Observed Meet Requests

USA Swimming has set up policies and guidelines for entering times data into the SWIMS system. Times achieved in meets that are not sanctioned or approved by USA Swimming may qualify for entry into SWIMS if the meet is authorized as an “Observed Meet”.  Approval for meets is done on a case-by-case basis. Please see policy and procedures for observed meets in PNS Officials’ Policy and Procedures.

The applications must be filled out by the Meet Referee. When the form is complete, please email it to observedmeets@pns.org.

The PNS Officials Committee will review it, and the Chair (or his/her designee) will send it to the USA Swimming Times and Recognition Committee Chair, for final approval. Upon approval, the Meet Referee will be notified by email of the Observed Meet Approval number. Additionally, the number will be posted on the PNS Website under “Meets Accepted for Observed Status”.

• Note that the only observed meets for which PNS/USA swimming records will be recognized are the Boys and Girls State Championship High School meets.

The following is a summary of the requirements for “Observed” status:

• Meet Referee to complete PNS Request for Observation Form (which includes the USA Swimming Request Form) and submit it to ObservedMeets@pns.org ten (10) days prior to the meet.
• Complete the appropriate REQUEST FOR OBSERVATION either
  • Non-Season Culminating Championship Meet – Form A (Invitational, HS, Masters, Others)
  • Season Culminating Championship Meet – Form B (HS, Masters, others)
  • Meet Approval Request to USA Swimming – Form D (Open Competition)
• The meet is conducted under technical rules other than USA Swimming (e.g., high school, NCAA, Masters).
• The Meet Referee will provide swimmers and coaches with information about the observation program and the procedures used to request observation. Requests may be submitted prior to the swim for which observation is desired, or all swims may be observed.
• Any non-conforming USA Swims will be documented and forwarded to PNS. Examples include (but not limited to):
  • suit violation
  • tape violation
  • stroke violation such as backstroke turn delay

At the conclusion of the meet the following items must be emailed to the PNS office, at office@pns.org:

1. MM backup file
2. Athletes’ full name (first, middle, last), birthdate, USAS membership number
3. List of non-conforming USA swims (include swimmer’s Name, Event, Heat, and Lane)