Using the Technology

The USA Swim organization was started in 1888 under the name of Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). (USA Swimming, 2012) Since then, technology has changed dramatically and the USA Swim Organization has changed to keep pace. Today, the organization takes advantage of that technology to help train officials of all amateur swim events in the United States of America.

For example, they now offer access to the following aspects in an on-line format:

• Officials Tracking System - easy access to view and track Officials certification status
• Testing & National Certification - learn about the National Certification Program or take an On-line Test
• Education & Training - resources to advance your skills
• Applications & Forms - find record applications and print forms for your meets
• Recruitment, Retention & Reciprocity - review materials to promote the "profession" of officiating
• Recognition Programs - honoring outstanding officials

In addition to these aspects, they also take advantage of on line social media such as Facebook and Twitter accounts where people can follow the happenings of the USA Swim organization.

In terms of technological capabilities, the organization, though it uses modern technology, could benefit from more thought put into making better use of those technological capabilities. For example, their web-site is slow to load because of the use of videos embedded into the site, and though they offer application forms on line, they do not offer any training courses using the on line distance learning technologies that are widely available today.



References:

Officials. (2010). USA Swimming. Retrieved August 11, 2012, from http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1506&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en

USA Swimming. In (2012). Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Swimming

In the USA Swimming Organizations there possibly can be some upgrades or changes that are necessary to provide better technology integration for adult learners to have some opportunities.  The organization Olympic Swimming Officials maintains competitive and promising advantages as technology advance and integrates on a higher level.  The organization plans to make upgrades in their technology to approve the swimmers abilities in any sport. Integrating the new Web 2.0 and other technology tools into their training can help the organization focus on training, performance and quantitative performance, strength and motion. The tools can be used to expand the current training at the lever where the adult’s learners can receive both a synchronous and asynchronous distance learning.

Swimming Organization is using BMW to develop new motion tracking technology for Team USA Swimmers and develop it first-of-its-kind training technology for Olympic athletes.   The organizations goals it to help Americans long jumpers to jump further, provide quantitative analysis of swimmers starts and turns by using a motion tracking system, and advancing performance goals.  The simmers can participate in real-time discussions regarding swimming techniques. Also, use data to review the compatibility of the swimmer, training, speed, motion and their performance levels.

Reference:

USA Swimming. (2012). BMW Developing New Motion Tracking Technology for Team USA Swimmers. Retrieved on August 10, 2012 from http://www.usaswimming.org/ViewNewsArticle.aspx?TabId=0&itemid=4345&mid=8712

Managing The Technology

USA Swimming provides training and recertification for officials as well as coaches. The technology that was mentioned above is available online in various forms.  Most manuals and resources are offered in either Word or pdf format. There are a few, such as Foundations of Coaching, that are offered in DVD format that require ordering; however, all other forms of training are available through a link on the education and training or certification link.





A technology that USA Swimming uses is Team Unify. The TeamUnify platform is designed specifically for swimming and delivers centralized business process optimization that's easy to use. It offers many avenues that allow coaches to keep on top of all aspects of a swim team. The technology that applies the most would be SwimOffice which has its own email, attendance tracker, and record management.  The later is beneficial to keep track of what certifications and training each coach has or needs. 



References:

Education and Training. (2010). Retrieved August 9, 2012 from http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1508&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en

TeamUnify. (2012). Retrieved August 9, 2012 from http://www.teamunify.com/__corp__/

Technologies Currently in Use

USA Swimming offers several options for persons to keep connected with America's Swim Team by producing several publications and online capabilities options.  Members of the USA Swim team have access to the various publications which allows those to stay up-to-date with other members, swimming rule updates, upcoming events, and much more; officials and applicable officials could also take advantage of educational tips and resources through these publications.  USA Swimming specifically offers an E-Newsletter that is an online newsletter which allows team members and officials to obtain up-to-date on program information, events, and special offers.

USA Swimming also provides a Facebook page in which fans, team members, and officials can connect to join in on various conversations.

This organization has developed online testing and certification programs to ensure the consistency of officials to provide top-level officiating at meets nationwide.  The follow tests are currently available online for certification and re-certification:

• Administrative
• Clerk
• Referee
• Starter
• Stroke & Turn/Timer
• Timer
• Timing Judge
• Open Water Judge
• Open Water Referee
• Foundations of Coaching - DVD based
• Safety Training for Swim Coaches 

To apply for one of these online programs, one must print out a paper form of the test to prepare answers in which they will save and then start the online test when he/she is ready.  The test can be paused if need before submitting the completed test.  One can start where he/she left off at any moment.  This testing system automatically saves each answer anytime the "Next" or "Previous" button is clicked.

The USA Swimming Officials Committee’s goal is to provide all officials with the information, resources, and materials he/she needs to all be "on the same page" when it comes to officiating.  Therefore, if one has a comment or question that he/she would like to see discussed or answered, they welcome all emails.



Reference:

Officials. (2010). USA Swimming. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1506&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en