In an effort to ensure that all new clubs benefit from qualified coach leadership, USA Swimming requires the following criteria for Head Coaches of new swim clubs. Coaches can meet the basic requirements in one of two ways: a combination of education and experience, or for those with no experience, a purely educational option is available.
Completion of USA Swimming Background Check and Athlete Protection Training Requirement
A minimum of four consecutive years of previous coaching experience with USA Swimming or other organization within the past five years to include two years’ experience as a Head Coach, Lead Coach, or the like, at the discretion of USA Swimming Sport Development Staff.
USA Swimming Coach experience is verified using the membership database. Head Coach, Lead Coach experience, or the like, will be determined during the club applicant’s one-on-one with the designated USA Swimming Sport Development staff member.
Coaches wishing to utilize experience outside of USA Swimming will also be vetted during the club applicant’s one-on-one with their designated USA Swimming Sport Development staff member. Please include experience in the designated area of the club ‘Requirement Checklist’ cover page.
Article 501.7: Membership Responsibility