C O L L E G E S W I M M I N G O F F I C I A L S A
S S O C I A T I O N
C O L L E G E S W I M M I N G O F F I C I A L S A
S S O C I A T I O N
Welcome to the home of the Collegiate Swimming Officials Association (CSOA). CSOA is now tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This website was established in 2008 by a Grant received from the NCAA. The sole purpose of this initial Grant was to establish a Registration process and a certification/testing procedure for those Swimming Officials from multiple Governing Bodies that make up College Swimming Officials of the United States. By having our Officials registered and in a national database, CSOA and in partnership with the NCAA is able to alert our Officials quickly to any Rule interpretations issued by the NCAA Secretary–Rules Editor. The website also provides CSOA members with access to the membership data base, certification exams, timely news and a lot of other valuable information relevant to officiating at the collegiate level.
This year, we have added two new features to our system with the help of the NCAA. The first is a link to Brian Gordon, the NCAA Secretary-Rules Editor. Any rule interpretation questions from our members can be sent via email directly to Brian, thereby streamlining the interpretation process. We are providing this service so that there is only one source of “Rule Interpretations”, the NCAA Rules Interpreter/Editor, thus avoiding conflicting interpretations.
The second new feature is incorporating the recognition of the different certifying bodies that do annual rule testing of their officials such as members of the National Federation of State High School Associations, USA Swimming, YMCA & YWCA Swimming and other Local certifying organizations in the certification process. Annually, CSOA will have every member take a recertification test that will include any rule changes, and interpretations that may have been made during the previous year.
Registration
First, you need to re-register or register to become a CSOA member. Begin the process by going to the "Registration
& Members" link above. In order to keep CSOA information current, all members must re-register annually. The registration process is made up of three parts. The first part of the Registration process is to enter personal information necessary to communicate with you. The second part has to do with testing. The level of testing required for CSOA is determined by your answers to questions about officiating certifications. The third part is to determine your membership fee and the need for a Rule Book. The NCAA will be publishing Rule Books in alternate years and your annual membership fee will be adjusted accordingly. After you have registered, and paid the membership fee, you will be directed to take the certification or recertification test.