Sanctioned Open Water Event
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Compliance Criteria

An event sanctioned by USMS, Inc., through one of its Local Masters Swimming Committees (LMSC), must meet all the following criteria:

• The event shall be conducted according to applicable USMS swimming rules and administrative regulations including:
  • Article 201: Membership and Representation, USMS Rule Book Part 2
  • Article 203: Open Water Sanction, USMS Rule Book Part 2
  • Open Water Event Management
  • Open Water and Long Distance Swimming Rules, USMS Rule Book Part 3
• Entry forms, programs, and results must bear the statement "Sanctioned by (LMSC name) for USMS Inc." (Article 203.3.3.B)
• LMSCs have the option to offer one-event registrations (OEVT) at events sanctioned by their own LMSC. See the One Event Memberships page for more information.
  • The total number of OEVT (if applicable) shall be emailed within 14 days of the event to:  volunteer@usmastersswimming.org.
• The sanctioning LMSC has the option to include offline processing as part of the sanction application, including due dates for additional information and attachments. Additionally, an LMSC may use performance bonds and requirements attached to the bonding process to encourage well-run events.
• All competitors must hold current USMS registrations or valid travel permits or their equivalents or have other acceptable proof of current Masters swimming registration and must be 18 years of age or over (Article 202.1).
• Entry forms shall contain the language of the PARTICIPANT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT. All swimmers shall have signed the liability release before participating. (202.1.1.A(1)

Sanction Fees

Effective Jan. 1, 2025 pool and open water event sanction fees have been eliminated. Refer to the Sanction Fee Grid for more information. Your LMSC may charge local fees (sanction and/or one-event), please contact your LMSC Sanction Chair about fees associated with hosting a meet.

Contacts and Resources

There's a ton of information here, but if you didn't find what you're looking for, or you did but have additional questions, we're here to help! Event Services is available via phone (941) 256-8767 or via email events@usmastersswimming.org.

Last Updated August 6, 2025