If you’ve spent time at swim meets across Wide Bay, chances are you’ve seen Shane Templeton on pool deck — calm, composed, and wearing the white uniform of a Technical Official. But what you might not know is that Shane only started TO-ing because someone tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Come walk with me.”
Based in Gympie, Shane and his wife Julie have been immersed in swimming for over 14 years, beginning with their local club at Eumundi. All three of their kids have swum competitively — including their youngest, Blake, who’s now training at St Andrew’s and eyeing off the 2032 Olympic Games.
“We’re all in,” Shane says of the daily 90-minute round trip commute and the full-family commitment that comes with supporting a high-performing swimmer. But it’s also what opened the door to TO-ing. Long-time official Malcolm Lee encouraged Shane to give starting a try. “He mentored me gently into it,” Shane recalls. “That made a big difference. It wasn’t scary — just gradual and supportive.”
Shane’s TO journey began as a Starter, then shadowing other officials, and eventually stepping up to Referee — including, most recently, Head Referee at Good Life. “I was nervous,” Shane admits, “but I had a great team around me, and we supported each other.” He says communication and mutual respect were key.
He’s also quick to acknowledge the vital support network behind the scenes. From mentoring and online learning to face-to-face workshops with Swimming Queensland, Shane says, “You’re always learning. But the number one rule they drill into you? Always give the swimmer the benefit of the doubt.”
And yes — DQs can be tough. “You never want to disqualify a child,” he says. “But it’s not personal. They disqualify themselves by stepping outside the rules. Our job is to keep the playing field level.”
Shane credits the swimming community as one of the biggest rewards of the role. “The kids get to know you. Parents appreciate what you do. And just hearing a thank you when you’re out there in the sun or rain — it really means something.”
So, would he recommend becoming a TO? “Absolutely. Just talk to one of us. Walk alongside, see what it’s about. You don’t have to do everything — just find where you fit.”
Oh, and don’t be fooled by his modesty. When he’s not running a swim meet, Shane’s running a family farm — managing over 150 employees across ginger, cattle, and sugarcane operations. “It’s definitely people management,” he laughs. “And some days I’m better at it than others!”
One thing’s for sure — Wide Bay swimming is better for having Shane in our corner.
Become a Technical Official
For information on becoming a technical official like Romey, contact traineeto@swimmingwidebay.org.au on how you can start your training journey.
