I need help deciphering...

[JT]

Hi Folks: I used to swim and compete in another country, but it's been
years since I have really been in the competitive arena, in terms of
coaching, or swimming Masters. Upon reading the messages here though I get
confused about all the terms. Could somebody explain how the competitive
system works here? I know about U.S. Swimming, they are the ruling
organization for swimming in the U.S. I gather, but what is PVS, and other
abbreviations I read throughout the posts? How is it divided? by state?
regions? I am sorry if all this has been explained countless of times, but
I really would love to get a grasp on how the system works here in
America. Many thanks!

JT

Please post here! :)