Having been taught to swim correctly, an athlete will progress to the coaching stage which with many will mean an involvement in competition within their club and eventually being chosen for the team to compete against other clubs. This competition is to some degree graded, usually by ability. Events are staged for all tiers of ability.

Irrespective of an athlete's ability all competitions will need a certain number of officials to monitor the competition for fairness and to give help, advice and guidance to the competitor where an infringement has occurred.

A large number of officials are parents who have either been swimmers or rather than sit on poolside as a spectator, decided to become an official or were press ganged into it through the club being short.

Officials are required for every branch of the sport, whether it be diving, synchronised swimming, water polo, open water - racing in the sea or lakes - or pool racing.

The ASA organises examinations for timekeepers, judges, starters and referees during the year and tutoring is arranged for their preparation. With passes under your belt it is possible that you may also be asked to officiate at District, National and occasionally International events.

Should you wish to know more about officiating then please contact Alan Withers on 01458 448129.