Who's ready to become a USA swim official? DASH needs you!
Hello DASH families,
Welcome to a new season of swimming. We are glad you’re back, and we would like to welcome those who are new to the team!
Did you know DASH is a non-profit organization made up of amazing coaches, and a parent volunteer Board of Directors? Did you also know all our meets, and activities are also run by parents? Parents who volunteer help DASH succeed, and the money we bring in from meets help keep the costs down for parents paying those season fees.
Another important volunteer position is a USA swim official. If you've ever sat in the bleachers and wondered who those focused, clipboard-holding adults on the pool deck are — you're not alone. Meet the officials: the unsung heroes of every swim meet.
They ensure every start is fair, every stroke is legal, and every swimmer gets an accurate time. And the best part? Many of them are swim parents just like you.
Becoming a swim official is easy, and DASH helps you along the way. DASH will reimburse your background check cost, give you your first official shirt, and when you work our home swim meets, your officiating counts towards your work session dues. Also, when you meet your work session requirements any officiating at home meets over those work session dues will give you credits towards your swim fee account. It’s a win! Plus, everything is online, training is free, and you can go at your own pace.
Why Should You Consider Becoming an Official?
Volunteering as a swim official isn't just about filling a need — it's about joining your swimmer’s journey in a meaningful way. Here’s what makes it so rewarding:
✅ Get the Best Seat in the House
As an official, you're on deck, just feet away from the lanes — right where the action happens.
✅ Support the Entire Swim Community
Swim meets can't happen without officials. By stepping up, you're helping your team, your LSC, and every swimmer compete safely and fairly.
✅ Learn the Sport
Becoming an official teaches you the ins and outs of stroke rules, competition format, and swim strategy. You’ll quickly go from confused spectator to confident expert.
✅ Flexible Involvement
You don’t have to officiate every weekend. You choose your meets, your availability, and how far you'd like to go — from Stroke & Turn Judge to Referee, if you choose.
📚 How to Get Started
Most swim leagues make it easy to become certified. Here’s how:
- Take an online class through your LSC or USA Swimming.
- Shadow a trained official at a local meet.
- Complete on-deck training to gain experience and confidence.
From there, you can volunteer at local meets, grow into advanced roles, and even officiate at high-level competitions if you choose.
💬 Final Thoughts
Swim officials are vital to our sport — and they’re often powered by coffee, clipboards, and a whole lot of heart. If you’re looking for a way to contribute, build community, and support your swimmer in a powerful way, consider becoming a swim official.
Your team will thank you. Your swimmer will admire you. And you might just fall in love with the sport all over again — from the other side of the whistle.
If you would like more information on Swim officials or thinking about becoming one, please let me know. I can send you detailed information and help you along the way or you can read more here https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/iaso/page/become-an-official
Thank you,
Christy Beimborn
