Who are Swim Meet Officials? by Chris Mayes

What is a Stroke & Turn Judge?

A Stroke & Turn (S&T) Judge ensures the rules related to the swimming event/stroke are being observed.  In the event of an observed stroke infraction the S&T Judge will disqualify the swimmer.

Tarheel Swimming Association (TSA) rules state improper stroke, kick or touch on turns and finishes shall result in disqualification of the swimmer from an event.

Only the 1st heat or “Main Event” will be observed for infractions by the S&T Judge.  Only a coach can protest a disqualification made by the S&T Judge, not a parent, swimmer or TSA representative.

What is a Starting Official “Starter”?

A Starter is responsible for the start of each heat in all events. Using a starting device (pistol, whistle, horn or other electronic starting device) the Starter gives the commands to start a race.

The Starter shall be in complete control of the swimmers delivered to the starting blocks by the Clerk of Course. The judgment of the Starter shall not be questioned by parents, coaches, swimmers or TSA representative.

In 2011, the swimming official for the Silverton Sharks swim team were Scott Courtney, Joel Smith and Chris Mayes. If you are interested in becoming an official please send an email to .

For more information on the TSA Rules and Regulations please visit: http://www.tsanc.org/about/forms.php

Stroke & Turn Tips by Phil Riedel, edited by W.Diard

I thought it might be helpful, especially for new parents, to understand the role of the stroke and turn judges. Much like other Rec sports in Cary some form of officiating must be in place to insure fair competition. This is also true for TSA swimming. For the most part these rules cover proper stroke techniques, rules for turning, and rules for touching the walls at the turn end or finish end of the pool.

In a TSA swim meet, only main heats are judged. The main heat is the first heat of each new event, and age group, for boys and girls. Subsequent heats are not judged. If an official witnesses an infraction, he must raise his or her hand signaling this before writing up the Disqualification slip. Judges may write up only what they see. Not what they "think" they see. And the benefit of the doubt always goes to the swimmer.

Stoke and turn judges have jurisdiction over "some" predetermined part of the pool. At most pools this will be the 3 lanes closest to the judge. A judge who witnesses an infraction in the other 3 lanes may not write it up. Because those lanes are not in the judges' jurisdiction. During relays each judge has the same jurisdiction for stroke infractions but also has jurisdiction over all 6 lanes at either start/end of the pool for relay take-offs.

Its always difficult to DQ any swimmer especially a 6-under or 7-8 swimmer. However, if the swimmer who finishes 3rd was legal, and the 1st and 2nd place swimmers were not, its only fair that the 3rd place finisher ultimately wins the event. This is the main reason why we do what we do.  Almost every swimmer will be DQed at least once in competition. Even older kids make mistakes from time to time. I have DQed both of my children at one time or another. And I have stood shoulder to shoulder with other judges who have DQed them. It is just part of the sport.  If your child plans to compete at the Cary Invitational, it is important that their stroke is evaluated and problems noted during the dual meets (i.e. a DQ).  At the Cary Invitational, there are usually 10 qualified judges watching the pool.  So for that reason, we must apply the rules to all 6 dual meets to prepare all swimmers for the invitational at the end of the season.

What should you do if your child is DQed. Since its not a "horrible thing" to be DQed, be sure to encourage them as such. Then be sure to have them ask their coaches to explain what they didn't do correctly. Stroke and Turn judges must clearly mark the exact infraction on the DQ slip. This includes the event, the details of the infraction and where the infraction occurred (start end, turn, swim etc.). The coaches receive these slips at the end of each meet and will have them available on Wednesdays.

What you shouldn't do if you think your child has DQed. Never-ever talk to the stroke and turn judge during the meet regarding a DQ. That's the "official" answer. However, I have never failed to answer a curious parents question. An angry parent (and that sometimes happens) shouldn't approach a judge during the event. If you have a concern, please see your TSA rep. The TSA rep can review the DQ slip with the judge if there are any questions. Coaches may also prompt this sort of a review.

Coaches will work with all of the swimmers during practices in attempt to identify and correct stroke problems.  Coaches are encouraged to place only legal swimmers in the main events.  If your child has a serious stroke problem, the coaches may simply not have enough time during the limited practice schedule to correct it.  Like taking a child to a batting cage, or the driving range, you may wish to seek private lessons.  A little investment on your part can help a swimmer correct these problems, clearing the way for them to better enjoy the summer swim experience.