IMS, IMR & IMX Challenge Information

In 2004, USA Swimming began a motivational program for age group swimmers called the IMR/IMX Series. The purpose of this USA Swimming program is to promote and encourage versatility in age group swimming while advocating for participation and development across a range of events that are integral to long term success in swimming. This program is designed to help them reach the next level in their career by encouraging swimmers of all ages to compete in multiple events, rather than specializing in one stroke too early. 

Delta Aquatics believes this program promotes well rounded swimming skills and experiences. We focus on preparing swimmers for long-term success; our practice group structure and training philosophy are designed with this goal in mind. It is our belief that preparing for success in the IM events is important for each swimmer’s long-term development because it will provide swimmers the opportunity to practice all four strokes across multiple events, build each swimmers’ aerobic capacity and build self-confidence and toughness.

As a swimmer grows and matures, his or her “best” stroke or event typically changes, which is why it is important for every age group swimmer to prepare for the individual medley (IM). If the swimmer was exposed to all strokes and events from a young age, then he or she will be better prepared to compete successfully in whichever event ultimately becomes their “best.”

Two major energy systems are involved while swimming every event: the aerobic and anaerobic systems. In preparing for middle distance freestyle and IM, swimmers build their aerobic base. The aerobically stronger swimmers have a greater capacity to develop a strong anaerobic base, which is ultimately important for ALL events, including the 50s and 100s.

The Delta coaching staff strongly believes that training for these events will build confidence in our swimmers and therefore greater success. In athletics, nothing provides greater confidence than knowing you’ve done everything necessary to achieve your goals.

Print out our checklist for EACH season to keep track of your progress towards IMR and IMX!
Short Course (September through March)
Long Course (April through August)

The first step in the USA Swimming IMX Challenge is IM Ready (or IMR). To get "IM Ready," swimmers compete in a series of five events at shorter distances. Below, we've listed the line-up by age groups.

9 & Under; 10-year olds: 100 Free, 50 Back, 50 Breast, 50 Fly, 100 IM (SC) or 200 IM (LC)
11-year olds; 12-year olds: 200 Free, 50 Back, 50 Breast, 50 Fly, 100 IM (SC) or 200 IM (LC)
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18-year olds: 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM

Once you've swum each event at least once at an official meet, you can log-in to your USA Swimming Account, and find out where you rank against all the other swimmers on your club team. Swimmers should strive to continually improve upon their initial score. You do not need to complete the IMReady program to participate in the IM Xtreme. It is simply a stepping stone.

IM XTREME (IMX)
Ready to move forward? The next step in the USA Swimming IMX Challenge is IM Xtreme (IMX). The IMX ranking includes a series of five or six events at longer distances. Below, we've listed the line-up by age groups. 

9 & Under; 10-year olds: 200 Free, 100 Back, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM
11-year olds; 12-year olds: 400 Free (LC) or 500 Free (SC), 100 Back, 100 Breast, 100 Fly, 200 IM
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, & 18-year olds: 400 Free (LC) or 500 Free (SC), 200 Back, 200 Breast, 200 Fly, 200 IM, 400 IM

Once you've completed the IMX program, you can log-in to your USA Swimming Account, and you can find out where your IMX score ranks nationally, within your zone, within your LSC rank and on your club. Swimmers should strive to continually improve upon their initial score. 

How do I score points?
Rankings in the program are based on power points, a system developed by USA Swimming and Hy-Tek. Every swim listed in the USAS times database includes a Power Point value. This point system allows for comparison of the quality of performances across strokes, distances and events, as well as between age groups. So how exactly does the power point system work? The power point scale ranges from 1 to 1100 points. The higher the points, the stronger you are in that event. 

See the Power Points page for more information and to use the Power Point Calculator.

A Note About IMX & IMR Scores
An IMX or IM Ready score is only established after a swimmer has swum all of the events required for their age group in a sanctioned meet since the start of the current season; both short and long course seasons start September 1 and end August 31 for IMX/IMR purposes Additionally, a swimmer must complete all of the events in the same course (SCY or LCM) to have a score in that particular course. 

How do I participate?
Participation in the IMR and IMX is easy. USA Swimming automatically scores and calculates results for all athlete members! Swimmers only need to be a USA Swimming registered member, then legally compete in each required event, at a sanctioned meet, at least once in a season. A swimmer's times will count for the entire season-so if a swimmer ages up during a season his/her score on the My USA Swimming page will show a score for the lower age group and the new age group.

Why is it important to have an IMX score? 
Ever wonder how your long course times compare to your short course times? Wonder no more. Comparing your season swims is just one way Power Points can be of use to you. Here are other ways to use them:

• So you’re pretty decent in your events across the board, but you want to know which events are stronger for you on a national scale. Use Power Points! For example, you can compare your score in the 100 back vs. the 200 back or across several freestyle distances such as the 100, 200, and 400.

• Look at the strength of one stroke vs. another stroke. For example, compare your freestyle to your breaststroke. Determine the quality of your short course vs. long course swims.

• This comparison is a great way to measure progress from the end of the short course season through the long course season. 

One of our program goals is to have all of our swimmers achieve an IMX score. Once you have a score, you can improve the score by dropping time. These scores help you track progress, help get you into USA Swimming camps/clinics, as well as help improve our team rank within USA Swimming. 

You can see your IMX score by logging into your USA Swimming account. It tells you where you rank within our team, LSC (Illinois Swimming), Zone (Central), and nationally.

Certificates for IMR and IMX
Swimmers have the option of printing certificates that displays their scores for either IMR or IMX. They can also optionally print their national, zone, LSC and/or club rankings.