To carry competitions in the best possible way, FINA can count on Officials for its five aquatic disciplines. Officials are referees, starters, judges, coaches, managers, trainers, chaperons, etc. who make sure to provide athletes with the best conditions during competition, be it for warm-up session, training, or while events are taking place. To keep Officials informed of new rules and regulations in their respective discipline, FINA regularly organises world seminars.
The third FINA World Synchronised Swimming Coaches and Judges Seminar took place in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) on February 17-19 2006 where 70 participants from 24 countries attended. The first FINA World Open Water Swimming Seminar was held in Naples (ITA) on August 30, 2006, with 39 participants from 16 countries.
On October 13-14 2006, the seventh FINA World Swimming Officials Seminar brought together 92 participants from 42 countries in Singapore (SIN). The first FINA World Diving Seminar held in Athens (GRE) on November 10-12 2006 counted 127 participants from32 countries. And the eighth FINA World Swimming Officials Seminar in Beijing (CHN) on January 27-28 2008 had 98 participants from 43 countries.