Here are some steps to simplify the process:
STEP 1: Use this OMR (Online Membership Registration) link from Empire to either create a new USA Swimming Account or add “official” to your current account (Renew annually) $76:
STEP 2: USA Swimming Criminal Background Check (Renew every 2 years) $38
STEP 3: Athlete Protection Training (Renew every 12 months) Free
STEP 4: Concussion Protocol Training - (You will need to send a screenshot of your completion certificate to this link). Free
STEP 5: Take the USA Swimming Test for either in USA Swimming University. Click Browse, Officials, then take Foundations of Officiating and then either Stroke and Turn Certification or Administrative Referee Certification (this one is only if you are becoming an AO). These tests are open book and are pretty easy. All questions give the location in the Rulebook to where the answer can be located! Must take recertification test every 2 years.
STEP 6: Apprentice at meets (A minimum of 4 sessions @ 2 different meets). You will schedule these assignments with me as EKC hosts meets or with other teams as EKC attends their meets. You can confirm your certifications you have achieved after you have registered and successfully completed the Criminal Background Check and USA Swimming online Athletic Protection Training module. Log in your USA Swimming account and click “My Official History” under the Officials tab.
STEP 7: Follow the directions to fill out the appropriate form at this link. You can confirm your certifications you have achieved after you have registered and successfully completed the Criminal Background Check and USA Swimming online Athletic Protection Training module.
**You may need to send an email to the Member/Certifications Chair for the MV Officials Committee, to make sure your registrations have been received for every step ([email protected])
USA Swimming Officials Link: Includes instructions on membership renewal
Link for Name Tag / Link for USA Swimming Officials Uniforms
Once you are certified, please send me all of your receipts. Empire will then reimburse you for your USA Swimming membership ($76) and background check ($38). Missouri Valley (our LSC) will be giving all new officials their first polo and a nametag once they are certified! You will also get polos at higher level meets (Sectionals and up). It's up to you if you want to buy one from the USA Swimming site.
