Connecticut Swimming

Athlete Travel Assistance

In order to assist in the development of senior swimmers, Connecticut Swimming (CSI) offers limited financial assistance for those swimmers currently registered in CT competing in one or more individual events at the meets listed below. Questions should be directed to Sean Farrell, Senior Committee Chair about additional meets.

Coaches seeking National Select Camp travel assistance should visit Coach Travel Assistance page.

Eligibility Requirements & Application

Swimmers must be registered with Connecticut Swimming for at least two (2) years and hold a current Connecticut membership card. Swimmers registered less than two years, but meeting the following participation requirement, may receive prorated assistance. College swimmers from out-of-state that represent a CSI team in summer will be eligible for 50% funding their first summer and full funding their second summer. Active collegiate swimmers will not be eligible for funding during the collegiate year.

The Connecticut Swimming meet participation requirement had been eliminated for the 2021-2022 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic but has returned for the 2022-23 competitive year.

Per each eligible meet, swimmers must have competed in at least 1 individual event excluding time trials and relays. 

Please DO NOT submit receipts for sectional or Zone meets. Please DO submit receipts for all other eligible meets.

Checks will be mailed to athletes in late October/November after all travel assistance requests are approved by CSI Senior Committee and/or Board of Directors.

Receipts and application must be submitted by, September 18, 2023 at 11:59p

APPLICATION - please wait until your swimmer has competed in his/her last eligible meet before filling out the form.

Applications are submitted through Connecticut FAST My Accounts. (Instructions) Swimmers, parents, or coaches may submit the request.

2022-2023 Travel Assistance Maximum by Meet

Assistance is for expenses paid up to the maximums listed below. Checks will not be sent for redeemed points, rewards, etc. Checks will be mailed to athletes in late October/November after all travel assistance requests are approved by CSI Senior Committee and/or Board of Directors.

  • SC Zone Age Group Championships $300
  • LC Zone Age Groups Championships $300
  • Eastern Zone LC Senior Zone Championship $300
  • Zone Spring Sectionals $300
  • Zone Summer Sectionals $300
  • Futures $500
  • Pro Swim Series $750 per meet
  • Winter Junior Nationals $750
  • Winter Sr Nationals (US Open) $750
  • Winter Paralympic Nationals $750
  • Open Water Junior National Championship $750
  • Open Water National Championship $750
  • 18/U Spring Cup $500
  • Summer Jr Nationals $750
  • Summer Sr Nationals/National Selection Meet/US Open $750
  • Summer Paralympic Nationals $750
  • Olympic Trials $1100
  • Paralympic Trials $1100

Financial Hardship

In consideration of the impacts of the Coronavirus Pandemic on our nation, the Connecticut Swimming Board of Directors will consider the extension of extra funding of travel expenses to registered athletes experiencing financial hardship as a result of the ongoing health and economic crisis.  Athletes qualified for Summer Nationals, Summer Paralympic Nationals, Olympic Trials, and Paralympic Trials for the 2021 year who feel they are not able to attend due to hardship endured as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic are encouraged to apply to the CSI Board of Directors for additional funding options.

Applications for consideration will be submitted through the CSI Office, attention: Nan Cooper.  A review of applications will be handled by the Hardship Committee.  This sub-committee of the Board of Directors consists of: General Chair, Finance Vice-Chair; and Senior Committee Chair.  Applications for hardship grants must be received by the deadline for Travel Assistance; August 29, 2022.  Hardship grants will only include funding for real travel expenses incurred by the competing athlete, supported by receipt documentation, for amounts that exceed the maximum permitted athlete travel assistance funding.  Applications, via written testimony, must identify hardships incurred as a direct result of the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The CSI Board of Directors will commit no greater than 15% of the budgeted amount of Athlete Travel Assistance in the adopted 2021-2022 Budget to hardship grants. Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to the CSI Office, or any of the hardship committee member

NCAA Compliance

The total of any monies received in addition to Connecticut Swimming assistance shall not exceed the athlete's out-of-pocket trip expenses. Athletes funded for more than trip expenses risk amateur status and NCAA eligibility. NCAA Division I bylaw 12.1.2.1.4.3 allows for an LSC to provide competition related expense assistance to athletes without jeopardizing NCAA eligibility. However, for those athletes looking to participate at the Division I level, it is critical that the athletes keep detailed receipts documenting their expenses throughout the calendar year and are aware of all sources that can cover competition related expenses (USA Swimming, LSC, prize money, USA Swimming team). 

Contact

Email: office@ctswim.org