Swim 6

There are several types of officials,[17] which are needed to manage the competition.
[18]
Referee: The referee has full control and authority over all officials. The referee will enforce all rules and decisions of FINA and shall
have the final answer to all questions relating to the actual conduct of anything regarding the meet, as well as the final settlement of
which is not otherwise covered by the rules. The referee takes overall responsibility for running the meet and makes the final
decisions as to who wins each race. Referees call swimmers to the blocks with short blasts of his or her whistle. This is the signal
for the swimmers to stand next to their blocks. Then the referee will blow a long whistle that will tell the swimmers to step on the
block. For backstroke events, the long whistle is the signal for the swimmers to jump into the water. The referee will then blow
another long whistle, signalling the swimmers to grab the gutter or the provided block handle. Finally the referee will hand over the
rest to the starter by directing his or her hand to the starter.
Starter: The starter has full control of the swimmers from the time the referee turns the swimmers over to him/her until the race
commences. A starter begins the race by saying, "Take your mark." At this point, the swimmers will get into stationary positions in
which they would like to start their race. After all swimmers have assumed their stationary position, the starter will push a button on
the starting system, signaling the start of a race with a loud noise (usually a beep or a horn) and flash from a strobe light. A starter
sends the swimmers off the blocks and may call a false start if a swimmer leaves the block before the starter sends them. A starter
may also choose to recall the race after the start for any reason or request the swimmers to "stand", "relax" or "step down" if he or
she believes that (a) particular swimmer(s) has gotten an unfair advantage at the start.
Clerk of course: The clerk of course (also called the "bullpen") assembles swimmers prior to each event, and is responsible for
organizing ("seeding") swimmers into heats based on their times. Heats are generally seeded from slowest to fastest, where
swimmers with no previous time for an event are assumed to be the slowest. The clerk of the course is also responsible for
recording and reporting swimmers who have chosen to "scratch" (not swim) their events after they have signed up or qualified to a
semifinal or final. The clerk is also responsible for enforcing rules of the swim meet if a swimmer chooses to not show up ("No show"
- NS) his or her events.
Timekeepers: Each timekeeper takes the time of the swimmers in the lane assigned to him/her. Unless a video backup system is
used, it may be necessary to use the full complement of timekeepers even when automatic officiating equipment is used. A chief
timekeeper assigns the seating positions for all timekeepers and the lanes for which they are responsible. In most competitions
there will be one or more timekeepers per lane. In international competitions where full automatic timing and video placing
equipment is in use timekeepers may not be required.
Inspectors of turns: One inspector of turns is assigned to one or more lanes at each end of the pool. Each inspector of turns
ensures that swimmers comply with the relevant rules for turning, as well as the relevant rules for start and finish of the race.
Inspectors of turns shall report any violation on disqualification reports detailing the event, lane number, and the infringement
delivered to the chief inspector of turns who will immediately convey the report to the referee.
Judges of Stroke: Judges of stroke are located on each side of the pool. They follow the swimmers during their swim back and
forth across the pool. They ensure that the rules related to the style of swimming designated for the event are being observed, and
observe the turns and the finishes to assist the inspectors of turns.
Finish judges: Finish judges determine the order of finish and make sure the swimmers finish in accordance with the rules (two
hands simultaneously for breaststroke and butterfly, on the back for backstroke, etc.)
If an official observes a swimmer breaking a rule concerning the stroke he or she is swimming, the official will report what they have
seen to the referee. The referee can disqualify (or DQ) any swimmer for any violation of the rules that he/she personally observes or
for any violation reported to them by other authorised officials. All disqualifications are subject to the decision and discretion of the
referee.
Those who are disqualified may choose to protest their disqualification . Protests are reviewed by a panel of officials instead of the
deck referee or stroke judges who may have made the initial disqualification report.
Swimwear
Main article: Competitive swimwear
Australian Swim Team in their swimsuits, 1996
Swimsuit
Competitive swimwear seeks to improve upon bare skin for a speed advantage and coverage. In 2009, FINA rules and
regulations were altered and suits made with polyurethane were banned because they made athletes more buoyant.
These rules also banned suits which go above the navel or below the knee for men and suits which extend past the
shoulders or cover the neck for women.[19]
Swim cap
A swim cap (a.k.a. cap) keeps the swimmer's hair out of the way to reduce drag. Caps may be made of latex, silicone,
spandex or lycra.
Goggles
Goggles keep water and chlorine out of swimmers' eyes. Goggles may be tinted to counteract glare at outdoor pools.
Prescription goggles may be used by swimmers who wear corrective lenses.
Swim Fins
Rubber fins are used to help kick faster and build strength and technique, but are illegal in a race. They also improve
technique by keeping the feet in the proper position while kicking.
Drag suit
Swimmers use drag suits in training to increase resistance. This allows a swimmer to be challenged even more when
practicing and let the swimmer feel less resistance when racing. Drag suits are not used in competitive races.
Hand paddles
Swimmers use these plastic devices to build arm and shoulder strength while refining hand-pulling technique. Hand
paddles attach to the hand with rubber tubing or elastic material. They come in many different shapes and sizes,
depending on swimmer preference and hand size.
Kickboard
A kickboard is a foam board that swimmers use to support the weight of the upper body while they focus on kicking.
Kicking is the movement of the legs only which helps to increase leg muscle for future strength.
Pull buoy
Often used at the same time as hand paddles, pull buoys support swimmers' legs (and prevent them from kicking) while
they focus on pulling. Pull buoys are made of foam so they float in the water. Swimmers hold them in between the thighs.
They can also be used as a kickboard to make kicking a little harder.
Ankle bands
Improving balance will minimize the need for this kick to provide an upward, instead of a forward vector, and in some
cases completely corrects the kick. Using an ankle band will have the immediate effect of turning off your kick, which then
forces you to make efforts to correct your balance. If you are successful in discovering these, then the ankle band has
done part of its job.[20]

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There are several types of officials,[17] which are needed to manage the competition.

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