Timer
WHO?
Summer swim meets utilize two timers per lane. One timer represents Shallowford Lakes and one timer represents the visiting team. The timing shift is for half of the swim meet. There are two timers for the first half of the meet and two timers for the second half of the meet. Timers switch after Event 42, Individual Medley.
WHAT?
When Shallowford Lakes is hosting the meet, the Shallowford Lakes timer is responsible for writing the times down on the time sheet. Write the exact times that are shown on the stopwatches to the hundredths place (no rounding or estimating). (Example: 27.84)
Start the stopwatch with the sound, which can be a whistle or a beep. If the pool uses a start system with a light, start your stopwatch with the light.
If a timer misses the start or the watch malfunctions, raise your hand to alert the head timer who will bring another stopwatch. Please give the stopwatch that did not start to the head timer.
Stop your stopwatch when any part of the swimmer's body touches the wall. Stroke and Turn Judges will determine whether the finish is legal.
After Event 42 is complete, the Meet Referee will pause the meet for timers to switch. If you are the first half timer, give your credential, stopwatch and clipboard to the second half timer who is taking your place.
*Note: Head Timers start 2 watches at the beginning of each heat/event. Watch for any lane timers who may need to switch stopwatches. Take a running stopwatch to a lane timer with raised hand and switch stopwatches.
WHERE?
Timers are assigned a lane and a timing partner from the opposing team. Timers will be issued a credential, one clipboard with all the time sheets for their lane, a pencil and 2 stopwatches. Please wear the timing credential around your neck.
WHEN?
All timers (first half and second half from both teams) attend a meeting about 20 minutes before the start of the meet. At the meeting, timers are taught how to operate a stopwatch, if they do not know how to use one.
