2006 New England Masters Short Course Yards Championship Hosted by Cambridge Masters Swim Club March 18 and March 24-26, 2006 Blodgett Pool, Harvard University, Boston MA Frequently Asked Questions

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. In 2005, there were 768 swimmers entered into the meet. This led to swimming sessions that were extremely 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 700 swimmers to keep the session lengths reasonable. If we hit 700 swimmers, and the timeline still has room, we reserve the right to allow additional swimmers info 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 21, or received by February 24. 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. We do NOT expect that the meet will be full by the February 24 deadline. We do expect that we will be able to accept late entries.
   
• Q: What happens if I'm #701, 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 700 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: 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 2006 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 24), 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 2006 USMS registration card.
   
• Q: I am not in the New England LMSC, and I forgot to include a copy of my 2006 USMS Registration card.
  A: Please send a photocopy of your 2006 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 10, 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 10, 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 nem-scy@swimindex.com.