IM XTREME (IMX) and IM READY (IMR)

USA Swimming has a number of programs to help swimmers reach the next level in their swimming careers. One of those programs is the IMX/IMR series designed to help swimmers in various age groups "compete" across multiple events. By swimming an age-specific program of events, you can see where you rank against your teammates, your region and across the USA!

An IM XTREME (IMX) or IM READY (IMR) score is only established after a swimmer has swum all of the events required for their age group in a sanctioned meet since the start of the current season; both short and long course seasons start September 1 and end August 31 for IMX/IMR purposes. A swimmer must complete all of the events in the same course (SCY or LCM) to have a score in that particular course. 

IM READY (IMR): The first step in the IMX Challenge is IM Ready (or IMR). To get "IM Ready," swimmers compete in a series of five events at shorter distances. By age group, these events are:

· 9 & Under; 10-year olds: 100 Free, 50 Back, 50 Breast, 50 Fly, 100 IM (SC) or 200 IM (LC)

· 11-year olds; 12-year olds: 200 Free, 50 Back, 50 Breast, 50 Fly, 100 IM (SC) or 200 IM (LC)

· 13-18-year olds: 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM

Swimmers do not need to complete the IM Ready program to participate in the IM Xtreme.  It is simply a stepping stone. 

IM XTREME (IMX): Ready to move forward? The next step is IM Xtreme (IMX). The IMX ranking includes a series of five or six events at longer distances. Once you've completed the IMX program, you can find out where your IMX score ranks nationally, within your zone, within your LSC rank and on your club.

· 9 & Under; 10-year olds: 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM

· 11-year olds; 12-year olds: 400 Free (LC) or 500 Free (SC), 100 Back, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM

· 13-18-year olds: 400 Free (LC) or 500 Free (SC), 200 Back, 200 Breast, 200 Fly, 200 IM, 400 IM

HOW DO I SCORE POINTS?

Rankings in the program are based on power points, a system developed by USA Swimming. Every swim listed in the USA Swimming SWIMS Times Database includes a Power Point value. USA Swimming has developed a power point system for each age level that assigns a point value to each swim. This point system allows for comparison of the quality of performances across strokes, distances and events, as well as between age groups. USA Swimming automatically scores and calculates results for all athlete members.

ABOUT USA SWIMMING POWER POINTS:

· The power point scale ranges from 1 to 1100 points with 800 points approximating AAAA times from the USA Swimming Motivational Times chart. 

· The point system has been created using an algorithm that is adjusted slightly for each age level. Ideally, a 500 point swim at one age level is equal in quality to a 500 point swim at another age level.

· The point system will not be changed from year to year unless there is a rule change that would create a sudden time change for an event or stroke (example: the rule whereby a swimmer can not swim past 15 meters underwater).

· FINA Power Points are for international level swimmers and do not have an associated age.  They are calculated off the current world records and used to award Club Excellence points and determine top performances across event and gender.

· These powerpoint tables are utilized in USA Swimming's Club Recognition programs including IMR, IMX and VCC (Virtual Club Championships).