HOW TO BECOME A GEORGIA SWIMMING OFFICIAL
USA Swimming is a non-profit organization that depends upon dedicated volunteers. Committed individuals donate time, energy, and expertise at every level: from the national Board of Directors down to local swimming clubs. Georgia Swimming is the governing body for USA Swimming in our state. Georgia Swimming is looking for volunteers interested in becoming entry-level officials: either Administrative Judges, who deal with swimmers’ entries, timing equipment and scoring, or Stroke & Turn Judges, who evaluate swims. In competitive swimming, the quality of officiating directly affects the quality of performance. Consistency and professionalism in officiating cannot be assured without adequate staffing. The time spent is satisfying, and you will have the opportunity to make some great friends and share the deck with some wonderful athletes. If you are interested in becoming an official, please review the following information and contact me as noted below.
COST
USA Swimming Registration: 2007 non-athlete registration fee (single) is $48.00. Registration after September 1 is valid through December of the following year (2008 fee is $49.00). USA Swimming Rule Book is included with "official" registration.
Exception:
If you are already a current non- athlete member of USA Swimming, paying the registration fee is not necessary.
Attend a clinic. A number of clinics are offered annually at various locations. You will pay a $15 fee and receive instructional materials and do on-deck training. Clinic dates can be found by contacting Rob Schreer @ h2oref@bellsouth.net Under supervision of a certified official, Administrative trainees shall work a minimum of 4 sessions; Stroke and Turn trainees shall work a minimum of 6 sessions. Georgia Swimming will sanction or approve a variety of meets for the short and long course seasons. Most scheduled meets are posted at: www.gaswim.org Attend a pre-meet briefing 1 hour prior to the start of each meet (session). Age - minimum of 18 years of age Attire - solid navy blue skirt, shorts, or pants; white collared shirt, and white shoes Attitude – SMILES to advance the sport Test - open book Two year certification - after successfully completing training and test Certified officials are welcome to work any Georgia Swimming meet they attend, or at any USA Swimming-sponsored meet they attend by contacting the Meet Referee and attend a pre-meet briefing 1 hour prior to the start of each meet (session). A typical 3-day Georgia Swimming weekend meet consists of five sessions: one Friday evening session, morning, and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Some meets are 1-day, morning, and afternoon affairs; some championship meets run more days and/or more sessions. For recertification, a certified official shall work a specified number of sessions during a two year period. Georgia Swimming certifies four types of official: Administrators, Stroke & Turn Judges; Starters; and Referees. USA Swimming offers three levels of certification: Local, National, and National Championship. OTHER EXPECTATIONS: GOOD TIMES & GOOD FRIENDS
TRAINING
Orientation & Clinic:
On Deck:
Other Expectations:
AFTER TRAINING
On Deck:
Recertification: Promotion:
MORE INFO:
Rob Schreer, Georgia Swimming Officials Training Chairperson, (770) 333-0425 or h2oref@bellsouth.net