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Glossary of Swimming Terms
A Glossary of those strange and wacky words we use in the sport of swimming. Parents! You may or may not find these words in the English Dictionary, and if you do, their definitions will probably be radically different than the ones listed in this Glossary. Relax and take your time reading. Soon you'll be understanding and maybe even speaking some "SWIMSLANG".

You'll find a printable copy of this at the back of your Seal's Handbook

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"A" Time classification for a swimmer. National Age Group Time Standard "A". "A" time is .01 seconds faster than the "BB" time standard and .01 slower than the "AA" time standard. See the NAGT published chart.
"AA" Time classification for a swimmer. .01 faster than "A" time standard.
"AAA" Time classification for a swimmer. .01 faster than the "AA" time standard.
"AAAA" Time classification for a swimmer. .01 faster than the "AAA" time standard. This is the fastest time standard listed on the NAGT chart. Times faster than this are approaching National cuts or Top Times consideration.
A-Meet Swim meet which requires swimmers to have previously achieved an "A" time standard in the events they wish to enter
A-B Meet Swim meet that offers separate competition for both "A" swimmers and "B" swimmers, usually with medals for the"A" swimmers and ribbons for the "B" swimmers. Swimmers compete in separate brackets against other swimmers of their own ability. Usually only "A" swimmers can score individual event team points.
A-B-C Swim meet similar to the A-B meet except that there are 3 divisions. This type of meet includes every ability level of swimmer from Novice to very experienced. All swimmers "A" time or faster compete in the "A" division, and all swimmers "C" and down compete in the "C" division. The "B" division is the most limited with both top (.01 slower than "A") and bottom (.01 faster than "C") limitations.
Add Up Aggregate Time - times achieved by 4 swimmers in individual events which are added together to arrive at a provable relay entry time.
Admission Certain swim meets charge for spectators to view the meets. These are usually the larger more prestigious meets. Sometimes the meet program (heat sheet) is included in the price of admission. Age Group Division of swimmers according to age. The National Age Group divisions are: 10-under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16,17-18. Some LSC's have divided the swimmers into more convenient divisions specific to their situations: (ie) 8-under, 13-Over, 15-Over, Junior, Senior.
Alternate In a Prelims/Finals meet, after the finalist are decided, the next two fastest swimmers other than the finalist are designated as alternates. The faster of the 2 being first alternate and the next being second alternate.If a finalist cannot participate, the alternates are called to take their place, often on a moments notice.
Anchor The final swimmer in a relay.
Approved Meet Swim meets conducted by organizations (other than USS member clubs or LSC's) that have applied to USS or the local LSC for approval. If approval is granted, swimmers may use times achieved as USS qualifying times. A USS official must be present at all sessions of the meet. Approval does not mean Sanctioned.
ASCA The American Swim Coaches Association. The professional organization for swim coaches throughout the nation.Certifying coaches and offering many services for coaches education and career advancement.
"B" Time classification for a swimmer. National Age Group Time Standard "B". "B" time is .01 seconds faster than the "C" time standard and .01 slower than the "BB" time standard. See the NAGT published chart.
"BB" Time classification for a swimmer. National Age Group Time Standard "BB". "BB" time is .01 seconds faster than the "B" time standard and .01 slower than the "A" time standard. See the NAGT published chart.
B-Meet Swim meet which requires swimmers to have previously achieved a "B" time standard in the events they wish to enter. Some meets have no bottom cut time allowing "C" swimmers also to compete.
B-C Meet Swim meet that offers separate competition for both "B" swimmers and "C" swimmers, usually with ribbons for the "B" swimmers and smaller ribbons for the "C" swimmers. Swimmers compete in separate brackets against other swimmers of their own ability. Swimmers are not allowed to enter an event that they have an "A" time in.
Backstroke One of the 4 competitive racing strokes, basically any style of swimming on your back. Backstroke is swam as the first stroke in the Medley Relay and second stroke in the I.M. Racing distances are 50 yds/mtr, 100 yds/mtr, and 200 yds/mtr. (LSC's with 8-under divisions offer the 25 yd back)
Banner A team sign that is displayed at swim meets. Banners are usually made from nylon material and carry the Team Logo and possibly the name of a popular team sponsor. Some size restrictions are enforced at certain meets.
Beep The starting sound from an electronic, computerized timing system.
Big Finals The top 6 or 8 swimmers (depending on the # of pool lanes) in a Prelims/Finals meet who, after the Prelims swim, qualify to return to the Finals. Big Finals is the fastest heat of finals when multiple heats are held.
Blocks The starting platforms located behind each lane. Some pools have blocks at the deeper end of the pool, and some pools have blocks at both ends. Blocks have a variety of designs and can be permanent or removable.
BOD Board of Directors of the LSC or USS.
Bonus Heat The heat held during the finals session of a Prelims/Finals meet, that is slower than the swimmers participating in Big Finals. The Bonus Heat may refer to Consolation Finals or and extra heat in addition to Consolation finals.
Bottom The floor of the pool. Bottom depths are usually marked on the walls or sides of the pool.
Breaststroke One of the 4 competitive racing strokes. Breaststroke is swam as the second stroke in the Medley Relay and the third stroke in the I.M. Racing distances are 50 yds/mtr, 100 yds/mtr, and 200 yds/mtr. (LSC's with 8-under divisions offer the 25 yd back)
Bull Pen The staging area where swimmers wait to receive their lane and heat assignments for a swimming event. Area is usually away from the pool and has rows of chairs for the swimmers to sit. The Clerk of the Course is in charge of the Bull Pen.
Bulletin One of the most important communication devices for a swim club. Bulletin boards are usually in the entrance Board ways of pools and have timely information posted for swimmers and parents to read.
Butterfly One of the 4 competitive racing strokes. Butterfly (nicknamed FLY) is swam as the third stroke in the Medley Relay and first stroke in the I.M. Racing distances are 50 yds/mtr, 100 yds/mtr, and 200 yds/mtr. (LSC's with 8-under divisions offer the 25 yd back)
Button The manual Timing System stopping device that records a back-up time in case the touch pad malfunctioned. The button is at the end of a wire, plugged into a deck terminal box. There are usually 3 buttons per lane.It is the timers responsibility to push the button as the swimmer finishes the race.
Camp A swimming function offered by USS, your LSC, or a USS coach. There are many types of camps for just about every level of swimmer. When selecting a camp, ask for your coaches advice as to what will be the best for the swimmer, or call USS swimming for details on the many camps they offer.
Cap The latex or lycra covering worn on the head of swimmers. The colors and team logo's adorning these caps are limitless. National Caps, State Team Caps, award caps, plain practice caps, etc.
Car pool The major transportation service provided by parents of a swim club, to shuttle swimmers to and from practices.
Carbohydrates The main source of food energy used by athletes. Refer to a Nutritional Manual for more information.
Championship Meet The meet held at the end of a season. Qualification times are usually necessary to enter meet.
Championship Finals The top 6 or 8 swimmers (depending on the # of pool lanes) in a Prelims/Finals meet who, after the Prelims swim, qualify to return to the Finals. The fastest heat of finals when multiple heats are held. Big Finals.
Check-In The procedure required before a swimmer swims an event in a deck seeded meet. Sometimes referred to as positive check in, the swimmer must mark their name on a list posted by the meet host.
Check-Out The parents job at the motel. This is listed here to remind parents to request "Late Check Out" times if offered at no charge by the motel. This makes the last day of the meet a little less hectic.
Chlorine The chemical used by most pools to kill the bacteria in water and keep it clear and safe to swim in.
Circle Seeding A method of seeding swimmers when they are participating in a prelims/finals event. The fastest 18 to 24 swimmers are seeded in the last three heats, with the fastest swimmers being in the inside lanes. (Ie) Lane 4 in the final 3 heats. See rule book for exact method for seeding depending on the lanes in the pool.
Clinic A scheduled meeting for the purpose of instruction. (Ie) Officials clinic, Coaches clinic.
Closed Competition Swim meet which is open to the members of an organization or group. Summer club swim meets are considered to be "Closed Competition".
Club A registered swim team that is a dues paying member of USS and the local LSC.
Code A set of rules that have been officially published.
Code of Ethics A Code of Conduct that both swimmers and coaches are required to sign at certain USS/LSC sponsored events. The Code is not strict and involves common sense and proper behavior.
Colorado A brand of automatic timing system.
Consolation Finals After the fastest 6 or 8 swimmers, the next 6 or 8 swimmers (depending on the # of pool lanes) in a Prelims/Finals meet who, after the Prelims swim, qualify to return to the Finals. Consolations are the second fastest heat of finals when multiple heats are held and are conducted before the Championship heat.
Convention United States Aquatic Sports annual, week long, meeting where all rules changes are decided and working committees are established. Representatives are sent by each LSC to make up the voting body.
Course Designated distance (length of pool) for swimming competition. (Ie) Long Course = 50 meters / Short Course = 25 yards or 25 meters.
Deadline The date meet entries must be "postmarked" by, to be accepted by the meet host. Making the meet deadline does not guarantee acceptance into a meet since many meets are "full" weeks before the entry deadline.
Deck The area around the swimming pool reserved for swimmers, officials, and coaches. No one but an "authorized" USS member may be on the deck during a swim competition.
Deck Entries Accepting entries into swimming events on the first day or later day of a meet.
Deck Seeding Swimmers report to a bull pen or staging area and receive their lane and heat assignments for the events.
Dehydration The abnormal depletion of body fluids (water). The most common cause of swimmers cramps and sick feelings.
Developmental A classification of meet or competition that is usually held early in the season. The purpose of a developmental meet is to allow all levels of swimmers to compete in a low pressure environment.
Distance How far a swimmer swims. Distances for short course are: 25 yards (1 length), 50 yards (2 lengths),100 yards (4 lengths), 200 yards (8 lengths), 400 yards (16 lengths), 500 yards (20 lengths), 1000 yards (40 lengths), 1650 yards (66 lengths). Distances for long course are: 50 meters (1 length), 100 meters (2 lengths), 200 meters (4 lengths), 400 meters (8 lengths), 800 meters (16 lengths), 1500 meters (30 lengths).
Disqualified A swimmers performance is not counted because of a rules infraction. A disqualification is shown by an official raising one arm with open hand above their head.
Dive Entering the water head first. Diving is not allowed during warmups except at the designated time, in specific lanes that are monitored by the swimmers coach.
Diving Well A separate pool or a pool set off to the side of the competition pool. This pool has deeper water and diving boards/platforms. During a meet, this area may be designated as a warm-down pool with proper supervision.
Division I-II-III NCAA member colleges and universities are assigned divisions to compete in, depending on the schools total enrollment. Division I being the large universities and Division III being the smaller colleges.
Double Dual Type of swim meet where three teams compete in dual meets against each other, at the same time. Separate Meet scores would be kept for Team A vs. Team B, Team A vs. Team C, and Team B vs. Team C.
Dual Meet Type of meet where two (2) teams/clubs compete against each other.
Draw Random selection by chance.
Dropped Time When a swimmer goes faster than the previous performance they have "dropped their time".
Dry land The exercises and various strength programs swimmers do out of the water.
Dry Side That part of the Code book (rule book) that deals with the "Administrative" Regulations of Competition.
Entry An Individual, Relay team, or Club roster's event list into a swim competition.
Entry Chairperson The host clubs designated person who is responsible for receiving, and making sure the entries have met the deadline, or returning the entries if the meet is full. This person usually will find discrepancies in the meet entries and notify the entering club to correct any errors.
Entry Fees The amount per event a swimmer or relay is charged. This varies depending on the LSC and type of meet.
Entry Limit Each meet will usually have a limit of total swimmers they can accept, or a time limit they can not exceed. Once an entry limit has been reached, a meet will be closed and all other entries returned.
Electronic Timing Timing system operated on DC current (battery). The timing system usually has touch pads in the water, junction boxes on the deck with hook up cables, buttons for backup timing, and a computer type console that prints out the results of each race. Some systems are hooked up to a scoreboard that displays swimmers time.
Eligible to compete The status of a member swimmer that means they are registered and have met all the requirements.
Equipment The items necessary to operate a swim practice or conduct a swim competition.
Event A race or stroke over a given distance. An event equals 1 preliminary with its final, or 1 timed final.
False Start When a swimmer leaves the starting block before the horn or gun. One false start will disqualify a swimmer or a relay team, although the starter or referee may disallow the false start due to unusual circumstances.
False Start Rope A recall rope across the width of the racing pool for the purpose of stopping swimmers who were not aware of a false start. The rope is about 1/2 way on yard pools and about 50 feet from the starting end on meter pools.
Fastest to Slowest A seeding method used on the longer events held at the end of a session. The fastest seeded swimmers participate in the first heats followed by the next fastest and so on. Many times these events will alternate one girls heat and one boys heat until all swimmers have competed.
Fees Money paid by swimmers for services. (Ie) Practice fees, registration fee, USS membership fee, etc.
FINA The international, rules making organization, for the sport of swimming.
Finals The final race of each event. See "Big Finals", "Consolation Finals", "Timed Finals", etc.
Final Results The printed copy of the results of each race of a swim meet.
Fine The monetary penalty assessed a swimmer or club when a swimmer does not achieve the necessary time required to swim in an event, and cannot prove they have done the time previously.
Fins Large rubber fin type devices that fit on a swimmers feet. Used in swim practice, not competition.
Flags Pennants that are suspended over the width of each end of the pool approximately 15 feet from the wall.
Format The order of events and type of swim meet being conducted.
Fund Raiser A money making endeavor by a swim team/club usually involving both parents and swimmers.
Freestyle One of the 4 competitive racing strokes. Freestyle (nicknamed Free) is swam as the fourth stroke in the Medley Relay and fourth stroke in the I.M. Racing distances are 50 yds/mtr, 100 yds/mtr, 200 yds/mtr, 400 mtr/500 yd 800 mtr/1000 yds, 1500 mtr/1650 yds. (LSC's with 8-under divisions offer the 25 yd free)
Gallery The viewing area for spectators during the swimming competition.
Goals The short and long range targets for swimmers to aim for.
Goggles Glasses type devices worn by swimmers to keep their eyes from being irritated by the chlorine in the water.
Gun The blank firing pistol used by the starter to start the races.
Gun Lap The part of a freestyle distance race (400 meters or longer) when the swimmer has 2 lengths plus 5 yards to go.The starter fires a gun shot over the lane of the lead swimmer when swimmer is at the backstroke flags.
Handbook A reference manual published by teams/clubs and LSC's or other swimming organizations.
Hats See "caps".
Headquarters The motel designated by the meet host. Usually, hospitality rooms and meetings relating to the meet will beheld at this location. Many times this motel is one of the sponsors of the meet.
Heats A division of an event when there are too many swimmers to compete at the same time.The results are compiled by swimmers time swam, after all heats of the event are completed.
Heat Award A ribbon or coupon given to the winner of a single heat at an age group swim meet.
Heat Sheet The pre-meet printed listings of swimmers seed times in the various events at a swim meet. These sheets vary in accuracy, since the coaches submit swimmers times many weeks before the meet. Heat sheets are sold at the admissions table and are used mainly to make sure the swimmer has been properly entered in all the events they signed up for. Parents enjoy looking at the seedings prior to the race plus swimmers can tell the order the events will be conducted and get a rough idea how long the meet sessions will last.
High Point An award given to the swimmer scoring the most points in a given age group at a swim meet. All meets do not offer high point awards; check the pre meet information.
HOD House of Delegates. The ruling body of an LSC composed of the designated representative of each club plus the board of directors (BOD) of the LSC. One vote per club and board member.
Horn A sounding device used in place of a gun. Used mainly with a fully automatic timing system.
Illegal Doing something against the rules that is cause for disqualification.
IM Individual Medley. A swimming event using all 4 of the competitive strokes on consecutive lengths of the race.The order must be: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle. Equal distances must be swam of each stroke. Distances offered: 100 yds, 200 yds/mtr, 400 yds/mtr.
Insurance USS offers "accident insurance coverage" which is automatic when swimmer, coach, official, pays their USS membership fee. Many restrictions apply, so check with your club for detailed information.
Interval A specific elapsed time for swimming or rest used during swim practice.
Invitational Type of meet that requires a club to request an invitation to attend the meet.
J.O. Junior Olympics. An age group championship meet conducted by the LSC.
Jump An illegal start done by the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th member of a relay team. The swimmer on the block breaks contact with the block before the swimmer in the water touches the wall.
Juniors A USS National Championship meet for swimmers 18 years old or less. Qualification times are necessary. National Meets are conducted both short course (in April) and long course (in August).
Jr/Sr Camp A training and information camp sponsored by the LSC for those swimmers registered in the LSC who National Camp qualified for USS Junior or USS Senior Nationals.
Kick The leg movements of a swimmer. A popular word to "yell" to encourage swimmers during a race.
Kick Board A flotation device used by swimmers during practice. A lightweight object used with great accuracy by coaches.
Kyroscope A brand of automatic timing system.
Lane The specific area in which a swimmer is assigned to swim. (Ie) Lane 1 or Lane 2. Pools with starting blocks at only one end: As the swimmers stand behind the blocks, lanes are numbered from Right (lane 1) to Left (Lane 6).
Lane Lines Continuous floating markers attached to a cable stretched from the starting end to the turning end for the purpose of separating each lane and quieting the waves caused by racing swimmers.
Lap One length of the course. Sometimes may also mean down and back (2 lengths) of the course.
Lap Counter The large numbered cards (or the person turning the cards) used during the freestyle events 500 yards or longer. Counting is done from the end opposite the starting end. The numbers on the cards are "odd numbers"only with the final lap being designated by a bright orange card.
Late Entries Meet entries from a club or individual that are received by the meet host after the entry deadline. These entries are usually not accepted and are returned to sender.
Leg The part of a relay event swam by a single team member. A single stroke in the IM.
Length The extent of the competitive course from end to end. See lap.
Little Finals After the fastest 6 or 8 swimmers, the next 6 or 8 swimmers (depending on the # of pool lanes) in a Prelims/Finals meet who, after the Prelims swim, qualify to return to the Finals. Little Finals are the second fastest heat of finals when multiple heats are held and are conducted before the Championship heat.
Long Course A 50 meter pool.
LSC Local Swim Committee. The local level administrative division of the corporation (USS) with supervisory responsibilities within certain geographic boundaries designated by the Corporation
Lycra A stretch material used to make competitive swim suits and swim hats.
Malfunction A mechanical or electronic failure - not a human failure by the swimmer.
Mark The command to take your starting position.
Marshall The adult(s) (official) who control the crowd and swimmer flow at a swim meet.
Medals Awards given to the swimmers at meets. They vary in size and design and method of presentation.
Meet A series of events held in one program.
Meet Director The official in charge of the administration of the meet. The person directing the "dry side" of the meet.
Meters The measurement of the length of a swimming pool that was built per specs using the metric system. Long course meters is 50 meters, short course meters is 25 meters.
Mile The slang referring to the 1500 meter or the 1650 yard freestyle, both of which are slightly short of a mile.
NAIA National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
NAGTS National Age Group Time Standards - the list of "C" through "AAAA" times published each year. Nationals USS senior or junior level meets conducted in March/April and August. See Senior or Junior Nationals.
Natatorium A building constructed for the purpose of housing a swimming pool and related equipment.
NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association
Newsletter A written communication published by a club or association.
NGB National Governing Body
Non-Conforming Time A short course time submitted to qualify for a long course meet, or vice versa.
Novelty Meet A meet that does not fall into a specific category because of limited events, sessions, or age brackets.
Novice A beginner or someone who does not have experience.
NRT National Reportable Time. A time list published once a year, which if a swimmer equals or betters the time on the list, they may submit their time in that event for consideration for national recognition.
NSSA National Swim School Association
NT No Time. The abbreviation used on a heat sheet to designate that the swimmer has not swam that event before.
Nutrition The sum of the processes by which a swimmer takes in and utilizes food substances.
Nylon A material used to make swim suits.
Officials The certified, adult volunteers, who operate the many facets of a swim competition.
Olympic Trials The USS sanctioned long course swim meet held the year of the Olympic Games to decide what swimmers will represent the USA on our Olympic Team. Qualification times are faster than Senior Nationals.
Omega A brand of automatic timing system.
OT Official Time. The swimmers event time recorded to one hundredth of a second (.01).
OTC Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
OVC Official Verification Card. A 3 copy form for certifying a national qualifying time made by a swimmer and issued only by a verification official of the area in which the meet was held.
Open Competition Competition which any qualified club, organization, or individual may enter. Parka Large 3/4 length fur lined coats worn by swimmers. Usually are in team colors with logo or team name.
Pace Clock The large clocks with highly visible numbers and second hands, positioned at the ends or sides of a swimming pool so the swimmers can read their times during warmups or swim practice.
Paddle Colored plastic devices worn on the swimmers hands during swim practice.
Pelican Pete The "Safety Mascot" of USS swimming.
Plaque A type of award (wall plaque) given to swimmers at a meet.
Pool The facility in which swimming competition is conducted.
Positive Check In The procedure required before a swimmer swims an event in a deck seeded or pre seeded meet. The swimmer must mark their name on a list posted by the meet host.
Practice The scheduled workouts a swimmers attends with their swim team/club.
Prelims Session of a Prelims/Finals meet in which the qualification heats are conducted.
Prelims-Finals Type of meet with two sessions. The preliminary heats are usually held in the morning session. The fastest 6 or 8 (Championship Heat) swimmers, and the next fastest 6 or 8 swimmers (Consolation Heat) return in the evening to compete in the Finals. A swimmer who has qualified in the Consolation Finals may not place in the Championship Finals even if their finals time would place them so. The converse also applies.
Pre-seeded A meet conducted without a bull pen in which a swimmer knows what lane and heat they are in by looking at the Meet heat sheet, or posted meet program.
Proof of Time An official meet result, OVC, or other accepted form. Swimmers/Coaches must supply proof of time with some meet entries, and other meets it is not required unless a swimmer misses a cut of time at the meet.
Psyche Sheet Another name for a "Heat Sheet" or meet program.
Pull Buoy A flotation device used for pulling by swimmers in practice.
Qualifying Times Published times necessary to enter certain meets, or the times necessary to achieve a specific category of swimmer. See "A" "AA" (etc.) times.
Race Any single swimming competition. (Ie) preliminary, final, timed final.
Ready Room A room pool side for the swimmers to relax before they compete in finals.
Recall Rope A rope across the width of the racing pool for the purpose of stopping swimmers who were not aware of a false start. The rope is about 1/2 way on yard pools and about 50 feet from the starting end on meter pools.
Referee The head official at a swim meet in charge of all of the "Wet Side" administration and decisions.
Registered Enrolled and paid as a member of USS and the LSC.
Relays A swimming event in which 4 swimmers participate as a relay team each swimmer swimming an equal distance of the race. There are two types of relays: 1.) Medley relay - One swimmer swims Backstroke, one swimmer swims Breaststroke, one swimmer swims Butterfly, one swimmer swims Freestyle, in that order. Medley relays are conducted over 200 yd/mtr and 400 yd/mtr distances. 2.) Freestyle relay - Each swimmer swims freestyle. Free relays are conducted over 200 yd/mtr, 400 yd/mtr, and 800 yd/mtr distances.
Rest Area A designated area (such as a gymnasium) that is set aside for swimmers to rest during a meet.
Ribbons Awards in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors, given at swim meets.
Safety The responsible and careful actions of those participating in a swim meet. USS and each LSC now have a "Safety Coordinator" and each meet must have "Marshalls" in charge of safety.
Sanction A permit issued by an LSC to a USS group member to conduct an event or meet.
Sanction Fee The amount paid by a USS group member to an LSC for issuing a sanction.
Schedule USS or LSC list of meets with dates, meet host, meet location, type of meet, and contacts address and phone.
Scratch To withdraw from an event after having declared an intention to participate. Some meets have scratch deadlines and specific scratch rules, and if not followed, swimmer can be disqualified from remaining events.
Seals The Westbrook Seals - The best swim team EVER.
Seed Assign the swimmers heats and lanes according to their submitted or preliminary times.
Seeding Deck Seeding - swimmers are called to report to the Clerk of the Course. After scratches are determined, the event is seeded. Pre Seeding - swimmers are arranged in heats according to submitted times, usually a day prior to the meet.
Senior Meet A meet that is for senior level swimmers and is not divided into age groups. Qualification times are usually necessary and will vary depending on the level of the meet.
Senior A USS National Championship meet for swimmers of any age as long as the qualification times are met.
Senior Nationals Nationals are conducted long course in the spring (usually in late March) and in the summer (usually in late July or August).
Session Portion of meet distinctly separated from other portions by locale, time, type of competition, or age group.
Shave The process of removing all arm, leg, and exposed torso hair, to decrease the "drag" or resistance of the body moving through the water. Used only by Seniors at very important (Championship) meets.
Short Course A 25 yard or 25 meter pool.
Simultaneously A term used in the rules of butterfly and breaststroke, meaning at the same time.
Splash United States Swimming newsletter that is mailed bi-monthly.
Split A portion of an event, shorter than the total distance, that is timed. (Ie) A swimmers first 50 time is taken as the swimmer swims the 100 race. It is common to take multiple splits for the longer distances.
Stations Separate portions of a dry land or weight circuit.
Start The beginning of a race. The dive used to begin a race.
Starter The official in charge of signaling the beginning of a race and insuring that all swimmers have a fair takeoff.
Still Water Water that has no current caused by a filter system or no waves caused by swimmers.
State A meet held twice a year (Short Course and Long Course) sponsored by the LSC. It is common to hold a Championship Senior meet and Age Group meet separately. Qualification times are usually necessary.
State Qualifier A swimmer who has made the necessary cut off times to enter the State meet.
Stand-up The command given by the Starter or Referee to release the swimmers from their starting position.
Step-Down The command given by the Starter or Referee to have the swimmers move off the blocks. Usually this command is a good indication everything is not right for the race to start.
Stroke There are 4 competitive strokes: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle.
Stroke Judge The official positioned at the side of the pool, walking the length of the course as the swimmers race.If the Stroke Judge sees something illegal, they report to the referee and the swimmer may be Disqualified.
Submitted Time Times used to enter swimmers in meets. These times must have been achieved by the swimmer at previous meets.
Suit The racing uniform worn by the swimmer, in the water, during competition. The three most popular styles/types of suits worn are: Nylon, Lycra, Paper.
Swim-A-Thon The "Fund Raiser" copyrighted by USS swimming for local clubs to use to make money.
Swim America The professional swim lesson program administrated by the American Swim Coaches Assoc. licensed to Coaches.
Swim-off In a Prelims/Finals type competition, a race after the scheduled event to break a tie. The only circumstance that warrants a swim-off is to determine which swimmer makes finals or an alternate, otherwise ties stand.
Swimming World The most informational and popular of the professional magazines. All swimmers and parents who are interested in swimming should consider a subscription. Ask your coach for address.
Taper The resting phase of a senior swimmer at the end of the season before the championship meet.
Team USS Registered club that has the right to compete for points.
Team Records The statistics a team keeps, listing the fastest swimmer in the clubs history for each age group/each event.
Timed Finals Competition in which only heats are swum and final placings are determined by the those times.
Time Standard A time set by a meet or LSC or USS (etc) that a swimmer must achieve for qualification or recognition.
Timer The volunteers sitting behind the starting blocks/finish end of pool, who are responsible for getting watch times on events and activating the backup buttons for the timing system.
Time Trial An event or series of events where a swimmer may achieve or better a required time standard.
Top 10 A list of times compiled by the LSC or USS or Swimming World that recognizes the top number of swimmers Top 16 in each age group (boys & girls) in each event and distance.
Touch Out To reach the touchpad and finish first in a close race.
Touch Pad The removable plate (on the end of pools) that is connected to an automatic timing system. A swimmer must properly touch the touchpad to register an official time in a race.
Transfer The act of leaving one club or LSC and going to another. Usually 120 days of unattached competition is required before swimmer can represent another USS club.
Travel Fund A sum of money set aside for a swimmer to use for travel expenses and entry fees to specified meets.
Tri-meet A meet with 3 team competing for points to see who places 1st-2nd-3rd.
Trophy Type of award given to teams and swimmers at meets.
Unattached An athlete member who competes, but does not represent a club or team. (abbr. UNA)
Uniform The various parts of clothing a swimmer wears at a meet. May include: Parka, Warmup jacket, Team duffel bag,sweat pants, suits, hat, goggles, T-shirt, etc.
Unofficial Time The time displayed on a read out board or read over the intercom by the announcer immediately after the race. After the time has been checked, it will become the official time.
USS The governing body of swimming. United States Swimming.
USS Number A 12 part number assigned to a swimmer after they have filled out the proper forms and paid their annual dues. The first three parts include the two letter abbreviation for the LSC (Local Swim Committee) and the registration year. The next three parts are letters standing for the first initial of: Last Name/First Name/Middle Name in that order. The last 6 parts are numbers of swimmers birthdate: Day/Month/Year using zeros as place holders. For example: USS# for swimmer Kent Michael Nelson, a member of Indiana Swimming, registering for the 1993/94 year and born Aug.27, 1976 = IN4NKM082776.
USOTC United States Olympic Training Center located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Vertical At right angle to the normal water level.
Vitamins The building blocks of the body. Vitamins do not supply energy, but are necessary for proper health.
Warm-down The loosing a swimmer does after a race when pool space is available.
Warm-up The practice and loosing session a swimmer does before the meet or their event is swum.
Watch The hand held device used by timers and coaches for timing a swimmers races and taking splits.
Water For the purpose of filling swimming pools and swimmers drinking to properly hydrate themselves.
Weights The various barbells / benches / machines used by swimmers during their dry land program.
Whistle The sound a starter/referee makes to signal for quiet before they give the command to start the race.
Work Out The practice sessions a swimmer attends.
Yards The measurement of the length of a swimming pool that was built per specs using the American system. A short course yard pool is 25 yards (75 feet) in length.
Yardage The distance a swimmer races or swims in practice. Total yardage can be calculated for each practice session.
Zones The country is divided up into 4 major zones: Eastern - Southern - Central - Western. At the end of the long course season (in August) the Zone Administration sponsors a championship age group meet.