Forrest Crossing Flippers

STARTER INSTRUCTIONS COMMANDS FOR FORWARD START

1. REFEREE BLOWS A SERIES OF SHORT WHISTLES (MINIMUM 4 TIMES) This alerts the swimmer to prepare to race)
2. STARTER ANNOUNCES EVENT AND HEAT. (i.e. Event number 5, 9/10 year old girls 25 yard Freestyle, Heat Number 1)
3. REFEREE BLOWS ONE LONG WHISTLE TIME (This signals the swimmers to step up on the blocks)
4. REFEREE EXTENDS ARM TOWARDS STARTER SIGNALING THE SWIMMERS ARE PREPARED TO START.
5. STARTER ANNOUNCES “Take your mark”
6. STARTER ALLOWS ALL SWIMMERS TO COME TO A ‘SET’ POSITION. 

• The starter should allow a reasonable amount of time for the swimmers to come to a set position. If there is movement, or the swimmers are not set, the starter is allowed to ask the swimmers to stand. This will not result in a penalty to a swimmer, initially. 
• If the starter requires a 2nd command to stand, ask the swimmers to “stand down” (step off the blocks). This allows the swimmers to re-focus on the race after this interruption. Have the swimmers return to the blocks to prepare to start. 

7. SHOULD A SWIMMER CONTINUE TO DELAY THE START, THAT SWIMMER MAY BE DISQUALIFIED BY THE STARTER BECAUSE OF DELAY OF MEET.
8. AFTER THE SWIMMERS ARE SET, THE STARTER THEN STARTS THE RACE. 9. IF A SWIMMER FALSE STARTS, THE RACE WILL CONTINUE. THE FALSE START WILL NOT BE RECALLED!!!!
10. THE REFEREE AND STARTER MUST CONCUR WHICH SWIMMER FALSE STARTED, AND THE SWIMMER IS NOTIFIED AFTER THE RACE. 

*Note – Referee and starter should write down the lane number of the swimmer suspected of a false start – NO DISCUSSION SHOULD OCCUR. 

Other Suggestions/Duties 

• Instruct the timers before the meet – remind them where to observe the touch of the finish, when to start the watch (when they see the light flash), who the Head Timer is, etc. 
• Starter is inviting the swimmer to swim, not commanding them to swim. Be brief, poised, professional and assertive.
• Your job is to insure a fair start. Do not rush that start. If it looks disastrous, ask the swimmers to “Stand, Please”, and begin the sequence over again.
• All doubts and questions go in favor of the swimmer. 
• Be very patient. Do not “speed up” to get a heat in the water. Treat all heats and events with the same courtesy and professionalism. You are the only official that has a bearing on how the swimmers will perform. Be deliberate in your actions and have a calm demeanor. 
• You are the 2nd set of eyes and ears for the deck referee. Many questions may come to you because of your visibility on deck. Answer those that are within your jurisdiction and other questions direct to the referee. 
• Observe the swimmers into the water and after they have surfaced. Something unusual may happen that would require you to stop or recall the heat. 
• Get to meet early to ensure starter system works. Have a back up bull horn (radio shack) or ship-to-shore horn in case of malfunction. Introduce yourself to coaches and team reps to foster a good relationship on deck in case questions arise. 

STARTER GUIDELINES: 

1. Takes deck position which affords an optimal view of the starting field. 
2. Assists in checking starting field for correct number of athletes in proper lanes.
3. Raises microphone upon hearing long whistle and awaits deck referee’s outstretched arm
4. When the starting field is ready says “Take Your Mark” in a calm, conversational tone.
5. Completes the start only after all swimmers have assumed an observable stationary position. 
6. Notes all empty lanes and time of start on starter’s record. 
7. Takes across the board finishes on starter’s record.