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2014 - Joe Domitrz - J-HK
*Nominations for Officials Awards may be made by submitting this form: Nomination Form
Policies & Guidelines:

Officials Committee: Mission Statement and Structure - Word Doc - PDF
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Becoming a USA Swimming Certified Stroke & Turn Official - Word Doc - PDF
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Final Steps: Becoming a Stroke/Turn Official - Word Doc - PDF
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Becoming a USA Swimming Administrative Official - Word Doc - PDF
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Becoming a USA Swimming Certified Starter/Referee Official - Word Doc - PDF
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Apprentice Policy for Officials Word Doc - PDF
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Wisconsin Swimming Officials Credentials Policy and Procedure - Word Doc - PDF
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How to Print Your Certification Card from OTS - Word Doc - PDF
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USA Swimming Reciprocity for YMCA Certified Officials - PDF
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Officials Transfer Policy - PDF
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Administrative Official Certification Requirements - Word Doc - PDF
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Staffing of Officials for Swim Meets - Word Doc - PDF
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Officials Diagrams and Deck Coverage - PDF
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Selection of Appointed Officials for LSC Championship Meets Word Doc - PDF
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LSC Championship Meets: Officials' Responsibilities Word Doc - PDF
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LSC Officials Qualifying Meets - Word Doc - PDF
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Management of Pool Contamination Word Doc - PDF
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Declared False Starts - Word Doc - PDF
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Official of the Year Policy: Word Doc - PDF
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Officials’ Travel Stipend Policy and Application Form: Word Doc - PDF
Educational Materials:
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2015 USA Swimming Rule Book - PDF
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Officials Briefing - 2015 - PDF
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USA Swimming Officials Videos
o Backstroke
o Breaststroke
o Butterfly
o Freestyle
o Individual Medley
o Relays
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"The Professional" Stroke & Turn - PDF
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"The Professional" Starter - PDF (updated 2/2015)
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"The Professional" Deck Referee - PDF
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"The Professional" Administrative
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Instructions for Using Officials Online Tracking System: Word Doc - PDF
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Instructions for Using Officials List Spreadsheet: Word Doc
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Mentoring an Apprentice - PDF
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Chief Judge - PDF
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Meet Marshall Instructions - PDF
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Reconciling Times in Hy-Tek Meet Manager 5.0 - PDF - (NEW)
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Rationale for Timing System Adjustments - PDF
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National Officials Certification Program Summary - PDF
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USA Swimming Officials Education & Training Web Page
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USA Swimming Officials Tracking System Instructions for Officials - PDF
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Notes from 2012 WI Swimming Officials Re-certification Clinics - PDF
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What is a False Start? - Starter/Referee Guidelines - PDF
Referee - PDF
Forms
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DQ Slips, Scratch Forms, and Relay Entry Cards - Available from USA Swimming Outlet
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Request for N2/N3 Evaluation at an Officials Qualifying Meet - Word Doc
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Request for Grandfather Status as Administrative Official - Word Doc - PDF
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2016 USA Swimming Officials Registration & Release of information form - Word Doc - PDF
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2016 USA Swimming Non-Athlete Registration Form - Word Doc - PDF
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2016 Apprentice Official USA Swimming Registration Form - Word Doc - PDF
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Apprentice Official Card - Word Doc - PDF (Rev. 10-7-15)
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Officials Polo Shirt Ordering:
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Officials Name Badge Order Form:
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Official of the Year Nomination Form:
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Meet Referee Report Form - Non-Championship Meets (without DQ Log): Word Doc (Rev. 10-7-15
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Meet Referee Report Form - Championship Meets (with DQ Log): Word Doc (Rev. 10-7-15)
Word Doc - PDF
Word Doc - PDF
Word Doc - PDF
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Officials Sign-in Form: Word Doc - PDF
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Report of Occurrence (Accident Report) Form: Link to Online Report of Occurrence Form
Upon submission of the completed Report of Occurrence, you will receive an automated email indicating
that USA Swimming has received the form. You should save this email and also forward it to your LSC
Safety Chair, cmarty@chorus.net, for reporting purposes. Note: If you are unable to submit the online
form at the meet, you may print a draft paper copy, document the necessary details and then you, or
someone from your club, will enter the report online as soon as possible. Click here for draft paper copy
of the form.
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Officials Briefing - 2015 - PDF
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Timers Instructions:
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Relay Briefing:
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False Start Confirmation Slips:
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DQ Record:
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Order of Finish: PDF
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Split Recording Sheets:
o 500 Free SC Word Doc - PDF
o 1000 Free SC Word Doc - PDF
o 1650 Free SC Word Doc - PDF
o 800 Free LC Word Doc - PDF
o 1500 Free LC Word Doc - PDF
Relay Take-Off Sheets:
o 6 Lanes Word Doc - PDF
o 8 Lanes Word Doc - PDF
o 10 Lanes Word Doc - PDF
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Word Doc - PDF
Word Doc - PDF
Word Doc - PDF
Word Doc - PDF
Rules Interpretations and Links of interest to Wisconsin Swimming officials:
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The USA Swimming Rules & Regulations Committee, or its designee, has the sole authority to
interpret Part One of the Rulebook and has the authority to interpret the remainder of
the Rules and Regulations. Here is a document summarizing interpretations that have been
issued:
Interpretations Made by the Rules & Regulations Committee - August 2015
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Special communication from the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations Committee 4-13-15:
o Acting pursuant to the provisions of Rule 511.1.1, has amended the Swimwear
Advertising Rule 102.8.3 A (1) to bring the current USA Swimming Rule into
conformance with FINA By-law 7.1.1 Swimsuits - adopted by the FINA Bureau. The
amended rule102.8.3 A (1) is set forth below in its entirely. The underlined portion of
the rule highlights the amendment.
102.8.3 A (1)
“(1) Swimsuits – A total of two separate advertising logos of a maximum size
of 30 square centimeters (4.65 square inches) each, as measured as applied, shall be
permitted.”
This rule, as amended, is effective immediately.
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USA Swimming has issued an important new guidance communication regarding enforcement
of the rule prohibiting the practice of Deck Changing. The focus is on education of athletes
and coaches, and not penalties.
o Special Communication from USA Swimming - 3/23/15
As per the 11/30/14 letter from Rules and Regulations Committee Chair Jay
Thomas, effective immediately, Rule 101.2.3 - Kick has been amended as below, with the
underlined passage indicating the affected wording:
"After the start and each turn, at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick a single butterfly kick is
permitted. Following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same
horizontal plane without alternating movement."
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Deck Changing
USA Swimming has issued an important new guidance communication regarding enforcement of the rule
prohibiting the practice of Deck Changing. The focus is on education of athletes and coaches, and not
penalties. Special Communication from USA Swimming - 3/23/15
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Butterfly Kick During the Breaststroke
As per the 11/30/14 letter from Rules and Regulations Committee Chair Jay
Thomas, effective immediately, Rule 101.2.3 - Kick has been amended as below, with the underlined
passage indicating the affected wording:
"After the start and each turn, at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick a single butterfly kick is permitted.
Following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without
alternating movement."
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Two-Hand Touch for Butterfly and Breaststroke
At its Congress in 2013, FINA adopted rules changes requiring the swimmer's hands be separated at turns
and the finish touch in both breaststroke and butterfly. Since the word "separated" is subject to
interpretation, for purposes of the turn and finish rules in both breaststroke and butterfly the following
interpretation from USA Swimming Rules & Regulations Chair, Dan McAllen III. shall be determinative:
Breaststroke and Butterfly Separated Hands Interpretation-Revised 1/15/2014
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USA Swimming Technical Rules Changes to Conform to FINA Changes
Technical Rule Changes Effective 9/23/13
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4-Hour Rule:
On September 14, 2013, the USAS Rules & Regulations Committee issued an interpretation regarding USA
Swimming Article 205.3.1F (4 hour rule). In summary, meets must be planned such that events for 12 &
Unders can reasonably be concluded within four (4) hours. Sessions that exceed four hours are not in violation of
the rule if properly planned. The rule does NOT apply to Open events even if swimmers 12 years of age or
younger are entered. See the interpretation letter from USA Swimming Rules & Regulations Chair, Dan McAllen
III:
Interpretation of USA Swimming Article 205.3.1F (4 hour rule)
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Butterfly Stroke Arm Recovery:
On June 7, 2010, the USA Swimming issued an official interpretation related to the requirements for the
recovery of the arms during the butterfly stroke, as defined in Article 101.3.2 (Butterfly). See the letter
from past USA Swimming Rules & Regulations Chair, Bruce Stratton:
Butterfly Stroke Arm Recovery Interpretation Letter
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Approved Swimwear:
USA Swimming has passed new important rule changes relating to swimsuits worn in all USA Swimming
sanctioned and approved competition, or in any observed swim. These new rules, which are effective October 1,
2009, significantly change the types of swimsuits which may be worn in competition. In July, 2009, FINA, the
international governing body for the sport of swimming, adopted new rules effective January 1, 2010, which
specify the design and construction of swimsuits which may be used in competition. USA Swimming Rules &
Regulations Committee changed USA Swimming’s rules to conform to those of FINA.
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USA Swimming Rule Change regarding swimsuits
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USA Swimming Rule Change - Clarification Memo
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Backstroke Protocol (August, 2009): Word Doc - PDF
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Declared False Start (September, 2009): Word Doc - PDF
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USA Swimming - FINA Rule Changes and Interpretations - 2005
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No-Recall Start - Nov. 10, 2000
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FINA Whistle Start Procedure
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USA Swimming Store - Meet Supplies
Contact Information for Officials Committee (Also see Officials Committee tab)
Michael Harbert
Officials Chair
715-573-9651
aquaymca@yahoo.com