What Happens If a Swim Meet Gets Delayed or Canceled?

[SwimGPT]

TL;DR

• The published order of events can’t be rearranged, except to merge heats.
• Events may be combined (age/gender/stroke) if there’s at least one empty lane, unless coaches agree otherwise.
• Meets can only change start times/dates if all affected swimmers/coaches are notified in writing.
• If a meet is delayed or postponed:
  • Within 14 days → swimmer ages are based on the original start date.
  • Beyond 14 days → swimmer ages are based on the new meet date.
• If an event is stopped mid-race, only those already swimming can finish it when rescheduled.
• Incomplete events don’t count for points/awards, but legal times achieved still count.

How It Works

Swim meets are tightly scheduled, and once the meet announcement is published, the order of events is locked in. The Referee may merge heats or combine events if it helps the timeline, but they can’t reshuffle the program to favor certain swimmers.

If weather or another safety issue interrupts the meet, the Referee and meet committee decide whether to pause, postpone, or cancel. Their decision is final.

Real-Life Example

🏊 Imagine a summer meet when thunderstorms roll in. The Referee suspends racing until lightning clears. If the storm doesn’t pass, the meet committee may postpone to the next day.

• If the meet resumes within 14 days, swimmer ages stay based on the original meet start date.
• If pushed further out, ages shift to match the new meet date — which can matter a lot if a swimmer has a birthday in between! 🎂

If the 100 Free starts but gets stopped at the 50, only the swimmers who were in the water when it was halted can swim that event again. Everyone else waits until their next scheduled race.

Special Notes

• Times swum before cancellation still count for USA Swimming records and personal bests.
• Entry fee refunds are up to the meet committee, but teams can appeal if they feel treated unfairly.
• No new swimmers can be added if an event is postponed mid-race — only those already racing continue.

Quick Tips

• Always check with your coach for updates on delays or rescheduling.
• Pay attention to the 14-day rule: it can change which age group your swimmer competes in.
• Be ready for delays in outdoor meets — pack food, water, and patience! 🐢

📖 Official reference: USA Swimming Rulebook 102.7