Officials
Cheering for your son, your daughter, your old friend. Nearly there, keep going!
All sporting organisations rely on volunteer officials to run the competitive element of the sport.
This is especially true in swimming where Officials are essential to the successful delivery of competitions at club, regional and national level.
Find out how you can secure the best seat in the how and be part of the Swim Ireland Officials team!
Swimming Officials Action Plan 2025 - 2029
Swim Ireland and the Regions are committed to providing quality competitions for clubs and swimmers in the region and at national level. An important part of competitions is the involvement of volunteers at every level.
Over the last number of years, we have seen a significant reduction in the number of qualified officials acting in roles at club, regional and national competitions. This in turn has had an impact on the quality of event for our swimmers, and has been highlighted by coaches, team managers and parents alike.
The following action plan will ensure each Region and Swim Ireland will have sufficient qualified officials for future competitions. It is the responsibility of clubs to ensure they meet the requirements set down by Swim Ireland.
Swimming Officials Action Plan 2025-2029
The plan is underpinned by Sport Ireland’s Technical Officials Development Plan Final 2025, launched in November 2025.
For full details of your club’s training requirements, and more information on how to organise training, download Swimming Officials Education & Development and 2026 Training Targets by Region
Education and Development
As part of the Swimming Officials Action Plan 2025-2029, the education and development pathway for Officials, including delivery methods, has been revised to ensure relevance and accessibility for Swim Ireland Clubs, Regions and Members.
Club Officials course (previously Level 1 Timekeeper) Suitable for parents/ carers of new swimmers to provide a basic understanding of competitions and the roles at a competition, and those volunteering at club competitions. There is no mandatory requirement for this course. Book Club Officials course
Regional Judge course (previously Level 2 Judge)
Delivered by our team of Official Trainers in clubs, with classroom and practical sessions. There is no pre-requisite for this course, individuals are not required to complete the Club Officials course first. This course is aimed at parents/ carers of swimmers participating in regional and national competitions. Book Regional Judge course
National Judge course (previously Officials School)
This course will be rotated between regions with a target to deliver two courses per year. Individuals are required to have completed the Regional Judge course and gained some experience at competitions prior to attending this course. Club membership, Vetting NVB/ Access NI and Safeguarding 1 will also be required. This course is aimed at parents/ carers of swimmers participating in regional and national competitions, who are willing to officiate in a named position (i.e. not club rostered duty).
Swimming Officials Pathway
Training
To become an Official engaging in one of Swim Ireland's courses is the first step.
A range of learning opportunities are available to suit the level of competition you will attend.
Ongoing Development
Once you complete training, ongoing mentoring and development opportunities are provided.
As Officials progress along the Pathway they are recognised for their achievements at National Competitions.
Meet Swim Ireland's Licensed Officials
International Opportunities
The sky's the limit for Officials who want to gain International experience, with Officials representing Ireland at European, World and Olympic events!
