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.