Competition Swimming
Competition swimming is considered a top sport in the Netherlands where swimmers such as Pieter van den Hoogenband, Inge de Bruijn, and Ranomi Kromowidjojo have brought home Olympic success.[2] All Dutch swimming records are ratified by the KNZB. Virtually all swim clubs of the Netherlands are member of the KNZB. Membership benefits include the right to participate in competitions, discounts to attend courses and liability insurance.[3]
Competitions
There are two national competitions that the KNZB governs. They are:
- National Swim Competition
- KNZB Long Distance Circuit
The objective of the National Swim Competition is for all swim clubs affiliated with the KNZB to participate in a competition against other KNZB clubs with more or less equal strength.
The KNZB Long Distance Circuit is designed to simulate swimming over an extended length. The competition promotes swimmers to practice longer distances. Simplified regulations for the individual makes the competition more attractive. [4]
Officials
In order to keep the games fair, all judges are trained under the material of the KNZB. This system uses a ladder style chart for grading officials. Where officials must meet certain requirements before they can move to the next level.[5]
| Official | Qualification | Rights |
| Referee | 1 | The official holds the head power to the game. The official has the ability to disqualify participants and impose sanctions if necessary. In order to obtain this qualification, one must first obtain the 3, J and K qualifications. |
| Starter | 2 | The starter blows the whistle to start a race The official has the ability to call a false start. In order to obtain this qualification the person must be of 16 years of older. |
| Umpire | K | The official checks that all swimmers follow the regulations by walking alongside the swimmers. In order to obtain this qualification, one must first obtain the 3 and J qualifications. |
| Jury Secretary | J | The official processes the swum times into the computer and ensures the timers are working properly. In order to obtain this qualification the person must be of 16 years of older. |
| Turn Commissioner Time Keeper |
3 | An official with qualification 3 may function in both international and national competitions. In order to obtain this qualification, one must hold qualification 4 for over one year and have officiated 10 competitions or more. obtain the 3 and J qualifications. |
| 4 | The official checks that all swimmers follow the regulations on the turn. In order to obtain this qualification the person must be of 16 years of older at the time of the exam. | |
| Based on competition regulations (revised June 2011) | ||
