We would like to congratulate Jackie Beard-Jones on her selection for the latest FINA Swimming Officials list.
Jackie has volunteered her time, dedication and commitment to SM for the last 12 years and is a valued member of our team. Clubs rely on people like Jackie who consistently go the extra mile for the benefit of the team.
Jackie’s journey to becoming an official started back in 2007 when she was sat in the balcony watching Ciaran compete in our ‘Mini Meet’ development series. Malcolm Green, our junior coach at the time, encouraged her to get involved and come down and help on poolside. Jackie decided to do a timekeeper’s course to help the club out and qualified as a J1 official in 2008.
Jackie worked through her Officials qualifications to become a referee in 2012. Our Mini Meet series was designed to develop junior swimmers in the area with an introduction to competition. It was also designed to develop volunteers and officials. Over the last 12 years Jackie has been instrumental in the running of our 6 Mini Meets and 2 Open Meets as our Officials Coordinator.
Jackie helps train new officials at SM and regionally as Cheshire County Officials Coordinator. A big thank you also goes to Lesley Fawkes SM/Marple SC who also trains and mentors our officials and has done for many years!
Jackie has officiated at National Events since 2011. At 2013 National Championships she stepped up to assist when a referee had to pull out which led her to go on to be accepted on to the ‘British Swimming Officials Referee’s Development Programme’ between 2014 to 2019 which provided opportunities of refereeing National events.
After successfully completing the development programme, Jackie applied and was successful in being nominated by British Swimming to become a FINA official and has recently had confirmation that she is one of 5 officials in Britain to be selected for 2021-2024 FINA Officials List.
Jackie has already officiated at the UK Schools Games, Nationals, British Champs, Inter County Champs and British Masters. This FINA selection will give her the opportunity for International selection at LEN and FINA events and major games such as the Europeans, Worlds and the Olympic Games.
Congratulations Jackie! Thoroughly well-deserved. Thank you for everything!
If Jackie’s story has inspired you to get involved and help on poolside click on the link in the attached British Swimming article and it will take you directly to the Officials page.
Julie Bennett
Chairman