How do I become a USA Swimming Official?

We have three entry level positions:

-  Stroke & Turn Judge (S&T)

            The officials standing at either end of the pool or walking along the side of

the pool observing the swimmers to ensure that the technical rules of the

individual strokes are being followed.  Progression for S&T include

positions of Starter and Referee

-  Administrator - Clerk of Course (CoC)

            The officials who deal with the paper work side of swim meets. They also

serve as an information center answering general type questions from

swimmers, coaches, other officials, and parents / spectators. Progression

for CoC include Recorder/Scorer (Hy Tech operator), Timing judge, and

Meet Directors.

            -  Automatic Timing Equipment Operator (ATO)

                        The officials responsible for the automatic and semi-automatic timing

equipment, including the electronic starting and scoreboard (if used).

What is required to be an official?

            -  You must be, or become a non-athlete member of USA Swimming.

     (current annual membership cost $49)

-  Complete designated training program for the entry level position of your

    choice.  (current cost $15).

-  Serve as an apprentice official at designated number of swim sessions.

What is involved in the training programs?

 -  Stroke & Turn Judge (S&T)

S&T training is primarily accomplished via a ?Home School? program. After completing the necessary application, which will be provided, you will receive a USA Swimming rule book  and a CD / DVD containing our self paced training program. You study at home at your own pace, taking  as much or as little time as you need. When you complete your studies and the ?open book ? exams, contact your training coordinator who sent you the Home School program and a mini express clinic will be scheduled, usually at a swim meet that you plan on attending. Following the clinic you need to complete a apprenticeship of 6 sessions accomplished at 3 separate meets working with a certified S&T judge to gain your certification.  For those of you who do not like to work on a computer we do offer a full S&T training clinic that takes 4 ½ to 5 hours to complete. This mega-clinic is followed by the apprentice described above.

-  Administrator - Clerk of Course (CoC)

CoC  training involves attending a training clinic (4 to 4 ½) hours.  Following the clinic you need to complete a apprenticeship of 5 sessions accomplished at 3 separate meets working with a certified CoC or Administrator to gain your certification.

-  Automatic Timing Equipment Operator (ATO)

ATO training involves attending a training clinic (3 to 4) hours.  Following the clinic you need to complete a apprenticeship of 10 sessions working with a certified ATO to gain your certification.

How do I get started ?

-   Talk to your swim coach, or the officials coordinator or any other official on

     your team or any official that you run into, and than?

 -  Contact Georgia Swimming Officials Training Chair

Rob Schreer at (770) 333-0425 or  h2oref@bellsouth.com