Certification Requirements for Officials

 

Junior Stroke and Turn

  • Member of USA Swimming
  • 16 - 17 years old
  • Attend online Stroke & Turn clinic and pass test embedded in online clinic
  • Apprentice 4 sessions over at least 2 meets (can’t make a disqualification during apprentice sessions)
  • Apprenticeship signed off by Certifier
  • Complete certification within 1 year from date of clinic
  • When the official turns 18, their Junior certification converts to certified Stroke and Turn once adult membership requirements have been met

Note:  This certification goes in to effect 09/01/2024

Stroke and Turn

  • Member of USA Swimming
  • Attend online Stroke & Turn clinic and pass test embedded in online clinic
  • Apprentice 4 sessions over at least 2 meets (can’t make a disqualification during apprentice sessions)
  • Apprenticeship signed off by Certifier
  • Complete certification within 1 year from date of clinic

Recertification every 3 years:

  • Work a minimum of 8 sessions over at least 2 meets in the 3 years
  • Attend clinic and pass USA Swimming test at highest certification level held
  • Satisfactory performance
  • Participation in as many meets as possible is encouraged to gain experience

Starter

  • 18 years old
  • Member USA Swimming
  • Attend Starter Clinic (online version planned for October 2024)
  • Certified Stroke & Turn for minimum of 3 months, worked at least 4 sessions over at least 2 meets since Stroke & Turn certification
  • Pass Starter test
  • Apprentice as a Starter for 4 sessions over at least 2 meets with 2 Trainers. Trainer can be the Deck Referee
  • Apprenticeship signed off by Certifier
  • Complete certification within 1 year from date of clinic

Recertification every 3 years:

  • Work a minimum of 8 sessions over at least 2 meets in the 3 years
  • Attend clinic and pass USA Swimming test at highest certification level held
  • Satisfactory performance
  • Participation in as many meets as possible is encouraged to gain experience

Admin  Officials

  • 18 years old
  • Member USA Swimming
  • Attend AO Clinic (online version planned for October 2024)
  • Pass AO test
  • Apprentice as an AO for 4 sessions over at least 2 meets
  • Apprenticeship signed off by Certifier
  • Complete certification within 1 year from date of clinic

Recertification every 3 years:

  • Work a minimum of 8 sessions over at least 2 meets in the 3 years
  • Attend clinic and pass USA Swimming test at highest certification level held
  • Satisfactory performance
  • Participation in as many meets as possible is encouraged to gain experience

Referee

  • 18 years old
  • Certified Stroke & Turn
  • Certified Starter
  • Certified AO
  • Attend Referee clinic and pass Referee test
  • Apprentice as a Referee for 4 sessions over at least 2 meets with 2 Trainers
  • Apprenticeship signed off by Certifier
  • Complete certification within 1 year from date of clinic
  • May officiate as a Referee in any meet except meets classified as USA Swimming Championships (as defined in 102.10.5)
  • This certification may not meet the requirements as serving as the required Administrative Referee

Recertification every 3 years:

  • Work a minimum of 8 sessions over at least 2 meets in the 3 years
  • Attend clinic and pass USA Swimming test at highest certification level held
  • Satisfactory performance
  • Participation in as many meets as possible is encouraged to gain experience

If you have any questions, email [email protected]