Policy & Procedures
Administration Division Competition and Athlete Development Division
  1. Board Procedures
  2. Budget and Finance
  3. Fees
  4. Membership
  5. House of Delegates
  6. Convention
  7. Marketing
  8. Swim Guide
  1. Sanctions and Meet Approval
  2. Scheduling
  3. Time Standards
  4. Meet Conduct
  5. Safety
  6. Officials and Equipment
  7. Records
  8. Awards and Banquet
  9. Camps
  10. Diversity & Outreach
Special Categories Division Related Documents
  1. Pacific Swimming Zones
  2. Far Western Championship
  3. Western Zone Championships
  4. Miscellaneous


Pacific Swimming Bylaws
Pacific Swimming Rules and Regulations

Administration Division

SECTION 1 — BOARD PROCEDURES

1.0 Board of Directors and House of Delegates meetings shall normally be held at the San Lorenzo Community Church on Paseo Grande Street, San Lorenzo, California. This location is based on the results of a study to determine the demographic center of the Pacific Swimming territory using a Movers Guide Atlas of distances for 24 potential meeting locations in reference to the home addresses for registered swimmers.

Adopted 8/28/85   Amended 3/24/99
2.0 Board of Directors meetings shall normally be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month January through October, and the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving. The meetings shall start at 7:00 PM. The agenda format shall be as provided in the Pacific Swimming Bylaws, Article 5.19.

Adopted 9/26/85   Amended 4/23/86   Amended 1994   Amended 3/24/99   Amended 3/22/06
3.0 Board members shall automatically be excused from attendance at Board meetings when participating in other FINA, USA Swimming, Western Zone, and Region XIII functions such as attending National, Junior, or Sectional Championships, US Open, Olympic Trials or other championship meets, USA Swimming national committee meetings, etc. Members may be excused for other reasons upon approval of the Board.

Adopted 2/22/89   Revised 9/22/99   Amended 2/28/01
4.0 Handout materials shall be placed on a table at the entrance or passed out prior to the start of the Board meeting. Such handout materials are not to be distributed while the meeting is in session. Handout materials may be submitted for distribution on the password-protected Pacific Swimming web site.

Adopted 1/25/84   Reworded 3/25/98   Reworded 3/22/06
5.0 Motions that require 30 days wait are:
  1. Any motion that changes present policy.
  2. Motions which affect the operation and/or rights of the Zones.
  3. Any changes that will affect clubs, athletes, and other members.

Adopted 1/27/82   Reworded 3/25/98

SECTION II — BUDGET AND FINANCE

1.0 The Pacific Swimming budget is a line item budget. The House of Delegates has authorized the Board of Directors to adjust budget items so long as they stay within the total budget figure.

Adopted 11/28/84   Reworded 3/25/98
2.0 The minimum service charge for checks returned to Pacific Swimming shall be $25.00 plus any bank charges. The second offense for a returned check within one year shall be referred to the Board of Review.

Adopted 9/25/91  Reworded 3/25/98  Amended 8/22/01
3.0 Pacific Swimming may make an annual donation to the San Lorenzo Community Church in an amount to be determined and budgeted by the Board of Directors.

Adopted 8/24/88  Amended 9/29/93  Amended 7/27/94  Amended 3/24/99  Amended 9/24/03  Amended 3/22/06
4.0 Payment may be made for use of office space for certain functions as determined by the Board of Directors.

Adopted 2/22/84  Amended 3/24/99
5.0 The procedure to apply for Pacific Swimming support to any USA Swimming or ASCA Coach Education opportunities shall be as follows:
  1. Must be a currently certified coach member of Pacific Swimming.
  2. Must have participated in Pacific Swimming sponsored activities in any of the following:
    1. Serve on the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors.
    2. Be on a coach or non-coach committee of Pacific Swimming.
    3. Be a coach or manager at one or more of the following functions within the past 24 months:
      1. Olympic Training Center Senior Camp
      2. Western Zone Championship Meet
      3. Quad Meet (or equivalent)
      4. Any Pacific Swimming sponsored camp
      5. Any other Pacific Swimming activity where a coach is needed
  3. Submit an application to the Pacific Swimming Coaches Committee which may include an explanation of why the committee should take the application under consideration and which may also include a resume of no more than one standard page.

Pacific Swimming will pay travel expenses and registration for up to two coaches each year to attend the Coach's Education opportunity in accordance with Section II 6.0 of these Policies and Procedures. Adopted 1/28/98  Reworded 1/24/01   Amended 3/22/06
6.0 The Pacific Swimming Travel Expense Reimbursement Policy is as follows:

Expenses incurred by members of the Board of Directors and others traveling as authorized representatives of Pacific Swimming shall be reimbursed in accordance with this policy. Members incurring expenses as Team Managers, Coaches, or Chaperones on Pacific Swimming sponsored team trips for competition and/or training will be reimbursed as provided for in the Budget and are not covered by this policy.

Expenses will be reimbursable when they have been approved by the Board of Directors or House of Delegates (budgeted expenses meet this requirement) and the amount is supported by appropriate evidence of the expense.

Reimbursement will be made upon completion of the travel. When expenses are anticipated to be greater than an amount a member could reasonably be asked to temporarily expend, the member may receive an advance payment as approved by the Treasurer. This member shall promptly submit evidence of the expenditure and repay all advanced funds not used. Travel from "home" to airport and return will be reimbursed at the IRS approved rate for "Contributions to Charitable Organizations", one reimbursement per vehicle. Actual cost of parking at the airport will be reimbursed at a rate not to exceed the "long term" parking rate. If no parking cost is incurred, travel will be reimbursed for two round trips to the airport. Alternative transportation modes may be used, such as taxi, limo, shuttle, etc. with reimbursement not to exceed two round trips by auto or one round trip plus long term parking costs, whichever is the lesser amount.

Actual air fare cost will be reimbursed at a value not to exceed the 21 day advance fare level. Flight reservations are expected to be made promptly so the cost to Pacific Swimming is minimized. Travel by cut-rate, no-frills, marginal economy air carriers is not expected. Reimbursement will be made upon submission of documentation showing the flight reservation and cost. Payments will be made to the traveler, not to travel agencies.

Actual cost of "single room" lodging will be reimbursed. It is expected that the traveler will lodge at "two or three star" level accommodations, as available, and for no longer that required. Luxury or "cheapy" rooms are not expected. In the case of travel to USA Swimming sponsored events where USA Swimming pays for a "double" room, Pacific Swimming will pay the additional cost for a single room.

Meals, telephone, taxi/car rental, etc. shall be reimbursed at actual cost, but in no event will expenses not clearly required or avoidable be reimbursed.

Adopted 6/26/96  Reworded 1/24/01
7.0 Reimbursement of disability swimmers attending the USA Swimming Disability Championship meet shall be set at the same rate used to reimburse swimmers attending National Championships.

Adopted 10/27/99  Amended 2/28/01
8.0 The co-pay for Western Zone and Quad meets shall be 30% unless otherwise specified by the Board of Directors.

Adopted 4/26/00  Amended 1/24/01
9.0 Pacific Swimming shall establish an account to be administered by Pacific Swimming to manage funds in the Adam Szmidt Memorial Fund. The General Chairman, Vice-chairmen, and Treasurer are authorized to sign checks with only one signature required.

Adopted 12/6/00

SECTION III — FEES

1.0 The local fee to be added to the USA Swimming fees, as provided for in Article 3 of the Pacific Swimming By-laws shall be:
  • Regular Athlete - $10
  • Seasonal Athlete - $8
  • Outreach Athlete - $0
  • Non-athlete Individual Members - $0
  • Club and other Group Members - $50
Adopted 1/25/89  Amended 2/23/00  Amended 2/28/01  Amended 4/25/01  Amended 10/23/02  Amended 12/4/02
2.0 Exceptions for meet fees:
  1. The event entry fee for a Zone Championship meet may be lower than that listed in Pacific Swimming Rules and Regulations 2.B. with the following provision:
    1. The Zone shall pay the fees due to Pacific Swimming fees as listed in the Swim Guide.
  2. The event entry fee for a closed league championship meet may be lower than that listed in Pacific Swimming Rules and Regulations 2.B with the following provision:
    1. The league shall pay the fees due to Pacific Swimming as listed in the Swim Guide.
Adopted 1/23/91  Reworded 3/25/98  Amended 10/23/02
3.0 Pacific Swimming has established a policy that each person shall be responsible for lost key charges at the Western Zone Championship Meet and that this policy be stated in the Western Zone information.

Adopted 4/28/89  Reworded 3/25/98

SECTION IV — MEMBERSHIP

1.0 No information regarding any Group or Individual USA Swimming members may be provided for commercial purposes.

Adopted 1/24/90  Reworded 3/25/98
2.0 Club names and abbreviations must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Adopted 10/27/99  Reworded 1/24/01
3.0 The following statement shall be placed in the information for all meets: "All coaches and deck officials must visibly display their current USA Swimming membership card."

Adopted 4/27/88  Revised 9/22/99
4.0 Depending upon availability, any non-athlete member who desires additional membership cards or duplicates for lost cards may have that card for $1.00 upon written application.

Adopted 7/27/88  Revised 9/22/99
5.0 Pacific Swimming shall present the Outstanding Service Award (Volunteer of the Year) recipient(s) a Lifetime Membership in USA Swimming. No person is eligible for more than one Lifetime Membership award.

Adopted 9/28/88  Revised 9/22/99
6.0 Upon the completion of two consecutive 2-year terms in office, Pacific Swimming shall present the retiring General Chairman a Life Membership in USA Swimming. No person is eligible for more than one Lifetime Membership award.

Adopted 9/28/88  Revised 9/22/99
7.0 Pacific Swimming shall participate in the USA Swimming Outreach Program and offer registration at the USA Swimming registration fee of $5.00 with no additional fees to Pacific Swimming. The criteria for eligibility shall be that the swimmer's family meets the eligibility requirements of one of the following and the swimmer's sponsoring club shall so certify:
  • Free School Lunch Program
  • Food Stamps
  • Family income at or below the state poverty level

Adopted 8/28/02
8.0 New registration cards will not be issued to clubs which change names or acronyms at any time of the year except during the registration renewal period.

Adopted 1/23/02
9.0 Pacific Swimming will enforce Article 302.4 of the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations with a fine of $100 per occurrence to be imposed on a member Coach or a member club representative for signing an Athlete Registration Certification when it is subsequently determined that the athlete was not properly registered at the time of the meet. The Registration Chairman Shall notify the coach or club representative that the fine is due and must be paid within 30 days. Should payment not be received by the due date, the matter shall be referred to the Board of Review.

Adopted 1/22/03

SECTION V — HOUSE OF DELEGATES

1.0 Any motion made before the House of Delegates shall be considered at the next House of Delegates meeting unless:
  1. 30 days notice in writing has been given to all members of the House of Delegates, or
  2. The House of Delegates, by a 2/3 majority, determines the matter to be an emergency.

Adopted 6/28/89  Reworded 3/25/98

SECTION VI — CONVENTION

1.0 In addition to the provisions in Pacific Swimming Bylaws Section 6.7.10 for appointment of alternate delegates to the USA Swimming House of Delegates, all Pacific Swimming attendees at the USAS Convention who do not already have a vote are authorized as eligible alternates with the final selection(s) to be made by the General Chairman at the convention.

Adopted 6/25/86  Revised 9/22/99
2.0 Criteria for Financial Assistance to the USAS Convention
  1. These criteria establish the basis for assistance to the people from Pacific Swimming who participate in the USAS Convention. The purpose of this assistance is to aid people to become a part of USA Swimming administration for the benefit of swimming in general and Pacific Swimming in particular.
  2. To be eligible for financial assistance, the individual shall meet the following qualifications;
    1. Be a member of USA Swimming from Pacific Swimming.
    2. Be actively involved in Pacific Swimming for the previous year and have been present in at least 70% of the meetings of the Board of Directors since the prior USAS Convention.
    3. Take an active part in Pacific Swimming's activities at the convention, attend meetings pertinent to their respective position or assignment by the General Chairman at the convention, and participate in all caucuses of Pacific Swimming.
  3. Members of the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors, members of Pacific Swimming with a vote at the USA Swimming House of Delegates and members of USA Swimming national committees meeting the above qualifications shall be eligible to receive one "full share" of Financial Assistance. A "full share" is further defined as (a) the cost of transportation as determined by the Board of Directors and (b) a per diem of 100% of the cost of a standard double room including all taxes as quoted in the convention registration forms. Should 2 individuals from Pacific Swimming share a room, each individual will receive 60 % of the cost of the room. This per diem shall be paid for the number of days the delegate actually attended the convention but not to exceed seven days. Pacific Swimming shall pay the "Early Bird" Registration Fee if the individual actually attends the convention. The Registration Fee may be advanced upon submission of a copy of the completed USAS Registration Form. The cost of transportation as determined by the Board of Directors may be advanced upon submission of evidence of payment for transportation. Payment will be the lesser of either the amount actually paid or the determined cost. Should these amounts differ, final adjustment will be made when the balance of the convention expenses are settled. If the applicant fails to attend the convention, the advances shall be returned to Pacific Swimming.
  4. For individuals, with or without a vote at the USA Swimming House of Delegates, meeting qualifications numbers b.1. and b.3. (above) who are not members of the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors, Pacific Swimming shall pay the "Early Bird" Registration Fee if the individual actually attends the convention. The Registration Fee may be advanced upon submission of a copy of the completed USAS Registration Form. If the applicant fails to attend the convention, the advance shall be returned to Pacific Swimming.
Adopted 12/27/87  Amended 6/24/92  Reworded 3/25/98  Amended 6/22/05   Amended 8/24/05  Amended 3/28/07

SECTION VII — MARKETING

1.0 Club address labels for Pacific Swimming may be purchased for $5.00. Club address labels for Sierra Nevada and Central California Swimming may be purchased for $2.00.

Adopted 6/26/85  Revised 9/22/99
2.0 The Zones and other authorized groups of Pacific Swimming may modify the USA Swimming Logo in accordance with the LSC Logo Standards Manual as provided by USA Swimming.

Adopted 1/27/93  Revised 9/22/99  Amended 3/22/06
3.0 The charge for Pacific Swimming name tags shall be as established by the Board of Directors.

Adopted 11/29/89  Reworded 4/22/98
4.0 No information regarding any Group or Individual USA Swimming members may be provided for commercial purposes.

Adopted 1/24/90  Reworded 3/25/98

SECTION VIII — SWIM GUIDE

1.0 The price for Pacific Swim Guides shall be as established by the Board of Directors based upon recommendations from the Swim Guide chairman.

Adopted 4/22/92  Amended 2/23/00
2.0 Prices for advertisements shall be as recommended by the Marketing Chairman and approved by the Board of Directors.

Adopted 9/28/88   Revised 7/22/98
3.0 Advertisements in the Swim Guide shall be paid and no swap made unless with Board of Directors approval.

Adopted 9/27/89  Reworded 3/25/98
4.0 It shall be Pacific Swimming policy to support Swim Guide advertisers.

Adopted 10/24/90  Reworded 3/25/98

Competition and Athlete Development Division

SECTION IX — SANCTIONS AND MEET APPROVAL

1.0 The meet information for any PC meet must be reviewed and approved by the head Referee prior to the meet being sanctioned.

Adopted 7/26/00
2.0 Wording shall be included in all non-championship meet information as follows: "Disability swimmers are welcome to attend this meet and should contact the Meet Director or Meet Referee regarding special accommodations on entry times and seeding per Pacific Swimming policy." The preceding statement may also be included in meet information for championship meets at the discretion of the Meet Director and Meet Referee.

Adopted 4/25/01
3.0 Any meet having qualifying time standards not in accordance with those published in the Swim Guide must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to being sanctioned.

Adopted 4/28/89  Reworded 3/25/98
4.0 Pacific Swimming shall allow sanctioning of mixed classification meets offered in compliance with USA Swimming Rules and Regulations Section 102.2.6 and 7.

Adopted 2/28/90  Reworded 3/25/98
5.0 Zones may restrict entry to residents of the Zones in certain meets. For meets with an entry limit, awarded and scheduled by the Zone, a host club may give priority to swimmers attached to the clubs within the Zone as follows:
  1. Entries submitted by swimmers within the Zone must be postmarked by the third Monday before the first day of competition of the upcoming meet, to warrant priority.
  2. All entries from other Pacific swimming Zones or other LSC's must be postmarked by the second Monday before the first day of competition. These entries will be accepted on a first-come basis along with the remaining local Zone entries that did NOT make the third Monday postmark requirement.
  3. Wording explaining that local entries will be given priority, if postmarked by the third Monday, shall be included in the "Entries" section of the sanction meet information.
  4. Entries from other Pacific Swimming Zones or LSC's will not be considered until the 2nd Monday before the meet, and then will be considered in the order that they were received.
Adopted 3/28/01
6.0 The fees for open water swimming must be presented to the Board of Directors for approval prior to sanction.

Adopted 8/26/98  Reworded 1/24/01
7.0 The sanction shall be completed and meet information made available no later than December 1st for the Far Western Short Course Championship Meet and April 1 for the Far Western Long Course Championship Meet.

Adopted 2/24/93  Reworded 3/25/98
8.0 Any LSC adjoining the territory of Pacific Swimming shall be permitted to hold a meet at a pool within the territory of Pacific Swimming subject to the approval of the pool owner, any Pacific Swimming club located in the vicinity of the pool, and the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors. Said meet shall be sanctioned and operated under the using LSC’s rules.

Adopted 12/2/98  Reworded 1/24/01   Amended 3/22/06
9.0 A club wishing to host a Zone-awarded meet at a pool outside their Zone must receive approval of the meet from the other Zone. After such approval, the club may process the meet sanction through and in accordance with procedures of their own Zone or under mutually agreed upon conditions. Any dispute regarding such meets will be adjudicated by the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors.

Adopted 12/3/03

SECTION X — SCHEDULING

1.0 The Scheduling Committee shall:
As a general rule, oversee the operation of the present schedule, plan the next year's schedule, and plan future schedules, if possible, in accordance with the following:
  1. The Pacific Swimming schedule should foster continuous competition from Age Group through Senior Swimming.
  2. The schedule should be arranged so that conflicts are minimized.
  3. Establish standards to control the awarding of meets.
  4. Provide guidelines for meet formats for Pacific Swimming awarded meets.
Adopted 1/25/84  Reworded 7/22/98
2.0 Clubs wanting to bid to host Pacific Swimming awarded Age Group meets shall agree to comply with the Minimum Criteria for Pacific Age Group Meets on the following page.

Adopted 5/25/05
3.0 On protected weekends, no further meets may be approved or sanctioned for meets held by a USA Swimming member where all participants are registered swimmers.

Adopted 2/23/00  Reworded 1/24/01
4.0 Any Zone or club that wants to schedule a meet opposite a Pacific Swimming awarded meet with time standards which conflict with the Pacific Swimming awarded meet must first obtain Board of Directors approval.

Adopted 1/26/94  Revised 9/22/99
5.0 A change of venue for a Pacific Swimming awarded meet not yet sanctioned shall be resolved by the Scheduling Committee as an administrative matter.

Adopted 10/28/87  Reworded 3/25/98
6.0 Any request to the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors to change the level of a meet shall be a 30-day motion in order to allow comments from the Zone Scheduling Committees.

Adopted 10/25/89  Reworded 3/25/98
7.0 Clubs in the Eureka/Crescent City area and Zone 4 may schedule meets opposite Pacific Swimming sponsored meets (distance being the determining factor).

Adopted 10/24/91  Reworded 3/25/98
8.0 Pacific Swimming may subsidize host clubs for some of the documented out- of-pocket costs of hosting meets designated by the Board of Directors. Such costs may include pool rental, computer and timing services and similar direct costs. These costs do not include costs associated with programs, snack bars, hospitality, raffles, and similar indirect costs. The designated meets and amounts of subsidy shall be proposed jointly by the Senior and/or Age Group committees and the Scheduling committee and be approved by the Board of Directors for inclusion in the annual operating budget. The subsidy shall be paid to the host club upon submission of the required documentation as specified by the Treasurer.

Adopted 4/24/96  Reworded 1/24/01  Amended 4/25/01
9.0 Any LSC adjoining the territory of Pacific Swimming shall be permitted to hold a meet at a pool within the territory of Pacific Swimming subject to the approval of the pool owner, any Pacific Swimming club located in the vicinity of the pool , and the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors. Said meet shall be sanctioned and operated under the using LSC’s rules.

Adopted 4/24/96  Reworded 1/24/01  Amended 3/22/06

SECTION XI — TIME STANDARDS

1.0 Following is the description of the duties and responsibilities of the Time Standards Committee:

Role: The role of the Time Standards Committee shall be to act as the control point for all time standards adopted by Pacific Swimming. The Time Standards Committee shall prepare and present to the Board of Directors the times for consideration based on guidelines which have been established by the Time Standards Committee with input from the Age Group and Senior Committees and approved by the Board of Directors.

Membership: The membership of the Time Standards Committee shall be the Chairman appointed by the General Chairman and others representing coaches, athletes, and volunteers appointed by the General Chairman with the concurrence of the Time Standards Committee Chairman.

Age Group and Senior Committees: The Age Group and Senior Committees shall each year provide to the Time Standards Committee at or before the February Board of Directors meeting any proposed changes to the time standards guidelines. After review, the Time Standards Committee shall present the guideline changes, including information about the effects of the changes, to the Board of Directors at the April meeting.

The Time Standards Committee shall each year present to the Board of Directors by the June meeting for adoption at the July meeting the times calculated using the established guidelines. These shall include the Age Group Time Standards and Senior Time Standards. Western Zone Consideration Times, which are based on results of each year's meet, shall be provided at the September meeting.

Any committee or individual who wishes to recommend changes to the guidelines or time standards shall present their recommendations on a timely basis to permit compliance with the above dates to the Age Group or Senior Committee which, upon acceptance or modification, shall provide their recommendation to the Time Standards Committee.

Should the Age Group or Senior Committee not present a recommendation on the guidelines to the Time Standards Committee by the February Board of Directors meeting, the Time Standards Committee shall prepare the time standards based upon the currently approved guidelines. The Time Standards Committee may, in addition, present recommended changes if it appears the existing guidelines do not meet the stated purposes.

Adopted 4/22/98
2.0 Pacific Reportable Time Standards shall be established using a procedure like USA Swimming National Reportable Time Standards:
  1. The PRT shall be the 16th fastest swim by a Pacific Swimmer rounded to the nearest 0.X9 but not less than or equal to "Q" time.
  2. After PRT's are established, the time shall be adjusted using a four year rolling average (up or down).
Adopted 11/29/95   Reworded 1/24/01
3.0 The following criteria shall be used to calculate the Western Zone Consideration Times:
  1. Average of the 8th place times in prelims for the last 3 years.
  2. Times to be adjusted for altitude when applicable.
  3. No time shall be slower than "Q" times.
Adopted 3/26/97  Reworded 2/28/01
4.0 The Far Western time standards will be established as follows:
  1. The basic 2007 time standards will be the same as 2006 standards except for the following adjustments:
    1. Based on the meet results of 2003 through 2006 (previous 4 years), for any 50-yard, 50-meter, 100- yard, or 100-meter event with more than 64 places, the time standards will be adjusted to the average of the 64th place times, rounded to the nearest 0.X9 second.
    2. Based on the meet results of 2003 through 2006 (previous 4 years), for any 200-yard/200- meter or longer event with more than 48 places, the time standards will be adjusted to the average of the 48th place times, rounded to the nearest 0.X9 second.
  2. This adjustment will be done every 4 years. The next adjustment will be 2011.
  3. The SCM times will be converted from LCM times.
Adopted 10/25/06
5.0 A single “JO” time standard consisting of SCY, SCM, and LCM shall be used for all Short Course Junior Olympic (SCJO) Championships and Long Course Junior Olympic (LCJO) Championships. The SCM times are to be converted from the LCM times using the USA Swimming conversion formula. For the SCJO, the SCM and LCM are non-conforming times. For the LCJO, the SCY and SCM are nonconforming times. The “JO” time standards shall be adjusted every four years (starting in 2007) as follows:
  1. The Spring SCJO and the Summer LCJO meet results shall be used for SCY and LCM time standards adjustment, respectively.
  2. Based on the meet results from the previous 4 years, the time standards shall be adjusted for any 100-yard/100- meter or shorter event that has 64 splashes or more and for any 200-yard/200-meter or longer event that has 48 splashes or more.
  3. For 100-yard/100- meter or shorter events, the time standards shall be the average of the 64th place times recorded in the previous 4 years.
  4. For 200-yard/200- meter or longer events, the time standards shall be the average of the 48th place times recorded in the previous 4 years.
Adopted 10/25/06

SECTION XII — MEET CONDUCT

1.0 All events for which "Q" times are established may be offered in Age Group Classified meets (B, B-, BB, A, etc.) and where not currently present, appropriate time standards for all classes shall be established by the Time Standards Committee.

Adopted 5/28/86  Reworded 3/25/98
2.0 There shall be no limit on the number of events offered at a meet.

Adopted 5/27/87  Reworded 3/25/98
3.0 In Pacific Swimming Zone awarded meets, 15&over events are allowed. The Zones shall determine applicable time standards and awards for 19 and over swimmers.

Adopted 1/24/90  Reworded 3/25/98
4.0 Open events are not considered age group competition.

Adopted 2/25/98  Reworded 1/24/01
5.0 In all trials and finals meets where there are one or more heats in addition to the finals heats, the finals heat (A) shall be swum first followed by the consolation (B), preconsolation (C), bonus (D), and prebonus (E) (or other applicable terminology) heats.

Adopted 6/20/84  Revised 9/22/99
6.0 All heats in the distance events (800/1000 and 1500/1650 freestyle) shall be numbered in the actual order they are to be swum (e.g. fastest to slowest alternating women and men, etc.) with the final heats to be listed as "Finals" for women and for men (e.g. FW, FM).

Adopted 6/20/84  Reworded 3/25/98
7.0 Pacific Swimming may offer a Time Trial meet in conjunction with Senior T/F meets, except for last chance deck entry meets. The schedule of events shall include the entire schedule of Senior events. The time at which the Time Trial meet will be swum shall be jointly agreed upon by the Meet Director and Meet Referee. Exceptions may be made by the host club by statement in the meet information or by the Meet Referee. At meets that include time trials, only swimmers that are entered in individual events in the main meet shall be eligible to enter the time trials.

Adopted 7/27/88  Reworded 3/25/98  Amended 2/28/01  Amended 3/22/06
8.0 Individuals or relays representing all-star teams shall not score team or relay points at Far Western Championship Meets. Team points for places achieved by all-star team individuals or relays shall be discarded and not be awarded.

Adopted 4/27/88  Amended 2/23/00
9.0 At a Far Western Championship Meet, whenever a single age group has more than one relay event scheduled in finals on the same day, the shorter distance relay for that age group shall be scheduled at the beginning of finals. When the 800 Free Relay and 200 Medley Relay fall on the same day for any age group, the Medley Relay shall be swum at the beginning of finals.

Adopted 5/24/89  Reworded 3/25/98
10.0 Invitational meets shall be closed and shall be limited to two teams per competitive lane, the clubs to be named in the sanction.

Adopted 7/21/99  Reworded 1/24/01
11.0 Invitational meets in Zone 4 and the North Coast area of Zone 3 shall be limited with the published capacities that are available to the Pacific Swimming Sanctions chair and on file with the Pacific Swimming Secretary. These published limits shall exempt Zone 4 and the Northcoast area of Zone 3 from the two invited team limit per competition lane rule per Section IX.

Adopted 1/26/00  Reworded 1/24/01
12.0 The following statement shall be placed in the information for all meets: "All coaches and deck officials must visibly display their current USA Swimming membership card."

Adopted 4/27/88  Revised 9/22/99
13.0 At all Pacific Swimming meets, a coach who is not wearing his/her card visibly or who is unable to produce the card be given the option to sign a statement attesting to certification or to remove himself/herself from coaching responsibilities on the deck. The penalty for false representation shall be a fine of $100 payable to Pacific Swimming. A coach has the right to appeal the penalty through the review committee process.

Adopted 5/26/99  Reworded 1/24/01
14.0 Coaches of Western Zone and Quad meets shall not be paid an honorarium.

Adopted 2/23/99  Reworded 1/24/01
15.0 The format for the AA+ and A+ Last Chance Far Western Qualifying Meets, including options and recommendations but excepting the maximum number of events shall be in accordance with the following: Last Chance A+ Format/AA+ Format (incorporated by reference)

Adopted 11/30/83   Reworded 3/25/98
16.0 For the purpose of "Proof of Time", an Official Time may be verified as follows:
  1. USA Swimming SWIMS database,
  2. National Times Verification Officers,
  3. Printed Official Meet Results (entire meet results),
  4. Listing in an authorized LSC Database.

Examples of an authorized LSC Database are:

  1. results on an LSC Website
  2. results in the LSC Records Database
  3. results in a third party database that has been accepted by the LSC

Examples of a third party database that has been accepted by the LSC are

  1. records database run by Pacific Swimming Records Chair
  2. verification database as authorized by Pacific `
  3. Swim Connection database which is a for profit business providing services to Sierra Nevada, Ohio and Central California Swimming
  4. Hy-Tek Team Manager database for some contracted LSCs

Adopted 4/28/04

SECTION XIII — SAFETY

1.0 Safety Guidelines and Warm-up Procedures (incorporated by reference)

As adopted by Pacific Swimming effective April 22, 1987 and amended various times through July 20, 2005
2.0

Marshals Duty Statement (incorporated by reference)

Adopted 6/20/01  Amended 10/24/07 to delete sentence reading "All Marshals are officials of the meet and MUST be nonathlete members of USA Swimming."
3.0 Portable gas-fired (propane) space heaters pose a safety risk to people who may accidentally contact an operating heater unit. Pacific Swimming does not condone the use of such heaters within swimming venues, and meet referees and/or head marshals will ask persons to remove their personal heater units from the swimming venue as defined in the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations.

Adopted 5/23/2001

SECTION XIV — OFFICIALS AND EQUIPMENT

1.0 It shall be the responsibility of the host club to provide batteries for, to repair or replace damaged or lost head sets, and to return the head sets with fresh batteries.

Adopted 6/28/89  Revised 9/22/99
2.0 Observed meets shall be planned and conducted in accordance with the procedures which can be found in Section 8 of the USA Swimming Times Module Policy and Guidelines.

Adopted 1/25/06

SECTION XV — RECORDS

1.0 Times will not be accepted for Pacific Swimming records for swimmers competing in a foreign meet and not representing a Pacific Swimming or USA Swimming club.

Adopted 1/24/90  Reworded 3/25/98

2.0 Pacific Swimming will tabulate college swims that are done in accordance with USA Swimming rules and providing the following conditions are met:
  1. The swimmer must be registered in Pacific Swimming at the time of the swim.
  2. Swims must be reported to the Pacific Swimming Records Chairman by the swimmer or their representative.
  3. To report the times, the times must be posted in either the USA Swimming SWIMS database or the TOP-16 RANKINGS as shown on the USA Swimming web site.
  4. The report must state the name of the swimmer as listed in the rankings and:
    1. The event swum and the time, (200 YD FLY - 2:08.24)
    2. The date of the swim, (March 24, 2001)
    3. The meet host, meet name, and meet venue location (city or college)
  5. This report must be received by the Records Chairman prior to August 31 of the season swum. (The season is from September 1 of the year until August 31 of the following year)
Adopted 5/22/96  Amended 2/28/01

3.0 Zone all-star records do not qualify as Pacific Swimming All-Star records.

Adopted 10/24/84  Reworded 3/25/98

SECTION XVI — AWARDS AND BANQUET

1.0 There shall be an annual awards dinner at which awards are presented in each age group (10&under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18) to the male and female swimmers placing among the highest three from the selection criteria provided in Section XVI 3.0 separately for short and long course achievements. Swimmers moving into Pacific Swimming to attend a university (whether or not on scholarship)are not eligible for these awards as they do not meet the age group requirements. Awards shall also be presented to the Outstanding Senior Male and Female Swimmers each year as determined in accordance with the provisions of Section XVI 5.0. Award winners and their coach shall be the guests of Pacific Swimming at the dinner. .

Adopted 6/23/93  Revised 12/2/98  Amended 2/28/01  Amended 10/22/03

2.0 The cut-off time for the selection process for outstanding age group swimmers shall be 45 days prior to the awards dinner.

Adopted 10/28/98

3.0 The selection criteria for the age group awards are:
  1. National Record - 100 points
  2. Pacific Record - 50 points
  3. Top 16 National Rankings: each placing 
                   1st - 16 points       9th -  8 points
               2nd - 15 points      10th -  7 points
               3rd - 14 points      11th -  6 points
               4th - 13 points      12th -  5 points
               5th - 12 points      13th -  4 points
               6th - 11 points      14th -  3 points
               7th - 10 points      15th -  2 points
               8th -  9 points      16th -  1 point
  4. One point shall be added for each NRT achieved regardless of ranking.
  5. If the Top 16 National Rankings are unavailable, each Pacific Swimming Top 10 Swimmer who has achieved an NRT will be ranked by those times. If all 10 made NRT's, the fastest will receive 10 points and the slowest will receive 1 point. If only 1 has made NRT, that swimmer will receive 10 points but only the NRT swimmers will score points.
  6. If, after determining the point total from a.-c. or a.-d. above, it is not possible to make the final 3 selections, each placing in the Top 10 Pacific Swimming Rankings shall be used to assist in the selection, 10 points for 1st through 1 point for 10th.

Adopted 10/28/98  Amended 2/23/05

4.0 There shall be an annual "George F. Haines" Pacific Swimming Coach of the Year Award for which the criteria and selection shall be the responsibility of the coaches committee. The coaches committee shall also select an "Age Group Coach of the Year". The coaches to be honored will be guests of Pacific Swimming at the annual awards dinner at which the awards shall be presented.

Adopted 5/23/84  Revised 12/2/98
5.0 Pacific Swimming shall award two "Outstanding Senior Male and Female" awards each year. These awards shall be presented at the annual awards dinner along with the awards described in Section XVI 1.0. Award winners and their coach shall be the guests of Pacific Swimming at the dinner. One award each to a college or post-graduate male and female, and one each to a pre-college male and female. Each award shall be based on total points scored at the two National Championship Meets (Spring and Summer) each year. The tie breaker will go to the swimmer with the highest World Ranking in any event, or the highest combination of World Rankings if necessary. If there are no scores kept (i.e. Olympic Trials or Top 24 placing) then the highest combined finishes will be used with the lowest total winning. Note: this formula will weight the swimmer with two Top 8 and one Top 16 placing higher than a swimmer who wins one event, but fails to swim other events.

The intent is to award swimmers who have spent all or much of their age group career with Pacific Swimming. Swimmers whose families have relocated to Pacific are eligible, as are swimmers who began their USA Swimming careers a short time ago but progress to a National level rapidly. Swimmers moving into Pacific to attend a University (whether or not on scholarship) are not eligible for these awards, as they do not meet the age group requirement. Swimmers must be representing a Pacific Swimming member team (or be listed Unattached/Pacific) at both meets each year for their performances to be considered. Swimmers who must represent their University at Spring Nationals (or UN-PC) will still be considered for awards, provided they represent their home club (PC) at Summer Nationals.

Adopted 8/23/00  Amended 2/28/01
6.0 The cost of a meal at the Pacific Swimming Awards banquet shall be paid as follows:
  1. a. Pacific Swimming will pay 100% of the meal for honored members of Pacific Swimming:
    • The outstanding Age Group Swimmers
    • The two coaches of the year
    • The swimmers of the year
    • The volunteer of the year
  2. Pacific Swimming will pay 100% of the meal for members involved in running the banquet:
    • The Administrative Vice-Chairman
    • The Age Group Vice-Chairman
  3. All other banquet attendees shall be charged $10.
  4. Children 6 and under accompanying an adult attendee will not be charged for the meal.
Adopted 7/24/02  Amended 4/27/05

SECTION XVII — CAMPS

1.0 Pacific Swimming shall establish an account to be administered by Pacific Swimming to manage funds in the Adam Szmidt Memorial Fund. The General Chairman, Vice-chairmen, and Treasurer are authorized to sign checks with only one signature required.

Adopted 12/6/00
2.0 The Adam Szmidt Memorial Fund

Purpose: The Adam Szmidt Memorial Fund is to provide financial assistance to Age Group Swimmers who have qualified for a swimming camp.

Board of Trustees: The Board of Trustees for the Adam Szmidt Memorial Fund will be the Treasurer of Pacific Swimming, Camp Committee Chairman, Judith Szmidt, Andrew Szmidt, Julian Szmidt, and Leszek Szmidt. The role of the Trustees will be to direct distribution of funds.

Procedure:

  1. Pacific Swimming will name the 10-Under Swimming Camp the "Adam Szmidt Memorial Camp for 10-Unders".
  2. The Adam Szmidt Memorial Camp will be held between April and August of each year.
  3. Earnings from the Fund will be used to offset the swimmer's co- pay amount for the Adam Szmidt Memorial Camp.
  4. Swimmers must meet the following criteria to be eligible for Fund payment:
    1. Swimmers must compete in the Pacific Swimming designated Qualifying Meet.
    2. Swimmers must be members of Pacific Swimming.
  5. Qualified swimmers must complete an application for the Adam Szmidt Memorial Camp within the time frames established by Pacific Swimming.
  6. A letter of encouragement will be sent to all applicants from the Adam Szmidt Memorial Fund Trustees.

Adopted 5/23/01

3.0 The co-pay for camps held within Pacific Swimming shall be $15.00 for one day camps and 30% of the total cost of the camp for multiple day camps.

Adopted 4/26/00  Amended 12/6/00  Reworded 1/24/01  Amended 10/22/03
4.0 The co-pay for camps held outside Pacific Swimming shall be 35%. This would apply to the Senior Distance Camp held at the OTC in January.

Adopted 10/24/01  Amended 10/22/03

5.0 At the conclusion of the Senior OTC Distance Camp, the camp coordinator will recalculate the 35% co-pay based on the actual cost of the camp. If this amount exceeds the co-pay paid at the time of application for the camp (which was based on the budgeted cost of the camp) by $50 or more, the camp coordinator will authorize a reimbursement of the difference be given to each of the families who had swimmers that attended the camp.

Adopted 4/28/04
6.0 Pacific Swimming has established a policy that each person shall be responsible for lost key charges at camps.

Adopted 4/28/89  Reworded 3/25/98
7.0 Outreach athletes shall be charged 25% of the set co-pay to participate on Allstar teams and at multi-day camps. The co-pay for one-day camps shall not be reduced.

Adopted 2/23/05

SECTION XVIII — DIVERSITY & OUTREACH

1.0 The primary purpose of the Diversity & Outreach Program shall be to increase multicultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity and to foster an inclusive environment at all levels of the sport of competitive swimming. It is intended that this program will reach out to underrepresented groups in the overall community.

Adopted 8/22/07
2.0 The Diversity & Outreach Committee shall develop and administer programs which are aimed at encouraging existing clubs and related organizations to expand opportunities to provide a competitive swimming experience to those individuals currently lacking such opportunities.

Adopted 8/22/07
3.0 Committee membership shall include representatives from the Age Group, Senior, and Coaches Committees, each Zone, and at least one athlete.

Adopted 8/22/07
4.0 The committee shall evaluate proposals and make recommendations to the Board of Directors for the allocation of funds to those programs which show promise of achieving their objectives.

Adopted 8/22/07
5.0 Clubs and organizations requesting support from Pacific Swimming shall submit a written Program Plan which includes the purpose, plan description, test metrics, schedule, budget, funding requested from Pacific Swimming, and manpower expectations. The Committee shall evaluate the requests based on the following criteria:
  • Fulfillment of the USA Swimming Outreach Program Mission, (i.e. Provide opportunities in swimming to the underrepresented and economically disadvantaged youth in the United States)
  • Fulfillment of the Pacific Swimming Mission (i.e. Encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in swimming)
  • Benefit to the athletes
  • Innovation
  • Likelihood of success
  • Other sources of funding
  • Available funding from Pacific Swimming
Upon approval by the committee and the Board of Directors, the requesting organization shall be advised to enact the Program Plan and upon completion or reach ing appropriate milestones, provide a written report to the committee outlining the results. Documented expenses up to the amount allocated for the program shall be reimbursed; however, an advance may be considered prior to submittal of final reports. The committee in its report to the Board of Directors may recommend discontinuance, further evaluation, or approval for continuation and/or expansion of the program.

Adopted 8/22/07
6.0 To be eligible to receive funding, the organization and athletes must be registered members of USA Swimming and Pacific Swimming. Organizations shall provide a copy of IRS documentation of their eligibility for tax deductible donations.

Adopted 8/22/07
7.0 The committee may recommend limits to funding or time periods for fund availability for any organization requesting funds.

Adopted 8/22/07
8.0 This program is intended to address innovative new opportunities and is not expected to continue ongoing programs after they have been initially been developed.

Adopted 8/22/07

9.0 The Committee shall prepare a draft of the annual Diversity & Outreach budget for submittal to the Finance & Audit Chairman, Board of Directors, and House of Delegates.

Adopted 8/22/07

SECTION A — PACIFIC SWIMMING ZONES

  (These items are duplicates of items located in various Sections above)
1.0 The Zones and other authorized groups of Pacific Swimming may modify the USA Swimming Logo in accordance with the LSC Logo Standards Manual as provided by USA Swimming.

Adopted 1/27/93 Revised 9/22/99 Amended 3/22/06
2.0 Zones may restrict entry to residents of the Zones in certain meets. For long course meets with an entry limit, awarded and scheduled by the Zone, a host club may give priority to swimmers attached to the clubs within the Zone as follows:
  1. Entries submitted by swimmers within the Zone must be postmarked by the third Monday before the first day of competition of the upcoming meet, to warrant priority.
  2. All entries from other Pacific swimming Zones or other LSC's must be postmarked by the second Monday before the first day of competition. These entries will be accepted on a first-come basis along with the remaining local Zone entries that did NOT make the third Monday postmark requirement.
  3. Wording explaining that local entries will be given priority, if postmarked by the third Monday, shall be included in the "Entries" section of the sanction meet information.
  4. Entries from other Pacific Swimming Zones or LSC's will not be considered until the 2nd Monday before the meet, and then will be considered in the order that they were received.
Adopted 3/28/01
3.0 Exceptions for meet fees:
  1. The event entry fee for a Zone Championship meet may be lower than that listed in Pacific Swimming Rules and Regulations 2.B. with the following provision:
    1. The Zone shall pay the fees due to Pacific Swimming fees as listed in the Swim Guide.
  2. The event entry fee for a closed league championship meet may be lower than that listed in Pacific Swimming Rules and Regulations 2.B with the following provision:
    1. The league shall pay the fees due to Pacific Swimming as listed in the Swim Guide.
Adopted 1/23/91  Reworded 3/25/98  Amended 10/23/02
4.0 Any Zone or club that wants to schedule a meet opposite a Pacific Swimming awarded meet with time standards which conflict with the Pacific Swimming awarded meet must first obtain Board of Directors approval.

Adopted 1/26/94  Revised 9/22/99
5.0 Any request to the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors to change the level of a meet shall be a 30-day motion in order to allow comments from the Zone Scheduling Committees.

Adopted 10/25/89  Reworded 3/25/98
6.0 In Pacific Swimming Zone awarded meets, 15 & over events are allowed. The Zones shall determine applicable time standards and awards for 19 and over swimmers.

Adopted 1/24/90  Reworded 3/25/98
7.0 Zone all-star records do not qualify as Pacific Swimming All-Star records.

Adopted 10/24/84  Reworded 3/25/98

8.0 Any club wishing to host a Zone awarded meet at a pool outside their Zone must receive approval of the meet from the other Zone. After such approval, the club may process the meet sanction through and in accordance with the procedures of their own Zone or under mutually agreed upon conditions. Any dispute regarding such meets will be adjudicated by the Pacific Swimming Board of Directors.

Adopted 12/3/03

SECTION B — FAR WESTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

  (These items are duplicates of items located in various Sections above)
1.0 The sanction shall be completed and meet information made available no later than December 1st for the Far Western Short Course Championship Meet and April 1 for the Far Western Long Course Championship Meet.

Adopted 2/24/93  Reworded 3/25/98

2.0 At a Far Western Championship Meet, whenever a single age group has more than one relay event scheduled in finals on the same day, the shorter distance relay for that age group shall be scheduled at the beginning of finals. When the 800 Free Relay and 200 Medley Relay fall on the same day for any age group, the Medley Relay shall be swum at the beginning of finals.

Adopted 5/24/89  Reworded 3/25/98

3.0 Individuals or relays representing all-star teams shall not score team or relay points at Far Western Championship Meets. Team points for places achieved by all-star team individuals or relays shall be discarded and not be awarded.

Adopted 4/27/88  Amended 2/23/00

4.0 Pacific Swimming has established a policy that each person shall be responsible for lost key charges at the Far Western Championship Meet and that this policy be stated in the Far Western information.

Adopted 4/28/89  Reworded 3/25/98

SECTION C — WESTERN ZONE CHAMPIONSHIPS, PACIFIC COAST ALL-STAR MEET

  (These items are duplicates of items located in various Sections above)
1.0 The following criteria shall be used to calculate the Western Zone Consideration Times:
  1. Average of the 8th place times in prelims for the last 3 years.
  2. Times to be adjusted for altitude when applicable.
  3. No time shall be slower than "Q" times.
Adopted 3/26/97  Reworded 2/28/01

2.0 The co-pay for Western Zone and Pacific Coast All-Star meets shall be 30% if the meet is held in California and 35% if held outside California, unless otherwise specified by the Board of Directors.

Adopted 4/26/00  Amended 1/24/01  Amended 4/26/06

3.0 Coaches of Western Zone and Quad meets shall not be paid an honorarium.

Adopted 2/23/99  Reworded 1/24/01

4.0 Pacific Swimming has established a policy that each person shall be responsible for lost key charges at the Western Zone Championship Meet and that this policy be stated in the Western Zone information.

Adopted 4/28/89  Reworded 3/25/98

5.0 The Pacific Swimming Board of Directors shall appoint a committee of three (3) of its members to consider requests for need based (true hardship) financial assistance for athletes selected to participate in the Western Zone Swimming Championship. The members of this committee shall not be members of the Western Zone Team Selection Committee.

Funding: To be matching funds with a maximum to be determined by the Board of Directors.

Criteria for True hardship: Family absence of funds due to death of parent or guardian, recalled to active duty in the U. S. military, recipient of school lunch program, or recipient of need based team scholarship.

Procedure: Application to be submitted to the committee by the athlete's club coach.

Distribution of Funds: Family Funds + Zone Funds + Pacific Swimming Funds = Total established meet co-pay.

Adopted 7/25/01  Amended 4/24/02

SECTION D — MISCELLANEOUS

  (These items may be duplicates of items located in various Sections above)
1.0 It shall be the policy of Pacific Swimming that the following information, and only the following information, shall be acceptable for publication in any form, including but not limited to the World Wide Web, regarding any Pacific Swimming member without express written authorization from the athlete, if of majority; the athlete’s parent/guardian, if a minor; or the non-athlete member: name, age in years, club affiliation, entered time, time and place achieved in an event, and any awards or honors received by the athlete.

It shall be the policy of Pacific Swimming that USA Swimming membership numbers and “trouble lists” (either registration or monetary) shall not be published on the web.

Adopted 8/25/04


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