Figuring out the different types of swim meets can be confusing – here’s a quick primer.

Novice swimmers usually begin with "BC" meets or Classified meets. Once a swimmer earns a Hawaii "AA" or better time, they are eligible to swim in Invitational meets. To view the time standards, please see the STANDARDS page.

• BC - Swimmers must have less than an A time.  Events with No Time are permitted.
• Classified - Swimmers can swim any event, regardless of time standard.
• A+ - Swimmers must have at least one A time to enter. They are not required to swim the event in which they have an A time.  All other times, including No Times are permitted.
• Invitational - Swimmers must have at least one AA time to enter.  They may swim any event in which they have an AA time or better.  They are also allowed two Bonus events in which they have A times.  No Times are not permitted. 
• Distance - Swimmers are allowed to swim any event in which they have an AA time.  If they have never swam one of the offered events, they must have a corresponding AA time in the 200 version of that event to enter.  Swimmers must be at least 11 years old.
• Senior - Swimmers must have at least one Senior B time.  They are allowed to swim two Bonus events, including No Times. Swimmers must be at least 12 years old.
• States - Swimmers can only swim events in which they have Qual times or better.
• Senior Champs - Swimmers can swim any events in which they have a Senior A time.  They are allowed two bonus events in which they have Senior B times. Minimum age is 12.
• Zones: Elite swimmers who earn Western Zone Championship Qualifying Time
• Sectionals: Elite swimmers who earn Western Sectional Championship Qualifying Time