Fina ows officials school base slides 19-01_2012

Fina
Open Water
Official’s
School
[venue, month
YEAR]
[Lecturer/s]

Housekeeping, Health & Safety
 Restrooms
 Evacuation
 Accident
Questions are OK!

Fina Open Water Clinic
[Venue, Month Year]
 Purpose:
 To establish a universal, standardised judges training and
testing system to:
• expand the pool of qualified Fina list judges
• prepare and deepen the knowledge of Fina qualified officials
• ensure a consistent, clear, competition conduct in Fina Open Water
events.

[Venue, Month Year]
 Sessions will cover:
 Origins of the Open Water Swimming
 The Structure of FINA
 Rules for the Competition & Duties of Officials
 Risk Management
 Details on running Open Water Events

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 1:
 Welcome and Introduction
 Introduction of Participants
 School Objectives
 Origins of Open Water Swimming
 History
 Definition
 Marathon Swimming
 Fina Events & Olympic event
 Organisation of FINA & Structure
 General Rules
 Technical Rules
 By-laws
Refreshment Break (1030-1045)

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 1 (Cont):
 Introduction of Officials
 Roles proscribed by Fina
 Duties & Powers of Officials
 Chief Referee
 Referee
 Starter
 Chief Timekeeper
• Determining the swimmers returned time
 Timekeeper
Lunch Break (1230-1330)

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 1 (Cont):
Duties & Powers of Officials… cont
 Chief Finish Judge
• Determining the manual finish placing
 Finish Judge
 Race Judge (& feeding platform responsibilities)
 Turn Judge

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 1 (Cont):
 Duties & Powers of Officials… cont
 Safety Officer
 Course Officer
 Clerk of Course
 Reserves
End of Session (1700 Approx)

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 2:
Race Rules
 The Start
 Venue
 The Race
 Disqualification Procedure
 Emergency Abandonment
 Finish

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 2:
 Race Rules… cont
 Confirmation of Finish Placings & Times
 Application of Rule SW 11
 Use of Video recording/Slo-mo equipment
 Risk Management
 Safety Considerations
 Planning for Risk minimisation
 Assistance & Support
 Relationship with Organising Committee
 Boats/Escort Craft
 Communications
 Pre-Race briefings – Officials / Teams / Safety Support
 Head count – in & out of the water
Lunch Break (1230-1330)

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 2:
 Competition Management:
 Local Standards
 FINA Standards – World Championships / Marathon World
Cup / Grand Prix Series / Other events
 Event planning
• Operational considerations & Permissions
• Water Quality & temperature
• Venue Planning & layout
• Entry Information to Teams/Swimmers
• Technical Officials Meeting
• Team Leaders Meeting

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 2:
 Officials’ Decision Making
 Protests
 FINA OW Swimming Officials Lists
 Criteria
 Selection of Officials for World Championships and Olympic Games
 The Professional Official
End of Session (1700 Approx)

[Venue, Month Year]
Day 3:
 Questions & clarifications
 Examination
 Summary & wrap-up
Conclusion of FINA Open Water Swimming Judges School

[Venue, Month Year]
Introduction
of
participants

Origins of Open Water Swimming
 Modern marathon and open water events take us back to the
source of life and the origins of swimming.
 The first three Olympic Games all held swimming in open-
water environments.
 The resurgent interest in recreational and Adult swimming has
spurred renewed interest in open water competition.
 Pool and open water swimmers have competed for the first
Olympic marathon swim, over 10km in Beijing in 2008.

Fina Structure
 FINA – founded on 19 July 1908 at the Manchester Hotel,
London (GBR)
 Founding Federations:
• Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain,
Hungary and Sweden
 Current Federations:
• 201 Federation members by 2009

Fina Structure
Organisation of FINA:
 General Congress
 Technical Congresses
 FINA Bureau
• Fina Executive
 Committees (permanent)
 Commissions (discretionary)

Fina Structure
Congresses:
General Congress is highest authority
within FINA
Technical Congresses
Swimming Diving Water Polo
Synchronised
Swimming
Open Water
Swimming
Masters

Fina Structure
22 Bureau
Members
•President
•Vice Presidents (5)
•Honorary Secretary
•Honorary Treasurer
•Members (14)
Non-Voting
Members
•Honorary Life President
•Honorary Members
•FINA Executive Director

Fina Structure
FINA Committees:
 Swimming (1908)
 Diving (1928)
 Water Polo (1928)
 Synchronised Swimming (1956)
 Sports Medicine (1968)
 Masters (1986)
 Open Water (1992)

Fina Structure
FINA Commissions:
 Doping Panel
 Athletes Commission
 Coaches Commission
 Press Commission
 Doping Control Review Board
 Legal Commission
 Swimsuit Approval Commission
 Technical Commissions at World Championships and
Olympic Games
(Bureau Liaison, Technical Committee Chairman, Technical Committee Vice Chairman and
Technical Committee Honorary Secretary)

 Fina Rules
 General – apply to all disciplines
 Open Water Swimming (OWS) – specific Technical Rules
 Medical – Health & Medical aspects
 Doping Control – WADA Rules & obligation
 Fina Bylaws
 General
 Marathon Series – Regulations
 Grand Prix Series – Regulations
 Security & Safety
 Decisions of Fina Bureau (normally via Bylaw)
 Competition specific conditions & regulations
 Stated in conditions of entry
Open Water Swimming: Rules

 Swimming rules exist for no
other purpose than to regulate
fair-play.
 They are designed not only to
keep swimming competition
consistent, pure and correct,
but also to ensure that all
swimmers in a particular race
are subject to the same
restrictions and regulations
Open Water Swimming: Rules

Open Water Swimming
 FINA events include:
 World Championships distances of 5
km, 10 km & 25 km (every uneven
year)
 Junior Championships –in age groups
over 5km or 7.5 km (even years)
 Marathon World Cup events of 10 km
(Annual Series)
 Grand Prix Series of events more than
10km (Annual Series)
 Olympic event: 10 km
 Olympic qualifying event/s

Open Water Swimming
OWS 1.1 Open Water Swimming shall be
defined as any competition that takes
place in rivers, lakes, oceans or water
channels except for 10km events.
1.1.1 Marathon Swimming shall be
defined as any 10 km event in open
water competitions.
1.2 The age limit for all FINA Open
Water Swimming events must be at least
14 years of age.

Open Water Swimming
 Races are swim in a wide variety
of Open Water environments:
 Ocean Swims
 Lake Swims
 River Swims
 In a wide variety of courses:
 Point to point swims
 Large single circuits
 Small closed circuit courses
comprising multiple laps

Open Water Swimming
Officials are key to successful Open Water
Swimming competitions.
Objectives are:
 Promote & improve Open Water Swimming
 Develop interest & participation in Open Water Swimming
 Encourage physical fitness & improve the quality of
competitive swimming
 Fairness & consistency
 Develop life skills
Water Safety Positive discipline Attitudes to life
Fair play & respect Fitness & Health

Open Water Swimming
Why Officiate ?
 Are we there for our son or daughter ?
 For our own ego, personal objectives,
likes, dislikes, emotions, prejudices ?
 Some other reason?

Open Water Swimming
Officials Culture & Values
 We are there for the swimmers
 We are there to help youth grow physically and mentally
and to participate personally and actively
 Our goals are to demonstrate for youth the benefits of
discipline and perseverance
 We must try to create a school of life
 To help youth learn to respect and accept decisions
 From every experience – good and bad – one can learn
positively
It is important in all that we do to maintain objectivity and a
sense of responsibility to all swimmers

Open Water Swimming
Officials have the opportunity to contribute to consistent
officiating throughout the world in the following ways:
 To promote positive attitudes
 To expand opportunities for training & experience
 To maintain honesty & integrity
 To encourage openness
 To acknowledge the use of good judgement
 To display decisiveness
 To demonstrate a willingness to admit mistakes
These behaviours reflect the actions of successful officials as
well as provide a common foundation for the skill of officiating

OWS 2: Officials
 Chief Referee
 Referees
 Chief Judge
 Chief Timekeeper plus
2 Timekeepers
 Chief Finish Judge
plus 2 Finish Judges
 Safety Officer
 Medical Officer
 Course Officer
 Clerk of Course
 Race Judges
 Races over 10km – 1 per competitor
 10km Races – Feeding platform
(Race Judge role is dependent on Course)

OWS 2: Officials
 Turn Judges
 each course change
 Starter
 Announcer
 Recorder
Officials may not act in more than
one capacity simultaneously – a
new duty can only be
undertaken once the previous
duty is concluded

OWS 3.1: Chief Referee
3.1 Have full control & authority
over all officials & shall approve
their assignments and instruct
them regarding special features
or regulations related to the
competition. The Referee shall
enforce all the Rules and
decisions of FINA and shall
decide all questions relating to
the actual conduct of the
competition, the final settlement
of which is not otherwise
covered by these Rules .
3.2 have authority to intervene in the competition at any stage to
ensure rules are observed.

Open Water: Chief Referee
3.2.1 In cases of hazardous
conditions that jeopardize
the safety of the
swimmers and officials, in
conjunction with the
Safety Officer, can stop
the race.
3.3 Adjudicate on all
protests related to the
competition in progress
3.4 Give a decision where
judges & timekeepers
results disagree

3.5 Signal to swimmers, by
raised flag and short
whistle blasts on a
whistle, that the start is
imminent & when
satisfied indicate by
pointing the flag at the
starter that the race may
commence.
3.6 Disqualify any swimmer
for any violation of the
rules personally
observed, or which is
reported by other
authorised officials.

3.7 Ensure that all necessary
officials for the conduct of the
competition are at their
respective posts. He may
appoint substitutes for any who
are absent, incapable of acting,
or found to be inefficient. He
may be appoint additional
officials if considered
necessary
3.8 Receive all reports prior to the
start of the race from the Clerk
of the Course, Course Officer
and Safety Officer

Open Water: Referee
3.9 Have authority
to intervene in the
competition at ay
time to ensure
that FINA rules
are observed.
3.10 Disqualify any
competitor for
any violation of
the Rules that he
personally
observes.

Open Water: Starter
3.11Start the race in accordance
with OWS 4, particularly :
4.6 The Starter shall be positioned
so as to be clearly visible to all
competitors.
4.6.1 On the starter command
“take your marks” they shall
take up a starting position with
at least one foot at the front of
the platform.
4.6.2 The Starter will give the starting signal when he considers
all swimmers are ready.
4.7 The start signal shall be both audible and visual.

Open Water: Chief Timekeeper
3.12 Assign at least three Timekeepers to their positions
for the start and finish.
3.13 Ensure that a time check is made to allow all
persons to synchronise their watches with the official
running clocks 15 minutes before start time.
3.14 Collect from each
Timekeeper a card showing
the time recorded for each
swimmer, and, if necessary,
inspect their watches.
3.15 Record or examine the
official time on the card
(Watch*) for each swimmer.

Open Water: Timing Rules
 OWS 7.2.1 directs that times should be determined by
following the procedure in SW11:
 SW 11.1 The operation of Automatic Officiating Equipment
shall be under the supervision of appointed officials. Times
recorded by Automatic Equipment shall be used to determine
the winner, all placing and the time applicable to each lane.
The placing and times so determined shall have precedence
over the decisions of timekeepers. In the event that a break-
down of the Automatic Equipment occurs or that it is clearly
indicated that there has been a failure of the Equipment, or
that a swimmer has failed to activate the Equipment, the
recordings of the timekeepers shall be official (See SW 13.3).

 SW 11.2 When Automatic Equipment is used, the results shall
be recorded only to 1/100 of a second. When timing to 1/1000
of a second is available, the third digit shall not be recorded or
used to determine time or placement. In the event of equal
times, all swimmers who have recorded the same time at
1/100 of a second shall be accorded the same placing. Times
displayed on the electronic scoreboard should show only to
1/100 of a second.
 SW 11.3 Any timing device that is terminated by an official
shall be considered a watch. Such manual times must be
taken by three timekeepers appointed or approved by the
Member in the country concerned. All watches shall be
certified as accurate to the satisfaction of the governing body
concerned.

 SW11.3 (Cont.) Manual timing
shall be registered to 1/100 of
a second. Where no Automatic
Equipment is used, official
manual times shall be
determined as follows:
SW 11.3.1
If two (2) of the three (3)
watches record the same time
and the third disagrees, the
two identical times shall be the
official time.
Watch # Time
1 1:34:12.30
2 1:34:19.29
3 1:34:12.30
Official time 1:34:12.30

Following SW11:
SW 11.3.2
If all three (3) watches
disagree, the watch
recording the
intermediate time shall
be the official time.
Watch # Time
1 1:34:12.27
2 1:34:12.28
3 1:34:12.31

Following SW11:
SW 11.3.3
With only two (2) out of
three (3) watches
working the average
time shall be the
official time.
Watch # Time
1 1:34:12.27
2 1:34:12.28
3 -- -- -- --

Open Water: Timekeeper
3.18 Promptly after each finish
record the time and swimmers'
number on the timecard and
turn it over to the Chief
Timekeeper.
Note: When Automatic Officiating
Equipment is used, the same
complement of hand timers is to be used
3.16 Take the time of each swimmer assigned. The
watches must have memory and print out capability
and shall be certified correct to the satisfaction of the
ManagementCommittee.
3.17 Start their watches at the starting signal, and only
stop their watches when instructed by the Chief
Timekeeper.

Open Water: Chief Finish Judge
3.19 Assign each Judge to
a position.
3.20 Record and
communicate any
decision received from
the Referees during the
competition.
3.21 Collect after the race,
signed results sheets
from each Judge and
establish the result and
placing which shall be
sent directly to the Chief
Referee.

Open Water: Finish Order
 Similar process to
Swimming & Timekeeping
 Record the placing order
from all judges
 Determine the result on
precedence order (the
number of times one
swimmer placed ahead of
another)
Rk J1 J2 J3 Pl
1 4 5 4
2 5 3 3
3 3 2 5
4 2 4 7
5 8 8 2
6 6 7 6
7 7 6 8
8 1 1 1

from all judges
number of times one
another)
Rk J1 J2 J3 Pl
1 4 5 4 4
2 5 3 3 5
3 3 2 5 3
4 2 4 7
5 8 8 2
6 6 7 6
7 7 6 8
8 1 1 1

from all judges
number of times one
another)
Rk J1 J2 J3 Pl
1 4 5 4 4
2 5 3 3 5
3 3 2 5 3
4 2 4 7 2
5 8 8 2 8
6 6 7 6
7 7 6 8
8 1 1 1

from all judges
number of times one
another)
Rk J1 J2 J3 Pl
1 4 5 4 4
2 5 3 3 5
3 3 2 5 3
4 2 4 7 2
5 8 8 2 8
6 6 7 6 7
7 7 6 8 6
8 1 1 1 1

Open Water: Finish Judge
3.22 Be positioned in line with
the finish where they shall
have at all times a clear view
of the finish.
3.23 Record after each finish
the placing of the swimmers
according to the assignment
given.
Note: Finish Judges shall not
act as Timekeepers in the
same event.

Open Water: Race Judge
3.24 Be positioned in an escort safety craft (where
applicable), assigned by random draw prior to the start,
so as to be able to observe, at all times, his appointed
swimmer.
3.25 Ensure at all times that the Rules of competition are
complied with, violations being recorded in writing and
reported to a Referee at the earliest opportunity.

3.26 Have the power to order a
swimmer from the water upon
expiry of any time limit so ordered
by the Referee.
3.27 Ensure that his appointed
swimmer does not take unfair
advantage or commit unsporting
impediment on another swimmer
and if the situation requires
instruct a swimmer to maintain
clearance from any other
swimmer.

 In circuit races where a
feeding platform is
present, the judge
assigned to each platform
shall manage the platform
to ensure:
 Only authorised people are
present on the platform
 The swimmer’s authorised
representatives act
appropriately to ensure all
swimmers are able to feed
Note: This is not yet a rule but
a practise utilising the
current rules

Open Water: Turn Judge
3.28 Be positioned so as to ensure
all swimmers execute the
alterations in course as indicated
in the competition information
documents and as given at the
pre-race briefing.
3.29 Record any infringement of the
turn procedures on the record
sheets provided and indicate the
infringement to the Race Judge at
the time of infringement by blasts
on a whistle.
3.30 Promptly upon completion of the
event deliver the signed record
sheet to the Chief Judge.

Open Water: Safety Officer
3.31 be responsible to the Referee for all aspects of safety
related to the conduct of the competition.
3.32 check that the entire course, with special regard to the start
and finish areas, is safe, suitable, and free of any obstruction.
3.33 be responsible for ensuring that sufficient powered safety
craft are available during the competition so as to provide full
safety backup to the escort safety craft.

Open Water: Safety Officer
3.34 provide prior to the competitions to all swimmers a
tide/current chart clearly indicating the time of tide changes on
the course and showing the effect of tides or current on a
swimmer's progress along the course.
3.35 in conjunction with the Medical Officer advise the Referee if,
in their opinion, conditions are unsuitable for staging the
competition and make recommendations for the modification of
the course or the manner in which the competition is
conducted.

Open Water: Medical Officer
3.36 be responsible to the Referee for all medical
aspects related to the competition & competitors
3.37 Inform the local medical facilities of the nature of
the competition and ensure that any casualties can
be evacuated to medical facilities at the earliest
opportunity.
3.38 In conjunction with the Safety Officer, advise the
Referee if, in their opinion, conditions are unsuitable
for staging the competition and make
recommendations for the modification of the course
or the manner in which the competition is conducted.
 Ensure the First Aid facilities identified under Bylaw
BL 12.14 are provided
 Observe the Medical Rules

Open Water: Course Officer
3.39 Responsible to the Management Committee for the
correct survey of the course
3.40 Ensure that the start and finish areas are correctly
marked and all equipment has been correctly
installed and, where applicable, is in working order
4.41 Ensure all course alteration points are correctly
marked and manned prior to the commencement of
the competition
4.42 With the Referee and Safety Officer inspect the
course and markings prior to the commencement of
the competition
4.43 Ensure that Turn Judges are in position prior to the
start of the competition and report this to the
Referees.

OWS: Clerk of Course
3.44 Assemble & prepare competitors
prior to each event and ensure
proper reception facilities at the
finish are available for all
competitors
3.45 Ensure each competitor is
identified correctly with their race
number & that all swimmers have
trimmed fingernails, toenails and
are not wearing any jewellery,
including watches.
3.46 Be certain all swimmers are
present, in the assembly area, at
the required time prior to the start.

OWS: Clerk of Course
3.49 Ensure that all competitors
leaving the water at the finish
have the basic equipment
required for their well being
should their own attendants not
be present at the time
 Issue & return of transponders
 Monitor withdrawals & inform
the Recorder
3.47 Keep swimmers & officials informed of time before
start at suitable intervals until the last five minutes,
when 1 minute warnings shall be given
3.48 Be responsible for ensuring that all clothing &
equipment left in the start area is transported to the
finish area and kept in safekeeping

Open Water: Recorder
3.50 Record
withdrawals from the
competition, enter
results on official
forms, and maintain
records for team
awards as appropriate
3.51 Report any violation
to the Chief Referee on
a signed card detailing
the event, and the rule
infringement

Open Water: Officials Summary
 Arrive on site in plenty of time & report promptly on-site. Find
out where you need to be and when
 Be prepared – make sure you are familiar with the rules and
bring the correct equipment for your role & personal wellbeing
 Comfort – remember you could be on a small boat for a long
period of time with minimal facilities
 Reserves – include reserves in the officials assignment plan
to cover sickness, unavailability or incapacity
 DO NOT LEAVE THE VENUE after the race until cleared to
do so by the Chief Referee - pass all relevant documentation
to the recorder should it be required for reference
 Have fun !

Open Water : Race Rules - Start
4.2 The Clerk of Course shall
keep competitors and officials
informed of the time before the
start at suitable intervals and at
one minute intervals for the last
five minutes
4.1 All Open Water competitions shall start with all competitors
standing on a fixed platform or in water depth sufficient for
them to commence swimming on the start signal.
4.1.1 When starting from a fixed platform competitors shall be
assigned a position on the platform, as determined by random
draw.

4.3 When the number of entries
dictate the start shall be
segregated in the Men's and
Women's competitions. The
Men's events shall always
start before the Women's
events.
4.4 The start line shall be clearly
defined by either overhead
apparatus or by removable
equipment at water level

short blasts on a whistle when the start is imminent and indicate
that the competition is under Starter's orders by pointing the
flag at the starter.
4.6 The Starter shall be positioned so as to be clearly visible to all
competitors
4.6.1 On the starter command “take your marks” they shall take
up a starting position with at least one foot at the front of the
platform.
4.6.2The starter will give the signal when considers all swimmers
are ready
4.5 The Referee shall indicate by a flag held upright and

4.7 The start signal shall be both audible & visual
4.8 If in the opinion of the Referee an unfair advantage has been
gained at the start the offending competitor will be given a
yellow or red flag in accordance with OWS 6.3.

4.9 All escort safety craft shall be
stationed prior to the start so
as not to interfere with any
competitor, and if picking up
their swimmer from behind
shall navigate in such a way
as not to manoeuvre through
the field of swimmers
4.10 Although they may start
together, in all other respects
the men's and women's
competitions shall be treated
as separate events.

Open Water : Race Rules -
Venue
5.1 World Championships and FINA
competitions shall be for Open Water
distances, 25 kilometres, 10 kilometres and 5
kilometres, conducted at a venue and course
approved by FINA.
5.2 The course shall be in water that is subject
to only minor currents or tide and may be salt
or fresh water.
5.3 A certificate of suitability for use of the
venue shall be issued by the appropriate
local health and safety authorities. In general
terms the certification must relate to water
purity and to physical safety from other
considerations.

Venue
5.4 The minimum depth of water at any point on the course
shall be 1.40 meter.
5.5 The water temperature should be a minimum of 16°C. It
should be checked the day of the race, 2 hours before the
start, in the middle of the course at a depth of 40 cm. This
control should be done in the presence of a Commission
made up of the following persons present: a Referee, a
member of the Organising Committee and one coach from
the teams present designated during the Technical
Meeting

Venue
5.6 All turns/alterations of
course shall be clearly
indicated.
5.7 A clearly marked craft or
platform, containing a
Turn Judge, shall be
positioned at all
alterations of course in
such a manner as not to
obstruct a swimmer's
visibility of the turn.

Venue
5.8 All Feeding Platforms, turning apparatus and Turn Judges
craft/platforms shall be securely fixed in position and not be
subject to tidal, wind or other movements.
5.9 The final
approach to the
finish shall be
clearly defined
with markers of a
distinctive colour.
5.10 The finish
shall be clearly
defined and
marked by a
vertical face.

Open Water : The Race
6.1 All Open Water
competitions shall be
Freestyle events.
6.2 Race Judges shall
instruct any swimmer
who is, in their opinion,
taking unfair advantage
by pacing or slip
streaming with the escort
craft to move clear

Open Water : Disqualification
6.3 If in the opinion of the Chief
Referee or Referees, any
swimmer, or swimmer’s approved
representative, or escort safety
craft, takes advantage by
committing any violation of the
rules or by making intentional
contact with any swimmer, the
following proceeding shall apply:
1st Infringement:
A yellow flag and a card bearing the
swimmer's number shall be raised to
indicate and to inform the swimmer
that he is in violation of the Rules.

Open Water : Disqualification
 2nd Infringement:
A red flag and a card bearing the swimmer's number shall be raised
by the Referee (OWS 3.6) to indicate and to inform the swimmer that
he is for the second time in violation of the Rules. The swimmer shall
be disqualified. He must leave the water immediately and be placed
in an escort craft, and take no further part in the race.

Open Water : DQ / Escort Craft
6.3.2 If in the opinion of a Referee, an action
of a swimmer or an escort safety craft, or
a swimmer’s approved representative is
deemed to be ‘unsporting’ the referee
shall disqualify the swimmer concerned
immediately.
6.4 Escort safety craft shall manoeuvre so
as not to obstruct or place themselves
directly ahead of any swimmer and not
take unfair advantage by pacing or slip
streaming.
6.5 Escort safety craft shall attempt to
maintain a constant position so as to
station the swimmer at, or forward of, the
mid point of the escort safety craft.

6.6 Standing on the bottom during a race shall not disqualify
a swimmer but they may not walk or jump.
6.7 With the exception of 6.6 above swimmers shall not
receive support from any fixed or floating object and shall
not intentionally touch or be touched by their escort safety
craft or crew therein.
6.7.1 Rendering assistance by an official medical officer to a
swimmer in apparent distress should always supersede
official rules of disqualification through “intentional
contact” with a swimmer (OWS 3.1).

6.8 Each escort safety craft shall
contain: a Race Judge, a person of
the swimmer's choice, and the
minimum crew required to operate the
escort safety craft.
6.9 No swimmer shall be permitted to
use or wear any device which may be
an aid to their speed, endurance or
buoyancy. Goggles, a maximum of
two (2) caps, nose clip and earplugs
may be used.
6.10 Swimmers shall be allowed to use
grease or other such substances
providing these are not, in the opinion
of the Referee, excessive.

6.11 The pacing of a swimmer by another
person entering the water is not
permitted.
6.12 Coaching and the giving of instructions
by the approved swimmer’s
representative on the feeding platform or
in the escort safety craft is permitted. No
whistle shall be allowed. Feeding poles
are not to exceed 5m in length when
extended. No objects, rope or wire may
hang off the end of feeding poles except
national flags. National flags are allowed
to be attached to the feeding pole but
may not exceed the size of 30cm x 20
cm.

6.13 When taking sustenance
swimmers may use Rule OWS 6.6
provided Rule OWS 6.7 is not
infringed.
6.14 All swimmers shall have their
competition number clearly
displayed in waterproof ink on
their upper back, arms and
hands.
6.15 Each escort safety craft shall
display the swimmer's competition
number so as to be easily seen
from either side of the escort safety
craft, and the national flag of the
swimmer's Federation.

Open Water : Race Time Limits
6.16.1In all events, time limits shall
apply as follows from the finish time of
the first swimmers:
 Events under 25 km 30 minutes
 Events of 25 km 60 minutes
 Events over 25 km 120 minutes
6.16.2 Competitors who do not finish the
course within the time limits shall be
removed from the water except that
the referee may allow a competitor
outside the time limit to complete the
course but not participate in any
points or prizes awarded.

Open Water : Emergency
Abandonment
6.17.1 In cases of emergency abandonment
of races of 10 km or less, the race will be
restarted from the beginning at the earliest
possible moment.
6.17.2 In cases of emergency abandonment
for any race of longer than 10km, where
the lead swimmer has accomplished at
least ¾ of the race, the final ranking will be
as reported by the Chief Referee. If the
lead swimmer has not completed ¾ of the
race, it will be restarted from the beginning
at the earliest moment possible.
 Safety of Athletes, Coaches and Officials is
PARAMOUNT

Open Water : Race Rules –
Race Finish
7.1 The area leading to the
finish apparatus should
be clearly marked by
rows of buoys which
narrow as they get closer
to the finish wall. Escort
safety craft should be
stationed at the approach
to and entrance of the
finish lane to ensure that
only the escort safety
craft authorized to do so
enter or cross this
entrance.

Race Finish
7.2 The finish apparatus
should, where possible, be
a vertical wall at least 5
metres wide fixed if
necessary to floatation
devices, securely fastened
in place so as not to be
moved by wind, tide or the
force of a swimmer striking
the wall. The finish should
be filmed and recorded by
video system with slow
motion and recall facilities
including timing equipment.

Race Finish
7.2.1 When automatic Officiating Equipment is used for timing of
competitions in accordance with rule SW 11, microchip
transponder technology capable of providing split times is
mandatory and should be added to the Equipment. Use of
microchip transponder technology is mandatory for
competitions at the World Championships and Olympic
Games. Microchip transponder
timing technology will be
recorded officially in tenths of
seconds. The final places will be
determined by the referee
based upon the finish judges’
report and the finish video tape.

Race Finish
7.2.2 It is mandatory for all swimmers to wear a microchip
transponder on each wrist throughout the race. If a
swimmer loses a transponder the Race Judge or other
authorised.Official, will immediately
inform the Referee who
will instruct the
responsible Official on the
water to issue a
replacement transponder.
Any swimmer who
finishes the race without
a transponder will be
disqualified.

Race Finish
7.3 The Finish
Judges and
Timekeepers
shall be placed
so as to be able
to observe the
finish at all
times. The area
in which they are
stationed should
be for their
exclusive use.

Race Finish
7.4 Every effort should be made to ensure that the swimmers'
representative can get from the escort safety craft to meet the
swimmer as they leave the water.
7.5 Upon leaving the water some swimmers may require
assistance. Swimmers should only be touched or handled if
they clearly display a need, or ask for assistance.

Race Finish
7.6 A member of the medical team should inspect the swimmers
as they leave the water. A chair, in which the swimmer can sit
while an assessment is made, should be provided.
7.7 Once cleared by the medical team, swimmers should be
given access to refreshment.

Escorted Swims
 Races over 10Km usually require escort craft for each swimmer,
dependant on the course.
 Escort Craft need to be sufficiently large to accommodate
Swimmers Representative, Race Judge, & necessary boat crew
 Safety escort craft can be kayak / canoe / surf-ski / rowboat or
other manually powered craft to provide close support to the
race but must be supported by powered safety craft capable of
taking competitors to medical support if required (Applies to all
swims including those circuit based and/or 10km or less)

Safety Craft Considerations
 Paddlers need to be sufficiently fit to complete the course in
variable weather conditions or in sufficient numbers to “rest &
rotate” during the race
 Powered safety craft must be capable of running at low speed &
should include basic medical support equipment to provide first
response assistance to swimmers removed from the water.
 Have back-ups for both manual & powered craft to cover no-
shows & breakdowns

Open Water : Risk Management
 Local boat, canoe,
rowing & kayak clubs
 Local amateur radio
organisations
 Local Life Saving
Association
 Sea & Boy Scouts
 The Red Cross
 EMS Groups
 Safety is the paramount issue in the organisation and conduct of
any open water swimming event
 The first step in planning an open water swim is the
consideration of safety factors.
 Assistance and support (get contact details prior to race day):

Risk management plan – document and
action as appropriate
Risk 1 Assessment Action &
by Whom
by Whom
by Whom

Reasonably Practicable steps need to be
taken to manage identified risk

 Assistance and support
 Local Hospital
 Police
 Local media
 Fire Service
 Coastguard
 Independent Rescue groups
 Local Harbour-master
 Public Liability Insurance

Open Water Organisation
 Organising a competition requires a team of personnel with
specific responsibilities in the lead up during & following the
event
 Organisers involved in the planning need to include the
following responsibilities in their structure:
 Event Organiser/OC Chair – leading the Event team
 Event Administrator – Assists & back-up to the Organiser
 Course Officer – Course planning, implementation &, de-rig
 Safety Officer – development of Safety & Risk Management plans,
sourcing, briefing & managing the Safety crews on the water
 Medical Officer – Development of the Medical plan for the event,
sourcing, briefing & managing the Safety crews at the event
 Chief Referee – liaison to ensure the rules are observed, coordination
of Technical officials for the event

Event Planning
 Gain the necessary permissions as early as possible
 Plan the course well
 Use historical information to assess likely race conditions, temperature
& environmental factors
 Check the distance with GPS if available
 Include as much information about the course and race
conditions in the call for entries to assist competitors in their
preparation
 Make sure entry conditions are clear, including any medical
check / authorisation if required
 Ensure sufficient personnel are available with the right
qualifications/skills to run the event
 Include sufficient reserves in the planning to cover any that become
unavailable at the time of the event

Event Planning
 Make sure the craft to be used are suitable to the task with
the necessary equipment on board
 Sufficient Lifejackets should be available for all personnel on
the water
 Plan briefings for Event Staff & Safety crew, and Technical
team meeting for different times
 Ensure appropriate Medical personnel are available on site to
render assistance both during the race & immediately after
the finish
 Identify facilities for Doping Control if required

 Plan a safe well marked and patrolled open water swimming
course
 Start & Finish Areas must be highly visible from both land and
water
 Competition Doctor is mandatory
 Escort craft personnel must be
alert to symptoms of
hypothermia, heat exhaustion
and heatstroke
 Trained and competent escort
craft personnel
 Basic medical equipment in
safety craft
 Platforms of correct size/load

 Safety Officer & Course Officer
should constantly monitor the
conditions in the build-up and during
the race to ensure conditions remain
safe for competitors
 Safety & Risk Management plan
should be documented & widely
distributed to all who may need to
know
 Identify potential Hazards
 Assess impact of hazard & probability of
occurrence
 Isolate, Eliminate or Minimise the hazard
if the risk is considered significant

 Communications network: two way radios with dedicated
channel for Referee and Assistant Referees and shore
control. Separate channels for other officials, safety personnel
 Mobile Phones if necessary, with a list of phone numbers
 Effective public address system
 Announcer with knowledge of OWS and who can give
progressive race results, instructions and emergency
announcements.
 Horn for race abandonment

 Strongly recommended not to allow late entries
 Conduct pre race briefing: course description, water
temperature, surf/water conditions, pinpoint hazards and
currents in detail
 Establish accurate head count of swimmers before the
start, at the start and verify during the race and at the
finish
 Instruct swimmers and escort personnel of the system to
be used to notify race officials if a swimmer withdraws.
 Establish a cut off time where swimmers may be removed
from the water (events up to & including 10 km - 30
minutes after the first finisher)

 Medical and first aid
resources at the finish:
 massage,
 refreshments (sealed
containers),
 hot water bottles, or Ice
 blankets etc.
 Ambulance on stand-by
.THE RACE ORGANISERS AND OFFICIALS
PRIMARY CONCERN IS FOR SAFETY AND THEY
NEED TO BE PREPARED TO TAKE PROMPT
DECISIVE ACTION DEPENDING ON THE
CIRCUMSTANCES.

Open Water :
Competition Management
 Plan early to avoid issues closer to the event
 Course planning
 Safety issue identification
 Dialogue with appropriate Authorities, gain necessary permissions
 Gain necessary permissions
 Provide as much information as possible when calling for
entries
 Course Map / information
 Safety issue identification / Safety Plan
 Likely water temperature & climatic conditions
 All Entry criteria

Open Water :
 Teams Leaders meeting is
conducted by the
Meet/Technical Director
 Roll call of Country
representatives
 Introduction Of Chief Referee
& Referees for Men & Women
 Confirmation of entry
 Course Officer explains the
course (Have a map or
presentation)
• Weather & Climatic
Conditions
• Start & Finish procedures
 Safety issue identification /
On-water

Open Water :
 Teams Leaders meeting is
conducted by the
Meet/Technical Director
 Medical Officer briefing &
Doping Control process
 Feeding Platform
access/restriction (if
required)
 Draw for Escort craft /
Starting platform position (if
required)
 Other Technical matters /
Questions
 Organising Committee
housekeeping matters

Open Water :
 Organising Committee:
Venue planning
 Sustenance for Athletes
(post-race) & Officials
 Toilets & Showers
 Sunscreen
 Shade for Athletes
 Secure area for Swimmer
Gear
 Medical treatment area in a
secure private area
 Secure area for doping
control
 Liquid for Number removal

Organisation of FINA Events
 Applications to host FINA events are approved after
consideration of various criteria & a site visit if necessary
 World Championship & Olympic Games are under the
management of the FINA TOWSC Commission
 Other FINA Events are supervised by FINA Delegates

Organisation of FINA Events
 The TOWSC Commission manage the assignment of
duties to the TOWSC Members and appointed
Technical Officials
 Other FINA Events are supervised by FINA Delegates
 Chief Referees must be FINA list referees

GR 9.2 Protests
 GR9.2.1 Protests are possible…
a) If the rules and regulations for the conduct of the
championships have not been observed;
b) If other conditions endanger the competitions and/or
competitors, or
c) Against decisions of the referee; however, no protest shall be
allowed against decision of fact.

GR 9.2 Protests

 GR9.2.2 Protests must be submitted
a) To the referee
b) In writing
c) By the responsible Team Leader only
d) Together with a deposit of 100 Swiss francs or it’s equivalent, and
e) Within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the respective competition
or match
If conditions causing a potential protest are noted before the event a
protest must be lodged before the signal to start is given.

GR 9.2 Protests
 GR 9.2.3 All protests shall be considered by the referee.
If he rejects the protest, he must state the reasons for his
decision.
The Team Leader may appeal the rejection to the Jury of
Appeal whose decision will be final.
In the Olympic Games and World Championships the
Commission in each discipline shall consider the protest and
give recommendations to the Jury of Appeal.
 GR9.2.4 If the protest is rejected, the deposit will be forfeited
to the management body of the competition. If the protest is
upheld it will be returned.

FINA Officials Lists:
Open Water Swimming:
 2 Lists of Referees
• 3 Referees per Federation on each List, organisers of FINA World
Championships & Olympic Games total 8 Referees.
 List No. 8 (01.01.2009 – 31.12.2012)
 List No. 9 (01.01.2011 – 31.12.2014)
 Criteria:
• experienced OW official at Conitinental Championship or Fina
Event within the last 4 years
• Graduated a Fina School
 Age limit: 65 years from start of List period

FINA Officials Lists:
 Selection of OWS Officials for FINA Events
 World Championships – proportional Continental representation
 Olympic Games – One per Continent
 Criteria: On FINA Lists. Must have been judge at
Continental Championships (except Host)
 World Championships: Accommodation paid
 Olympic Games: Travel & accommodation paid

The Professional Official:
 Expect to be challenged
 Know the rules
 Know what you have to do on site
 Prepare yourself
 Answer your questions
 is there for our sport of Open Water Swimming
 Enjoys to be involved
 Must have a deep and all around knowledge of the rules
 Applies maximum effort to the meet and the work
 Is neutral – not in the middle point
 Enforces the rules with understanding and not with dictatorship
 Applies the rules as witnessed and not as “I think or I heard”

 Is prepared to listen
 Is not afraid to say: I was wrong in my judgment
 Is not pedantic about points of rules
 Is ready to accept the Referee’s decision
 Treats all swimmers equally
 Does not pre-suppose a situation
 Is someone, who officiates with understanding and respect, not:
Me – I’m the official – you're just a swimmer
 Is easily accessible through the Referee to swimmers and
coaches regarding infractions if requested
 Always gives the outward appearance of physical fitness and
being in control

 Appearance, dress, movements around the start & finish areas,
race course, gestures, etc., must be smart and respectful
 Confirms the meet is conducted in a good sportsman like
manner
 Maintains dignity at all times
 Be attentive, give & show a serious impression
 Spectators are watching you as you undertake your duties
 Look forward to and enjoy officiating at each meet. Do not show
an “I have to be here” attitude
 Make certain, that all is in place, to see the competition is
conducted in a safe, controlled and fair manner

 Listens to and considers another point of view put forward
 Be impartial applying the rules and interpretations for one and
all. Keep a balanced outlook
 Work with all other officials, to make sure, it is an event that all
swimmers enjoy being part of
 When reporting an infraction, write it out as the rule states, not in
your own words
Finally, be prepared to have the courage to make the tough call
when it is necessary

Equipment:
 Sun glasses (if outdoors)
 Sun protection material (if outdoors)
 Whistle / Pens / Paper / Start list
 Flags & whiteboard + pens
 FINA Handbook – or rules in your own language

Thank You!
 [Lecturer]
Email: {email address}

Fina ows officials school base slides 19-01_2012

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