Changing Competition Category

The following provides information on the process that USA Swimming members must go through in order to request a competition category change. 

As a transitioning athlete you may need to utilize a medication/substance that is prohibited and would require approval for use. To ensure compliance with these rules, please contact the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) at 719-785-2000.

STEP 1: Contact USA Swimming with request at:

• Phone: 719-866-4578 or;
• Email: inclusion@usaswimming.org

STEP 2: USA Swimming intake process interview. This interview must be done over the phone, not over email exchange.

STEP 3: Required documentation provided to USA Swimming which includes the following:

• Request in writing. Details of this can be found in the Request to Change Competition Category document.
• Letter of support from a health-care professional who has treated or is treating the applicant (e.g. physician, pediatrician, psychiatrist, school counselor, psychologist)
• Receipt of acknowledge of the Athlete Support Plan

STEP 4: Eligibility Review Panel reviews request with established criteria. If the panel does approve the request, it will be pending local and state laws.

STEP 5: Panel decision will be communicated in writing, and in person when possible, to athlete/parent/coach.

STEP 6: Administrative change initiated in SWIMS

STEP 7: Compete in new category with the following guidelines:

• Limit: 2 changes per year
• All eligibility rules apply for meets selection, NAG, etc.
• Elite athletes who may qualify for high-level or international meets must also refer to the guidelines provided by USADA, WADA, FINA, and IOC, regarding drug testing, qualifications, and other rules.