The Barracuda Swim Club needs parents to volunteer to be officials! Having plenty of officials allows the team to run high-quality swim meets, which raises money and keeps our fees low. Even better, you get to support and learn about the sport in which your child is spending so much time and effort participating. Other perks include watching your child race from the deck and free food from our legendary hospitality room. It’s easy, and you do not have to know anything about swimming to get started.

There are two different kinds of swim officials: the Wet Side and the Dry Side. The entry-level position on the Wet Side is the Stroke & Turn Judge. They are the officials standing at the ends of the pool and sometimes walking the sides of the pool. The entry-level position on the Dry Side is the Administrative Official (AO). The AO works the computer and timing systems that record times for the meet (including Meet Mobile) and updates the scoreboard. The AOs sit at the table on the platform behind the Referee and Starter. Please ask any official or coach if you would like to know more about these entry-level officiating positions. You can also become qualified in other positions, such as a Starter and Referee, if you are interested later.

It is easy to get started. Steps to Become a BSC Swim Official:                         

1. Request an access link to register with your team as a non-athlete from the BSC Administrative Coordinator, Kathie Battista ([email protected]).
2. Use the link to register as an official, NOT an apprentice official or parent. Without being registered as an official, you will not be able to access some requirements nor receive credit in the Officials Tracking System (OTS). You will need to pay for your registration ($82 for 2024).  Please note that optional items are available for purchase during registration. The $82 is the only amount reimbursable from BSC. Send the receipt to Kathie Battista ([email protected]) for reimbursement. Some training sessions are not available without registration. Registration is required each year; however, after the first year, the club will handle the registration.

From USAS web:   Minimum Standards:

Note:  Once registered as a non-athlete, access to the training identified above may be made through the “Education” tab on the toolbar:

1. Select ‘Education’ from the main menu once you are logged in with your new USA Non-athlete registration as an Official, and then select ‘Course Catalog.’
2. Click on the ‘Officials’ selection at the top of the Course Catalog and then click the ‘Certification’ button to filter the course options to only those relevant to you.

1. You will be required to complete two modules under the  “certification” tab: “Foundations of Officiating” and “Stroke and Turn Certification Course.”  For our Administrative Officials, you will complete the “Administrative Officials Certification Course” instead of the Stroke and Turn.
2. Both courses will include a test.  Completion of this course counts towards the clinic and test requirements in the first section of the table above.

Note:

The test is an open book.  If you do not have a book, you can access and/or download it from the USAS web page.  The test is multiple choice.  Each question directs you to the section of the rule book where the question is addressed.  It can be helpful to save a copy of the test, complete it on paper, and then return and insert your answers online before submitting. The tests are randomly generated, so each test is different. When completed, you will receive an email with your results, and the test will be marked with a check on the webpage indicating you have completed it. Save your email and test results.  Weird things happen sometimes.  

1. Complete “Background check” on USAS web - found in the Course Catalog and can be searched for.  You will need to pay and be reimbursed via Kathie, as with the registration.  The Background check is required every two years. The initial cost is $38, and the subsequent cost is $19.
2. Complete Athlete Protection Training – found in the Course Catalog and can be searched for. A refresher course is required each year. Watch a video with a short quiz at the end. The initial testing is about 90 minutes.  You can pause and restart. No cost.

Steps 1 – 8 are Complete; You Can Begin Your On-Deck Apprenticeship Sessions.

1. You are required to complete a minimum of four (4) apprentice sessions from two meets with different mentors. EX: An AM session and then a PM session are considered two sessions.  You can do more apprentice sessions if you don’t feel comfortable working as a Stroke & Turn or AO official yet.
   1. Before the meet, contact the Meet Ref (MR) and notify him/her of your interest in apprenticing to confirm availability. Please let MR know sessions, days, and special requests. The attire for SES is white shoes and tops with navy bottoms. It may vary with other LSCs. Confirm with MR.
   2. Print the Apprentice Evaluation form and bring it with you to your first session.  You can obtain a copy from Nick Hall or go to the official’s tab on the USA Swim website and choose “officials documents,” then “LSC and General Certification guidelines.” This document identifies the criteria to be used for evaluation.  When the session is completed, ensure the MR signs your form for that session.  After completing all requirements, scan the document and submit it to Nick Hall ([email protected]), the LSC area officials committee representative, to update your status in OTS. 

1. Following each meet, log in to the Officials Tracking System (OTS) and verify that you have received credit for your sessions. The LSC representative will review OTS records to ensure requirements have been completed. If incorrect, notify the MR to correct.

Please consider joining us, and you can become involved in a rewarding way that benefits both you and the swimmers at our meets!  No matter what position you have as an official, though, you are helping the team and your child.  Please contact us with any questions!

Contact Information

Mark Johson, Officials Chair Barracuda Swim Club: [email protected]

Nick Hall, East Tennessee Representative on Southeastern Swimming Officials Committee: [email protected]

Links to Webpages

USA Swimming Homepage

Southeastern Swimming Officials Home Page

Level Two Background Check

USA Swimming Officials Home Page