Thanks for the Memories

As this day comes to a close, so closes my time as AMS Officials Chair. I have to tell you...like most things in life, it's had its ups and downs. But, happily, mostly ups. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Officials Chair. 

I turn over the reins to a very capable official. Scott Pauley has both the technical skills and personality/temperament to lead us forward. I know he's excited to move us forward.

Some parting words...

Take officiating seriously but have fun for crying out loud. It's a sport and we're volunteers. We have a responsibility to do a good and fair job on deck but you should enjoy your experience...as much as I have. If you ever stop having fun and can pinpoint the reason(s) why, have a chat with Scott. If there's a problem he can fix or address, he'll be happy to do so.

Don't overlook quantity AND quality. Typically, the more sessions you're able to work, the better an official you'll be. We can all be better at this and should strive to overachieve.

Your relationship with coaches is critical. We've struggled lately to maintain a strong, partnering relationship with coaches on deck and this must improve for the benefit of the sport and the swimmers. It's not just on us, they hold equal responsibility. Make sure you take the time to walk the deck and introduce yourself to coaches you don't know. They'll appreciate it and you'll be happy you did.

Your relationship with your fellow officials is equally important. We're like a family. We squabble at times but at the end of the day...we're still family. Let's pledge to treat each other with respect.

I don't want to go on and on (that's my nature). I look forward to seeing you all at future meets. See ya on deck!

Bob Mermelstein
AMS Chair (retired)

PS Good luck, Scott. You'll be great!

Get Your Sessions In!

It's hard to believe that we are now within a couple of meets of completing the 2016 AMS Long Course season. Thanks to all who have pitched in and helped staff our meets this past year.

As you'll recall, a year and a half ago, we changed the minimum sessions worked required of our AMS Officials to 12 (click here to see the rule). The reporting year is September 1 through August 31. With the completion of the MLAC Last Splash meet, our reporting year will effectively be complete. It is very important that you all check to see how many sessions you've worked at AMS meets over the Short and Long Course seasons to determine whether you're in compliance with this requirement. There are two meets remaining...

Junior Olympics is being held at Pitt (July 21-24). This is a 10-session meet with timed finals on Thursday evening (distance) and Prelims Friday, Saturday and Sunday (both AM and PM) and Finals Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. This meet will be an excellent meet to "catch up" on your officials sessions worked. The Officials Contact for this meet is Dave Watterson (wttrsn@gmail.com). To sign up to work this meet, follow this link...http://signup.com/go/J5V9hR

Last Splash will be held at Mt. Lebo (July 30-31). This is a 2-session meet with sessions on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. The Officials Contact for this meet is Michelle Filey (michelle@mlacswimming.com). To sign up to work this meet, follow this link...http://signup.com/go/cxDNfj

IMPORTANT: If you just became certified during calendar year 2016, you are exempt from this requirement for the year ending August 31, 2016!

Both of these meets need officials at all levels, especially the MLAC meet. Sign up early and often. You'll have plenty of time to rest between Last Splash and First Splash in October!

See ya on deck.

Down the Homestretch We Go!

So, we're headed toward the finish line to another Long Course season. There are some meets left that need your help. We've been a little light on officials at some of our meets (partially due to multiple meets on the same weekend...not a great idea during the LC season). But, as they say, the show must go on...and it can't go on without us!

We play a critical role in the success of our AMS meets and your time and efforts are greatly appreciated. Here's the lineup of remaining meet for you to consider. The more sessions you can help with, the better for our swimmers...

Silver Champs (North Park) - 7/15-17/2016.
   Officials Contact: Andrea Rousseau  asrousseau@verizon.net 
   http://signup.com/go/GTrJBb

Junior Olympics (Pitt) - 7/21-24/2016.
   Officials Contact: David Watterson  wttrsn@gmail.com
   http://signup.com/go/J5V9hR

Last Splash (Mt. Lebo Rec Center) - 7/30-31/2016
   Officials Contact: Michelle Filey  michelle@mlacswimming.com
   http://signup.com/go/cxDNfj

Sign up early, sign up often! Let's end this Long Course season with a bang! I know the swimmers will appreciate it (whether they realize it or not). See ya on deck!