USMS vs USA Swimming

I don’t compete in pool meets, but based on what little I know about rules of the two authorities (USMS and USAS)…I would think that USAS times might be applicable in USMS…but not the other way. The reason I say that…and this might be incorrect…but there are rules in the USMS that aren’t allowed in USAS. The one I can think of to use for an example would be the butterfly stroke. USMS allows the swimmer to use a breaststroke kick exclusively, or interchangeably. I don’t think USAS allows that. (USMS rule 101.3.3). I’m sure there are others.

Dan

Hi!

Times achieved by USMS members at meets sanctioned by USA Swimming will be counted towards their own times and also be eligible for Top 10/All Star recognition. The associated section of the USMS rulebook is 202.3.

For times achieved by USA swimming members at USMS sanctioned meets, the results will not be recognized by USA Swimming. This is due to specific rules within the USMS rulebook that deviate from USA Swimming's rulebook.

- Carter

Thank you so much for your help! 

Thank you for your help!

There are ways to have times at a USMS meet count for USA Swimming. It can be complicated and the process depends on what LMSC/LSC you’re in. For example, USMS Nationals are usually set up as USAS Observed meets meaning anyone who wants their time to count for USAS can then request their swim be observed according to USAS rules  We usually have about a dozen requests at each Nationals. But it can be done for local meets too if it’s important enough. 

Good to know, thank you! I am usually at Nationals, so this will come in handy!

Who do I need to talk to at Nationals about doing this? Thank you again!

From the meet information...

Swimmers wishing to have times entered into SWIMS (USA Swimming’s times database) must complete a form, obtained from the administrative referee at the meet, prior to the swim.