This month is MONIQUE. Monique is one of the hidden heroes of our Club. As well as being a swimming parent, Monique is a technical official and as you will read below, is a lady of many talents! Give Monique a wave if you see her on pool deck at a meet and let us know if you would like to join her. Read more….
Name: Monique Phillips
Day job: Retail Operations Manager
How long have you been an official? 5 years
Were you/are you a swimmer yourself? If yes, what was your favourite event or stroke?: Yes , I was a swimmer and my main stroke was Breaststroke.
Fave role in officiating: I don’t have a favourite role, I truly love them all.
Why did you want to become an official: I was bored in the grandstands.
I first started officiating because I wanted to become more involved in what my kids chose to do. It is very rewarding and love seeing the juniors learn the different aspects of whistles and the rules regarding swimming. I soon learned that without officials, swimming meets can not take place and they are a crucial part of the sport. If you would like to get involved and have a front seat to the races please come forward, you won’t regret it. I love it!
The worst thing about officiating and worst position to be in: Having to DQ kids when they do a mistake. IOT (inspector of turns – end of the pool) is the worst position, especially when the in the butterfly as I think everybody tries to hit the wall as hard with two hands as possible to splash the official.
Fun fact most people in the club don’t know about me: I was a national golfer.
Best thing to do outside of swimming: I love baking
