Swim England Technical Officials
Introduction
Welcome to the officials section of the volunteering site.
Here you will find all the information you need to know about becoming a technical official and details about the pathway for all aquatic disciplines; diving, open water, swimming, artistic swimming and water polo.
Technical officials are integral to the success of our events and growth of our sport. They help create a positive event experience for all competitors by ensuring they are safe and fair, and are present at all levels of competition and in all aquatic disciplines.
Through the various aquatic discipline officials’ education programmes, Swim England aim to develop a highly skilled and confident support network who display consistency across the regions and counties. Providing all officials the opportunity to develop from club to regional to national/international officiating.
Why become an official
Technical officials deliver an essential role within our sport and without them we simply wouldn’t be able to host competitions at any level!
We rely on qualified officials who ensure all competitions are conducted in a fair and safe manner and that athletes comply with the rules of the sport. With hundreds of events every year and a variety of roles, there is something for everyone, ranging from local and regional events, right up to national or international competitions.
The first step........become a Timekeeper
This course is aimed at volunteers who want to get involved as timekeepers at club events. The course is online and involves a 90 minute interactive theory session followed by a practical session to test your new found skills.
You must be at least 14 years of age to complete the course and qualify as a timekeeper.
You can find out more about the course and book a place here. We also recommend you to have a chat with staff or coaches at your club before applying as they can provide helpful advice and support.
Judge 1
This online theory course is the first step on your journey as a swimming judge. It is open to anyone who wants to understand the FINA rules relating to swimming and the process of being a judge.
You must be at least 15 years of age at the start of the course.
You can read more about the course and book on here. There is also a practical element to the Swimming Officials Judge 1 Course. You can do this at your club and if you're not sure who to speak with please drop an email to one of our local Aquatics GB Referees, Richard Corrigan using treasurer@jerseyasa.com
Judge 2
This is the second level of qualification. It encompasses the role and duties in relation to all aspects of judging and the theoretical role and duties of Starter.
The minimum age to start training is 16 years and candidates must a have already qualified as Judge Level 1 and undertaken 20 hours post qualification poolside work in the role of a Judge 1.
The training is made up of instruction on the theoretical aspects of the role and mentored pool side training with a workbook, which allows the candidate to demonstrate practical competence prior to qualification.
Judge 2(S) - Starter
Candidates wishing to qualify as a Starter will be required hold the Judge Level 2 qualification and have completed a minimum of 20 hours post qualification experience as Judge Level 2.
Training will consist of a prescribed number of practical experiences as a Starter before undertaking a formal practical assessment. Some of the practical experience will need to be gained off-island so that you become familiar with different equipment and poolside settings. Your practical assessment will also be conducted off-island and JASA will support you financially for these trips.
Referee
This course contains theoretical instruction and specified practical experiences. It is followed by a formal examination in November after which successful candidates take a final poolside practical assessment leading to qualification as a British Swimming Referee.
Criteria for joining the AGB referee programme:
- The minimum age for commencing training is 19 years old.
- Candidates must be at least 20 years as of the 23 November 2026.
- Candidates must be qualified as Judge Level 2S with a minimum of 10 hours post qualification experience in that role.
- Candidates should be able to demonstrate a minimum of 50 evidenced hours in a range of meets and officiating roles since the date of J2S qualification.
This programme consists of the following elements which must be completed:
- Attend a Aquatics GB Referee Course (approximately 16 hours theory)
- Complete the prescribed number of poolside duties (at least 10 sessions practical)
- Attain a pass mark in the theoretical examination (2 hours 30 mins) to be held in November
- Successfully undergo a final practical assessment
Several months have been allocated between registration and the formal examination to enable candidates to undertake all the practical experience required to complete the course as well as the theoretical instruction.
The closing date for application for training in 2026 will be 10 February 2026.
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Please contact Richard Corrigan - treasurer@jerseyasa.com - if you would like more information and he will introduce you to the Regional Officials Co-ordinator.
