Antonio Silva, President of European Aquatics, has hailed the “monumental” achievement represented by the launch of the European Aquatics Academy’s dedicated site – the Digital Education Platform – which this weekend hosted its first clinic.
Speaking at the launch of the three-day online Open Water Swimming clinic for judges and officials, President Silva underscored the essential role of education in maintaining and enhancing the integrity of aquatic sports.
He also acknowledged the exceptional work of the technical committee in organising the event.
“This platform represents a monumental step forward for European Aquatics,” he told the 58 participants from across Europe.“It embodies our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and the continuous development of our community”.
Daniel Marinho, project manager of the European Aquatics Academy, told European Aquatics: “This clinic was our first initiative in the new educational platform. It was a very positive workshop that allowed us to gather officials from all over Europe.
“A special thank you goes to the technical committee members and the lecturers (Andreas Prayer and Bastian Esefeld) for all the support and enthusiasm during the presentation and discussions.”
The clinic featured a comprehensive agenda tailored to address all aspects of officiating.
Day one concentrated on the foundational roles of officials in competitions, including the duties of the Course Officer, Starter, Clerk of Course, Referee, Chief Referee, and Safety Officer. These sessions emphasised the critical responsibilities and coordination required to ensure the smooth operation of events.
Day two shifted to race management and compliance, exploring topics such as infringements, disqualifications, protests, and the application of European Aquatics rules in official events.
The third and final day focused on practical applications, with an in-depth look at timing and placing procedures supported by examples and self-study exercises. The programme concluded with a referee test, reinforcing the participants’ understanding and readiness to officiate at high standards.
The sessions were led by distinguished lecturers Andreas Prayer and Bastian Esefeld, whose expertise and engaging teaching style created a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Their presentations not only covered theoretical knowledge but also included practical insights and lively discussions, ensuring participants could confidently apply what they learned.
This inaugural clinic also showcased the transformative potential of the Academy’s Digital Education Platform.
Designed to revolutionise aquatic sports education, the platform offers live webinars, interactive modules, and on-demand resources, providing participants with accessible and flexible professional development opportunities.
Its success reflects the Academy’s dedication to innovation, inclusivity and excellence in aquatic sports.
As the European Aquatics Academy continues to expand its educational offerings, the Open Water Officials Clinic stands as a testament to its commitment to equipping officials with the knowledge and skills to elevate open water swimming across the continent. For more information about future clinics and courses, visit eaacademy.eu.