EA Swimming Clinic 2026, crucial for all officials, to be held in Sofia from February 28 to March 1

The European Aquatics Swimming Clinic 2026 will be held in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia from February 28 to March 1.

All certified swimming officials wishing to participate in European Aquatics events during 2026 must attend this important clinic, either in-person or via the online facility, details of which will be announced in due course.

Officials who do not participate in this clinic may not be eligible to be appointed to one of the EA swimming championships in 2026.

For those on the World Aquatics swimming officials lists who want to officiate at any European Aquatics Championships during 2026 it is mandatory to participate in this clinic (online or on-site).

And for officials who are not on the AQUA lists but want to become certified by European Aquatics it is mandatory to follow the Swimming Clinic (online or on-site) and pass the test afterwards.

The clinic will take place at the Hotel Mercure Sofia City. It will be accessible online on the EA Academy platform: https://www.eaacademy.eu/lms/courses/swimming-clinic-2025-2026-sofia-bulgaria

Registration – with a deadline of February 6 – must be done directly on the EA Academy platform, accessible at the same link.

The full information bulletin is available here: https://europeanaquatics.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/EA-Swimming-Clinic-2026-Bulletin-v1-1.pdf

The clinic content is currently being finalised but will include topics such as:

• Introduction to European Aquatics

• Philosophy of officiating

• The new World Aquatics Competition Regulations explained

• Improving your skills as a Referee, Starter and Control Room Supervisor

• Officiating at Ice Swimming, Masters, Para, and Special Olympics events

• Professional pool deck official including communication best practice

• European Aquatics officiating protocols for 2026 events

• Participants questions, problem solving and scenario planning

The lecturers will be Craig Hunter, Mireille Zimmer and Gary Stoops, respectively chair, vice chair and secretary of the EA Technical Swimming Committee.

Participation costs are as follows – In-Person at the Clinic Hotel, 95 euros; Online, 145 euros. In-Person outside the Clinic Hotel, 145 euros. Payment must be done directly on the EA Academy platform.

In his welcome statement, Antonio Silva, President of European Aquatics, commented:

“I’d like to welcome you all to the European Aquatics Swimming Clinic 2026.

“Education is at the heart of everything we do, and it plays a huge role in the European Aquatics Strategic Plan 2024-2030.

“Whether you’re an athlete, coach, official, or referee, continuous learning helps us all improve, stay sharp, and keep our sport moving forward.

“These courses and clinics are more than just training sessions – they’re opportunities to grow, connect with experts, and be part of a community dedicated to excellence.

“By investing in education, we ensure that our sport remains fair, innovative, and always evolving. So, dive in, learn as much as you can, and let’s build the future of European Aquatics together!”

Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics

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