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PVS Officials Transfer Policy


Updated: April 2019

In order to facilitate the transfer of officials into and out of Potomac Valley Swimming, the following procedures will be observed. The policy is only effective if the LSC from which the official is transferring is in compliance with USA Swimming's minimum standards for becoming a certified official

For Officials Joining Potomac Valley Swimming

The arriving official (or the acquiring club's Officials Chairman) should contact the PVS Certification Officer with the following information:

  • Name, Phone Number, and Club Affiliation of the official
  • USA Swimming Local Swimming Committee (LSC) from which Official Is Transferring ? including whether that LSC is in compliance with USA Swimming's minimum standards for becoming a certified official
  • Position(s) for which Certified to Work in the Current LSC
  • Date(s) Certifications Expire

The official will then be entered into the PVS officials database as a transferring official.


Transfer from YMCA Certification

  1. Level 1 YMCA certified (S&T Judges)
    • If YMCA level 1 clinic completed within 1 year, and if the official can document passing either YMCA Level 1 or USA-S S&T test with a score of at least 85% within past year, they may undergo PVS S&T evaluation if the official can demonstrate at least 5 sessions (either as a certified YMCA official or as a USA-S training session).
  2. Level 2 YMCA certified officials (all other positions)
    • Require the YMCA official to meet current PVS requirements for all positions, including PVS clinics, training sessions, etc.

Transfer from another LSC

Stroke and Turn Judges and Starters (and Referees serving in those capacities) may perform those duties as a "visiting official" until the earlier of two years has elapsed or until the certification from their former LSC expires. Stroke and Turn Judges may receive their PVS Stroke and Turn Judge certification by attending a PVS conducted or approved training clinic and passing the USA Swimming test.

Transferring Starters may receive their PVS certification as Starter by attending a PVS conducted training clinic, passing the USA Swimming test, and being observed at least one session by a PVS official designated to evaluate starters.

Transferring Chief Judges may receive their PVS certification as Chief Judge by attending a PVS conducted training clinic, passing the PVS Initial CJ test, and and two sessions in PVS with one being observed by a PVS evaluator.

Transferring Referees may receive their PVS certification at that level by attending PVS conducted training clinics for both first time and returning Referees (the first time referee clinic is optional), passing the USA Swimming referee recert test and working at least three sessions as a Referee, the last of which shall be under the supervision of a designated evaluator. The later requirement is intended to assure the transferring Referee is aware of and comfortable working with and handling situations in accordance with PVS procedures and practices.

Transferring Meet Referees must meet the PVS Meet Referee requirements.

If certified in another LSC for Hy-Tek Computer Operator (CO) or Timing System Operator (TO), attend a PVS CO or TO clinic (as appropriate) and work one session observed by a PVS evaluator.

If certified in another LSC for Administrative Official (AO), attend a PVS clinic, take the USA-S AO recert test, and work 3 sessions in PVS, the last of which shall be observed by a PVS evaluator. Note – if the official is AO certified but NOT CO or TO certified, the official must meet the certification requirements for both CO and TO prior to becoming PVS AO certified.


For Officials Leaving Potomac Valley Swimming

Contact the PVS Certification Officer with the following information.

  • Name of Official
  • Club Affiliation
  • USA Swimming Local Swim Committee (LSC) to which the Official Is Transferring
  • Date of Departure from PVS
  • Address to which the Information Should be Sent

The Certification Officer will then send the departing official a transfer letter indicating the positions to which the official is certified and the expiration date of the certification. PVS will provide a copy of its certification requirements, including a statement that we are in compliance with USA Swimming minimum standards.. In addition, the National certification and National Championship certification (if known) will be noted. The official can then deliver this the new LSC. The new LSC's policy will determine the process by which the official will be certified in the acquiring LSC.