PVS Logo
PVS Logo

PVS News

General Chair's Newsletters

Information from Potomac Valley's new General Chair Cherlynn Venit.

December 2023
October 2023

In Memoriam - Cyrus "CJ" Salazar Jr.

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of one of our PVS swimmers, Cyrus "CJ" Salazar Jr. Cyrus was an integral member of the Accokeek Stroke Technique Swim Team (ASTS). PVS sends condolences to CJ's family and the Accokeek Stroke Technique Swim Team (ASTS).

Read more about the life of this wonderful young man in this loving tribute.

2022-2023 PVS Scholar Athlete Award

Congratulations to the 2022-2023 PVS Scholar Athletes

If you have any questions contact the PVS Scholar Athlete Coordinator Dave DiNardo

2022-2023 USA Swimming Scholastic All America Team

Congratulations to the PVS athletes who were named to the 2023 USA Swimming Scholastic All American Team.

2024 USA-S Club Excellence Program

Five Potomac Valley teams made the 2024 USA-S Club Excellence List

Gold - NCAP, RMSC
Silver - AAC
Bronze - MACH, ASA

2022-2023 PVS Outstanding Athletes

Announcing the 2022-2023 PVS Outstanding Athlete winners as selecteced by vote of the PVS coaches. The 2022-2023 Outstanding Distance Athletes are based on performance. Congratulations to all!

2022-2023 USA Swimming Virtual Club Championship

The list of top PVS clubs from the 2022-2023 USA Swimming Virtual Club Championship.

2023 USA Swimming National Select Camp

Congratulations to the PVS athletes selected to attend the USA Swimming 2023 National Select Camp

2023-2024 USA Swimming National Teams

Congratulations to the athletes named to the 2023-2024 USA Swimming National Team and Junior National Team

In Memorium - Riley Eaton

Riley Eaton Riley Eaton

It is with deep sadness that we report that former PVS General Chair (2011-2013), Riley Eaton passed away on August 4. In addition to all his contributions to PVS, Riley was a coach with RMSC for over 40 years, a middle school teacher at Hyattsville Middle School and a leader throughout the swimming world. On a national level, he served for nearly 20 years as a founding member of the Board of Directors for the National Club Swimming Association. In the Potomac Valley LSC, Riley served as an HOD at-large delegate, senior chairman, and general chairman. In 2014, Riley was presented with a USA Swimming Life Membership for his years of dedicated and exemplary service to the LSC and most importantly the athletes. Riley coached literally thousands of young people, many of whom grew to love the sport as much as he did and have gone on to their own careers in coaching. He will be sorely missed on so many levels.

Obituary for Riley. A life celebration is planned for the future.

Eastern Zone LC Age Group Championship

August 2-5, 2023, Richmond, VA

Congratulations to the PVS Zone Team for finishing 2nd in the meet!

Complete Meet Results

2021-2022 USA Swimming Virtual Club Championship

The lists of top PVS clubs from the 2021-2022 USA Swimming Virtual Club Championship: SCY and LCM.

Eastern Zone Athlete Leadership Retreat

June 22-25, Colby College, Waterville, ME

Maine Swimming is hosting the first Eastern Zone Leadership Retreat at Colby College on June 22-25. This retreat is geared toward swimmers who are interested in becoming more involved in governance within Potomac Valley and beyond. The retreat will include both long and short course swimming (including a meet!), informational workshops, speakers and other activities to engage athletes in what it means to get involved in their LSC.

List of PVS Attendees

Information about the Retreat
Retreat workshop topics

2023 USA-S Club Excellence Program


Four Potomac Valley teams made the 2023 USA-S Club Excellence List

Gold - NCAP
Silver - AAC, RMSC
Bronze - MACH

2021-2022 USA Swimming Scholastic All America Team

Congratulations to the PVS athletes who were named to the 2022 USA Swimming Scholastic All American Team.

In Memorium - Boots Hall

"Boots" Hall "Boots" Hall

It is with deep sadness that we report that former PVS official, Marie-Beth "Boots" Hall has passed away. Boots was a pioneer as a woman in swim officiating with her service to the sport dating back to before the creation of USA Swimming. In addition to being a long time official in PVS, she was the Officials Chair for many years and a frequent clinic instructor. In 2008, Boots won the USA Swimming Officials Excellence Award (formerly Maxwell Award) for her contribution to local swimming. Boots was a mentor to so many PVS officials and was also the first elected Officials Representative to the PVS Board.

To all that knew her, Boots was a very friendly, but no nonsense official, mentor and friend. She will be missed.

Her obituary has been posted.

2022 USA-S Club Excellence Program


Five Potomac Valley teams made the 2022 USA-S Club Excellence List

Gold - NCAP, AAC
Silver - RMSC, FISH, MACH

2021 USA-S Club Excellence Program


Six Potomac Valley teams made the 2021 USA-S Club Excellence List

Gold - NCAP (#1 overall)
Silver - MACH, RMSC, AAC, FISH
Bronze - SNOW

2019-2020 PVS Scholar Athlete Award

2019-2020 PVS Scholar Athletes (updated list 11/10/2020)

If you have any questions contact the PVS Scholar Athlete Coordinator Dave DiNardo

Information from USA Swimmming about Health Insurance for Coaches

September 24, 2020: We are excited to announce the link to the USA Swimming webpage outlining health insurance for coaches is now live and available here: https://www.usaswimming.org/coaches/popular-resources/health-insurance-for-coaches. Registration for the program will also be found on this page so keep in mind the registration window opens October 5th and closes October 14th. If you have any further questions regarding USA Swimming's partnership with US Equestrian, please reach out to Juan Caraveo at jcaraveo@usaswimming.org.

2019-2020 USA Swimming Scholastic All America Team

Congratulations to the 44 PVS athletes who were named to the 2019-2020 USA Swimming Scholastic All America Team!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Athletes Round Table

The PVS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is committed to representing and supporting our athletes through our upcoming roundtable session - a safe and open environment for athletes to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences - while recognizing and celebrating the diversity of our membership.

Be a Champion, Both In and Out of the Water: Join us on October 4th at 1pm EDT to support your peers, share your story, and collaborate to ensure the pool is a welcome space for all!

You must register advance for this meeting. Submit the Registration Form.

If you have any questions, contact the PVS DEI Chair, Rob Green.

PVS Junior Athlete Representative Election

Congratulations to the newest member of the PVS Board, Junior Athlete Representative Sophie Elliott. The large turnout for the election show that PVS athletes are active and engaged in the operation of PVS.

COVID-19 NEWS & STATUS

Guidelines for Swim Meets from the Return to Competition Task Force

Meet Checklist - Guidelines for Running a Meet

Officiating Guidelines

Potential Meet Format

PVS Junior Athlete Representative Election

The response from PVS athletes willing to run for the position of Junnior Athlete Representative was outstanding. There will be 11 PVS athletes on the ballot and voting will take place on 27-28 August.

All PVS athletes 13 years old and older are eligible to vote, but you must register to vote. Submit the Voter Registration Form. You will receive voting instructions by email on or about 27 August.

You can find out information about the candidates on the candidates webpage or on the PVS Athletes Committee Instagram account. Direct any questions to the PVS Senior Athlete Representative at athrep@pvswim.org.

Wanted - PVS Athlete Representative

PVS is seeking a motivated, dedicated, and energetic athlete to serve a two-year term as a Junior Athlete Representative. If elected, the nominee would attend PVS board meetings to provide input on athlete perspectives related to PVS operations. In addition, the nominee would help run monthly meetings of the PVS athlete's committee and ad hoc sub-committee meetings on athlete-specific issues. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in Eastern Zone meetings and USA Swimming conventions, where you will meet swimmers from around the region and around the country, and vote on issues that directly impact the community and competition.

We are looking for creative, collaborative, and community-minded athletes to stand for election to this position! Candidates must be at least a sophomore in high school or at least 16 years of age. If interested, please send a short bio telling us your name, your club, your swim background and why you would be a good fit for this position by no later than 10 August. If you are comfortable, please send a picture as well to athrep@pvswim.org and tim.husson@gmail.com -- we will be posting the bio statements and accompanying pictures to our Instagram account and the PVS website on 11 August for PVS athletes to view prior to voting on 27 and 28 August. All registered PVS athletes age 13 and over will be eligible to vote in the election.

2019-2020 USA Swimming Scholastic All American Application is Open

The 2019-2020 USA Swimming Scholastic All American Information and Application are now available. Only athletes can submit the applications and they must be logged into their USA Swimming athlete account.

2019-2020 PVS Scholar Athlete Award

Information and Application for the 2019-2020 PVS Scholar Athlete Award. Note that this is different than the USA Swimming Scholastic All American program (see above). The criteria were updated on July 21 by the PVS Board to allow LC times from 2019 to be used for qualification.

COVID-19 NEWS & STATUS

Latest update: March 12, 2020


2020-03-12: Update on Junior Olympics & Other Upcoming Meets

It is unfortunate that the facility for our Junior Olympic Championships is no longer available to us this weekend and a suitable replacement facility could not be found on short notice. It is disappointing but caution at this time is the most prudent action. The PVS Board met last night, March 11, and agreed to meet again in two weeks to reassess the situation and determine if a date/location/host can be found to reschedule the meet. In the mean time, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation with the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC), State and Local Health Departments. The health and safety of our members and their families will factor into any decisions that are made.

As of now, PVS club-aponsored meets will be allowed to continue. Barring further direction from USA Swimming, it will be up to the club and the facility to determine the status of these meets. The PVS Board will allow additional meets to be scheduled on short notice without going through the normal Competition Committee review as long as they meet all the USA Swimming and PVS sanctioning requirements.

Please continue to be safe and follow the guidelines of the CDC to prevent/mitigate the spread of this virus. Any changes in status will be communicated on the PVS website.

Sincerely,

Tim Husson
General Chair, Potomac Valley Swimming


2020-03-10: Cancellation of PVS 14&U Junior Olympics

The University of Maryland has notified PVS that they have cancelled all on campus events through at least April 5. This means that the PVS 14&U Junior Olympics Meet will not take place this weekend. Read the statement from The University of Maryland informing PVS of the cancellation.

Here is a further statement from The University of Maryland and general guidance about COVID-19 from the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health. It is too early to know if the meet can be rescheduled at a later date. It will be a topic of discussion at our regularly scheduled board meeting on March 11. Our members will be informed of any updates as soon as they are available.

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

Tim Husson
General Chair, Potomac Valley Swimming


For those wishing to purchase apparel from the 14&U Junior Olympic Championships, please click on the banner to go to the online store. Shipping is FREE!


2018-2019 PVS Scholar Athlete Program


2018-2019 PVS Scholar Athletes (updated 11/12/2019)

If you have any questions contact the PVS Scholar Athlete Coordinator Dave DiNardo

2018-2019 USA Swimming Virtual Club Championship


The following PVS clubs made it into the top 10% of USA-S clubs in the 2018-2019 Virtual Club Championship. The national rank is listed in parentheses.

SCY: NCAP (1), RMSC (4), MACH (27), OCCS (41), FISH (90), SNOW (104), ASA (111), AAC (114), MAKO (170), PM (228)

LCM: NCAP (1), RMSC (7), MACH (52), OCCS (61), FISH (96), ASA (115), SNOW (139), AAC (226)

Learn more about the VCC program on the USA Swimming Website

Mandatory Concussion Training for PVS Coaches and Officials


USA Swimming now requires concussion training as a 2020 registration requirement for coaches and officials. The training is brief and free. Two sources of training are given below. Once you complete your training, please forward the certificate to the PVS Registrar at PVNonAthReg@gmail.com. This is a one time requirement. If you have already completed the training, either for high school or for attending meets in California or Ohio, all you have to do is send the completion certificate.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations)

Note that you have to add the NFHS test to your "shopping cart" and checkout—even though the course is free. The CDC course is pretty much straightforward click and go.

Coaching Education Requirement Changes for 2020


USA Swimming has implemented new education requirements beginning September 1, 2019. Please check out the new requirements on the USA Swimming Website and make sure comply with them prior to registering for 2020.

2019 USA-S Club Excellence Program


Six Potomac Valley teams made the 2019 USA-S Club Excellence List

Gold - NCAP (#1 overall)
Silver - MACH
Bronze - RMSC, FISH, AAC, OCCS

2017-2018 USA Swimming Virtual Club Championship


The following PVS clubs made it into the top 10% of USA-S clubs in the 2017-2018 Virtual Club Championship. The national rank is listed in parentheses.

SCY: NCAP (1), RMSC (3), MACH (24), OCCS (32), FISH (104), AAC (121), SNOW (134), ASA (156), MAKO (169), PM (187)

LCM: NCAP (1), RMSC (6), OCCS (44), MACH (49), FISH (121), SNOW (134), ASA (159), AAC (202)

Learn more about the VCC program on the USA Swimming Website

Top Times Lists


The final SCY & LCM PVS Top Times Lists for the 2018-2019 season have been posted.

If you spot any bad times on the lists, please contact the PVS Times Officer. These times will be used to generate the USA Swimming Top 10 Lists in September.

2018 USA Swimming Diversity Inclusion Award


Congratulations to Rob Green (DCPR), the 2018 recipient of the USA Swimming Diversity Inclusion Award!

2017-2018 USA Swimming Scholastic All American


Congratulations to the 72 PVS Athletes that made the 2018 USA Swimming Scholastic All American list. Potomac Valley had the fifth most awardees of any LSC.

2018 USA-S Club Excellence Program


Four Potomac Valley teams made the 2018 USA-S Club Excellence List

Gold - NCAP (#1 overall)
Silver - RMSC
Bronze - FISH, SNOW

USA Swimming Rule Change - Medley Swimming


The rule change is effective September 21, 2017. Contact the PVS Officials Chair if you have any questions.

USA Swimming Saafe Sport Fellowship 2018


The Safe Sport Fellowship is a program for athlete members to take on a leadership role within USA Swimming. Fellows will attend three Leadership Institutes throughout their 13-month commitment, as well as implement innovative Safe Sport projects in their home LSC.

It is free to apply and participate, and Fellows will gain valuable leadership training, create new professional contexts, and experience an opportunity to plug into the leadership of USA Swimming in an unprecedented way.

The application is currently open and will close on October 2. Information and the application is now available.

Potomac Valley Swimming Achieves LEAP3 Status


Potomac Valley has achieved the highest level in the LSC Evaluation & Achievement Program (LEAP). Thanks to all the volunteers and staff that made this possible. Read the official notification from USA Swimming.

You can learn more about the LEAP program on the USA Swimming website

PVS Officials "Thank You Celebration" - April 22, 2017


the PVS Officials Committee is holding a “Thank You Celebration”, on Saturday, April 22nd from 6 – 9:30 pm, at the Overlee Community Pool, in Arlington, Virginia. This will be a fun time for all of us to get together to socialize. Please reply by April 15th by clicking on the following link: RSVP, if you can attend the event

Calling PVS Athletes


Are you interested in having a voice in the operation of Potomac Valley Swimming?

Information & Application for the PVS Athletes Committee are now available. The deadline is May 31st. Questions can be addressed to the PVS Athletes Committee Chair

Eastern Zone Diversity & Inclusion Select Swim Camp & Regional Diversity & Inclusion Summit


The Eastern Zone will host its the Diversity & Inclusion Select Swim Camp & Regional Diversity & Inclusion Summit at the University of Buffalo June 15 - 18, 2017 in an effort to identify the emerging young diverse athletes from under-represented populations in the sport. Chairs and Coaches from each LSC attend and participate in motivational and educational workshops to share experiences and. Participants from the various LSCs that comprise of the Eastern Zone would participate in a three-day program, which includes pool training, motivational, and education sessions and team-building activities.

Find out more information on the Eastern Zone Website

Details from the PVS Divsersity & Inclusion Chair, Rob Green.

PVS Selection Criteria
PVS Athlete Application
Medical Authorization Form
Talent Release Form Form

Call for PVS Board Nominations


The Annual Potomac Valley Swimming House of Delegates meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23.

All clubs are encouraged to attend. Important information regarding the association is reported, the annual budget is discussed and voted on and elections are held for Board of Director positions.

We are looking for nominations for the following positions:
    1. General Chair (must have prior PVS Board experience)
    2. Senior Chair
    3. Treasurer
    4. Diversity Chair
Description of PVS Board Positions

Anyone interested in learning more about these positions and/or to be nominated please email Greg York, Nomination Chair, greg@yorkswim.com

Join the PVS Safe Sport Day


Coaches, Athletes, Parents and Volunteers:

The PVS Athlete Committee is hosting a Safe Sport day on Sunday, February 5, 2017. This is the first of its kind not just in PVS but nationally for USA Swimming! Please plan to attend. Below is additional information and a link to RSVP.

What - PVS Safe Sport Workshops and Networking

Where - Overlee Community Pool, 6030 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA

When - Sunday, February 5, 2017

9-11am - Trends in Safe Sport
PVS Coaches, Parents, Volunteers, Come have breakfast and meet USA Swimming Maggie Vail, Safe Sport Education Specialist as she shares with us valuable information on trends and case study statistics. You'll have an opportunity to network with other PVS members, and participate in Q&A ... here is a chance to have your questions about Safe Sport answered.

1-3pm - Athlete to Athlete: Safe Sport Real Talk
PVS Athletes, come out and learn more about Safe Sport and what it means to you as an athlete. You will participate in athlete facilitated case scenarios and interactive activities. We'll have snacks, USA Swimming swag giveaways and time to network with other PVS athletes off the deck. See you there!!

To RSVP for either workshop please use this link by February 1, 2017

Questions? email Murphy Freal, PVS Athlete Rep at pvsathletechair@gmail.com

USA Swimming Adopted Legislation Effective Jan. 1


Most of the USA-S legislation adopted at the September convention goes into effect when the 2017 Rulebook is effective on May 1, 2017. However, some of the rules went into effect on January 1. Read and be aware of them.

ADOPTED Legislation with Jan 1, 2017 Effective Date

2017 USA-S Club Excellence Program


Four Potomac Valley teams made the 2017 USA-S Club Excellence List

Gold - NCAP (#1 overall)
Silver - FISH, RMSC
Bronze - MACH

2015-2016 Potomac Valley Scholar Athletes


Congratulations to this year's PVS Scholar Athletes.
If you submitted an application, and your name is not on the list, contact the Program Coordinator.

PVS Top Times Lists


The first 2016-2017 PVS Top Times Lists have been updated. The lists are based on the swimmer's age at the time of the swim, which is not necessarily their current age.

These times will be used to create the USA Swimming Top Ten Lists in September. Report any corrections to the PVS SWIMS Coordinator.

The Eastern Zone is now posting Top Times Lists for your information. Now you can easily see where you rank within the Zone.

2017 USA-S Club Excellence Program


Four Potomac Valley teams made the 2017 USA-S Club Excellence List

Gold - NCAP (#1 overall)
Silver - FISH, RMSC
Bronze - MACH

2017 Time Standards


2017 Phillips 66 National Championships - June 27-July 1, 2017
2017 US Open - August 2-6, 2017
2017 Junior National Championships - August 8-12, 2017
2017 Futures Championships - Dates TBD
Eastern Zone Spring 2017 Speedo Sectionals - March 30-April 2, 2017
Summer 2017 Long Course Senior Zone Meet - August 3-6, 2017

USA Swimming 2015-2016 Scholastic All America Program


Congratulations to the 60 Potomac Valley Swimmers named to the USA Swimming 2015-2016 Scholastic All America Team.

USA Swimming 2015-2016 Virtual Club Championship


Several PVS clubs placed in the top 100 of the 2015-2016 Virtual Club Championship

SCY: NCAP (1), RMSC (3), MACH (16), PM (77), OCCS (81)

LCM: NCAP (1), RMSC (6), MACH (42), OCCS (87)

2016 LC Zone Championships

August 3-6, 2016, East Meadow, NY


Potomac Valley Swimming won the Boys & Combined Team Championships. Congratulations!

Complete Results