06/02/2025 - Extra Time Standards now available across the site on: Swimmer Profile | Meet Results | Rankings

Q: Why does a swimmer with a time close to a AAA cut only have a power point score of 562? A: AAA cuts are based on percentiles, typically representing the top ~6-7% of swimmers in an age group. Power points, however, are calculated differently: Power points compare times to the fastest historical performances ever recorded, not just recent years. They don’t reset every four years like AAA times, so older, exceptionally fast swims continue to impact the benchmarks. Different events have different scoring scales—longer races often require larger time drops to significantly increase power points. For example, in a distance event like the 500 Free, small time drops may not lead to major power point increases because the top historical times are extremely fast. That’s why a AAA time doesn’t always translate to a high power point score. Q: How often does USA Swimming update power points? A: USA Swimming doesn’t officially disclose how frequently they update power points, but they are based on historical all-time data, rather than just the past four years like AAA, AA, and other time standards.

Starting in the 2025–26 school year, major changes are coming to college swimming due to the House v. NCAA settlement. According to NCSA, these changes affect scholarships, roster sizes, and even athlete pay — but what does it all actually mean? Let’s break it down clearly for swimmers and families new to the process. What Changed for NCAA Swimming? 1. Scholarship Cap Removed Before: NCAA capped men’s swimming scholarships at 9.9 (equivalency). Now: That cap is gone — schools can give aid to as many swimmers as they want, up to the new 30-athlete roster limit. But: Just because they can give more aid doesn’t mean they will. Schools must fund that money themselves. 2. Roster Limits Introduced NCAA D1 men’s and women’s swimming teams will now be limited to 30 rostered athletes. Previously, teams could carry 35–45 swimmers. Now, walk-on opportunities may shrink. 3. Schools Can Pay Athletes (New $20.5M Pool) Starting July 1, 2025, schools can choose to share up to $20.5 million per year with all their student-athletes. This is separate from scholarships. Distribution is not required to be equal and will likely favor high-revenue sports (football, basketball). Swimming may receive a small share or none at all. ️ What Didn’t Change No New Money From the NCAA The NCAA isn’t giving schools extra money to fund these changes. If a school doesn’t increase its swim budget, the amount of financial aid available will stay the same, even with more flexibility. Ivy League Policy Remains the Same Ivy League schools still do not offer athletic scholarships (including for swimming). They continue to provide need-based financial aid only. 🧮 Real Example (Clarified) Let’s say a school’s swim team has a $400,000 scholarship budget. Under old rules: Coach could divide that across ~20 swimmers within the 9.9 cap. Under new rules: Coach can still spend only $400k, but now across up to 30 athletes. That money is not split equally. Some swimmers may get full scholarships, others partial, and some none at all. Who Actually Benefits? Situation Result School increases swim budget More swimmers can receive meaningful aid School keeps same budget ️ More competition for the same dollars School cuts walk-on slots Fewer athletes total, less access What Swimmers & Families Should Do ️ Ask Coaches Directly: “How many scholarships are actually funded at your program?” “Do you expect to increase funding under the new rules?” “What happens to walk-ons now that roster sizes are capped?” ️ Understand the Rules vs. Reality: New rules give permission, not guarantees. Each school decides how much they actually fund. ️ Focus on Academics + Performance: Combine strong grades with fast swimming to stand out. Keep options open across divisions and conferences. Final Takeaway The new NCAA rules allow schools to give more — But unless your school chooses to invest in swimming, you might see no difference at all. This change opens the door, but it’s still up to schools and coaches to decide who walks through it.

Getting into the water for the first time — or returning after years away — can be intimidating. But the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you're building endurance, learning technique, or just gaining confidence, these three beginner-friendly swim training tools are perfect for adults starting their swimming journey. [image: 81SN3LORixL._AC_SL1500_.jpg] 🟦 Sporti Adult Kickboard – Comfortable, Durable, and Easy to Control Price: $18.86 (on sale) Buy it here ➜ Sporti Adult Kickboard on Amazon Made from high-density EVA foam, the Sporti Adult Kickboard is built for long-lasting training sessions. It features an adjustable hand position design so you can customize your grip for maximum control. High-density EVA foam ensures long-term durability. Adjustable hand positions for better control during drills. Grooved sides provide a secure, ergonomic grip. Ideal for isolating leg movements and improving kick strength. Available in multiple vibrant colors for poolside visibility. [image: 71JPAX4AUML._AC_SL1500_.jpg] 🟩 Speedo Long Blade Training Fins – Boost Power and Speed Price: $27.00 Buy it here ➜ Speedo Swim Fins on Amazon Made from soft, natural rubber, Speedo’s long blade training fins help swimmers increase propulsion and practice proper kicking technique. Perks: Long blade design builds extra power and propulsion. Soft natural rubber offers flexibility and comfort. Orthopedic foot pockets reduce pressure during long swims. Supports kick technique improvement at all skill levels. Comes in various stylish color options. [image: 51UgWLlynLS._AC_SL1000_.jpg] 🟨 HOXHA Pull Buoy – Master Upper Body Strength and Stroke Symmetry Price: $12.99 Buy it here ➜ HOXHA Pull Buoy on Amazon This buoy is designed to be placed between your thighs, letting you float your lower body while focusing on your stroke technique and upper body form. Perks: High-density EVA foam construction for firm support. Encourages upper body training by immobilizing the legs. Promotes proper body alignment and rotational technique. Suitable for swimmers at any level — especially beginners. Lightweight and compact for easy transport. Learning to swim is about more than just getting from one end of the pool to the other — it’s about building skills, gaining confidence, and enjoying the water. The right tools can help eliminate frustration and accelerate your progress, whether you're learning on your own, with a coach, or in a class. By starting with these simple, affordable pieces of gear — a kickboard, a pair of fins, and a pull buoy — you set yourself up for better technique, safer training, and faster improvement. Each item supports a different aspect of swimming, allowing you to isolate movements, develop strength, and create muscle memory the right way. Don’t let uncertainty keep you on the sidelines. Invest in gear that supports your goals and helps you feel strong and secure in the water. With consistency, patience, and the right tools, swimming can become one of the most rewarding activities in your fitness journey. Prices are current as of the time of writing and may vary. Prices are current as of the time of writing and may vary.

Mark your calendars! The PVS 14 & Under Long Course Championships — also known as Summer JO — are set for July 17–18 and 20–21, 2025 at the University of Maryland’s Eppley Recreation Center. This is the top championship meet of the summer for Potomac Valley’s 10&U, 11-12, and 13-14 age groups. Swimmers must meet qualifying standards to compete. Venue: University of Maryland, College Park Eppley Recreation Center Meet Schedule: Day 13–14 Prelims 12&U Prelims Finals Thu, Jul 17 8:10 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM Fri, Jul 18 8:10 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM Sun, Jul 20 8:10 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM Mon, Jul 21 8:10 AM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM Entry Deadline: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 @ 8:00 PM Late entries accepted through Monday, July 14 @ 12:00 PM (additional fees apply) Qualifying Standards: PVS 2025 14 & Under Championships Time Standards Meet Announcement: Download Meet Info PDF Highlights: Prelims/finals format for all 200m & shorter events Distance events (400/800/1500 Free, 400 IM) are timed finals Relays are timed finals and swum during prelims High Point awards for each age group (10&U, 11-12, 13-14) NO time trials at this meet Spectator Info: $15 per session or $50 full meet pass (under 18 free) Volunteer to earn free admission passes (see your club for sign-up) This is the summer championship meet for age group swimmers in Potomac Valley. Good luck to everyone competing!

With the 2025 MCSL Coaches' Long Course Invitational coming up on Tuesday, July 8, here’s a clear guide to help swimmers, parents, and coaches understand: How swimmers are selected What “scratching” means How to navigate strategic choices Two real-world examples to show how this plays out Who Gets Invited? The top 8 swimmers in each individual event across MCSL are invited, based on: The best legal SCM times from the first three A meets No swim-ups are allowed — only times in your age group count The next two swimmers (9th and 10th) are listed as alternates View All-Star Rankings here — these are the pre-scratch rankings used to determine selections and seeding for the Long Course Invitational. What If There’s a Tie for 8th? Ties for 8th place are broken using each swimmer’s next best time from the first three meets. Example: Swimmer A: 30.10 and 30.30 Swimmer B: 30.10 and 30.50 Swimmer A gets the 8th spot. How Many Events Can a Swimmer Swim? A swimmer can compete in up to two individual events at the Long Course Meet. If you qualify in 1 or 2 events, you're automatically entered. If you qualify in more than 2, you must be reduced to two events. Is Scratching Required? No — scratching is optional (voluntary) before the deadline. Swimmers may voluntarily scratch events they don’t want to swim by contacting the MCSL Automation Chair by the deadline ( Monday, June 30 at 9:00 PM). If a swimmer qualifies in more than two events and does not scratch, MCSL will automatically scratch down to two events using the lowest time-to-record ratio. After the deadline, swimmers can only scratch from the entire meet, not individual events. Can I Hold Out for an Alternate Spot? If a swimmer is already in the top 8 in two events, they cannot “opt out” of one to become eligible for a third event where they placed 9th or 10th. You’re only considered for an alternate spot if you were never top 8 in more than two events. EXAMPLE 1: Safe Strategy — Keep Control Swimmer Jane is: 6th in 50 Back 7th in 50 Free 9th in 50 Fly Jane really prefers 50 Fly. She could: Voluntarily scratch 50 Free or Back before the deadline to make herself eligible as an alternate in 50 Fly. ️ Pros: Full control over which event(s) she might swim ️ Cons: Risky — if no one scratches from 50 Fly, she won’t get to swim it EXAMPLE 2: Strategic Gamble — Let MCSL Decide Swimmer Max is: 7th in 50 Breast 8th in 100 Free 9th in 50 Fly Max prefers 50 Fly, but it’s 9th — not guaranteed. He decides not to submit scratches. Then, after the deadline: Several swimmers ahead of him scratch from 50 Fly Max moves up to 6th place in all three events Now qualified in three events — MCSL will automatically scratch one using the time-to-record ratio, and Max might keep 50 Fly if it ranks best against the record. ️ Pros: Keeps all options open ️ Cons: No control — MCSL chooses which event gets dropped Final Tips for Families Check Top Times after Week 3 to see where your swimmer stands If your swimmer is in 3+ events, talk with coaches about whether to scratch Submit voluntary scratches before Monday, June 30 at 9:00 PM Remember: MCSL will drop extra events for any swimmer entered in more than two Have questions? Reach out to your Team Rep or Coach. Good luck to all swimmers — we’re cheering you on at Long Course!

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