PVS CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
STARTER

  1. Certification Requirements
    1. Age -- 18 years or older.
    2. Attend PVS conducted Starter Clinic.
    3. Register as a non-athlete with USA Swimming.
    4. Be a certified Stroke and Turn Judge in PVS for at least one year.
    5. Serve on-deck as a trainee with a PVS certified Starter or Referee at a minimum of five (5) different sessions at a minimum of three (3) non-championship meets. Start sufficient heats at each session to allow Referee to evaluate performance.
    6. Perform to the satisfaction of the Referee and have such performance reported to PVS on the PVS Official's Certification Application Form.
    7. Pass designated sections of the USA Swimming Officials tests with an aggregate grade of at least 90%.
    8. Starts must be favorably observed at the last training session by an official designated by the PVS Officials Committee to evaluate new starters. Link to evaluation criteria
    9. Be officially certified as a Timer -- see Timer certification requirements.
    10. Complete certification requirements within one year of taking the Starter's clinic.
    11. 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 LSC as a starter.
    2. If from another LSC, fulfill all relevant requirements of the PVS Officials' Transfer Policy.
    3. Work at least four (4) sessions per year at a USA Swimming sanctioned meet, at least two of which shall be as a Starter, and at least one of which shall be as a Stroke and Turn Judge or Chief Judge.
    4. Attend PVS conducted clinic for Starters at least once every two years.
    5. Pass once every two years designated sections of the USA Swimming Officials tests with an aggregate grade of at least 90%.
    6. Retain valid registration with USA Swimming as a non-athlete.
    7. Recertification is good for two years after date prior certification expired.
Last Updated: 5/2008