Updates on the Spring Nationals Eligibility Review - Main Thread

USMS is monitoring media reports, comments on these forums, and responding to member inquiries on the allegations regarding the eligibility of one of our members. We felt it might be helpful to provide updates in one place and this thread will serve that purpose.

Over the past week, USMS has received several formal eligibility review requests. In keeping with our published policy, the eligibility review panel was convened late last week to gather and assess the facts. Those with standing who have requested an eligibility review have been notified and will receive updates directly from the panel as appropriate. The panel will make a final determination based on the evidence presented. Speculation or commentary outside the review will not be part of the decision.

Many members have contacted us with questions and suggestions about our transgender eligibility policy. After the eligibility review is complete, USMS leadership and relevant committees will take time to reflect on member input and other details that emerge from the process to determine whether updates to the policy are appropriate and in line with USMS’s mission and values.

We ask for your patience as this process continues, and we thank you for being part of a community that values thoughtful and respectful dialogue, integrity, and the shared love of swimming. (5/9/2025)

Parents

daniel.paulling 20 days ago
U.S. Masters Swimming’s Board of Directors and Rules Committee have initiated a review of USMS's transgender swimmer policy, which addresses the eligibility of transgender athletes to earn official times and other forms of recognition (places, records, and Top 10 rankings) at USMS events. USMS remains committed to ensuring members of all backgrounds feel welcome in our programs, while also recognizing the importance of fair competition in our events.

USMS will proceed thoughtfully and respectfully in evaluating the policy and will incorporate input received from members, applicable World Aquatics policies, and the various and rapidly changing state and local regulations that make creating a national policy complex.

The final policy will be communicated to members.

Furthermore, USMS is addressing two other related issues:

USMS has received requests to confirm the eligibility of two swimmers who competed at the 2025 Spring National Championship. The established review process is underway.

USMS has received a letter from the Texas Attorney General’s Office requesting documentation related to the 2025 Spring National Championship in San Antonio and is cooperating with the Texas Attorney General’s Office to respond accordingly.

We appreciate your patience and engagement as USMS works through these matters with care.

Sincerely,

Dawson Hughes, CEO of U.S. Masters Swimming, and Ed Coates, President of U.S. Masters Swimming (6/3/25)
AGZNG 18 days ago in reply to daniel.paulling

Will USMS take into account those transgender individuals who received timely gender-affirming healthcare, including puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy, and thus went through puberty in conformity with their gender identity? They would not have a physical advantage over cisgender competitors.

And will USMS take into account those transgender swimmers who are stealth (meaning, not out)? No one should be forced to out themselves. Now that more and more transgender individuals and children are receiving timely gender-affirming healthcare, in the future we increasingly will not be able to tell whether someone is transgender. They will "pass," and be perceived by others, as their gender identity.

USMS, please do not enact policies that would "out" or "other" transgender swimmers. As a cisgender woman who has loved ones and friends that are transgender, I want them included and welcomed. I do not want them excluded, disqualified, discriminated against, or otherwise forced out of USMS swimming.

USMS already has a a severe problem with its glaring lack of diversity. I am a member of another marginalized group, and I have never met another USMS swimmer that was a member of my group.

Reply

AGZNG 18 days ago in reply to daniel.paulling

Will USMS take into account those transgender individuals who received timely gender-affirming healthcare, including puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy, and thus went through puberty in conformity with their gender identity? They would not have a physical advantage over cisgender competitors.

And will USMS take into account those transgender swimmers who are stealth (meaning, not out)? No one should be forced to out themselves. Now that more and more transgender individuals and children are receiving timely gender-affirming healthcare, in the future we increasingly will not be able to tell whether someone is transgender. They will "pass," and be perceived by others, as their gender identity.

USMS, please do not enact policies that would "out" or "other" transgender swimmers. As a cisgender woman who has loved ones and friends that are transgender, I want them included and welcomed. I do not want them excluded, disqualified, discriminated against, or otherwise forced out of USMS swimming.

USMS already has a a severe problem with its glaring lack of diversity. I am a member of another marginalized group, and I have never met another USMS swimmer that was a member of my group.

Children

No Data