Training Officials For Excellence

Train the Trainer Oregon Swimming IncTrain the Trainer 9-2015Introductions2AgendaOSI Officiating & Training PhilosophyTrainer Role & ResponsibilitiesClinicsOn-deck Coaching and FeedbackEvaluation and ProgressionMaster Trainer Role and ResponsibilitiesResources

3Philosophy4OSI Officiating PhilosophyFair and equitable conditions of competition are maintained and uniformity in the sport is promoted so that no swimmer has an unfair advantage over another.

5What does that mean?Success of every meet depends on the officials integrity, knowledge, concern and regard for the competitive interest of the swimmerOne set of rules applies to all swimmersSwimmers get the benefit of the doubtWe do not judge styleDemonstrate impartiality and professionalism on deck6OSI Training PhilosophyDeliver high quality and consistent training to produce and retain qualified, confident officials.

7Trainer Role & Responsibilities8Trainer Role & ResponsibilitiesCustodians of OSI training philosophyRecruit and retain officialsPrepare, empower, support, and mentor traineesDeliver high quality and consistent trainingOn-deck trainingClinic presentation optional

9Trainer TraitsSkilled mentorAbility to impart knowledge, accurately explain rulesBuild confidence in othersSimplify officiating for the traineeAbility to suspend ego

10To become a TrainerFor each position:Worked a minimum of 12 sessions at OSI sanctioned meetsOne year and 20 sessions to become an Administrative Official, Starter or Referee TrainerEndorsements required for each positionProvide the name of the reference when signing up for clinicAttend Train the Trainer ClinicMust observe a position-specific training clinic (S&T, Starter, etc.) after attending Train the Trainer ClinicMust understand training progression

1111To recertify as TrainerMinimum of four training opportunities in a 2 year recertification periodTraining opportunities can include:On-deck trainingDeliver clinicStroke briefing12Clinics13Pre-Clinic PreparationsArrange facilityNotify OSI office for posting Notify Area Chair for set up in OTSOfficials ChairTraining Coordinator1414Pre-Clinic PreparationsGather training material from OSI website or officePowerPoint presentation (electronic or hardcopy)Defined handoutsEnsure sufficient copies for all attendeesUse current materials1515Presenting the ClinicIntroductionsClinic attendance formPowerPoint presentationElectronic or hard copyDefined handoutsReview training log and expectationsSign off on clinic attendance on trainees logPass out registration forms if ET or S&TOptional can accept fees and forward to OSI office

16RegistrationMembership in USA Swimming provides protection through group insuranceMembership pays costs of providing programs and services to swimmers and volunteersMust be in place prior to on deck training

17Athlete ProtectionRequirements to protect athletesBackground screenAthlete protection trainingMust be completed prior to on deck training18Optional for Stroke and TurnView video or live demonstrationIf doing a live demonstration with swimmers coach must be on-deck for insurance purposes19Post-Clinic ResponsibilitiesSend attendance log, registration forms, and fees to OSI officeLog attendance in OTS for USA Swimming registered participantsBe available to attendees for questions at a later dateBe able to direct attendees to people who can answer their questions, e.g., AOC or Referee20On Deck Mentoring21Train the Trainer 10-2014On Deck: Pre-session Identify yourself on the sign-in sheet as a trainer and in what position(s)When assigned a trainee:Meet with the trainee prior to going on deckAsk to see their log to identify where they are in the processTalk with the trainee about what they are comfortable with and where they would like some additional coaching

22On Deck: Pre-sessionTalk about roles during the sessionFor example:Stroke and TurnWho will raise hand during sessionWho will write slipsCertified official/trainer must initial in addition to traineeElectronic TimingIs the trainee running the console or observingThe trainer will review the trainees paperorkEtc Starter, RefereeRoles can change during the course of the session

23On Deck: During sessionMentor and coachDont expect trainee to know what you knowEncourage trainee to ask questionsEmphasis is on the trainee learning by doingUse rulebook language to describe what you observeModel desired behaviorFriendly, calm, and positiveInteract effectively with other officialsBe reliableAvoid gestures on deck24On Deck: After sessionProvide candid, balanced feedback to the traineeStart and end with positive feedbackSign and initial all relevant areasEncourage the trainee to continue the process and explain next stepsThank them and tell them you hope to see them on deck again soon

25Mentoring & Feedback26Mentoring is:A practice and discipline to improve performanceHonest dialogueBased on mutual inquiryInput from a person who has different experience or information27Mentoring is not:A technique to use on othersGiving advice tellingOffering constructive criticismSimply demonstrating our expertise to someone else

28Tips for successful mentoringAsk the person what their concerns might beBe frank and positive when discussing areas for improvementDiscuss and clarify what could be done differentlyMonitor your reaction to mistakes carefullyStress the key role of mistakes in the personal learning process -weve all been there

29PitfallsPitfallCommon ApproachBetter ApproachAdvice giving disempowers the person being mentoredIn my experience, it always . . .What have you experienced so far in the training process? What would be most useful to you?Mentor lacks courage or skills to give balanced feedbackYoure doing great.It is clear you understand the rules of each stroke. It is important to use rule book language so you should spend some additional time reading through the rule book.30PitfallsPitfallCommon ApproachBetter Approach Grilling or constantly quizzing the traineeWhat are the rules for breaststoke?When this next swimmer comes in, can you talk me through what youre watching for in breaststroke.NitpickingYoure not at the edge of the pool and youre not raising your hand fast enough.Its important we are in the proper position to observe the swim so we want to stand at the edge of the pool. . .Not engaging with the trainee in the feedback sessionTalking to the formUse the form for reference. Talk with the trainee.31Feedback StepsObserve behaviorRemember any concerns identified by the trainee Describe your observationsFocus on behavior, not personBe as clear and brief as possibleAvoid evaluative, judgmental statementsProvide positive reinforcementSet the tone for a discussion, not a monologueDont overload the trainee with constant feedback32Progression & Evaluation33Progression and EvaluationWhen determining whether a trainee is ready to move to the next stage, remember:The trainee will not be as proficient as youThey should be progressing in their knowledge and abilitiesTrainee is ready to test when:They have completed all required elementsThe trainee is ready to work on their own and continue to gain experience and confidence

34To recertify as TrainerIn a two year period:Four training opportunities to recertify as a trainer in a two year recertification periodClinicsOn Deck MentoringStroke Briefings35Position Specific DetailsStroke and TurnStarterRefereeElectronic TimerAdministrative Official3636Stroke & TurnStage One: Clinic

Stage Two: On-deck Orientation (Sessions 1-2) Tour of the working deck with Referee or designeeTrainer introduces range of skills (focus on procedures and rules)Trainee observes and does not make disqualification calls3737Stroke & TurnStage Three: Guided Practice (Minimum 3 sessions) Trainee takes on more responsibility as deemed appropriate by official, e.g., raises hand and writes up DQ slip. Official must also see infraction and sign off on DQ slipProgress and self-evaluation discussed at end of guided practice with trainer or Referee prior to advancementAdditional sessions are sometimes needed

3838Stroke & TurnStage Four: EvaluationTwo successful evaluations with OSI Certified TrainersDuring evaluation sessions trainee assumes full responsibility while directly observed by trainerIf trainee is ready to test, trainer signs off on training record

393940

StarterPrerequisite: Minimum of one year and at least 10 sessions as Stroke and Turn

Stage One: Introductory Clinic

Stage Two: Hardware Setup and Starting OnlySessions 1 and 2Equipment set-up and testingVoice control/false starts only, no order of finish

4141StarterStage Three: Full Function Guided PracticeFull function, authority at discretion of Trainer or RefereeMinimum of six sessionsMinimum of three different meetsMinimum of three sessions each 12 & under and 13 & overA given session can only fulfill one category requirement, 12 & under or 13 & over4242StarterFinal EvaluationTwo Successful evaluationsTwo different OSI Certified Trainers Two different sessions434344

RefereePrerequisite: Minimum of one year and at least ten sessions as StarterStage 1 Introductory ClinicCompleted before on deck trainingStages 2, 3 and 4 can be done in any order454545RefereeStage 2 - Deck Referee (Minimum of 8 sessions)Minimum of four different Referees, at more than one poolDQ slips: Minimum of 6 hours processing DQ slips at meets with 12 & under events and BC swimmers; including:Investigating DQs, filling out a DQ log, communicating the DQs to coachesCan be at an ABC or a BC meet but must be under at least two different RefereesWhistle starts only: One session blowing the whistle while under the direct supervision of a RefereeTrainer observes for false starts464646RefereeStage 2 - Deck RefereeGuided PracticeMinimum 4 sessions totalAt least 2 different meetsOne session doing whistle starts and DQs under direct Referee supervisionMinimum 3 sessions of limited supervisionAt least one session heavy with BC swimmers

474747RefereeStage 3 - Electronic Timing and Hy-Tek Meet Management OperationsScheduled with a trainer at any time during the training period)Two sessions at different meets working as an ET supervised by 2 different ET OfficialsTime split between console and paperworkOne session at a BC meet, or heavy with BC swimmers One session performing computer operations with the Hy-Tek Meet Manager, under supervision

484848RefereeStage 4 - Officials and Coaches MeetingsMinimum of 2 meetsScheduled with a trainer at any time during the training period) The trainee must complete a minimum of:Two officials stroke briefings Two jurisdiction briefings Two deck rotationsOne coaches meeting49RefereeEvaluationThree observed sessions with two OSI Referee Trainers, who indicate if the trainee is ready to test. The trainee is expected to take full Referee responsibility during observed sessions

50RefereeDocumentationReferee Training RecordEvaluation forms for Stage 2, 3 and 4

5152

Electronic TimerElectronic Timer is an OSI certificationThe first step to becoming a fully certified Administrative Official

535353Electronic TimerTraining RequirementsClinic attendance prior to training on deckIntroductory session (deck tour) by RefereeMinimum of 10 hours console and 10 hours time verificationAt least two of first six hours must be with ET TrainerTwo 12 and under meets (could be heavy in 12 and under; at Referees discretion)One session must be at a non-home meetHeat or lane malfunctionHy-tek operation

545454Electronic TimerFinal EvaluationTwo consecutive positive recommendations to test from 2 different certified Electronic Timer Officials

55555556

Administrative OfficialPrerequisite: A minimum of 8 sessions as an OSI certified Electronic Timing OfficialStage 1 Introductory ClinicStage 2 Set up mock meets in Meet ManagerStage 3 Import entries, seed and create meet reportsStage 4 Four hours using Meet Manager during a meet, demonstrating a group of skills5758

Master Trainer Role & Responsibilities59Master Trainer Role & ResponsibilitiesCustodians of OSI training philosophyPrepare and empower trainers to succeedRecruit, evaluate, coach, and train trainersTrain beyond your own club/teamDeliver clinicsTrain the TrainerOfficial positions, e.g. S&T

60Master Trainer TraitsMore than subject matter experts, proficient trainersSkilled mentorsAbility to suspend egoStrong communication and presentation skills61To become Master TrainerTrainer for minimum of one yearOfficials Chair endorsement to become a Master TrainerOfficials Chair will seek feedback from AOCs and RefereesObserve Master Trainer present Trainer clinicPresent Trainer clinic with MT present to evaluateMT submits positive recommendation to Officials ChairMust completely understand:Train the Trainer materialHow to certify for all positions62To recertify as Master TrainerIn a two year recertification periodFour training opportunities to recertify as a trainerDeliver a minimum of two clinics of any typeAttend recertification clinic63Resources64ResourcesOregon Swimming, Inc. websitehttp:/www.oregonswimming.orgOfficialsTraining formsList of trainersUSA Swimming websitehttp://www.usaswimming.orgOfficial Tracking System

65If All Else Fails - ASKUse all resources availableOther officialsRefereesArea Officials ChairOfficials ChairTraining Coordinator

66Thank you!See you on deck