What is an Official?

Like any competitive sport, swimming has Officials who ensure that all athletes compete according to the rules. Well run meets and good competitive results are directly related to good officiating. Thorough knowledge of the rules, coupled with fair and consistent application of them, make a good official.  To confidently work on deck, an official must study the rules, attend training sessions, and work regularly at numerous swim meets.

Parents are encouraged to become an Official and learn the rules of competitive swimming. The team covers any training fees and offers several opportunities to become trained in how to be an official.

Officials should always keep in mind that the swimmers have worked hard to achieve their successes and deserve a fair and equitable competition.  Officials must apply the rules intelligently at all times, using common sense and good judgment.  The rules of swimming are intended to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition.  Officials must work hard to fully understand the rules and their responsibilities in applying them.

The Importance of Good Officials

Officials should always keep in mind that the swimmers have worked hard to achieve their successes and deserve a fair and equitable competition.  Officials must apply the rules intelligently at all times, using common sense and good judgment.  The rules of swimming are intended to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition.  Officials must work hard to fully understand the rules and their responsibilities in applying them. The benefit of the doubt always goes to the swimmer!   If you can always remember this you can never go wrong.

The rules of swimming define the acceptable form for each stroke. Many variations of form are possible and may still comply with the letter of the rules. Decisions regarding the form of strokes and turns must, therefore, be subject to flexible judgment and good common sense. "Ugly isn’t necessarily illegal."

Why Officiate?

The easy answer is because the team needs you. A meet cannot take place without officials to start the races, judge the stroke and turns and apply scoring.  However, most parents find that being an official is an enjoyable part of attending a swim meet.

At most meets swim parents aren't allowed on the pool deck for any reason - but if you're an official, you're always welcome with open arms and allowed to go anywhere!  

You must be recertified annually in order to keep your certification current and up-to-date.  We thank every official out there who contributes their time, knowledge, and expertise to officiating swimming.