We are excited you’ve decided to add the Open Water Certification with Illinois Swimming and USA Swimming!
We’ve created a short checklist for you, with links, with everything you need to become an Open Water Judge or Referee.
The training is designed to work in steps, with each building on the last. It is best to do the training in the recommended order of steps to get the full benefit.
This page is the home of the details about each of those steps, and we suggest reading it before getting started.
PREREQUISITES FOR BEING AN OPEN WATER JUDGE
Before training as an Open Water Judge, you must be a non-athlete member in good You must also be a non-athlete member in good standing, including a current Background Check, APT and completed Concussion Training.
To complete your certification process, you must submit:
- Pass the Open Water Judge test with an 80% or above
- Submit your Open Water event evaluation form
- Submit your Open Water Checklist Form
These documents must be submitted to the Officials Committee by email [email protected] for certification processing.
CLINIC REGISTRATION AND ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Open Water Officials (judge or referee) are required to complete two (2) Open Water clinics prior to certification.
- Clinic #1: Open Water Introduction
- Clinic #2: Deep Dive into the Open Water Event
SIGN-UP LINKS FOR OPEN WATER CLINICS
Spring Clinic Dates:
- Open Water Officiating/Deep Dive into an Open Water Event (complete both clinic sessions with this sign-up!)
- Tuesday, May 21st from 7-9pm: Deep Dive into an Open Water Event
- Thursday, May 23rd from 7-9pm:Introduction to Open Water Officiating
NEXT CLINIC: May 21st & 23rd VIA Zoom: Click here to register
If you have any trouble with the webinar please email Steve Fidanze and Alex Abramovich.
ONLINE TESTING
To make sure everyone knows the rules, USA Swimming requires the completed of the Open Water Judge or Open Water Referee online test. It is an open book test, and we recommend you print the test and then go back and re-enter the answers. Since it is linked to your USA Swimming online account, the test will be the same when you log back in. It is an open book test, requiring the current USA Swimming Rule Book. You must pass with a score of 80% or better. The test can be completed during any point of the training process.
OPEN WATER TRAINING
Once you’ve attended the clinic training(s) and registration requirements, you’re ready to start your Open Water training. You will need to bring a copy of the on-deck training form to be completed by your clinician. The forms are available online here.
Open Water training is based on the position you plan to be certified to officiate.
- Open Water Judge: Officiate at one (1) OW event and be evaluated at each position you are assigned.
- Open Water Referee: Must officiate two (2) races during an event(s) as an assistant referee or boat observer (on boat on water).
SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS FOR CERTIFICATION
Once your training sessions are complete and you’ve completed your online test, email to: [email protected]
1.Open Water Certification Requirements Checklist Form for your position
2.Your Open Water event evaluation form
Once processed, you’ll receive an email response when your certification is reviewed and approved. You’re an Open Water Judge or Open Water Referee!
QUESTIONS?
Questions for the Committee? Questions about Officiating? Contact [email protected].
***Please allow a few days for a response as the mailbox is staffed by volunteers.
