Stroke & Turn Judge Certification
Stroke & Turn Certification Requirements
Prerequisites (need to be completed before you can begin on deck training):
Certification Requirements (completed within one year of clinic attendance):
- Complete and pass both the USA Swimming Foundations of Officiating course and the Stroke and Turn Certification course
on the USA Swimming University
- Minimum 4 apprentice sessions (not including observed meets) completed
within one year from date of Stroke and Turn Judge Clinic
(note that apprentices cannot make unsupervised disqualification calls). Freestyle only sessions do not count.
- At least two different meets
- Completion of Stroke & Turn Evaluation Form
after each session affirming satisfactory performance
- Evaluation Session may be done any time after the 3rd apprentice session
(Potential evaluators )
- 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 Certification Request Form.
- Certification: good until the Dec 31, 2026.
Stroke & Turn Recertification Requirements
- Continue to be a USA Swimming Official in good standing (current registration, athlete protection training, background check)
- Session requirement: Eight sessions over three years at a minimum of 2 different meets in Stroke & Turn or higher position
- Complete and pass the USA Swimming Stroke & Turn Certification
course every three years
- Submit the online Officials Recertification Request Form
- Recertifying extends your certification until Dec 31, 2026.
