1) Swimmers 9-14 years should ALWAYS enter 200m & 400m events (800m free where possible)
2) Where 50m & 100m swims are available these should NOT be entered at the expense of 200m & 400m swims. Younger children are more physically capable of swimming 200m events.
3) The swimmers #1 stroke should always be entered in all distances (where possible)
4) Swimmers should not ‘specialise’ in one particular stroke(s) or event(s) until they are 14-15 years old (I run an IM program which covers ALL strokes and distances)
The message I’m trying to convey is to get the kids to compete at every possible distance, especially when they are younger. As you can imagine this builds great competitive confidence! NB Some competitions do not cover all distances. If you want any more advice please speak to me.
It is good practice to equip yourself for a long day. You will need plenty of food (the correct type, see the Nutrition page) and water. You will need to wear ‘Club Kit and a Club Hat’ this needs to be worn at ALL COMPETITIONS, you will also need a change of costume(s) and spare towel(s). Female athletes usually buy a smaller costume for racing.
‘Head Coach Designated Competitions’ this means that ‘every competitive swimmer’ is expected to attend and swim at least one event per session (where you can qualify) We MUST compete as a Club whenever possible. See Ian for more information.
Warm up times do vary however most ‘warm ups’ start at either 8.00am or 8.30am
Ian Bullock – Head Coach, HSC
Some Useful Links
Gala Disqualification Codes
Full list of official ‘British Swimming Judges Disqualification Coding’Level 1
Meets at this level include long course National, Regional and County Championships. Purpose: To enable athletes to achieve qualifying times suitable for entry into National, Regional and County Championships. Pool Length: Long course (50m) only. Entry Criteria: A minimum qualifying time is required. Swimmer’s submitted entry time can be verified in Rankings and must be from Level 1 or 2 for National events, and from Level 1, 2 or 3 for Regional and County Championships. County Championships and Open Meets may choose to accept entry times from Level 4 meets.Level 2
Meets at this level include short course National, Regional and County Championships. Purpose: To enable athletes to achieve qualifying times suitable for entry into National, Regional and County Championships. Pool Length: Short course (25m) only. Entry Criteria: A minimum qualifying time is required. Swimmer’s submitted entry time can be verified in Rankings and must be from Level 1 or 2 for National events, and from Level 1, 2 or 3 for Regional and County Championships. County Championships and Open Meets may choose to accept entry times from Level 4 meets.Level 3
Purpose: To enable athletes to achieve times suitable for entry into Regional and County Championships and other Meets at Level 1 or Level 2. Pool length: Long course (50m) or Short course (25m) Qualification Standards: Upper cut-off times are required for entry, and lower qualifying times may be set.Level 4
Exceptionally, Open Meets which are not Levels 1, 2 or 3, (e.g. Borough Championships), and events meeting the Swim England criteria for a Low Level Competition which are: A single club competition restricted to its members (as in Club Championships and Time Trials), or Inter-club competitions providing:- The event does not include more than eight clubs.
- The participating clubs must be invited by the promoter to take part in the event.
- The promoter has supplied the conditions for the event.