Three clubs achieved the Gold level for the first time, the Aquajets Swim Team, Delaware Swim Team, and Colorado Stars. Of the 270 teams that submitted applications for this year’s program, a record 74 clubs achieved the criteria for Gold medal eligibility.

2011 is the 10th year of the Club Excellence program and it is interesting to note that this year’s top two teams – North Baltimore and Swim Atlanta - are the only two clubs to earn the Gold Medal level by scoring in the top 16 clubs in each of the ten years. In the history of the program, a total of 59 different clubs have achieved the coveted Gold medal level.

The 2011 program results are based on performances in the 2010 calendar year. Clubs have been selected as Gold, Silver or Bronze Medal clubs according to the following parameters:

Gold Level: The top 16 point-scoring clubs eligible for the Gold level.
Silver Level: The remaining clubs ranked through #100 and/or not achieving Gold status.
Bronze Level: Clubs ranked #101 through #200 and/or not achieving Gold or Silver status.

The program recognizes USA Swimming clubs for their commitment to excellence in performance. In addition to recognizing the top club teams, the program provides grant funding for resources that enable clubs to expand and/or enhance the services they already provide to athletes. A total of $320,000 in grant dollars will be distributed to the 100 Gold and Silver-level clubs. Final grant awards will be announced by June 10.