NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
STARTER EVALUATION PROCESS
(effective for the 1999 summer nationals)


Note: These are the criteria that will be used to determine who gets an opportunity to be observed as a potential starter at future national championship level meets. This observation takes place during time trials of national championship level meets.

These are recommended guidelines for establishing the rotation of starter candidates. They are to be used if the number of request outnumber the positions available. A is required.

  1. Minimum certification - LSC level as a starter
  2. Preferred certification - National level as a starter
  3. Must be recommended by the LSC Officials Chairperson or a National Championship starter or referee
  4. Must wait one full year before requesting an observation if not approved in 3 consecutive observations
  5. Provide information as to whether the assignment is for advancement or educational
  6. Must receive 2 favorable observations from separate observers to be considered for assignment
  7. Be observed once each season (no Jrs and Nationals in same season)
  8. Work all sessions at the meet where observation is requested.
PRIORITIES IN DETERMINING WHO GETS AN OBSERVATION AT A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MEET
  1. National certified with 2 observations completed
  2. National certified with 1 observation completed
  3. National certified with 0 observations and have recommendation
  4. LSC certified with recommendation

An LSC certified starter without a recommendation will not get an observation unless there is a need and items 1 through 4 are not fulfilled

Each starter will have a minimum of 10 starts to be fairly observed. It is the job of the head starter to determine this order with assistance from the National Officials Chair providing some background information on the starter candidates.

Adopted by USA Swimming Officials Committee -- March, 1999