United States Masters Swimming (USMS)
To swim with TAM, a USMS membership is required.
There are many benefits of a USMS membership, include insurance coverage, a SWIMMER magazine subscription, participation in sanctioned events and more. The USMS website is a wealth of information that describes the all aspects of the organization’s function, activities, history and its members since its founding in 1970.
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Five Reasons Why You Should Join USMS.
ABOUT POOL COMPETITIONS
POOL COMPETITION
Swimming competitions are organized by pool length and season. From January 1st through May 30th competitions are held in 25-yard pools (short course yards or SCY). From June 1st through August 31st competitions are in 50-meter pools (long course meters or LCM). From September 1st through December 31st competitions are in 25-meter pools (short course meters or SCM). Meets include different programs of strokes and distances. Through the course of a season, one is able to swim most events multiple times. Each event is hosted by a different club at their home pool.
NATIONAL COMPETITION
USMS conducts two national competition meets during the year. The SCY meet is held in late April or May and the LCM in August. The championships draw swimmers from all over the country. Each event is in a different part of the country every year. TAM has a contingent of swimmers who like to attend these competitions.
Each LMSC has its own schedule of local events and all masters swimmers are welcome to participate.
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INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Every other year the International Federation of Swimming (FINA) conducts a World Championship competition. Recent championships have been held in Russia, Canada, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Hungary, Korea and the United States. TAM swimmers are usual participants in these events. Some members also seek out international meets in other countries for events such as the Pan American Games and other national competitions.
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ABOUT OPEN WATER SWIMMING
Northern California is graced with phenomenal places to swim in the great outdoors. Lakes, reservoirs, the Bay and the ocean are all venues for open water swims. Events vary in length from 1/2 mile to 10k. The open water season extends from May through September. During the open water season look to the Pacific Masters website for events, standings, results and other useful references.
