Michael Phelps and Jeff Kerstell
Our official Jeff Kerstell has been with HHSC for over 10 years. His daughter swam for HHSC from 1998 - 2002. Jeff volunteers countless hours to the team, and his work is greatly appreciated by HHSC. Jeff holds the certification as a Referee, and the USA Swim National Certification as a Starter and Referee. He also holds the National Championship Certification in Stroke and Turn and Chief Judge.
New Officials Clinic
Jeff hold new officials clinics throughout the year. The clinics last for about two and a half hours. Details can be found on the Indiana Swimming website (click the “Forms” tab on the homepage). We have not selected a date but if you would like to attend, please contact Jeff, so that he can have adequate copies of the clinic materials available.
Officials Clinic
Saturday October 10, 2009
2:00 p.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m.
Highland High School Natatorium
The clinic will cover the areas necessary for Tech/Admin Certification.
Anyone with questions regarding requirements to become a swim official or interested in attending the official’s clinic please contact:
Jeff Kerstell Days or Evenings at 219-765-5009
Please note interested parties need to RSVP no later than October 8th so adequate materials will be available. However a reservation is not necessary, anyone wishing to attend is welcome. There will be no charge for this clinic
What's a Swim Official?
Officials help make sure that swim meets run smoothly and efficiently. To ensure fairness in a race, meet, or event, officials constantly observe swimmers and note disqualifications. They are most likely dressed in white and positioned around the pool deck. Officials are on deck to help swimmers learn from mistakes and help swimmers improve and excel in the future. They are volunteers who have gone through a series of certifications to be approved as an official on deck.
Benefits of Becoming an Official
- Help support an excellent sport for children and promote a healthy lifestyle for children.
- Gain a more thorough understanding of swimming in particular, and sports in general.
- Fulfill volunteer obligations at Club Meets.
- Get closer to the action; know what’s happening on deck with the “best seat” in the pool.
- Get mentally and physically engaged during the Meet rather than merely “spectating.”
- Be cooler on deck than in the stands.
- Receive free admission and great hospitality during sessions officiated.