New Officials Current Officials Junior Officials Training & Advancement Financial Assistance USA Swimming

 


Junior Officials

South Texas is growing a Junior Official program for 16- and 17-year-olds. Junior Officials undergo the same training as any other official and can officiate 12-and-under sessions in the stroke and turn position with all the same responsibilities as a regular stroke and turn judge. When they turn 18, they automatically become adult officials and can then officiate any sessions. For teams that run their own swim meets or want to, Junior Officials are allowed to comprise up to half of the total officials at a meet and can readily expand the kinds of meets that a team can staff. For the swimmers, it’s just a great way for them to see another side of the sport and get involved in the community (and they can count Junior Official time as volunteer hours).

Additional information can be found below, but interested athletes or teams may also contact Caitlyn Vandermeer ([email protected]) or the Marc Digby ([email protected]) with any questions.

Registration Steps for Junior Officials

Step 1: USA Swimming (SWIMS) account

If you don’t already have your own USA Swimming (USAS) login that uses your OWN email address (and not your parent’s email address and login), you’ll need to create your own login and attach your existing Athlete membership to that login. The instructions to do that are here.

SWIMS will usually find your Athlete membership record using the information you entered, so you won’t have to manually attach that.
 

Step 2: Register as a Junior Official

Next, you’ll need to add the “Junior Official” membership type to your USAS account. Caitlyn will provide a link for you to follow once it’s available.

Once you’ve followed the link, log in with YOUR account (the one you just created using your OWN email address and not your parent’s login account or email address) and select the option to Add/Upgrade Membership. Select the check box for “Junior Official” (if you don’t see this option, you are either logged in to your parent’s account, or you need to ask us to enable that membership type for your club). Follow all the instructions and check out. If you already have an existing Premium Athlete membership for the current season, this transaction should cost $0. If you need to renew your membership for the next season (usually you will renew your membership on or after September 1), then you will renew your Premium Athlete membership at the current annual rate and pay $0 to add the Junior Official membership type. If you’re not sure what to do, stop and contact Jessica at [email protected] for assistance.
 

Step 3: Training

Once you have registered as a Junior Official, there are four training courses that you need to complete before you’re certified as an apprentice Junior Official and can start your on-deck training.

Concussion Training (~30 minutes)

You’ll need to take either the CDC or NFHS concussion training (you don’t need to take both). Please send your completion certificate to [email protected] (it will not update automatically in your account).

  • NFHS: click here, and then take the course titled "Concussion in Sports." You will need to create a login account first.
  • CDC: click here, and then take the course titled "HEADS UP to Sports Officials: Online Concussion Training." You will need to create an account first.

Safe Sport Training (~30-45 minutes)

Next, you’ll need to take the “Safe Sport for Youth Athletes (13-17),” which can be found on the Education tab in your USA Swimming account (be sure to complete this course after logging in using your OWN account and not your parent’s account). Once completed, this should update automatically within 24 hours. (If it doesn’t, contact Jessica at [email protected] for assistance.)

Foundations of Officiating and Stroke & Turn Certification Courses (~3 hours)

Lastly, you’ll need to complete the “Foundations of Officiating” and “Stroke & Turn Certification” courses, which can also be found on the Education tab in your USAS account (click the “Officials” button to filter all courses for officials).
 

Step 4: On-Deck Training

Once you’ve completed all of the requirements in Steps 1-3, let Caitlyn or Marc know and you’ll officially be an apprentice Junior Official and can start on-deck training. Marc will also send you an email with more information about getting started as a Junior Official.

If you have my questions or issues with completing the requirements, contact Caitlyn ([email protected]) or Marc Digby ([email protected]).

 

Additional resources:

USA Swimming Junior Official Slideshow

Junior Official Tips for Success

MAAPP Guidelines for Junior Officials

 

FAQ

1. How much training is there and how long does it take?

2. What does the evaluation process look like?

3. Once you’re certified, what is the time commitment?

4. What kind of meets can a Junior Official work?

5. What if the Meet Referee says I need an “APT?"

6. What happens when I turn 18?

 

1. How much training is there and how long does it take? 

There are four sets of online training, totally about 4 hours, that a Junior Official must complete before they can begin on deck training:

  • Concussion Protocol (~30 minutes)
  • Safe Sport for Youth Athletes (~30 minutes)
  • Foundations of Officiating (~90 minutes)
  • Stroke & Turn (~90 minutes)

After completing the four online training courses, the Junior Official becomes an Apprentice and must complete at least four (4) sessions training on deck at swim meets before requesting an evaluation.

Back to top

2. What does the evaluation process look like?

Once a Junior Official has completed at least four sessions of on-deck training, they may request an evaluation from a qualified evaluator. They MUST request the evaluation ahead of time. On the day of, they will be evaluated against the criteria in the Performance Guide, and must receive a rating of 2 or higher in each category to pass.

Back to top

3. Once you’re certified, what is the time commitment?

You can officiate as often or as rarely as you want. It’s up to you. Once you turn 18, you’ll need to work at least eight sessions every three years.

Back to top

4. What kind of meets can a Junior Official work?

Junior Officials can TRAIN at any meet, but once certified, may only officiate 12-and-under sessions. Junior Officials can work at any meet for any swim club, including their own.

Back to top

5. What if the Meet Referee says I need an “APT?"

Because Junior Officials are under 18, a valid APT is not required. Junior Officials take a different course called “Safe Sport for Youth Athletes.” Meet Referee questions can be directed to the LSC Officials Chair.

Back to top

6. What happens when I turn 18?

When the Junior Official turns 18 years old, the Junior Official membership will automatically upgrade to an Official membership. The member will need to complete all requirements for (adult) Officials to continue participating as an Official. This includes completing the full Athlete Protection Training course and a background check. The APT can be completed six months prior to turning 18 years old and is the same APT course required for Adult Athlete members. There is a 30-day grace period to complete the background check, which may be requested when the member turns 18 years old. For more information about background checks, please click here. 

Back to top