Stroke and Turn Judge Certification

The Stroke and Turn position is an entry level position for becoming an official.  Stroke and turn judges ensure that every competition is fairly and impartially judged and that all swims comply with the sport's technical rules. Stroke and turn judges play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of the sport for all our athletes!

Requirements for becoming a stroke and turn judge:

Registration: Prospective stroke and turn judges must register with USA Swimming and complete their background check, athlete protection training and concussion protocol training in order to be on deck to begin their apprentice training process.

Clinics: Prospective stroke and turn judges must also complete the free USA Swimming Foundations of Officiating and Stroke and Turn Judge clinics and tests.  Both can be found here: https://university.usaswimming.org/landing  

Apprenticing: Prospective stroke and turn judges must complete four apprentice sessions in which they shadow an experienced ST judge on deck.  Apprentices may not make calls to disqualify swimmers, but will observe the swimmers and receive instruction from their on-deck mentor.  Each apprentice session is documented on the Apprentice Stroke and Turn Evaluation form.  The evaluation form must be signed by the meet referee for each session worked.  

When all apprentice sessions are complete, send a scan of the completed evaluation form to any member of the Officials Advancement group.