World Records and USMS Records:
Applications for world records and USMS records will no longer be accepted when timed with manual watches or with a semiautomatic timing system (automatic start with a button finish) as the primary timing system. World and USMS records must be timed with automatic timing (automatic start and touchpad finish) or, in the event of an individual lane malfunction, with a semiautomatic backup system consisting of three, two, or one button(s). An overhead video system may also be used as a backup system in the event of a touchpad failure. Manual watches and semiautomatic buttons will continue to be accepted for USMS Top 10 recognition.
Notification of Timing System in the Meet Announcement:
If it is not possible to satisfy the timing system requirements for world records, USMS records, or USMS Top 10, the meet announcement must include a statement notifying swimmers of this situation. If a change in primary timing is necessary prior to a meet or during a meet that affects the ability to earn records or Top 10 recognition, meet directors must ensure that swimmers are notified of the change.
Starting Grips:
Handgrips on the starting platforms are distinguished between grips for backstroke starts and grips for forward starts. During backstroke events, swimmers may not use handgrips installed on the top of the starting platform intended for use during forward starts. During backstroke starts, swimmers must place both hands on the gutter or on the backstroke starting grips.
Freestyle During Individual Medley and Medley Relay Events:
Swimmers must be at or past the vertical towards the breast during the freestyle leg of an individual medley or medley relay event, except that during a turn (freestyle turn or breast-to-free transition), swimmers may leave the wall in a position at or past the vertical towards the back. Swimmers must return to a position at or past the vertical towards the breast before any stroke or kick.
Relay Starts with Adjustable Back Plates on the Starting Platform:
The second, third, and fourth swimmers on a relay team must have at least part of one foot in front of the adjustable-setting back plate during a relay takeoff.
Modification of Age Groups:
Organizations outside of USMS requesting a USMS sanction to conduct a meet may modify the age groups to correspond to different minimum and maximum ages if their organization's age policies differ from USMS.
Meet Announcement:
The order of events must be published in the meet announcement at least one week prior to the entry deadline.
Dual Sanctioned Meets:
When a USMS meet is held in conjunction with a USA Swimming-sanctioned meet (swimmers from both organizations swimming together in one or more sessions), swimmers must select only one organization with which to compete for the entire meet.
Warm-Down:
A swimmer who completes a race may warm down in their assigned lane while the rest of the swimmers finish the heat and shall not be disqualified if that swimmer does not delay the start of the next heat.
Automatic Splits at National Championships:
Recording of intermediate splits is a mandatory requirement for hosts of national championship meets.
