Tony Smith – 1941 – 2022

Monday 17 October 2022

On Saturday 13th October we sadly received the news that Tony Smith passed away peacefully in hospital at 6.15am.

Tony was a dedicated volunteer in a number of roles for well in excess of 30 years. His roles included Treasurer of Norwich Penguins, now City of Norwich Swimming Club. He was an extremely active official and as a British Swimming Referee, acted as lead referee for all of Norfolk’s County Galas up to 2019, and many Level 1, 2 & 3 Galas not only for his club but for other Norfolk Clubs. At one time he was one of only 3 qualified referees in Norfolk.

For 25 years he was Assistant Honorary Secretary for Norfolk County ASA in this role he steered the County through many changes throughout swimming and was a constant and reliable officer helping and advising clubs and ensuring that County standards were upheld. At the same time Tony was responsible for County Officials Training and Examinations where he coordinated and ran all officials training courses together with organizing examinations. Tony relished this role and enjoyed actively recruiting new officials as well as encouraging and promoting entry level officials to progress along the training pathway eventually to become Referees. The fact that Norfolk now has many qualified referees is in no small part due to Tony’s enthusiasm and encouragement.

As part of this role Tony represented Norfolk on the East Region Swimming Officials group attending meetings and taking a great interest in the latest rules and guidance, questioning as to whether changes are for the benefit of the sport and in the best interest of the swimmers. Tony always made sure that the latest guidelines and changes were quickly communicated to all Norfolk officials, organizing update sessions if required.

Tony also held another County role as a member of the finance committee, assisting the County Treasurer manage the budget and carry out the annual audit. He was also secretary of the County Emergency Committee where his many years of experience and his confidentiality were invaluable helping to guide the County & Norfolk Clubs through difficult situations they may have encountered. Tony finally announced that he would stand down from all his County roles at the 2016 AGM.

Tony remained passionate about swimming and always had the swimmers interests at heart; he constantly reminded all officials that we were there for one thing only “The Swimmers” that is sometimes the most important point that can be overlooked. He will be sorely missed and extremely difficult to
replace.

I know you will join with me in sending our deepest sympathy to his wife Diana and his daughters Jo and Linda.