2021 USMS Short Course National Championship Meet Information

What is the deal with our USMS board and these over-the-top safety protocols for the meet?  Have we thrown all CDC and state recommendations out the window?  USMS is no longer following the guidelines in place but taking extreme measures that are not only unnecessary but also impede the running of the meet and crush the integrity of the event.  No spectators.  Currently splitting the meet into three sessions.  No relays.  Family members are unable to attend (unless they volunteer, which is not an option for many with small children), even though there are no longer ANY restrictions on the size of gatherings in North Carolina and many other states.   You cannot watch and cheer for your teammates if they are in other sessions.  With more sessions, that leaves less recovery time between events.  To top it off, there are no relays either, which is why many swimmers attend, to be part of the team!  Is there a reason we are not following the protocols of the meet host state?  Swimmers who are not comfortable attending the meet will not come, regardless of the meet protocols.  What was the point of getting vaccinated?  It was so we could open back up and resume our activities.  Why is USMS continuing to hold to these archaic protocols?  Where's the science behind it?

I am just glad that they are going to hold it. Putting on a nationwide meet is a big undertaking. Making decisions that could affect the swimmers/volunteers/staff are not easy or certain. I have attended several meets in Texas that had similar protocols and I was happy to comply. 

I guess a case could be made for USMS to wait another year to hold nationals (given the relative small number of people who have entered) but they have agreed to do it under these conditions and I will be glad to compete.

I am just glad that they are going to hold it. Putting on a nationwide meet is a big undertaking. Making decisions that could affect the swimmers/volunteers/staff are not easy or certain. I have attended several meets in Texas that had similar protocols and I was happy to comply. 

I guess a case could be made for USMS to wait another year to hold nationals (given the relative small number of people who have entered) but they have agreed to do it under these conditions and I will be glad to compete.

Thanks, czwolff and no200fly. We understand there are varying opinions on this topic and we’ve tried to strike an appropriate balance for both Phase 3 Return to Competition guidance and 2021 USMS Short Course Nationals as the CDC has continued to urge caution for large indoor events/venues (like Greensboro). As you can imagine, it has been a challenge to plan a large event as the situation has evolved continually and we have made quite a few adjustments (easing restrictions, increasing capacity) from original plans to follow updated CDC guidance. The current plan is to split the meet into two sessions per day (rather than 3), but not allow spectators so the facility will be less crowded throughout (on deck, in the stands, warmup pools, locker rooms, etc). Since the event was postponed from April, the GAC is also rescheduling other programming to accommodate USMS Short Course Nationals. We've been able to reserve 10 hours each day (6am - 4pm) to hold the meet, but that time limit makes it more difficult to fit in relays (in addition to safety concerns).

https://www.usms.org/events/covid-19-event-resources

https://www.usms.org/events/national-championships/pool-national-championships/2021-pool-national-championships/2021-short-course-national-championship/2021-short-course-nationals-covid-19-protocol

I'm seriously considering an entry. Has a decision been made on what age groups in which session? I will be driving (3 hours each way and need to plan).

Thanks for getting this going. I have been going to nats off and on since '73 and always have a good time, if not good times! 

Bob, 

We don’t know exactly where the split will occur at this time but, based on your age (70+), you’ll be going off the blocks during the first session on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

Jim

I don't understand the logic of putting breaststroke and IM events back to back, and I'm very concerned about what appears to be extremely limited recovery time between events due the split schedule. Will the meet director make provisions (take breaks) to establish some minimum amount of rest between swims? Thanks!

David Guthrie Yes, there will be some breaks to allow for rest between swims. A detailed timeline will be posted by Monday, July 12. 

Great! Thanks Jay.

To circle back on David's question - On Saturday morning, I am swimming the 1st 3 events. Just looking at the heat sheets if 2 pools are used and there are no breaks, I will have about 7 minutes between swims. Will there be some minimum time between events?