Competitions
At St Neots Swans Swimming Club, competitions are a key part of our swimmers’ journey, providing opportunities to showcase their skills, achieve personal bests, and bond as a team. Below, you’ll find information about the competitions we participate in and how they’re structured.
Open Meets
The club schedules open meets for our swimmers, typically aligned with the peak periods of the mesocycle to maximise performance.
What You Need to Know:
- Registration: Swimmers register for open meets through Team Unify, where they select their races and pay the associated entry fees.
- Location and Schedule: Meets are often held in Cambridgeshire or neighbouring counties (Essex, Hertfordshire) and usually span a full weekend.
- Preparation: Swimmers and parents should be prepared for a full day out. This includes bringing food, warm clothing, and (in some venues) a foldable chair. Parents attending will also need to pay an entry fee at the venue.
- Club Support: The club provides team managers and coaching staff to supervise and support swimmers throughout the event. Swimmers must notify their team manager before leaving the venue and adhere to Swim England mobile phone/device policies in changing areas.
Competitions: Essential Kit
When preparing for a competition, it’s important to bring the right equipment to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here’s a checklist of essential items:
- Two Costumes: Always have a spare in case of any issues with your main suit.
- Cap: Bring your club swim cap, with spares as a backup.
- Goggles: Ensure you have a good pair for racing, plus a spare set in case of breakages. We recommend keeping them around your wrist or somewhere easily accessible. Losing goggles before a race is stressful, and it happens more often than you’d think!
- Club Top/T-shirt: Wear your Swans Swimming Club top to show team spirit and keep warm between races.
- Pool Shoes/Flip Flops: Essential for moving around poolside comfortably and safely.
- Two Towels: One for drying off after races and another for staying dry and comfortable between events.
- Drinks: Bring plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid fizzy drinks; water or sports drinks are ideal.
- Entertainment: Bring something to do between races, such as a book, games, or puzzles. Staying relaxed between events is crucial for peak performance.
Tip: Pack your kit the night before and double-check everything to avoid any last-minute stress. A well-prepared swimmer is a confident swimmer!
Galas
In addition to open meets, St Neots Swans participates in team-focused galas, including:
- Fenland League
- Arena National League
What’s the Difference Between an Open Meet and a Gala?
- Open Meets: These are individual-focused events where swimmers compete against other swimmers in their chosen races, aiming for personal bests and qualifying times.
- Galas: Galas are team events, where swimmers represent the club, competing in individual and relay races to earn points for the team. Success is measured by the overall team performance rather than individual outcomes.
County and Regional Championships
For swimmers achieving qualifying times, there are opportunities to compete at a higher level:
- Cambridgeshire County Championships: Swimmers who meet the county qualification times will represent the club at this prestigious event, held annually.
- Regional Championships: Swimmers achieving regional qualification times can participate in the East Region Long Course or Short Course Championships, competing against some of the best swimmers in the region.
These events are fantastic milestones for competitive swimmers, showcasing their progress and offering the chance to compete at an advanced level.
Club Championships
Each year, the club holds its Club Championships, a highly anticipated event where our competitive squad members can test their skills in a fun and friendly environment.
Details:
- Entry Costs: Participation in the Club Championships is included in the annual membership fee, with no additional cost for races.
- Race Registration: Swimmers can register for up to 10 races during the championship.
- Awards and Celebration: Age group winners (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) receive awards, which are presented at our annual Awards Presentation Evening.
- Handicap Relay Races: The championships also feature handicap relay races, a fun and exciting addition that fosters team spirit and camaraderie.
Licensed Meet Types in Swim England Competitions
Swim England competitions are categorised into different licensed meet levels, each designed to suit swimmers at various stages of their development. Here’s a breakdown of the meet types:
Level 1 Meets: National and Regional Competitions
- Purpose: Designed for elite swimmers aiming to achieve national and regional qualification times.
- Pool Size: Long Course (50m pools).
- Typical Events: Swim England National Championships, Regional Long Course Championships.
- Example: East Region Long Course Championships.
Level 2 Meets: County and Regional Qualifying Competitions
- Purpose: For swimmers targeting county, regional and national qualification times in Short Course (25m pools).
- Pool Size: Short Course (25m pools).
- Typical Events: County Championships, Regional Short Course Championships.
- Example: Cambridgeshire County Championships.
Level 3 Meets: Developmental Competitions
- Purpose: Open to a broader range of swimmers, including those aiming to achieve county or regional qualification times. These meets typically have qualifying times and sometimes upper limit times to promote inclusivity.
- Pool Size: Can be Short Course (25m) or Long Course (50m).
- Qualifying Use: Times achieved at Level 3 meets can be used to qualify for County Championships and Regional Championships.
- Example: Local Open Meets within Cambridgeshire or neighbouring counties.
Level 4 Meets: Entry-Level Competitions
- Purpose: Aimed at club swimmers who are new to competitive swimming. Often used for Club Championships and inter-club galas. These meets provide an excellent introduction to competitive swimming.
- Pool Size: Typically Short Course (25m).
- Example: A Larger Club’s Club Championships.
Unlicensed Meets
- Purpose: Informal competitions that do not adhere to Swim England licensing standards. Times achieved at these events cannot be used for qualification purposes for County .
- Example: Friendly galas and in-house time trials.
Why Compete?
Competitions are an excellent way for swimmers to challenge themselves, build confidence, and bond with teammates. Whether at an open meet, gala, county championship, or club championship, every race is a chance to grow, celebrate progress, and take the next step in their swimming journey.
If you have any questions about upcoming competitions or how to get involved, please contact a member of the coaching or team management staff.