Ohio Swimming
Level 3

Become an Official

Officiating enables you to fully engage with the team, parents, and coaches, show genuine interest in our team’s activities, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes our kids will face along the way. To the point of ‘new’ members starting down this road, gaining parent officials for our younger age groups also helps to balance out the overall number of officials available at a meet, regardless of whether the meet is split by age groups or combined across all age groups. The board offers a 25% discount to up to six officials to encourage more officials to join our team.

Why become a swim official?

  • Usually, a parent of one or more swimmers wants to get more involved with the sport and to understand every aspect of strokes and turns.
  • Tsunami and other NWO swim clubs are in dire need of swim officials to continue hosting meets.
  • USA Swimming requires trained officials to ensure a fair swimming event for all competing swimmers.

The details…

  • 25% off one swimmer for a year
    • The discount is applied to each session after completing certification
  • Tsunami will reimburse for training costs
    • Clinic
    • Test
    • Membership
    • Background check
  • 25% off one swimmer for each additional renewal year

The Process…

  • Attend the Ohio Spring or Fall Officials Clinic
    • ONLY offered twice a year
  • Take and pass the USA Swimming Stroke & Turn Judge test
  • On-the-deck apprenticeship with at least two mentors for a minimum of 4 sessions
  • Evaluation by evaluator/ mentor
  • Pass Level 2 background check
  • Complete online Athlete Protection Training

First year and renewing…

  • Pass the official training program and get certification
  • Officiate NWOWI each year
  • Officiate two other local club meets as part of the USA Stroke & Turn Judge yearly requirements.

We are not trying to make you a coach or instructor for your athlete. Leave that to the staff, but as a parent, understanding the rules may come in handy when you have to provide support and comfort to your simmer who says, “I got DQ’d for something called underwater recovery.” Instead of just giving a hug, a shrug, and an “okay,” you’ll have some appreciation for how hard it is to swim a 50M butterfly as an 8-year-old, and keep your arms out of the water!

A wealth of information is available online at the USAS website. USAS is a well-run organization that is continually providing education and resources for volunteers at every level. We encourage you to browse the site, where you'll find articles and tips covering all aspects of this sport.

If you are interested, please get in touch with one of our board members.