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

How It Works

• Who can have a counter? Swimmers in the 500/1000/1650 yard or 800/1500 meter free (and other long-distance pool events per 102.1.4).
• How many? One counter per swimmer. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑
• Types of counters:
  • Verbal — calls lengths and may give intermediate times (using a watch).
  • Visual — uses numbered flip boards/signs to show lengths.
• Where do they stand?
  • Verbal: at the end opposite the start (turn end).
  • Visual: at the turn end or along the sides past halfway toward that end.
  • Visual boards may be dipped in the water at the lane’s end if they don’t aid, interfere, or pose a safety risk (referee’s judgment).
• Counting direction: Either ascending (1, 2, 3…) or descending (e.g., 66, 65, 64…). 🔄
• Bottom line: Even with an official or counter mistake, the swimmer must complete the prescribed distance.

Quick Visual: Where Counters May Be

• Start End (blocks) ➜ ➜ ➜ ➜ Turn End (counters here)
• Visual counters can also stand on the side deck beyond the halfway mark toward the turn end.

Real-Life Example

Emma is swimming the 1650 free. Her teammate:

• Stands at the turn end with a flip board.
• Flips the card every 50 to the next number (they agreed on descending).
• Dips the board briefly into the water at the end of Emma’s lane so she can see it clearly without contact or obstruction.

Meanwhile, Jacob prefers a verbal counter calling out “500… 550… 600!” plus split times — also legal.

Special Notes

• One counter per swimmer (verbal or visual). Not both.
• Verbal at the turn end only.
• Visual may be at the turn end or sides (after halfway), and may be lowered into the water without aiding.
• No interference: counters can’t touch swimmers, block lanes, or create hazards. 🛑
• Counters help, but the swimmer must know their race plan and finish the full distance — even if the count is off.

Quick Tips

• ✅ Choose someone reliable who is comfortable with counting and your preferred up/down method.
• ✅ Agree on signals: large, high-contrast numbers; quick dips; simple verbal cues.
• ✅ Practice with counters in broken 500s/1000s to refine sightlines and timing.
• ❌ Don’t crowd the lane end: keep equipment and body clear of the wall and adjacent lanes.
• ✅ Have a backup plan: know your own target splits and stroke counts per 50.

📖 Official reference: USA Swimming Rulebook — 102.6 COUNTERS

How Prelims Seeding Works

• Swimmers are listed by submitted entry time, fastest to slowest.
• Identical times → order decided by draw.
• No time → seeded last, by draw.
• Lanes within each heat use the same center-out pattern as finals.

Heat patterns (when finals are scheduled):

• One heat → everyone swims that heat in prelims; finals still run as scheduled.
• Two heats → “snake” order: fastest → Heat 2, next → Heat 1, next → Heat 2, etc.
• Three heats (not distance events) → H3, H2, H1, then repeat.
• Four or more heats (not distance events) → the fastest three heats follow the 3-heat pattern; earlier heats get the rest.
• Distance events (400/500, 800/1000, 1500/1650) → the fastest two heats use the 2-heat snake pattern.

🐢 When there are 2+ heats, at least three swimmers must be seeded into each prelim heat. Scratches can drop it below three.

Lane Assignments (Center-Out)

Lanes are assigned fastest in the center, then alternating sides outward.

8-lane example:

Order →   1st  2nd  3rd  4th  5th  6th  7th  8th
Lane  →    4    5    3    6    2    7    1    8

Other pool sizes:

• 6 lanes → 3, 4, 2, 5, 1, 6
• 10 lanes → 5, 6, 4, 7, 3, 8, 2, 9, 1, 10

Quick Visuals: Which Heat Do I Land In?

Two heats:

Rank:   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8 ...
Heat:   2   1   2   1   2   1   2   1 ...

Three heats:

Rank:   1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9 ...
Heat:   3   2   1   3   2   1   3   2   1 ...

Four+ heats:
The last three heats follow the 3-heat pattern. Earlier heats fill with remaining swimmers.

Distance events:
The last two heats follow the 2-heat snake.

Swim-Offs

• Swim-offs decide advancement when swimmers tie for a finals spot.
• Can be replaced by another method (e.g., coin toss) if all agree.
• Must be swum within 45 minutes after the last heat of any event that session where a tied swimmer competed.
• Judged the same as the original race.
• DQ in a swim-off → swimmer is placed in the lowest position being contested (still eligible as an alternate).
• Times from prelims, not swim-offs, are used for finals seeding.

Finals Seeding

Finals lanes are assigned by prelim times only. Ties for lane spots → draw.

• 6 lanes → 3, 4, 2, 5, 1, 6
• 8 lanes → 4, 5, 3, 6, 2, 7, 1, 8
• 10 lanes → 5, 6, 4, 7, 3, 8, 2, 9, 1, 10

Timed Finals

• Last heat = fastest swimmers, earlier heats = slower swimmers.
• Center-out lane assignment.
• First heat must have at least three swimmers/relays.
• Places awarded on times only; ties remain ties.

Order of Heats

• Prelims/timed finals → normally slowest to fastest, but meet may choose fastest-first. Women’s and men’s heats may alternate.
• Finals → may be A–B–C or reversed (A before B/C).
• Always check the meet announcement.

Alternates

• If someone scratches finals, athletes may move up, and alternates can be used to fill the slowest heat.
• In non-scoring heats (no points/awards), alternates can be added to any empty lane.

Real-Life Example

You’re 12th seed in an 8-lane, 100 free with 3 prelim heats (not a distance event).

Seeding goes:
1→H3, 2→H2, 3→H1, 4→H3, 5→H2, 6→H1, 7→H3, 8→H2, 9→H1, 10→H3, 11→H2, 12→H1.

Heat 1 (seeds 3, 6, 9, 12) gets lanes:

• 3 → Lane 4
• 6 → Lane 5
• 9 → Lane 3
• 12 → Lane 6

Quick Tips

• 🕒 Be ready for a swim-off within 45 minutes if you tie for a finals spot.
• 🏊 Always read the meet announcement — it may change order of heats.
• 🎲 Tied entry times are broken by draw, not swim-off.

📖 Official reference: USA Swimming Rulebook (2025), §102.5 Seeding, Lane Assignments, Swim-Offs, and Order of Heats

Swim 101: Lane Assignments in Finals

How Lane Assignments Work

• Times from prelim heats decide where swimmers are placed in finals.
• The fastest qualifier goes in the center lane(s):
  • Lane 3 in a 6-lane pool
  • Lane 4 in an 8-lane pool
  • Lane 5 in a 10-lane pool
• From there, swimmers are placed alternating outward:
  • 2nd fastest next to center
  • 3rd fastest on the other side of center
  • and so on, until the outside lanes are filled.
• If two swimmers have the same time, a random draw decides their lanes.

Real-Life Example (8-Lane Pool)

• Q1 (fastest) → Lane 4
• Q2 → Lane 5
• Q3 → Lane 3
• Q4 → Lane 6
• Q5 → Lane 2
• Q6 → Lane 7
• Q7 → Lane 1 (far right, main starting end)
• Q8 (slowest) → Lane 8 (far left, main starting end)

👉 So the slowest qualifier always goes to Lane 8 (far left), not Lane 1. Lane 1 is the second-slowest.

How to Tell Lane 1 vs Lane 8

• By rule, lanes are numbered right to left from the main starting end.
• In an 8-lane pool:
  • Far right (main start end) = Lane 1
  • Far left (main start end) = Lane 8
• This numbering never changes, no matter where spectators are sitting.

Special Note: Starts From the Opposite End

• Some events (like 50-meter sprints) may start from the opposite end of the pool.
• Lane numbering does not flip — Lane 1 is still Lane 1, even if you’re standing at the shallow end.
• It may look reversed from that end (because Lane 1’s block is now on the left), but numbering is always set by the main starting end.

Quick Tips

• Don’t panic if you see your swimmer in an outside lane — everyone in finals is racing for points and times.
• Middle lanes are seeded fastest, but great swims happen from every lane.
• Remember: Lane numbers are fixed by the pool, not by where you’re sitting or which end the race starts.

📖 Official reference: USA Swimming 2025 Rulebook, Section 103.5.4 & 102.4 – Lane Assignments.

Relays are some of the most exciting races at any meet — but they come with their own set of rules. Here’s what swimmers, parents, and coaches should keep in mind:

✅ The Basics

• Team membership matters: All swimmers on a relay must be from the same USA Swimming club, school, or organization.

  • Exception: At zone or all-star meets, relays may represent an LSC or federation.

• Relay format: Relays may be run as timed finals or with prelims and finals, just like individual events.

• Multiple relays per club: If a team enters more than one relay in the same event, they’re labeled as Team A, Team B, etc.

• Times are locked: Relay entry times must be submitted on the entry form for seeding; no changes later.

• Eligible swimmers: First and last names of potential relay swimmers must be listed according to the meet announcement.

🔄 Lineups & Changes

• Relay lineups can change between prelims and finals (helpful if a coach wants to rest certain swimmers).
• Once a relay swims in prelims and is disqualified, those swimmers cannot swim that relay again in finals.
• Coaches must submit the order of swimmers to the clerk of course or head lane timer before the race.
• No changes allowed after the heat starts.

💡 Real-Life Example

At a big invitational:

• The club enters two 400 Free Relays — Team A and Team B.
• Before prelims, the coach lists six swimmers as eligible for relays.
• In prelims, Team A swims with swimmers 1–4. Later, the coach can swap swimmer 5 into finals if they want — as long as all swimmers are on the eligible list.
• Right before the heat, the coach confirms the swimming order with the head lane timer. Once the race starts, that order is locked in.

📝 Quick Tips

• For swimmers: Always double-check with your coach before leaving a meet — you may be needed for a relay later in the day.
• For parents: Don’t worry if your swimmer isn’t listed in the first relay lineup; coaches often adjust relays between prelims and finals.
• For coaches: Relays are strategic — balancing speed, rest, and team depth. Make sure eligible swimmers are all listed ahead of time.

📖 Official reference: USA Swimming 2025 Rulebook (Rule 102.3).

One of the most common questions parents ask before a meet is:

👉 “How many races can my swimmer actually do in one day?”

The answer depends on the type of meet, and the rules are designed to keep swimmers from being overworked.

✅ The Basics

• Prelims & Finals meets (usually larger invitationals): swimmers can swim up to 3 individual events per day.
• Timed Finals meets (like many summer or local meets): swimmers can swim up to 6 individual events per day.
• If bad weather delays a race until the next day, that extra race won’t count against the limit.
• Finals held at night are separate—they don’t count toward the prelims daily total.
• If a swimmer enters the same event in different categories (like age group and open), they must use the same time for both entries and still stay under the daily limit.
• No time? No problem. If your swimmer hasn’t swum an event before, they can still enter it (sometimes the meet host will ask for an estimated time).

💡 Real-Life Example

At a big invitational with prelims and finals:

• On Saturday morning, your swimmer signs up for 100 free, 200 back, and 100 fly. That’s the 3-event max for the day.
• If they qualify for finals that evening, they can still swim all 3 finals races—those don’t count against the daily limit.

At a local summer meet with timed finals, your swimmer could technically swim up to 6 races in one day, though most swimmers stick to fewer so they don’t run out of energy.

📝 Quick Tips for Parents

• Less can be more: Coaches often recommend fewer events per day so swimmers can focus on their best races.
• Check the meet sheet: Every meet announcement may have extra rules—always double-check before signing up.
• Talk with your coach: They’ll guide you on which events make the most sense for your swimmer’s goals.

📖 Official reference: USA Swimming 2025 Rulebook (Rule 102.2).

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?

🎯 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.

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! 🥇

If you've ever been confused about which Local Swimming Committee (LSC) covers which states — or how the country is divided into Zones — you're not alone. Here's a fully updated reference based on the official USA Swimming map.

This guide lists all 59 LSCs grouped by Zone and includes 4 Zone entries. It's organized by region and color-coded to match the national zone map many teams use for planning and eligibility.

The LSCs are grouped by Zone color as shown on the map:

• 🟦 Western
• 🟧 Central
• 🟨 Eastern
• 🟩 Southern

🟦 Western Zone

🟧 Central Zone

🟩 Southern Zone

🟨 Eastern Zone

🔲 Zone Entries (Not LSCs)

@Wendy-Miller
This is what I can find:

It’s not high resolution, but I hope it works.

As the high school and college swim season progresses, many swimmers and coaches wonder whether their times can be entered into the USA Swimming SWIMS database. The classification of a meet determines whether times are officially recognized.

Below is a breakdown of the three types of meets and what qualifies for official USA Swimming times.

🏅 Sanctioned Events
Sanctioned meets follow the full USA Swimming technical and administrative rules and are fully recognized by USA Swimming.

✅ Key Requirements & Benefits:

• The meet must follow USA Swimming rules.
• All times achieved are recognized by USA Swimming.
• All participants (swimmers, officials, coaches, meet staff) must be USA Swimming members.
• Full insurance coverage is provided for USA Swimming members and the host organization.

📋 Approved Competitions
Approved meets follow USA Swimming technical rules but may not require all participants to be USA Swimming members (e.g., YMCA meets).

✅ Key Points:

• The meet must follow USA Swimming technical rules (e.g., proper timing equipment).
• Times are recognized, but only for USA Swimming members.
• Non-USA Swimming members can participate.
• Insurance coverage depends on the host:
  • If hosted by a USA Swimming club, full insurance applies to USA Swimming members.
  • If hosted by a non-USA Swimming entity, insurance applies only to USA Swimming members participating under a USA Swimming club.

🔍 Observed Swims
Observed swims occur in meets run under other organizations' rules (e.g., high school, NCAA, IPC) but have USA Swimming-appointed officials observing swims to ensure compliance.

✅ Important Notes:

• The meet does not follow full USA Swimming rules.
• Only times from observed and approved swims are recognized.
• Only USA Swimming members’ times are eligible for SWIMS.
• No requirement for participants to be USA Swimming members.
• No insurance coverage for swimmers or the host, except for designated USA Swimming Observers.

📌 Which Times Count for SWIMS?

ℹ️ Final Thoughts
If you're aiming for times that qualify for USA Swimming rankings, records, or national meets, make sure your meet is either sanctioned or approved. If you're competing in high school or college meets, ensure USA Swimming officials are observing if you want those times to count.

For more details, refer to 2024 of the USA Swimming Rules & Regulations.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! ⬇️

If you’re looking for a new race suit and specialize in sprint events, here’s how the top Arena suits compare:

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💬 Which suit is your go-to for race day? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

#TechSuit #ArenaSwim #Powerskin #SwimFast #SprintSwim #SwimGear #SwimLife

@ReedK27

Hope someone with experience could share their thoughts.
Here’s an answer from ChatGPT (yes, my job as SwimGPT is to find and review ChatGPT’s answers about swimming! 😊).

For swimming specifically, getting recruited to a Division 1 (D1) college involves showcasing your athletic ability through times, rankings, and achievements, as well as demonstrating a commitment to academics and teamwork. Here are swimming-specific tips to help you navigate the recruiting process:

1. Know the Times and Standards

• Benchmark times: Research the times for your target D1 programs. Look at the team’s recent performances in conference meets or their top times lists to determine where you’d fit in their roster.
• NCAA “A” and “B” cut times: Familiarize yourself with these standards as benchmarks, though not all D1 programs require NCAA-level times.

2. Build Your Swimming Profile

• Highlight key events: Identify your strongest events (e.g., 100 free, 200 back, 500 free) and focus on those.
• Maintain accurate stats: Keep track of your best times, rankings, and splits (if applicable). Use platforms like SwimCloud or USA Swimming’s Deck Pass to showcase your progress.
• Relay splits matter: Coaches value strong relay swimmers, so include your best relay splits along with your individual events.

3. Create a Strong Highlight Video

• Include race footage: Focus on your stroke technique, starts, turns, and finishes in actual competition settings. If possible, show underwater footage to highlight your streamline and breakouts.
• Training snippets: Include a short clip of practice to show your work ethic and training style.

4. Communicate with Coaches

• Research programs: Find schools that align with your academic and athletic goals. Narrow your list to 10-15 programs based on their performance level, conference, and coaching style.
• Personalized emails: Email coaches with the following details:
  • Your name, high school/club, and year of graduation.
  • Your best times (mention long course and short course separately, if applicable).
  • A link to your SwimCloud or other profiles.
  • Why you’re interested in their program.
• Subject line matters: Use something like, “Prospective Swimmer: [Event/Time] – Class of [Year].”

5. Attend College Swim Camps

• Many college swim programs hold summer swim camps where you can meet coaches and experience their training environment. This is an excellent way to get on their radar.

6. Compete at High-Level Meets

• Regional and national competitions: Participate in meets like Futures, Sectionals, Junior Nationals, or NCSA Championships. Strong performances at these meets attract college coaches.
• College invite meets: Some programs scout talent at larger competitions where their current team competes.

7. Academics and NCAA Eligibility

• Maintain a strong GPA and take challenging courses. Swimming programs value student-athletes who can balance academics and athletics.
• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center early to ensure you meet all academic and amateurism requirements.

8. Show Coachability

• Work ethic: Demonstrate that you’re a team player who thrives in a structured training environment.
• Positive attitude: Showcase your resilience, motivation, and enthusiasm for improving.

9. Stay Organized

• Track communication: Keep a spreadsheet with the schools you’ve contacted, coach names, and responses.
• Follow-up emails: If you don’t hear back, send a follow-up email after a couple of weeks.

What Swim Coaches Look For

• Competitive times: Times that can contribute to the team in dual meets and championship events.
• Versatility: The ability to swim multiple strokes/events is often a plus.
• Improvement trajectory: Steady progress over time can be just as appealing as hitting fast times early.
• Team fit: Coaches look for athletes who align with their program’s culture and work ethic.

10. Additional Tips

• Involve your club coach: Club or high school coaches often have connections with college programs and can recommend you to college coaches.
• Consider all divisions: While your focus might be on D1, don’t overlook D2, D3, or NAIA schools, as they can also offer excellent programs and opportunities.

Sample Email to a College Swim Coach:

Subject: Prospective Swimmer – [Event/Best Time] – Class of [Year]

Dear Coach [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a [year in school] swimmer at [High School/Club Team Name] in [City, State]. I specialize in [event(s)], with personal bests of [time(s)], and am interested in your program at [College Name].

I admire your team’s performance in [recent competition, e.g., NCAA Championships, conference meets] and believe that I can contribute to your team’s success. Academically, I have a [GPA] and plan to study [intended major].

Here is a link to my SwimCloud profile: [Insert link]. I’ve also attached my best times and meet results for your reference.

Thank you for your time. I would love to learn more about your program and how I can contribute to your team.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Generated by ChatCPT

Hi SwimStandards Community,

If you're aiming to swim for an Ivy League school, you might be wondering: Do Ivy League schools offer athletic scholarships? The short answer is no, but there's more to the story! While the Ivy League doesn’t provide athletic scholarships, their need-based financial aid can make attending these schools surprisingly affordable.

Why No Athletic Scholarships?

Ivy League schools have a long-standing policy of not offering athletic scholarships. Their focus is on balancing academics and athletics, ensuring student-athletes are viewed as students first. While this might sound discouraging, it doesn’t mean you can’t afford an Ivy League education as a swimmer.

How Does Financial Aid Work?

Instead of athletic scholarships, Ivy League schools provide need-based financial aid, which can cover most—if not all—of your costs depending on your family's financial situation.

Key Points:

1. Generous Need-Based Aid:

   • Ivy League schools meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.
   • Many schools, like Harvard and Yale, have "no-loan" policies, meaning your aid package will consist of grants and work-study—not loans.
   • Families with incomes below certain thresholds may pay little to no tuition:
     • Harvard/Yale: Full tuition coverage for families earning less than $75,000/year.
     • Other Ivies have similar policies.

2. Net Price Calculators:

   • You can use the Net Price Calculator on each school’s financial aid website to estimate your costs.

3. External Scholarships:

   • While Ivy League schools don’t offer merit-based scholarships, you can apply for external scholarships to help with costs. Many swimming organizations or local clubs provide scholarships for student-athletes.

How Being a Recruited Swimmer Helps

Even though Ivy League schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, being recruited as a swimmer can significantly help in other ways:

• Admissions Boost: Coaches can advocate for you, improving your chances of admission to these highly selective schools.
• Likely Letters: If a coach supports your application, you may receive a "likely letter," which is a strong indicator of admission.
• Access to Resources: Once admitted, recruited athletes enjoy access to top-tier facilities, training, and support from the team.

What Should You Do If You Need Financial Help?

1. Apply for Need-Based Aid:

   • Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS Profile (required by many Ivy League schools).
   • Provide all financial documents requested by the school to qualify for aid.

2. Search for External Scholarships:

   • Organizations like the USA Swimming Foundation and local swimming clubs often offer scholarships for swimmers.
   • General scholarships for student-athletes can also help reduce costs.

3. Discuss Finances with the Coach:

   • If you're being recruited, don’t hesitate to ask the coach about financial aid policies and how other swimmers manage costs.

Discussion Questions

• Have you or someone you know received need-based aid at an Ivy League school?
• What are some scholarships or programs that swimmers should look into?
• How do you think Ivy League financial aid compares to athletic scholarships at other schools?

Let’s share advice and experiences! Your story could help someone navigate their journey to swimming in college. 🏊‍♀️

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Hi SwimStandards Community,

We all know that swimming in college takes dedication, but what does it take to swim at an Ivy League school? These schools combine top-tier academics with NCAA Division I swimming, making the process competitive but achievable with the right approach.

Here’s a breakdown of what it takes to swim for an Ivy League college:

1. Understand Ivy League Swimming

• Ivy League schools are NCAA Division I, and their swim programs are highly competitive.
• While they don’t offer athletic scholarships, being recruited as a swimmer can significantly boost your chances of admission.
• Look up meet results (e.g., Ivy League Championships) to understand the time standards in your events. This helps you target schools where your performance aligns with their roster needs.

2. Excel in Your Events

• Focus on achieving competitive times in your key events. Target times that align with Ivy League conference championship qualifiers.
• Work with your coach to plan for meets like Junior Nationals, Sectionals, or Futures.

3. Maintain Academic Excellence

• Ivy League schools expect high academic performance. Aim for:
  • A GPA of 3.8+ (unweighted) or equivalent.
  • SAT 1450+ or ACT 32+.
  • A rigorous course load with AP/IB or honors classes, particularly in STEM areas.

4. Build Relationships with Coaches

• Reach out to Ivy League coaches during your sophomore or junior year. Include:
  • A brief introduction.
  • Your academic achievements (GPA, test scores).
  • Swimming stats (times, events, and race videos).
  • Why you’re interested in their program.
• Attend swim camps at Ivy schools to connect directly with coaches.

5. Compete at High-Level Meets

• Participating in regional or national meets like Junior Nationals, Futures, or Sectionals helps you gain visibility.
• Race against top swimmers to prove your ability to compete at the Division I level.

6. Showcase Your Passion for Swimming

• Create a swimming résumé highlighting your:
  • Best times and rankings.
  • Meet results and key achievements.
  • Links to race videos (if available).

7. Navigate the Recruitment Process

• Ivy League recruiting follows NCAA rules:
  • Coaches can contact you after June 15 of sophomore year.
  • If recruited, you may receive a "likely letter," which indicates strong admission support.
• Even with recruitment, you must complete the regular admissions process.

8. Develop a Strong Application

• Even as a recruited athlete, your application should reflect:
  • Academic excellence.
  • Leadership roles and extracurricular involvement.
  • A compelling personal statement about your journey as a swimmer.

9. Consider Financial Aid

• Ivy League schools don’t offer athletic scholarships but provide need-based financial aid.
• Use Net Price Calculators to estimate costs and discuss aid options with admissions.

10. Stay Persistent

• If recruitment doesn’t work out:
  • Explore walk-on opportunities.
  • Consider club swimming, which can still offer competitive opportunities while balancing academics.

Questions for Discussion

• Have you been recruited by an Ivy League team? What was your experience like?
• What tips would you give to swimmers trying to balance academics and athletics for competitive programs?
• Do you think swimming recruitment is easier or harder compared to other sports at Ivy League schools?

Let’s hear your thoughts! Share your experiences or advice in the comments below.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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).

Here's the updated section in markdown format:

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.

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.