I am using the 2024 Time Standards as an example of how to read it and explain what AUTO and CON times are, but by no means is this chart permanent. Each year, CIF looks back at the previous year(s) and adjusts both the AUTO and CON times. EACH YEAR. That is why I post the most current times on our CIF Qualification Times page.

First thing to note is that there are four divisions in CIF. This also changes, based on a formula that CIF uses, taking the times all our swimmers put up at league finals, to "rank" the boys and girls teams individually against other teams. CIF then distributes them into the four divisions. It helps with equity in competition. Long ago, schools were distributed by school size and what the "best" team in the league was doing. This made up for some schools dominating. El Rancho is currently in Division IV. La Serna and Cal Hi fluctuate between Division 1 and 2 now. Whittier, Santa Fe, and El Rancho, once in Division III based off La Serna and Cal's geographical and historical position, have now settled into Division IV.

So, looking at the last two columns on the right, you will see AUTO and CON. AUTO times are AUTOmatic. If you make an AUTO time, you will swim at CIF. CON times represent CONsideration times. If you swim below a CON time, but more than an AUTO time, they will "consider" your times when they fill up the heat sheets. CIF will swim 32 athletes (4 heats of 8 swimmers) for the PRELIMinary swim meet. If 12 kids swim AUTO times, they will add the next fastest 20 kids with CON times, to make the 32 total swimmers. So, if you can't make the AUTO time, your CON time needs to be as close as possible to have a chance.

What does your kid need to swim to go to CIF? Start with his race (far left column) and draw your finger all the way across to the last two columns. Just make sure you have an updated CIF time standard. If I don't update it quick enough, you can always find it on the CIF SS Swimming and Diving Website.