YMCA National Swimming Officials Committee
Uniform Standards for YMCA Swim Officials

Link to pdf Version: Officals Uniform Standards

The YMCA National Swimming Officials Committee announces the following revised guidelines for on deck uniform attire at all classifications and levels of YMCA swim meets. These revised guidelines reflect the results of the national survey of YMCA officials that was recently undertaken.

A well-trained corps of officials must project a consistent, professional attitude and appearance while officiating swim meets. When the entire officiating crew dresses uniformly in crisp, professional appearing attire, they convey a sense of professionalism and consistency to coaches, athletes and spectators. This attitude carries over in the approach to and conduct of the meet. Appropriate attire and attitude embody the four YMCA Core Values- Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.  

The standard uniform for Men and Women shall consist of a short sleeve, solid white, collared Polo/Golf shirt with Navy blue pants or shorts. Capri pants or skirts are also acceptable for women.  Blue jeans and blue jean cut-offs are inappropriate and never acceptable. Likewise, faded Navy blue shorts and pants should be discarded in favor of crisp, un-faded Navy blue attire. Shorts shall be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee with no exposed compression shorts. White Polo shirts with a colored trim on the collar or banded sleeves are acceptable. Tee shirts are unprofessional, and considered inappropriate when officiating on deck.

White tennis shoes/sneakers are the preferred footwear on deck for comfort and safety. White shall be the predominant color, but trims or brand logos of a contrasting color are acceptable. White Crocs or white water sandals are acceptable; however, the official must consider the safety aspect of rapidly walking as a stroke judge when wearing Crocs. Bare feet, flip-flops and non-white shoes are not acceptable. Hats and caps are not to be worn at indoor venues.

In regard to shirts, a solitary YMCA of the USA, Brand Logo may be embroidered on the left breast. The Y Brand Logo may be embroidered with the lettering Swim Official, but no home team name or other designations are to be used.  If desired, a plain white, short sleeve Dress shirt is also acceptable, with the same embroidery as above. The official should display his/her YMCA Officials Certification Patch suspended from a clip or lanyard.  It is strongly recommended that Officials shirts of other organizations (High School, NCAA, USA Swimming) not be worn at YMCA competitions, and vice versa.

For championship meets involving preliminary and final sessions, the standard uniform is recommended for both the preliminary sessions, as well as the final sessions. However, if meet administration chooses, a more formal look may be used for finals, such as a white dress shirt and tie or scarf with a Navy blue blazer and white long pants, or skirts for women.

For meets that have a special session involving a theme, a special shirt reflecting that theme may be worn. In choosing the theme and shirt, good taste and good judgment are the rule.

Any questions regarding uniforms may be directed to:

Joel Black, Chair, YMCA National Swimming Officials Committee