Starter Certification

Starter 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)
• Session and time requirements:
  • Certified as a Stroke & Turn Judge for at least three months
  • Worked a minimum of four sessions at a minimum of two meets as a Stroke & Turn Judge

Certification Requirements (completed within one year of clinic attendance)

• Complete a Starter Clinic (online or in person)
• Pass the USA Swimming Starter Certification Test (prior to evaluation session)
• Minimum of four apprentice sessions at sanctioned or approved meets
  • At least two different meets
  • At least two different mentors
  • Completion of Starter Evaluation Form after each session affirming satisfactory performance
  • Evaluation Session may be done any time after the 3rd apprentice session (Evaluator List)
  • 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.
  • Members who have five plus years of USA Swimming experience as a 13&O athlete or coach member need only complete half of the on-deck apprentice session requirements provided they show competency in the position, at the discretion of the LSC Officials Chair or designee.
• After successful completion of evaluation, submit the Certification Request Form.

• Certification: good until the Dec 31, 2026.

Starter Recertification Requirements

• Continue to be a USA Swimming Official in good standing (current registration, APT and BC)
• Session requirement: eight sessions over a three year period as a starter
• Attend a Clinic (recommend Starter Clinic) at least once every 3 years
• Pass the USA Swimming Starter Recertification Test
• Submit the online Officials Recertification Request Form
• Recertification extends your certification for three years and recertifies S&T Judge.