SwimmingSA are excited to announce and congratulate Chris Ekins on his recent appointment as a Level 2 Referee. His journey as a Technical Official has been one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the sport.
Chris first became involved in officiating in 2011 when his son took up competitive swimming with Playford Aquatic. During a meet at the South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SAALC), he found himself unable to sit idle in the stands and wandered down to see if he could help. That moment sparked a journey that would lead him through various officiating roles, thanks in part to the encouragement of Dr. Phil Bowen, who promptly handed him a timing button and an Automated Officiating Equipment (AOE) computer. From there, Chris never looked back.
Throughout his officiating career, Chris has represented several clubs, including Playford Aquatic, Burnside, Kent Town, and Tea Tree Gully. Though his children have now completed their swimming journeys, Chris remains actively involved. He sees this as an opportunity to give back to a sport that has given so much to his family.
"If I can help one kid become a better athlete, a better competitor, or a better person, then that’s a contribution worth making. And the other officials doing this are a pretty good bunch too!"
Over the years, Chris has officiated at numerous meets, but a few stand out as particularly memorable. One such event was the 2015 Pacific School Games in Adelaide, where he qualified as a Marshall. The experience taught him an important lesson about anticipating the number of swimmers needing marshalling. A small oversight led to over 200 swimmers gathering in the marshalling corridor, creating an unforgettable (and incredibly loud) moment. Thanks to the assistance of a senior student who took control of the crowd, the meet stayed on schedule without losing a heat or a swimmer—just a bit of hearing!
Another highlight of Chris’ officiating career was the 2022 New Zealand National Age Championships. Attending as an Australian Level 1 Referee while supporting his daughter, he was warmly welcomed by the New Zealand officials. The experience gave him valuable insight into a different culture and officiating system, broadening his perspective on the sport.
With his recent promotion to Level 2 Referee, Chris Ekins continues to be an integral part of the swimming community. His journey serves as an inspiration to those looking to get involved in officiating. Whether it's supporting athletes, ensuring the smooth running of competitions, or sharing camaraderie with fellow officials, Chris remains dedicated to the sport he loves.
