Dam West Dolphins

All MHSL teams must have adult volunteers on their teams to serve as Meet Referee/Deck Referee/Starters and Stroke & Turn Judges. In order to function smoothly, we need to have four  Meet Referee/Deck Referee/Starters and six Stroke & Turn Judges. If we have less than that we run the risk of not being able to participate in meets, and so we are actively recruiting for these positions.

These are important positions and as such they require training to become certified. In addition, in order to serve as a Meet Referee/Deck Referee/Starter, you must have at least one season of experience as a Stroke & Turn Judge.

Therefore, we would like to encourage all parents (guardians, grandparents, etc.) to attend one Stroke & Turn Judge training session. Attending the training does not obligate you to serve as a Stroke & Turn Judge, but it is the only way to get a sense of what it’s all about. It may sound intimidating, but in all honesty, it’s really quite easy!  But, you won’t be able to decide that for yourself unless you attend a training session.

Even if you decide that Stroke & Turn Judging isn’t for you, attending the training will give you a more comprehensive understanding of what swim meets are all about. Have you ever wondered, what constitutes an acceptable stroke? What happens if my swimmer doesn’t do a flip turn? When is a one hand touch acceptable? These are the kinds of things you’ll learn if you attend one of these training sessions.

These clinics are for both NEW and re-certifying Stroke & Turn judges.  Clinic should be about 1 hour long.     

Stroke and Turn Judges observe swimmers and call infractions to ensure the meet is fast, fair, and fun. During this clinic, we will complete the following:

• 30 min: Philosophy, Expectations, Technical Rules
• 20 min: Practice working a meet and Certification Test
• 10 min: Questions

See the link below for listed dates, times and locations.  Choose ONE.

Sign-Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7bR78UsUkCEzqnm7RtJISg445cE5rlxRjFf3NyhQYHg559w/viewform

The Starter clinic is for new and re-certifying Starters.  Clinic includes Stroke & Turn re-certification. The clinic should be about 2 hours long.

Starters are responsible for ensuring a fair start for all swimmers. They also have knowledge of Stroke and Turn Judges roles and responsibilities to observe swimmers and call infractions to ensure the meet is fast, fair, and fun. During this clinic, we will complete the following: 

Stroke and Turn

• 30 min: Philosophy, Expectations, Technical Rules
• 20 min: Practice working a meet and Certification Test
• 10 min: Questions

Starter

• 30 min: Philosophy, Starting Rules, Elements of the Start
• 20 min: Practice starting a heat and Certification Test
• 10 min: Questions

Please see the sign-up below for dates, times and locations. Choose ONE.

Sign-Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAYwKMvophRpSkLuYPNYpoGmnq2W9e3zZCCms2zpiIFin4oA/viewform

The Referee clinics are for both new and re-certifying Meet Refs, Deck Ref and Trainers. The clinic includes Starter training and Stroke & Turn re-certification. The clinic is 2 hours long. 

*You must have been a Strokes and Turn Judge and Starter in prior season to become certified for Referee* 

Referees have full authority over the meet. Meet Referees are responsible for meet operations and establish guidelines for officials to follow. Meet Refs manage the meet. Deck Referees are responsible for a safe and fair environment for the swimmers. Deck Refs manage the deck and pool. During this clinic, we will complete the following:

Stroke and Turn Judge

• 10 min: Philosophy, Expectations, Technical Rules
• 10 min: Practice working a meet and Certification Test
• 5 min: Questions

• 20 min: Philosophy, Expectations, Briefings
• 10 min: Practice working a meet and training others
• 5 min: Questions

Please see the sign-up below for dates, times and locations. Choose ONE.

Sign-Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnrip6juLckwXckYE71iSk6912LyjDreswiixu2z9jwKuJ2Q/viewform?pli=1

Dee Landavazo (2025)

[email protected]