No. You do not need familiarity with the rules nor sport of swimming to become an official.
The clinic, test, and mentorship you receive during your apprentice work will teach you about the rules and how to apply them in real-world situations. Your on-deck work will provide guidance on how to enforce those rules effectively.
After certification, we promote continued learning in all positions. This ensures that our officials stay up-to-date with the latest rules and developments in the sport of swimming.