Starter Certification
The Starter is responsible for ensuring that every swimmer gets a fair start to each race. As the only official who consistently interacts directly with swimmers, the starter plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the meet!
Requirements for becoming a starter:
Eligibility: Prospective starters must be certified as a Stroke and Turn Official for a minimum of 3 months, and they must have worked at least 4 sessions at a minimum of 2 meets since stroke and turn certification.
Training: Prospective starters must successfully complete the USA Swimming Starter Clinic and test with a score of 80% or better. The starter clinic is now available here: https://university.usaswimming.org/landing
Apprenticing: Prospective starters must complete four apprentice sessions in which they are mentored by an experienced starter on deck. Each apprentice session is documented on the NJS Apprentice Starter Evaluation form. The evaluation form must be signed by the meet referee for each session worked. Apprentice sessions must be completed within one year from the month of the clinic.
Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates complete one of their starter apprentice sessions with a member of the officials advancement group. You can let us know you'd like to do this by emailing [email protected]
When you've completed your apprentice sessions, send a photo or scan of your completed, signed evaluation form to [email protected]. You cannot be fully certified as a starter until we receive and approve your apprentice documentation.
Recertification: Starters must recertify every 3 years. To do so, they must have worked 8 qualified recertification sessions within a 3-year period as a starter and they must complete the USA Swimming recertification clinic and test for the highest certification held (starter or referee if applicable).
