australian swimming 93rd annual report 2001/2002

Australian Swimming is on a high and the
Australian Swimming Technical Committee is
pleased that our o÷cials are most definitely
part of that high. The ability of Australian
technical o÷cials is recognised throughout
the swimming world. Undoubtedly, FINA
recognises the quality of our o÷cials and so
appoints Australian referees to many
international events and championships.
The Technical Committee met twice in
2001–2002. In addition to the usual business
of the Committee, considerable time has been
spent discussing the National O÷ciating
Accreditation Scheme (NOAS) and how
Australian Swimming education of technical
o÷cials fits under its banner. The NOAS is a
program of the Australian Sports Commission.
The Technical Committee has been working
closely with ASI’s new Education and
Development Coordinator, John Armstrong, to
develop the curriculum for technical o÷cials.
John has been working with the sub-committee
of the Technical Committee preparing a
training programme, course requirements and
presenter training which, it is hoped, will lead
to better development and training of o÷cials
throughout the country. The Committee is
hopeful that a national education program for
technical o÷cials, which meets the needs of all
states as well as the requirements of the
NOAS, will be implemented in the 2002–2003.
It is most gratifying that the ASI Board has fully
supported this program through the
appropriate allocation of funds and the strong
verbal support of the initiatives. Thanks to the
sub-committee for their continued and valued
work on this project. The Technical Committee
also appreciates the support of the ASI Board
provides technical o÷cials through the travel
assistance grants.
This year we will see an o÷cial recognised
along with swimmers and coaches at the
Swimmer of the Year Awards dinner. This
recognition, as the Technical O÷cial of the
Year, will help emphasise the importance of
technical o÷cials at every meet no matter
what the standard. States and clubs will have
the opportunity to nominate an o÷cial from
the criteria, which have been prepared.
The Committee also has responsibility for Open
Water Swimming. Open Water issues have been
addressed. The Committee has reviewed the
ASI open Water by laws, which have now been
brought into line with FINA rules; as happens
with the ASI Swimming by laws. We are also
implementing a rotation system for the
appointment of o÷cials nominating for
international Open Water events.
With the change of CEO at Australian
Swimming, we would like to firstly thank Vena
Murray for her support of Technical O÷cials—
her assistance and cooperation to our
Committee was always forth coming. To Glenn
Tasker, thank you for your support to date. The
Technical Committee looks forward to working
with you. The Committee would also thank the
ASI sta≈ for their assistance and support of the
Committee’s activities.
technical 25
To o÷cials throughout Australia thank you one
and all for your part in having Australian
Swimming envied throughout the world. The
number of people nominating for ASI
conducted events and indeed international
meets is very pleasing. It is particularly
pleasing as you are doing it for your enjoyment
and for the benefit of the sport not for your
own personal monetary gain.
To all swimmers and clubs, you can be assured
the Technical Committee and technical o÷cials
are always at your disposal and are prepared
to assist whenever needed. To States
Associations, which have hosted ASI meets
throughout the year, your welcome and
hospitality to o÷cials has been very much
appreciated.
To President, John Devitt, and Board Members
thanks for your support and interest shown to
our Technical O÷cials.
Don Blew am
coordinator