Hello Dolphin Families!

With the start of our 2022 swim season quickly approaching we will be looking to fill our “Officials” volunteer positions.

All MHSL teams must have adult volunteers on their team to serve as Meet Referee/Deck Referee/Starters and Stroke & Turn Judges. In order to function smoothly, we need to have four Meet Referee/Deck Referee/Starters and six Stroke & Turn Judges. If we have less than that we run the risk of not being able to participate in meets, and so we are actively recruiting for these positions.

These are important positions and as such they require training to become certified. In addition, in order to serve as a Meet Referee/Deck Referee/Starter, you must have at least one season of experience as a Stroke & Turn Judge.

Therefore, we would like to encourage all parents (guardians, grandparents, etc.) to attend one Stroke & Turn Judge training session. Attending the training does not obligate you to serve as a Stroke & Turn Judge, but it is the only way to get a sense of what it’s all about. It may sound intimidating, but in all honesty, it’s really quite easy! But, you won’t be able to decide that for yourself unless you attend a training session.

Even if you decide that Stroke & Turn Judging isn’t for you, attending the training will give you a more comprehensive understanding of what swim meets are all about. Have you ever wondered, what constitutes an acceptable stroke? What happens if my swimmer doesn’t do a flip turn? When is a one hand touch acceptable? These are the kinds of things you’ll learn if you attend one of these training sessions.

After attending a training session, if you do decide that you’d like to give it a whirl at one of our meets this summer, don’t worry – we will set you up to shadow one of our experienced Stroke & Turn Judges before turning you loose!

We have options for both in-person and virtual training for both Stroke & Turn Judges and Meet Referee/Deck Referee/Starters.

The in-person sessions are recommended for people with less than two seasons of experience in the position being trained, but folks with more experience are welcome to attend as well.

The virtual sessions are intended to re-certify people with two or more seasons of experience in the position being trained and are not recommended for newbies.

For the full schedule of all the classes offered please go to our “OfficialsTraining Schedule” page and use the Sign-Up Genius link there to sign-up for a class.

If you have any questions or problems please feel free to contact Toni Samudio or Candace Ellman.

Thank you!

Toni Samudio, Parent Rep

303-579-8667

[email protected]

Candace Ellman, Volunteer Coordinator

303-947-5363

[email protected]