officials

Supporting swimmers, competitions and the club

Swimming competitions rely on trained officials. At Salisbury Stingrays, our officials are volunteers who help make it possible for swimmers to compete safely, fairly and within the rules.

Our officials include parents, guardians, grandparents, senior swimmers and former swimming parents who continue to support the club. You do not need previous experience to get involved, and the club will support you through the training process.

How to become an official

Training for Judge Level 1 is now available online, followed by practical poolside experience with support from a mentor. The process is straightforward, and new officials are supported throughout.

Training process

  • Complete the online training modules.
  • Volunteer as a trainee official at meets and complete mentored poolside experience.
  • Have your competencies signed off as you gain experience.
  • Keep in contact with your mentor so they can complete your final sign-off.
  • Once complete, you will be recognised as a qualified official.

Before starting, you may need to be registered appropriately with Swim England through the club and complete any required safeguarding or DBS checks.

Benefits of becoming an official

  • You learn more about your swimmer’s sport.
  • You help make competitions possible for the whole club.
  • You get a great poolside view of the racing.
  • You meet other volunteers and become more involved in the swimming community.
  • You gain a recognised volunteering role that can be useful for your CV.
  • You support swimmers by helping competitions run fairly and smoothly.
  • You normally get fed at events!
  • You are often presented with a warm bottle of questionable wine as a thank you!

Interested or have questions?

If you are interested in becoming an official, or would simply like to understand what is involved, please contact our officials co-ordinator, Helen Iveson, at:

[email protected]

You can also speak to any of the club’s current officials at a gala. They will be happy to explain what they do and how they got started.

Useful links

WHO

Who can train?

Anyone aged 15 or over can begin training as a swimming official.

WHY

Why it matters

Licensed meets need qualified officials. Without them, clubs cannot run competitions or properly support swimmers at away meets.

HOW

How to start

Contact our officials co-ordinator at [email protected].