Value Beyond the Water
 
Become an Official
 
Being an official is a great way to get involved in your swimmer's life and the sport, so thank you! You learn rules about swimming and what makes a meet work. The time will pass by much faster when you're involved. And, you will be on deck helping the sport improve. 
 
Some quick links:

 

Steps to becoming an official:

First - Visit this link for a rundown of what to expect.
Metro Swimming Officials intro sheet

Second - Get some officials' clothing. White shoes that can get wet, navy shorts, pants or skirt, and a white collared shirt. Pool decks are warm so many officials have shorts and short-sleeved polo shirts year-round.

Third - Contact Metro Swimming's Official Chair to find an online Stroke and Turn clinic and enroll. Stroke and Turn is your initial role as an official.

Fourth - Fill out and submit the apprentice registration form.
Metro Swimming Apprentice Form

Fifth - USA Member Registration, Tests, and Background Check.

After 6 apprentice sessions and approval from AGUA referees and Mark Amodio, follow the directions in our Official Registration Document to complete your: 

  • Non-Athlete Member registration with USA Swimming (directions in document)
  • Athlete Protection Training course (directions in document)
  • Background Check (directions in document)
  • Instructional Videos - (Scroll down to the bottom of the page and skip the introduction video. Focus on strokes: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle, Individual Medley)
  • Online Test  - once you have completed your online test, let Rachel Skaistis and Charles Asch know so they can schedule you for meet sessions. 

Finally, sign up in an officiating slot for the AGUA job sign-up for any meet you intend to work/train and respond to the scheduling email sent by Rachel and Charles. We generally gather in the coaches' office 45 minutes before the start of each session. You should join that meeting. Volunteers will walk around and supply you with water during the meet session. Of course, you can take restroom breaks as needed. Now, get out on the deck!

If there are any questions, please contact Coach John.