Long Island Swimming Officials Association  
Serving Long Island Swimmers and Divers since 1957
 April 2020
I hope everyone is doing okay as we continue to remain quarantined in our homes. In my contact with many of you, I am hearing encouraging stories of your activities (or non-activities) during this forced isolation - afternoon drives to parks (staying inside the vehicle with the windows up), neighbors and family members doing your grocery shopping for you, reading more, chopping wood, keeping in touch with each other by phone and social media. My calls have been primarily to those of us that are older and/or do not have someone living with them.

One day a week I have been going to my office (wearing gloves and a face mask). The other six days have been outside clearing about an acre of brush, taking care of now seven-week-old chickens and ducks - building a duck house and a chicken pen, organizing my work shop and garage, doing puzzles, reading, cooking and baking.

My college basketball coach from 45 years ago called me to see how I was doing. Norm Law, lives in Pittsburgh where he finished his career as an assistant with the Panthers and said he looks at our Hall of Fame, Final Four picture in his office every day and wanted to call the ten of us to see if we were safe. If you are wondering how any of our members is handling this situation, you have a copy of our roster with their phone number, you'll both be glad if you call.

Thank you,
George Fleckenstein
President
Let’s Gain New Appreciation for Officials During Down Time

By Dr. Karissa Niehof, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).


While we anxiously await the re-opening of schools and a return of high school sports, this down time can be used in positive ways to take advantage of educational opportunities – as the men and women who officiate high school sports. Kudos to...

Read more
www.nfhs.org
2020 High School Swimming/Diving Rules Changes
Clarify Proper Race Finish, Official Timing Procedures
By Sandy Searcy, NFHS April 2020


Providing more clarity on a proper race finish and official timing procedures are among the noteworthy high school swimming and diving rules changes for the 2020-21 school year.

These topics were among those discussed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee at its annual meeting March 22-23, where a total of six rules changes were recommended for approval. The rules meeting was held in an online format to comply with current health safety guidelines. All recommendations were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

Rule 1-1-1 was edited to profile the end wall in more detail. Previously described as “the walls perpendicular to the race course,” the new definition broadens the term to include “the vertical portion of the pool, contiguous surface of the deck and overflow gutter, the front of the starting block or platform, or the touchpad at the end of the course.”

“This additional language provides clarity on what constitutes the end wall,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the Swimming and Diving Rules Committee. “The 2019-20 rules book changed the definition of the finish of the race by permitting the swimmer to finish at the end wall, not the touchpad. That change necessitated a more concise definition of the end wall.”

The end wall was also referenced in the change to Rule 6-3-2 , which specified acceptable methods for measuring “official” times. When a legal touch is made with the end wall to signify a legal finish, buttons and/or stopwatches, which are commonly used for backup timin
g, are now explicitly listed as alternatives to touchpads.

Clarity to the usage of backup timing devices was also addressed in a change to Rule 6-3-4 . Whereas official times could previously only be taken from backup mechanisms in the event of a malfunction to the automatic timing equipment, the rule’s new language was written to incorporate all other instances where an official time is not properly recorded.

“This rule change more accurately describes the protocol for determining an official time when the competitor contacts the end wall and not the touchpad,” Searcy said. “Backup buttons or stopwatches may need to be used in situations where the swimmer does not activate the touchpad or the touchpad malfunctions . This phrase clarifies conditions when the swimmer does not touch the touchpad initially.”

New articles were added to Rules 1-4-5 and 1-4-6 to differentiate the terms diving “round” from diving “session” and bring consistency to those definitions. Used frequently throughout Rule 9 of the rules book, a diving session refers to one of the various levels – preliminary, semifinal and final – within an 11-dive competition, while a diving round is the completion of one dive by each participant. Additionally, divers are now permitted to practice in between diving sessions at the discretion of meet management.

Alterations were made to the uniform code under Rules 3-3-3 and 3-3-4c regarding accepted and prohibited manufacturers’ logos . In addition to the mark signifying approval from the international governing body for aquatic sports, FINA, the USA Swimming checkmark logo is now considered an acceptable suit marking .

“This rule is a clarification of what the swimming community may see on suits this fall as a result of a rule change made by USA Swimming,” Searcy said. “A small checkmark will be positioned next to the FINA marking on some suits and is not considered as an additional manufacturer’s logo or advertising.”

Finally, headings were added to Rules 9-3-3 and 9-3-5 to help explain the two-step process for entering divers at championship meets . The process includes entering the divers and swimmers’ first and last names, events and school affiliations onto an official team entry document, and then submitting the document at the time and place specified by the meet manager. Subsequently, divers will submit a scoresheet/dive list to complete the process of their entry into the diving event.

             According to the 2018-19 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, swimming and diving is the 10 th -most popular sport for boys with 136,638 participants in 7,704 schools, and the eighth-most popular sport for girls with 173,088 participants in 8,007 schools . 

SPRING SEASON SPORTS ARE CANCELLED IN BOTH SECTIONS.
diving-board.jpg
Things Every Diving Judge Should Know...
...it is important to hear the announcer read the dive and dive description in order to develop a
mental picture of the dive to be completed. Begin judging the dive when the starting position has
been established and do not stop judging the dive until the diver has passed below the surface
of the water. Once the dive is completed, select a score quickly without consulting another diving
judge. If there is an error in a score read by the announcer, immediately bring it to the attention
of the diving referee.
TO:     Sports’ Presidents/OCC Reps
FROM: Frank A. Nocerino
           OCC President
RE:      Section VIII Update

            I hope you and your family are doing well during this tough and trying time.
           During this disruptive time, it is important to keep you updated on any matters concerning OCC and Section VIII. Due to the uncertain lift on social distancing, I am cancelling the OCC meeting for April 29, 2020. If any important updates become available, I have the ability to set up a virtual meeting.

            Please be advised I have been in contact with Executive Director Pat Pizzarelli and he has advised me that the Spring Sports season has been cancelled.
       As of now there is no information at this time on the upcoming Fall season.
 
           In the meantime, I have forwarded all Winter turn-backs to Pat Pizzarreli. Pat and I will review any remaining turn-backs for payment. Currently BOCES is operating with a limited staff. Only one person from Section VIII can be present in the office on a daily basis to work on some accounting matters. BOCES also has staff on a limited basis in the accounting department to process some important matters. Please be patient with the staff at Section VIII. As soon as the staff increases, the winter payments and remaining turn-backs will be distributed. Please do not contact Jay or Grace.           

           Keep in mind that as soon as I receive any new information, I will share it with you as soon as possible. We are living through unprecedented times and we will get through this together. Stay safe and healthy and may God bless you and your families.
NFHS ONLINE COURSES FREE UNTIL JULY

Why Officials take NFHSLearn Courses?

Leadership
Improve the learning experience and skill development of the students who participate
Certificate
Receive a certificate that signifies completion of content covering critical topics
Assurance
School district and parents will know that you are educated about the legal responsibilities associated with coaching at the interscholastic level
Professional
Receive a sense of pride and professional pride by completing nationally recognized coursework and certifications
Skill Building
Learners at any level of proficiency can improve key skills
Health & Safety
Reminders and key information on critical health and safety topics to help keep students as safe as possible
Growth
Learning about or improving on guidelines and standards is a key to continued success
Convenient
Self-paced, online learning that you can learn from anywhere on any device

FREE UNTIL JULY!

CLICK HERE and then at "All Sports" choose "Swimming and Diving"
Home Workout For Sports Officials
By  Referee  Magazine - April 2020
Coach Duane Carlisle

Staying in shape while socially isolating is not easy. But a good workout doesn’t have to happen in a gym. You can get a full body workout in the comfort of your home.

Coach Duane Carlisle, fitness coach for NFL officials and founder of Carlisle Performance Systems, sent us a fast, easy workout you can do at home. Use it to stay active, stay strong and most importantly, stay ready for when play begins again. It’s a lot easier to stay ready than to have to “get” ready on short notice.

This is a circuit workout. Follow Coach Carlisle through the first set and pause if you need time to rest or more time to do an exercise. At the end of the video, rewind to the beginning and do the set again. You’ll go through three circuits total.



We want to keep you at your best so that when life goes back to normal, whatever that looks like, you’re ready to hit the field at your best and with no lag time.
Easy Cheesy - the ultimate comfort food
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
from COSTCO CONNECTION

W hat’s melted and crisp and as appealing to children as to adults? A grilled cheese sandwich, of course. With near-endless combinations of cheese, bread and accouterments, a grilled cheese sandwich can run the gamut from bare-bones simple to downright fancy.

A variety of cultures have had their own version of this cheesy comfort food for ages: croque-monsieurs in France, cheesy quesadillas in Mexico and paninis in Italy. There’s even some evidence that ancient Romans enjoyed bread covered with melted cheese.
While it’s unclear who first made the modern interpretation, James Kraft’s 1916 patent for processed American cheese and Otto Frederick Rohwedder’s 1920s invention of the commercial bread slicer propelled the popularity of the grilled cheese sandwich. In fact, a cookbook published in 1944 includes a recipe for a broiled sandwich with “American Cheese Filling” served during World War II. Early 20th-century versions were called “melted cheese” or “toasted cheese” sandwiches, though now it’s usually accepted that a “toasted cheese” sandwich is open-faced, sans butter and melted under a broiler or in a toaster oven.

While young palates might prefer the most basic white-bread-and-American-cheese version, restaurants and creative home cooks have come up with all sorts of inventive favorites.

Three-Cheese “Grown-Up” Grilled Cheese
Matt McMillin, director of culinary and beverage innovation at Chicago-based Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, serves it with a bowl of rich tomato soup.

Blend two slices of easy-melt cheeses with tangy, creamy pimento cheese in the center to make this decadent version of a classic.

2 slices brioche bread
1 slice Gouda
2 Tbsp pimento cheese (homemade or prepared)
1 slice American cheese
½ Tbsp butter, softened

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Top 1 slice of bread with Gouda, then evenly spread on pimento cheese. Top with American cheese and remaining slice of bread. Spread butter evenly on exterior sides of the bread. Place sandwich in the heated pan. Cook until bottom is browned, about 3 minutes. Flip sandwich over, pressing gently. Cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden-brown, about 2 minutes. Halve and serve. Makes 1 serving.

Experiment: Start with the basics and throw in a few creative twists that sound good. “There are no rules,” says the chef, adding that he prefers butter to mayonnaise to achieve the perfect golden-brown exterior.

Part of the allure of the humble grilled cheese sandwich is the simplicity of its ingredients—no matter how bare one’s pantry gets, bread, butter and cheese are usually available—and the wide variety of methods for achieving the toasted outside and gooey interior. Whether you choose a skillet, panini press, waffle iron, sandwich grill or air fryer, it’s easy to achieve the desired result. (In a pinch, many have discovered the utility of a clothes iron.) Easy to make and comforting, the grilled cheese sandwich might just be the perfect food.

BUILD YOUR OWN PERFECT GRILLED CHEESE
Your perfect grilled cheese sandwich is limited only by your imagination. Whether you stay standard or go a little wild, let this handy list inspire you.

Bread (pick 1)
Focaccia
Sourdough
Brioche
Whole wheat
White
Rye
Cheese (pick 1 to 3)
American cheese
Cheddar
Gouda
Fontina
Mozzarella
Swiss
Pepper jack
Brie
Provolone
Add-ins (pick 1 or 2)
Fig jam
Sun-dried tomatoes
Bacon
Caramelized onions
Granny Smith apples, (thinly sliced)
Prosciutto
Fresh basil
Fried egg
Shredded brisket
Pickles
Sandwich success
Follow these tips for grilled cheese perfection.
  • Don’t overload your sandwich. You want it to be full enough to be flavorful, but not so thick that the cheese won’t melt by the time the bread is toasted.
  • Choose add-ins with low moisture content to avoid soggy bread.
  • Use softened butter or mayonnaise to coat the outer layer of bread before you grill it.

Jennifer Bradley Franklin (jenniferbradleyfranklin.com) is an Atlanta-based food, travel and lifestyle writer.
KEY POINTS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING OFFICIALS 

All swimming officials must remember their primary purposes when on deck. Officials shall conduct the meet in a professional manner, assure compliance with the NFHS rules and assure that no competitor has an unfair advantage. Officials shall remain mindful of the inherent risk of injury that competition poses to student athletes. Where appropriate, they shall inform event management of conditions or situations that appear unreasonably hazardous.

liswimofficials.com
The purpose and goals of the LISOA and its members shall be to:   
  • Officiate all meets in a competent and professional manner.
  • Have its members actively work to improve interscholastic swimming and diving officiating.
  • Provide a consistent interpretation and administration of interscholastic swimming and diving rules.
  • Service and collaborate with the swimming and diving community for the improvement of swimming and diving.
OUR OFFICERS
President:
George Fleckenstein
Vice President:
Ray Willie
Secretary:
Chris Zimmet
Treasurer:
Barbara Wendt
Directors:
Doug Virkus
Larry Wachter
Rules Interpreter:
Bob Kersch
Past President:
Frank Dowd
OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS (1957)

Charlie Schlegal
George Columbo
Jim McAllister
Dick Atwater
Jack Reilly
Frank Krayer
NYSCSO Distinguished Service Award Members

Bob Kersch (1990)
Stan Adler (1993)
Pete Moeschen (2004)
Mush Masters (2008)
Doug Virkus (2011)
Jim McAllister (2019)