Rules Training for the 2026 Season

Overview
More extensive training is needed for swimming officials and coaches to be proficient. This training is also valuable for team reps. This year, all of the training will be done in May at the Barshop JCC.
*There will not be any certifications issued through remote learning for clinics or poolside training.*

TRAINING CLINIC DATES *everyone must sign in at the front desk of the JCC before going to their clinic**
There will be three identical sessions offered at JCC. 
Where: Jewish Community Center, 12500 NW Military Highway, Rooms 227/8/9
When: Sunday May 3, Saturday May 16 and Sunday May 17.
Recertification sessions will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.
New official training will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

There will also be a clinic at the Valley Ranch pool. 
Where: 13611 Valley Lake, SA 78254
When: Wednesday, May 06. 
Recertification session: 6-7 p.m.
New Stroke & Turn Officials: 7-9 p.m.
New Starters: 7- 8 p.m.

Poolside Clinic
A poolside clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the JCC pool. This is for both new and returning officials as a chance to do live observation and practice. One session is primarily for Stroke and Turn officials to observe real swimmers demonstrating legal and illegal swimming. Another session is primarily for Referees and Starters to practice whistle start procedures with
real swimmers.

Returning Officials
Officials who were certified for the 2025 season must attend a recertification session to retain their certification for the 2026 season. If you are certified as Stroke and Turn or Starter and want to add another skill (Starter, Stroke and Turn or Referee), you are encouraged to stay and attend the appropriate new official training session.

New Officials
Volunteers who are training for a new officiating position need to attend a new official training session. At each clinic, there will be a session for Stroke and Turn training and another combined session for Referees, Starters, Coaches and Team Rep.

Coaches
Rules training is required for new head coaches and is encouraged for assistant coaches. This training is done in the new official training. Returning coaches are encouraged to attend one of the recertification sessions. The separate New Head Coaches Clinic is scheduled for May 17, so you make sure you schedule for one of the rules clinics on May 3 or 16.

Team Reps
Rules training is not required for team reps but it is strongly encouraged. You are welcome to join the new official training clinics. Returning team reps who have previously been to one of the full sessions are encouraged to attend one of the recertification sessions.

Resources
A number of resources are available on the League website under the Private/Judges Info tab. USA Swimming also has many resources available (see usaswimming.org). They have developed training videos for officials that are available on YouTube. In the Judges Info area you can find a document titled
“Training Videos Available for Swimming Officials” that has the links to useful videos.