John Tripp (Hart SC)
Regional President 2022 – 2023
I was born in the county of Middlesex and brought up in Sunbury-on-Thames. Both my father and Uncle were strong swimmers, the latter swimming at county level in Kent. I learnt to swim, at the old Staines pool in Knowle Green, in the late 1960s but have never shown any great ability!
I became involved in competitive swimming when my three younger children were club members at Hart Swimming Club from 2006 onward. Unable to sit and watch proceedings, I volunteered for timekeeper training and, before I had time to think, I had been signed up as a Judge Level 1 trainee. I went on to qualify as a referee in 2011.
As our children progressed, my wife and I enjoyed many glamourous summer holidays in Sheffield and beyond and I recently had the great pleasure of officiating at the Bracknell and Wokingham Masters’ meet where my now, not so little, daughters were competing together for the first time in many years.
I was chairman of Hart for several years and now support the club as President, official’s course leader and provide health and safety and risk assessment advice. My other ‘hats’ include President and management committee member of Hampshire County Swimming Association and Referee Course Leader.
I always enjoy officiating at events and especially when mentoring new volunteers. For anyone considering becoming a volunteer official, I can most thoroughly recommend it as a great way to become involved and get a close-up view of the action on poolside.
