Swimming Technical officials (STOs) are a central part of every swimming event and play an important role in ensuring the events run smoothly, safely and within the sport’s regulations.

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. There is an expectation that before you progress to the next level of technical official that you will gain at least 6 months of poolside experience that is evidenced in your logbook.

All three Home Countries now use FINA Technical Rules. As such, trained officials are listed as British Swimming Officials. In Sussex all Technical Officials are provided with a county polo shirt when they qualify.

Just five steps to becoming a swimming official

1. Identify the course you want to complete from the list below.
2. Make sure that you are registered with the ASA; your club will arrange this for you.
3. Complete the British Swimming Officials training application form (download the appropriate form from the links above).
4. Send your completed form with cheque, payable to the ASA, to the County Co-ordinator at: Chris Hobbs, 16 Gorringe Road, Eastbourne. BN22 8XL
5. Once the application form and payment have been processed a course leader will be allocated by the County Co-ordinator.

Download our STO training course structure notes.

Download the officials training application form

Workbook Timekeeper

Workbook Judge 1 

Workbook Judge2 and 2S (starter)

Referees training notes

If you would like more information about becoming a STO you can contact our County Official’s Coordinator, Mrs. C Hobbs.

Register for the ASA Officials Newsletter here.