At USA swim meets, swimmers compete against others of the same age, gender and swimming ability. Events are categorized by gender in the following age groups: 8 and under, 9-10, 11 -12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18. There are some minor variations in these groups but usually each age group swimmer will be competing against swimmers no more than two years older than they are.  Within each age group, the competition is further narrowed by time standards. There are different types of swim meets.

To know who is eligible to a specific meet, you can go and read the Meet Information.  The Meet Information can be found under Events and click on the event’s name.

 

Open Meets

These meets are for swimmers of all levels and all speeds. All swimmers are encouraged to register. Sometime events are set up as Mixed.  They do not separate the gender.  They use swimmer’s times to make the ranking.

 

Silver/Gold Meets

It aims at swimmers having at least a Silver time (formally B time).

 

Gold Meets

It aims at swimmers having at least Gold time (formally A time).

 

MAC (Minnesota Achievement Championship)

This meet is for swimmers who have up to a bronze time.  It’s the equivalent to a C times.  Sometimes, it’s not necessary to have a verified times or bronze times.  It depends on the host team requirement. The MAC is the 1st post season championship at the end of short season and long course season. Every swimmer who has qualified times are encouraged to register for the meet.

 

MRC (Minnesota Regional Championships)

This meet is for swimmers who have silver and gold times (formally B and A times).  It usually occurs a week after the MAC.  If you swam at the MAC meet and you made the silver time, then you are qualified to enter the MRC meet.   Every swimmer who has qualified times are encouraged to register for the meet.

 

State Meet

There are 2 state meets:

  • Age Group State Meet: It’s for swimmers 14 and under.
  • Senior State Meet: It’s for swimmers 15 and over.

Swimmers need to have at least a Champ times to swim at the State Meet.  It occurs after the MRC. Every swimmer who has qualified times are encouraged to register for the meet.

 

Zone Meet

Zone meet is a regional championship for qualifying 14 and under swimmers. It’s held annually by USA Swimming.  USA Swimming divides USA into 4 different zones.  MN is part of Central zone. It’s for swimmers who have at least a Zone times.  It’s above Champ times.  Zone Meets usually occurs after the State meet in August.