The NVSL training season continues this Saturday, June 1, at NVSL University, and we want you to encourage team parents and officials to attend. There is a great selection of training clinics offered at NVSLU, including Ref, Starter, Stroke & Turn, Chief Timer, Hy-Tek and Tables! NVSLU will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, which is located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. There will be a welcome table in the lobby and greeters to direct you to the right space for your clinic.

IMPORTANT: Please note that only water is permitted inside the Government Center. Please do not bring food, coffee and other beverages. You will not be allowed to take them into the clinics.

The full schedule of clinics for NVSLU is as follows:

**Please note that the New Referee and New Starter clinics are only for those new to the position and cannot be used to recertify.

Important Reminders

There are many in-person clinics offered and no advanced registration is required.

Participants should prepare for 2-hour clinics and need to arrive on time and stay for the duration of the clinic in order to receive credit. If you arrive later than five minutes after the start of the clinic, you will not receive credit.

Officials who wish to certify as Starters, Referees or Stroke and Turn Judges MUST attend a clinic every other year. This means that if you last attended a clinic in 2022 or earlier, you must attend a clinic this year.

Not sure whether your certifications are up to date? Check here: NVSL Clinic Attendance Report

****In addition to the clinics offered, there will be NVSL merchandise for sale****

We can't wait to see you on Saturday!

(1) Do the Hy-tek workers, table workers, head clerk of course, chief timer and announcer need to attend a clinic to get certified?

There are no certification requirements for these positions. We are offering these clinics based on several requests from team reps and other volunteers. They are optional, but very useful.

(2) How often must stroke and turn judges and referees/starters certify?

Referees, Starters and Stroke and Turn judges must attend a clinic every other year. While not required, we highly recommend annual clinic attendance. This is especially beneficial for those who do not officiate during the winter months. If you became an official last summer and attended a virtual clinic, we strongly advise attending an in-person clinic this year.

(3) I am a USA Swimming-certified official. Do I have to certify through the NVSL?

Stroke and Turn Judges

In lieu of the NVSL Stroke & Turn Clinic, current certification as a USA Swimming Stroke and Turn Judge may be substituted. High School clinics will not count. Attendance at a Stroke & Turn clinic every other year is required by the NVSL. Certified USA Swimming Stroke & Turn Judges who wish to substitute their USA Swimming certification for attendance at an NVSL Stroke & Turn Clinic should notify their Team Representative and the Clinic Attendance Recorder, Michelle Hale ([email protected]).

Starters

In lieu of attending the NVSL Starter Clinic, current certification as a USA Swimming Starter may be substituted. High School clinics will not count. Certified USA Swimming Starters who wish to substitute their USA Swimming certification for attendance at an NVSL Starter Clinic should notify their Team Representative and the Clinic Attendance Recorder, Michelle Hale ([email protected]).

Referee

The New Referee Clinic will NOT meet the requirement for Returning Referee qualification. There is NO Reciprocity with USA Swimming for NVSL Referees. All NVSL Referees must be a Current Stroke & Turn Judge and must attend either i) the NVSL New Referee and New Starter Clinics, or ii) the NVSL Referee-Starter Clinic.

** Please see the Officials Qualification Procedures document for details:

Officials' Qualification Procedures

(4) How do USA Swimming Officials share their Stroke and Turn and Starter certifications with the League?

Please email Michelle Hale michelle.hale.swim@gmail.com to indicate for which position(s) you are certified through USA Swimming.

(5) How long do clinics typically last?

NVSL Officials’ Clinics Last about two hours. Those arriving more than 10 minutes late or leaving early will NOT receive credit for attendance.

(6) Additional Questions?

Please reach out to [email protected].