USA Swimming provides a fully online, self-guided course for Starter. The Starter course has been released and is the only way to become a Starter. Please follow these instructions to become a Starter.
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 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.
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 Starter is called “Starter 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.
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.
