USA Swimming Block Party
A simple, friendly meet
At‑a‑Glance
- Length: Typically 3-4 hours total (shorter than a full‑day invitational)
- Who It’s For: Good for all swimmers; especially great for new or younger swimmers learning meet routines
- Events & Price: 1 flat price per swimmer covers up to 4 individual events
- Vibe: Low‑pressure, teaching‑focused, and welcoming to first‑timers
Why Families Like Block Parties
- Budget‑friendly: One simple fee, local travel, and a shorter schedule
- Time‑smart: Compact session instead of an all‑day commitment
- Confidence‑building: More chances to race without big‑meet stress
How Block Parties Differ from “Regular” Meets
- Shorter schedule (3–4 hours vs. multi‑day multi-session formats)
- Smaller event menu (often focuses on sprints; distance events may be limited)
- Local and simple logistics (nearby pool; easy sign‑ups and quick timelines)
- Learning first (great for working on starts, turns, and meet flow)
Times & Championships (Gulf Swimming)
- Gulf Swimming allows Block Party times for LSC “Champs” level meets. That means your swimmer can achieve Champs qualifying times at a Block Party
- Not for TAGS, National meets, or National age‑group records. If you’re chasing those, your coach will point you to traditional qualifying meets.
Membership Note (Flex Members)
- Block Party meets do not count toward the two‑meet limit for Flex memberships. This lets Flex swimmers get extra racing opportunities without changing USAS membership mid‑season.
Quick Tips
- Ask your coach which 2–4 events best fit your swimmer’s goals.
- New to meets? Start with shorter races and build from there.
Bottom line: Block Parties are a short, affordable, confidence‑boosting way to race, perfect for new swimmers and still useful for experienced ones looking for extra reps.
