I have such a disappointing uptake of the timekeeping course on Wednesday 4th Sept 6-8pm at the Aubigny. I desperately need more parents to come forward and take the course on Wednesday. It’s actually quite fun and there’s no test at the end. In the East District we’re really fortunate that we don’t have to pay for training, take advantage!

It’s crucial that Haddington ASC get parents onto the officials training path. Swimming Gala’s are staffed entirely by parents and volunteers (usually parents whose children have stopped swimming, so essentially parents too). The minimum age for the course is 14 years, an ideal volunteering opportunity for older swimmers on the Duke of Edinburgh path.

To ensure that your child’s hard work in obtaining a race time gets rewarded by being able to take that time forward in Future events that gala must have had a minimum number of officials present for accreditation. The 1st step in the training path is TimeKeeping and we always need timekeepers. There’s no expectation that everyone will progress through the levels, although starter is my favorite job and the most fun course I’ve done, who doesn’t like blowing a whistle? Still waiting for a starting pistol opportunity though 🤔

As well as having our own officials for home galas I also have to send officials to every gala that your child swims in. Parents need to be on deck to make sure your child’s time counts. So while I appreciate all the help I can get you are ultimately more use to your child as an official. We all need to work together👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 It’s a much better view of racing from poolside, cooler and your closer to your child, what’s not to like?

Coming up we’ve got the Coverdale and the club champs, where we need to provide every flavor of official. I’m hoping to get the finals of the club champs licensed and accredited so I really need every parent to help out and take part.

Comment below or email me on galaconv.swimhaddington@gmail.com to book your place

Susan