Policy on Transgender Swimmer Inclusion

USMS allows transgender swimmers to participate in the gender competition category in which they identify, and they may also be recognized for accomplishments per the policy outlined below. As part of the USMS mission to empower adults to improve their lives through swimming, USMS strives to ensure any adult feels included and comfortable swimming in all USMS programs. USMS also recognizes the importance of fair competition in USMS events and recognition programs for many of our members.

In accordance with article 102.5.3, this USMS policy is intended to guide determinations of gender as a competition category in USMS-sanctioned pool and open water competition and for USMS members’ results from recognized meets.

Policy:

Swimmers who identify as transgender must meet the following requirements to earn official recognition (times, places, records, Top 10) in USMS competition.

Trans-male swimmers are eligible to compete in the male category without restriction. Note that trans-male swimmers who compete in the male category are subject to swimwear requirements for males. Swimmers may apply for an exception to swimwear guidelines per article 102.12.1B.
Trans-female swimmers are eligible to compete in the female category provided that the following conditions are met:

A. Hormonal therapy appropriate for the female gender has been administered continuously and uninterrupted in a verifiable manner for a sufficient length of time, no less than one year, to minimize gender-related advantages in sport competitions.

B. Documentation is available showing testosterone serum levels regularly measured during the last twelve months that are below 5 nmol/L (144.25 ng/dL). In the event of a request to review eligibility, the swimmer will not be required to provide any specific health or medical information other than documentation of the specified hormone treatments and levels.

C. Swimmers who identify as female but do not meet the above requirements may participate in the female gender category with their times removed from the submitted results. Such swimmers are not eligible for official times, places, points, records, Top 10, or other forms of official recognition. In this case, swimmers are asked to inform meet officials in advance of any swims.

Eligibility Determinations:

Swimmers who identify as transgender are not required to provide documentation on eligibility to participate. Those striving to achieve official forms of recognition are strongly encouraged to submit a pre-event eligibility request. Any swimmer, particularly those performing at a high level, shall be prepared to provide documentation on eligibility after participation.

Pre-Event Determination: Swimmers who identify as transgender can submit a pre-event determination request including applicable documentation.
Eligibility Review Requests and Protests: Swimmers who identify as transgender must provide documentation on eligibility when an eligibility review request or protest is made after a swim to maintain any official recognition. Swimmers in the same gender category, same age group, and having participated in the same event (i.e., distance and stroke), during the same season may request an eligibility review of another swimmer at any time before the times submission deadline for that season.

Eligibility Review Panel: An eligibility review panel will be in place to review all eligibility determination requests. At a minimum, the panel will be made up of the Rules Committee Chair (or designee from the Rules Committee), the Long Distance Committee Chair (or designee from the Long Distance Committee), the Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair (or designee from the Diversity and Inclusion Committee), and the USMS Board President (or designee from the USMS Board of Directors). When deemed necessary, an eligibility review panel will also include the following members: a minimum of one medical professional (two preferred), USMS Legal Counsel, and any additional subject matter experts to provide further guidance.

For more information on eligibility determination process, visit the eligibility review procedure.

World Aquatics:

The USMS policy on transgender swimmer inclusion provides greater flexibility than does the World Aquatics (AQUA) Policy on Eligibility for the Men’s and Women’s Competition Categories. As such, USMS policy does not apply to AQUA participation, results, or recognition programs. Based on AQUA policy, USMS will not submit times of transgender swimmers for consideration for World Aquatics results or recognition programs unless the swimmers can show they have met the requirements outlined in Appendix Two of the World Aquatics Policy.

Other Considerations:

An individual who is already a registered USMS member and begins the transition process to a different gender may change their gender designation or re-register with a different member record in the new gender. The individual is responsible for notifying the USMS National Office of the change.
Swimmers who identify as non-binary will compete in the gender category that corresponds to the gender assigned at birth or per the policy above.
Times for transgender swimmers who are USMS members and participate in recognized events may be included in USMS results and used for USMS recognition programs. However, USMS policies on participation do not apply and specific event organizers may have differing guidelines. Please check event information or contact the event host of any events that are not sanctioned by USMS for more information.
This policy notwithstanding, USMS article 501.3 specifies that membership in USMS shall not be denied and participation in activities and events shall not be restricted on the basis of gender identity.
USMS will continue to evaluate and adjust this policy and associated procedures as information on transgender participation evolves.

Questions on this policy and corresponding procedures shall be submitted to rules@usmasterswimming.org and eligibility@usmastersswimming.org.

USMS Rules Committee, December 2024

Amended: December 2024
Amended: March 2022
Amended: September 2016
Amended: September 2012
Adopted: ca. 2005