Bluefins Officials – Be Part of the Action

September 2025 (updated Jan.2026)

At every Bluefins meet, our swimmers step up ready to race. But behind the competition, there’s a team making sure every start, turn, and finish really counts. That team is our officials.

Here’s the reality: without officials, there are no licensed swims, no personal bests on rankings, and no records. The even better truth is that any parent can step into this role.

Many parents begin with the same thoughts: “I don’t know the rules,” or “That looks far too technical.” That hesitation is completely normal. The pathway is clear, well supported, and far more rewarding than most people expect.

How It Works

Becoming an official is straightforward and done at your own pace.

You begin as a Timekeeper, recording times poolside. It is the ideal first role and gives you a clear view of racing without pressure.

Once you are comfortable, you can progress to Judge Level 1 by completing the Judge 1 online course. This introduces the fundamentals of officiating, including turns, strokes, and the rules that ensure competition is fair and consistent.

Alongside this, you log your practical experience with guidance from experienced mentors at Bluefins meets. When you are ready, your competencies are signed off and you are qualified as Judge Level 1.

Some parents choose to progress further to Judge Level 2, Starter, or Referee. Many stay at Judge Level 1, which already makes a significant contribution to the club.

What You Might Do at a Meet

Timekeeper Record times using a stopwatch. It is simple, focused, and an excellent introduction to officiating.

Inspector of Turns (Judge Level 1) Observe turns and relay takeovers to ensure they meet the rules. This role sharpens attention and understanding of race detail.

Stroke Judge / Relay Judge (Judge Level 2) Walk the poolside observing stroke legality and relay exchanges, with a full view of the race as it unfolds.

Starter Control the start of each race, ensuring swimmers are ready and starts are fair and consistent.

Referee Oversee the entire meet and make final decisions. This is an advanced role and entirely optional.

Role	What You Do	Quiet Insight	How it Feels
Timekeeper	Start/stop stopwatch, write down times.	Get to play with the red button and stopwatch — simple, fun, and vital.	Low pressure, great starting role.
Inspector of Turns (J1)	Watch turns and relay takeovers are legal.	“Was that a two-handed touch?” Eagle eyes ready at every wall.	Straight forward rules, mentored.
Stroke Judge (J2)	Keep an eye on strokes and relay takeovers.	Log those 10,000 steps and enjoy the best view of every race.	More technical, but guided.
Starter (J2S)	Control the start with “take your marks” and the beep.	You’re in full control — all eyes on you at the start.	Visible, but trained step by step.
Referee	Run the whole meet, make final calls.	The buck stops here — your word is final.	Optional pathway, not expected.

Overcoming the Unknowns

Many parents hesitate for the same reasons:

“I don’t know enough.” Everyone starts from scratch. Knowledge builds quickly through practice and support.

“What if I make a mistake?” You are never left on your own. Mentors and experienced officials support every step.

“It looks too technical.” Roles are introduced gradually. Early roles are practical and manageable.

“I don’t have time for that.” Even helping at one meet a year makes a difference.

What Parents Say

“I thought it would be intimidating, but it’s actually fun and social. You feel part of the swimmers’ journey.”

“It’s the best seat in the house, you’re right there when your swimmer races.”

Why Officiating Really Matters

Officiating is one of the most important parts of club swimming. It allows swimmers to race properly, results to stand, and competition to feel fair and meaningful.

At Bluefins, officials are not separate from the club. They are part of it. When parents officiate, swimmers feel supported, coaches can focus on coaching, and meets run smoothly because everyone plays their part.

Many of the officials on poolside today once stood exactly where you are now, learning, watching and gradually becoming a trusted part of the sport.

For swimmers, seeing familiar and supportive adults on poolside helps competition feel calmer, fairer and more positive.

Getting Started

Register your interest with Bluefins. Try your first role at a meet as a timekeeper. Complete Judge 1 eLearning and safeguarding. Shadow roles such as Inspector of Turns.Log your practical experience.Gain sign-off as Judge Level 1.

Ready to Take the Step?

Bluefins always need more officials. Our swimmers cannot race without them. Whether you step in once a season or become a regular, you will make a genuine difference.

Message Fleur, or speak to Sarah, our Officials Coordinator. You will usually find them both on poolside most evenings. We will support your training, pair you with a mentor, and cover course costs for volunteers.

As a small thank you, our officials are well looked after during meets, with refreshments provided between sessions.

Let’s make every Bluefins meet one we can be proud of — together.

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