TRAINING:  STEPS BEYOND REGISTRATION

 

There are two paths to consider when becoming an official: the "wet side" or the "dry side." 

The "wet side" refers to officials jobs that take place poolside. The starting position for the wet side is Stroke & Turn Judge (ST).

The "dry side" refers to officials who work at the Administrative Table, typically on computers. The starting position for the dry side is the Administrative Official (AO).

Both positions put you close to the action and are equally rewarding. Making the decision which path to follow is up to you and your interests.

 

Generally, the steps for becoming certified as a Stroke & Turn Judge (ST) or an Administrative Official (AO) are the same. Below is the recommended (but not required) order for becoming an official.

1. Register as an Official (non-athlete) Member of USA Swimming 

2. Take Official Certification Courses available "on demand" at USA Swimming University (for USA Swimming members, courses are free).

  • Foundations of Officiating AND
  • Certification Course
    • ​​​​Administrative Official OR Stroke & Turn Judge 
    • The online course for each position includes the certification test.
    • Tests for officials are open-book and untimed. The USA Swimming Rule Book is available for your use. Technical rules are found on the blue pages of the book. 
    • Once the course/test is completed, send a copy of the course certificate to [email protected].

Pro Tip:  For faster access to to your selection on the USA Swimming University website, use filters to sort choices. Officials “button.” Certification “pill" button.

3.  Complete on-deck training sessions. Satisfactorily complete a minimum of four (4) sessions. For each apprentice session worked, ask Referee to complete a separate Certification Evaluation form. Select the appropriate form below to print. 

Find a meet to complete apprentice sessions:  MEET SIGN-UPS

4.  Email a copy of your Certification Evaluation forms to [email protected]

 

Please note: Courses available through the USA Swimming University for Stroke & Turn Judge, Starter, Administrative Official and Referee are the only courses that will be accepted for certification. 

Middle Atlantic Swimming® will no longer host clinics, virtual or in-person, for those positions where an online course is available through USA Swimming University. 

 

Advancement for Certified Officials

Officials are encouraged to participate in as many meets as possible in their certified position. Doing so will provide experience and knowledge necessary to perform duties at the next certification level. Before seeking advancement, officials should have a solid and thorough understanding of the rules and performance standards associated with the position for which they are currently certified. The goal for all officials: to provide the highest quality, fair and consistent officiating for all levels of swimmers.

 

Within Middle Atlantic Swimming®:

 

Chief Judge*

  • Prerequisites
    • Member of USA Swimming
    • Certified Stroke & Turn Judge; worked at least sixteen (16) sessions as a certfied Stroke & Turn Judge
  • Process
    • Attend *Chief Judge clinic, hosted by Middle Atlantic Swimming
    • Complete on-deck training sessions
      • Satisfactorily perform as an apprentice Chief Judge for at least four (4) Training Sessions total, over two (2) meets with two (2) Trainers. Trainer can be the Deck Referee.​
      • For each apprentice session worked, ask Referee to complete the Chief Judge Evaluation form.
  • ​Email completed evaluation forms to [email protected]

    *Courses are currently not available through the USA Swimming University for Chief Judge.  MASI will host clinic(s) on a need basis.  To request a CJ clinic or for more information regarding CJ training, contact [email protected]

Upcoming Chief Judge Clinic

December 4, 2025 @ 7:00pm - register HERE

Starter

  • Prerequisites
    • Member of USA Swimming
    • Certified Stroke & Turn Judge for minimum of three (3) months; worked at least four (4) Sessions at a minimum of two (2) meets since Stroke & Turn certification
  • Process
    • Successfully complete Starter Certification Course, including Starter Certification test and completion survey
      • Send completion certificate to [email protected]
        • Apprenticeship will be added to official's profile in OTS
        • MASI certification card (wallet app) will be updated to include Apprentice Starter
    • Complete on-deck training sessions
      • Satisfactorily perform as an apprentice Starter for at least four (4) Training Sessions total, over two (2) meets with two (2) Trainers. Trainer can be the Deck Referee.​
      • For each apprentice session worked, ask Referee to complete the Starter Certification Evaluation form.
    • ​Email completed evaluation forms to [email protected]

       

Referee    

  • Prerequisites
    • Member of USA Swimming
    • Certified
      • Stroke & Turn
      • Administrative Official
      • Certified Starter
  • Process
    • Successfully complete Referee Certification Course, including Referee Certification test and completion survey
      • Send completion certificate to [email protected]
        • Apprenticeship will be added to official's profile in OTS
        • MASI certification card (wallet app) will be updated to include Apprentice Deck Referee
    • Complete on-deck training sessions
      • Satisfactorily perform as an apprentice Referee for at least four (4) Training Sessions total, over two (2) meets with two (2) Trainers. ​
      • For each apprentice session worked, ask Referee to complete the Referee Certification Evaluation form.
    • ​​Email completed evaluation forms to [email protected]

 

Please note: Courses available through the USA Swimming University for Stroke & Turn Judge, Starter, Administrative Official and Referee are the only courses that will be accepted for certification. 

Middle Atlantic Swimming® will no longer host clinics, virtual or in-person, for those positions where an online course is available through USA Swimming University. 

 

 

Beyond Middle Atlantic Swimming®:

 

 

 

YMCA Officials Seeking to Become USA Swimming Certified

 For Y officials who wish to become certified as USA Swimming officials, refer to the Certification Reciprocity Agreement between Y/USA Swimming.

Appropriate documentation must be sent to [email protected]. 

Officials Transferring to Middle Atlantic Swimming®  and Other Registration Changes

If you wish to transfer your USA Swimming Non-Athlete (Official) membership to/from Middle Atlantic Swimming® or otherwise change your club affiliation, you can complete your transfer from your USA Swimming account's Member Dashboard; click General Info. 

 

 

 

 

Please direct any questions to [email protected].