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:
Officials Certification Standards
How to Become an Official
Officials Code of Conduct
Apprentice Official Check Sheets to be Brought to Meets
Stroke and Turn Certification Check Sheet
Chief Judge Certification Check Sheet
Starter Certification Check Sheet
Admin Official Certification Check Sheet
Referee Certification Check Sheet
Documents for Knowledge of Each Position
Professional Stroke and Turn Official
Professional Chief Judge
Professional Starter
Professional Administrative Official
Professional Administrative Referee
Professional Deck Referee
Officials attend clinics, receive training and are certified by USA Swimming. Apprentice 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 a trainer. Those who are interested move up the ladder to serving as a chief judge, starter, admin official, and referee, learning through a combination of clinics, self-study materials, and on-the-job training.
NEWS
Opportunity to Official at the 2025 CA/NV Summer Sectionals - The 2025 CA/NV Summer Sectionals are being held July 17-20, 2025, in two locations - Novato, CA, hosted by Thunder Coast Aquatics and Pacific Swimming and Chula Vista, CA, hosted by Coronado Swim Team Elite and the San Diego Imperial LSC.
This will be an OQM and the single “Application to Officiate” for both locations can be found here:
Application to Officiate 2025 CA/NV Summer Sectionals
Officials are asked to sign up for one meet only.
To be considered for specific assigned positions (Deck Referee, Starter, Chief Judge, Asst.Admin Referee) position, applications MUST be received by June 15, 2025.
Officials will be notified by June 23, 2025 of their assigned position status.
Applications for Stroke & Turn positions will be accepted at any time. However, only those applying by June 23, 2025 will be assured of receiving a meet shirt.
Applicant must be a member, in good standing, of USA Swimming and be a LSC certified official.
If you have any questions, please email either Meet Referee:
Chula Vista: Robert Broyles, robertbroyles9@gmail.com
Novato: Debbie Laderoute, debbie@oregonswimming.org
2024-25 Meet Assignments (updated 3/20/25) - Pacific's major meet assignments for the 2024-25 swim y/ear 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 3/13/25). 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
- 2024 USA Swimming Rules & Regulations
- Pacific Swimming Rules & Regulations
- NCAA Rules & Interpretations
General
Safety