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| From the Deck: The Ideal Swimming Parent Hi. I am Frank Magnanelli, and my son, Joe, is a new member of the Hydrosonic Tiburones Swim Club, along with my wife, Susan, and daughter, Kim, who is a senior collegiate National Champion swimmer at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. We have known Jorge and Beth for several years as coaches and friends. We are delighted to be on the team. Not one to sit in the stands during swim meets, years ago I became a certified USA Swimming Official and I am currently a PVS Referee. Because there is only one other certified official in our club at the present time, Scott Summers, a Stroke and Turn Judge, I am the club's PVS Officials Chairperson by seniority. One of the duties of that title is to recruit new officials. At the present time, PVS is experiencing a situation where we are losing more experienced officials than we are gaining new ones. This is an Olympic year and with all the success of USA swimmers, we anticipate there will be an influx of new athletes in PVS that will tax the existing shortfall of officials. It is important to have an ample number of officials at every meet so as to provide the best swimming venue for our kids who work very hard at practice in anticipation of swimming competetively at their meets. So I am asking all TIBU parents to consider becoming a certified official. While we are not paid for volunteering our time, the rewards are many. The PVS officials population is comprised of some great people who would welcome the opportunity to train, work with, and mentor you as a new official. Officials obviously have the best view of every event and really make a difference in the quality and fairness of every meet. It is a great way to learn intimately about our sport and make a direct contribution to your child's swimming success. All are welcome to sign up for a clinic and begin the on deck training under the mentorship of your more experienced officiating colleagues. It is easy to become a PVS official. First attend a Stroke and Turn clinic. The schedules and locations may be found at the PVS website at http://www.pvswim.org. Click on PVS Committees. Next click on PVS Officials Committees, and then click on PVS Officials Clinics. There are three remaining Stroke and Turn clinics on October 9, 10, and 16 at the Herndon Community Center in Herndon, VA. You will find directions to the Center on the website. It will be worthwhile to attend the session to get started in your new volunteer career. Please consider becoming a certified PVS official. We need you. Please e-mail me at fmagnum3@comcast.net if you have any questions about becoming an PVS official. You will be helping your child, the Tiburones, and PVS. Thanks. See you on deck!--------FM |
