Officiating is a critical component of any well run competition. Just as the athletes aspire to do their best and compete at the highest level, we hope to encourage persons to aspire to become Swimming Officials with a desire not only to do a great job, but also to Officiate at the highest level. The ASAJ Swimming Officials Certification program has been developed with the following objectives in mind:

Establish a standard for all officials to follow
Provide a basis for an ongoing training program
Recognise an Officials performance on Deck

The ASAJ’s Swimming Officials certification program establishes an Officials experience and training by assigning one of three levels:

Level 1 – Club/School Competition - the official must have attended the training sessions/clinics, completed the exams and completed the required deck time under supervision.

Level 2 – Championship/International Competition – Official must have completed the requirement for Level 1, and acted in the position at a Championship or International Competition, under supervision for 24 hours deck time.

FINA – Meets FINA’s requirements and must be recommended by the ASAJ.

Note: A Swimming Officials Certification will be valid for a period of two (2) years.

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REFEREE

1.1. certification Requirement

1.1.1. Minimum age 21

1.1.2. Have been a certified official (stroke & turn or starter) for a minimum of one (1) year.

1.1.3. Possess a copy of the FINA General Rule, Swimming Rules and ASAJ Swimming By-Laws.

1.1.4. Take and pass the Referee’s exam.

1.1.5. Have apprenticed a minimum of nine (9) sessions as an apprentice referee – or – have completed a minimum of six (6) sessions working as a satisfactory starter/referee.

1.1.6. Be recommended in writing for this level by a referee who has been certified for a minimum of one (1) year.

1.1.7. Attend an approved starter/referee training session taught by a certified trainer and pass the required tests.

1.2. Recertification

1.2.1. Possess a current FINA rulebook

1.2.2. Work a minimum of twelve (12) sessions in two (2) years with at least six (6) of the sessions as referee.

1.2.3. Attend at least one clinic or take test every two years.

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STARTER

2.1. Certification Requirement

2.1.1. Minimum age 18

2.1.2. Have completed a minimum of twelve (12) full sessions working as a satisfactory stroke and turn judge.

2.1.3. Complete ASAJ Referee/Starter course or a course sanctioned by the ASAJ

2.1.4. Take and pass current written starter test.

2.1.5. Apprentice as a starter for six (6) sessions under the direct supervision of a certified starter or referee. (NOTE – Championship meets should not be used for apprenticing.

2.2. Recertification

2.2.1. Attend a refresher clinic

2.2.2. Work a minimum of eight (8) sessions in two (2) years as a starter preferably in three (3) different meets.

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STROKE AND TURN JUDGES

3.1. Certification Requirements

3.1.1. Minimum age 18

3.1.2. Complete ASAJ Stroke and Turn course or a course sanctioned by the ASAJ.

3.1.3. Take and pass current timekeeper test.

3.1.4. Take and pass current stroke/turn judges test

3.1.5. Apprentice as a stroke/turn judge for a total of six (6) sessions at three (3) different meets under the direct supervision of certified stroke/turn judges certified for a minimum of one (1) year.

3.2. Re-certification

3.2.1. Work a minimum of eight (8) full sessions in two (2) years as a stroke and turn official with competency satisfying the meet referee. This shall include attending the recommended one (1) hour officials briefing prior to each session.

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TIMEKEEPERS

4.1. Certification Requirements

4.1.1. Be at least 11 years old.

4.1.2. Complete ASAJ Timekeeper course or a course sanctioned by the ASAJ.

4.1.3. Take and pass the written timekeeper test.

4.1.4. Apprentice at three (3) sessions with satisfactory performance.

4.2. Recertification

4.2.1. Work at least two (2) complete sessions at two (2) meets each year as Timekeeper.

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RECRUITING OFFICIALS

5.1. Each organization should be asked to appoint an officials’ chairman. One of the major responsibilities for the chairman is to recruit new officials.

5.2. The need for officials should be advertised and communicated through clubs and newsletters.

5.3. Officials’ clinics and meetings should be scheduled on a regular basis. Individuals in becoming officials as well as experienced officials should be encouraged to attend.

5.4. Officials should ask coaches for help in identifying and involving interested potential officials.

5.5. The officials’ chairman should be aware of individuals who officiate on a regular basis. These people should be encouraged to upgrade their officiating skills.

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DECK OFFICIAL EVALUATION

6.1. Explanation of Categories

6.1.1. Knowledge of Rules – Degree of knowledge of current FINA rules.

6.1.2. Position/ Control

6.1.3. Stroke and Turn – Consistently in position to best observe the swimmers’ actions.

6.1.4. Starter – Maintains complete control of swimmers.

6.1.5. Alertness – aware of meet progress and swimmers – does not allow outside distraction to interfere with performance of duties.

6.1.6. Attitude/Poise – supportive of swimmers – works well with others – maintains friendly, calm, non-combative attitude even in stress situations.

6.1.7. Reliability – can be counted on. Shows up when expected. Keeps meet management informed.

6.2. Explanation of Ratings

6.2.1. Poor – Does not meet minimum standard for this position. Needs additional training under supervision.

6.2.2. Fair – Adequate. Meets minimum standards but needs additional deck experience in this position.

6.2.3. Good – Meets all the standards for this meet level.

6.2.4. Very Good – Exceeds standards for this meet level. Makes additional positive contributions. Would qualify for more senior level meets.

6.2.5. Excellent – superior performance well beyond standards. Makes additional positive contributions. Considered qualified for national and international meet consideration.

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