• Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    Application - April 1 2025 - March 31 2026

  • 2025-2026 updates to Funding

    Applications for eligibility must be received 1 month prior to the event(s) or clinic(s) for approval.

    • For regional / provincial meets - restricted to visiting officials.
    • Clinics must be listed on the LMS and be open to the region at minimum.
    • Additional documents will be required after the initial eligibility approval.

    Late applications will be denied.

    Application for Funding for the following events are closed

    • All Regional meets taking place in Jan/Feb 2025
    • OAG funding
    • Canadian Open funding
    • Masters Provincial
    • Canadian Masters Nationals
    • Trials
    • NE, NW,HUR, ER LC-Summer regional meets
    • Western LC-Summer regional meet
    • OSC Funding is closed
    • CSC funding closed

    Swim Ontario's Commitment to Officials Development and Support

    Swim Ontario is committed to the development and support of Ontario Swim Officials at all levels of competition. We understand the importance of providing proper training and opportunities for officials to progress and achieve their goals. In the past five years, we have witnessed an increase in the costs associated with travel for clinic deliveries in remote areas, as well as the demand for mentor officials to travel across the province to support officials' development.

     

    To address these challenges and ensure officials receive the necessary support, we have implemented several initiatives:

     

    1. Financial Assistance: Swim Ontario recognizes the financial burden associated with travel expenses for officials, especially when it comes to delivering clinics in remote areas. We have introduced financial assistance programs to help alleviate these costs, making it more accessible for officials to contribute their expertise in all regions of the province.
    2. Mentorship Programs: We understand the value of experienced officials mentoring and supporting their peers. Swim Ontario has established mentorship programs that facilitate the travel of senior officials to various parts of the province to provide guidance and support to officials at different stages of their development. This helps create a supportive and knowledgeable officiating community throughout Ontario.
    3. Regional, Provincial & National Meet Experience: Gaining experience at higher-level meets is crucial for officials to advance in their goals. Swim Ontario acknowledges the cost and time commitment required for senior officials to participate in these events. To encourage their involvement, we have implemented programs that provide financial support and resources to eligible officials, ensuring they have the opportunity to gain valuable experience at these meets.
    4. Advancement Opportunities: Swim Ontario recognizes the importance of recognizing officials who have achieved the top national level certification and are ready to progress further. We will provide financial assistance to those committed to attend National events to gain the expereince and be recognized for advancement towards International officiating recognition. We actively support officials seeking advancement in areas such as World Para-Swimming officiating and Open Water officiating. We provide guidance, resources, and opportunities for these officials to expand their expertise and contribute at the international level.

     

    Through these initiatives, Swim Ontario aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment for swim officials across the province. We are committed to investing in their development, providing financial assistance, mentorship, and advancement opportunities, ensuring that they can continue to contribute to the sport of swimming at all levels of competition.

    UPDATED 2025-2026 FUNDING OVERVIEW DOCUMENT

     

    Applications for eligibility must be received 1 month prior to the event(s) or clinic(s) for approval.

    • For regional / provincial meets - restricted to visiting officials.
    • Clinics must be listed on the LMS and be open to the region at minimum.
    • Additional documents will be required after the initial eligibility approval.
  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    Available Funding - Level 3 Official

  • Click image to enlarge

    X

    Level 3 Funding Initiatives

  • Help Club / Region / Province

    A a Level 3 Official that wishes to help his club/region and gain expereince for their club or to move to next level of certification you are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs to attend Regional and/or Provincial Championships

    Total Allocation of Funds for each event

    Regional Meets: total allocated funds:$2,000
    March Provincial Meets: total allocated fund:$3,000
    Summer Provincial Meet: total allocated fund: $4,000
    Ontario Junior International: total allocated fund:$4,000

    Once all expenses have been submitted, funds will be dispersed prorated out of the total allocated funds.

     If funds are not all allocated, this will increase the total allocated fund for the next event within the fiscal season (April 1 to March 31)

    Available funds

    • More than 400 KM from facility
      • Maximum $1000
    • Overnight accommodations are necessary
      • Maximum $650
    • No accommodations required
      • Maximum $150

     

    Criteria

    Must work a minimum of 50% of total sessions. 

    To receive the maximum funding the official must work a minimum of 80% of sessions.

      Total funding will be prorated if less than 80%.

    Visiting Officials (i.e. not from host club).

  • Mentor Level 4/5

    As a Level 3 Official that wishes to pursue the next level of certification you require mentor Level 4/5 officials to help you gain experience as a Referee and other positions as well as observe clinic deliveries as part of Level 4 requirements. 

    See below Swim Ontario initiatives to help offset the mentor Level 4/5 costs if your club does not have a Level 4/5 mentor nearby.

    Mention these initiatives to the mentor officials. 

    Clinics or Referee Assessments

    • The mentor Level 5 can receive mileage expenses to observe clinics when round trip is more 100 KM or to deliver a Referee clinic.
    • The mentor Level 5 can receive funds to offset the costs to do a Referee Assessments when the round trip is more than 100 KM.

    Host Club & Competition Coordinator

    Swim Ontario recognizes the importance of providing learning opportunities for officials to gain experience and expand their knowledge in various positions. To facilitate this, we have established a program where host clubs may be eligible to share costs with Swim Ontario to offset the travel expenses of a Level 4/5 official who serves as a Competition Coordinator at a club-hosted event.

    This arrangement not only helps the host club in delivering a well-run competition but also provides an excellent learning opportunity to work closely with the Level 4/5 official and gain valuable insights into the various roles.

    For more information on eligibility criteria and the process of cost-sharing, interested clubs can reach out to Swim Ontario for further details.

  • National Meet Experience

    As a Level 3 Official that wishes to pursue certification beyond Level 4, you will need to attend a national meet or designated as national meet.  This requires you to travel to an national event that may or may not be held in your region.

    This requirement can be fulfilled as either a Level 3 or Level 4.

    See below Swim Ontario initiatives to help offset the travel costs to satisfy the level 5 certification requirement.  This funding is available only once to the Level 3/4.

     

    Funds Available & Criteria

    • includes OJI – excludes Mel Zajac
    • Minimum number of sessions 4
    • Outside of region or overnight accommodations are necessary
      • Maximum $500
    • In region – no accommodations required
      • Maximum $100
  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    Available Funding - Level 4 Official

  • Click image to enlarge

    X

    Level 4 Funding Initiatives

  • National Meet Experience

    As a Level 4 Official that wishes to pursue Level 5 certification, you will need to attend a national meet or designated as national meet.  This requires you to travel to an national event that may or may not be held in your region.

    This requirement can be fulfilled as either a Level 3 or Level 4.

    See below Swim Ontario initiatives to help offset the travel costs to satisfy the level 5 certification requirement.  This funding is available only once to the Level 3/4.

     

    Funds Available & Criteria

    • includes OJI – excludes Mel Zajac
    • Minimum number of sessions 4
    • Outside of region or overnight accommodations are necessary
      • Maximum $500
    • In region – no accommodations required
      • Maximum $100

  • Help Club / Region / Province

    A a Level 4 Official that wishes to help his club/region and gain experience for their club or to move to next level of certification you are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs to attend Regional and/or Provincial Championships

    Total Allocation of Funds for each event

    Regional Meets: total allocated funds:$2,000
    March Provincial Meets: total allocated fund:$3,000
    Summer Provincial Meet: total allocated fund: $4,000
    Ontario Junior International: total allocated fund:$4,000

    Once all expenses have been submitted, funds will be dispersed prorated out of the total allocated funds.

     If funds are not all allocated, this will increase the total allocated fund for the next event within the fiscal season (April 1 to March 31)

      

    Available funds

    • More than 400 KM from facility
      • Maximum $1000
    • Overnight accommodations are necessary
      • Maximum $650
    • No accommodations required
      • Maximum $150

     

    Criteria

    Must work a minimum of 50% of total sessions. 

    To receive the maximum funding the official must work a minimum of 80% of sessions.

      Total funding will be prorated if less than 80%.

    Visiting Officials (i.e. not from host club).

  • Mentor Level 4

    As a mentor official you may be asked to do clinics for other clubs or the region or be asked to be a Competition Coordinator for a host club in need.    

    You are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs.

     

    Clinics

    • You can receive mileage expenses to deliver clinics when round trip is more 100 KM.

    Host Club & Competition Coordinator

    Swim Ontario recognizes the importance of providing learning opportunities for officials to gain experience and expand their knowledge in various positions. To facilitate this, we have established a program where host clubs may be eligible to share costs with Swim Ontario to offset the travel expenses of a Level 4/5 official who serves as a Competition Coordinator at a club-hosted event.

    This arrangement not only helps the host club in delivering a well-run competition but also provides an excellent learning opportunity to work closely with the Level 4/5 official and gain valuable insights into the various roles.

    For more information on eligibility criteria and the process of cost-sharing, interested clubs can reach out to Swim Ontario for further details.

  • Out-of-Region Referee Assessment for Level 5 requirement

    As a Level 4 wishing to reach Level 5, you are required to obtain an out-of region referee assessment, you are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs to attend Regional and/or Provincial Championships.  This funding is available once for a Level 4 offciial.

     

    Available funds

    • More than 400 KM from facility
      • Maximum $1000
    • Overnight accommodations are necessary
      • Maximum $650
    • No accommodations required
      • Maximum $150

     

    Criteria

    Must work a minimum of 50% of total sessions. 

    To receive the maximum funding the official must work a minimum of 80% of sessions.

      Total funding will be prorated if less than 80%.
  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    Available Funding - Level 5 Official

  • Click image to enlarge

    X

    Level 5 Funding Initiatives

  • Help Club / Region / Province

    As a Level 5 Official that wishes to help his club/region/province and to gain experience at higher level events, you are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs to attend Regional and/or Provincial Championships.  Provincial events are a good introduction to WPS events as well as OW events.

     

    Total Allocation of Funds for each event

    Regional Meets: total allocated funds:$2,000
    March Provincial Meets: total allocated fund:$3,000
    Summer Provincial Meet: total allocated fund: $4,000
    Ontario Junior International: total allocated fund:$4,000

    Once all expenses have been submitted, funds will be dispersed prorated out of the total allocated funds.

     If funds are not all allocated, this will increase the total allocated fund for the next event within the fiscal season (April 1 to March 31)

    Available funds

    • More than 400 KM from facility
      • Maximum $1000
    • Overnight accommodations are necessary
      • Maximum $650
    • No accommodations required
      • Maximum $150

     

    Criteria

    Must work a minimum of 50% of total sessions. 

    To receive the maximum funding the official must work a minimum of 80% of sessions.

      Total funding will be prorated if less than 80%.

    Visiting Officials (i.e. not from host club).

  • Mentor Level 5

    As a mentor official you may be asked to do clinics for other clubs or the region or be asked to be a Competition Coordinator for a host club in need.    You may also be asked to travel to do a Referee Assessment for a level 3 or Level 4 official.

    You are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs.

     

    Clinics & Referee Assessments

    • You can receive mileage expenses to deliver clinics when round trip is more 100 KM.

    Host Club & Competition Coordinator

    Swim Ontario recognizes the importance of providing learning opportunities for officials to gain experience and expand their knowledge in various positions. To facilitate this, we have established a program where host clubs may be eligible to share costs with Swim Ontario to offset the travel expenses of a Level 4/5 official who serves as a Competition Coordinator at a club-hosted event.

    This arrangement not only helps the host club in delivering a well-run competition but also provides an excellent learning opportunity to work closely with the Level 4/5 official and gain valuable insights into the various roles.

    For more information on eligibility criteria and the process of cost-sharing, interested clubs can reach out to Swim Ontario for further details.

  • National Meets

    By offering financial assistance to officials committed to attending national events, Swim Ontario is not only facilitating their gaining of experience but also acknowledging the importance of recognition for advancement towards AQUA recognition. This support can greatly contribute to the development of officials' skills and expertise, opening doors for them to contribute at the international level.

    Officials who take advantage of Swim Ontario's guidance, resources, and opportunities will have the chance to expand their knowledge, refine their officiating skills, and make a meaningful impact in their respective areas of specialization.

    See below Swim Ontario initiatives to help offset the travel costs.

    Each National Meet will be allocated a total funding amount and total funding will be prorated based on the number of applicants and funding. Shared accommodations is encouraged.

     

    Funds Available

    • Outside of region/province or overnight accommodations are necessary
      • Maximum $1,500
    • In region – no accommodations required
      • Maximum $250

    Criteria

    Attendance to 2 National Meets the previous fiscal season

    Minimum of 2 National Events in current fiscal season

    Must work a minimum of 80% of total sessions at each event. 

    To receive funding the official must work a minimum of 80% of sessions.

    Funds dispursed after the above criteria has been satisfied.

  • Provincial & National Meets

    Attending Provincial and national can provide officials with specialized knowledge and skills necessary for World Para Swimming officiating. It's an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth in the field of Para swimming officiating.  See funding initiatives to attend provincial and national meets.

    WPS Only Events

    Level 5 Officials who want to pursue World Para Swimming Officiating Level 3 International recognition must attend WPS only events where clinics are offered prior to the event and you are required to attend all sessions of a WPS only event. 

    You are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs to attend the WPS only events for advancement.

    One application per fiscal season (April 1 –March 31)

     

    Available funds

    • Maximum $1,500       

     

    Criteria

    Must attend all clinics and session required.

  • Provincial & National Meets Open Water Events

    Attending Provincial and National can provide officials with specialized knowledge and skills necessary for Open Water officiating. It's an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth in the field of Open Water officiating.

    Level 5 Officials who want to pursue Open Water AQUA International recognition must attend clinics and participate in several Open Water events.  

    You are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs to attend OW events for advancement.

     

    Available funds

    • Maximum $1,000 per fiscal (April 1 - March 31)      

     

    Criteria

    2 National Meet attendance the previous season
    Minimum of 2 events the current season

    Funds disbursed after minimum 2 events within season is satisfied

    Must attend all days of an event.
  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    Level 3/4/5 Funding
  •  - -
  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    National Meets

  • National Meets
    By offering financial assistance to officials committed to attending national events, Swim Ontario is not only facilitating their gaining of experience but also acknowledging the importance of recognition for advancement towards International recognition. This support can greatly contribute to the development of officials' skills and expertise, opening doors for them to contribute at the international level.

    Officials who take advantage of Swim Ontario's guidance, resources, and opportunities will have the chance to expand their knowledge, refine their officiating skills, and make a meaningful impact in their respective areas of specialization.

    See below Swim Ontario initiatives to help offset the travel costs.

     Funds Available

    • Outside of region/province or overnight accommodations are necessary
    • Maximum $1,500
    • In region – no accommodations required
    • Maximum $250

    Criteria

    • Attendance to 2 National Meets the previous season
    • Minimum of 2 National Events in current season
    • Must work a minimum of 80% of total sessions at each event. 

    Funds dispursed after the above criteria has been satisfied.

    Season is from April 1 to March 31.

    Each National Meet will be allocated a total funding amount and total funding will be prorated based on the number of applicants and funding. Shared accommodations is encouraged.

    • 2024 Ken DemChuk International Inv.: $1,500
    • 2024 OJI: funding under provincial meet
    • Canadian Open: $6,000
    • Canadian Masters: $4,000
    • Trials:$9,000
    • 2025 Ken Demchuk: $1,500

     

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  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    WPS Funding

  • WPS Only Events
    Level 5 Officials who want to pursue World Para Swimming Officiating Level 3 International recognition must attend WPS only events where clinics are offered prior to the event and you are required to attend all sessions of a WPS only event. 

    You are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs to attend the WPS only events for advancement.

     

    Available funds
    Maximum $1,500

    one application per fiscal (April 1 - March 31)       
     

    Criteria
    Must attend all clinics and session required.

  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    Open Water International Funding

  • Provincial & National Meets Open Water Events

    Attending Provincial and National can provide officials with specialized knowledge and skills necessary for Open Water officiating. It's an excellent opportunity for personal and professional growth in the field of Open Water officiating.

    Level 5 Officials who want to pursue Open Water International recognition must attend clinics and participate in several Open Water events.  

    You are eligible to receive funds to help offset the traveling costs to attend OW events for advancement.

     

    Available funds
    Maximum $1,000      
     

    Criteria
    2 National Provincial/National Meet attendance the previous season
    Minimum of 2 events the current season


    Funds disbursed after minimum 2 events within season is satisfied

    Must attend all days of an event.

  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    International Officials Funding

  • Funding

    Maximum $1,000 per fiscal (April 1 - March 31)

    Criteria

    Must attend all sessions

    Letter from Swimming Canada/WPS indicating requirement to attend and no funding will be provided will be part of the application

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  • Officials Development Funding

    Officials Development Funding

    Application for Eligibility

  • Applicants will be contacted once their application is reviewed.  Addiitonal information may be required prior to approval.

    An application does not guarantee approval.

    The total funding amounts will be based on several factors and may not cover all expenses.

    Click submit button below.  You will receive an auto-response email with details provinded in your application.

    Their will be an EDIT link which you can use to modify the application if necessary.

     

     

  • Level 3 - seeking Level 4/5 funding initiatives

    Seeing as you are not applying for funding, you can simply close this form.  We hope you share the information with your mentors.

  • Level 5 - hasn't chosen any funding initiatives

    Seeing as you are not applying for funding, you can simply close this form.  

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