Become a Swim Official and work on deck close to all the action!
Swim meets play a vital role in the sport of swimming, offering athletes the chance to test their skills and achieve their swimming goals. Swimming officials ensure the competition is fair by enforcing technical and administrative rules.
In Ontario, swim officials are dedicated volunteers who are often parents, family members, or supporters of the sport. Volunteer officials are necessary to ensure that swim meets can be santioned and hosted. Without an appropriate number of officials to support a competition, the event cannot take place and athletes do not get the opportunity to race.
To become a swim official, individuals must be certified through Swimming Canada, attend applicable clinics, and gain practical experience through on-deck training.
How to Become a Swim Official
To volunteer as an official at a sanctioned meet, individuals aged 14 and older must register with Swimming Canada. There are two registration options for new volunteers:
Attend the First Two Clinics in Person
The club offers two clinics—Introduction to Swimming Officiating and Safety Marshal—throughout the season. Registration information and dates will be shared via email.Complete the First Two Clinics Online
Volunteers can also take the Introduction to Swimming Officiating and Safety Marshal clinics online via Swimming Canada's education platform. To register, email our Officials Coordinator at officials@collingwoodclippers.net for details.
Once both clinics are completed, you’ll be certified as a Level I Official and eligible to volunteer as a Timekeeper at sanctioned meets.
Progressing to Higher Levels
After two successful deck evaluations, you can advance by taking the Inspector of Turns, Judge of Stroke, or Chief Timekeeper clinic. This certification qualifies you to volunteer as a Head Lane Timer, Inspector of Turns, Stroke Judge, or Chief Timekeeper. With successful evaluations in two of these roles you'll be certified as a Level II Official.
Our club's ability to host and support meets depends on the progression of officials through these levels. Swim Ontario holds every Club accountable to a tier system that is solely based on the number and progression of internal Officials.
For more information, please visit the Swim Ontario Officials website; Swim Ontario - Officials