National and International Championships

U.S. Masters Swimming holds two national championship pool meets each year. The spring championships are typically held in April or May and are contested in a short course venue. The summer championships are typically held in July or August and are contested in a long course venue. Historically, FINA sponsors the Masters world championship long course meet in odd-numbered years, and UANA sponsors the Pan American championships in even-numbered years.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the schedule. The FINA World Masters Championships and UANA Pan Am Masters Championships were not held in 2021. FINA World Masters Championships in Kyushu, Japan has been rescheduled to August 2-11, 2023. UANA Pan Am Masters Championships in Medellin, Colombia has been rescheduled to July 21-28, 2022. 

National Qualifying Times

USMS members of all abilities, from beginners to Olympians, are welcome to participate in USMS National Championship events. ANY member can enter up to three individual events without meeting the National Qualifying Times. Swimmers who wish to enter more than three events must meet the NQTs for those additional events. Here are frequently asked questions regarding our National Qualifying Times.

Bidding to Host USMS National Championship Events

The Championship Committee selects USMS National Championship hosts and serves in an advisory capacity to the hosts of these marquee events. The bid packet for 2024 events will be available in February 2022 due by May 1, 2022. After reviewing the introductory letter and FAQs, all groups or facilities interested in bidding to host a USMS National Championship should request a bid packet and application from the Championship Committee Chair via email or by phone at 510-324-6729.