2024 Starter AND Stroke and Turn Certification Assessment

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Thank you for requesting re-certification as a Starter AND Stroke & Turn Judge via assessment. Each question has only one correct answer. Individuals must score 80% in order to be certified as a Starter AND Stroke & Turn Judge for the 2024 MHSL Season. (All content was provided by USA Swimming)

Slide Deck from Training

Review the following documents to support with your responses, as needed.

Individual Medley Rules

Relays

2024 USA Swimming Rule Book

Starter Video

Should you have any questions, please reach out!

Wish you well,

Rachel Langberg

Officials Chair

Mountain High Swim League

(919)809-2426

Email *

First Name *

Last Name *

Phone number *

Team Name *

Seasons officiating as a Stroke and Turn Judge (not including this season) *

Seasons officiating as a Starter (not including this season) *

Seasons officiating as a Referee (not including this season) *

1. Review the Meet Referee Binder. Do you have any questions? (Please write them in the "other" section.)

Other:

2. A swimmer approaches a turn during a backstroke event. The swimmer rolls from the back to the breast, takes a single arm pull, a double arm pull, and then initiates the turn. The turn judge raises their hand. Should the swimmer be disqualified?
*

1 point

Yes

3. An official is observing turns in the 100 yard backstroke. He sees a swimmer that appears to be past vertical towards the breast after flipping and raises his hand to report an infraction. Upon further investigation by the referee, the referee determines that the official did not know the location of the swimmer’s feet when he observed the shoulders. Should the swimmer be disqualified?

See Rule 101.4

1 point

Yes

4. A swimmer begins the freestyle leg of the individual medley with a few legal breaststroke strokes. The judge raises their hand to signal an infraction. Should the swimmer be disqualified?

See Rule 101.6 and 101.5

1 point

Yes

5. A relay take-off judge makes note of an early take-off observation for the second swimmer of the relay team in lane 2. He observed the first swimmer touch the wall, and then observed that the second swimmer had already left the block. Should the swimmer be disqualified? See Rule 101.7
*

1 point

Yes

6. Approaching the finish of the backstroke, a swimmer submerges completely underwater, thinking it achieves a faster finish. Should you raise your hand?

See Rule 101.4

1 point

It depends. If some part of the head has not passed the 5 meter mark (or 5 yard mark in short course), then you should raise your hand.

It depends. If some part of the head has passed the 5 meter mark (or 5 yard mark in short course), then you should raise your hand.

7. Once a meet or event has actually commenced, under what circumstances may the Referee suspend competition?

Hint: Please review reference 102.7.4C for the correct answer.

1 point

Safety

Any compelling reason.

Weather conditions.

When working with the Parent Delegates, and it's decided to suspend the competition.

All of the above

7a. Who may cancel or postpone a meet or an event, if, after commencement, conditions preclude the possibility of safely and effectively conducting the meet or the event? Keep in mind 46 events need to be completed for the meet to count.

Hint: Please review reference 102.7.4B for the correct answer. [2019N]

1 point

The Meet Referee

The Coaches

The Parent Delegates

The Meet Committee (Coaches, Parent Delegates, Meet Ref)

Clear selection

8. A swimmer is 7 years old and sometimes struggles when swimming the butterfly. When they recover their arms, the entirety of both arms barely break the surface of the water, but there is no visible space between the arms and the water. Should you raise your hand?

See Rule 101.3 and Glossary

1 point

Yes

9. What options does the Referee have when observing an infraction in an event, but the Stroke Judge fails to make the call?

Hint: Please review references 102.11.2 and 102.22.1 for the correct answer.

1 point

The Referee does not need to raise one hand overhead for their disqualification to be upheld.

The Referee may not overrule any meet official on a point of rule interpretation, or on a judgment decision pertaining to an action which the Referee personally observed.

The Referee shall have the authority to disqualify any swimmer for any violation they personally observe and, except false starts, shall at the same time raise one hand overhead. USE WITH CAUTION...EVERYONE IN THE POOL AREA SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE THE INFRACTION.

10. In the freestyle leg of the individual medley, the swimmer from the breast rolls to their back to take a breath and continues to kick, then rolls back to their breast and continues swimming freestyle. Should you raise your hand?

See Rule 101.5 and 101.6

1 point

Yes

11. A swimmer got very tired during the 200-yard freestyle. They decided to stop and rest. By resting, their feet touched the bottom of the pool. After a short rest, they sprang from the bottom of the pool and completed the race. What should you report to the Referee?

See Rule 102.21

1 point

The swimmer touched the bottom of the pool.

The swimmer sprang from the bottom of the pool.

The swimmer stopped during their swim.

12. What does jurisdiction mean?

1 point

Jurisdiction is how officials move on deck.

Jurisdiction is the portion of the swim and lanes assigned to an official.

Jurisdiction is where you stand on deck.

13. Except for protests regarding an athlete’s competition category and protests made prior to the race contesting the eligibility of a swimmer to compete or represent an organization, how and when must all other competition-related protests, including protests concerning eligibility and representation, be made to the Referee for consideration?

Hint: Please review reference 102.22.5 for the correct answer.

1 point

Be submitted in writing to the Parent Delegate within 30 minutes after the end of the session in which the alleged infraction occurred.

Be submitted in writing to the Scoring Table within 45 minutes after the race in which the alleged infraction occurred.

Be submitted in writing to the Referee within 30 minutes after the race in which the alleged infraction occurred.

14. You are judging the Individual Medley. Swimmer A swims the four legs in this order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. Swimmer B swims in this order: butterfly, breaststroke, backstroke and freestyle. Which swimmer should be disqualified?

See Rule 101.6

1 point

Swimmer A

Swimmer B

15. When considering your strategy for judging relay takeoffs, you should:

See Rule 101.7

1 point

Watch the swimmer in the water touch the wall, then look for whether the swimmer is still on the block. "Touch, then toes."

Watch the swimmer's toes leave the block first, then look to see the swimmer in the water touched the wall. "Toes, then touch."

16. How shall the Referee signal the Starter that the swimmers are under the Starter’s control? Hint: Please review reference 101.1.2B for the correct answer. *

1 point

Shall call out to the Starter that they are ready for the start.

Shall signal to the timing table that they are to start the race manually.

Shall signal with an outstretched arm to the Starter.

Shall ask the Starter to start the race when the Referee says, "START".

17. A swimmer in the backstroke race assumes an illegal starting position by standing on the gutter of the pool with his back to the pool and his heels in the water. The Starter starts the race. Shall the swimmer be disqualified?

Hint: Please review reference 101.1.2E for the correct answer.

1 point

Yes, the Referee shall disqualify the swimmer if he personally observed an illegal starting position.

Yes, the Starter shall disqualify the swimmer if the Head Lane Timer notifies the Starter that an illegal starting position was observed before the start of the race.

Yes, the Turn Judge shall disqualify the swimmer for having an illegal starting position before the start of the race and shall also raise one hand when this observation is seen.

No, the swimmer shall not be disqualified for an illegal starting position at the start if the race is permitted to proceed. Enforcement of the correct starting position is the responsibility of the Starter.

18. If a swimmer does not respond promptly to the command "Take your marks," what should the Starter do?

Hint: Please review reference 101.1.2D for the correct answer.

1 point

Give the starting signal.

Shall immediately release all swimmers with the command "Stand Up."

Wait until that swimmer assumes a starting position.

19. What does the short series of whistles from the Referee indicate to the swimmers?

Hint: Please review reference 101.1.2A for the correct answer.

1 point

To step up on the block.

To remove all clothing except for swimwear.

To remove all clothing except for swimwear and step up on the block.

To assume the starting position.

20. If the recall signal is activated, will a swimmer be disqualified for a false start when the Referee and the Starter confirm the violation?

Hint: Please review reference 101.1.3C for the correct answer.

1 point

No swimmer shall be charged with a false start and the Starter shall restart the race upon signal by the Referee and after notifying the offending swimmer.

The swimmer or swimmers who false started will automatically be disqualified.

The swimmer who false started is disqualified from that heat but will be allowed to swim later in another heat.

The swimmer who false started can time trial after the session.

21. If a swimmer elects to swim backstroke in a freestyle event, what kind of starting method shall be used?

Hint: Please review reference 101.5.1 for the correct answer.

1 point

The forward start shall be used.

A legal backstroke start in the water.

A backstroke start in the water with the feet placed on the gutter.

Either a backstroke start or forward start.

22. Who may modify the starting rules for the swimmer with a disability?

Hint: Please review references 102.11.9 and 105.1.1 for the correct answer.

1 point

The Starter has the authority to modify the rules for the swimmer with a disability.

The Referee has the authority to modify the rules for the swimmer with a disability.

The swimmer's Coach has the authority to modify the rules for the swimmer with a disability.

The Meet Director has the authority to modify the rules for the swimmer with a disability.

23. Where shall the Starter stand to start a race?

Hint: Please review reference 102.12.1 for the correct answer.

1 point

The Starter shall stand on the side of the pool within approximately five meters of the starting end of the pool.

The Starter shall stand any place comfortable to the Starter.

The Starter shall stand twenty feet from the starting end of the pool.

The Starter shall stand directly to the right of the backstroke flags.

24. A device to recall swimmers shall be provided. If a recall rope is used, where shall it be placed?

Hint: Please review reference 103.19 for the correct answer.

1 point

At the mid-point of the course in a long-course pool.

At the turn end backstroke flags in a short-course pool.

At the mid-point of the course in long course facilities and at the turn end backstroke flags in short course facilities.

None of the above because no recall device is required under the no-recall rules for false starts.

25. For swimmers that are deaf or hard of hearing, in forward and backstroke starts what is the Starter's arm signal that indicates "take your marks"?

Hint: Please review references 105.3.1, 105.3.1 Figure 1(C) and 105.3.1 Figure 2(D) for the correct answer.

1 point

Raise your hand directly overhead.

Move arm from a position directly overhead to shoulder level.

With your hand directly overhead, rotate the arm in a tight circular motion.

Move arm from shoulder level down to the side of the body.

26. When using the forward start for a heat with deaf or hard of hearing swimmers, what should the Starter do when the long whistle is blown by the Referee to signal the swimmers to step onto the starting block?

Hint: Please review references 105.3.1 and 105.3.1. Figure 1 (B) for the correct answer.

1 point

Arm moves to shoulder level.

Raise the arm directly overhead.

Arm moves to side of the body.

Lower an outstretched arm to shoulder level.

Lower an outstretched arm to side of body.

27. When starting a heat with swimmers that are deaf or hard of hearing, what should the Starter do when a short series of whistles are blown by the Referee?

Hint: Please review references 105.3.1, 105.3.1 Figure 1 (A) and 105.3.1 Figure 2 (A) for the correct answer.

1 point

Stand patiently waiting for the swimmers to prepare to race.

Raise an outstretched arm overhead.

Lower an outstretched arm to shoulder level.

Lower an outstretched arm to side of body.

Twist hand at chin level.

28. When starting a heat which includes swimmers that are deaf or hard of hearing, what should the Starter do at the same time the starting signal is activated?

Hint: Please review references 105.3.1, 105.3.1. Figure 1 (D) and 105.3.1 Figure 2 (E) for the correct answer.

1 point

Twist a hand at chin level.

Raise an outstretched arm overhead.

Lower an outstretched arm to side of body.

Lower an outstretched arm to shoulder level.

29. What is the standard Starter's arm signal to indicate to a backstroke swimmer, who is deaf or hard of hearing, that it is time to enter the water?

Hint: Please review references 105.3.1 and 105.3.1 Figure 2(B) for the correct answer.

1 point

Raise your hand directly overhead.

With your hand directly overhead, rotate the arm in a tight circular motion.

Move arm from shoulder level down to the side of the body.

Arm overhead – swimmer enters water; drop arm to side while swimmer enters water.

30. What is the standard Starter's arm signal to indicate to backstroke swimmers who are deaf or hard of hearing, that it is time to return to the backstroke start position?

Hint: Please review references 105.3.1 and 105.3.1 Figure 2(C) for the correct answer.

1 point

Twist hand at chin level.

With your hand directly overhead, rotate the arm in a tight circular motion.

Arm overhead – swimmer returns to backstroke start position.

Move arm from shoulder level down to the side of the body.

31. What must occur when an individual has firsthand knowledge of misconduct or where specific and credible information has been received from a victim or knowledgeable third party? Hint: THE ANSWER IS ALL OF THE ABOVE. See Rule 306.1.
*

1 point

Reporting immediately (i.e., within 24 hours) to Officials Chair at officials@mhsl.org

Reporting immediately (i.e., within 24 hours) to law enforcement.

Reporting to a designated child protection agency if your state requires this type of reporting.

All of the above.

32. When are late entries (deck adds) allowed at MHSL meets? (Policies & Procedures reference 10.2.10) *

1 point

at any MHSL meet – dual, Prelims, All Stars – as long as the swimmer does not exceed the maximum entries allowed

only if the hosting team allows deck adds the morning of the competition and entries are submitted at least 30 minutes before the start of the meet to the Clerk of Course (in conjunction with the Scoring table, if possible)

never; entries after the entry deadline closes are not allowed

all the time if there is an open lane in the events the athlete wants to enter

33. What is the makeup of the Protest Committee for a Mountain Hi Swim League dual meet? (Policies & Procedures reference 14.13.3.1)

1 point

one Parent Delegate from each team, one S&T Judge from each team, and one coach from the opposing team that is not bringing the protest

one Parent Delegate from each team, one S&T Judge from each team, one coach from each team and the Meet Referee

one Coach from each team, one S&T Judge from each team and the Meet Referee

one Parent Delegate from each team, one S&T Judge from each team and the Meet Referee

Clear selection

34. What is the procedure that must be followed in the MHSL for disqualifying a 6 & Under swimmer in any meet? (Policies & Procedures references 9.5 and 9.7)
*

1 point

the Deck/Meet Referee must see in their total jurisdiction that the swimmer is making no attempt to perform the stroke properly and must signal a disqualification.

the Deck/Meet Referee must see the swimmer receive physical support or assistance from a coach who is in the swimmer’s lane for the purpose of providing verbal instruction and encouragement

the Deck/Meet Referee must acknowledge the call and accept it

the Deck/Meet Referee must sign the disqualification slip

all of the above

35. In an 8 & Under 25-meter Backstroke heat where only the manual backup watch times are available, the watch times for one lane are 24.2 and 25.08. Even the slower time (25.08) would put the swimmer in the first place for that heat. However, neither of the two Order of Finish reports have that swimmer finishing any earlier than third. How might that information be used in determining the official time and ranking? (Policies & Procedures reference 14.12.3.1.3 and Rules and Guidelines reference 15.3.2.2)
*

1 point

the swimmer’s time can be modified to be just a little slower than the third place finisher in that heat

the swimmer’s time can be determined by the watch time that the coach got for her swimmer if it places the swimmer in the same finish order as the order of finish report

having determined that a malfunction happened, the swimmer’s time can be adjusted according to the rules for timing malfunctions; if that does not correlate with the visual order of finish, then the adjusted time many be reported with a JD (Judges Decision) placed next to his official place as determined by the Order of Finish judging.

any of the above

36. At a dual meet, two Officials from the visiting team are calling a disproportionate number of calls. The coach of the home team complains to the Meet Referee about all the calls being made (without specifying any one Official) and suggests that the Officials be a little more lenient on the younger swimmers. What should the Meet Referee do? (Please review Rules and Guidelines references 4.1.2.4 and 4.2.1.5)
*

1 point

the Meet Referee should review the disqualifications made at the meet and discuss any concerns with the Officials

the Meet Referee should consider the positioning of the Officials to see if there is balance on the deck

the Meet Referee may spend some time unobtrusively observing all Officials to see if their understanding of the rules is correct

the Meet Referee should disregard the request of the coach to be lenient; the rules apply to all swimmers

all of the above

37. What must a swimmer do in an individual event in order to be eligible to set a record? (Rules and Guidelines reference 15.3.4)
*

1 point

the swimmer must have three watch times

the swimmer must have the fastest time in the heat

the swimmer must win the heat

all of the above

38. What should be covered during the Officials Briefing before the meet? *

1 point

Thank you for being here!

Stroke briefing

Lane jurisdiction and special directions for stepping up and back

Break times

Radio protocol (State your name, Possible DQ, Event, Heat, Lane, What was observed.)

Relay take off protocol for confirming early take offs

All of the above

39. What should be completed at the end of the meet? *

1 point

Thank all the officials and timers

Collect the Deck Ref and Starter sheets and turn them into the scoring table

Request a copy of the DQ Summary Report by Official be shared with officials@mhsl.org and Coaches

Email the Division Reps and/or Officials Chair with any questions, comments, concerns, celebrations, and/or feedback to share with other officials!

All of the above

40. If you get a question, comment, or concern you don't know how to address, what can you do? *

1 point

Check the Policies and Procedures

Check the Rules and Guidelines for Officials and Deck Staff

Call your Division Officials Rep

Call the Officials Chair

All of the above

On a scale of 1-5, how prepared do you feel to host a meet as a Referee? [1 = completely unprepared and 5 = fully prepared]

completely unprepared

fully prepared

Clear selection

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