19th November, 2012
Oluremi Lawal, a resource person at the just concluded referees’ clinic organised by the Lagos State Swimming Association, has assured the public of competent officiating at the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF).
Lawal said that the referees had been thoroughly drilled on the application of the current rules and regulation at the clinic.
The clinic was held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium from 14-17 November with over 50 participants in attendance.
“Nothing but good officiating should be expected at the NSF because we have taken time to update the referees with current rules and regulations of swimming.
“The referees have been trained on the inspection of turns, judging of strokes and the importance of accurate time keeping.
“They have all performed well and I assure you that there will be no problem with officiating as far as swimming is concerned at the festival,” he told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.
Lawal added that in spite of the fact that they were already conversant with what to expect at the NSF, it was still mandatory for them to attend the programme.
“We have introduced the basic concept in officiating the breast stroke, back stroke, butterfly and free style events.
“One key note to take to mind is that a swimmer must break surface after 15 metres that is, a swimmer must come to the surface after swimming underwater within 15 metres.
“If he does not, then he would be disqualified because it is faster to swim underwater than on the surface,” he said.