Referee Certification
Referees run the deck; they are responsible for overseeing the running of the session and/or meet. The referee ensures that the competition is conducted in accord with all the technical rules set forth by USA Swimming.
Requirements for becoming a referee:
Eligibility: Prospective referees must be certified as a Stroke and Turn Official, Administrative Official, and Starter.
Training: Prospective referees must attend a Referee clinic and must pass the USA Swimming Referee test with a score of 80% or better.
Apprenticing: Prospective referees must complete four apprentice sessions in which they are mentored by an experienced referee on deck. Each apprentice session is documented on the NJS Apprentice Referee 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 their final referee evaluation with a member of the officials advancement group.
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 referee until we receive and approve your apprentice documentation.
Once certified, referees may officiate in any referee role at any meet, except that in meets classified as USA Swimming Championships (as defined by 102.10.5), this certification may not meet the requirements of serving as the required Administrative Referee.
Recertification: Referees must recertify every 3 years. To do so, they must have worked 16 qualified recertification sessions within a 3-year period, with at least 8 of these in any Referee position. They must also pass the USA Swimming Referee recertification clinic and test every 3 years.
