There are expectations of your role as an official.

It’s important to be prepared. Before officiating a meet, read and understand all the information

in the Meet Announcement. Be sure to review the Rules and official interpretations, especially if

it’s been a while since your last meet. Depending on your role, be prepared for any tasks

required of you before and during the meet.

As an official, you are part of a team! This team includes all of the officials working at a

particular meet or session. It is up to you and the rest of your team to work together to ensure a

fair competition for all swimmers in attendance. This requires cooperation and respect of all

people at all times. Be on time and attend the briefing prior to the meet. When given an

assignment, accept it and perform it to the best of your ability.

When interacting with other Officials, answer any questions honestly and with as much detail as

possible. Ask them questions for clarification, if necessary. Be respectful in how you ask and

answer those questions. You are helping each other serve the athletes you are officiating.

If a relief rotation is set-up, adhere to the rotation and try not to return late. Discuss any needed

breaks with the appropriate Official, such as a Chief Judge or Meet Referee.

Adapt to meet conditions and needs, and help out wherever requested. Be a team player!

An important part of your role is to conduct yourself professionally both on and off the deck

from the moment you arrive at the venue to the moment you leave. This could extend beyond

leaving the meet. Sometimes officials gather for dinner or meals, especially when traveling. At

these times, be aware of where families, athletes, or coaches may be present and continue to

conduct yourself in a professional way.

You should maintain a positive attitude at all times. Be friendly and helpful to coaches,

swimmers, and other officials. Be alert, attentive, focused, calm, and approachable. Give your

undivided attention to the responsibilities at hand. Be impartial and fair, so no cheering,

coaching, or criticizing a swimmer. Control your emotions on deck, even if confronted by others.

This should go without saying, but no matter how ugly, illegal, or amusing a swimmer may look

in the water, avoid laughing or ridiculing.

Consider your body language when on duty and at all other times when you are accessible.

Always assume you are “on camera.” Think about your facial expressions and how they could be

perceived. Stand up straight on deck and do not lean on poles or handrails nearby or cross your

arms. If sitting is involved, sit up straight with feet on the ground, knees together. Leave cell

phone use for when off-duty in a designated break area. Officials should not take video or

pictures. If your athlete is on the award podium, hand off your phone or ask a coach or friend to

take the photo.

Dress professionally and neatly in the designated uniform. Check with your LSC for their dress

code, but typically it involves khaki, navy, or black pants or appropriate-length shorts or skirt; a

white polo shirt, tucked in; a belt, if required; and either white tennis shoes and white socks, or

black shoes and black socks. You should wear your credentials and a nametag.

Do not abuse your credentials. If you are not working the meet, you are a spectator and should

act as such. Never take advantage of credentials to gain deck access when not working in an

official capacity. This includes paying for spectator viewing privileges if you are not officiating,

not on deck or in hospitality.

Admit mistakes and learn from them. We all make mistakes, so don’t be embarrassed to admit

them. Take some time to self-evaluate after all shifts, sessions and meets and ask, “What can I

do better?”

When officials present themselves professionally, it creates a positive image of the officiating

team to coaches, officials, and spectators.