Wyoming Seadragons

Timers play a crucial role in the swim meet.  During every meet, our swimmers are improving their stroke to become faster in the water and they are also trying to achieve fast times for their races.  If you are signed up as a volunteer timer, please review the following before the meet.  

The on-deck swim official will convene a meeting about 15 - 30 minutes before the swim meet begins.  They will cover the following material.

Before a race:

• Each lane should have two timers.
• See if the next swimmer is present and in the correct lane, heat and event. If not, call the swimmer’s name.
  • TIP: If a swimmer is behind the block, ask for their name.
• Make sure stopwatch is clear
• The starter will blow five short whistles to get the announcer to call the next  event/heat. Then the start will blow one long whistle for swimmers to step up onto the starting block (or step in for the backstroke). For the backstroke, there will be a second long whistle for swimmers to place their feet in position.
• Start the watch the instant you see the strobe light on the starter. Be in a position to observe the light on the starter.

During the race:

• If your watch fails, wave watch in the air and call for the backup timer. Get a running, replacement watch.
• Pay attention to the race distance.  The length of the pool is 25 meters.  So if, for example, the athlete is swimming a 50 meter freestyle, they are swimming to the opposite side of the pool.
• Towards the end of the race, stand directly over the assigned lane to observe the touch. Stop the stopwatch and press on the timing device (if you have both) when any part of the swimmer’s body touches the wall. Record the swimmer’s time on lane timer sheet.
• If the swimmer in your lane is among the last to finish, you may need to stop the watch and remember the time. Then, quickly clear the watch and start it for the next race before recording the time.

After the race:

• If you have a swimmer who was not previously assigned, write down their name and team.
• Record the watch time.
• Prepare to time the next race by clearing the watch.

Other things to consider:

• Lanes must have 2 timers at all times. If you must leave, please notify the starter official in advance so a replacement timer can take your place before you go.
• Each lane has two types of timing devices.  The first one is shaped like a small disc with a button.  You only need to press the device one at the end of the race.  The start time is automatically recorded by the timing system.  The second timing device is the stop watch in the event the other timing device fails and/or there is a time discrepancy with the other timer.
• The length of the pool is 25 meters.You will be directed to go to the opposite end of the pool for the 8 and under races.
• No camera or cell phone recording behind the blocks.  If you want to cheer on your swimmer, call on a back up timer to step in for that heat.  Once your swimmer is done, please head back to your assigned lane.