East District Technical Officials Workshop

The workshop will be held in-person at the Mercat Gait Centre, Prestonpans

Judge 2S Initial Workshop;          

7.00pm, Tuesday 19 September 2023

Attendees require to have undertaken their J2 second workshop prior to attending this workshop.

Candidates wishing to qualify as a Starter will along with necessary poolside experience be required hold the Judge Level 2 qualification and have completed a minimum of 20 hours post qualification experience as Judge Level 2.

Please bring your J2/J2S workbook to the session

Replacement workbook can be downloaded from the link provided at;

https://ocs-sport.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/scotswim-full/2022/06/Judge_2__J2S_Workbook_v5_-_Candidates_Copy.pdf

tutor; John Sluman

If you require further information or to register your interest in attending, please then contact the district’s STO convener at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Venue: Mercat Gait Centre, Preston Road, Prestonpans, EH32 9EN

AOE Operator training

Got a technical mind?

Like problem solving?

Looking to get a little more involved?

Then working behind the scenes may be for you. You would be part of the team that ensures the times of all competitors are received correctly.

Volunteers for this role require a range of technical knowledge and have preferably a good understanding of the swimming discipline, IT and strong problem-solving skills are an advantage to these roles.

We are currently seeking volunteers who would like to undertake training as AOE operators and on successful completion of which candidates will have

·         Knowledge of the components and functions of the AOE system in order to assist in fault-finding during operation and start up.

·         Knowledge of all connections necessary for the successful operation of the equipment with the ability to set up the equipment and, dismantle, dry and store appropriately at the end of the gala.

·         Demonstrate an understanding of the FINA rules regarding the use of AOE equipment.

·         Be able to download information from the Meet Management and set up a session when standing alone (operating without Meet Management).

All applicants for training and assessment as AOE operators must have:shop for the 

Ø  Completed a Timekeeper course and all related poolside duties

Ø  Be conversant with the operation of a PC under a Windows environment

It is desirable that the applicant is a Recorder or willing to undertake Recorder training during the AOE practical training period

Initial familiarisations sessions will be available to prospective applicants by prior arrangement only. These will encompass the installation and removal of the system along with its operation. Most of the practical training sessions will be held at the Mercat Gait Centre.

The role requires volunteers to be able to;

*        Attend at least 1 hour before warm up and remain 1 hour after the conclusion of a meet.

*        Undertake manual handling of equipment into and out of the pool along with fitting cabling and equipment.

If you are interested please contact Alistair Shields, East District STO convenor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , to arrange a familiarisation session where the training programme will be explained.

 Judge 1 online module sign up 

Online Judge 1 sign up help sheet

Timekeeper, Judge 2, and Recorder etc Workbooks available at

https://www.scottishswimming.com/volunteers/swimming-officiating/qualifications-and-training

Referee Training workbooks available

https://www.britishswimming.org/browse-sport/swimming/officials/officials-qualifications-training/

Swimming Technical Officials – About Us

Swimming Technical officials (STOs) are a central part of every swimming event and play an important role in ensuring the events run smoothly, safely and within the sport's regulations. A number of roles exist within officiating, including timekeeper, recorder, Judge 1, Judge 2, Judge 2S, Referee and Automatic Officiating Equipment (AOE) Operator.

There are already hundreds of STOs across the country and with the sport continuing to grow, there are lots more opportunities to get involved.

How do you become a Swimming Technical Official?

If you are aged 14 years or over, with an interest in swimming - or the enthusiasm to learn! - then you have taken the first step to becoming a Swimming Technical Official.

Firstly, you must be a member of Scottish Swimming so you are insured for your activity on poolside. If you are not already a member of a club, click here for details of your nearest club.

The first step on the ladder of officiating is to become a Timekeeper. Your Club Secretary can organise a Timekeeper Assessment through your District STO Convenor. This requires eight people and consists of a lecture followed by practical experience/assessment of timekeeping on the poolside.

Once the assessment is successfully completed you can officiate on the poolside at any event.

Once you have reached the age of 15 then you are eligible to become a Judge 1. Application is made through British Swimming and involves an online instruction and assessment module after which you download a workbook. This is followed by practical training on poolside with a mentor only with no examination at the end of the course. Judge 1 qualifies you to be a Timekeeper and be a Turn Judge.

Once you have completed this you are then eligible to continue to Judge 2 which involves you applying to your District STO Convenor who will advise you of a course start date which will include workshop dates. Material for the course is in the form of a workbook and your Course leader will advise you how this is obtained. The course is in the form of workshops and practical training on poolside with a mentor only with no examination at the end of the course just a final assessment. Judge 2 qualifies you to Judge stroke and finish.

Once you have completed this you are then eligible to continue to Judge 2S (Starter) which is completed in the same manner. Judge 2S qualifies you to start.

The Referee is the next step in the progress and you will be eligible once you are a certificated Starter and have 12 months experience in this role. You may apply at 19 years of age but must be 20 years old on or before examination in November. Training takes almost 1 year and at the end there is a written examination and a final assessment before you are certificated as a Referee.

Your qualifications achieved will allow you to officiate at events throughout Scotland, England and Wales as the courses are the same in all of the home countries.

Training is also available for a Recorder Examination and for AOE Operator which is by assessment. If you would like to find out more information about becoming a swimming technical official, please contact a member of the District’s STO committee.