Starter

Starter (Minimum Age 18)

Education & Training	Member of USA Swimming Attend Starter Clinic training Certified Stroke & Turn Judge for minimum of three (3) months; worked at least four (4) sessions at a minimum of two (2) meets since Stroke & Turn certification. Pass USA Swimming Starter Certification test. Apprentice as starter for at least four (4) Training Sessions total over two (2) different meets with two (2) Trainers. Satisfactory performance.

Evaluation & Certification	Apprenticeship singed off by a Certifier. Must complete certification within one (1) year from date of Clinic May officiate in any LSC meet.
	Must complete certification within one (1) year from date of Clinic.
	May officiate in any LSC meet.
Recertification (Every 3 Years)	Worked eight (8) Sessions, within a three (3) year period, as Starter. Attend Clinic (recommend Starter) every three (3) years. Pass USA Swimming recertification test every three (3) years for the highest certification held. Satisfactory performance.
	Attend Clinic every three (3) years.
	Pass USA Swimming recertification test every three (3) years for the highest certification held.
	Satisfactory performance.
Comment	Once a person is certified as a Starter, they are encouraged to participate in as many meets as they can to gain experience and knowledge. This will allow those running meets to have greater confidence in their ability to officiate at meets of various levels.

Starter Evaluation Form (rev. Feb 2024)

It’s more than three short words!

The Starter is, undoubtedly, one of the most important officials on the deck. The Starter is the only official who is in direct contact with the swimmers in such a manner that his/her actions can clearly affect the swimmer's performance. Starting is an art that can be perfected as long as someone is willing to accept and understand the protocol and philosophy of the position based on current practices and standards. Accordingly, this is a position that cannot be taken casually.

I GOT THIS, WHAT's NEXT?

Preparation

The Starter shall stand on the side of the pool within approximately five meters of the starting end of the pool and, upon signal from the Referee, shall assume control of the swimmers until a fair start has been achieved.

Optional Instructions

The Starter may:

Announce the event.
Advise the heat when a swimmer will be attempting to achieve a time at an initial distance.
For backstroke starts, give the command, "Place your feet."