How do I volunteer as a timekeeper at galas?

Timekeeper is the first of the five levels of swimming technical official.

• Who can train: registered members of a Swim England affiliated club (parents are Club Support members) or members of the Institute of Swimming. The recommended minimum age is 14.
• Training: a short theory session (often run at clubs, and available online), then a practical assessment at a gala, signed off by a licensed referee or Judge Level 2S.
• On poolside: each timekeeper times the swimmer in their assigned lane, starting the watch at the starting signal and stopping it when the swimmer completes the race, then records the time on the lane card for the chief timekeeper.

From timekeeper you can progress to Judge Level 1 (from age 15), Judge Level 2 (from 16), Judge Level 2S (Starter) and Referee.