Before the race

During the race

After the race

How the stopwatch works

The role of the timekeeper is the first in a sequence of steps that lead to the recording of each swimmer’s performance over the season, the allocation of points and the identification of trophy winners at the end of the season.

To be fair to the swimmers, it is essential that this process be carried out as accurately as possible.  You, as a timekeeper, can play your part by measuring and recording swim times as accurately as possible.  To do this, carefully read and follow the procedures.
 

Timekeeping procedure

There are three main stages in the timekeeping procedure:
Before the race;
During the race; and
After the race.

Before the race

Two timekeepers are needed on each lane to allow for correct unbiased and representative recording.  The Chief Timekeeper will request parents come down from the stands and be involved, this will be announced over the loud speaker.  Each timekeeper is allocated to a lane, collect your stopwatch, make your way to your lane and introduce yourself to the other timekeeper/s. 

All races start at the starting blocks, however the timekeepers need to station themselves at the relevant finishing line.  (eg. 25m races finish at the shallow end and the 50m races finish at the starting blocks end.)

When the race is about to start, the Starter will announce the details.  At this point, you should be ready to start your watch.  The start of the race is indicated by a beep from the starting fun.  Start your stopwatch at the sound of the beep (rather than the first movement of your swimmer).  If a false start occurs, the Starter will beep the gun several times to stop the race.  You should stop your stopwatch and reset to zero.  If you are distracted and miss the start of the race, please advise the Chief Timekeeper immediately.

During the race

Remain alert throughout the race, watching your swimmer.  Most races last less than a minute, but medley races are 2-3 minutes long.

As your swimmer approaches the finish line, watch him/her closely.  Stop the stopwatch the instant he/she touches the end of the pool.  For breaststroke and butterfly, both hands much touch.  For freestyle and backstroke, only one hand (the leading hand) need touch.

After the race

Note the time elapsed on your stopwatch but do not reset the watch yet.  Talk to your partner and establish the slowest time.  This is then recorded on the score board; please don’t allow children to do this.  If your swimmer came first, the Chief Timekeeper will approach you with his/her time and the middle time will be recorded.

Once the times have been recorded, reset your stopwatch to zero and prepare for the next race.

If you do not have a swimmer in your lane for the next event please clear the time prior to the race starting.

How the stopwatch works

In timekeeping mode, your stopwatch measures elapsed time in minutes and seconds to one hundredth (.01) of a second.  It has three buttons, but only two of these are used in normal operation.

Click the left hand button to start and stop the timekeeping function.