Timekeeper

2. Timekeeper Timing measures the swimmer’s performance, by accurately determining the time it takes each swimmer to cover the distance of the event. Final placement of the swimmer in each event isdetermined by their times and their finishing order. Therefore, precision and accuracyare important for Timekeepers.

3. Reporting for Gala Duty *Have 2 pens, arrive 30 minutes before start of gala,sign in to referee, then report to Chief Timekeeper!

4. Allocation of Dutiesand Equipment • These will be allocated by the Chief Timekeeper • The role of the Chief Timekeeper is vital in events where Automatic Officiating Equipment is not used

5. Procedures for Reporting a Time • Sit at end of lane • Check name of swimmer on start sheet (or time card) • Stand when referee blows the long whistle blast • Start watch on starting signal • Sit down once you have confirmed your watch is running and whilst race is taking place • Stay standing if there is a problem (watch doesn’t start) • When swimmer is 15m from the finish of the race stand ready to take time • Take time then sit down and record your time on programme, using 6 digits • Determine the official time if using manual times • Clear watch when referee signals start of next race • When AOE is used do not take average of times

6. Determining an Official Time • 3 Timekeepers: • Three watches the same = official time • Two watches the same = official time • All watches different = middle time • 2 Timekeepers: • Two watches the same = official time • Both watches different = average time • (if between times then round up to nearest 1/100th of a second) • 1 Timekeeper: • When there is only one Timekeeper, that one will be the official time

7. Other duties (1) • Splits: • Record times at intermediate distances of a race using the split (lap) button on your watch, pressing it when either the swimmer touches the wall. • Split times may be required, if instructed by the Chief Timekeeper, at intermediate distances in races longer than 100 metres. • Record the time, if requested, on the swimmer’s card before pressing the splits button again • Back-up button: • This is a cable with a button on the end which is pressed by the timekeeper, at the same time as the stopwatch, at the end of a race • It is used as a back-up to the AOE system of electronic timing in case of technical failure or if the swimmer’s hands fail to make sufficient contact with the pads.

8. Other Duties (2) • Lap cards, bells, whistles • In longer races lap cards can be displayed to help swimmers keep count of the number of laps remaining. If these are displayed at the starting end of the pool, turning these may be the timekeeper’s responsibility • Bells or whistles may be issued to timekeepers to use at the starting end of the pool. These will need to be sounded in 1500m and 800m races to inform the swimmers that they have two lengths and five metres left to swim • The five metre point will be indicated either by flags or red lane dividers • The bell or whistle should be sounded when the swimmer reaches the five metre point and continued throughout the turn until they have passed the five metre point again

9. Chief Timekeeper • Before the race: • Allocates Timekeepers to lanes (1-3 per lane) • Issues stopwatches if necessary – Timekeepers must familiarise themselves with any new watch • During the race: • The Chief Timekeeper must be informed if your watch failed at the start or finish of the race • After the race (the 5 C’s): • Collects timecards (if used) from each lane • Checks manually recorded times on cards and puts them in order, fastest to slowest • Consults with finish judge to ensure time results agree with his decision • Instructs the Timekeepers to clear their watches • Collects start sheets, if used, and passes them to the recorders

10. Tips for Timekeepers Check the lane/heat/event Check the swimmer’s name on the timecard or start sheet Avoid the top of the timing pad if the AOE is in operation Only give information tothe Chief Timekeeperor the referee Refer any questions to the Chief Timekeeper Don’t cheer or coach swimmers during a race Check relay team lines and swimmers are in the given order Do not divulge the time to the swimmer Know the distance of the event Record the watch accurately

11. Is Timekeeping differentat a Disability Event? Under International Paralympic Committee Rules (SM 2.9.2) – Each Timekeeper shall start his watch at the starting signal, and shall stop it when the swimmer in their lane has completed the race.  Timekeepers maybe instructed by the Chief Timekeeper to record times at intermediate distances in races longer than 100 metres.