Eastleigh and Oaklands Swimming Club take part in lots of competitions throughout the year, ranging from team galas, to swimmers competing individually. The level of competition varies with swimmers taking part in open meets, club, county, regional and national competitions. Some of these competitions have set qualifying times.  Information about individual competitions can be found under Upcomng Fixtures or on the Fixtures page.  Alternatively speak to your Coach, Karen Robinson or Catherine Allsop; email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

TYPES OF GALAS AND COMPETITIONS

There are several types of swimming competitions in which your child might be involved:

In-house Galas

Fun Galas/Novice Galas organised by the host club to introduce swimmers to competing without pressure.

League Galas

Examples of League Galas are the National Swimming League (formerly known as Speedo), of which there are 3 rounds in the competition year, Premier League (2 rounds), and Minor League (2 rounds). Swimmers are selected to represent EOSC as a team. Team sheets will be posted on notice boards. N.B. For In-house and League Galas please ensure that the Coach knows if your child is available to swim by ticking or crossing the team selection sheets promptly. Check the notice boards regularly so there is no delay in this important communication.

Schools Galas

EOSC assist with the organisation of Schools Galas, which are run by Jo Gridland. We also assist with the AquaOlympics held at Fleming Park. Other Schools Galas occur at different venues.

Open Meets

See here for some great info on entering Open Meets in addition to that below...

Here the swimmer competes as an individual but still represents EOSC. Swimmers need to have reached a good standard time in one or more strokes to qualify. The minimum age for entry is 9 years. Fastest times for each swimmer are submitted to the Meet Organisers and often only the fastest 40 or 50 are selected, although this depends on the Meet. At the Meets swimmers may swim against individuals from all over the country depending on the Grade of the Meet.

Levels of Open Meets

There are four tiers of structured competition. Open Meets are licensed according to the purpose of their competition as Level 1, 2, 3 or 4.

• Level 1 is aimed at National qualifiers and swimmers close to National qualification looking for opportunities to achieve National qualifying times. These meets will have qualifying times for entry, which will be just below the national times (see Section on Qualifying Times and Upper Limit Times).

• Level 2 is aimed at District/Regional qualifiers and swimmers close to District/Regional qualification. They have qualifying times and upper limit times. Access to the ASA ranking information can be used to enable meet organisers to verify entry times submitted by swimmers who fall within the stated range.

• Level 3 is for Club swimmers who seek County qualifying times. They have qualifying times and upper limit times set at an appropriate level. These meets will provide a programme throughout the year to support the requirements of swimmers below District/Regional level.

• Level 4 is for Club swimmers and those beginning to enter individual open competition.  National qualifying times will be accepted from meets licensed at Levels 1 and 2. District/Regional qualifying times will be accepted from meets licensed at Level 1, 2 and 3.

 Amateur Swimming Association (A.S.A) membership Category 2 is required.  Application forms are available from the Club A.S.A. Administrator or from the club front desk on club nights.

AT THE COMPETITION

1. Arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins. This time should be listed in the Meet information on the notice board.

2. Upon arrival, find the changing rooms. Keep all your belongings with you in your swim bag on poolside. The team usually sits on poolside together, so look for some familiar faces.

3. Swimmers should find their Coach or Team Manager and let them know they are present, then sit down and await instructions.

4. It is very important for all swimmers to warm up with the team.

5. After warm-up, swimmers will go back to the team area and sit there until their event is called. Swimmers should not enter the spectator area in swimwear. Should they need to leave poolside they should inform the Team Manager/Coach.

6. The Meet will usually start about 10 minutes after the warm-ups.

7. Remember to keep silent at the start of all races.

8. According to ASA rules (because of insurance purposes), parents are not allowed on poolside unless they are serving in an official capacity.

9. A programme is available prior to the Meet starting, giving the list of competing clubs and order of events. There is usually a raffle to help cover the costs for the home team.

10. Before and after your swim you must report to your coach and not your parents. Even when you have finished all your events, stay on poolside to support your club.

11. At galas outside Eastleigh when a squad is involved transport will sometimes be arranged. All passengers must use the seatbelts provided and remember you are representing EOSC even when you are on the coach. Due to the high cost of coach hire, a contribution towards the cost will be requested. If a coach is not provided it is a good idea to lift share with other families.

WHAT TO TAKE TO THE MEET

1. Most important, a costume (preferably club), Club swimming hat, T-bag shirt and goggles (at least two pairs in good condition).

2. Towels. Your swimmer will be there a while so pack at least two.

3. Food. It is better to bring snacks. Pasta & cous cous for lunch at all day meets. Cereal bars, rice cakes and jelly cubes are all good choices for other light snacks. After the competitions the swimmers are usually very hungry and will need a good balanced meal.

4. Drinks. See previous section regarding drinks. Make sure that the swimmer takes an adequate supply of isotonic sports drinks and water. Do not take fizzy drinks on the poolside. Caffeinated drinks are not recommended. Keep drinking during the day to ensure you do not dehydrate. Even when you’re not swimming, the atmosphere is usually very hot and humid and you will be losing fluid all the time. Once you have attended one or two meets this will all become routine. Please do not hesitate to ask for help or information. 

Special note for Parents

The pool area is usually very warm. Therefore you need to make sure you dress appropriately. Nothing is worse than being too hot at a swim meet – it makes the time pass very slowly. It is also advisable to bring plenty of cool drinks in order to keep hydrated. You may wish to take a cushion to sit on if you have any problems sitting in uncomfortable seats for any length of time. Some venues only have tiled benches. You will soon learn which venues are more comfortable than others. EOSC will enter Open Meets only when a Coach is prepared to be in attendance. (You are welcome to take your children to other events not listed by the Coach). The Open Meet can be a long, hot and sometimes boring way to spend a weekend. If the Coach is there all day, you don’t necessarily need to be. If you wish to drop off and pick up your children feel free to do so, but please make the Coach or Team Manager aware that that is what you are doing and ensure that they have emergency contact details. Of course, if you prefer to stay and cheer your child on, you’re very welcome to do so. It is encouraging to the individual swimmers and the team as a whole to have parents who stay to support us and celebrate our successes.

Open Meet Entry Forms

 

 For Open Meets where no specific entry form is available, please use the Generic Open Meet Entry Form. If using a Meet Specific entry form, please remember to add £3 admin charge.