Announcement of the World Aquatics Swimming Officials List (Pool & Open Water)
We are thrilled to congratulate our New Zealand technical officials, who have been recognised for their skills and dedication to our sport by being selected onto their respective World Aquatics Officials Lists.
World Aquatics has released the lists of officials eligible to be appointed to their pool and open water competitions. As part of their recent announcement, they have adjusted how the lists work by introducing a tiered system of those eligible to be appointed to World Aquatics competitions. There are now three levels (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) through which officials can progress as part of the global body's recognition of major appointments around the world.
World Aquatics Swimming Officials List
For the pool list, we have nine officials on the list, all at the newly formed bronze level. Congratulations to each of the following for their appointment
Name | Region | Position | Level |
Christine Cassin | Canterbury West Coast | Referee | Bronze |
Greg Forsythe | Wellington | Referee | Bronze |
Jacqui Forsythe | Wellington | Referee | Bronze |
Carlrine Gillespie | Northland & Auckland | Referee | Bronze |
Ross Gillespie | Northland & Auckland | Starter | Bronze |
Alan Hale | Otago | Starter | Bronze |
Gavin Ion | Waikato | Referee | Bronze |
Jo Russell | Canterbury West Coast | Starter | Bronze |
Ellie Sherwood | Bay of Plenty | Referee | Bronze |
In this list, Ellie Sherwood is the new addition who hasn’t previously been on a World Aquatics Swimming Officials List under any previous editions. Her opportunity on the World Aquatics Swimming Officials List is a deserved recognition of the standards she has set as a referee within New Zealand and abroad, where she has taken more opportunities in recent times, such as the 2024 Oceania Championships on the Gold Coast last April and the upcoming 2025 Mini Pacific Games in Palau.
Jacqui Forsythe, Carlrine Gillespie, and Jo Russell were the others who were renewed from the World Aquatics Swimming Officials List #21, which ended on 31 December 2024. The others listed above still had two years remaining on their selection on the World Aquatics Swimming Officials List #22, as this new model was introduced.
World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Officials List
We currently have five officials on the open water list, with four in the newly formed bronze level and one at gold level. Congratulations to each of the following for their appointment:
Name | Region | Level |
Ross Gillespie | Northland & Auckland | Bronze |
Celia Honiss | Northland & Auckland | Bronze |
Debra Mahony | Waikato | Bronze |
Paul Matson | Wellington | Bronze |
John West | Auckland | Gold |
SNZ Life Member John West is ranked gold level, whilst the remaining four are bronze and remain with two years remaining from their selection on the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming Officials List #15.
Other Notable Selections
We would also like to acknowledge Seuga Frost (Wellington) who has been selected as a starter representing Samoa on the World Aquatics Swimming Officials List.
Want to get involved in officiating?
There are so many benefits to being involved in our sport as a technical official. Not only is it the best seat in the house at swimming competitions and a way to support your club in the delivery of races, but officials gain crucial personal skills that complement development that benefit all parts of your life.
Learn more about how you can get involved as an official by checking out the useful information below and get started at your local swim club.
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