A message to all our swimmers,

From us Officials all in white,

We’re really not that bad you know,

We just have to do what’s right.

Mostly, we’re just PARENTS,

Who want to see all Swim well,

We hate spotting a DQ!

As the Referee we must tell.

Here are just a few of the things,

That fill us Officials with DREAD,

Especially for younger swimmers,

Who, close to the mark sometimes tread.

Backstroke can cause a classic mistake,

Of turning far too EARLY.

Our hearts will sink if arms stay still,

DQ triggered : soooo unlucky.

Breaststroke also tests our nerve,

As we watch for a touch with both hands,

Sometimes it’s also hard to see,

If a SIMULTANEOUS touch lands…

RELAYS can be ultra stressful,

With takeovers being on show,

The swimmers have to touch the wall,

Before the next swimmer goes.

As the Swimmer gets older,

Their mistakes get fewer by far,

We know a DQ is frustrating,

As they set themselves a very high bar.

BUT IT’s all part of LEARNING!

From every mistake they’ve made,

And a better swimmer they will be,

With STRONGER FOUNDATIONS laid.

SO. We’re really not that bad you know,

We only do what’s right,

We really enjoy the swimming

(But NOT the dressing in white 😂).