How to Become an Official
Just follow the steps below to become a certified PVS Official.
(or advance to the next level)
Transfer Policy for Officials Joining/Leaving PVS
| The Roadmap to Becoming a PVS Official | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check the Requirements for Certification Read the requirements for certification or advancement. The entry level positions (requiring no prior experience) are Stroke&Turn Judge, Timing System Operator, and Hy-Tek Operator. The positions of Starter and Referee require experience as a certified official at the next lower level. |
| 2 | Attend a PVS Clinic PVS clinics are offered for all the positions. They are held throughout the year, but mostly in the fall. Check the schedule for an upcomng clinic. Certain Summer League S&T clinics may be eligible for PVS certification. Check with your Summer League or the PVS website for details. |
| 3 | Register with USA Swimming To be a certified deck official, you are required to be registered as a non-athlete with USA Swimming. The application form must be sent to the PVS Registrar. After the first year, PVS will pay your registration fee for you. Many clubs pay the first year registration fee for their new officials. Check with your club officials chair. NOTE: USA-S registration is not required for the Timing System Operator and Hy-Tek Operator positions, but is encouraged. |
| 4 | Complete Your Training Sessions Each position requires you to successfully complete a number of training sessions at several swim meets. Make sure to have your Training Card (received at your clinic) signed by the referee after those sessions. NOTE: You are encouraged to complete this step simultaneously with Step 5. |
| 5 | Complete Your USA Swimming Tests Check the list of tests required for each position. No test is required for the Timing System Operator and Hy-Tek Operator positions. All tests are taken on-line at the USA Swimming website. NOTE: You are encouraged to complete this step simultaneously with Step 4. |
| 6 | Complete Your Final Check-Out Session The Chief Judge, Starter, Referee, Timing System Operator, and Hy-Tek Operator positions require you to be evaluated at your final training session. Contact one of the Officials Designated to Perform Evaluations for your position to set up your evaluation. This is not required for the Stroke&Turn position. Evaluation Forms: Referee, Starter, Chief Judge, Hy-Tek Operator, Timing System Operator NOTE: This should be done well in advance of the meet where you want to be evaluated as it has to be coordinated with the meet referee. |
| 7 | Send Your Training Card to The PVS Certification Officer Your test scores are automatically sent to the PVS Certification Officer, Rita Page. You must send your Training Card to prove you worked the required number of training sessions. The address is listed below. If you are a new offiical and would like a patch ($2) and nametag ($3) send $5 check payable to "PVS". Rita Page 9643 Craighill Drive Bristow, VA 20136 703-330-3152 jonali2000@msn.com. |
| 8 | Proof of Certification After the PVS Certification Officer, Rita Page, has received your Training Card, verified your USA Swimming registration, and verified your test score(s), you will receive a certification card, and a patch (if you ordered one). Your nametag will be ordered and mailed out at a later date. |