USA Swimming provides a fully online, self-guided course for Referee. The Referee course has been released and is the only way to become a Referee. Please follow these instructions to become a Referee.
For all other certifications, please return to the Training Information page
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions during this process.
While we are here to help and are happy to do so, we are volunteers with day jobs so we may not respond immediately.
PREREQUISITES FOR BEING A REFEREE
Before training as a starter, you must have be a certified Starter and a certified Administrative Official.
You must also be a non-athlete member in good standing, including a current Background Check, APT and completed Concussion Training.
For a comprehensive overview of the requirements see the Illinois Swimming Officials Training and Certification Standards.
USA SWIMMING STARTER CLINIC
The clinic is on the USA Swimming site at USA Swimming University. It is self-directed, so there is no need to register ahead of time. Set aside about 2 hours and take it at your convenience. To get there log in to your USA Swimming account, click “Education”, then “Course Catalog”. Once you are in USA Swimming University click “Officials”.
The course required to become a Referee is called “Referee Certification Course”. If you have not yet taken "Foundations of Officiating", you must take this course to add a new certification, no matter your experience level. If you have already taken Foundations of Officiating, you do not need to take it a second time (this is a one and done course/module). We will typically have you set up in OTS to train within a week of completing the clinic. If you have further questions, please contact us at [email protected].
ON-DECK TRAINING
Once you’ve completed your clinic training and registration requirements and have received your email 'approval' from the IL Officials Clinic team, you’re ready to start your on-deck training. You will need to bring a copy of the on-deck training form to be completed by your trainer. The forms are available online here.
On-deck training consists of 4 sessions (with a completed card for each) completed over 2 meets and with at least 2 different trainers who have been certified Starters for a minimum of 12 months. All four strokes must be contested and have 25 or more heats.
The complete guidelines are available at Illinois Swimming Officials Training and Certification Standards.
SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS FOR CERTIFICATION
Once your training sessions are complete and you’ve completed your online test, email to: [email protected]
1.Certification Requiements Checklist for your position
2.Your 4 training evaluation sheets
Once processed, you’ll receive an email response when your certification is reviewed and approved! Congratulations, you’re a starter!
QUESTIONS?
Questions for the Committee? Questions about Officiating? Contacts [email protected].
***Please allow a few days for a response as the mailbox is staffed by volunteers.
