USA Swimming is a non-profit organization that depends upon dedicated volunteers. Committed individuals donate time, energy, and expertise at every level: from the national Board of Directors down to local swimming clubs. Illinois Swimming, Inc. is the governing body for USA Swimming in our state. ISI is looking for volunteers interested in becoming entry-level officials: either Administrative Judges, who deal with timing equipment and scoring, or Stroke & Turn Judges, who evaluate swims.

In competitive swimming, the quality of officiating directly affects the quality of performance. Consistency and professionalism in officiating cannot be assured without adequate staffing. As chairperson of the ISI Officials Committee, I encourage you to participate in this great sport by becoming an official. The time spent is satisfying, and you will have the opportunity to make some great friends and share the deck with some wonderful athletes. If you are interested in becoming an official, please review the following information and contact me as noted below.

COST			HOW TO BECOME AN OFFICIAL
	USA Swimming Registration:		$51.00 annual non-athlete registration fee (single) Registration after September 1 is valid through December of the following year. USA Swimming Rule Book is included with "official" registration.
	Exception:		If you are already a current non- athlete member of USA Swimming, paying the registration fee is not necessary.
TRAINING
	Orientation & Clinic:		Attend a clinic. A number of clinics are offered annually at various locations. Plan to attend at least one. You will receive instructional materials and do on-deck training. Clinic dates can be found at: http://www.ilswim.org/officials/upcoming_clinics.htm
	On Deck:		Under supervision of a two-year certified official, Administrative trainees shall work a minimum of 2 sessions; Stroke and Turn trainees shall work a minimum of 4 sessions. ISI will sanction or approve a variety of meets for the short and long course seasons. On‑schedule meets are posted at: http://www.ilswim.org/meet_schedule/index.htm Attend a pre-meet briefing 1 hour prior to the start of each meet (session).
	Other Expectations:		Age - minimum of 18 years of age Attire - solid navy blue skirt, shorts, or pants; white collared shirt, and white shoes Attitude – SMILES to advance the sport Test - open book Certification - after successfully completing training and test
AFTER TRAINING
	On Deck:		Certified officials are welcome to work any ISI meet they attend, and shall work a minimum of 10 sessions per year. A typical 3-day ISI weekend meet consists of five sessions: one Friday evening session, morning, and afternoon sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Some ISI meets are 1-day, morning, and afternoon affairs; some ISI championship meets run more days and/or more sessions. Attend a pre-meet briefing 1 hour prior to the start of each meet (session).
	Recertification:		Every two years certified officials shall attend a renewal clinic or take an open book test. For recertification, a certified official shall work a minimum of 10 sessions per year
	Promotion:		ISI certifies four types of official: entry-level Administrative Judges and Stroke & Turn Judges; Starters; and Referees. USA Swimming offers three levels of certification: Local, National, and National Championship.
			OTHER EXPECTATIONS: GOOD TIMES & GOOD FRIENDS
MORE INFO:		Bob Welch, ISI Officials Committee Chairperson, (708) 424-1862 or rjwelch@sbcglobal.net