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OFFICIAL'S NAME/LSC/MEET(s)/DATE(s)
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 CERTIFIER'S NAME/LSC
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STARTER CERTIFICATION
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DEFINITIONS
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Certifier: An official designated by the LSC OC to certify training is complete.
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Clinic: Formal in person or online training clinic, recorded in Officials Tracking System (OTS).
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Certification: Starter able to officiate at all LSC meets.
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Satisfactory Performance: Able to demonstrate Performance Requirements. Deficiencies must be provided by LSC OC or designee in writing to the affected official with an Action Plan to success.
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Sessions: At USA Swimming sanctioned or approved meets, recorded in OTS.
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Trainer: Designated by the Referee at a meet or LSC OC, an official who has been USA Swimming certified in the position for 1+ year. If a 1+ year experienced official is not on deck, the Referee may select the most experienced certified official(s) to be a trainer(s).
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Training Sessions: Meet sessions that include strokes and/or relays. Time Trials and Freestyle Only sessions may not count toward training session requirements. Sessions shall be recorded in OTS.
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USA Swimming Member: Completed all USAS member associated requirements before on deck apprenticeship.
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Apprenticeship Requirements
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 USA Swimming Member
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 Certified Stroke & Turn Judge for a minimum of 3 months. Worked at least 4 sessions at a minimum of 2 meets since ST certification.
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 Attend Starter training clinic
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Apprentice as Starter for at least 4 training sessions total, over 2 meets with 2 trainers. Trainer can be the Deck Referee. OR Coach and Athlete Members with 5+ years of USA Swimming experience shall apprentice as a starter for at least 2 training sessions with a trainer.
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 Pass the USA Swimming Starter online certification test with a score of 80% or more.
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Certification Performance Requirements for Certification
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May be evaluated during last apprentice session and use MR sign-off for each session.
Y-Yes, N-No, ND - Not Demonstrated
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 Arrives on-time, prepared with necessary personal equipment and properly & professionally attired
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 Knows the rules for starting
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 Demonstrate ability to start swimmers across a wide range of age and proficiency
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 Understands basic starting protocols and procedures (distance counting, OOF, etc.)
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 Understands how to start swimmers with disabilities
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 Demonstrates the start for a hearing impaired swimmer
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 Demonstrates both forward and backstroke starts
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 Understands how the starting system operates
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 Establishes a comfortable starting position on deck for both forward and back starts
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 Demonstrates ability to communicate and interact with the DR (positioning, inserting swimmers, etc...)
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 Prepared and in position prior to each heat; comfortable holding microphone and securing cord
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 Delivers TYM calmly and with necessary volume
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 Shows PATIENCE before delivering TYM and starting signal
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 Understands the use of Other Commands
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 Understands and practices the False Start Protocol
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 Always gives the benefit of the doubt to the swimmer.
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 Understands performance criteria as outlined in Starter Professional Document
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Understands USA Swimming Safe Sport and MAAPP rules.
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Comments (if needed)
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Signature of MR (session 1)
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Name of Trainer (session 1)
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Signature of MR (session 2)
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Name of Trainer (session 2)
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Signature of MR (session 3)
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Name of Trainer (session 3)
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Signature of MR (session 4)
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 Recommend Certification as Starter
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Certification must be complete within one year of the SR clinic.
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Understands need to return completed evaluation form to the official's LSC Officials Chair or designee.
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 STARTER RECERTIFICATION EVERY 3 YEARS
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 Be a current non-athlete member of USA Swimming in good standing.
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 Work at least 8 sessions, within a 3 year period, as a Starter
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 Attend clinic (recommend Starter Clinic) every 3 years
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USA Swimming recertification test every 3 years for the highest certification held
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Satisfactory performance
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