Becoming a Blue Crush (Legacy) Official
Support Your Swimmer & Our Team!
AMAZING BENEFITS FOR OFFICIALS:
- $100 monthly dues discount for volunteering as an official
- Priority access to deck during meets
- Opportunity to travel with the team to away meets
Why Become an Official?
One of the best ways to support your children as they progress is to become an official. Swim Officials, like many volunteer positions, are critical to the functioning of a swim team. Here are the key reasons:
Essential for Valid Times
Swim Officials are required for swimmers' times to count - For a swimmer's times to be valid, a swim meet must have sufficient officials
Enable Competitive Meets
Swim Officials allow our club to host competitive meets - Our ability to attract competitive teams depends on our ability to host meets. This includes building a pipeline of Starters, Admin Officials, and Referees on our team
Build Relationships with Other Clubs
Swim Officials help us get invited by other clubs - We get invited to away meets because we can provide officials that ensure successful meets. If we don't have officials, we won't get invited!
Benefits to You
There are numerous benefits of becoming an official that other volunteer positions don't offer:
Best View of the Deck
As an official, you're up close to the water and can see swimmers in action without the crowds in the stands
Access to Your Swimmer
USA Swimming Safe Sport requirements mean parents aren't allowed on deck. By being an official, you can interact with your swimmer during meets!
Build Friendships
As an official, you meet people from different backgrounds and experiences. Many new friendships are forged during breaks between sessions
National Meet Opportunities
If your swimmer progresses to national level meets, as an official you have the opportunity to work national meets (requires additional certification). Many officials enjoy the experience so much they continue officiating long after their swimmers have started families with the next generation!
I'm Sold! What's Next?
There are two paths within USA Swimming:
Officiating Positions
These include Stroke and Turn, Starter, and Referee
Administrative Positions
Electronic Timing and Admin Official
Officiating Positions Explained
Stroke and Turn Judge
The officiating path starts here! A Stroke and Turn Judge observes swimmers and applies USA Swimming rules. Rule violations result in disqualifications (DQs), which are critical tools for coaches to guide swimmers.
Starter
After becoming a Stroke and Turn Judge, the next position is Starter. A Starter gets swimmers off the blocks and into the water, working alongside a Deck Referee who runs the pool.
Deck and Meet Referee
After experience as Stroke and Turn and Starter, you can become a Deck Referee. They manage the deck, ensuring the process is safe and equitable from when swimmers get behind blocks until they finish. Meet Referees are responsible for the overall meet (like a CEO delegating roles). In Oregon, we don't distinguish between Deck and Meet from a training perspective.
Administrative Roles Explained
Electronic Timing (ET)
This multifaceted role manages timing for meets, including running the timing console, timing resolution, and Meet Manager software to record official times.
Administrative Official (AO)
The AO manages the ET crew and validates results, working closely with the Meet Referee to ensure smooth meets. Essentially the auditor of the meet. Becoming an AO in Oregon requires performing ET duties for a period of time.
Steps to Get Started
Complete these steps to begin your training:
Step 1: Choose Your Path
Determine whether you want to become a Stroke and Turn or Admin/ET Official
Step 2: Register with USA Swimming
Register as an Official with USA Swimming (Oregon does not have apprentice registration)
Step 3: Complete Required Training
Access training at USA Swimming University
Training Requirements by Position
For Stroke and Turn Officials:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Foundation of Officiating | Complete online course |
| Stroke and Turn Certification Course | Complete online course |
| Training Log | Download and maintain |
For Admin Official / Electronic Timing:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Clinic | Attend in-person (not available online) |
| Foundation of Officiating | Complete online course |
| Administrative Official Certification | Complete online course |
| Training Log | Download and maintain |
Additional Required Certifications
All officials must complete:
- Background Check: Complete here
- Athlete Protection Training: Complete here
- Concussion Training: Complete here
Ready to Go On Deck?
Send an email to [email protected] with subject: "I am ready to go on deck"
Include:
- Screenshot of your certification test results
- Certificate of completion for Athlete Protection Training
- Certificate of completion for Concussion Training
Questions about becoming an official? Contact Coach Gary at [email protected] or 971-275-5394
Additional resources: Click here for comprehensive information on each training position
Join our official team and make a difference in your swimmer's journey while saving money on dues!
