Time Standards
Time standards are benchmarks used to organize Divisional, Provincial, and National Championship Swim Meets. These standards are derived from historical results to determine the number of athletes at each level, ensuring a high-quality championship experience for all swimmers. They also serve as a tool to gauge a swimmer’s progress, promoting fair competition by allowing swimmers of similar abilities to compete against each other.
The time standards mentioned on this website are set by various organizations and apply to both 25 (short course) and 50-meter pools (Long Course), with the exception of the Lower Mainland Regional (LMR) time standard, which is applicable to both pool sizes.
Development Meets do not have qualifying time requirements. Held many times a year, these meets provide young and new swimmers with the opportunity to learn about swim meets and gain competition experience until they achieve their LMR time.
LMR Time Standard
The LMR (Lower Mainland Regional) time standard is the initial target for all Gators swimmers. It requires swimmers to complete a 200m Individual Medley (IM) within 4:00 minutes, regardless of gender, age, or pool size. Achieving a time under 4:00 in the 200 IM qualifies a swimmer to compete in any Lower Mainland Region (LMR) swim meet, which are held monthly throughout the swimming season.
LMR Championships Time Standard
The LMR Championships are held twice per season, in February and June. These championships have specific qualifying times, as detailed in the chart below:
Entry Standards Chart:
|
Event |
10 & Under |
12 & Under |
14 & Under |
15 & Over |
|
200 IM |
3:55.00 |
3:30.00 |
3:20.00 |
3:10.00 |
|
400 FR |
6:45.00 |
6:15.00 |
5:45.00 |
5:30.00 |
|
400 IM |
7:15.00 |
6:45.00 |
6:25.00 |
6:00.00 |
BC Provincial Time Standards
BC Provincial time standards are set by Swim BC, based on the performance and rankings of swimmers in British Columbia.
There are two types of Provincial time standards:
Divisional Championships Standards (12 & Under, 13-14, and 15 & Over)
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Swimmers can only participate in events for which they have met the qualifying times.
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Championships are held in February (Winter Championships) and June (Summer Championships).
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Standards are divided into Divisions, with Gators belonging to the Vancouver & Fraser Division.
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Provincial Championships Standards (11 & 12, 13 & 14, 15-17, and 18 & Over)
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Swimmers can only compete in events for which they have achieved the qualifying times.
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Championships take place in March (Winter Championships) and July (Summer Championships).
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The standards progressively require swimmers to complete the same event distance in shorter times.
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Each Divisional and Provincial time standard is determined by gender, age, event, and pool size. The swimmer’s age is calculated as of the first day of the competition, and the pool size is categorized as Short Course (25m) or Long Course (50m).
National Time Standards
Swimming Canada establishes national time standards based on the results and rankings of swimmers across the country. Swimming Canada’s plans for its program of national events from 2025 through to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The national events changes for 2025-2028.
Locations of the National swim meet from 2025-2028
New National standards 2025-2028
