
All briefing cards for officials have been reviewed and updated as needed for the 2026 season. You can find them under "Docs" >> "Deck Officials" >> "Referee-Starter-S&T-RTO."
https://www.mynvsl.com/documents?folder_id=35827
Please note there were some technical rule changes made by USA Swimming in the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 that the NVSL is adopting for the 2026 season. The changes have been incorporated into the briefing materials and you can also find a document in the Referee-Starter-S&T-RTO folder that identifies the specific changes made.
Thank you to the literally HUNDREDS of officials who have already attended a training clinic this spring! Thank you for time in getting certified or recertified, and for serving as an official for the NVSL. We still have upcoming clinics: Ref/Starter clinics this Sunday June 14 and Stroke & Turn clinics on Wed June 17. It's not too late to get certified in a new position or recertify!
https://www.mynvsl.com/file/37295/Officials_Clinic_Schedule_for_2026_pdf
You can verify which clinics you need to attend by checking the Attendance Spreadsheet and the Qualification Procedures in the Deck Officials folder. The spreadsheet is updated periodically so don't worry if you attended a clinic this weekend but don't see it reflected yet.
We had a great turnout for the Meet Maestro training on Zoom last week -- thank you! If you were not able to attend the training, the session was recorded and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. The chat transcript is linked below the training title. You can also access lots of resources, articles, and videos at the SwimTopia Help Center.
We are excited for our first meets of the season and utilizing Meet Maestro! As we adapt to the new system, we will share tips, tricks and updated procedures. We appreciate everyone's adaptability and flexibility!
We had a great turnout for Saturday's Meet Maestro training at NVSLU and now we are gearing up for the virtual training on Wednesday June 3 at 7pm. This session will also be recorded for individual viewing later at your convenience.
Advanced registration is required. Please register for the virtual training HERE.
We look forward to seeing you virtually on Wednesday as the excitement for the new season with SwimTopia and Meet Maestro builds!
Our biggest training day of the season will take place this Saturday May 30 at NVSL University! There is a great selection of training clinics offered at NVSLU, including Ref, Starter, Stroke & Turn, Chief Timer, and Meet Maestro. Please encourage team parents and officials to attend. NVSLU will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center, which is located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Note there is construction around the Government Center; please abide all signage. There will be a welcome table in the lobby and greeters to direct you to the right space for your clinic.
NVSLU is the only time that the Chief Timer training will be offered. All timing volunteers - any and all experience levels - are welcome to attend. Learn valuable tips on conducting briefings and ensuring accuracy in timing and recording. This clinic address what we're here for -- the times -- and making sure that they are correctly captured and recorded.
IMPORTANT: Please note that only water is permitted inside the Government Center. Please do not bring food, coffee and other beverages. You will not be allowed to take them into the clinics.
The full schedule of clinics for NVSLU is as follows:
• NEW Referee Only @ 8AM
• NEW Starter Only @ 8AM
• Ref/Starter Recertification @ 8AM
• SwimTopia Meet Maestro Training @ 8AM (Full - see below)
• Chief Timer Clinic @ 8:30AM
• Stroke and Turn (New and Recert) @ 10:30AM
• SwimTopia Meet Maestro Training @ 10:30AM (Full - see below)
Important Reminders
· No advanced registration is required for officiating clinics EXCEPT FOR MEET MAESTRO TRAINING. Advanced registration is required for Meet Maestro training and the two sessions are now full. A virtual training session will be offered on June 3, which will also be recorded for individual viewing at a later date. Register for the virtual training HERE.
· Participants should prepare for 2-hour clinics and need to arrive on time and stay for the duration of the clinic in order to receive credit. If you arrive later than five minutes after the start of the clinic, you will not receive credit.
· Officials who wish to certify as Starters, Referees or Stroke and Turn Judges MUST attend a clinic every other year. This means that if you last attended a clinic in 2023 or earlier, you must attend a clinic this year. Please click HERE for officials' qualifications procedures and check the team rep folder for updated Clinic Attendance spreadsheets. **NOTE** Remember that as of 2025, Starters are required to complete Stroke and Turn training.
Click HERE below for other offerings throughout the spring. Please contact NVSLOfficials@gmail.com with questions.
White NVSL Logo Merchandise for Sale at NVSLU:
NVSLU is the only time that the white NVSL officials' logo merchandise will be sold at clinics this spring. Grab a polo, hat, or new long sleeved options. The white officials logo merchandise is also available year round at Suit Up in the University Mall in Fairfax and online. See this season's FLYER for more information.