Best Wishes

It's hard to believe that we're about ready to turn the page on 2014! As always, I want to thank you all for your generous donation of time...something we find harder and harder to find...to AMS, its swimmers, swim families and coaches. We can literally say that without you, there would be no meets, no times, no fun!

As we finish out the year, let me wish you all, on behalf of your AMS Officials Committee, a very joyous of holiday seasons and hope each of you has a very happy and healthy New Year in 2015.

We look forward to seeing you all on deck soon!

New Minimum Sessions Required to Maintain AMS Official Certification

The AMS Officials Committee has recommended to the AMS Board (approval pending) that the AMS Operating Procedures be revised to increase to the number of minimum sessions AMS Officials have to work over a 12-month period to maintain LSC certification.

This change was prompted for a couple of reasons:

• It is a well known fact that being a good official requires time on deck. While we can all read and pass tests from a theoretical standpoint, there is a significant difference between knowing the rules and effectively and proficiently administering these rules in a fair and consistent basis. 
• While we have always met the minimum requirements for officials staffed at our meets (though we had a couple of close calls in October), we have not consistently put anywhere near an ideal number of officials on deck to officiate our AMS sanctioned meets. Unfortunately, we don't have enough officials to allow us to require fewer minimum officials sessions from our officials. All to often, it falls to a small minority of officials to "come to the rescue" to bail out meets with too few officials.

For these reasons, effective September 1, 2014 (yes, retroactive to the beginning of this Short Course season), AMS Officials will be required to work twelve (12) sessions at AMS sanctioned meets. Eight of these sessions can be from sessions worked at the Official's home club hosted meet(s). The reporting year for sessions worked will now be September 1 through August 31.

An exception to this rule exists for AMS Officials whose clubs are located more than sixty (60) miles from downtown Pittsburgh. If an official's home club is outside of the 60 mile radius, their 12 sessions requirement can be satisfied at any USA Swimming sanctioned meet. All sessions worked, however, must be entered into USA Swimming's Officials Tracking System (OTS).

This was not an easy decision to make and not one that was made without proper vetting and ample discussion. We realize that we're asking more from our volunteer officials but, in the end, it's a better solution for AMS. We believe that this revised requirement will be beneficial to the swimmers and coaches (better trained and qualified officials at meets), AMS meet hosts (more officials on deck) and AMS Officials (more experienced, confident officials on deck). That's a win all around.

If you have any questions, please contact me at bob.mermelstein@gmail.com.

On Deck Training

The AMS Officials Committee has been discussing our training regimen for Officials. Certainly, we have minimum standards promulgated by USA Swimming that we must follow but it's up to the LSC to determine the well rounded approach to be used in training Officials at each level.

A (maybe the) critical piece of the training process involves on deck shadowing. As most of us are visual learners, being on deck and seeing first hand what is required of each position is the most valuable component of our training approach. Two important issues have been raised in evaluating our on deck training/shadowing...

• It is not unusual that we have inexperienced officials on deck (some of whom are acting in the capacity of a certified official for only the first or second time) training our Apprentice Officials. That also holds true for training for the Starter and Referee positions. 
• We have a number of training officials who "cram" train and try to satisfy their on deck training requirement in a weekend or two, working 4-6 sessions in a single weekend. This doesn't allow the training official to reflect on and absorb what they've learned during their shadowing and, therefore, the shadowing becomes ineffective.

To address this, effective immediately, the following on deck training rules will apply...

1. For Stroke & Turn: The Meet/Deck Referee will determine, based upon the make up of the certified officials on deck, who will spend time training Apprentice Officials. It is more important that the Apprentice Official spends quality time with fewer, more experienced officials than to spend time across a broader range of officials around the deck who may not possess the experience necessary to properly train the trainee. In addition to identifying what certified officials will be used to mentor our Apprentice Officials, the Meet/Deck Referee will also determine how many Apprentice Officials can be on deck for a particular session. It is certainly our goal to allow an Apprentice Official to train at whatever session they desire, but there may not be enough certified officials present to allow for this. Apprentice Officials will be allowed to train on a first come basis.
2. For Referee and Starter: Clearly, we have a wide range of experience among our current Starters and Referees. We don't want new and/or inexperienced Starters and Referees to have to train those officials who are looking to step up to a higher level. As a result, the AMS Officials Committee, through its Officials Chair, will identify those experienced Referees and/or Starters who will serve as "Trainers" for the Starter and Referee trainees. Those wishing to train for either Starter or Referee can do so only if a Starter or Referee Trainer is on deck for that session (refer to the centralized meet sign up to see if a Trainer will be present). Trainees for these positions will be allowed to train on a first come basis.
3. For all Shadowing Officials: For any meet, a trainee can only satisfy two of their minimum required training sessions. In addition, a trainee can only count one session per day against their minimum required training sessions.

It is our hope to continue to enhance our training program so that we properly develop our AMS Officials. I have added the list of qualified Trainers for the Referee and Starter positions to the "Officials Rosters" section of our website (www.amswim-officials.com).

Change to Rule 101.2.3 - Timing of Permissible Breaststroke Kick

As we've discussed in the recent past, FINA was likely to pass a rule change related to the timing of the permissible breaststroke kick under Rile 101.2.3.

Yesterday, FINA passed the rule change, as expected, allowing the permissible single butterfly kick to occur at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick. Today, USA Swimming's Rules and Regulations Committee amended Rule 101.2.3 to conform to FINA's rule change. Click here to view the memorandum from Jay Thomas, USAS Rules & Regs Chair.

Please note that this rule change, which certainly makes our lives as Officials a little easier, is effective immediately.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at bob.mermelstein@gmail.com.

Happy Thanksgiving

Here's wishing all of our AMS Officials and your families and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving. May you all be safe and enjoy time with those we love. See ya on deck soon!

Upcoming Meets

As you know, we have shifted to a centralized system for meet sign up that starts with this weekend's meet at BPR. It not only provides one location for you to go to to sign up to officiate at any meet but also gives us a chance to keep track of where we are with officials for any given meet to be sure that we don't get caught short in the 11th hour.

It is important to sign up as early as you can but at least sign up! If you are the Officials Contact for your club's hosted meet(s), make sure that you get all of your team's officials signed up early. Also, concentrate on filling the Referee, Starter and Admin Ref/Official early as they're the hardest positions to fill.

To sign up for all 2014-2015 Short Course meets (with the exception of the Christmas Meet and Age Group Champs), use the following link...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14amxpxN912bDtjtW2AdcE16zWdN7msKUWOvRaGefshM/edit#gid=1718346109

The Christmas Meet Application to Officiate and Request for Evaluation can be found at...

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jp4dt9CSpSl15VMFCh50ghBpyaNErARPhGXkWq0HsjQ/viewform

Even if you do not intend to be evaluated for national certification, this is the place to sign up to work sessions at the Christmas Meet. It's a very big meet that requires oodles of officials so we need all the help we can get.

On behalf of the AMS Officials Committee, we'd like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Athlete Protection Training Date Change

The USAS Safe Sport Committee voted to make the Athlete Protection Training good for two years instead of one year. As a result, they have pushed all of the 12/31/14 APT expiration dates to 12/31/15. 

Effective on September 1, 2014, the APT expiration date is based on the year that the training was taken. For example, if you complete the training anytime between January 1 and December 31, 2015, the APT expiration date will be December 31, 2017 (if completed in January, you essentially get three years). Anyone completing the APT after September 1, 2014 and until January 1, 2015 will have an APT expiration date of 12/31/16.

Meet Sign Up Spreadsheet to be Used by ALL Officials

Beginning with the BPR Mini/Xmas Qulaifier meet in 2 weeks, we being using our centralized meet sign up. It is very important that we use this form so that we can track, in real time, where we are with officials for every meet, every session. To access the sign up spreadsheet, use this link...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14amxpxN912bDtjtW2AdcE16zWdN7msKUWOvRaGefshM/edit#gid=1718346109

It is important that ALL officials working a meet use this sign up form. Make sure you sign up for your own hosted meets, as well. If you are the Officials Contact for a host team, make sure that you add any names of officials and details for any officials who contacted you offline to officiate at your meet.

Thanks for your help in making this work.

Very Important Sign Ups Require Your Attention

As we move into the second month of the 2014-2015 Short Course season, we can look back at the first month and say "OY!". Last week's two meets were very lightly attended by officials. In fact, we had two sessions that were nearly swum as exhibition because we did not meet the minimum requirements set forth by USA Swimming. We pulled both sessions out of the fire in the waning moments leading up to the beginning of the sessions. I don't recall ever coming that close to an officials disaster. I certainly don't want us to be the cause of having to tell swimmers that their times will not be going into the SWIMS database because we couldn't put enough qualified officials on deck. Could you imagine swimming a 1650 for fun?!?*?

That said, let's look forward and commit to doing a better job in filling the both the wet and dry sides of these meets. Next week, we have the Silver/Gold Meet (11/8-9) at CVSC. Please contact Gina Santilli at cgsantilli@comcast.net or 412-551-5808.

As you'll recall, starting with the BPR Mini/Christmas Qualifier on 11/22-23, we'll be using our centralized spreadsheet for signing up for all future meets. This gives us the chance to monitor where we are with officials at all meets and allows our officials the opportunity to sign up for multiple meets in one convenient location. Please take the time to sign up for all sessions that you can help with. It's important that you sign up as soon as you know your availability. ALL positions should sign up, including Admin Officials so we know what we have or, more importantly, what we don't. The link to the spreadsheet is https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14amxpxN912bDtjtW2AdcE16zWdN7msKUWOvRaGefshM/edit#gid=1718346109.

The 2014 Christmas Meet is once again an Officials Qualifying Meet (OQM) being held 12/11-14 at Pitt. There is a separate Application to Officiate that includes your election to be evaluated for national certification (more on that in a future blog post) should you so desire. The application can be found at  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jp4dt9CSpSl15VMFCh50ghBpyaNErARPhGXkWq0HsjQ/viewform?usp=send_form. It's very important that you use this Application even if you do not want to be evaluated but would like to work session(s).

Finally, we have been asked to once again observe at the Pitt Invitational being held at Pitt on 11/21-23. We need a minimum of two (we're happy to have more) AMS officials for each session so that these times can be entered into the SWIMS database. Here's the spreadsheet to sign up for this meet...https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tCeqx0dsUHxN2a-FMXW7IQ-Zlm7WuKqnTTCl0aL7U2A/edit#gid=0. We've never not been able to meet these obligations to observe meets.

Thanks for your help. If you have any questions, please contact me at bob.mermelstein@gmail.com. See ya on deck!

Formal Uniform Policy Adopted for AMS Officials

At the last meeting of the AMS Officials Committee a formal AMS Uniform Policy was adopted, effectively immediately.

The following AMS Official’s dress code has been developed so that all officials can dress in a neat and consistent manner and thus convey a professional appearance. Attire should be such that it does not draw attention to the official – no short shorts, no short skirts, and no revealing shirts/blouses. The attire is worn by wet-deck and dry-deck officials alike. Officials must have their current registration cards at all times while working meet sessions. Deck Pass will satisfy this requirement. In lieu of displaying credentials, AMS Officials will wear the host clubs’ provided wrist band allowing them on deck.

Shirt: The shirt worn shall be plain white, with a collar, and long or short sleeve.

Female officials may wear sleeveless collared shirts. Logos may appear on the shirt, however, the logo shall be restricted to the front of the shirt, and the sleeve area.

The logos may not contain, or represent the following: alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, AMS or other USAS LSC member team names or logos, or suggestive/offensive messages. A Meet Shirt provided by or purchased through USA Swimming or Allegheny Mountain Swimming is acceptable. The shirt should be tucked in to the pants, shorts, or skirts, at all times while on deck.

Shorts/Pants/Skirts: These items shall be navy blue in color. Cutoffs of any type are not allowed. Jeans/denim are not appropriate attire for officials on the deck.

Socks: Socks, if worn, should be plain white. Manufacturer’s logos should be subdued.

Footwear: Athletic shoes are preferred. If they are worn, they should be as white as possible, with little or no color and avoiding to the extent possible bold and brightly colored logos and stripes. Closed toe sandals are also acceptable; however, it is recommended that any closed toe sandals worn should have a heel strap to assist in keeping the sandal securely on the foot. Open toe shoes/sandals are not permitted.

Hats: Hats are permitted at outdoor meets only.

Officials Rosters Updated to 10/21/14

AMS Officials Rosters have been updated and can be viewed on our website. To view the current rosters, click here. Please contact Bob Mermelstein at bob.mermelstein@gmail.com if there are any issues with your certifications.

AMS Officials Getting a New Logo

We're not sure how long we've used the standard AMS Officials logo...but it's been a really long time. Take a look at our new logo, which will be available soon through Log Cabin Embroidery.

Our plan is to provide one shirt to those officials volunteering to work "x" number of sessions at the Christmas Meet in December (details still being worked out) and then as you order new AMS Officials shirts, you'll be getting the new logo. Shirt prices will remain unchanged.

The creative genius behind this logo is our very own Referee extraordinaire, Dave Watterson. Quite a talent, wouldn't you agree? Be sure you thank him next time you see him on deck. Might there be a similar logo adopted by AMS? Hmmmm. Time will tell.

Allegheny Mountain Men of Movember

Our good friend and fellow AMS Official, Scott Pauley, has been involved with an organization that focuses on men’s health, including raising money for prostate cancer and testicular cancer research to name two. The name of the organization is the Movember Foundation. They’ve found a way to have fun while doing good. We figured, why not create our own team of AMS Officials and Coaches…

Allegheny Mountain Men of Movember 

In the month of November, you may see some of your fellow AMS Officials and Coaches sporting mustaches of various shapes and sizes. In support of men's health initiatives, this group of guys have joined the Movember movement and formed their own team, called the Allegheny Mountain Men of Movember. For the Month of Movember we will be busy sprouting hair on our upper lips to build awareness about men's health, raise funds for a good cause, and also have a bit of fun teasing each other on deck during our November swim meets. We're sure many of your family and friends would love to support you in this fun endeavor.

We invite all AMS Officials and Coaches to the team. Just go to the link below to sign up. If you don’t want to sport a mustache but want to make a donation to the team, you can do that, as well. If you just want to poke fun at us on deck during Movember, that's OK, too.

moteam.co/allegheny-mountain-men-of-movember

Stay tuned for ways our Mo-sista officials can become involved too, by sending permission slips to our male officials, and by donating to our team.

This should be a lot of fun and will allow us to do some good at the same time!

To view the Movember rules, click here.

AMS Officials Committee Creates a New Award

At its last meeting, the AMS Officials Committee unanimously approved the creation of the Jamy Pfister Official of the Year Award, established to annually recognize an AMS Official who has contributed outstanding service as an AMS/USA Swimming official.

The award is named in honor of Jamy Pfister's many years as an AMS official, both on our local pool decks and across the world. Recently recognized as an Outstanding Woman in Swimming, Jamy really had much to do with breaking down the barriers between men and women officials so that there were only officials...and gender really had nothing to do with it. After spending well over 40 years as an official (it's actually rumored that Jamy disqualified Moses for a one hand touch when he parted the Red Sea), Jamy is retiring form the sport she loves. And, so, with this award we will honor Jamy's tremendous impact on Allegheny Mountain and USA Swimming, having mentored so many of us.

The award will be presented in the Spring at the conclusion of the Short Course season. Congratulations Jamy! This recognition is very much deserved!

New Initiative for AMS Officials

Coming soon to an AMS Official near you...

Look for the unveiling of a new, fun initiative for our AMS Officials. We should be ready to reveal our top secret initiative for AMS Officials and a way to do something really good for others by week's end! Curious? Me too!

New Approach to Meet Session Sign Ups for Officiating Coming Soon

The AMS Officials Committee has now instituted, beginning with the BPR Mini/Xmas Qualifier (November 22-23) and thereafter, a centralized place for officials to go and sign up to work at meets. This should make it easier for officials to indicate their intent to volunteer to work meets. You can sign up for a single session, multiple sessions, multiple meets all in one worksheet.

You'll continue to receive requests from meet hosts but instead of your sending an email or calling the Officials Contact from that club, you'll visit the single workbook to sign up (the link to this workbook will be included in each request). We all can access the spreadsheet so we can see at any time where each meet stands with officials at any position and can quickly identify problem areas.

We believe this will be an improved approach. Each meet has its own spreadsheet within the single Google doc workbook. I've provided the link below. It is our hope that by streamlining the process, it will improve our ability to attract officials to work meets.

If you already know your schedule looking forward, go ahead and sign up for those sessions you intend to work. The meet hosts will send out requests as the meet gets closer, as they always have.

We appreciate your helping to implement this new approach.

To access the workbook, click here.

Need Observers for Pitt Invitational on Nov 21-23

Pitt has requested that we provide observers for their upcoming Pitt Invite being held at Trees Pool on 11/21-23. As you know, in order for their swimmers' times to be entered into the SWIMS database, the meet must be observed by USA Swimming Officials.

We need at least 2 observers for each session (prelims and finals each day). It should be a really fun and fast meet. If you've never attended a college meet, they have a much different feel to them than a USA Swimming meet.

The available sessions are as follows:

Friday November 21

Prelims 10am – 12:30pm ish

Finals  6:00pm – 9pm  (actually 6:25 start swimming…diving is first)

Saturday November 22

Prelims 10am – 12:30pm ish

Finals  6:00pm – 9pm  (actually 6:25 start swimming…diving is first)

Sunday November 23

Prelims 9am – 11am ish

Heats of 1650 – approx. 1-2pm

Finals  3:00pm – 5pm 

Below is a link to a spreadsheet to sign up for the various sessions. I'm not sure what the limit will be per session but sign up and we'll work with Pitt to figure out the number. I'm thinking 4 observers per session would be ideal. You won't be officiating in the traditional sense but will merely observe, especially necessary for events where NCAA and USA Swimming rules vary slightly.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tCeqx0dsUHxN2a-FMXW7IQ-Zlm7WuKqnTTCl0aL7U2A/edit?usp=sharing

Pitt and the other participating teams will really appreciate our support.

AMS Officials Launches its New Website!

AMS Officials, we now have our own website!

Like several other TeamUnify LSC's, we now have our own website to provide important resources and information to our AMS Officials. Take a look and let us know what you think. Go to www.amswim-officials.org and enjoy. The site can also be accessed from the AMS website by clicking on the "Officials" tab. You'll be redirected to our new site.

It is a work in progress. As the Officials Committee continues its work on providing a myriad of resources and tools to our officials, it will be added to the site. If there's anything you believe would be valuable to have as an online resource, let me know. 

We'll continue to use our blog as a great way to communicate with our officials about rules and process, news, share interesting officiating tidbits or just spread nasty rumors about your fellow officials.

Important Changes Arising out of the 2014 US Aquatic Sports Comvention

In September 2014, USA Swimming had its annual convention. I wanted to pass along a few items of interest...

• USA Swimming will be creating a new level national level meet called the Legend Series. It was noted that there was a significant gap between the qualifying times for the Super Sectional meets and Junior Nationals and wanted to create something in between. The Series will be held in the summer and should begin in 2015. These meets will likely be Officials Qualifying Meets and will allow more opportunity for officials to work on a national level deck.
• FINA is once again trying to change the rule related to the optional butterfly kick permitted at the start and after each turn of the breaststroke. Their proposed wording is nearly identical to the High School rule in that a swimmer will be allowed to optionally take a single butterfly kick at any time prior to the first breaststroke kick after the start and each turn. This would eliminate the need for a horizontal separation of te hands prior to allowing this butterfly kick. If passed by FINA, it will be adopted by USAS.
• There were some allowances in permitting deck changing by swimmers. This has now been eliminated and, effective January 1, 2015, there will be no deck changing under any circumstance.
• It appears that we're just a few months away from the allowance of a backstroke wedge/ledge. If you don't know what this is, google an image of the wedge/ledge. It gives the swimmer a better grip on the wall with their feet to launch off with. This will likely be allowed after Winter Nationals in December. Stay tuned!

These are the highlights of some of the changes that will have impact on us as officials.

Application to Officiate - 2014 Christmas Meet (QM14-146)

With the start of the new Short Course season, we look ahead toward December where the 2014 Christmas Meet Invitational will once again be a Officials Qualifying Meet (QM14-146). As you know, this is a very large, fast meet with swimmers coming from other LSC's to compete in a fast pool against fast competition. 

We need as many officials on deck as we can as the meet is run at both ends of the pool. Please indicate your availability to officiate by completing the Application to Officiate (click here). You can also indicate your desire to become nationally certified (or recertify). This year, we're pleased to be bringing Bob Griffiths as our National Evaluator. Bob is a member of the USA Swimming National Officials Committee and is well known in swimming circles across the country. Scott Wilshire will also be an Evaluator.

We look forward to seeing you at the Christmas Meet at Pitt (and many meets leading up to this meet)!

New AMS Officials website

Coming VERY soon! 

Look for the launch of our new AMS Officials website! We will unveil our new site in the coming day or two, if all goes according to plan. Details to follow!

NEW REQUIREMENT for Referees, Starters & Chief Judges

The following policy was adopted by the AMS Officials Committee at the September 8, 2014 meeting...

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed into law, effective July 1, 2012, legislation that provides better monitoring of concussions in PA’s interscholastic athletes. Among other things, the legislation mandates that coaches must complete a concussion management certification training course offered by an approved provider.

In some other states, including Ohio, their legislation requires that an individual who referees interscholastic athletic contests must have completed within the last three years a training program in concussion recognition.

The Allegheny Mountain Swimming Officials Committee recognizes that concussions happen in athletic competition and that it is important that Officials be trained in concussion awareness. As a result, all AMS Referees, Starters and Chief Judges must complete, as a requirement of their certification, an approved online concussion education course. This certification will be valid from three years from the date of completion. This requirement must be completed by December 31, 2014. After 12/31/14, an AMS Official will not be allowed to function as a Referee, Starter and/or Chief Judge without this certification.

The AMS Officials Committee strongly encourages all of its certified officials to complete the online concussion education course but it is not required.

The following free online training courses have been approved by the AMS Officials Committee for its Referees, Starters and Chief Judges:

National Federation of State High School Associations Concussion in Sports - http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=38000 

Click the “order here” button, and complete a brief registration form to take the course. Follow these steps to complete the course:

1.  *   Click on the button that says “Please Login to Order.” In the window that appears, click “Register Now.”

2.    * When your registration is complete, you may "order" the free concussion course offered along the left-hand side of the page. Continue following prompts. Although it may look like you will be charged for the course, there is no cost.

3.    * Once you've completed "Checkout," you will be able to take the free online course.

4.    * When you have completed and passed the course, you have the option of printing a certificate of completion.

5.    All AMS Officials should select this option to print, retain a copy of the certificate and carry it with them to all meets.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports 

http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html

Once you have completed your training, please forward a scanned copy of your certificate of completion to Bob Mermelstein, AMS Officials Chair at bob.mermelstein@gmail.com

Preparing for the Short Course season...Part 2

As we march toward the beginning of the Short Course season, it's a good idea to refresh our understanding of the technical rules of swimming promulgated by USA Swimming. Since most of us have been off deck for over a month (with nearly another month to go), it's easy to get rusty.

Last week, we reviewed the butterfly stroke. Today, let's move on to breaststroke. There's a lot to be aware of in the breaststroke. For many, the breaststroke is the most difficult of the strokes to officiate. I hope you find this video informative. 

Remember, too, that in January 2014, USAS Rules & Regulations Committee provided a revised interpretation of the breaststroke and butterfly separated hands requirement. You can find that interpretation by clicking here.

To get email notifications of new posts to this blog, submit your email address near the top of the blog to subscribe. At the end of any day where there's new information, you'll receive an email notifying you of that.

So, without further delay...

Breaststroke video

Important Information About Nametags

Effective immediately, there is a change in the way we order nametags in AMS. As many of you know, in past years (for as long as I can remember) we sent out nametag orders once or twice a year and then struggled to get each and every official who ordered one their tag.

Problem solved! Each and every AMS Official can now order their nametag online through Hasty Awards. The nametag costs $5.95, including shipping. It takes less than two weeks typically for your nametag to be delivered. No more waiting for months.

To order a nametag, click here. It's a simple process...even an Official can do it! No more unidentified officials!

Preparing for the Short Course season

Most of us have been off deck for awhile. It's often helpful to review the rules as a way to "get our heads back in the game". Over the course of the next few weeks, I'll be posting training videos to help us get ready for splashdown. Remember, the Short Course season kicks off with First Splash on either 10/4-5 of 10/11-12. Let's get reaaaadddyyyy to rumble!

Today, I'm posting two short videos. The first video reviews some general officiating rules. The second video is the first of the stroke videos and reviews butterfly. Enjoy! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post a comment to this blog entry (of contact me privately if you prefer). Note: the videos may start at some point in the middle of the clip. Just move it to the beginning so you can enjoy the entire video

General Officiating video

Butterfly video

Email notifications

By submitting your email address at the top of the AMS Officials Blog, you'll receive an email notification of new posts to the blog. Don't miss anything!

Remember, if you'd like to ask a question or have a suggestion about an article, send me an email at bob.mermelstein@gmail.com.

An Interesting Query...

So, you're approached by the mother of a 6-year old female swimmer. Her daughter is the youngest of 3 children and the only girl. Her older brothers are quite accomplished in their respective age groups. The mother explains that her daughter looks up to her older siblings and, like them, wants to swim topless since it's working for them.

Should this be allowed? Will she break any rules? Believe it or not, this was a real question (not here in AMS). Let's have some fun with this. Add your comments as to what you think about this. Should the Referee allow the young girl to swim without a top?

Looking forward to your comments!

A Learning Moment, Regardless of Who the Athlete Is

From time to time, we talk about being fair handed as an Official. Some of us struggle when we officiate a young child, our own child or even a world class athlete. Here's a short video with Jim Naber (those of us old enough remember Jim from the 70's) where he talks about being disqualified at Nationals and his thoughts on being disqualified. In his words, play fair and teach the swimmers the truth. Enjoy this teaching moment...

To view this video, click here.

New Officials Rosters posted

As we approach the beginning of the 2014-2015 Short Course season, I wanted to post the updated Officials Rosters by Club, Name, Referees, Starters and Admin Officials. When you have a chance, look at your information to make sure it's correct. To see the AMS Officials Rosters, click here.

If you see something that's not correct, let me know by emailing me at bob.mermelstein@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you on deck.

Important Change for Apprentice Officials

There is a very significant change for our non-registered Apprentice Officials that your clubs must be aware of...

In the past, AMS Officials trainees have been allowed to be on the pool deck without being USAS non-athlete-Official. In order for them to be a certified official, of course, they had to go through the registration process.

Beginning with the start of the 2014-2015 Short Course season, however, all AMS Apprentice Officials must be registered as Apprentice Officials. The good news...it's free. The bad news...it only lasts for 60 days. This doesn't mean that a trainee must complete their training in 60 days. It does mean that at the end of the 60 days an Apprentice Official must register as a non-athlete member of USAS, complete the Level 2 Background Check and complete the Athlete Protection Training. The USAS online officials tests can be completed at the Apprentice's leisure, once they are ready to be certified and work on deck as an Official.

Click here for the pdf version of the Apprentice Official Registration form.

No Apprentice Official will be permitted on deck without either a valid USAS Apprentice Official registration card or a USAS non-athlete membership card. 

I hope to send out similar information to your club presidents very soon. Let me know if you have any questions.

Short Course Schedule for October and November 2014

Here's the meet schedule for October and November, 2014. If you can officiate at any of these meets, please contact the host team's officials contact and let them know which sessions you can work and your highest level of certification. Try to RSVP as early as possible to alleviate the late night panic by the host teams as their meets approach!

UPCOMING MEETS
October 2014
Date	Meet	Host		Officials Contact
				Name	Email	Phone
4-5	First Splash	ANSC		Andrea Rousseau	arousseau@verizon.net	412-417-9186
4-5	First Splash	WHAT		Anne Countouris	acountouri@aol.com	412-860-1626
11-12	First Splash	FAST		Sue Schon	susan_schon@hotmail.com	412-983-8844
11-12	First Splash	HD		Becky Kass	kpkass@verizon.net	412-215-2789
25-26	Mini/Distance	DLAC		Diane Salvatora	ladidisalvatora@yahoo.com
25-26	Mini/Distance	TST		Kimberly Lynch	kkpsa@earthlink.net	412-952-4746
November 2014
Date	Meet		Host	Officials Contact
				Name	Email	Phone
1-2	Bronze		SFAC	Cindy Hestad	chestad@sfaquaclub.org	412-221-7796
1-2	Bronze		WAAC	Dave Vollmer	dave_sondra@msn.com	724-650-4130
8-9	Silver & Gold		CVSC	Scott Ramsey	stramsey@hotmail.com	412-207-8194
22-23	Mini/Xmas Qual		BPR	Tom Doyle	tdoyle@comcast.net	412-225-4059