TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Per the GASL Board, all Officials training will be all in person.
There will be no virtual options offered this year.
Current USA Swimming and Y Certified officials do not need to attend training. Please complete the Officials Sign-Up Form, indicate your USAS/Y certification and click the "Exempt" option, and then send a picture of your up-to-date credential to [email protected].
LINK TO FORM:
Thank you for your time and attention. Please direct any additional questions or concerns to [email protected]
Officials Clinic Materials
- 2026 Stroke & Turn Official Clinic Slides, Version 1
- 2025 Starter & Lead Officials Clinic Slides, Version 2
Other Resources
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USA Swimming Stroke Training videos These must be viewed prior to training session
BUTTERFLY | BREASTSTROKE | FREESTYLE | BACKSTROKE | IM - Starter SOP A detailed list of Starter duties and best practices for dual meets
- Head Timer SOP A detailed list of Head Timer duties and best practices for dual meets.
- USA Swimming Starter Video (optional) Certain aspects do not apply to GASL, but the main message is spot on.
- Lead Official SOP A detailed look at all the duties of a Lead Official from pre-meet to post-meet.
2026 GASL Officials Training Clinic Dates
GASL will hold the following trainings for Starters and Stroke and Turn Officials:
2026 Officials Training Clinics
June 1: The Downs Clubhouse(7-8:30pm),1485 Brookside Com, Annapolis, MD 21401
June 3 Harbor Hills (7-8:30pm), 1 Carson Cove, Davidsonville, MD 21035
June 7: Indian Hills (11-12:30), 45 Chautauqua Rd. Arnold, MD 21012
June 8: Indian Hills (7-8:30pm), 45 Chautauqua Rd. Arnold, MD 21012
June 11: Indian Hills (7-8:30pm), 45 Chautauqua Rd. Arnold, MD 21012
June 18: Bay Ridge (6-8pm), 2 Herndon Ave, Annapolis, MD 21403
Certification Procedure:
1. Pick the Date and Location that is best for you.
2. Complete this form:
GASL Officials Training Sign-up Form
3. Sign the attendance sheet on the day of your training.
Upon completion of the in-person training session your name will be added to the list of certified officials for this season.
Only GASL approved officials will be permitted to judge competition.
FINAL 2025 OFFICIALS LIST
Chet and his team provide training and support for GASL Officials. A number of useful files are collected on the GASL Officials OneDrive
Meet Tools
Deck Assignment Slips - coming soon
Relay Take-Off Slips - coming soon
GASL Officials Survey
In 2019, GASL Officials were asked to complete a survey. You can read all about it below, but here were the major findings:
- Parent volunteer officials are passionate about doing a great job.
- Everyone...league reps, coaches, officials...must read the rules, both GASL rules and the brief technical rules in USA Swimming rulebook.
- Shadowing works. Encourage this practice on your teams.
- Most challenging calls: Backstroke flip turn, Scissors kicks, Underwater Recovery in Butterfly.
- Parents should never engage officials directly, except anyone may ask politely, "What was the call please?". But no debating; talk to your coach.
- Coaches may dispute calls, but only with the Lead Official.