From the CVST Handbook...
From the CVST Handbook...
OFFICIATING
Swimming Officials are usually parents of swimmers who enjoy the responsibility of working at a swim meet. Anyone willing to put in the time is usually capable of becoming an Official. There are Certified Officials, which are the people wearing whites and are running and controlling the meets. And there are the Officials that do not require certification, such as timers, runners, meet directors, etc.
The first step of officiating is usually timing. If you enjoy being on the deck and like meet participation, the next step is to become a Certified Stroke and Turn Judge. To do this, you must attend a stroke and turn clinic, work as an apprentice under a Certified Official, and pass a written exam. The next level of officiating is the Starter. To become certified, you must attend a clinic, work as an apprentice starter under a Certified Starter and pass a written exam. The Deck Referee and Meet Referee are the highest Certified Officials on deck and to attain these certifications, one must attend a clinic, work as an apprentice, and pass a written exam. Once an Official becomes certified in our LSC (Florida Swimming), they are qualified to apply for national certification and may then work any USA Swimming meet in the country.
Please realize that according to the Florida Swimming Rule Book (223.4), Year-round teams (which were registered as of January 1 of the previous year) shall be required to have Certified Officials within its membership in order to host a meet.
0 - 50 Swimmers - 1 Certified Official
50 - 100 Swimmers - 2 Certified Officials (1 other than Stroke & Turn Judge)
100 - + Swimmers - 3 Certified Officials (2 other than Stroke & Turn Judge)
CVST INCENTIVES FOR CVST OFFICIALS
CVST parents who are/become Certified USA Swimming Officials and work the CVST Hosted Swim Meets as well as other swim meets that CVST attends during the swim year (September - August) may be eligible for up to a full session of dues, for one swimmer, rebated back to their CVST Account. Each September, after Officiating for a full CVST Swim Year, CVST Officials with swimmers on the team will be able to apply to the CVST Board for their Officials Rebate for the previous year. CVST also reimburses Officials expenses for USA Swimming Non-Athlete Membership and the required Background Checks when receipts are turned in.
How To Start The Process Of Becoming A Swimming Official
1. Attend a Clinic by a CCI (certified clinic instructor – Rick Sheridan and Bob Griffiths from CVST are both CCI’s) - SIGN IN! You can download a Stroke and Turn CLINIC packet from the Officials Forms Tab on FloridaSwimming.org
2. Do the Paperwork: One of these forms MUST be submitted prior to apprenticing on deck- Both can be found on the FloridaSwimming.org website under E-forms-Registration. Complete the Free USA 60 day Apprentice Form (This temporary one time Free 60 day apprentice membership complies with Safe Sport Regulations and is effective starting from the first day of apprenticing on deck. Before the expiration of the 60-day free membership, you would need to complete the current Non-Athlete Membership Form, pay the annual USA membership, and submit to the FL Swim office.) OR you may want to skip that step and complete the USA/FL Non-Athlete Membership form and pay the membership fee now. (Save your receipts as CVST will reimburse you with receipts). Ask your clinic instructor for the best planning options for you! Help your CCI know how to advise you- Answer: What is your apprentice plan time frame? Are you apprenticing right away? Does your team pay for Officials membership? Completed the ST test online?...
3. Open a free USA Swimming account online and generate a Stroke & Turn/Timer Certification Test. Complete Open Rulebook test with passing score of 80% as you are already beginning your apprenticeship. Do not use your child’s account or anyone else’s- it should be your own username and password with your information, so you are credited with your completed requirements. This test is recommended to be started soon after the clinic (or can be done before) as it will help you become familiar with the technical rules and their location in the current year USA Swimming rulebook.
4. Apprentice on deck as soon as you complete a FL ST clinic! Apprentice Officials can sign in 1 hour prior to any session with the meet referee at any FL sanctioned Meet, attend the briefing, bring your apprentice form, and be assigned with a certified official mentor. (No apprenticing at State LSC Championships- sorry!)
5. Within 60 days of your first apprentice session on deck, complete USA membership (if you have not already) and submit to a Level 2 Background check and complete the free Athlete Protection Training seminar online. (Complete the open book ST Test if you are not finished.) NOTE: It is helpful and timely for you to complete these steps as you are going through your apprentice training of minimum 20 hours on deck with different mentors. Ask your area rep, clinic instructor or refer to your Clinic packet if you are unclear on any of the steps.
6. Learn about OTS, the Officials Tracking System OTS will show you your complete history, accomplishments, and contributions to the athletes of FL Swimming & beyond and serves as a record if you take your Volunteer expenses off on your taxes. More info on the OTS at USASwimming.org. Thank you for joining a great team of professional volunteer officials! Without you, the fast-growing sport and organization of swimming cannot be successful!
If you have any questions, please see Coach Jim.
