RISE Aquatic Club runs many meets throughout the year that require many hands-on deck. Here at RISE we are a family and we need everyone to find a place to participate and volunteer. One way to do this is to become a USA Swim Official.
 
USA Swimming swim meets require Officials both “wet” and “dry”. Without these Officials, swimmers would not have the times they achieve go into the USA Swimming SWIMS database. These Officials (the ones wearing white over blue at meets) are volunteers. The benefits of becoming a USA Official are numerous:

Benefits of Becoming an Official

  • Help support an excellent sport and promote a healthy lifestyle for children.
  • Gain a more thorough understanding of swimming in particular, and sports in general.
  • Fulfill volunteer obligations at Delta Aquatics hosted meets.
  • Get closer to the action; know what's happening with the "best seat" in the pool.
  • Get mentally and physically engaged during the meet rather than merely "spectating."
  • Swim meets go by much faster when you are volunteering at them
  • Be cooler on deck than in the stands.
  • Receive free admission, free heat sheets and great hospitality during sessions officiated. 
Furthermore, since all USA Officials are volunteers, and are not paid, you can write off expenses, including your mileage, and hotel cost at a travel meet your child goes to if you work as an Official at that meet. However, we do suggest that you reach out to your tax professional about how to do this.
 
Becoming a USA Official is a wonderful way to give back to a sport and team that gives all our children lifelong skills both in and out of the water. NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF SWIMMING IS NEEDED TO BECOME A SWIMMING OFFICIAL.  You will be trained and equipped with all you need to know!
 
There are two levels if entry that you can choose from:
  • Stroke & Turn Judge (S&T) – “wet Officials”
These officials stand at either end of the pool or walk along the side of the pool observing the swimmers to ensure that the technical rules of the individual strokes are being followed.  Stroke and Turn Officials may progress to positions of Starter and Referee.
  • Administrative Official (AO) - “dry Officials”
These officials deal with the paper work side of swim meets. They also serve as an information center at meets by answering general questions from swimmers, coaches, other officials, parents, and spectators. The upward progression for an Administrator includes Recorder/Scorer (Hy-Tech operator), Timing Judge, and Meet Director.
 
  • If you would like more information on becoming a USA Swim Official and which is the best entry spot for you, please contact Nina Arce, RISE Libertyville Official and Coach.
  • If you are ready to become an Official, the first step is to sign up for the Officials Clinic on the Illinois Swimming web page. Helpful document to walk you through the process. 

Questions? 
For more information, please contact the officials committee at [email protected] or visit the Illinois Swimming Officials Pa