BECOME AN OFFICIAL

One of the best ways to support your child’s swimming journey is by becoming an official. Swim officials play a crucial role in the success of our team and the overall swim community. Here’s why your involvement matters:

• Valid Times for Swimmers: Swim meets require sufficient officials for times to be recognized. Your role ensures that every swimmer’s performance counts.

• Host Competitive Meets: A strong team of officials allows us to host meets that attract competitive teams, fostering a vibrant swimming environment.

• Expand Our Opportunities: Providing officials makes us a desirable club for away meets. Without officials, we risk being overlooked by other clubs.

OFFICIATING OPTIONS

There are two primary tracks you can pursue within USA Swimming:

Officiating Positions

1. Stroke and Turn Judge: This is the entry-level role where you’ll monitor swimmers and enforce USA Swimming rules. Disqualifications (DQ) help coaches guide their swimmers effectively.

2. Starter: After gaining experience as a Stroke and Turn Judge, you can become a Starter, responsible for initiating races.

3. Deck and Meet Referee: With further experience, you can advance to a Deck Referee, overseeing race conduct and safety. The Meet Referee manages the overall meet operations, similar to a CEO delegating responsibilities.

Administrative Positions

1. Electronic Timing Official: This role involves managing the timing system at meets, ensuring accurate timekeeping and results.

2. Administrative Official (AO): AOs oversee the timing crew and work closely with the Meet Referee to ensure smooth operations. Becoming an AO requires prior experience in Electronic Timing.

For detailed information and resources about each training position, click here.

STEPS TO START YOUR TRAINING

Follow these steps to begin your journey as an official:

1. Choose Your Path: Decide if you want to be a Stroke and Turn Official or an Admin/ET Official.

2. Register: Complete your registration with USA Swimming here.

3. Complete Training:

   • For Stroke and Turn:

     • Finish the "Foundation of Officiating" course.

     • Complete the "Stroke and Turn Certification Course".

     • Download your Training Log.

   • For Admin Official / Electronic Timing:

     • Attend a training clinic (in-person only).

     • Finish the "Foundation of Officiating".

     • Complete the "Administrative Official Certification".

     • Download the Admin Training Log.

4. Background Checks and Training: Complete the necessary background check, Athlete Protection Training, and Concussion Training through the provided links.

5. Email Confirmation: Send an email to ocst.coach at gmail.com and kristenumbras at gmail.com with:

   • Subject: "I am ready to go on deck"

   • A screenshot of your certification test results.

   • Certificates for Athlete Protection Training and Concussion Training.

6. ​​NOTE - The club will reimburse you for the cost of the membership ($110), after you get through training

MORE BENEFITS OF BECOMING AN OFFICIAL

Becoming an official offers unique benefits that other volunteer roles may not:

• Unmatched Deck Access: Enjoy the best view of the action, observing swimmers closely without the crowd.

• Engage with Your Swimmer: As an official, you can interact with your child on deck, something parents typically cannot do.

• Build Friendships: Connect with others who share your passion for swimming, forming lasting friendships along the way.

• Opportunities at National Meets: If your swimmer competes at a national level, you could work those prestigious meets too—many officials continue to participate long after their own children have moved on.

Join us in making a difference for our swimmers and the sport we love!