Become a USA Swimming Official!
What is a USA Swimming Official?
USA Swimming Officials are non-athlete members of USA Swimming tasked with enforcing meet rules & ensuring safety for athletes, coaches & fans. These individuals are usually easy to find during meets...they are positioned around the pool and typically dressed in white shirts and black pants. Every sanctioned swimming meet must have a minimum number of officials working in each session. Unless this minimum is met, the athletes' times will not count! There are several different officiating "positions" at each meet. Most sanctioned meets will have a minimum of the following:
- 1 Referee
- 1 Starter
- 2 Stroke & Turn Judges
- 1 Administrative Official
Individuals new to officiating may start by getting certified as either an Administrative Official or a Stroke & Turn Judge.
To certify as a Starter, the official must already be certified as a Stroke & Turn Judge for a minimum of three (3) months working at least four (4) sessions at two (2) meets.
To certify as a Referee, the official must already be certified as a Stroke & Turn Judge, Administrative Official, and Starter.
Who can become an Official?
Anyone sixteen (16) years or older may be certified as an official. While prior swimming experience is a plus, it is not necessary...in fact, many first-time officials are also brand new to the sport of swimming!
Why should I become an Official?
The reasons for becoming an official will be different for everyone, but here are some of the more common reasons:
- Counts towards the fulfillment of meet worker obligations
- To gain a more thorough understanding of swimming and the rules that govern the sport
- To get closer to the action; officials often have the best views of the pool
- To get engaged mentally and physically rather than sitting in the stands for hours
- Receive free admission and great hospitality (free food/snacks) during sessions worked
- To support your child's team/sport and promote a healthy lifestyle for children and teens
If those reasons aren't enough, THT also provides the following incentives to our members for officiating during our home meets:
- Stroke/Turn officials working at least 3 of 5, 4 of 6, or 5 of 7 sessions of a home invitational are credited the meet entry fees for one swimmer
- Starters working at least 3 of 5, 4 of 6, or 5 of 7 sessions of a home invitational are credited meet entry fees for all swimmers in the family
- Referees working at least 3 of 5, 4 of 6, or 5 of 7 sessions of a home invitational are credited meet entry fees for all swimmers in the family and 1 month of the highest dues
- All officials volunteering for a time trial will be credited for meet entry fees for the family
Because having an adequate number of officials is so important for our club, THT covers all certification costs for THT members.
How do I become an Official?
Becoming an official (and maintaining certifications) has never been easier! As of February 1, 2024, USA Swimming implemented nationwide certification standards to provide a clear and uniform path to becoming an official. Follow the steps below to begin the certification process:
- Register as a non-athlete member of USA Swimming
(Email [email protected] to receive a link for the current registration period.) - Complete a background check:
https://www.usaswimming.org/safe-sport/complete-a-background-check - Complete Athlete Protection Training:
https://www.usaswimming.org/resource-center/athlete-protection-training - Complete Concussion Protocol Training:
https://www.usaswimming.org/officials/concussion-protocol-training - Complete the Foundations of Officiating course:
https://university.usaswimming.org/landing - Complete the Stroke & Turn Certification Course or the Administrative Official Certification:
https://university.usaswimming.org/landing - Complete apprenticeship sessions (shadow a certified official) at sanctioned swim meets
Additional Resources
For more information about officiating, visit the links below:
Indiana Swimming LSC - Officials (gomotionapp.com)
How to Become an Official (usaswimming.org)
If you find yourself in need of assistance with the certification process, feel free to email [email protected] or contact the Area 3 Officials Representative listed on the Indiana Swimming Officials page (linked above).
