Practising swimming officials will be formally recognised by the national governing body for the sport with the introduction of Officials Licensing by the ASA.

All officials registered as judges and above in England and Wales will be able to apply for a license, which will be required to officiate at national ASA and British Swimming championships from 2008. To receive a licence, officials must demonstrate they have officiated at at least two galas in the previous 12 months.

The aim of licensing is to ensure a well-regulated professional workforce is in place and encourage officials to follow continued professional development (CPD) and keep up-to-date on the latest laws and changes in swimming.

Each licence lasts for four years and costs just £10. As well as helping to promote high standards in officiating, the scheme will aid meet organisers appoint officials appropriate to each meet and ensure licensed officials commit to uphold the appropriate Home Country Code of Ethics. It also means that officials can register direct with the ASA via the Institute of Swimming (IoS), rather than having to affiliate to a club.

Providing a more formal structure of official development, the scheme will also help ensure British officials are amongst the best in the world.

The scheme is currently open to swimming officials only but it is envisaged to extend it to all registered ASA officials in the near future.  

The officials examination structure has recently been reviewed and a range of new qualifications will be made available in 2007. A new British Swimming Referee qualification has already been confirmed and anyone wishing to achieve this level in 2007 should return an application form by 31 January.

CLICK HERE for details of qualifications available from October 2007.

All officials in England and Wales registered as judge and above will be sent full details by post in late January / early February.

For further information please contact the IoS on 01509 618746 or email ios@swimming.org

-ENDS-

For media information contact ASA media officer Amanda Smith on 01509 632238, 07876 652 318 or email amanda.smith@swimming.org

The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.
www.britishswimming.org

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