Rationale: Teams nationwide consistently struggle to recruit, retain, and advance officials within their LSC’s. Potential recruits find the process in many areas of the country challenging; the time commitment needed to be certified as a new official or advance as an official exceeds their children’s commitment to programs within USA Swimming. In addition, currently, a certified official in one LSC can move into another LSC and no longer be certified due to not meeting the new LSC’s certification “standard” to work a sanctioned or approved meet. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure the current standard adopted by USA Swimming in accordance with recommendations set by the National Officials Committee is the singular standard by which all officials are certified and trained. The current ‘minimum’ standard already set by the National Officials Committee, would become the Standard as of January 1, 2024. Effective Date: January 1, 2024. ISCA is committed to supporting the development and sustainability of USA Swimming clubs nationwide and recognizes the importance of this legislation. This rule amendment will pave the way for volunteers to have a more consistent and reliable onboarding experience to certification. | 
ASCA Announces Support for Proposed Legislation
for Consistent USA Swimming Officials Standards
Ft. Lauderdale, FL – The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) is proud to announce its endorsement for the proposed legislation amendment to Rule 102.10.2 of the USA Swimming Rule Book. The proposed changes establish consistent standards for officials across the country, ensuring the current standards adopted by USA Swimming in accordance with recommendations set by the National Officials Committee become the national standard.
With a deep commitment to the development and sustainability of clubs, as well as the growth of swimming in the United States, ASCA recognizes the importance of urgent action to help coaches and clubs that consistently struggle to recruit, retain, and advance officials within their LSC’s.
By advocating for changes to this rule, ASCA seeks to support a pathway for programs to get more volunteers so the clubs can host non-championship, sanctioned meets at the LSC level. ASCA recognizes and greatly appreciates the role of the officials in the sport and supports the outstanding work of the National Officials Committee to create the standard.
“This rule change provides a uniform, clearly defined and more attainable advancement process,” said ASCA CEO Jennifer LaMont. “Hopefully more parents will come forward and participate as a result. This will help coaches and clubs, and most importantly athletes.”
If passed at the USA Swimming House of Delegates meeting in September, the proposed legislation would become effective January 1, 2024.
A petition to show grassroots support for the legislative rule change leading up to the HOD meeting can be found here: Petition · Support Proposed Legislation Amendment to Rule 102.10.2 of the USA Swimming Rule Book · Change.org
ASCA stands with the Coaches Advisory Council (CAC) to encourage all voting members of the USA Swimming House of Delegates to vote in favor of this proposed legislation.
The legislation makes sense. A further point: I believe that in our LSC (Maryland) the meet an official works in another LSC is not recognized by our LSC in maintaining their certification. It would seem logical that if there are consistent standards then it should not matter where an official works a meet to get credit in their home LSC, correct?
Thank You,
Mike Kremer