Hi all,

 

I wanted to try and put some content behind all the Open Meets that have come out over the last couple of weeks. I know it can be a confusing knowing what to entry even for the most experienced parents.

 

My main point here is that I am not trying to put anyone off entering an event but just want to share the main reason why we target certain meets.

 

If you have any questions please email me or even better come and talk to me. Don't worry if I am coaching just come out and see me. No invitation necessary !

 

Plymouth L1 & Exeter L1

 

These are long course meets and offer great experience for any swimmer, being a level 1 meet means the times you need to achieve to get in are faster but have a look and see if you qualify.

 

The main reason we target these meets - It offers long course race practice for those going to Regional Championships in May. It is also within the 10 week window where swimmers can qualify for the National Championships held in Auguet, times achieved to enter this championship must be posted in a long course pool and within the 10 week window. Swimmers who achieve a time that achieves a top 24 place in the UK go to British Swimming Champs and the next 24 go to their Home Nation Championship, for us that means Swim England Summer Champ in Sheffield (the week after the British Swimming event).

 

I would expect all those with Regional times already to target these event - focus on those events that they already qualify for but consider those they are close to achieving as well.

 

Bournemouth L2

 

This is great meet for all who are trying to achieve regional times or who qualify and want to update times to make sure they get in of they hold a consideration time only. Good pool and nice blocks and its short course. Would be nice to see as many as possible here and as long as the swimmer is 9 by the 7th April they can enter.

 

The main reason we target this meet - For those who want to achieve Regional Championship times or want to improve them. I WOULD NOT EXPECT THOSE GOING TO THE LEVEL 1s WITH STRONG REGIONAL TIMES TO BE HERE......BUT.....ONE OFF EVENTS WHERE THEY NEED A TIME IS OK.

 

I also target this event for those who want to improve their performance and set better PBs - it helps them get into events in the future by keeping their times up to date. I am looking forward to us seeing a strong team at this event. 

 

Poole Open Meet L3

 

This has not come out to you yet as we did not know about it, this is why it was not a target in my programme !!

 

This offers a good chance for those that may not qualify for the B'mouth Meet or want to target some different events. The positive for this meet is that it is at the Dorchester pool and offers a wide range of events. Great for those who are wanting to update times or wanting to attend their first open meet.

 

Summary

 

A very important factor in our sport is making sure swimmers don't over compete in a short period of time, careful consideration should be taken before entering as I would not want to see any swimmer at all of these events !

 

Please make the time to come and see me to discuss if you are in any doubt. If your swimmer is not in my squad please have their current PBs with you as this will help me have a sensible discussion.

 

The one thing I can't control is acceptance into events. We have seen swimmers scratched from events over the last 18 months as the number of swimmers entering has increased dramatically, this is one reason it is vital that our swimmers keep their times up to date by entering meets on a regular basis. I understand how this makes it difficult to plan ahead.

 

I have set out the schedule below and attached the South West Regional Championship pack so swimmers interested can see the times required.

 

WDSC Open Meet L3 - June 2019

 

Remember we will have our own 2 day meet at the start of June. This will be a level 3 and the times achieved will be before the cut off for the County Development in July

 

 

Regards