LMSC Standards

The LMSC Development Committee has created the following requirements and best practices for LMSCs to improve volunteer experience, function effectively, and deliver consistent, high-quality service. Each LMSC is responsible for following the requirements and practices set forth in the LMSC Standards.

Each LMSC should review these Standards each year. During that time, each LMSC will receive information from other LMSCs, the National Office, and the national swims coordinator. For any missed standards, the LMSC will go through a resolution process to figure out what happened, fix it if possible, and create a plan to avoid the same issue in the future.

2025 LMSC Standards Cycle

The process for assessing compliance with the standards is known as the standards cycle. The next cycle begins May 1 with the distribution of questionnaires to LMSC chairs, treasurers, and sanctions chairs. The National Office and national swims coordinator will also collect input. The deadline for completing the questionnaires is June 1.

The LMSC Standards cover seven main areas:

Bylaws – Periodic review after initial achievement
Administrative
Communications
Leadership
Financial
Event
Top 10

The LMSC Development Committee has created an LMSC Standards Road Map Calendar with abbreviated descriptions to assist LMSCs in knowing what needs to be done once only, annually, periodically and continuously. Please refer to the complete LMSC Standards, separated by category, for complete text on each standard:

Current LMSC Standards

Recent Revisions to the Standards

During the 2022/2023 revision process extensive changes were made:

All Standards are now fixable – meaning if an LMSC doesn’t achieve a standard, “resolution” is possible via some specific action taken to remedy the issue. Upon resolution the standard will be considered achieved.
Mandatory and Target sub-categories have been eliminated.
The revised Standards (2022/2023) maintain most of the previous LMSC Standards but go about it in a way that supports LMSCs by providing a road map of best practices.
The supportive nature of the revised LMSC Standards is designed to be ‘value added’ for LMSCs.
There is a framework for assistance and mentoring described in the revised LMSC Standards.
Feedback from each LMSC Standards cycle (from the resolution processes and requests for assistance or mentoring) will guide the LMSC Development Committee in its efforts.