Interested in becoming a USA Swimming Official?
Becoming a USA Swimming Official is a great way to contribute to a swimmers success! We are always looking for individuals who are interested in becoming officials. New officials generally learn the ropes by watching video-based modules online and apprenticing under the supervision of experienced officials. The recent standardization of the certification process across all LSC's has made it much easier to become an official!
Select a path to certification for entry level officials from the list below to learn more!
| Technical | Administrative |
|---|---|
| Stroke & Turn Judge (18+) | Administrative Official |
| Stroke & Turn Judge (Jr.) *NEW* |
"Technical"
The entry level position on the "Technical" side is a Stroke & Turn Judge. Stroke & Turn Judges ensure that the swimmers comply with the technical rules of swimming.
Stroke & Turn Judge (Jr.) may officiate in competitions below LSC Championships for 12&U athletes.
Learn more about this position here: Professional Official: Stroke & Turn
Prerequisite(s)
Must be age 16 or 17
Step 1: Registration
- Create a USA Swimming account and register as a non-athlete official member
Step 2: Education & Training
- Complete online, video-based modules through USA Swimming University
- Foundations of Officiating (30 minutes)
- Stroke & Turn Certification Course with a minimum passing score of 80% (2 hours)
- Complete USA Swimming Level 2 Background Check (BGC)
- Complete USA Swimming Athlete Protection Training (APT)
- Complete Concussion Protocol Training. Once complete, please send your completion certificate to [email protected].
Step 3: Approval by Officials Committee
Please note that approval from the Officials Committee is required prior to moving to Step 4: Apprentice
Step 4: Apprentice
- Complete On-Deck Training Sessions shadowing certified official(s)
Session Requirements:
- minimum of four (4) sessions total over two (2) different meets
- sessions must include strokes and/or relays
- time trials and freestyle only sessions shall not count toward these requirements
- only USA/MI Swimming sanctioned and/or approved meets may be used for certification
Step 5: Certification
Must complete certification within one (1) year from month of completed clinic
MI Swimming Application for Certification
"Technical"
The entry level position on the "Technical" side is a Stroke & Turn Judge. Stroke & Turn Judges ensure that the swimmers comply with the technical rules of swimming.
Learn more about this position here: Professional Official: Stroke & Turn
Prerequisite(s)
Step 1: Registration
- Create a USA Swimming account and register as a non-athlete official member
Step 2: Education & Training
- Complete online, video-based modules through USA Swimming University
- Foundations of Officiating (30 minutes)
- Stroke & Turn Certification Course with a minimum passing score of 80% (2 hours)
- Complete USA Swimming Level 2 Background Check (BGC)
- Complete USA Swimming Athlete Protection Training (APT)
- Complete Concussion Protocol Training. Once complete, please send your completion certificate to [email protected].
Step 3: Approval by Officials Committee
Please note that approval from the Officials Committee is required prior to moving to Step 4: Apprentice
Step 4: Apprentice
- Complete On-Deck Training Sessions shadowing certified official(s)
Session Requirements:
- minimum of four (4) sessions total over two (2) different meets
- sessions must include strokes and/or relays
- time trials and freestyle only sessions shall not count toward these requirements
- only USA/MI Swimming sanctioned and/or approved meets may be used for certification
Step 5: Certification
Must complete certification within one (1) year from month of completed clinic
MI Swimming Application for Certification
"Administrative"
The entry level position on the "Administrative" side is an Administrative Official. Administrative Officials supervise the administrative aspects of the swimming competition before, during, and after the meet.
Learn more about this position here: Professional Official: Administrative Official
Prerequisite(s)
Step 1: Registration
- Create a USA Swimming account and register as a non-athlete official member
Step 2: Education & Training
- Complete online, video-based modules through USA Swimming University
- Foundations of Officiating (30 minutes)
- Administrative Official Certification Course with a minimum passing score of 80% (90 minutes)
- Complete USA Swimming Level 2 Background Check (BGC)
- Complete USA Swimming Athlete Protection Training (APT)
- Complete Concussion Protocol Training
Step 3: Approval by Officials Committee
Please note that approval from the Officials Committee is required prior to moving to Step 4: Apprentice
Step 4: Apprentice
- Complete On-Deck Training Sessions shadowing certified official(s)
Session Requirements:
- minimum of four (4) sessions over two (2) meets with a Trainer(s)
- sessions must include strokes and/or relays
- time trials and freestyle only sessions shall not count toward these requirements
- only USA/MI Swimming sanctioned and/or approved meets may be used for certification
Step 5: Certification
Must complete certification within one (1) year from month of completed clinic
Administrative Official Checklist
Administrative Official Session Report
MI Swimming Application for Certification
Still have questions on how to Become an Official? Please reach out to [email protected].
