Event Directors Resources

Application for Sanction

  1. Application for a meet or open water sanction is made online. You can also request a recognition for your event, or just request that it be listed on the USMS Calendar of Events without sanction or recognition. If you are new to this process, please review the USMS Tutorial providing step-by-step instructions.
  2. Enter the information requested. After the completed sanction request is submitted, the informaiton is sent to the Potomac Valley sanctions chair for review.
  3. The Potomac Valley LMSC requires a deposit to accompany all sanction and recognition requests. The deposit is set by PVLMSC policy and is refundable (partial or full) upon the event complying with PV regulations and policies. You will receive  instructions by email on paying the deposit once you submit the sanction request.
  4. The PV sanctions chair will review the event information, may request additional information if needed, and if all requirements are met, will approve the request. The event will be automatically added to the USMS Calendar of Events and you will receive a  approval by email.

Event Director’s Tools

Pool Length Certification Form is submitted before applying for a sanction. Existing certification forms may be used if on file with the pool, the LMSC, USMS or FINA. Check the listing of pools, since permanent courses need only be measured once, unless structural changes such as resurfacing have occurred since original measurement. Pools with moveable buklheads are measured and confirmed before the meet and after each session.
Meet Manager is the swimming management software used for meet setup, running & recording , and posting & exporting results. The Setup Tutorial is a guide for a typical meet setup. Once the meet in completed, the Results Tutorial is a guide to exporting the results into a file that is submitted to USMS and to Potomac Valley Top Ten Chair.
Initial split times from an individual or relay event will be accepted as an individual performance and will be considered for Top 10 if it is an official time. The meet director should give a copy of the completed split forms to the Top 10 Recorder. The relay card is used by swimmers and coaches to enter relays at meets. Applications for USMS or world records are completed by the event director.

Results & Evaluations

Potomac Valley assigns evaluators to complete evaluation forms for all swim events. These forms are also a good checklist for event directors to endure that all requirements are being met.
Official meet results for individuals and relays are submitted to Potomac Valley Top Ten. The USMS Meet Results Database lists results for meets throughout the country. Event directors are encouraged to also submit a copy of their results file for inclusion in the database.

Officials

Traditionally, USA Swimming has been the source for officials at our local USMS meets. A link to this list is found below. In addition, USMS has begun certifying members to officiate at USMS sanctioned swim meets. Members can complete the training program and receive certification. Several Potomac Valley members have completed the course and attended the local training session. (The Local Officials list needs updating.)
Computer operators are needed to work with the meet software (Hy-Tek) and/or work with the timing system.