Official Certifications

USMS Officials Certifications:

Stroke & Turn Official

1. On the USA Swimming site review all six, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, and relays, officiating training videos
2. Take and pass (with 80% correct) the  “Certification – Stroke & Turn/Timer”online test
3. Your results will be emailed to you by USA Swimming. Once you receive them, forward them to officialscertification@usms.org. Your credentials will be emailed to you by the USMS Officials committee upon receipt of your test results.
4. Certification expires on December 31st of the second year of certification.

Note: Some LMSCs may recommend or require additional steps in the training of their officials. You may wish to contact your LMSC Officials Chair for further information.

Starter

1. Previously be certified by USMS as a Stroke & Turn Official. There is no minimum length of time as a certified Stroke &Turn Official required before an individual can become a starter.
2. Review “The Start: Philosophy and Protocol” training video.
3. Take and pass (with 80% correct) the “Certification – Starter” and “Recertification Stroke & Turn/Timer” online tests
4. Your results will be emailed to you by USA Swimming. Once you receive them, forward them to officialscertification@usms.org. Your credentials will be emailed to you by the USMS Officials committee upon receipt of your test results.
5. Certification expires on December 31st of the second year of certification.

Note: Certification as a Starter automatically renews your certification as a Stroke & Turn Official.