Mountain Hi Swim League - Timers Instructions

Information, Policies & Procedures

• Check your watch to be sure it is "zeroed out" before each start.
• Before each heat, check your swimmer's name against the card to be sure the swimmer is in the right line. When you are on the finish end of the pool, always check the swimmer's name once he/she finishes the race and exits the pool to be sure the swimmer in your lane matches the name on the card. If the name does not match, write down the name of the swimmer who was in your lane on the card you have, and let the scoring table sort out the issue later. If you do not get the card for your swimmer in time for the finish, write the swimmers name, lane and time on a slip of paper to be found on your clipboard. Once the cards get delivered, give your card and your note to the Runner for turning in to the scoring table.
• At the start, stand back away from the blocks and be still. The starter may misinterpret your movement and call a false start on the swimmer near your lane.
• If you have a starting system with a strobe light, start your watch on the strobe. If you have a horn, then start your watch on the sound of the horn.
• If you miss a start with your watch, raise your hand and the Head Timer will provide you with a backup watch for that heat.
• Always start your watch for each race, whether you have a swimmer in your lane or not. You may be required to be a backup watch for some other lane.
• At the finish, lean over the edge of the pool and look down the wall to see a complete finish by a swimmer. Stop your watch when any part of the swimmer's body touches the wall.* Record each watch time in the appropriate places on the card.
• If you have semi-automatic timing devices (buttons or "pickles"), one person should press the button at the finish and may also stop a watch. It is best to have only one device per timer.
• The person who is writing the times on the swimmer's card should record the other timer's information first and then record his/her time. If your meet is using a "start over the top" procedure, memorize our time, clear your watch, start the next heat and then record the time from the previous heat.
• Always record your watch times, even if the swimmer in your lane is disqualified.
• Let the stroke & Turn Judge determine the correctness of the swim. Do not write down any comments regarding a disqualification on the swimmer's card.

CLARIFICATION OF SH SHARKS' TIMER ASSIGNMENTS:

"ROVER" - Rover timers will be assigned lanes on site at the meet.

"RESERVE" - Reserve timer will stand by the Meet Referee and provides the backup time for any timers who missed getting a time in their lane.

"BACKUP" - Backup timer is on standby should any timers fail to show for their shift.