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 2022 USMS Spring 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 2022 USMS Spring Nationals. Of note, participants 2021 USMS Long Course Nationals reported a vaccination rate of over 90%. Here are vaccination guidelines for local clubs and events. 
  • All attendees are asked to test within 72 hours of arriving at the event. You won’t need to show proof of a negative test, but we ask in the name of all attendees (fellow swimmers, volunteers, staff, etc.) and your own health that if you test positive and/or experience any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home. If you experience symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within two weeks after the conclusion of the event, please contact events@usmastersswimming.org
  • 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. 
  • Northside ISD Swim Center is a large facility that can accommodate over 3,000 attendees. There are ample seating areas to spread out. Please don’t congregate in crowded areas (behind the blocks, in the warmup pools, to cheer from the side of the pool, etc.). 
  • The competition pool, dive well, and instructional pool are outdoors. There is an additional indoor pool that will be available for warmup and overflow seating. Attendees are encouraged to wear a mask covering the nose and mouth while indoors (additional warmup pool, locker rooms, etc.) except while swimming. 
  • During warmups, USMS recommends a max of six swimmers per lane. 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.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the facility.
  • Common areas and surfaces will be sanitized frequently.
  • Swimmers are encouraged 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!