Referee Certification

Referee Certification Requirements

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

• Age - 19 years or older
• USA Swimming member in good standing (current registration, APT and BC)
• Previous required certifications: Stroke & Turn Judge, Starter, and Administrative Official

Certification Requirements (completed within one year of clinic attendance)

• Complete a Referee Clinic (online or in person)
• Pass the USA Swimming Referee Certification Test
• Minimum four apprentice sessions at sanctioned or approved meets (not including observed meets)
  • At least two different meets
  • At least two diffetent mentors
  • Complete the Referee Training/Evaluation Form after each session
  • Evaluation Session may be done any time after the 3rd apprentice session: List of Evaluators. Note that evaluation session should include 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.
• Must complete certification within one year of month of the clinic
• After completion of evaluation, submit the Certification Request Form.

• Certification until: December 31st two years after the year of certification if the certification occurred between January 1st and June 30th of the year of certification. December 31st three years after the year of certification if the certification occurred between July 1st and December 31st of the year of certification

Referee Recertification Requirements

• Continue to be a USA Swimming Official in good standing (current registration, APT and BC)
• Session requirement: 16 sessions within 3 years, at least 8 in any referee position
• Attend a Clinic (recommend Referee Clinic) at least once every 3 years
• Pass the USA Swimming Referee Recertification Test
• Submit the online Officials Recertification Request Form
• Recertifying extends your certification until December 31st two years after the year of certification if the certification occurred between January 1st and June 30th of the year of certification. December 31st three years after the year of certification if the certification occurred between July 1st and December 31st of the year of certification and recertifies S&T Judge, Chief Judge, Starter and Administrative Official certifications.