NZ Technical Officials take part in FINA Swimming Officials School

Three Wellington technical officials have recently returned from Brisbane, Australia where they took part in a FINA Swimming Officials School.

Andrew McFarlane (Capital), Brent Harris (Porirua City Aquatics) & Suiga Frost (Kapiti) attended the course at the Sleeman Sports Complex, Brisbane Aquatic Centre and was run by FINA representatives Lesley Huckins and Hose de Jesus.

The course aimed to promote and improve swimming, encourage physical fitness and improve the quality of competitive swimming and to develop fairness and consistency in the sport.

 “It was highly valuable to network with other officials from the Oceania region to compare and contrast how FINA rules were applied in different countries and at different meets, ranging from local club meets to the Olympic Games,” said McFarlane.

“As well as surrounding ourselves with like-minded sports enthusiasts, it was very enjoyable networking with other officials.

“The connective and social aspects of being a technical official seldom get mentioned when around the pool, but for me as technical official, I do it for the great team atmosphere, the social connections and being around a sport that I love.”

The course also enabled the participants to go over the FINA guidelines and swimming rules that govern swimming.

“The debates that surrounded some FINA rules, such as interpretation of those dreaded backstroke turns and the specifics of starting before the start signal were great opportunities for starters and referees alike to discuss and share the tricks of the trade with each other.”

When it comes to being a technical official McFarlane says they are often seen as the Mum or Dad who has been coaxed into being the timekeeper or inspector of turns (IOT) but to remember that it’s often the best seat in the house these technical officials occupy.

“There are many benefits to being a volunteer official. Most of the people you see around the pool local and national meets are there because they love the sport and the connections that being an official offers them.”