Officiating

Greetings All,

My name is Russ Brackens and I am the current Officials Chair for MTAC.  I am providing some general information about becoming a swim official for you to peruse.  If this sparks your interest, I'll be happy to answer any questions.  Feel free to email me.

If you want to officiate, plan on getting wet.  In return, you'll get front row seats plus plenty of “atmosphere”.

You’ll also be working with some of the greatest volunteers in any sport.

High satisfaction.  Low pay.

Great food in hospitality, and you can’t beat the price.

To become an official, you'll need to register with USA Swimming as a non-athlete.  MTAC will reimburse your fee after successful completion of your training.   (The registration form is here.)   Because of the times we live in, you will need to provide information for a background check and also view a video. I will provide details for those who are genuinely interested on an individual basis.

You'll also take an open book test - yes, open book test - via the USA swim website. You’ll need a rule book, but I’ll get you one – don’t sweat this detail please.  Here's a link to the officiating on-line test:

 OPEN BOOK OFFICIATING TEST

See, I told you it was open book!

Also, you must attend a Stroke & Turn clinic before you are fully certified.  These are not held often but if we get in a crunch, our head official in the area has a big heart.  If you are fortunate enough to go to Southeasterns, there will be a clinic.  PLEASE TAKE THE TEST PRIOR TO ATTENDING A CLINIC.  You will be more familiar with what is being discussed.

In the meantime, you will need proper attire:  white polo shirt and khaki bottoms – slacks, shorts, skirt; white tennis shoes.  Not the white tennis shoes that you do yard work in - please.

I know you might be thinking that your swimmer might need you if you are thinking of a reason why you cannot officiate.  If you have a real young one, I understand but your swimmer is a resilient person and is there for the socialization with fellow swimmers.  If both parents attend regularly, why not make this a couples thing?  One can be on deck and the other with little Johnny or Susie, then swap out.