VERY IMPORTANT READ! RACING START CERTIFICATION

Coaches: USA Swimming’s Operational Risk committee is sending out a reminder about the necessary criteria for racing start progressions. The criteria for racing start certification can be found on the  USA Swimming website. 

What are the criteria for racing start certification? 
Answer: In order for swimmers age 10 years and under and/or swimmers with less than one year of experience to be certified, the swimmer must have satisfactorily completed the racing start learning progression set forth in the American Red Cross Safety Training for Swim Coaches Manual also found on the Racing Start Certification Checklist. For swimmers age 11 and older with more than one year experience, certification is based on the coach’s observation that the swimmer is capable of safely controlling the depth of his or her racing starts. In all cases, the certification is based on the coach’s professional judgment—it is not and cannot be a guarantee.

Thank you for your attention to this very important swimmer safety initiative.