Steps to becoming an official

New officials start their certification process as a Stroke & Turn Judge (S&T) or an Administrative Official (AO).  The general steps for becoming certified for each of the positions are the same.  

1. Register as an Apprentice Official non-athlete member of USA Swimming.
   • ​​You must register as an Apprentice Official.  USA Swimming's site will allow you to take the courses without registering, but this step is required before you can progress.
2. Take the appropriate Certification Course.  ***Note: You must click all the way through to the end of the course until you see "Complete" *** 
   • Stroke and Turn - Complete Stroke and Turn Certification Course & Foundations of Officiating Course.  Email the certificate of completion to [email protected].
   • Admin Official – Complete Administrative Official Certification Course & Foundations of Officiating Course.  Email the certificate of completion to [email protected].
   • Junior Offical - Complete Stroke and Turn Certification Course & Foundations of Officiating Course.  Email the certificate of completion to [email protected].
3. Complete the minimum number of required on-deck training sessions.
   • Stroke and Turn Apprentice Form
   • Admin Official Apprentice Form
   • Junior Official Apprentice Form
4. Complete the required steps of:
   • Athlete Protection Training (APT) (18 & Over) or Safe Sport for Youth Athletes (13-17) Training (Junior Officials)
   • Background Check (BGC)
   • Concussion Protocol Training (CPT)
5. Register as an Official or Junior Official non-athlete (paid) member of USA Swimming.
6. Email a copy of your on-deck apprentice form to [email protected].

Useful Tips for these Steps:

• USAS Registration link is provided by your club’s Registrar or the SCS Registrar
• Links for APT, BGC, and CPT can be found here: USAS How to become an Official
• Registration and Background Check require payment to complete.  All other steps are free of charge.  (Some clubs will reimburse officials for these costs.)
• SC Swimming Officials uniform is a white collared shirt, navy pants, shorts, skirt or skorts, predominantly white tennis shoes and SCS Name Tag. To order SCS Officials shirts or apparel click here. (Username: SCLSC  Password: 1234)
• Junior Official
  • 16-17 years old
  • May officiate in competition below LSC Championships for 12 & Under athletes
  • Certification converts to certified Stroke and Turn Official once all adult membership requirements have been met

Updated 4/20/2024

Your USA Swimming membership and proof of certification is required to be presented from your USA Swimming account in order to work on deck. 

National Certification to submit your national level certifications, please click here.

USA Swimming certification requirements: click here

SCS Swimming continuing education clinics: click here

Looking for a clinic?  Contact Chris Penny at [email protected]