History of ISCA
The International Swim Coaches Association (ISCA) was founded in 2000 as a not-for-profit association.
ISCA’s Founding Board of Directors identified a gap in communication between the coaching community and the swim science community. Research and information that is crucial to better swimming wasn’t being delivered in a format that was useful and applicable to coaches. ISCA was founded with the goal of bridging the gap between swim coaches and sports science. ISCA, in addition to enhancing the knowledge of our professionals, also wanted to set standards for promoting as well as fostering excellence in teaching and protecting the future of our profession and our families.
Our Vision & Mission
Our mission is to provide swimming coaches and teachers with an exceptional, science-based education, while fostering an international network of professionals who will define the future of swimming.
Let’s work together and make amazing things happen!
Policy statements
The International Swim Coaches Association celebrates the uniqueness of each individual within an intentionally inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment. We recognize that our community is enhanced as we seek to appreciate and respect the differences among our members, leaders, board, project managers, faculty, staff, boosters as well as the sports participants such as students, parents, guardians and alumni. We are committed to supporting this environment through instruction, professional development, and other programming, and in accordance with our nondiscriminatory policy.
Nondiscriminatory policy
ISCA admits members of any race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available. ISCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin in administration of its employment practices, educational policies, meet admissions policies, scholarships and award programs.
Statement on Fairness, Integrity and the Future of Sport
ISCA Statement on Fairness, Integrity, and the Future of Sport
At the International Swim Coaches Association (ISCA), we believe that sport is one of the most powerful platforms for personal growth, community building, and human achievement. Our mission has always been to support athletes, coaches, and families by upholding the core values of integrity, sportsmanship, and fairness in competitive swimming and beyond. Sport, at its best, is about more than medals and records. It is about effort, resilience, and respect for the process. It is a stage where character is revealed and where young people learn lessons that shape them for life. That is why it is essential to protect the foundational principles that make sport so meaningful.
Sport, at its best, is about more than medals and records. It is about effort, resilience, and respect for the process. It is a stage where character is revealed and where young people learn lessons that shape them for life. That is why it is essential to protect the foundational principles that make sport so meaningful.
ISCA does not support the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in any sanctioned competition. While we respect personal autonomy and the decisions individuals make in their personal lives, we believe that allowing PEDs in sport compromises the values of fair play, athlete safety, and long-term health. Events that promote the use of PEDs send the wrong message to athletes, especially youth, and undermine the purpose of competition. If we normalize the use of PEDs now, what comes next? The boundaries will continue to be pushed, evolving into increasingly extreme and unhealthy practices that place winning above well-being. We must hold the line to protect both the spirit and the safety of sport.
At ISCA, we are committed to fostering a positive and inspiring environment for youth. Young athletes deserve role models who embody the values of clean sport, honesty, and perseverance. The next generation is watching, learning, and modeling their behavior after those who came before them. It is our responsibility as coaches and leaders to ensure the people they look up to are truly worthy of that admiration, not only because of their performance but also because of the way they compete.
Fairness in sport is one of ISCA's core principles, and we believe it is essential to ensure a level playing field for all athletes. We fully support individuals' rights to make personal choices and express their identities, and we are committed to treating everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion. ISCA does not condone any form of hate, discrimination, or exclusion.
As this conversation continues to evolve, it is important to acknowledge the role of science in guiding thoughtful, evidence-based policy. Research has shown that biological differences between males and females can influence performance in certain aspects of sport, particularly at elite levels of competition. For this reason, ISCA supports maintaining women's categories in sanctioned competition for biological females, in order to preserve the integrity and fairness these categories were designed to provide.
We recognize that this is a complex and sensitive topic that deserves ongoing dialogue, empathy, and understanding. Our position is rooted in fairness, science, and a commitment to creating a respectful and balanced competitive environment for all athletes.
ISCA will always stand for fairness, opportunity, and the true spirit of sport. We believe in strengthening our sport, not diluting it. We believe in celebrating achievement, not shortcuts. And we are committed to building a future where athletes can proudly pursue excellence while inspiring young people to dream of doing the same.