Becoming an Official

Top 10 Reasons to Be a USA Swimming Official with ELIT

1. Earn an 8% discount on membership dues and skip mandatory service hours when officiating.
2. Enjoy free food and drinks at meet hospitality.
3. No timing duties required when you officiate.
4. Meets run smoother and faster with officials.
5. Access the pool deck at closed-deck meets — a privilege reserved for swimmers, coaches, and officials.
6. Meet great people and become part of the swim community.
7. See your child swim up close while being right there when they need you.
8. Experience the satisfaction of contributing directly to your swimmer’s success.
9. Help ELIT avoid fines — every team must provide officials based on swimmer participation.
10. Model teamwork, fairness, and discipline for your child — they’ll follow your example.

How to Become a Stroke & Turn Judge

1. Become an Adult Non-Athlete member of USA Swimming (includes rule book & training materials).
2. Attend an officials training clinic.
3. Pass an online, open-book test.
4. Shadow experienced Judges at 5 sanctioned sessions.

Once You Are Certified

1. Work a minimum of 8 sessions per year at Pacific Swimming–sanctioned meets.
2. Follow the official dress code: white shirt, navy bottoms, and white (or mostly-white) shoes.