Officials’ Duties in Synchronized Swimming

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Starter (Figure competitions)

• Each panel has its own starter.
• The starter's task is to ensure that the swimmer is the same person who is supposed to be the next swimmer according to the start list.
• The starter's task is to allow the appropriate number of swimmers into the pool in the correct order so that the figure can be performed smoothly in front of the judges.
• The starter directs the swimmers to move so that the new swimmer is ready to perform the figure when the last judge's scores have been read.
• It is good to have about 2-3 swimmers waiting in the water while one is performing the figure. When the swimmer is leaving, the next swimmer moves in front of the judges.
• If the correct swimmer is not present at the right time, the starter immediately informs the competition director or assistant referee so that the swimmer can be quickly brought to the pool. (Note! If the swimmer does not perform the figure at the right time, their performance will be disqualified from that panel.)
• The swimmer may be performing the figure in another panel, in which case they are waited for, and the swimmer can perform their figure in peace.
• Each panel starts with a different swimmer number, e.g., panel 1 performs figures 1-280, panel 2 performs figures 70-280 and 1-69, panel 3 performs figures 140-280 and 1-139, panel 4 performs figures 210-280 and 1-209.
• Each starter receives the correct start order for their panel.
• The starter's task is also to simultaneously rotate the swimmer numbers on the number board (flip folder) on the table/chair so that the starter and the swimmers/coaches can always see the information about which swimmer is performing the figure in the pool.
• Starter needs to speek & understand fluent Finnish.

Score Announcer (Figure competitions)

• Each panel has its own announcer.
• When the swimmer has performed the figure, the announcer says the SCORES aloud, at which point the judges simultaneously show their scores on the display boards.
• The announcer then reads each judge's score aloud (so that the judges can also hear their own scores).
• The scores are read without a comma, e.g., seven eight (=7.8), seven four (=7.4), etc.
• The scores are read in such a way that the scores from judge number 1 are read first, then number 2, and so on.
• If there are any ambiguities in the score reading or the judges' displays, the competition director (or assistant referee) can ask the judges to show the scores again. In this case, the announcer says SCORES AGAIN, PLEASE, and the judges show the scores again, and they are read again. If the announcer notices that they have confused the score reading, they can also say SCORES AGAIN and start over.

Videographer (Figure competitions)

• The videographer records the figure performed at each panel from start to finish.
• The swimmer's approach to the judges and departure from the location does not need to be recorded.
• The given scores is not recorded.
• Recording is stopped between each swimmer. (Note! Make sure that the recording starts each time a new figure is recorded by checking that the seconds on the video camera are moving forward.)
• The video cameras are on tripods to ensure stable recording.
• The recording is done from the center behind the judges' panel so that the figure is visible on the video as it is seen by the judges.
• If the competition director wants to check the performed figure, the video is rewound to the beginning of the figure.

Start Organizer (Music programs)

• The start organizer's responsibility is to check that the teams are present and waiting for their turn. All the swimmers of the team needs to be present as well.
• The start organizer's task is to allow the next team to wait for their turn so that the programs run smoothly in front of the judges.
• To Each departure organizer receives the correct starting list.

Score Runner (Music programs)

• The score runner waits for the judges to write their scores on paper, and then the score runner takes the papers from each judge and takes them to the CR table.

Videographer (Music programs)

• The videographer records the program from start to finish.
• The name of the team in turn should be heard on the video.
• Filming starts when the team is standing still and waiting for permission to start.
• Filming ends when the team starts to swim out of the pool.
• Filming is stopped between each team.
• Note! Make sure that filming starts each time a new program is recorded by checking that the seconds on the video camera are moving forward.
• The video cameras are on tripods to ensure stable recording.
• The recording is done from the center behind the judges' panel so that the program is visible on the video as it is seen by the judges.

Timing (Music programs)

• The timekeeper has two clocks, one in each hand. Timing is done as described below.
• WALK-ON TIME (time from the start line to the starting position):
  • Start the timing on your LEFT hand when the first swimmer's foot crosses the marker tape on the floor.
  • Stop the timing when you assume that all swimmers are in their starting positions (no longer moving) and the referee blows the whistle.
  • The time can be a maximum of 30 seconds (Technical and Free Mixed Duo, Technical and Free Team, Combo, and Acrobatics programs).
  • The time can be a maximum of 20 seconds (Technical and Free Duo, Technical and Free Solo programs).
• DECK TIME (time from the start of the music until the last swimmer is off the starting platform):
• • When the music starts, start the timing on your RIGHT hand.
  • Stop the timing when the last swimmer has jumped off the starting platform (the swimmer does not need to be in the water yet). The time can be a maximum of 10 seconds.

NOTE!

• Sometimes swimmers go directly into the water without a Freeze starting position, or sometimes some swimmers go directly into the water while others remain at the edge of the pool.
  • In such cases, let the clock on your LEFT hand run until all swimmers' movements have stopped.
  • If this happens, do not use the clock on your RIGHT hand, as there is no delay on the starting platform.

Recording of times:

• Timekeepers have their own recording forms for each music program. The allowed maximum time is recorded on the form. Each timekeeper (total of 2) records their own time, not the average.

Announcer (Music programs)

• Announces the teams/artistic swimmer to compete and after the competition/music program.
• The announcer has separate instructions on how to make announcements during the competition.

Music Responsible (Music programs)

• Plays the music for each music program. Ensures that the music starts at the right time.
• The music programs are sorted by competition session and program before the competition – the music responsible can also participate in this if they wish.

Judge and Official Coffee

• The person in charge ensures that the doors are open when the break begins, there is hot water in the kettle during breaks, there is coffee and refreshments, the break room is clean, and the doors are closed if the room is empty.
• The person responsible for the shift also acts as the door opener on Saturday and Sunday morning until the swimming hall opens
• The person responsible for the shift is also one of the cleaners of the break room on Sunday.

First Aid Responsible

• The primary contact person in case of any accidents, nausea, etc., during the competition.
• Must actively follow the warm-up/competition.
• Must be in the pool area whenever there is a swimmer in the pool (including warm-ups).
• Note! When taking a break, the first aid responsible must ensure that another official is aware of the situation and monitors the need for first aid.
• A first aid kit is available in the pool area. If necessary, ask for help from the competition doctor or the hall supervisors.
• The first aid responsible must have completed first aid training.

Chief Recorder

• Responsible for the accuracy of the entire competition results – a pre-agreed and pre-requested person.
• However, an assistant is needed to record the results and double-check them. The assistant must be able to use a computer (enter the judges' scores into the table).

Main Responsible

• Responsible for the overall organization of the competition session.

Set-up Group

• Responsible for arranging the pool area before and after the competition.

Prize Distribution

• Responsible for organizing the prize distribution area and arranging the medals before the prize distribution with a member of the competition group.