Masters vs. USA Swimming

This might be confusing. They are two completely separate and autonomous groups, run by different executives, rules and bylaws. USA Swimming's headquarters are in Colorado Springs; US Masters' is in New Hampshire. But ... They are both governed by FINA. If you want to compete in a USA Swimming meet, first make sure they have "Senior" age groups. If it stops at age 18, you can't swim in the meet. And you must complete a separate registration form to be a USA Swimming member. The rules are almost all the same, except the breaststroke kick on butterfly. Often, US Masters waits to see what USAS does in terms of rules adoptions. And, again, both bodies wait to see what FINA does, because their rules pretty much trump the rest if you want world records or want to be part of world rankings. When in doubt, go with the FINA rules. And people at USAS meets are always accommodating to masters swimmers, especially if you live in an area where very, very few masters meets happen.

This might be confusing. They are two completely separate and autonomous groups, run by different executives, rules and bylaws. USA Swimming's headquarters are in Colorado Springs; US Masters' is in New Hampshire. But ... They are both governed by FINA. If you want to compete in a USA Swimming meet, first make sure they have "Senior" age groups. If it stops at age 18, you can't swim in the meet. And you must complete a separate registration form to be a USA Swimming member. The rules are almost all the same, except the breaststroke kick on butterfly. Often, US Masters waits to see what USAS does in terms of rules adoptions. And, again, both bodies wait to see what FINA does, because their rules pretty much trump the rest if you want world records or want to be part of world rankings. When in doubt, go with the FINA rules. And people at USAS meets are always accommodating to masters swimmers, especially if you live in an area where very, very few masters meets happen.