Registration consists of four parts. You must be current in all four to be in good standing:
- Paid USA Swimming registration
- Background check through USA Swimming
- USA Swimming Athlete Protection Training
- Concussion Training
To work a meet, in addition to being in good standing
- Your LSC credentials as Stroke & Turn / Starter / Admin Official / Chief Judge / Referee must exist and be valid.
- Apprentices should complete one of the following and send test results (if applicable) to officials@pns.org
- Online training and test
- PNS clinic, test (if applicable), and any other advisor-requested documentation
You can check your status on the USA Swimming website in your USA Swimming Account.
1. Registration
Members Attached to a Club: You must register through your club portal. Contact your club coach or registrar for additional information. Some clubs will reimburse registration costs for new and returning officials. Please check with your club regarding their policy.
Unattached Members: Unattached members should contact the PNS Office for the registration link.
New Officials: Create an account on the USA Swimming website. This is required to do the background screening, athlete protection training, and to take any officials training courses and tests.
Returning Officials: Register through the USA Account Dashboard.
2. USA Swimming Background Check (BGC)
USA Swimming requires that you pass their screening process. Background checks for another job or another volunteer organization are not transferrable.
Log into your USA Swimming Account. Select Education > Course Catalog. Click on Background Check and follow the instructions.
3. USA Swimming Athlete Protection Training (APT)
The Athlete Protection Training is a free online course. It takes about one hour to complete the first time. Must take one additional class annually.
Log into your USA Swimming Account. Select Education > Course Catalog. Click on Athlete Protection Training and follow the instructions.
4. Concussion Training (one-time requirement)
Concussion Training is a one-time requirement to be completed as part of registration. The training is brief and free. Two sources of training are given below. Once you complete your training, please forward the certificate to the PNS Office at office@pns.org.
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) – you must add the NFHS test to your “shopping cart” and checkout even though the course is free.
If your Concussion Training does not show up on your USA Swimming Dashboard, please email the certificate to the PNS Office.