Starter Certification

The Starter is responsible for ensuring that every swimmer gets a fair start to each race.  As the only official who consistently interacts directly with swimmers, the starter plays a crucial role in setting the tone for the meet!

Requirements for becoming a referee:

Eligibility: Prospective starters must be certified as a Stroke and Turn Official for a minimum of 3 months, and they must have worked at least 4 sessions at a minimum of 2 meets since stroke and turn certification.

Training: Prospective starters must successfully complete the USA Swimming Starter Clinic and test with a score of 80% or better.  The starter clinic will be available in October here: https://university.usaswimming.org/landing

Apprenticing: Prospective starters must complete four apprentice sessions in which they are mentored by an experienced starter on deck.  Each apprentice session is documented on the NJS Apprentice Starter Evaluation form. The evaluation form must be signed by the meet referee for each session worked.  Apprentice sessions must be completed within one year from the month of the clinic.  

Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates complete their final starter evaluation with one of the following starter evaluators.  

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

Recertification: Starters must recertify every 3 years.  To do so, they must have worked 8 qualified recertification sessions within a 3-year period as a starter.  They must pass the USA Swimming recertification test every 3 years for the highest certification held, and they must attend a clinic (Starter is recommended) every 3 years.