WHAT'S NEW
Updated Situations & Resolutions Documents
2025 Rule Book
If you missed the window to ordering your rule book for 2025, you can access it here.
New Officiating Courses Available
The new online learning modules are available for both Starter and Administrative Official. If you are interested in training for either of those positions, please log into your USA Swimming account and look for them under the Education tab.
NEW this year, a CSI Official of the Year will be awarded at the banquet. This award is given to an official who has volunteered within the LSC, worked to advance their knowledge by seeking out opportunities to be mentored and represented CT Officials to the highest standards.
- CONGRATULATIONS TO WALT CARROLL FOR RECEIVING THE FIRST EVER CT SWIM OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD. HE WILL RECEIVE HIS AWARD AT THE 2024 ANNUAL BANQUET!
Junior Official
We are excited to announce that CT will be offering the certification of Junior Official. Click here for details on this new certification. Click here for FAQ's. Those who are interested and have questions, please reach out to the Officials Co-Chairs at officials@ctswim.org
Working on a National Deck
Are you interested in learning the path to working on larger decks? Click Here
Referee R-9 Zoom Recording
- Recording Access code: X83sL#F.
- Recording Access code: d3^iB?8@
NEW TRAINING STANDARDS FOR ALL LSC'S
Officials Certification Standards for Utilization by LSC Officials
Date of adoption / Last revision: February 5, 2024
The following standards have been established to provide a clear and uniform path for members who wish to become officials at the local level and enable LSCs to develop and conduct programs to recruit, certify, educate, train, and mentor USA Swimming officials and to provide competent and consistent officiating for our athletes. Furthermore, LSCs are required to implement these standards beginning February 1, 2024. Additionally, all LSCs are required to recognize the certified status of visiting and transferring officials from other LSCs.
New training standards for certification and recertification have been established for all LSC's. The new standards can be found here:
New Officials Certification Standards
ADDITIONAL TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT POLICIES
Becoming a Meet Referee for Championships (Age Groups and Seniors) Guidelines
Assigned Team Positions for Championships Guidelines Guidelines
“TAKE YOUR MARKS” – ALL INSTANCES
Multiple USA Swimming Rules – To comply with World Aquatics SW4
101.1.2C (pp 21) – On the Starter’s command “take your marks,” the swimmers shall immediately assume their starting position, in the forward start, with at least one foot at the front of the starting platform or the deck. Swimmers starting in the water must have at least one hand in contact with the wall or starting platform. When all swimmers are stationary, the Starter shall give the starting signal.
101.1.2D (pp 22) – When a swimmer does not respond promptly to the command "take your marks," the Starter shall immediately release all swimmers with the command "stand up" upon which the swimmers may stand up or step off the blocks.
105.3 Figure 1 C (pp 57) – Arm moves to shoulder level — signal to "take your marks"
105.3 Figure 1 E (pp 57) – Arm raised overhead with palm up (at any time after C. [“Take Your Marks”] and prior to D. [starting signal] — swimmer released from “Take Your Marks” command)
105.3 Figure 2 D (pp 57) – Arm moves to shoulder level — signal to “take your marks”
105.3 Figure 2 F (pp 57) – Arm raised overhead with palm up (at any time after D. [“Take Your Marks”] and prior to E. [starting signal] — swimmer released from “Take Your Marks” command)
701.2.2B (pp 111) – In all starts, the start signal shall be both audible and visible. For fixed platform starts, the Starter shall give the command, “Take your marks,” at which time the swimmers will assume a starting position with at least one foot at the front of the starting platform. When all swimmers are stationary, the Starter shall give the starting signal.
701.17.4 (pp 117) – when swimmers are starting from a fixed platform, give the command, “Take your marks,” at which time the swimmers will assume a starting position with at least one foot at the front of the starting platform. When all swimmers are stationary, the Starter shall give the starting signal.
Differences Between USA Swimming and USMS Rules – Forward Start (pp 123) – The forward start may be taken from the starting block, the pool deck, or a push from the wall. The forward start or the backstroke start shall be used for freestyle events. The referee’s long whistle indicates that the swimmer may take and maintain a position with at least one foot at the front of the platform or the deck (prior to “take your marks”). On the command, “Take your marks,” the swimmer shall immediately assume the starting position that maintains at least one foot at the front of the platform or the deck.