Florida Gold Coast Swimming (FGC) Overview

FGC Structure and Seasons

Florida Gold Coast Swimming (FGC) is the governing body for competitive swimming in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties under USA Swimming. The year is divided into two competitive seasons:

  • Short Course Yards (SCY): September to March

  • Long Course Meters (LCM): April to August

Each season concludes with championship meets designed for different age and performance levels.

Championship Meets and Eligibility

Please refer to FGC Time Standards section to check the qualifying times required for each meet: https://www.fgcswim.org/page/time-standardsimx

BB Championships

For swimmers who have achieved BB-level time standards but are below Age Group qualifying times. This meet encourages developing athletes to compete at a higher level.

Age Group Championships (former Junior Olympics)

For swimmers who have earned "A" time standards. This is the primary championship meet for competitive age-group athletes.

Senior Championships

For swimmers ages 13 and older who meet senior-level qualifying times. This meet focuses on advanced competition and performance progression.

Winter Championships

A mid-season championship for swimmers with “A” times, serving as a performance checkpoint before the March championships.

Season Flow and Progression

September – October

Early-season meets emphasizing skill development and race practice.

December

Winter Championships, providing a mid-season evaluation for qualified swimmers.

January – February

Regular season meets focused on preparation for BB Championships and Age Group Championships.

March

Culmination of the SCY season with Age Group Championships, Senior Championships, and the Sunshine State Showcase for selected age-group athletes.

April – June

Transition to Long Course season with training and competitions designed for endurance and stroke development.

July

LCM championship events, including BB, Age Group, and Senior Championships.

August

Recovery, team evaluations, and planning for the upcoming season.

Competitive Levels and Typical Events

  • Developmental Level:
    Competes in BB Championships (February and July).

  • Age Group Level:
    Competes in Age Group Championships (March and July).

  • Senior Level:
    Competes in Senior Championships (March and July).

  • Winter Evaluation Meet:
    Winter Championships in December for swimmers with “A” times.

Swimmer Development Pathway

Swimmers move through a structured and supportive competitive pathway that typically progresses through:

  • BB Championships

  • Age Group Championships

  • Sunshine State Showcase & Southern Zone Age Group Championships

  • Senior Championships

  • Sectionals

  • National-level meets (Futures, Junior Nationals, TYR Pro Swim Series, Junior Nationals, US Open, Olympic trials)

Coaches guide each swimmer based on age, qualifying times, and developmental needs to ensure steady, long-term improvement.