WHAT'S NEW
Referee R-9 Zoom Recording
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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
2024 USA Swimming Rulebook
Key changes to the 2024 rulebook include the following:1. The composition of the House of Delegates was extended for one year, and clarification was added to emphasize that each voting member only receives one vote. (Corporate Bylaws 6.1)2. The rule for starting procedures was amended to conform to World Aquatics. (Article 101.1)3. The starting command was amended to conform to World Aquatics. (Various Locations)4. The rule for backstroke finishes was amended to conform to World Aquatics. (Article 101.4)5. The certification process for officials for all LSCs was standardized. (Article 102.10.2) [LSCs will be provided further information on the implementation process by February.]6. The differences between accommodations and modifications for swimmers with a disability were emphasized. (Article 105.1)
“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.