Officiating Swimmers with Disabilities

“It’s all about inclusion and creativity”

ISI Officials Recertification Clinics 2012 2

Some practical pointsSwimmers with disabilities WANT and deserve to

swim in our meets Judged by USA Swimming Rules

Judge what works, by ability and intent

Want to be judged for their swimming abilities, just as able bodied swimmers do

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

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Some practical pointsCoaches should notify Meet Referee of the

needs of a disabled swimmer

Need for extra time on blocks or getting out of pool Preference for an outside lane, or starting from the

deck or in the water Deaf starts and/or portable strobe Tappers Can also be done in meet entries, coaches meeting,

or observations during warmups

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

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Accommodating swimmers with disabilities

AllBe sure everyone and

everything is ready before whistling heat up on blockPrefer not to have to stand heat

Best to allow disabled swimmer to exit the pool after the race, rather than waiting for next heat to startDoing this for several heats

around the disabled swimmer’s heat calls less attention

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

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Accommodating blind swimmers

Blind swimmersTappers should be

provided at each end of the pool

Expect that someone might help swimmer onto blocks

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

Lt. Brad Snyder

ISI Officials Recertification Clinics 2012 6

Accommodating deaf and hard of hearing swimmers

Deaf swimmers Move to outside lanes to see

starter better Allow coach to do hand

signals from other side of the pool or behind the blocks

PRACTICE deaf starts in advance Make sure heat is ready before TYM; minimize stands Referees

Be in position so you can see starter’s hand, and coach/nudge if necessary

Be aware that how you hand over the heat could be misinterpreted as a starting signal

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

Marcus Titus

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Starting deaf swimmers105.3 DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING.1 Deaf and hard of hearing swimmers require a visual starting signal, i.e., a strobe light and/or Starter’s arm signals. The Referee may reassign lanes within the swimmer’s heat, i.e., exchanging one lane for another, so that the strobe light or Starter’s arm signal can more readily be seen by the deaf or hard of hearing swimmer. Standard Starter’s arm signals are shown in Figures 1 and 2. A false start rope is required in the event of a recall, provided the meet host is notified by the entry deadline that a deaf or hard of hearing swimmer will be participating.

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

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Forward starts

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

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Backward starts

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

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InclusionInclude language in your meet packet that

swimmers with disabilities are welcome

For a time standards meet, waive requirements for some distances

Consider special seeding optionsA disabled swimmer swims a 100 in a 200 event

Times moved to correct event

A disabled swimmer is entered with a younger age group

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

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Special NeedsPersonal assistants

Deck access

Communication

EquipmentStrobes, mats, lifts, step stools

FacilitySlippery or crowded decks, sharp surfacesDeck accessibilityEmergency plans

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012

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More?Consider getting involved with IPC officiating

Contact Marilyn Wieland (mtwieland@aol.com) Keep your eyes and ears open for GLASA meets in

the Spring

Highly rewarding

Makes you a better person – and a better official

9/23/2012 and 9/29/2012