Proposed Legislation:

102.10 OFFICIALS

.2 All officials acting in the capacity of Referee, Starter, Judges, or Administrative Official at a swimming meet shall be certified and trained in such position by their LSC to the uniform and consistent standards set by USA Swimming prior to being assigned to officiate in that capacity. LSCs and clubs cannot require any additional certifications. Uncertified trainees may perform the duties of such positions when they are under the direct supervision of a certified official. See Article 202 and the Corporate Bylaws for USA Swimming membership requirements.

Rationale:

Teams nationwide consistently struggle to recruit, retain, and advance officials within their LSC’s.

Potential recruits find the process in many areas of the country challenging; the time commitment needed to be certified as a new official or advance as an official exceeds their children's commitment to programs within USA Swimming. In addition, currently, a certified official in one LSC can move into another LSC and no longer be certified due to not meeting the new LSC's certification "standard" to work a sanctioned or approved meet.

The purpose of this legislation is to ensure the current standard adopted by USA Swimming in accordance with recommendations set by the National Officials Committee is the singular standard by which all officials are certified and trained.

The current ‘minimum’ standard already set by the National Officials Committee, would become the Standard as of January 1, 2024.

Effective Date: January 1, 2024.

ISCA is committed to supporting the development and sustainability of USA Swimming clubs nationwide and recognizes the importance of this legislation.  This rule amendment will pave the way for volunteers to have a more consistent and reliable onboarding experience to certification.