Clinics will cover all applicable training, links and testing requirements. After the clinic, you will be provided a training sheet with specific talking points for you and your mentor to discuss.  Prior to your fourth training session you must complete all of the requirements that are listed on your training sheet.

Clinic Descriptions

Initial Clinic for S&T/Admin - New and transferring Officials: A two-part clinic. The first session is an overview of the training to become a certified USA Swimming Official. Entry level positions are Stroke and Turn (S&T), Administrative Official (AO) and Timing Equipment Operator (TEO). In the first session, we will review the National governing bodies, navigating the USA and Virginia Swimming websites to find information, provide an overview of VSI, the mentoring sessions/process, and associated requirements that must be completed, prior to becoming a certified Official. A document will be provided with the same information at the end of the initial clinic. In the second session, we will provide an overview of the S&T rules. If your interest is to begin training as an AO or TEO, you will be dismissed after the first session and referred to the online basic training courses which will be discussed in the first session

Chief Judge Clinic: For any USA Swimming Official within the LSC of VSI. Other LSC's may join, however, your LSC may or may not accept our clinic. Must be a USA Swimming Official for at least one year prior to starting training. We do take into consideration if you have worked numerous sessions. Please refer to the VSI Officials Handbook that is posted on the VSI website under Officials Training-General heading. If you are interested in becoming a CJ, you are more than welcome to attend. This clinic will review the responsibilities of a CJ, for both our normal dual and our LSC Championship meets and the training requirements.

Starter Clinic:  For any USA Swimming Official within the LSC of VSI. Other LSC's may join, however, your LSC may or may not accept our clinic. Must be a USA Swimming Official for at least one year prior to starting training. We do take into consideration if you have worked numerous sessions. Please refer to the VSI Officials Handbook that is posted on the VSI website under Officials Training-General heading. If you are interested in becoming a Starter you are more than welcome to attend. This clinic will review the responsibilities of a Starter, the starting rules, including false start scenarios, and training/testing requirements.

Deck Referee Clinic:  USA Swimming Deck Referee clinic is geared to all current Deck Referee's and those in training. All Officials are welcome to attend, especially if you are curious about the process of becoming certified as a Deck Referee. This is not a VHSL Deck Referee Clinic as this clinic geared towards USA Swimming rules. There is additional information on the VSI website under the Officials Training tab under the General heading (Officials Handbook) and Succession Plan for VSI Officials under that same description as well. This clinic will cover scenarios, field any questions from the participants and discuss the role of an Athlete-centric Deck Referee.

S&T/Admin Refresher & Review:  Q&A session for new officials and transferring officials regarding training process, completing training and any issues that can be resolved.

Chief Judge Refresher & Review:  Q & A session for CJs regarding training, rules, roles, protocols, and jurisdiction.

Starter Refresher & Review:  Q&A session for starters, training process, roles and responsibilities and questions on rules or starting.

Deck/Meet Referee Refresher & Review:  Q&A about deck/meet referee - roles and responsibilities, rules, situations, and interpretations.

Championship Meets:  

• LSC and National Championship Meets 101
• Clinic covers:
  • 12 & U- 13 & O Districts, Summer Awards, Age Group Championships, Senior Championships, Sectionals. Futures, Juniors, TYR-Pro Series, Nationals, US Open, World and Olympic Trials
  • How to work these meets
  • Path to development

National Certification Program:  Overview of the National Certification Program, Process to obtaining a National Certification and what it means, How to remain certified, Where to find information, Q&A and the process of obtaining National Certifications and recertifying.