USA Swimming provides different levels of time standards for age group swimmers. These levels are labeled with letters.  Competitions in the Florida Gold Coast and Broward County are usually based upon these standards.

USA Swimming Age Group Time Standards (Top 16 Based)

These standards are for the Florida Gold Coast Championship meets. They are very similar to the USA Swimming Age Group Cuts, but there are some differences.

FGC Junior Olympic / Winter Championship Cut Times

National Reportable Times serve as goals for swimmers after "AAAA" times for all ages. Once a swimmer attains the T16 standard their times are sent to USA Swimming for consideration as Top 16 in the country for their age-group.

National Reportable Times (National Top 16) Short Course & Long Course

Sectionals serve as a stepping stone between the Florida Gold Coast Junior Olympics and the U.S. Open standards. The Florida Sectionals include swimmers from all over Florida. Any swimmer of any age can qualify for Sectionals, providing they achieve the cut time.

2005 Florida Sectional Standards

2005 Junior National Standards

U.S. Open is an international competition held in early winter every year. Swimmers may swim events in which they qualify.

2005 U.S. Open Standards

The Senior Nationals are the final step leading into major national and international competitions like the World Cup, Pan American Games, and Olympic Trials. New National Time Standards have been divided into 18 and Under and 19 and Over Qualification Times.

New Spring National Time Standards Click Here

Once a swimmer attains Olympic Trial cuts, they can compete in that meet which is held every four years in sync with the Olympics. Only the top two swimmers in each event compete in that event for the Olympics. In the 100 & 200 freestyle events the top four swimmers compete on relays, and the next two travel as alternates.

2008 Olympic time standards