Officials
Swimming technical officials (STOs) are a central part of every swimming event and play an important role in ensuring the event run smoothly, safely and within the sport’s regulations. Officials are essential to well-run, high quality competitions for our athletes.
Officials do not need to be experienced swimmers or have a competitive background. Everything that you need to know to work as an official is provided in the training programme. Training is standardised across the UK.
There are five levels of technical officials with each one a progression. For the latest information please visit the British Swimming Officials webpage.
The Swimming Officiating Pathway (Published 2022) is here
If you're considering becoming a timekeeper, can we suggest you also complete the 'Judge 1 Theory including Timekeeping course'. Having an understanding of starts and turns, which is covered in this short course, means you'll be more helpful to the organisers of your club's galas and the other local ones your club may support, plus you'll gain an understanding of what's happening in the pool!
J2, J2 Starter and Referee Training - anyone interested should please complete this form https://forms.gle/nfLtRjCdryq12SsD6
Aquatics GB DQ form including the current Quick Reference Infraction guide - December 2024
World Aquatics Competition Rules - 1st July 2025
(Swimming Rules extract incl Rules applicable to all swimming diciplens, Confined Water Swimming and Masters Swimming on this link)
New World Aquatics Officiating Protocols - Short Course
World Aquatics Reference Card
Useful Links:
British Swimming Officials Newsletter
The Swim England Officials code of conduct is on page 114 of the latest version of Wavepower, which is available at https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/wavepower-child-safeguarding-for-clubs/
All Swim England affiliated clubs and organisations must adopt Wavepower and should advise their members accordingly. Agreement to the relevant Code of Conduct is implied by becoming a member of an affiliated club or organisation in any of the given roles.
Lots of useful documents and links for Officials can be found on the Useful Information Page
Contacts:
| Role | Name | |
| ONB Officials’ Coordinator | Stephen Wynne-Jones | [email protected] |
| ONB Officials’ Admin | Maco Bryan | [email protected] |
| South East Region Officials’ Coordinator | George Adamson | [email protected] |
