fina synchronised swimming manual for judges, coaches & referees

2009 – 2013 FINA SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING MANUALFOR JUDGES, COACHES & REFEREESMESSAGE FROM THE FINA PRESIDENTINTRODUCTIONIt is my great pleasure to introduce the FINA SynchronisedSwimming Manual for Judges, Coaches and Referees, apublication aimed to serve all those working on the developmentof this spectacular discipline worldwide.Synchronised swimming has progressed rapidly over the lastyears. In 2003, the launch of the Combination event in our WorldChampionships brought another dimension to this sport; in 2005,the approval of the new programme for the FINA WorldChampionships, “separating” the technical and free routines, ledto new challenges; in 2006, the creation of a FINA Synchronised Swimming WorldTrophy added an additional impact on the promotion of Synchronised Swimming; in2007, the launch of the FINA Judges School was also an important milestone in thehistory of this discipline; finally, in 2008 and 2009, the arrival of new countries to thepodium of our main competitions, and the establishment of new rules for scoring arepositive challenges for the entire of the Synchro family.Synchronised swimming is nowadays experiencing a huge enhancement in itspopularity, by attracting young athletes worldwide. The success and media impact ofthe competitions are also undoubtedly growing, thus increasing the interest inorganising more events at a local, national or international level. The preparation ofour coaches, the quality of judges and obviously the devotion of our swimmers arethe key of these achievements. Providing them this manual will enhance theassimilation and transmission of technical knowledge, basic tools in such ademanding discipline.I would like to thank the FINA Technical Synchronised Swimming Committee (TSSC)for putting together the information published in this Manual. I express my gratitudeto all the members of the TSSC for their hard work and devotion.For the Judges, Coaches and Referees, I am sure that this FINA SynchronisedSwimming Manual will be essential in the prosecution of your activities. Yourachievements are part of FINA’s global successful image and winning strategy.I wish you all a fruitful work.Dr. Julio C. MaglioneFINA President2009 – 2013 FINA Synchronised Swimming Manual for Judges, Coaches & Referees 5