Ask Sam
Web forum
Have a question or two about Technical Course content that you need answered quickly? Ask Sam is a new web page dedicated to answering your queries about officiating, specifically accreditation course content. Feel free to put forward your query at any time on this website, and it will be updated as soon as possible.
Facebook Group
Ask Sam is now coordinating a group on Facebook! Click here to access the group if you are a registered Technical Official.
FAQs
Have more questions? View our series of FAQs below to find the answers.
Training Questions
- Where do I go to start training online to be a Technical Official?
- How does the online accreditation process work?
- Do I need to do a practical assessment?
- How long will it take to do the online modules?
- What happens if I don't pass a module?
- How do I achieve a Level 3 accreditation?
Go to our training site https://nswtraining.swimming.org.au/ to begin your online modules.
Once individuals have successfully completed the training (theory) they will receive a certificate to print out and take to their next Meet so they can be assessed (practical) to become fully accredited.
To view the courses as they become available please visit the Swimming NSW training page here: https://totraining.swimming.org.au/
If you have not yet registered, follow the simple flow chart process below.
An email notification will be sent to you when you pass any of the modules. Your Area Technical Convenor will be able to follow up with the individual to organise assessments or answer any questions.
Yes. Our online modules only give you the theory. Once you’ve finished the module and feel confident on pool deck, get in touch with your ATSCC to organise your practical assessment. You’ll need to bring your Certificate of Completion from the online module to your practical assessment to prove you’ve done it.
In addition to traditional paper methods, you now also have the option to request a practical assessment through our technical official online training site. After you complete the theory portion of your accreditation online at nswtraining.swimming.org.au, you can head to the page below, fill out the online form, and a request for your practical assessment will be sent directly to your Area Technical Convenor for arrangement: https://nswtraining.swimming.org.au/assessment/.
We’ve designed the modules to be done at your own pace. It’s really important that you fully understand the content, so we’ve included self-check questions along the way to make sure you’ve understood what you’re reading. Each module ends in a small quiz. So, it will be different from person-to-person, but it shouldn’t take you longer than two hours.
The modules have been designed to support you to pass. If you don't pass the quiz at the end of a module you can re-take it as many times as you need to.
Eligible Level 2 Referees and Starters seeking Level 3 accreditation and appointed in those roles at a Swimming Australia (SAL) National Age Championship, SAL Age Multi Class Championship or SAL National Short Course Championship event, will be assessed by National Assessors.
Level 2 Referees and Starters must be assessed over a minimum of two consecutive days including two sessions per day (heats and finals).
To be considered for Level 3 Accreditation as a Referee or Starter, the Technical Official must be deemed competent on three separate occasions at either SAL National Age Championships or SAL National Short Course Championships together with one session at SAL Age Multi Class Championships. A Referee/Starter may be appointed for 2 consecutive days of SAL Age Championships and one session of SAL Age Multi Class Championships within the one Championship event.
At the completion of the assessment process, the assessments will be forwarded to the SAL Technical Swimming Committee for consideration and where applicable ratification. If successful, the Technical Official and relevant State will be notified.
For more information view the "Process for Achieveing Level 3 Accreditations" on our Resource page under Training Resources/For Officials.
Reaccreditation Process
- How often do I need to reaccredit?
- How do I know when I need to reaccredit?
- Can I reaccredit if my accreditations have expired?
Officials are required to undergo a reaccreditation process every four years. Gaining a new accreditation will also extend your overall reaccreditation date by four years.
While Swimming Australia work on implementing a national portal that will allow all TO's to check their accreditations and expiry date, please contact your local ATSCC (listed below) if you wish to seek confirmation of expiry date.
When your reaccreditation is approaching, you may receive an email from your ATSCC as a reminder.
You may be able to. We and your ATSCC are passionate about retaining good officials, so we want to help you get back on pool deck.
Contact your ATSCC to discuss your options for reaccreditation.
Click Here to find out about reaccreditation for those who've been away from officiating for an extended period of time.
ATSCCs (Area Technical Swimming Committee Coordinators)
- Who is my ATSCC?
- What can my ATSCC help me with?
Each of Swimming NSW's areas has a nominated Area Technical Swimming Committee Coordinator (ATSCC) who can be reached via the emails below.
Area/Region | Technical Convenor (ATSCC) |
||
ACT | Fiona Johnstone | ||
Coast & Valley | Kemton Cline | kemtonc@gmail.com | |
Metro North East | Dean Vince | atsc@smne.org.au | |
Metro North West | Jose Jalvo | atsccsmnw@gmail.com | |
Metro South East | Voulla Loulli | atsc.metsea@gmail.com | |
Metro South West | Shawn Simpson | smswofficials@gmail.com | |
Mountains & Plains | Peter Ticehurst | peteanjen@bigpond.com | |
North Coast | Jennie Riley | snc.atscc@gmail.com | |
New England & North West | Brian Coombs | officials@snenw.com.au | |
South Eastern | Norbert Sernig |
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Southern Inland | Naomi Jones | atscc.sisa@gmail.com | |
Western | Pip Smith | pip@lovemerino.com.au |
Your ATSCC can help you start or progress your journey along the Technical Official accreditation pathway by organising presentations and assessments. Your ATSCC can answer any general questions you have about accreditations and the accreditation process.
They can also assist you to complete your reaccreditation.
Officiating Questions
- How do I use the backstroke ledge?
This video will demonstrate how to fit the backstroke ledge: