INTRODUCTION

Over the past years, changes have taken place, both nationally and provincially, in the certification procedures for swimming officials. Bulletins have been issued from time to time about particular aspects of these changes. Unavoidably, many of these bulletins have been read independently and without cross referencing to other bulletins. Confusion has arisen.

To meet these concerns, the Ontario Officials' Committee (OOC) has prepared this guide. It is to be the main reference for both, those who are officials and those who aspire to become officials.

THIS GUIDE SUPERSEDES ALL MATERIALS PREVIOUSLY ISSUED ON THE TOPIC OF OFFICIALS' CERTIFICATION.

For convenience and for easy reference, this guide is divided into nine sections:

1. THE PEOPLE INVOLVED
2. THE CLOCK OFFICIALS' CHAIRPERSON
3. THE REGIONAL OFFICIALS' CHAIRPERSON
4. THE ONTARIO OFFICIALS' COMMITTEE
5. THE OFFICIALS' LADDER AND THE BADGE SYSTEM
6. THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
7. THE DOCUMENTATION
8. INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR OFFICIALS
9. LOOKING AHEAD
10. APPENDICES

A) Officials' Clinic Certification Form
B) Officials' Certification Card
C) Officials' Record Update Postcard
D) Sample Evaluation Forms
E) Master Officials' Certification
F) Sample of Provincial Record Keeping
G) Code of Ethics