Event Central

Fewer than half of U.S. Masters Swimming members compete in meets or open water events, but for many who do, competition is the heart and soul of USMS. More than 400 local, regional, and national competitions for adult swimmers take place around the country each year, from one-day pool meets to open water swims and virtual events you can complete in your own pool.

Whether you are entering your first meet or hosting your fiftieth, this is where to start.

Calendar of Events

Results and Rankings

Three ways to compete

Pool meets. Sanctioned meets in short course yards, short course meters, and long course meters, from small local meets to Zone championships and Nationals. Every time swum in a sanctioned meet counts toward national rankings, Top 10, and records.
Open water. Lake, river, and ocean swims from one-mile to marathon distances, including the open water national championship series.
Virtual events. Swum in your home pool over a set time or distance, timed by someone at the pool. Anyone with a pool and a stopwatch can compete.

How to enter an event

Be a current member. Sanctioned events are open to U.S. Masters Swimming members. If you are not a member yet, join or renew first. Many events also offer a one-event registration for swimmers who want to try a meet before joining.
Find the event. Search the Calendar of Events by date, location, and event type. Each listing shows the host, the venue, the order of events, and how to enter.
Enter the event. Most events take entries online through the listing. The host sets entry deadlines, usually a day or more before the event.

New to competing? Find a club near you. Most clubs attend local meets together, and a coach can help you pick events and seed times.

Host or sanction an event

Clubs and LMSCs host more than 400 events a year, and every one of them starts with a sanction. The Event Dashboard is where meet directors request a sanction, manage an existing event, post entry information, and upload results when the event is done.