Personal Best Times
Short Course: updated 8-7-14
Long Course: updated 11-4-13
USA Swimming Time Standards
- Short Course Yards (2013-2016)
- Long course Meters, Short course Yards, and Short course Meters (2013-2016)
Meet Qualifying Times
- USY Times (Short Course) (not "BB" times anymore)
- YMCA Short Course Nationals (2014)
- YMCA Long Course Nationals (2014)
- Capital Classic (2012)
- 14 & Under State Champs (Short Course 2014)
- 14 & Under State Champs (Long Course 2014)
- Senior Champs (Short Course 2014)
- Senior Champs (Long Course 2014)
- Age Group Sectionals (SC 2014)
CHYSC Team Records
- Short Course Records (as of 2-6-14)
- Long Course Records (as of 11-1-13)
What are USA Swimming Time Standards?
The letters refer to the time standards that are used to place
swimmers in terms of how fast they swim. As you become a better
swimmer your times will improve and you'll find yourself shifting from
one standard to another.
B TIMES
The B time standard is usually the one you'll reach first. It is a
measure of time and competence in the performance of that stroke.
Achieving a 'B' time at a swim meet indicates a correct execution of
complicated stroke technique. A 'B' time represents a level equal to
68% of the National Top 16 Reportable Time.
BB TIMES
It is a very big step when you achieve a "BB" time. In addition to the
correct performance of a particular stroke, you have also achieved a
speed only a limited percentage of swimmers can perform. Like "B"
times, each age group has its own list of "BB" times. A 'BB' time
represents a level equal to 75% of the National Top 16 Reportable
Time.
A TIMES
An 'A' time represents a level equal to 84% of the National Top 16
Reportable Time.
AA TIMES
There is a much smaller gap between "AA" and "A" as compared to the
wide one between "B" and "A". You often need an "AA" time to compete
in a Trials and Finals format meet. An 'AA' time represents a level
equal to 89% of the National Top 16 Reportable Time.
AAA TIMES
A 'AAA' time represents a level equal to 93% of the National Top 16
Reportable Time.
AAAA TIMES
These are the highest levels in the National Age Group Times
progressions. A 'AAAA' time represents a level equal to 97% of the
National Top 16 Reportable Time.
NATIONAL REPORTABLE TIMES (NRT TIMES)
A NRT represents a level that a swimmer must surpass in order to
submit their names for consideration on the annual Top 16 list. The
annual rankings (short course and long course) are published in
Swimming World magazine and each qualifier receives a certificate of
recognition from USAS. Swimmers earning a NRT Time are in the Top 1%
of American Age Group swimmers.