United States Masters Swimming, Inc.

Overview

United States Masters Swimming, Inc. (USMS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting masters swimming in the United States. It provides membership benefits and organizes competitions for adult swimmers aged 18 and over.

Mission and Structure

USMS operates as a membership-driven organization with over 60,000 members across more than 1,500 clubs and workout groups. The organization is governed by a board of directors and volunteers from its various Local Masters Swimming Committees (LMSCs), which manage regional operations, including registration, sanctioning, and officiating for local events[1][2][5].

History

Founded in 1970, USMS was established to provide a competitive environment for aging swimmers. It was initially promoted by Captain Ransom J. Arthur and John Spannuth to encourage adults to maintain physical fitness through swimming. Over time, the organization has expanded to include fitness training, world and national competitions, and social activities[1][4].

Programs and Activities

USMS offers a wide range of activities tailored to different types of swimmers, from competitive athletes to fitness enthusiasts. Members can participate in pool meets, ePostal swims, open water swims, and various social events. The organization also provides resources such as insurance, publication subscriptions (e.g., SWIMMER magazine), and access to sanctioned events[1][3][5].

Competitive Events

While less than half of USMS members participate in competitions, the organization hosts numerous local, regional, and national events. Two national championship pool meets are held annually to determine the top swimmers in various age groups, and to identify All-Americans and All-Stars among them[1]. Age categories for competitions range from 25 to over 100 years old, allowing swimmers of all ages to compete[2].

Governance and Operations

USMS operates under a volunteer-driven structure with support from paid staff. Governance is through bylaws approved by its membership at the annual national convention. The organization is affiliated with the International Swimming Federation (FINA) and follows similar rules for competitions, with adaptations for masters events[5].

Impact

As a leading organization in adult swimming, USMS plays a significant role in promoting health, wellness, and fitness through swimming. Its programs are designed to cater to the diverse needs of adult swimmers across the United States, making it a vital part of the country's aquatic sports landscape[2][4].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Masters_Swimming [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masters_swimming [3] https://leadiq.com/c/us-masters-swimming/5a1daab723000052009f6994 [4] https://www.utahmasters.org/page.cfm?pagetitle=About+Us [5] https://www.spmasterswim.org/demystifying-usms/