Technical Officials

The sport of competitive swimming relies heavily on parent volunteers to carry out a variety of roles at swim meets from timekeeping to meet referee. Training is provided by the Club, Swimming Auckland and Swimming New Zealand.

Swimming Auckland website contains a number of useful booklets for parents explaining these roles. https://www.swimmingauckland.org/events

Swimming New Zealand website contains links to some useful information for helping to train officials.https://www.swimmingnz.org/  


Volunteering & Officials 

  • Meets require officials (e.g., timekeepers, Inspectors of Turns (IOT's), Judges of Stroke (JOS), starters, referees).

  • Parents start with timekeeping and training is provided. 

  • Parents who volunteer on pool deck or take on roles requiring access to swimmers may be required to undergo Police Vetting. (Timekeepers at Level 3 events are exempt).  

  • Expect to help regularly. Typical each club is required to provide 1 official per 4 swimmers entered by the club. 

  • When we host events, we need extra help: admin/AOD room, control room, kitchen/refreshments, back‑door supervision, team managers, chief timekeepers, set‑up and pack‑down. 


Safety on Pool Deck & Police Vetting 

  • For safeguarding, some roles on pool deck require police vetting in line with swimming sector best practice. 

  • Spectators are not permitted on pool deck during the meet—please remain in designated spectator areas. 

  • Follow instructions from officials and venue staff; safety is our priority.