The city of The Hague in the Netherlands together with the Royal Dutch Swimming Federation hosted a FINA Diving Judges Development School from September 30 to October 1.

26 local and 3 foreign judges from beginners to advanced level took part in the School which reviewed theoretical subjects and included pool training sessions too.

Pool session in The Hague (NED)

At the end of the two-day course, participants took a FINA-approved written exam in English which 15 of them successfully passed with 85% or more.

Lecture in The Hague (NED)

Earlier in the month of September, Diving Canada welcomed 39 participants, for the majority Canadians, but also from the U.S., Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Peru, in Victoria (CAN) for a three-day FINA Diving Certification School for Judges.

The Certification School, overviewed by FINA TDC Member Mathz Lindberg and FINA THDC Member Michael Geissbühler, kicked-off with an introduction to the pathway to become an elite FINA judge, before reviewing the new rules approved at the Technical Diving Congress in Budapest (HUN) on July 12.

Full classroom in Victoria (CAN)

Case studies were explored too with open discussion and working group. The last two days were dedicated to briefings and judging with a written test on September 28 and the results presented on September 29.

From September 21-22, the Japan Swimming Federation and FINA lecturer John West hosted in the country’s capital a FINA Open Water School.

33 participants from Japan, Singapore and Malaysia followed the course in English with Japanese translation at the Minato-ku Daiba Civic Centre in Odaiba – the exact venue where the Marathon Swimming competition will be held during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Feedback from the School was very good, with lots of interaction and challenging questions from the participants. Time was taken throughout the School for participants interaction and dialogue.

A practical session was held at the conclusion of the School, with the Japanese 10km National Championships held on the morning of September 24.

Concepts acquired from the School were applied in the Team Managers meeting and during the competition.

As part of its long-term development vision for Aquatic sports, FINA continues to support various Schools and Clinics throughout the years across the globe in its pursue to better promote the six disciplines it governs and provide a platform for people wishing to become involved professionally in Aquatic.