Become a USA Swimming Official

Swim meets cannot happen without the USA Swim Official Volunteers. They are the ones wearing the white polo shirts doing everything from running the meet and setting the pace of the meet with their whistle blasts (deck reff), Starting each event (starter), maintaining a fair swimming environment by enforcing the rules of each stroke (stroke and turn official), as well as running the timing system on the computer (AO).

Being a swim official is a lot of fun. You have the opportunity to get to know other swim parents, other clubs and coaches, and you are able to cheer for your swimmer (and talk to your swimmer) on deck. While it is a volunteer position you are paid with free meals and plenty of water & soda. You choose your schedule, and most officials volunteer at meets that they are already attending.

All officials begin either with Stroke and Turn (wet side/on deck) or AO Trainee (dry side/computers).

You will begin by attending an Officiating Clinic hosted by Midwest swimming. Upon completion of the clinic you will complete the following steps outlined by Midwest Swimming HERE. The steps include setting up a USA Swimming account (and paying the appropriate membership fee), completing an online officiating quiz and APT (Athlete Protection Training) via your USA Swimming portal, completing a background check, and completing 20 hours on on-deck training with other officials. If you are interested in becoming an official, reach out to Midwest Swimming to inquire about the next officiating clinic.