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Referee Certification


Referee Certification Requirements

(completed within one year of clinic attendance)

  • Age - 19 years or older
  • USA Swimming member in good standing (current registration, APT and BC)
  • Previous required certifications: Stroke & Turn Judge, Starter, and Administrative Official
  • Complete a Referee Clinic (online or in person)
  • Pass the USA Swimming Referee Certification Test
  • Minimum four apprentice sessions at sanctioned or approved meets (not including observed meets)
    • At least two different meets
    • At least two diffetent mentors
    • Complete the Referee Training/Evaluation Form after each session
    • Evaluation Session may be done any time after the 3rd apprentice session: List of Evaluators. Note that evaluation session should include radios.
    • Note that if evaluation is not successful, the evaluator must submit to the apprentice a written action plan within two weeks and copy the Officials Chair.
  • After completion of evaluation, submit the Certification Request Form.
  • Certification: good until the Dec 31, 2026.

Referee Recertification Requirements

  • Continue to be a USA Swimming Official in good standing (current registration, APT and BC)
  • Session requirement: 16 sessions within 3 years, at least 8 in any referee position
  • Attend a PVS Clinic (recommend Referee Clinic) at least once every 3 years
  • Pass the USA Swimming Referee Recertification Test
  • Submit the online Officials Recertification Request Form
  • Recertification extends your certification for three years and recertifies S&T Judge, Chief Judge, Starter and Administrative Official certifications until Dec 31, 2026.