Head Timer Clinic Notes

 

Introduction:

 

- Timing is one of the most important functions required at a swim meet

- Timing allows parents the best seat in the house

- Be accurate - Time decides who will win or lose a meet

 

Before the Season:

 

- Review the RSL rules

- (team president or RSL Rep should have a copy for you)

 

- Check to ensure your team has enough watches

- Total number of watches

6 lane pool 13 watches

5 lane pool 11 watches

4 lane pool 10 watches

 

- Visiting Team is responsible to provide their timers watches.

 

- Check to ensure all watches are clearly marked with team’s initials and number

Example: PV-7

 

- Check to ensure all watches measure in the hundredths of seconds and that they are operational.

 

- Create a matrix that you can easily assign timing assignments

 

 

Lane 1

Home

 

1st Shift

1(H)

2(V)

3(V)

 

2nd Shift

1(H)

2(V)

3(V)

 

Lane 2

Visitors

 

1st Shift

1(H)

2(H)

3(V)

 

 

1(H)

2(H)

3(V)

 

Lane 3

Home

 

1st Shift

1(H)

2(V)

3(V)

 

2nd Shift

1(H)

2(V)

3(V)

 

Lane 4

Visitors

 

1st Shift

1(H)

2(H)

3(V)

 

 

1(H)

2(H)

3(V)

 

Lane 5

Home

 

1st Shift

1(H)

2(V)

3(V)

 

2nd Shift

1(H)

2(V)

3(V)

 

Lane 6

Visitors

 

1st Shift

1(H)

2(H)

3(V)

 

 

1(H)

2(H)

3(V)

 

Home team ODD Lanes - Visitors EVEN Lanes - 3 Timers Per Lane

 

Before the Meet:

 

- Line-up timers for the meet - Complete Matrix

- 2 Shifts are preferable - In a 6 lane pool that is 18 timers a meet per team.

- More experienced timers should be in the center lanes

- Usually parents of younger children prefer 1st shift

 

- Arrive at the meet early (Approximately 45 minutes before the meet)

- Confirm & Check Off your Timers as they arrive

 

- Meet with visiting team’s head timer and complete matrix with visiting timers’ names

 

- Assemble all timers (1st and 2nd shift) about 20 minutes before the meet for a Timer’s Meeting.

Cover the following:

 

1. Lane Assignments - for both shifts

2. Review any pool unique items (e.g. not using Lane 5 because the starting block is broken)

3. What type of starting system is being used (Gun or Strobe Light)

4. All starts should be on the FLASH - not the sound

5. Where to stand so they have a clear view for the finish

6. Remind them that watches are STOPPED at the first touch of any part of the body on the wall
- Whether it is a Legal or Illegal finish

7. If a swimmer has been disqualified by a judge all times should still be recorded

8. Issue 1st shift their watches, and have them verify operation.

9. Identify the individual for each lane who will record times and issue clipboard and pencil.

10. Have the starter do a practice start and stop with starting system - Compare times

11. Inform them when the shift change will occur - Usually the change is between Event 36 and 37.

 

During the Meet:

 

- Stand where the referee can clearly see you and you can see all timers

 

- Usually that is on the opposite side of the pool from a the Referee and at the same end
of the pool as the timers. Do not stand behind the timers before or during the start

 

- Call loudly “Timers Ready” and get a visual sign from each lane

 

- Clearly signal the Referee that timers are ready with a physical action such
as Raised Arm or Thumbs Up.

 

- Some pools lighting in the later events becomes marginal,
and you may have to call “GUN IS UP” for the timers.

 

- Be alert for Stroke and Turn Judges or Coaches blocking Timers view of starting device

 

- Start two watches at the Flash and check to see you got a good start on both watches

 

- Visually check your timers to ensure all lanes got a good start and look for signals
that someone may need a watch

 

- Head timers should keep their watches running until all swimmers have completed an event.

Exception - If a swimmer has declared that they are going to try to break a RSL record
- the head timer should move to that lane after the start and get a fourth time recorded for that lane.

 

- Check on your timers to make sure everything is going all right occasionally, and randomly review
recorded times to check accuracy of lane timing.

- If a lane appears to be socializing more than timing - speak to them immediately

- If you doubt a lane is not positioning themselves properly for the a finish, remind them
they have to move to the edge

 

- Remind your timers to verify the names of the swimmers with the name on the cart in the
25 meter/yard events. If they do not match signal for a meet official immediately.

 

- Give your timers fair warning that at the end of this event and then heat that they will be changing
ends of the pool. Have them record the lane time and turn over the card to a runner before changing ends.

 

- Have the announcer remind 2nd shift timers around event 34 that shift change will occur at the end of event 36.

 

- Help the Referee keep the meet moving by ensuring that your timers are accurate, verify names,
clear swimmers out of the pool, and get times recorded.

 

After the Meet:

 

- Gather all watches and clipboards for your team and verify you only have your team’s watches!

 

- Start the Clean-Up - Back to Reality

 

Other Topics:

 

- Head Timer’s Break

- Children’s Heads and Backstroke: Safety or Interference

- Timers who want to be stroke & turn judges

- Communicating & Recording Times

- Watch Technique