Embedded Files
How to Qualify for Championship Meets & All-Stars:
This page explains how championship meets work within the world of USA Swimming and what your swimmer needs to qualify for each level, from Districts to Nationals. It lists the required time standards, outlines the selection process for All-Stars and Zones, and breaks down the steps you should follow as you improve. Use it to see where you stand, set realistic goals, and plan your season with confidence:
USA Swimming & Missouri Valley - Championship/All-Star Meets:
District Championships (MV Districts) – entry-level LSC meet; first big target.
Missouri Valley Age-Group Championships (MV Champs) – top swimmers in the LSC; prelims/finals.
MV All-Star Team – MV selects the top swimmers in each age-group/event to swim against other LSC's.
Central Zones Age-Group Meet – swim against top swimmer's from other states/LSC's; AAA times usually required.
Speedo Sectionals (Region VIII) – first senior-level meet spanning several LSCs.
Futures Championships – bridges Sectionals to Junior Nationals.
Speedo Junior Nationals – nation’s best U-18's.
U.S. Nationals / Olympic Trials – senior elite & Team USA selection.
MV Districts:
Purpose of the meet – First “stepping-stone” championship inside Missouri Valley; lets every swimmer race for medals and a shot at Champs.
How to qualify – Have no Champs cut in that event and meet the District minimum (or slower); top-2 in each event advance to Champs.
What it means to qualify – Shows you’ve moved beyond local invites and are ready for true championship racing.
About the meet – Championship prelims/finals competition in exciting setting.
MV Age Group Champs:
Purpose of the meet – Showcase the fastest 14-and-under swimmers in the LSC.
How to qualify – Hit the MV Champs time or place top-2 at Districts.
What it means to qualify – You’re among the best in Missouri Valley for your age.
About the meet – Four-day LCM prelims/finals for 11-14; 10-U timed finals.
MV Senior Champs:
Purpose of the meet – Top senior-level meet inside the LSC
How to qualify – Achieve one Senior Champs standard (15-O) or a 13-14 “open” cut.
What it means to qualify – Confirms you’re competitive at the senior LSC level.
About the meet – Three-day LCM prelims/finals; distance events timed-final.
All-Stars:
Purpose of the meet – Early-season team trip that builds racing experience and LSC pride.
How to qualify – Apply Sept 1 – Dec 15; top-2 per event automatically qualify. Must have “A” time standard to apply.
What it means to qualify – You’re selected as a top swimmer for MV to compete against other States/LSC's.
About the meet – Timed-final format; max two events per session / six total.
Zones (Age-Group Nationals: AAA Times):
Purpose of the meet – Multi-state showdown for 14-U all-stars from every Central-Zone LSC.
How to qualify – Own at least one current-season AAA time and apply through MV.
What it means to qualify – You’re among the Midwest’s elite age-group swimmers.
About the meet – Summer ONLY (early-August); three-day LCM prelims/finals; athletes race in MV caps as a team.
Sectionals (Region VIII Championships):
Purpose of the meet – First regional senior meet; college-recruiting sweet spot.
How to qualify – Hit a Sectionals cut (faster than Senior Champs).
What it means to qualify – You’re ready for multi-LSC senior racing.
About the meet – Two editions each year: spring SCY & summer LCM.
Futures (USA Swimming Championship Meet):
Purpose of the meet – National pipeline bridge between Sectionals and Juniors.
How to qualify – Futures cuts (~3 % faster than Sectionals).
What it means to qualify – You’re competitive on the national radar.
About the meet – Five simultaneous LCM meets; top-finishers often earn Junior cuts.
Junior Nationals (USA Swimming 18 & Under Champs):
Purpose of the meet – Highest U-18 championship in the USA.
How to qualify – Junior National cuts; must be 18-or-younger on day 1.
What it means to qualify – You’re among the nation’s best juniors; college coaches notice.
About the meet – Six-day LCM prelims/semis/finals; relays score.
US Nationals/Olympic Trials:
Purpose of the meet – Select senior national champions and, in Trials years, Team USA.
How to qualify – Hit the U.S. Nationals or Trials standards (faster than NCAA “A” cuts).
What it means to qualify – You’re competing for national titles and Olympic berths.
About the meet – Eight-day LCM format mirroring the Olympic program.
USA Swimming Time Standards:
Percentile-based goals for each age & event:
B / BB – developing proficiency.
A / AA – strong LSC level.
AAA – elite age-group (Zones floor).
AAAA – national-class speed.
Find your age-group chart in the current USA Swimming Motivational Standards PDF.
Report abuse