Participants: Jerry Geurts, Patty Kramer, Janis Noonan, Al Schmidt, Bob Schwartz, Lee Wnuk, Sue Zblewski (Chair)

Approval of Minutes: Kramer moved, Geurts seconded approval of the August 31,1999 minutes. Passed.

Whistle Start: Zblewski reported that the Wisconsin Swimming, Inc. (WSI or LSC) House of Delegates at its October 16, 1999 voted to rescind use of the whistle start for the LSC's Sectional Meets and Short Course Championship Meet and to refer consideration of the whistle start to the LSC's Technical Planning Committee. She further reported that USA Swimming, at its 1999 Annual Convention, had approved use of the whistle start for all USA Swimming meets effective May 1, 2000. Kramer suggested Zblewski so advise the Technical Planning Committee Chair.

Recall: Zblewski reported that USA Swimming considered, but did not pass, a "no false start" Rule at its 1999 Convention. So, the Referee and the Starter still must dual confirm any false start and re-start any race in which a false start occurred.

1999 Recertification Clinics: Over 100 current officials participated in one of the LSC's 1999 Annual Recertification Clinics. Zblewski sent about 30 officials that did not participate in one of last Fall's Clinics copies of the USA Swimming Recertification Tests (Starter/Referee or Stroke and Turn Judge as was appropriate). The test is an "open book" one. An official must achieve a score of 90% or better to retain his/her certification. The year in which a new official obtains his/her certification as an Official, he/she need not attend a Recertification Clinic.

Exemption from Required Number of Officiating Sessions: Any official who believes that he/she warrants an exemption from officiating the required number of swim meet sessions must provide a written explanation to the LSC's Officials Committee Chair, Sue Zblewski (433 Cheshire Lane, Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072) for consideration by the Officials Committee at its next meeting. Starter/Referees must work six sessions and Stroke and Turn Judges must work four sessions between October 1st and September 30th each year to retain eligibility as a USA Swimming official. This officiating is required in addition to participating in a Recertification Clinic or achieving a score of 90% or better on the appropriated USA Swimming Recertification Test. These requirements are consistent with USA Swimming criteria for Officials.

Verification of Officials' Certification: The Meet Referee is responsible for insuring that each Official working a Meet has current eligibility to work as an Official by checking the date on each Official's USA Swimming membership card.

New Official's Membership: A candidate for certification as a USA Swimming Official (one who has completed the Officials training), must register through Carol Graham, LSC Registration Coordinator, for USA Swimming Membership as an Official. However, the individual does not receive his/her USA Swimming membership card until he/she has shadowed on deck for the required four (4) sessions as a Stroke and Turn Judge and has submitted his/her completed "shadow card" to Sue Zblewski, Officials Chairman, 433 Cheshire Lane, Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072.

Officials' Uniform: The Committee discussed the Official's uniform: Navy (not blue) slacks, skirts, or shorts (no jeans); white shirt/top, shoes (not sandals) , and socks, if worn.

Communications with LSC Officials: In January, the LSC will update its Handbook and place it on the LSC's web site. Also in January, Zblewski will send LSC Officials a newsletter and the list of the LSC's certified USA Swimming Officials for 2000. The newsletter will suggest that Officials obtain copies of LSC Handbook from their Clubs or the web site and review, in particular, the Sections pertaining to Officials and Meet Management.

2000 LSC Short Course Championships: The dates for these meets and the Committee's recommendations for the LSC's designated Officials are:

Prepared by: ______________________________________ January 17, 2000

Patricia Kramer
Wisconsin Swimming, Inc.                                                          A:Kramer/OFFMtg111699+