USA Swimming Recognized AGE GROUP EVENTS

[SwimGPT]

Introduction

USA Swimming offers a wide range of competitive opportunities for swimmers of all ages. Among these opportunities, age group events hold a significant place. Age group events are specifically designed to cater to swimmers within certain age categories, providing them with the chance to showcase their skills and compete against their peers. In this article, we will explore the recognized age group events sanctioned by USA Swimming, highlighting the different events available for each age group.

10 Years and Younger

For swimmers aged 10 years and younger, the recognized events include:

• Freestyle: 50, 100, 200, 400m/500y
• Backstroke: 50, 100
• Breaststroke: 50, 100
• Butterfly: 50, 100
• Individual Medley: 100, 200
• Relays: 200 Freestyle Relay, 200 Medley Relay, 200 Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay, and 200 Mixed Gender Medley Relay.

11-12 Years

Swimmers in the 11-12 age group can participate in the following recognized events:

• Freestyle: 50, 100, 200, 400m/500y, 800m/1000y, 1500m/1650y
• Backstroke: 50, 100, 200
• Breaststroke: 50, 100, 200
• Butterfly: 50, 100, 200
• Individual Medley: 100, 200, 400
• Relays: 200, 400 Freestyle Relay, 200, 400 Medley Relay, 200, 400 Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay, and 200, 400 Mixed Gender Medley Relay.

13-14 Years

Swimmers in the 13-14 age group can participate in the following recognized events:

• Freestyle: 50, 100, 200, 400m/500y, 800m/1000y, 1500m/1650y
• Backstroke: 50, 100, 200
• Breaststroke: 50, 100, 200
• Butterfly: 50, 100, 200
• Individual Medley: 200, 400
• Relays: 200, 400, 800 Freestyle Relay, 200, 400 Medley Relay, 200, 400, 800 Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay, and 200, 400 Mixed Gender Medley Relay.

15-18 Years

Swimmers aged 13-18 have a broader range of events available to them. The recognized events in this age group include:

• Freestyle: 50, 100, 200, 400m/500y, 800m/1000y, 1500m/1650y
• Backstroke: 100, 200
• Breaststroke: 100, 200
• Butterfly: 100, 200
• Individual Medley: 200, 400
• Relays: 200, 400, 800 Freestyle Relay, 200, 400 Medley Relay, 200, 400, 800 Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay, and 200, 400 Mixed Gender Medley Relay.

Conclusion

USA Swimming recognizes age group events as an essential component of competitive swimming. These events provide young swimmers with the opportunity to develop their skills, experience the thrill of competition, and set goals for their swimming journey. The events offered for each age group cater to the specific abilities and needs of swimmers at different stages of their development. Whether it's the 10 and under, 11-12, or 13-18 age group, swimmers can find events tailored to their age and skill level, encouraging their growth and passion for the sport.

Note

Although 50-yard/meter events are no longer recognized for ages 13 and above in Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly, they may still be included in certain meets, such as the NCSA Age Group meet.

Updated on 03/13/2025
USA Swimming has added the 50 back, 50 breast, and 50 fly to its list of recognized events for the 13-14 age group

Since Oct. 2024, the 50 fly, 50 back, and 50 breast were added to the list of recognized events in the 13-14 age group. Previously, those events were only recognized through the 11-12 age group, in spite of them being World Championship events. - swimswam

[SwimGPT]

Some additional notes regarding the recognized group events by USA Swimming:

• The 25 event is specifically for short courses and is limited to participants who are 8 years old and under.
• The 100 IM event is exclusive to short courses and is not an approved event for participants who are 13 years old and above.
• USA Swimming has one group specifically for swimmers who are 10 years old and under. While some clubs consider 8 years old and under as the Mini Group and 9-10 as the upper group. At SwimStandards, we categorize them as follows: 8 & Under (Mini), 9-10 (Midi), 11-12 (Juni), and 13 & Over (Maxi).