We are excited you’ve decided to advance to the Starter position with Illinois Swimming and USA Swimming.
We’ve created a short checklist for you, with links, with everything you need to become a Starter.
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.
PREQUISITIES FOR BEING A STARTER
Before training as a starter, you must have been a certified Stroke and Turn official for at least 3 months from the date of your certification and completed 4 sessions over 2 meets in that position after completing your training.
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.
REGISTER FOR ONLINE LEARNING
Starter online learning takes roughly 2 and one-half hours. It is a live webinar hosted by an experienced Illinois Swimming Official who will walk you through being a starter, the rules and how to train on-deck. Select any webinar you can attend on the Training Information page.
ONLINE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Before attending the online clinic, you MUST complete the educational videos for the Starter Certification. Shortly after registering for the online learning webinar, you will be sent a link to an online classroom hosted by EdPuzzle (click here for a "how-to" register for EdPuzzle). Once you create an account you will find 3 short videos (they total about 55 minutes in total length). Complete each of the units BEFORE you attend the training webinar.
**Please note, that registrations are processed by volunteers on a weekly basis. You may not receive an immediate registration response.
ATTEND THE ONLINE TRAINING WEBINAR
Whatever training webinar you signed up for, please log in and attend. During the webinar, the experienced Illinois Swimming Official will guide a conversation through the rules, judging, and certification. This will prepare you for your on-deck training. Bring your questions – they will be answered!
Download these materials prior to the webinar:
Technical issues about attending a Zoom Meeting are covered HERE.
If you have any trouble with the webinar please email us ASAP.
ONLINE TESTING
To make sure everyone knows the rules, USA Swimming requires the completion of the Starter 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.
ON-DECK TRAINING
Once you’ve completed this, your clinic training and registration requirements, 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.
Prior to starting you on-deck training, we highly recommend that you arrive at the pool early to familiarize yourself with the starter's equipment, under the instruction of an experienced starter, and have the opportunity to start swimmers prior to doing it at a meet.
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. The sessions must be at least two hours in length, all four strokes must be contested and have 25 or more heats. Additionally, you personally must get 25 starts.
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.
