Why be an Official?
1. Help support an excellent sport and promote a healthy lifestyle for children and teens.
2. Gain a more thorough understanding of swimming in particular, and sports in general.
3. Fulfill volunteer obligations at Club Meets.
4. Get closer to the action; know what’s happening on deck with the “best seat” at the pool.
5. Get mentally and physically engaged during the Meet rather than merely “spectating.”
6. Be cooler on deck than in the stands.
7. Receive free admission and great hospitality during sessions officiated.
The information below is designed to walk a brand new official candidate through the process of becoming an Indiana Swimming Official.
Step 1: Attend a Clinic – for Technical (Stroke & Turn) or Administrative or both
- Go to the Indiana Swimming website and refer to the list of upcoming clinics on the Indiana Swimming Officials page
- Register for the clinic of your choice/area by sending an RSVP email to the Coordinator contact for the clinic you selected
- http://www.teamunify.com/SubTabGeneric.jsp?team=czinlsc&_stabid_=103369
- Remember to print out your clinic workbook and evaluation cards
Step 2: Complete the required online test
- You will be required to register on the USA Swimming website prior to taking any tests
- Click here on USA swimming for instructions on creating an account and registering
- Once you have completed your training clinic, you will need to take an on-line open book test. The test is designed to help you understand the rules. It will take about ~ 2 hours to complete.
- Read or download the USA Swimming 2016 Rule Book:
- You will either need to take the Stroke and Turn Test or the Clerk of Course, Timer, and Timing Judge (yes all 3) for Administrative Judge.
- It is recommended that the test be taken prior to or in close proximity to your first training session.
- The test along with additional instructions can be found at: http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1510&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en
Step 3: USA Swimming Non-Athlete Memberships
- Next, you must become a member of USA Swimming. Fill out the non-athlete application at Indiana Swimming website: https://www.teamunify.com/czinlsc/UserFiles/File/Coaches%20Forms/Membership%20Requirements/2016%20Application%20-%20Non-athlete.pdf
- Submit the completed form along with a check for the $55.00 USA Swimming Fee to Indiana Swimming as noted below. CGAC will reimburse you for all fees.
Step 4: Complete Level II Background Check
- As part of the USA-Swimming athlete protection act, all officials and trainees are required to undertake a criminal background check.
- For more information on the reason for the background check and to submit your background check, please go to the USA-Swimming website:
http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1678&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en
The Level 2 background check will cost $39 and will take about 15 minutes to submit your application on-line. CGAC will reimburse you for the cost of the background check.
Step 5: Complete the online Athlete Protection Course
- Once you are setup in the USA Swimming Database (assume 3-4 business days from the date you send your non-athlete membership form in Step 3), you will need to take the USA Swimming Athlete Protection Course (click the link).
- Access to the USA Swimming Athlete Protection Course is based on your non-athlete membership form being process by Indiana Swimming.
This course is a one hour tutorial which can be taken before or after your training clinic but cannot be taken until you are registered with USA Swimming
Step 6: Print your Officials Card
- Sign into the account you created on USA Swimming website (www.usaswimming.org)
- Once signed in, hover over MEMBER RESOURCES then OFFICIALS > OFFICIALS TRACKING SYSTEM
- Click on “My Certification Card” in the left margin.
- Any questions regarding your certification should be directed to your Area Rep or the Officials Tracking System (OTS) Coordinator. Your Area Rep is also whom you should contact if you are missing volunteer sessions from your history.
- You will NOT receive a membership card from Indiana Swimming as all information is included on the Certification Card.
- A minimum of 7 business days from the completion of your course to access the USA Swimming website and print your Official’s card, so you can begin your apprentice sessions.
Step 7: Complete Apprentice Sessions on Deck
- Upon printing of your Official’s card from the USA website/OTS, you may apprentice at any USA sanctioned meet.
Upon completion of your apprentice sessions, notify your Area Officials Rep or OTS Coordinator (Lucy Duncan) so your designation may be changed from Apprentice (AP) to Certified (CE)
For any questions related to Swim Officials and officiating, please reach out to any of our CGAC Officials either at the pool or send an email to:
-Head CGAC Offcial Greg Ward at greg@gtaward.com
-Kevin Trammell at kevintrammell7@gmail.com
-Brent Clarkston
-Chris Cuadros
-Becky Conkin
-Cameron Conkin
Thank you for your time and commitment to our swimmers and Club.
