Below are some frequently asked questions (and their answers) about the meet and the entry process.

• Q: Why are you limiting the number of swimmers in the meet?
  A: Over the past several years, this meet has grown to be very popular. With many swimmers in the meet, the sessions are very long. This is difficult for the swimmers, the officials, and the meet staff. In order to provide a swimming environment most conducive to fast swimming, we are limiting the meet to 750 swimmers to keep the session lengths reasonable. If we hit 750 swimmers, and the timeline still has room, we reserve the right to allow additional swimmers info the meet. In 2007, there were 847 swimmers entered into the meet. In 2008, there were 762 swimmers entered into the meet.
   
• Q: How can I make sure I get into the meet?
  A: Get your entry in on time! We will accept ALL entries that are postmarked by February 17, or received by February 20. Even if we have 800 swimmers by that deadline, we will find a way to make it work. Of course, if that happens, we won't be able to accept any late entries. In any case, we will only accept late entries if the meet is not yet full.
   
• Q: When will the meet fill up?
  A: We don't know. Because we can't process the entries instantly, we won't know the meet is full until several days after it becomes full. Based on previous years, there is a high probability that the meet will be declared FULL on the entry deadline of February 20. Last year we were able to accept very few late entries.
   
• Q: What happens if I'm #751, and I miss the meet by one spot?
  A: On whatever day the meet becomes full, we will accept all entries received on that day. So if we receive your entry on or before the day the meet becomes full, you will get into the meet. This means that we will actually end up with slightly more than 750 swimmers in the meet. If we receive your entry the day after the meet becomes full, your entry will be rejected.
   
• Q: What happens to my entry fee if the meet is full when you get my entry?
  A: Don't worry -- if you don't get into the meet because it becomes full, we will not keep your entry fee. Your check will not be deposited.
   
  
• Q: I don't like the order of events. I never like the order of events!
  A: We're sorry. We realize that we can't make everyone happy all of the time. Every year, the order of events is changed. We try to put different events on different days each year. We try to change which events are on the same day each year. We almost never have the same two events back-to-back. The order of events follows some basic rules to keep things evenly distributed:
  
  • The 1000 free and 1650 free switch order each year
  • The women's and men's 500 free, and the 400 IM switch days each year
  • The 100 IM, 200 IM, and 400 IM are each on different days (one IM event each day)
  • The 50 free, 100 free, and 200 free are each on different days
  • For the stroke events (back, breast, fly), the 50, 100 and 200 of each stroke are on different days. Also, each day has a 50 of one stroke, a 100 of another stroke, and a 200 of the third stroke.
  • The 50 free, 200 free relay, and 200 medley relay are on different days (so there are three different days to swim a 50 free)
  • The 100 free, 400 free relay, and 400 medley relay are on different days (so there are three different days to swim a 100 free)
  • The 200 free and 800 free relay are on different days (so there are two different days to swim a 200 free)
  We hope that if you don't like the order of events this year, then hopefully you will like the order of events next year better.
   
• Q: What if I forgot to sign my entry form?
  A: Print out a new, blank, entry form. Fill out your top-right box (name, ID number, etc.), and sign and date the form. Write the words "ENTRY WAIVER ONlY" across the top, and mail it to the regular address for entries.
   
• Q: I haven't received my 2009 USMS registration card yet.
  A: If you are in the New England LMSC, send in your entry form with the word "PENDING" in the space for your USMS ID. You will be charged a $5 "incomplete entry form" fee. If your registration is processed by the entry deadline (February 20), you will be entered into the meet. If your registration is not processed in time, your entry will not be accepted..
   
  If you are not in the New England LMSC, contact your local USMS registrar to get a copy of your USMS registration card. Your entry will not be accepted without a photocopy of your 2009 USMS registration card.
   
• Q: I am not in the New England LMSC, and I forgot to include a copy of my 2009 USMS Registration card.
  A: Please send a photocopy of your 2009 USMS Registration card to the regular address for entries. You will be charged a $5 "incomplete entry form" fee.
   
• Q: What if I owe money? (Either insufficient entry fee or $5 penalty)
  A: If it is before March 13, send a check for the amount owed to the regular address for entries. Please include your USMS ID number and any information listed on the problem list with your payment so that we can properly credit you. If it is after March 13, please bring your payment with you to the meet. You will not be allowed to check-in for your event until your payment has been received.
   
• Q: What if my question isn't answered here?
  A: Please send us an email at nelmscscy@meetresults.com.