Procedure for Certification of Officials
USA Swimming
LSC: Louisiana
1.
The
applicant must attend a clinic, preferably presented by the swim club
officials’ representative or certified referee. Note: Please notify other area clubs of any
scheduled clinics. The clinic
should minimally review all rules applicable to the position and should cover
material presented in the current USA Swimming “Officiating Swimming” training
manual. This manual can be downloaded
from the following website:
2.
The
applicant must take the current USA Swimming test(s) for the applicable
position. This is an open book test
(available from the website above), and the applicant must take the test for
the position being trained plus any sections below that position. For example, Stroke & Turn applicants
must take the Stroke & Turn section and the Timer section. Referees must take all sections. The clinic trainer should grade the test(s)
and review the answers with the applicant.
A passing grade of 80% is required.
3.
The
clinic trainer and applicant fill out the attached “Application for Provisional
Official’s Position” form and forward to the LSC Officials’ Chair along with a
copy of the answer sheets. New
applicants must also enclose a check for $5 payable to Louisiana Swimming.
4.
New
applicants must register with USA Swimming as a non-athlete member (unless
applying only for Timer). This is done
through the swim club to the LSC Registration Chair. The USA Swimming rule book is sent to the applicant upon
registration.
5.
The
LSC Officials’ Chair mails a provisional card to the applicant.
6.
The
applicant must meet the following minimum provisional standards:
·
Timer
Satisfactory
performance at one meet.
·
Stroke
& Turn Judge
On-deck
experience with a trainer (who has minimum 1-year certification as S&T),
for a minimum of four sessions in at least two separate meets.
Disqualifications cannot be made by a provisional official.
·
Starter
Must
have been a certified Stroke & Turn Judge for at least one full year. Must apprentice at least five sessions on
the deck with a trainer (club officials’ representative preferred) in at least
two separate meets.
·
Referee
Must have been a certified Starter for at least one
full year. Must apprentice on deck for
a minimum of six sessions in at least three separate meets under at least two
different referees. Must also serve in
an administrative capacity for at least two sessions in at least one meet,
preferably a preliminary-final championship
format, ideally one of the LSC Championship meets.
For all of the above, provisional service should be recorded on the provisional card.
Please note the word minimum. The provisional
official should be presented for full certification only when the official and
the trainer are satisfied that the applicant is knowledgeable and comfortable
to assume the responsibility of the position.
The applicant has a full year to accomplish this.
7.
The
swim club officials’ representative forwards the provisional card along with
the attached “Application for Official’s Certification” to the LSC Officials’
Chair.
8.
The
applicant will be checked for USA Swimming Registration and then receive the
certified Louisiana Swimming card, a card holder, and patch. This card should be used to record service
at all meets.
1.
The
preferable renewal sequence is to attend the LSC Short Course Championship meet
in even numbered years. This meet will
be conducted in a national championship style format and will include pre-session
officials’ briefings. There will be a
re-certification clinic between sessions on the Saturday of this meet. Attendance at these sessions, along with
proof of service as outlined below will qualify for recertification.
2.
Service
requirements are as follows:
·
Stroke
& Turn Judge
Work
at least three meets per year (with total minimum of four sessions) as a Stroke
& Turn judge.
·
Starter
Work
at least three meets per year (with total minimum of four sessions) as a
Starter.
·
Referee
Work
at least three meets per year (with total minimum of six sessions, at least one
session of which must be as Referee).
3.
Present
check for $5 payable to Louisiana Swimming, and provide proof of registration
with USA Swimming.
4.
For
officials who cannot attend the state recertification meet, the swim club
officials’ representative must conduct the recertification. A review of rule changes and topics from the
state meet clinic should be included.
The current USA Swimming recertification test(s) for the position should
be administered and scored. The expired
card, $5 check, a copy of the answer sheets, and the “Application for
Official’s Certification” is then sent to the LSC Officials’ Chair, who will
verify USA Swimming registration and mail the new card to the official.
Application
for Provisional Official’s Position
Reason
for submittal:
c New
official
c
Current
official training for upgraded position
Name:
Address:
City: , LA Zip
Code:
Phone (H): Phone (W): Fax:
Email address:
Swim Club:
Provisional Position:
Enclosed: c Copy of answer sheets
c
$5
check payable to “Louisiana Swimming” (new officials only)
Certified By: _________________________________________
Swim Club Officials’ Representative
Mail to: Bruce Thomas
1221 Kimbro Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Application
for Official’s Certification
Reason
for submittal:
c New
official has completed provisional service
c
Current
official has completed provisional service for upgraded position
c
Recertification
of current official
Official’s Name:
Address:
City: , LA Zip Code:
Swim Club:
Position:
Enclosed: c Provisional card (or expired card if recertifying)
c
$5
check payable to “Louisiana Swimming” (only if recertifying)
c
Copy
of answer sheets (only if recertifying)
Certified By: _________________________________________
Swim Club Officials’ Representative
Mail to: Bruce Thomas
1221 Kimbro Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808