Sanction Application Process

We're launching a new event sanction system the week of March 9 that'll make applying for and receiving a sanction for your event much smoother. You can get a sneak peek at what's changing by watching our video overview. We're making these changes based on feedback from event directors like you, volunteers, and swimmers.

Below are important dates and more information about what's changing.

Important Dates

Feb. 27 - The current sanction system will be taken offline
March 9 - Anticipated launch date of the new sanction system

What's Changing for Event Directors

Design - it will offer a more modern and mobile-friendly layout
Login - a USMS My Account login is required, which provides a quick way to access event info
Dashboard - one place where upcoming and past events are visible, as well as the ability to add a new one
Types of Events - created more ways for events to show on the calendar
- Sanction/Recognition - this will stay the same
- Calendar Listing - this is for any event that is planning to be sanctioned or recognized but is hoping to get promoted now (even if all the documents aren't ready)
- Other - any event that is not applying for a sanction or recognition but is hoping to show on the calendar
Meet Announcement - required to be done before applying for a sanction, so the approval process will be smoother
Promotional Event Details - added new ways to help promote your event
Informational Event Details - added more fields to help the USMS staff promote, and members learn more about an event
Locations Database - for sanctioned/recognized/calendar listing pool events, the ability to select from pools that are only in our measured pool database, which is easily searchable and indicates if the times can count for the results database
Uploading Documents - all documents will be securely uploaded in the event sanction system, not separately in Survey Monkey
Quicker Turnaround Times - all of these enhancements and an easier approval process for our sanctions chairs mean events get reviewed faster

Thank you for running your USMS event in the past few years. You provided our members with opportunities to compete, set goals, meet other swimmers, and have fun outside of their workouts. We hope our new event sanction system will make sanctioning your event much easier in the future. Please email events@usmastersswimming.org if you have any questions.

General Sanction Information

We have written an Overview and General Sanction Information document for LMSC sanctions chairs that contains good information to ensure a well-run and properly reported competition takes place as sanctioning and recognizing events are a crucial function of USMS.
Dual-Sanctioning a USA Swimming Meet
- Official Rules Interpretation - Dual-Sanctioned Meets
Labeling Relays in the Meet Information to ensure they count for USMS Top 10
Open water event organizers should first review the open water event management page with the guide to operations, benefits of sanctioning, safety plan details, etc.

Meet Announcement Template

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 a local fees (sanction and/or one-event), please contact your LMSC Sanction Chair about fees associated with hosting a meet.

One Event Memberships (OEVT)

LMSCs have the option to offer one-event registrations at events sanctioned by their own LMSC. A one event registration provides USMS insurance coverage to a participant in one "event" (open water race or pool meet). More details, instructions, and information can be found on our One Event Memberships page. Your LMSC may charge a local one event fee, please contact your LMSC Sanction Chair about fees associated with hosting a meet.