USA Swimming publishes by event and by age group to encourage swimmers to step their swimming up to the next level.

Time standards help swimmers reach their highest potential. Every four years, USA Swimming publishes Motivational Time Standards to provide goals for swimmers. The standards change, based on how many swimmers in each age group achieve the standards. The standards usually get faster with every update. 

In addition, LAMVAC coaches distribute time standards from swim clubs that host invitational meets and those for Junior Olympics.

You can use the times to help set short- and long-term personal goals and track your progress.  At times, you will need to refer to standards to determine if you are eligible for invitational meets. The more you practice and work hard, the closer you should get to your goals.

Time standards are broken down into age groups and levels. Groups are divided by age into 10&U, 11/12, 13/14, 15/16, and 17/18 categories. Swimmers 8 and under should focus on learning strokes and having fun, so there are no standards. Each category has a B, BB, A, AA, AAA, and AAAA level.

Pacific Swimming Time Standards

USA Swimming Motivational Time Standards