Please be on time for your shift and make sure you attend the Timer’s meeting at the beginning of the meet (even if you are timing second shift and have timed before, there may be new instructions you need to hear). Second shift timers please be available to sub-in to relieve first shift timers. Much time is lost locating second shift timers when the shift changes. Shift changes tend to be chaotic and if you are there right away things will proceed more smoothly saving time and confusion. Listen for the announcement from the starter as to when you need to report. If for some reason you cannot time for your shift report this to the Head Timer immediately so a replacement can be found.

Check your watches to be sure they are “zeroed” out before each start. At Dam West we provide 2 watches to each timer so we can do fly-overs at the meets.

Before each heat: Check your swimmer’s name against the card to be sure the swimmer is in the correct lane. When you are on the finish end of the pool, always check the swimmer’s name once he/she finishes the race and exits the pool to be sure the swimmer in your lane matches the name on the card. If the name does not match, write down the name of the swimmer who was in your lane on the card you have, and let the scoring table sort out the issue later. If you do not get the card for your swimmer in time for the finish, write the swimmer’s name, lane, and time on a slip of paper to be found on your clipboard. Once the cards get delivered, give your card and your note to the runner for turning in to the scoring table.

At the start, stand back away from the blocks and be still. The starter may misinterpret your movement and call a false start on the swimmer near your lane.

If you have a starting system with a strobe light, start your watch on the strobe. If you have a horn, then start your watch on the sound of the horn.

If you miss a start with your watch, raise your hand (yell BACK-UP) and the Head Timer will provide you with a backup watch for the heat.

Always start your watch for each race, whether you have a swimmer in your lane or not. You may be required to be a backup watch for some other lane.

At the finish, lean over the edge of the pool and look down the wall to see a complete finish by the swimmer. Stop your watch when any part of the swimmer’s body touches the wall. Record each watch time fully in the appropriate place on the card.

The person who is writing the times on the swimmer’s card should record the other timer’s information first and then record his/her watch’s time.

At Dam West meets we use fly-overs. A fly-over is where the first swimmer stays in the water while the next swimmer up dives over him to begin his swim. This is done instead of having the swimmers climb out of the pool before the next swimmer goes. Fly-overs facilitate the progress of the meets by reducing the time the meet takes. We provide timers with 2 watches for fly-overs.

At a meet using a “fly-over’ procedure; start your first watch with your first swimmer, when the swimmer completes his/her swim stop your watch leaving the time on the watch and drop your watch around your neck. Immediately pick up your second watch and prepare to start recording the next swimmer.

While the second swimmer is swimming write the times recorded from the prior swimmer on the card, clear your watch and be ready for the timing the next swimmer. Do not try to write the time from the first swimmer immediately (you could miss the start for the next swimmer) or try to remember it to write later (there are many distractions at a meet and you could easily make a mistake – would you want a timer to put the incorrect time down for your swimmer?).

Always record your watch times, even if the swimmer in your lane is disqualified.

Let the Stoke and Turn Judge determine the correctness of the swim. Do not write down any comments regarding a disqualification on the swimmer’s card.

Although these instructions may seem daunting, timing really is very simple and straight forward. We usually change shifts around 10:30am. Your Head Timer will be there to check on you if you need a break, water, new watch etc.

Timing is one way you can watch the meet, be behind the blocks with your swimmer and interact with parents from the other teams. Many long term friendships have started at the blocks. We encourage all parent volunteers to become proficient as Timers.