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The United States has a rich tradition of swimming competitions at the national level, providing a platform for swimmers of all ages and abilities to compete on the biggest stage. These events are organized by USA Swimming, the national governing body for competitive swimming. Over the years, there have been several key national meets, each catering to different levels of competition. Here’s a breakdown of the main national-level swim meets in the USA:

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USA Swimming National Championships (a.k.a. "Nationals")

The USA Swimming National Championships, often referred to simply as "Nationals," is the premier competition for elite swimmers in the U.S. This annual event is held in the summer in a long-course (50-meter) pool, drawing the nation’s top athletes. Many Olympic swimmers use this event as a stepping stone to international competitions.

• Sponsorship History: From 1973 to 2023, Philips 66 was the title sponsor of the Nationals, marking a 50-year partnership with USA Swimming (source). Despite this long sponsorship, not all editions were called the Philips 66 National Championships. The event is also referred to as the USA Swimming National Championships or simply Nationals, especially in years when there is no title sponsor.

• Changes Over Time: In the past, there were two national meets annually: a Spring Nationals (short course, 25 yards) and a Summer Nationals (long course, 50 meters). As recently as 2007, these dual meets were held, but today only the summer Nationals remains. In some years, Nationals also serves as the USA Olympic Trials or World Championships Trials (source).

• 2024 Change: USA Swimming combined its Summer Nationals and Junior Nationals into one meet, called the 2024 Speedo Summer Championships. This adjustment streamlined the competition calendar for that year.

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Toyota U.S. Open

The Toyota U.S. Open is another top-tier national competition that typically takes place in late fall or early winter. What makes the U.S. Open unique is that it is open to international teams/swimmers, offering foreign athletes the chance to compete against the top American swimmers.

• History: The U.S. Open Swimming Championships were first held in 1985 and were held annually in December through 2006. Since 2007, the event has generally been held in early August during years when the U.S. Nationals are not held in August, or when the Nationals are closed or partially closed to foreign swimmers. This change coincided with the return of the USA Short Course Nationals in December (source).

• Purpose: The U.S. Open serves as a key competition for swimmers aiming to qualify for international events like the Olympics, World Championships, or Pan Pacific Championships. The time standards for this meet are slightly more relaxed than for Nationals, making it more accessible to a broader range of high-level swimmers, including international competitors.

• Annual Event: Currently, the U.S. Open is held annually, typically in late fall or early winter, sponsored by Toyota.

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3. Speedo Junior National Championships

The Speedo Junior Nationals is specifically designed for junior swimmers (typically 18 years old and under) and takes place during the summer in a long-course (50-meter) pool. This meet provides young, rising swimmers with a platform to compete at the national level, and for many, it serves as a stepping stone to senior-level competitions like Nationals or the Olympic Trials.

• Sponsorship: Speedo has been the title sponsor of the Junior Nationals for many years, cementing its place as a crucial developmental event for young athletes.

• 2024 Change: In 2024, USA Swimming merged the Summer Junior Nationals with the Summer Nationals into the Speedo Summer Championships, consolidating both competitions into one event.

• Winter Junior Nationals: There is also a Speedo Winter Junior National Championships, which is held in short-course yards (SCY) format. This meet occurs later in the year and provides another opportunity for junior swimmers to compete on a national level. You can learn more about the differences between the Speedo Junior National Championships and the Winter Junior Nationals in this post on Swim Standards.

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TYR Pro Swim Series

The TYR Pro Swim Series (PSS) is an annual series of competitions designed for elite swimmers, including Olympians and national team members. These events take place at different times and locations throughout the year, offering swimmers multiple chances to race against top competition.

• History: The Pro Swim Series was formerly known as the Speedo Grand Prix. It consists of 7 meets held in either short course yards (SCY) or long course meters (LCM). Swimmers compete in both Olympic and non-Olympic distances, but only Olympic distances count toward points and prizes (source).

• Points & Prizes: First place earns 5 points and $1,000, second place earns 3 points and $600, and third place earns 1 point and $200. The swimmer with the most points by the end of the series wins a $10,000 bonus. While any swimmer of any nationality can compete in the Pro Swim Series, some swimmers may not be eligible for certain prizes (source).

• Sponsorship Change: In 2017, the title sponsor Arena stepped down, and TYR took over as the title sponsor beginning in 2018 (source).

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Here's the updated section in markdown format:

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TYR Pro Championships

The TYR Pro Championships is a separate event from the Pro Swim Series and serves as a high-level competition for elite swimmers. It typically takes place in early August in a long-course meters (LCM) format. For example, the 2025 TYR Pro Championships will be held from August 5-8 in Irvine, California (source).

• No 2024 Event: Notably, there was no TYR Pro Championships in 2024, likely due to the Olympic Trials, but the event will resume in 2025.

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Conclusion

USA Swimming organizes a wide array of national-level competitions, each serving different purposes and athlete groups. From the elite National Championships to the developmental Junior Nationals and the highly competitive Toyota U.S. Open and TYR Pro Swim Series, these events are integral in shaping the careers of America’s top swimmers. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, a junior athlete looking to make your mark, or simply a fan of the sport, these meets showcase the best talent that U.S. swimming has to offer.

As swimmers and coaches prepare for meets, one interesting strategic decision comes up for long-distance freestyle events like the 1000y and 1650y freestyle. The 2025 PVS SC Junior Olympics Qualifying Times note gives swimmers the option to enter these events either with their fastest time (seed time) or with the time standard if they are also entered in two or more events on the same day.

So, how do you decide which option is best? Let’s break down the strategies behind choosing seed time vs. standard time in your entry.

The Context: 1000y and 1650y Freestyle

These long-distance events are often physically taxing, especially if you're already entered in multiple events that day. For example, if you’re swimming several sprints or mid-distance races earlier, you might want to conserve energy for those events. The PVS SC JO rule gives you some flexibility with how you enter the distance freestyle events, which opens the door for some strategic thinking.

When to Use Your Seed Time

Using your fastest time generally places you in heats with swimmers who are at a similar competitive level, but it also means you’re committing to race at your best. Here’s when you might choose this option:

• Focus Event: If the 1000y or 1650y freestyle is one of your primary events at the meet, you'll want to enter with your seed time to ensure you're competing at the top level. Racing against swimmers of a similar speed can push you to perform better, and faster heats often have better pacing.
• Confidence in Your Stamina: If you're confident in your conditioning and feel that the multiple events won't wear you down, you’ll likely want to use your seed time. This shows you're ready to go all-out in the long-distance race, no matter how many events you’ve swum that day.
• Chasing a Personal Best: If you're gunning for a personal record (PR) or an important milestone time, entering with your seed time is the way to go. The competition in faster heats can drive you to push yourself, and you'll likely find more swimmers pacing at your level.

When to Use the Standard Time

On the flip side, using the standard time gives you a bit of breathing room and can place you in a more relaxed heat. This option is particularly useful if you’re swimming several events that day. Here’s when it makes sense to choose the standard time:

• Energy Management: If you're swimming two or more events on the same day, conserving energy might become crucial. By entering with the standard time, you’re placed in a slower heat where the competition may not be as fierce, allowing you to cruise through the distance freestyle event while saving energy for your more important races.
• Prioritizing Other Events: If your focus is on sprint or mid-distance events like the 100 Free or 200 IM, and the distance freestyle is more of a secondary event for you, the standard time is a smart choice. This way, you can complete the distance race without draining your stamina for your primary events.
• Recovery Time: The long freestyle events can take a toll on your body. Using the standard time might help you avoid the intensity of the faster heats, giving you a chance to swim at a controlled pace and still qualify without exhausting yourself for the rest of the meet.

The Fine Line: Balancing Competitiveness and Energy

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what your goals are for that particular meet:

• Are you aiming to hit the podium in the 1000y or 1650y freestyle? Then you’ll want to use your seed time and go all-in.
• Are you using the long-distance freestyle event as more of a secondary or "filler" event in your schedule? Then opting for the standard time is a solid choice, allowing you to focus your energy on your priority races.

This rule, as stated in the 2025 PVS SC JO Qualifying Times, offers flexibility to tailor your meet strategy based on your strengths, energy levels, and event focus. Swimmers and coaches should weigh the benefits of a competitive heat versus the need to conserve energy—especially when swimming multiple events on the same day.

Have you used this strategy before?

What’s your take on choosing seed time versus standard time in distance events? Share your thoughts and experiences!

USA Swimming offers a range of open water events, primarily covering various distances depending on the age group and competition level. Here are some of the most common open water events recognized by USA Swimming:

1. 5K (5 kilometers)

• One of the standard distances for open water competitions.
• Common at the national and international levels, including age group competitions.

2. 10K (10 kilometers)

• The Olympic distance for open water swimming.
• Featured in major events like the FINA World Championships and the Olympic Games.

3. 7.5K (7.5 kilometers)

• Typically used in junior and youth competitions.
• Popular for age groups under 18 at the national level.

4. 2.5K (2.5 kilometers)

• Often used in age group competitions for younger swimmers or introductory open water events.

5. 1.25K (1.25 kilometers)

• A shorter distance used in youth or beginner competitions.

6. 1K (1 kilometer)

• Usually for novice or beginner swimmers to introduce them to open water swimming.

7. 25K (25 kilometers)

• Ultra-distance open water event.
• Usually featured in major international open water championships like the FINA World Championships.

Age Group Open Water Events:

• 10 & Under: Events typically range from 1K to 2.5K.
• 11-12 Age Group: Events range from 2.5K to 5K.
• 13-14 Age Group: Competitions include distances of 5K and sometimes 7.5K.
• 15 & Over: These swimmers compete in 5K, 10K, and in some cases, 25K events.

Championship Events:

USA Swimming hosts open water national championships where events like the 5K and 10K are standard, but distances can vary depending on the competition (e.g., Junior Nationals, Olympic Trials).

These events are often held in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean, with courses typically laid out in loops or straight paths.

When your swimmer registers with USA Swimming, they are assigned a unique 14-character ID. This ID is essential for meet entries, team databases, and tracking progress in USA Swimming events. The ID is always 14 characters long and normally written in all capital letters. Here’s a breakdown of how the ID is generated and what has changed with the new system as of September 2022.

The USA Swimming ID Format (Pre-2022)
The original USA Swimming ID format consists of 14 characters and is generated using the following information:

1. First 6 digits: The swimmer's birth date (MM/DD/YY).
2. Next 3 letters: The first three letters of the swimmer's legal first name.
3. Next letter: The swimmer's middle initial (if none, this space is filled with an asterisk "*").
4. Last 4 letters: The first four letters of the swimmer's last name. If the last name has fewer than four letters, asterisks (*) are used to fill the missing spaces.

Example:
For James Arthur Gray, born on April 15, 2005, the ID would look like:
041505JAMAGRAY

For swimmers with shorter names, the ID is padded with asterisks.
Example:
Lily Jo (without a middle initial) would have the ID:
MMDDYYLIL*JO**

USA Swimming’s New ID System (Post-2022)

In September 2020, USA Swimming introduced a new registration system through the USA Swimming DeckPass portal. This new system creates an entirely different member ID for swimmers, coaches, officials, and non-athlete members. If your swimmer registered before 2022, they must create a new registration and merge their old account with the new one.

The new USA Swimming ID is assigned during the registration process through either the USA Swimming DeckPass system or your club’s team website.

How to Find Your New USA Swimming ID
To access the new USA Swimming ID, follow these steps based on your platform:

USA Swimming DeckPass:

1. Go to the USA Swimming website and log in with your username and password.
2. Click “My Member Cards” to view your membership card.
3. Under your name, you will see your unique Member ID.

Always use your swimmer’s full, legal name and correct birth date during registration. If you encounter any issues, feel free to reach out to your team’s admin for assistance.

The USA Swimming ID is essential for ensuring proper meet entries and keeping team records consistent, so make sure to keep it handy and verify it across all systems.

If you’ve worked with swim meet data, you’ve likely encountered a variety of file formats used by different meet management systems. These formats are essential for transferring entries, results, and swimmer data between platforms like Hy-Tek's Meet Manager, Team Unify’s TouchPad, and others. Let's break down the common file formats and standards, and clarify their roles in managing swimming data, especially in relation to SwimCloud's requirements.

1. SDIF (Standard Data Interchange Format)

• What it is: SDIF is the underlying standard or protocol that defines how swimming data should be structured and exchanged between systems. It includes details like swimmer information, times, event data, and more. This standard ensures that different software systems can communicate with each other consistently.
• Purpose: SDIF is a universal format for exchanging swimming data, primarily between systems like USA Swimming’s SWIMS database and meet management software.
• File Types: The .sd3 and .hy3 file formats are specific implementations that follow the SDIF standard.

2. .sd3 (Standard Data File)

• What it is: The .sd3 file format is used to export and transfer meet data (entries and results). It's based on the SDIF standard and is one of the primary formats for submitting meet results to systems like USA Swimming.
• Purpose: Primarily used to transfer meet results and swimmer performance data from meet management systems.
• Supported By: Systems like Hy-Tek’s Meet Manager, SwimTopia’s Meet Maestro, and Team Unify’s TouchPad export .sd3 files.
• Note: In some cases, .sd3 is used as a generic reference to results files that follow the SDIF standard, but depending on the software, the actual file type might be .hy3.

3. .hy3 (Hy-Tek Results File)

• What it is: .hy3 is a proprietary format developed by Hy-Tek for use within its own ecosystem (e.g., Meet Manager and Team Manager). It contains detailed meet results and swimmer performance data, including splits, disqualifications, and rankings.
• Purpose: Used to store and share meet results for import into Hy-Tek’s Team Manager and to update swimmer performance data.
• Supported By: Hy-Tek’s Meet Manager and Team Manager.
• Is .sd3 the same as .hy3?: While .sd3 and .hy3 both follow the SDIF standard for formatting meet data, .sd3 is a more generic format used by multiple platforms, while .hy3 is specific to Hy-Tek software. Therefore, they are not exactly the same, though both serve similar purposes in meet data management. SwimCloud may accept .hy3 as equivalent to .sd3 when dealing with Hy-Tek files.

4. .cl2 (Hy-Tek Team Manager File)

• What it is: The .cl2 file is another proprietary format from Hy-Tek, primarily used for team roster and entry data, though it can also include meet results. While it is exported by Meet Manager, it's often referred to as a Team Manager file because it is used by Team Manager to update rosters and entries.
• Purpose: .cl2 is used to transfer team rosters, swimmer entries, and sometimes results between Team Manager and Meet Manager.
• Usage: Primarily for sharing entry data before the meet, but it can also be used post-meet to update results in Team Manager.

5. Other File Formats Supported by SwimCloud

SwimCloud, a popular data platform for swimmer performance tracking, accepts several file types for meet results submission. Here’s what they support:

• Active Hy-Tek’s Meet Manager: (Zipped .cl2 and .sd3 files)
• Team Unify’s TouchPad: (Zipped .sd3 files)
• SwimTopia’s Meet Maestro: (Zipped .sd3 files)
• Lenex Meet Manager: (.len files)
• Splash’s Meet Manager: (.xml files)

6. Clarification on Zipped .cl2 and .sd3 Files

SwimCloud mentions they accept Zipped .cl2 and .sd3 files. This is not a typo. Here's why:

• .cl2 contains team entry and roster data, which is essential for identifying all swimmers and teams involved.
• .sd3 or .hy3 contains meet results. If you're using Hy-Tek, your results file may be .hy3 instead of .sd3, but both follow the SDIF standard for exchanging meet data. SwimCloud likely accepts .hy3 from Hy-Tek users because it serves the same function as .sd3 in the broader context of results submission.

By zipping both files together, SwimCloud ensures they receive all the necessary data for the meet, including both swimmer rosters and results from all participating teams. This aligns with their requirement that results must include data from all teams in the meet, not just single-team results.

Conclusion:

While it can be confusing due to the variety of file formats in use, understanding the differences between SDIF, .sd3, .hy3, and .cl2 is key to managing swim meet data effectively. Platforms like Hy-Tek, SwimTopia, and SwimCloud work with these formats to ensure smooth data exchange between meet management software and performance tracking systems.

If you're involved in competitive swimming, you’ve probably come across Hy-Tek's Meet Manager, Team Manager, or the Meet Mobile app. But how do these tools work together, and what role does Active Network play in all of this? Here's a breakdown of how these platforms fit into the swimming world and how they’re interconnected.

1. Active Network: The Parent Company

In 2007, Active Network acquired Hy-Tek, a leading provider of software solutions for managing swim meets and teams. By bringing Hy-Tek into its portfolio, Active Network aimed to provide a comprehensive suite of tools for organizing sports events. Later, Active Network also acquired Meet Mobile, which allowed the company to create a seamless experience for swim meet organizers, swimmers, coaches, and spectators.

2. Hy-Tek: The Backbone of Swim Meet Management

For decades, Hy-Tek's Meet Manager has been the go-to software for running swim meets. From creating event heat sheets to managing entries and calculating results, Meet Manager is an indispensable tool for meet directors.

Team Manager, another Hy-Tek product, helps swim teams manage their rosters, track swimmer performance, and handle entries for upcoming meets. After a meet, results are imported into Team Manager, updating each swimmer's personal bests and tracking their progress over time.

Together, Meet Manager and Team Manager serve as the backbone for competitive swimming teams and meet organizers worldwide.

3. Meet Mobile: Real-Time Access to Swim Meets

Meet Mobile is a mobile app that allows swimmers, coaches, and spectators to follow swim meets in real-time. Whether you're checking heat sheets, viewing results, or tracking a swimmer's performance, Meet Mobile brings swim meets to your fingertips.

Before the integration with Hy-Tek, meet organizers had to manually upload meet data to Meet Mobile. However, after Active Network acquired both Hy-Tek and Meet Mobile, the platforms became closely integrated. Now, Meet Manager can publish results directly to Meet Mobile, providing real-time updates as the meet progresses—no manual uploads required.

4. How They Work Together

• Meet Manager is used to run the meet, create heat sheets, and record times.
• Team Manager manages swimmer data, team rosters, and post-meet performance tracking.
• Meet Mobile gives the public access to real-time meet data, including heat sheets, live results, and event rankings.

Thanks to Active Network’s acquisition of both Hy-Tek and Meet Mobile, the swimming community now benefits from an end-to-end solution that handles everything from meet setup to live result tracking.

5. Why This Matters to the Swimming Community

For meet organizers, the integration between these platforms has streamlined the process of running swim meets. There’s no longer a need to manually export and upload meet results; it’s all done automatically through Meet Manager. Swimmers and parents now have real-time access to heat sheets, swimmer times, and placements via Meet Mobile, making it easier than ever to stay informed.

By combining the power of Hy-Tek and Meet Mobile, Active Network has created a complete ecosystem for competitive swimming. This integration helps swim meets run more efficiently, providing a better experience for everyone involved—from swimmers to spectators.

Conclusion:

The relationship between Active Network, Hy-Tek, and Meet Mobile has revolutionized the way swim meets are managed and experienced. Whether you’re a coach, swimmer, or parent, these tools make the process of organizing and participating in swim meets smoother and more connected than ever before.

When swimmers compete at higher altitudes, the reduced oxygen levels can affect their performance, often resulting in slower times compared to those swum at sea level. To account for this, many organizations apply an altitude adjustment to the times, which compensates for the physiological effects of swimming at elevation.

For example, Swimcloud uses altitude settings from Hy-Tek meet result files to display both the swimmer's actual time and an altitude-adjusted time, marked with an "A" tag. This adjusted time provides a fairer comparison with performances at lower elevations.

Different organizations use slightly different conversion factors for these adjustments. For instance, the NCAA applies a 20-second adjustment to the 1,500-meter freestyle for meets held at altitudes between 4,251 and 6,500 feet. These adjustments ensure that athletes competing at higher altitudes are not at a disadvantage when their times are compared to those of swimmers who competed at sea level.

What's the Official Time?

It's important to note that the official time is always the actual time swum at the meet, not the altitude-adjusted time. The adjusted time is simply for comparison purposes and does not count for qualification or records.

Does Swim Standards show altitude-adjusted times?

No, Swim Standards does not display altitude-adjusted times. We focus on showing actual meet times as recorded. Please note that we are not an official rankings platform.

If you have any questions or thoughts on this, feel free to join the conversation below!

In competitive activities like swimming, athletes are often ranked based on their performance at various levels, such as national, zone, LSC (Local Swimming Committee), or club competitions. One useful way to interpret these rankings is through percentiles, which show how a swimmer's rank compares to others in their group.

What is a Percentile?

A percentile tells you what percentage of participants you performed better than. For example, if you're in the 90th percentile, it means you performed better than 90% of the participants.

The Formula for Calculating Percentile

To calculate the percentile of a ranking, we use the following formula:

This formula essentially measures how far you are from the top position (rank 1) relative to the total number of participants. Let's break down what each part of the formula means:

• Rank: This is your position in the ranking list. If you're ranked 20th out of 6178 swimmers, then your rank is 20.
• Total Participants: This is the total number of participants you're being compared against. In our example, it's 6178.
• Rank - 1: We subtract 1 from your rank because the formula assumes the first position is the absolute top, and we want to measure how many positions you're away from it.

Example Calculation

Let’s walk through an example:

National Rank: 20 out of 6178 swimmers.

Using the formula:

This means that if your rank is 20th out of 6178 swimmers, you are in the 99.69th percentile. In other words, you performed better than approximately 99.69% of the participants.

What Does the Percentile Tell Us?

• High Percentile (Near 100%): This means you’re among the top performers. For instance, a percentile of 99% means you performed better than 99% of all participants.

• Low Percentile (Near 0%): This indicates that a large number of participants performed better than you. A percentile of 10% would mean you performed better than only 10% of the participants.

Why is Percentile Important?

Percentiles provide a clearer picture of where you stand in a large group, especially when comparing ranks across different sizes of participant pools. For instance, ranking 10th out of 100 is very different from ranking 10th out of 10,000. Percentiles help normalize these differences, making it easier to understand your performance.

In summary, the ranking percentile is a valuable metric for assessing how your performance stacks up against others. By understanding the formula and what it represents, you can better interpret rankings and appreciate the significance of being in a particular percentile.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

TRIALS—THURSDAY (11 a.m.—men and women)

1. 200-yard Freestyle Relay
   • 10-minute intermission starting immediately at the conclusion of the relay
2. 500-yard Freestyle
3. 200-yard Individual Medley
4. 50-yard Freestyle
   • 20-minute intermission
5. One-meter Diving—Trials*
6. 400-yard Medley Relay

FINALS—THURSDAY (7 p.m.)

1. 200-yard Freestyle Relay
2. 500-yard Freestyle
3. 200-yard Individual Medley
4. 50-yard Freestyle
5. One-meter Diving—Finals*
6. 400-yard Medley Relay

TRIALS—FRIDAY (11 a.m.—men and women)

7. 200-yard Medley Relay
   • 10-minute intermission starting immediately at the conclusion of the relay
8. 400-yard Individual Medley
9. 100-yard Butterfly
10. 200-yard Freestyle
11. 100-yard Breaststroke
12. 100-yard Backstroke

• 20-minute intermission

13. Three-meter Diving—Trials*
14. 800-yard Freestyle Relay—All but last three heats of time finals

FINALS—FRIDAY (7 p.m.)

7. 200-yard Medley Relay
8. 400-yard Individual Medley
9. 100-yard Butterfly
10. 200-yard Freestyle
11. 100-yard Breaststroke
12. 100-yard Backstroke
13. Three-meter Diving—Finals*
14. 800-yard Freestyle Relay—Last three heats of time finals

TRIALS—SATURDAY (11 a.m.—men and women)

15. 1,650-yard Freestyle—All but last heat of time finals
16. 200-yard Backstroke
17. 100-yard Freestyle
18. 200-yard Breaststroke
19. 200-yard Butterfly

• 20-minute intermission

20. Platform Diving—Trials*
21. 400-yard Freestyle Relay

FINALS—SATURDAY (7 p.m.)

15. 1,650-yard Freestyle—Last heat of time finals
16. 200-yard Backstroke
17. 100-yard Freestyle
18. 200-yard Breaststroke
19. 200-yard Butterfly
20. Platform Diving—Finals*
21. 400-yard Freestyle Relay

Notes:

• Note 1: A consolation final immediately shall precede the championship final for each event except the 1,650-yard freestyle and diving events. Eight lanes will be used in all swimming events.
• Note 2: The 1,650-yard freestyle event will begin at approximately 4:45 p.m., with the last heat of the preliminaries to end at approximately 6 p.m.
• Note 3: Preliminaries for both men and women will begin at 11 a.m. Finals for both men and women will start at 7 p.m.
• Note 4: Awards ceremonies will be held immediately after the championship final of that given event.
• Note 5: For a detailed schedule of diving, refer to Rule 6-2-2.

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).

USA Swimming uses a specific scoring system for swim meets, which varies depending on the type of meet and pool size. Here's a breakdown of how scoring works:

Dual Meets

• Individual events: 5-3-1-0
• Relays: 7-0

This means

• For individual events, the point values are 5 for first place, 3 for second place, 1 for third place, and 0 for fourth place.
• For relays, the point values are 7 for first place and 0 for second place.

Triangular Meets

• Individual events: 6-4-3-2-1-0
• Relays: 8-4-0

All Other Meets

• Individual events (Individual point values shall be doubled for relays):
  • 4-lane pools: 5-3-2-1
  • 5-lane pools: 6-4-3-2-1
  • 6-lane pools: 7-5-4-3-2-1
  • 7-lane pools: 8-6-5-4-3-2-1
  • 8-lane pools: 9-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
  • 9-lane pools: 10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
  • 10-lane pools: 11-9-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

When consolation and championship finals swim, scoring shall be as follows for individual events (Individual point values shall be doubled for relays, even when relays swim as timed finals):

• 6-lane pools (12 places):
  • A (final): 16-13-12-11-10-9
  • B (consolation): 7-5-4-3-2-1
• 7-lane pools (14 places):
  • A (final): 18-15-14-13-12-11-10
  • B (consolation): 8-6-5-4-3-2-1
• 8-lane pools (16 places):
  • A (final): 20-17-16-15-14-13-12-11
  • B (consolation): 9-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
• 9-lane pools (18 places):
  • A (final): 22-19-18-17-16-15-14-13-12
  • B (consolation): 10-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
• 10-lane pools (20 places):
  • A (final): 24-21-20-19-18-17-16-15-14-13
  • B (consolation): 11-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1

In swimming, consolation refers to a secondary or consolation final in a multi-round event where swimmers who did not qualify for the main or championship final compete for a lower placement or ranking. The consolation final usually swarms immediately before the championship final and may be called the "B final".

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Time trials come in various forms within USA Swimming. Whether it's Olympic time trials, your summer team's pre-season time trials, or the time trials offered at zone meets, each type serves a distinct purpose. Here's an explanation of the different time trial variations in USA Swimming:

Official Time Trials: Organized by swim teams or clubs, these time trials are sanctioned by USA Swimming. They adhere to the same rules and regulations as regular swim meets, allowing swimmers to achieve official times for qualification purposes or personal records.

Intrasquad Time Trials: Limited to a single swim team or club, these time trials involve team members competing against each other to record official times. They are often utilized as practice or preparation for upcoming meets.

Time Trials at Meets: Some swim meets include dedicated time trial events alongside the regular competition. Swimmers have the option to participate in these additional time trials to record extra times for specific events.

Time Trials for Time Standards: Specifically organized to assist swimmers in achieving qualifying times for particular meets or competitions. These time trials offer an opportunity for swimmers who are close to meeting the required time standards to strive for the necessary times.

It's important to note that the availability and specific types of time trials may vary among different swim teams, clubs, and competitions. Swimmers should consult their coaches or team officials to understand the specific time trial opportunities available within their swimming environment.

In the context of swimming, virtual events refer to competitive swimming events that are conducted virtually rather than in a traditional in-person format. These events gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic when many in-person sporting events were canceled or restricted.

In a virtual swimming event, participants swim in their own pools or training facilities instead of gathering at a central location. Swimmers record their times using various methods such as electronic timing systems, video submissions, or smartphone applications.

Here's how a typical virtual swimming event may work:

• Registration: Swimmers register for the virtual event through an online platform or organization. They provide necessary details such as name, age group, and preferred event(s).

• Event Selection: Participants choose the specific swimming events they wish to compete in, such as 50m freestyle, 200m backstroke, or individual medley (IM).

• Time Recording: Swimmers swim their selected events in their own pools while ensuring they follow the event's rules and regulations. They may have a coach or a designated individual to record their times.

• Time Submission: After completing their swims, participants submit their recorded times to the event organizers. This can be done by uploading videos of their swims, entering times into an online submission form, or using specific timing applications.

• Results Compilation: Event organizers collect and verify the submitted times. They compile the results based on the swimmers' performances in each event and their respective age groups.

• Results Announcement: Once the results are compiled, event organizers announce the final standings and provide participants with their individual times and rankings. They may also distribute digital certificates or medals to recognize participants' achievements.

Virtual swimming events offer swimmers the opportunity to compete and compare their performances with others without the need for physical proximity. They provide an alternative means of engagement and competition when traditional in-person events are not feasible or accessible.

There are a total of 44 events recognized in the NCSA Junior National Competitions, which include the Spring and Summer Championships.

Each event listed below features sections for both women and men.

Freestyle:

• 50 Freestyle
• 100 Freestyle
• 200 Freestyle
• 400 Freestyle
• 800 Freestyle
• 1500 Freestyle

Butterfly:

• 50 Butterfly
• 100 Butterfly
• 200 Butterfly

Backstroke:

• 50 Backstroke
• 100 Backstroke
• 200 Backstroke

Breaststroke:

• 50 Breaststroke
• 100 Breaststroke
• 200 Breaststroke

Individual Medley:

• 200 IM
• 400 IM

Relays:

• 4x50 MR (Medley Relay)
• 4x50 FR (Freestyle Relay)
• 4x200 FR (Freestyle Relay)
• 4x100 FR (Freestyle Relay)
• 4x100 MR (Medley Relay)

The following events are recommended for Sectional, Zone, and LSC competitions. Competitions may be composed of events selected from the following list of events or other such events/meet types as may be sanctioned by the LSC.

10 Years and Younger

• 1 kilometer open water
• 800m/1000y—pool

11, 12 Years

• 1, 3, 5 kilometer open water
• 1600m/2000y—pool

13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 Years

• 1, 3, 5, 10 kilometer open water
• 2400m/3000y—pool

Senior

• 5, 10, 25 kilometer open water
• 4000m/5000y—pool

These events provide swimmers with opportunities for open water and long-distance pool competitions at different age groups. They require endurance, strategy, and skill in navigating through various distances.

For more detailed information on specific event requirements, entry procedures, and qualification standards, please refer to the official USA Swimming rules and regulations documentation or consult with your coach or local swimming committee.

Enjoy the challenges of open water and long-distance swimming, and keep pushing your limits in these exciting events!

In development competitions, events are selected from the following recognized list of events for swimmers who are 12 years and younger:

Freestyle:

• 25 meters/yards
• 50 meters/yards
• 100 meters/yards

Backstroke:

• 25 meters/yards
• 50 meters/yards

Breaststroke:

• 25 meters/yards
• 50 meters/yards

Butterfly:

• 25 meters/yards
• 50 meters/yards

Individual Medley:

• 100 meters/yards

Freestyle Relay:

• 100 meters/yards
• 200 meters/yards

Medley Relay:

• 100 meters/yards
• 200 meters/yards

Mixed Competition Category Freestyle Relay:

• 100 meters/yards
• 200 meters/yards

Mixed Competition Category Medley Relay:

• 100 meters/yards
• 200 meters/yards

These events provide young swimmers with a range of competitive opportunities to develop their skills and love for the sport. Eligibility for participating in these events is subject to the regulations and guidelines set by the respective LSCs.

For more detailed information on specific event requirements, entry procedures, and qualification standards, please refer to the official USA Swimming rules and regulations documentation or consult with your coach or local swimming committee.

Keep swimming and enjoy your development journey!

USA Swimming recognizes a set of senior events recommended for National Championships, LSC (Local Swimming Committee) meets, and other championship competitions. Eligibility for these championships is determined by the respective LSCs involved. The following events are included in the senior event program:

Freestyle:

• 50 meters/yards
• 100 meters/yards
• 200 meters/yards
• 400 meters/500 yards
• 800 meters/1000 yards
• 1500 meters/1650 yards

Backstroke:

• 100 meters/yards
• 200 meters/yards

Butterfly:

• 100 meters/yards
• 200 meters/yards

Breaststroke:

• 100 meters/yards
• 200 meters/yards

Individual Medley:

• 200 meters/yards
• 400 meters/yards

Freestyle Relay:

• 200 meters/yards
• 400 meters/yards
• 800 meters/yards (Mixed Gender)

Medley Relay:

• 200 meters/yards
• 400 meters/yards (Mixed Gender)

Mixed Gender Freestyle Relay:

• 200 meters/yards
• 400 meters/yards
• 800 meters/yards

Mixed Gender Medley Relay:

• 200 meters/yards
• 400 meters/yards

Note: Although 50-yard/meter events are no longer recognized in Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly, they may still be included in certain meets, such as the NCSA National Junior Champs.

These events provide swimmers with a range of competitive opportunities at the senior level. Please note that eligibility for participating in these championships and events is subject to the regulations and guidelines set by the respective LSCs.

For more detailed information on specific event requirements, entry procedures, and qualification standards, please refer to the official USA Swimming rules and regulations documentation or consult with your coach or local swimming committee.

Keep swimming and reaching for new heights in your senior swimming journey!

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.

13-18 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.

There are 112 events recognized, with both Girls' and Boys' sections for each event.

10 & Under

• 50/100/200/500 Y Freestyle
• 50/100 Y Breaststroke
• 50/100 Y Backstroke
• 50 Y Butterfly
• 100/200 Y IM
• 200 Y Medley Relay (M.R.)
• 400 Y Freestyle Relay (Fr. R.)

11-12

• 50/100/200/500 Y Freestyle
• 50/100 Y Breaststroke
• 50/100 Y Backstroke
• 50/100 Y Butterfly
• 100/200 Y IM
• 200 Y Medley Relay (M.R.)
• 400 Y Freestyle Relay (Fr. R.)

13-14

• 50/100/200/500 Y Freestyle
• 50/100/200 Y Breaststroke
• 50/100/200 Y Backstroke
• 50/100 Y Butterfly
• 200 Y IM
• 200 Y Medley Relay (M.R.)
• 400 Y Freestyle Relay (Fr. R.)