THE REFEREE If there be one thing more than another that causes dis putes among clubs, it is the appointment of inefficient referees. A referee should be cool and impartial, of known capability, and thoroughly self-confident. Unless he be the latter he is not of much use, as his decisions will be given with hesitation, and frequently objected to.
A referee should first of all satisfy himself that the ball is of the proper size, that the dimensions of the goal:posts are correct, and that they are fixed at least one foot from the end of the bath or any other obstruction. He should then check the depth of the water, and measure the length and width of the field of play, taking care that the four yards lines and half distance are marked by some visible objects.
After this he should ascertain that the captains have agreed upon all preliminaries, if not, give a decision as the rules allow him to do, and insist upon all players wearing distinctive coloured caps, as well as otherwise conforming to the rules. Particular care should be taken by him that the officials are in their places, and that the goal-scorers are informed that their duties are to signify by means of a flag when the entire ball has passed beyond the goal-posts and under the bar, no matter how passed through, as well as to keep the scores at their respective ends. Before starting the game he should see that the goal-scorers are provided with flags, and be careful to have A proper timekeeper who is thoroughly conversant with the rules. If possible, one side of the field of play should be clear, so as to permit the referee to follow the game from one end of the course to the other.
The absolute control of the game is in the hands of the referee. All cases of misconduct by players should be reported by him to the district association, so that they may be dealt with in accordance with the rules governing meetings, and further, any swimmer who may interfere with or insult the referee during the game, or after, should be reported.
The following hints for referees are now issued by the International Board.
(a) (Rules i and 2, 4 and 5). See that the ball is of proper size and in accordance with Rule 1. See that the dimensions or the goal posts are correct, and that they are fixed at least one clear foot from the end of the bath or any obstruction. Check depth of water, and measure the length and width of the field of play. See that the half-way line and the penalty line at each end are clearly defined on both sides of the bath by towels or other visible mark.
N.B.—In Internatiorial contests good nets are compulsory. They simplify the work of the referee, and should be used in all matches where practicable.
(b) (Rule 3). Distinctive coloured caps, as per Rule 3, should in every case be enforced. The goal-keeper must always wear a red cap.
(c) (Rule 6). Be careful to have a proper time-keeper who is thoroughly conversant with the rules. An ordinary stop watch is the only one with which the time can be accurately taken. Note that when a goal has been scored, the time from the scoring of the goal to the re-starting of the game, and time occupied in disputes or fouls, must not be reckoned in the time of play.
(d) (Rule 8). The absolute control of the game is in the hands of the referee. All cases of misconduct by players should be reported to the committee having control of the competition, so that they may be dealt with by the governing body. Further, any swimmer who may interfere with or insult the referee, either during or after the game, should also be reported.
The referee should, if possible, have one side of the field of play kept clear so as to be able to follow the game from end to end of the bath.
(e) (Rule 9). See that the goal scorers are in their places, and instruct them that their duties are to signify, by means of a flag, when the entire ball has passed between the uprights and under the cross-bar (no matter how passed through), and to keep the scores of each team at their respective ends.