Imagine a world where NCAA swimming championships aren't just about the fastest times, but also about how well teams stack up in head-to-head battles throughout the season—now, that's a game-changer! Ever wondered how the college swimming scene could get a shake-up to reward strategy and competition? Arizona State head coach Herbie Behm has thrown out a bold proposal that ties dual meet victories directly to roster sizes for NCAA Championships, potentially reshaping how teams qualify and compete. It's an idea that's sparking debate among fans, coaches, and athletes alike. But here's where it gets controversial: does this favor powerhouse programs over underdogs, or does it promote fairer, more exciting schedules? Let's dive in and break it down step by step, so even if you're new to the sport, you can follow along easily.
First off, for those just getting into college swimming, a dual meet is essentially a head-to-head competition between two teams, like a mini-championship where swimmers race against each other in various events to tally points. Under Behm's innovative concept, these meets would play a starring role in determining who gets spots at the big NCAA finals. Specifically, he'd have all Division I schools participate in six dual meets during the regular season—think of it as a standardized slate to ensure everyone has a level playing field. Right now, some teams might only face off in as few as two such meets, while others rack up ten or more, creating an uneven experience. After these dual battles wrap up, the season would proceed as usual with conference championships and the NCAA Championships.
Now, the kicker: NCAA rosters would be built based on those dual meet results. Each win in a dual meet would earn a team three additional individual athlete spots on their championship roster. Losses, however, wouldn't add any spots—keeping things competitive and strategic. This means a team that goes undefeated could potentially field up to 18 athletes, matching the current NCAA limit. But—and this is the part most people miss—Behm stresses that the overall qualifiers would still be capped at the top 270 men and 322 women based on their times. So, the total number of swimmers at nationals stays the same; it's just how teams earn their roster slots that changes. For beginners, imagine it like this: if a team wins a dual meet, it's as if they unlocked extra tickets to the championship party, but only if those swimmers have already qualified with fast enough times. This adds a layer of excitement, rewarding teams that dominate in-season matchups.
Of course, this proposal has stirred up some questions, and Behm has been addressing them directly in online discussions. One common concern was whether this would undermine the significance of conference championship meets. Would there still be chances to qualify there, and would qualifying times remain essential? Behm clarified that the same rules apply today: swimmers must hit the qualifying times and rank in the top 270 or 322 overall. Plus, times achieved at conference champs would still count toward qualification, so those meets retain their importance—they're not diminished in any way.
Another thoughtful point raised was about scheduling: wouldn't top teams avoid racing other strong squads to dodge losses that could cost them roster spots? After all, dropping a dual meet to a rival might mean forfeiting those precious three spots at nationals, leading to safer, less thrilling schedules. Behm counters this by suggesting a mandatory structure: teams should be required to compete in at least three in-conference meets and three against 'equally ranked opponents'—say, teams within five spots of their previous year's finish. The NCAA could oversee schedules to guarantee head-to-head battles all season long, ensuring no one hides from tough competition. As an example, think of how this might play out: a rising mid-major team challenging a powerhouse could spark epic races, benefiting the sport by keeping fans engaged and motivating athletes to train harder.
And speaking of mid-majors versus the Power Four conferences (like the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12), where do they fit in? A commenter worried the system might just benefit the big schools. Behm responded that all Division I teams would face the same requirements: three in-conference meets and three out-of-conference ones, with some strength-of-schedule guidelines to ensure fairness. This way, smaller programs get their shot at building rosters too, leveling the playing field in a sport where depth and strategy matter as much as raw speed.
One last detail Behm tackles is ties in dual meets—those rare instances where scores end up even. Since wins grant roster spots, a tiebreaker mechanism would need to be established, perhaps through something like a sudden-death relay or additional races, to decide who gets the edge.
Herbie Behm's idea certainly has its detractors and supporters. On one hand, it could inject more drama into the regular season, encouraging teams to pursue aggressive lineups and making dual meets must-watch events. But here's the controversial twist: critics might argue it disadvantages smaller schools or those with weaker schedules, potentially widening the gap between haves and have-nots. Is this a fair way to reward excellence, or does it risk turning college swimming into a more elitist affair? And what about the athletes—could this pressure lead to burnout or overemphasis on winning at all costs?
What do you think? Does Behm's proposal sound like a fresh breath of air for NCAA swimming, or is it a recipe for inequality? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that dual meet wins should influence rosters, or do you see potential flaws we haven't covered? Let's keep the conversation going!
About Anya Pelshaw
Anya Pelshaw has been a vital part of the SwimSwam team since June 2021, serving as both a talented writer and social media coordinator. She's been on the front lines at major events, including the Women's NCAA Championships in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, where she contributed to coverage and handled social media duties. Her experience also includes attending the 2023 US Summer Nationals and the 2024 European Championships, bringing fresh perspectives and engaging content to readers.
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