Chief Judge Certification

Chief Judge Certification Requirements

Prerequisites (need to be completed before you can begin on deck training):

• Age - 18 years or older
• USA Swimming member in good standing (current registration, APT and BGC)
• Previous certification as Stroke & Turn Judge
• Session requirements: Minimum 16 sessions as S&T Judge

Certification Requirements (completed within one year of clinic attendance)

• Complete a Chief Judge Clinic (online or in person)
• Have read the Chief Judge Professional Documents.
• Minimum of four apprentice sessions at sanctioned or approved meets
  • At least two different meets
  • Completion of Chief Judge Evaluation Form after each session affirming satisfactory performance
  • Evaluation Session may be done any time after the 3rd apprentice session (Evaluator List) Note that the evaluation session must use radios.
  • Note that if evaluation is not successful, the evaluator must submit to the apprentice a written action plan within two weeks and copy the Officials Chair.
• After successful completion of evaluation, submit the Certification Request Form.

• Certification: good until Dec 31, 2026.

Chief Judge Recertification Requirements

• Continue to be a USA Swimming Official in good standing (current registration, APT and BC)
• Session requirement: eight sessions per year with at least four as a CJ or Referee.
• USA Swimming recertification test every 3 years for the highest certification held (note that there is no USA Swimming Chief Judge test)
• Submit the online Officials Recertification Request Form
• Recertification extends your certification for three years and recertifies S&T Judge.
• Recertifying for Referee will recertify CJ if the official is a CJ. Starter will NOT recertify CJ.