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Welcome to Officials
As a parent of a swimmer you have the opportunity to be involved with your child and their sport in various ways. One very instrumental way is by being trained, certified, and working as an Official. Officials are present at all competitions to implement the technical rules of swimming and to ensure that the competition is fair and equitable to everyone. Click below to read more about:
- How to Become an Official revised 8/1/23
- Officials Advancement Criteria
Officials attend clinics, receive training and are certified by USA Swimming. Novice officials generally start as Stroke and Turn Officials whose job it is to observe the swimmers in their assigned lanes from the time they take their first arm pull after entering the water or beginning a race through the completion of their race. Stroke and Turn Officials ensure that the strokes, turns and finishes comply with the rules applicable to each stroke. If strokes, turns or finishes are executed in a manner which is out of compliance with the rules, in the spirit of fairness they document information to disqualify a swimmer from a race.
There are many levels of officiating that require different degrees of involvement and time. Stroke and Turn Officials learn the ropes by attending clinics, using self-study materials, and working on deck under the supervision of an experienced official. Those who are interested move up the ladder to serving as a chief judge, then to refereeing and starting--again, learning through a combination of clinics, self-study materials, and on-the-job training.
NEWS
Opportunity to Officiate at 2023 CA/NV Winter Sectionals
The 2023 CA/NV Winter Sectionals are being held December 14-17, 2023 in Huntington Beach, CA, hosted by Golden West Swim Club and the Southern California LSC.
This will be an OQM and the “Application to Officiate” can be found here:
Application to Officiate 2023 CA/NV Winter Sectionals
To be considered for specific assigned positions (Deck Referee, Starter, Chief Judge, Asst.Admin Referee) position, applications MUST be received by November 6, 2023.
Applications for Stroke & Turn positions will be accepted at any time. However, only those applying by November 20, 2023 will be assured of receiving a meet shirt.
Officials will be notified by November 13th of their assigned position status.
Applicant must be a member, in good standing, of USA Swimming and be a LSC certified official.
Questions? Contact:
National Evaluations for Officials Taking Place at the Upcoming Winter Age Group Championship Meet (December 1-3) in Moraga - Officials wishing to be evaluated must apply with Mike Davis via email prior to the meet or when they first arrive at the competition and attend pre-session meetings. Briefing will occur one hour before the start of both trials and finals. Officials' dress for finals is a white polo/blouse, blue long pants or a skirts. and closed white athletic shoes.
For an N2 or N3 evaluation to be valid, it must be done over four sessions in the same position. Recertification evaluations must be done over two sessions; however, the official must work at least four sessions at the meet for advancement/recertification evaluation(s) to be valid.
2023-24 Meet Assignments (updated 10/30/23) - Pacific's major meet assignments for the 2023-24 swim year are available. Click here to view.
Request for Reimbursement
For requesting reimbursement from Pacific Swimiming for National Meets Travel and Lodging. Note that tax identification number and current address must be provided before any payment for services provided to Pacific will be made. (Updated 9/6/22). Click here to view.
Officials Apparel - Our inventory is fully stocked again and we are happy to be able to maintain the same prices for all items except jackets. We have also added a knit beanie cap for those cold, winter meets and, by request, a XS Ladies SS and LS polos. Please use this current form to order any items. Thank you for your patience!
Athlete Protection Training - USA Swimming's Athlete Protection Training course is available by clicking here.
Officials Background Checks - The current amount for background check renewal is $18. DO NOT let your background check expire! See your Zone Officials Chair or visit USASwimming.org to begin the background check process.
Important Links
USA Swimming Officials Information
- USA Swimming Officials Page
- USA Swimming Officials Applications & Forms
- Deck Pass Dashboard
- Education & Training
- Testing & Certification
- Officials Tracking System (OTS)
- Entering Other Meets in OTS
- OTS & Certification FAQs (rev. 4/2020)
Rule Books
- 2023 USA Swimming Rules & Regulations
- Pacific Swimming Rules & Regulations
- NCAA Rules & Interpretations
General
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