Swimming WA recognises the commitment of volunteer Technical Officials, who dedicate countless hours to the sport. Western Australia has a strong history in producing high-level Technical Officials, with many officiating at national and international levels.
The scholarship's namesake, Bob Bestman, was the highest-ranking Technical official in WA throughout the 1950s, having officiated for swimming events at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
To continue to provide opportunities for developing Technical officials to achieve this level, the Swimming WA Bob Bestman Officials Scholarship has been created.
Bob Bestman Scholarship Information
- Scholarship Aims
- Attaining further Swimming Australia officiating qualifications
- Attending professional development initiative which enhances their officiating knowledge and skills
- Travel costs associated with officiating at an intrastate/interstate competition which enhances their officiating knowledge, confidence and skills whilst furthering their officiating experience.
- Scholarship Application Information - NOW OPEN
- Past Recipients
- Taleisha Hurford, South Shore Swimming Club, 2023-2024
- Ron Romeo, Southlake Dolphins, 2023-2024
- Maricel Van de Nadort, Central Aquatic Swimming Club, 2023-2024
- Julia Blandford, Bunbury Swimming Club, 2022-2023
- Karen Davies, Mandurah Swimming Club, 2022-2023
- Mhairi Doherty, Canning Districts Swimming Club, 2022-2023
The aim of the scholarship is to continue to encourage Technical Officials to develop their skills along the pool or open water officiating pathway, for the benefit of swimming in WA.
Technical Officials who apply for this scholarship will need to showcase their desire to continue their development and demonstrate their dedication to become a national and international level official. This scholarship can be used towards any of the following.
Scholarship holders will report back to Swimming WA. This report will be shared with the Technical Education and Officials Committee and the TO Social Group, providing updates on progress and experiences throughout the scholarship period.
Criteria and Process:
Applications close strictly 8am Monday October 14
