Officials

WHO CAN BECOME AN OFFICIAL

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a non-athlete member of USA Swimming
  • Parents, former swimmers, coaches, and community volunteers are welcome

REQUIRED MEMBERSHIP & COMPLIANCE

  • Current USA Swimming non-athlete membership
  • Background check
  • Athlete Protection Training (APT) (renewed annually)
  • Code of Conduct acknowledgment

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATIONS

Officials may certify in one or more roles, including:

  • Stroke & Turn Judge
  • Starter
  • Administrative Official
  • Deck Referee

Each certification requires:

  • Online education modules
  • On-deck training sessions
  • Mentored sessions
  • Final evaluation and sign-off

TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT

  • Combination of online learning and on-deck experience
  • Step-by-step advancement with mentor support
  • Officials may progress to higher levels as desired

TIME COMMITMENT

  • Flexible, volunteer-based schedule
  • Officials typically work local swim meets
  • Sessions can often be selected based on availability

UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT

  • Standard officials’ uniform: white shirt, navy bottoms, white shoes

CGBD OFFICIALS BENEFITS

  • Certification costs are fully covered by CGBD
  • Officials receive money back to their CGBD account for sessions worked:
  • 3rd swimmer discount
  • 10 sessions worked = $100 credit
  • Each additional 10 sessions = an additional $100 credit
  • Credits can be used toward CGBD-related expenses

WHY BECOME AN OFFICIAL?

  • Support fair and safe competition
  • Stay involved in your swimmer’s sport
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of USA Swimming rules
  • Give back to the local swim community


Contact Official Chair

Becoming An Official Handbook



CGBD Guidebook

Read More

USA Swimming Junior Officials Program

The Junior Officials Program allows 16- and 17-year-old USA Swimming members to begin training and serving as certified officials at swim meets. The program introduces young leaders to officiating while supporting fair competition and providing a pathway to future adult officiating.

Eligibility

  • Must be 16 or 17 years old
  • Must be a registered USA Swimming member
  • Athlete members may add Junior Official status to their membership

Program Benefits

  • Learn swimming rules, stroke mechanics, and meet operations
  • Develop leadership, responsibility, and confidence on deck
  • Earn volunteer or community service hours
  • Create a direct pathway to becoming a certified official at age 18

Training & Certification

To become certified, Junior Officials must:

  • Complete required online training courses (officiating foundations, stroke & turn, concussion protocol, and Safe Sport)
  • Participate in on-deck apprenticeship training at a minimum of four sessions across two meets
  • Successfully complete an evaluation by a certified official

Duties & Limitations

  • Junior Officials may serve in stroke & turn positions at meets below the LSC championship level
  • All duties are performed under the direct supervision of a certified official
  • Junior Officials do not make independent disqualification decisions

Transition at Age 18

When a Junior Official turns 18, their membership transitions to a full official role, with additional adult requirements completed at that time.