An integral part of having a strong and successful swimming club is committed parents who get involved in the officiating side of swimming. These accredited parent officials are vital so that WWSC club nights can be approved, with those times swam becoming ‘official’ for entry qualifications and records.

Additionally, WWSC will be able to provide accredited officials at area carnivals as well as hosting our own carnivals in a professional manner.

There are many areas of the officiating side of swimming that parents can become accredited in. WWSC is fortunate to have several current swimming referees, trainers and assessors – this is unique and a great point of difference from many other clubs.

The following pathway is suggested and all parents are strongly encouraged to complete Steps 1 to 5 as a minimum.

It is expected that all swimmers attending a carnival or Club Night will provide an adult volunteer to assist with time-keeping or other roles. Parents who do not have any official qualifications are still able to assist as time-keepers.

1. Obtain a NSW Working with Children Check

This is completed online using this link.

Once completed you will be notified to attend the RMS for a 100-point identification check. Your application will then be processed and you will be informed of your WWC number by email. Once you have your Working with Children Number, please forward to Priscilla Horsley at waggaswimclubregistrar@gmail.com

2. Complete the Introductory online training

The Australian Sport Learning Centre, provided by the Australian Sports Commission, offers a number of free online courses for volunteers.

Head to their website at this link, and register for a new account. Once your account is confirmed, log in and click on the menu item ‘Find Learning’ in the top toolbar. Enrol in and complete the course ‘Community Officiating General Principles‘.

3. Familiarise yourself with NSW Swimming’s resources

Have a good read of the Swimming NSW website, in particular the sections under the heading Technical Officials.

4. Complete the NSW Swimming online training modules

Register an account for online learning with NSW Swimming at this link.

It is recommended that you complete the modules in the following order:

1. Timekeeper
2. Chief Timekeeper
3. Check Starter
4. Clerk of the Course (Marshalling).

5. Complete the practical accreditation

Once you have completed the online course for a role, to finish the accreditation process you will need to be assessed. These assessments can be completed at club nights and/or area carnivals. Please contact Priscilla (waggaswimclubregistrar@gmail.com) if you wish to book in for an assessment at an upcoming meet.

6. Complete further accreditations

Those parents that wish to undertake further technical accreditation can complete the following modules, also available on the NSW Swimming online training portal:

• Starter
• Recorder
• Judge of Stroke
• Inspector of Turns.

As with the previous modules, you will need to complete a practical assessment for each of these roles in order to become accredited.

7. Apply to undertake Referee training

Once a parent has successfully completed all modules, they can apply to undertake Referee training. This is coordinated through the ATSCC (Area Technical Swimming Committee Coordinator). At this stage, the Refereeing accreditation process requires:

• Accreditation in all of the previously mentioned modules
• Completion of a Referee training exercise
• Completion of the Referee module
• A written Referee’s exam
• Two on pool-deck Referee assessments at two area carnivals.