WHO WILL DO IT?
Competition was the reason for the formation of Masters Swimming Australia (then known as the Australian Union of Senior Swimmers International and later abbreviated to AUSSI).
Before 1975 there were restricted competitions for men in 10 year age groups and these were mostly restricted to 50m Freestyle events. MSA opened the doors to women, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly and medley swimmers of all ages and offered 5 year age groups.
Over the years we have developed our own officials who ensure that not only do we enjoy our competitions but also that they are fair and the times swum are recognised internationally.
All of that is at risk! Why? Officials like the rest of us don’t live forever. For example in the NSW/ACT Branch there are 18 current referees with 3 more in training giving a total of 22. The average age is 63. Given current trends, in 10 years time that number will reduce to 13 or less. With over 20 meets a year and each meet needing at least 5 referees, the big question is who will do it?
While the numbers differ (sometimes wildly) the same situation applies to other branches and to all official positions except Timekeeper (see later).
Each branch has to look very closely at its own situation and demographics and decide: How do we find and train more officials, especially those in their 50s and younger? How do we attract new candidates?
I suggest that a combination of carrot and stick encouragements be used. For example SAL clubs, many schools and of course other sports give financial inducements to officials. These range from out of pocket expenses to fixed match fees. This is an issue that should be discussed this year.
One big stick idea is not to allow swimmers to compete until they qualify as timekeepers. Another is to adopt the NSW /ACT rule that stipulates clubs that want to conduct a carnival must supply a minimum of three of the officials for the meet either from their members and friends, or the local SAL club.
Regardless of what branches decide, every member and all friends of our wonderful association should do a Timekeeper course and learn to take and record times correctly. The measure of our improvement or decline with age is accurate times whether it is in Aerobics, club swims or National
Championships.
But, who will do it? You? I am, but the statistics say I may not be for much longer.
The views expressed above are mine and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of MSA or the National Technical Committee (NTC).
Gary Stutsel, Chair NTC
