PVS CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
STROKE AND TURN JUDGE, RELAY TAKE-OFF JUDGE, CHIEF JUDGE

  1. Stroke and Turn Judge
    1. Certification Requirements
      1. Age -- 18 years or older.
      2. Attend PVS conducted or approved Stroke and Turn Clinic.
      3. Register as a non-athlete with USA Swimming.
      4. Serve on-deck as a trainee with a Stroke and Turn Judge (who has been certified for at least one year) at a minimum of four (4) sessions. The four sessions must be at a minimum of two different non-championship meets. All sessions must include strokes other than freestyle.
      5. Cannot make unsupervised disqualification calls while serving as a trainee.
      6. Evaluated to have performed in at least a satisfactory manner at each session by supervising Stroke and Turn Judge(s) and Referee and such performance is reported on the PVS Official's Certification Application Form.
      7. Pass both USA Swimming Stroke and Turn Judge and USA Swimming Timer tests with a combined grade of at least 85%.
      8. Complete certification requirement within one year from date of Stroke and Turn clinic.
      9. Remain registered as a non-athlete with USA Swimming.
      10. Certification is good until the December 31 following two years after the date of issuance.
    2. Recertification Requirements
      1. Previously certified by PVS or another USA Swimming Local Swim Committee (LSC) as a Stroke and Turn Judge
      2. If from another LSC, fulfill all relevant requirements of the PVS Officials' Transfer Policy.
      3. Work at least four (4) sessions per year as a Stroke and Turn Judge at a USA Swimming sanctioned meet.
      4. Attend PVS conducted or approved clinic for Stroke and Turn Judges at least once every two years.
      5. Pass both USA Swimming Stroke and Turn Judge and USA Swimming Timer tests every two years, with a combined grade of at least 85%.
      6. Retain valid registration as a non-athlete with USA Swimming.
      7. Recertification is good for two years after date prior certification expired.

  2. Relay Take-Off Judge
    1. There is no separate certification requirement for this position. The duties will be included in the training, certification, and recertification requirements for Stroke and Turn Judge.
    2. Duties should be performed only by individuals certified as a Stroke and Turn Judge.

    Chief Judge
    1. There is no separate certification requirement for this position.
    2. Training regarding the duties of the Chief Judge shall be provided by the Referee as necessary.
    3. Duties should be performed only by individuals who have a minimum of one (1) year's experience as a certified Stroke and Turn Judge.
Last Updated: 5/2008