Committee Chairperson: Coach Bill Thompson #408-253-7946

Our mission is to offer opportunities for parents of DACA swimmers to receive training, volunteer-hours credit and recognition for serving as USA Swimming Officials.

Stroke and Turn Judge, Head Timer, Starter, Referee and Marshal are jobs that have been filled by Pacific Swimming parents for decades. Swim meets benefit our children and their friends. Competitions are for the benefit of all youth and cannot be conducted without pool deck officials willing to serve.

It is the responsibility of all swimming clubs to provide adults who will serve. A typical 8-lane competition requires 6-12 stroke and turn, 2-3 starters, 1-4 referees, 4-8 marshals, 2-3 intermediary, 1-3 timing system operators. Clearly, we cannot rely on someone else to fill these jobs considering that nearly every weekend there are 2-5 swim meets taking place in Northern California. In Zone One North (our zone), there are two or three weekends per month where our swimmers compete. Often, in order for meets to allow all participants a chance to enter, two meets are held concurrently, doubling the demand for meet officials.

It is important for DACA to be represented in proportion to our large membership. DACA will keep you informed of the dates and locations of upcoming training events. In just a few hours you can learn how to perform one of these vital official’s tasks. And, there is a benefit reward beyond community service.

DACA VOLUNTEER HOURS CREDIT: (Effective September 2005-August 2008)

• Includes training and testing time (3 hrs)
• Includes hours of deck time spent officiating at any meet DACA attends
• Become a Level II Official and receive double hours of credit

IN ADDITION TO VOLUNTEER HOURS:

• DACA reimburses you for USA-Swimming Officials membership registration
• DACA provides each official with a Nike polo and hat/visor or equivalent
• DACA will 100% fund Annual membership renewal after completing 24 hours of officiating service and provides a PACIFIC SWIMMING windbreaker.