Swimming clinic upskills officials

A FINA technical officials’ clinic was held at the Taurama Aquatics and Leisure Centre last week.
The final two days of the clinic encompassed the Theodist National Long Course Championships.
The clinic was organised through the FINA development programme and facilitated by Dianne Farmer, a FINA referee from New Zealand.
Farmer was last in Port Moresby as a FINA referee in 2015 to officiate at the Pacific Games.
“It has been my pleasure to facilitate the FINA technical clinic in Port Moresby,” Farmer said.
“There were 24 participants ranging, including newcomers, referees and athletes with international.
“All attendees participated in group discussions.
“The theory component of the clinic was held in the lounge at the aquatic centre,” Farmer said.
Areas covered during the FINA swimming officials clinic were: introduction to officiating; organisation of FINA; and competition management which included both local standards and FINA standards; electronic timekeeping and using stop watches.
The four competitive strokes, medley swimming and relays were discussed.
“The practical component of the clinic was held during the Theodist National Championships.
“All the officials who had attended the clinic were rotated through various pool side positions and all looked competent and professional.
“This augurs well for the Oceania Swimming Championships, which will be held in Port Moresby in June next year,” Farmer said.
“Being professional, skilled and practiced, understanding the FINA rules to deliver a well-run competition is paramount for success,” said the PNG Swimming Incorporated president Liz Wells
PNGSI continues to adopt a professional approach to the training and ongoing development of volunteer technical officials under the direction of Kathleen Maskelyne, PNGSI chief technical officer.