CHAPEL HILL — Due to the recent decision by the NCHSAA Board of Directors to cancel regional swimming competitions, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association has finalized and approved the qualification process for the 2026 NCHSAA Swimming State Championships.
Only individuals and relay teams that had previously qualified for regional competition in their respective events will be considered for advancement to the state meet.
State Championship Qualification Criteria
Advancement to the Swimming State Championships from East and West regional entries will be determined as follows:
- The top 12 individual swimmers from the East Region and the top 12 individual swimmers from the West Region
- The top 8 relay teams from the East Region and the top 8 relay teams from the West Region
- The next fastest regional entry times, regardless of region, will qualify until the field reaches a maximum of 32 individual swimmers and 24 relay teams
- An additional heat will be added only if there are more than 32 automatic qualifying times from the regional meet entries, or in the event of ties for 32nd place
Meet Format, Scoring, and Schedule
- Format: Timed Finals
- Scoring: NFHS 16-place scoring system
- Schedule: Click for updated Swimming and Diving State Championship schedules.
Additional Information
- Advancement Sheets: Schools and coaches will be notified once State Championship preliminary sheets are posted.
- Tickets: Tickets will be sold online through GoFan at $15.00 for Swimming and $5.00 for Diving. Ticket links will be posted on the NCHSAA website.
- GoFan is currently processing refunds for any tickets previously purchased for regional swimming or diving competitions.
