U.S. Masters Swimming is committed to providing a safe and fun championship environment for this event. USMS reserves the right to alter COVID-19 protocols based on local, state, and national guidelines at the time of the event. Here is what is currently planned for the 2021 USMS Long Course National Championship. Any updates will be posted on this page and emailed to registered swimmers prior to the event.


  • USMS encourages members to continue following safety measures recommended by the CDC and local health officials to avoid COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination policies, perspectives, and expectations vary widely throughout the country, which makes a single national policy for all USMS clubs and events challenging. Based on those factors, USMS is not requiring COVID-19 vaccination for participation in club activities or sanctioned events including 2021 USMS Long Course Nationals. Here are vaccination guidelines for local clubs and events. 

  • Do not attend if you’re experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. If you experience symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within two weeks after the conclusion of the event, please contact events@usmastersswimming.org

  • Per CDC guidance, all attendees (both vaccinated and unvaccinated) will be required to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth at all times while indoors at the event except while swimming. 

  • During warmups, USMS recommends a max of six swimmers per lane in the 25-yard pool and 15 swimmers per lane in the 50-meter pool. Swimmers are discouraged from hanging on the walls during warm-up. Please be flexible with your warm-up routine to avoid overcrowding and be considerate of your fellow swimmers.

  • The most recent USMS liability release form must be executed by each participant during the event registration process. To be clear, USMS liability insurance doesn’t cover transmission of viral or bacterial infections. 

  • SPIRE Institute is a large facility that can accommodate over 3,000 people, which is significantly more than the expected attendance. There are ample seating areas to spread out. Please don’t congregate in crowded areas (behind the blocks, in the warmup pool, to cheer from the side of the pool, etc.). 

  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the facility.

  • Common areas and surfaces will be sanitized frequently. 

  • Swimmers are encourage to arrive and leave in their suits, but locker rooms and showers will be available. 


Most of all, use common sense to make this event as safe as possible for all attendees. We’ll be cheering for you from a safe distance!