Kidlington & Gosford Swimming Club
An explanation of the world of competitive swimming galas
The world of swimming Galas and Meets can appear complex and confusing initially and therefore we have set out below some basic definitions and sought to answer some of the most often asked questions.
We hope this proves helpful and ensures that all swimmers of all abilities enter the ideal Meets for both them and the Club
We hope this proves helpful and ensures that all swimmers of all abilities enter the ideal Meets for both them and the Club
Basic definitions
There are three main types of event as detailed below
Team Galas |
At Team Galas you swim for your team against 5 or 7 other clubs. Each swim gains points towards an overall club total. These gala’s only last a couple of hours, but are exciting and lots of fun.
The aim of the club is to try and enter Team Gala's, not only because they are shorter in duration, but also because they are exciting and encourage team spirit. However, with a small squad it is essential that we have the maximum number of swimmers available. |
Development Meets |
These are like small Open Gala's that require no entry times and are only open to a maximum of eight clubs. They run in one afternoon or session and usually cover about 3-6 events.
Please note you should not enter any events that you have swum at County Championship level. These meets are designed to allow less experienced swimmers to gain official times, or for those wanting to swim in events they don't usual participate in. |
Open Meets
|
At Open Meets you swim as an individual against lots of other swimmers. Swimmers choose their own events (with the help of a coach if needed). Sometimes there are heats and finals, medals are usually issued for the top 3 swimmers. These galas may take place over 2-3 days.
In order to enter these Meets you must have an official time from a previous licensed Meet. There are entry standards and sometimes 'no faster than' or 'no slower than' times as well. These qualifying times and speed limits will be posted on the website as appropriate. |
What Galas should I enter?
In short, as many as you can.
Competition is an important part of swimming and helps make the hard training worthwhile.
They allow swimmers to see improvements, which can help boost both confidence and motivation.
Competition is an important part of swimming and helps make the hard training worthwhile.
They allow swimmers to see improvements, which can help boost both confidence and motivation.
What's the difference between a licensed and an unlicensed Meet?
Lots of Open Meets have a license granted from the ASA. This means the times are recorded on the official ASA database and count as qualification for other licensed Meets.
Team Gala’s and some smaller Open Meets (like some club championships) are not licensed and so times achieved there will NOT qualify you for another licensed Meet.
Team Gala’s and some smaller Open Meets (like some club championships) are not licensed and so times achieved there will NOT qualify you for another licensed Meet.
Licenced Meets have different levels (1-4) - who are they aimed at?
Level 1,2 & 3 Licensed Meet / Open Gala’s
Aimed at:
• Competition & Performance Squads
NOT aimed at:
• Academy
You should only enter the events for which you have a qualification time that must have come from another licensed gala in the last 12 months (The qualifying time boundaries will be on the website by the event details)
Level 4 Licensed Meet / Open Gala's (also known as Development Meets)
Aimed at:
• Academy Squad swimmers (PRIORITY)
• Any competition swimmer who does not have an official time for an event, or whose time does not meet the criteria for other licensed meets (levels 2&3)•
Not aimed at:
• Swimmers with County Championship qualifying times
Swimmers for whom Development Meets are a priority should enter:every Development Meet possible and every event available (within reason).
You DO NOT need a qualification time from a previous gala for entry to a Development Meet - that is why these are essential and help you to progress the Level 3 Licenced Meets.
(FYI We only enter a small selection of these Meets, approx. 3-4 per year, where each one only has about four events)
Aimed at:
• Competition & Performance Squads
NOT aimed at:
• Academy
You should only enter the events for which you have a qualification time that must have come from another licensed gala in the last 12 months (The qualifying time boundaries will be on the website by the event details)
Level 4 Licensed Meet / Open Gala's (also known as Development Meets)
Aimed at:
• Academy Squad swimmers (PRIORITY)
• Any competition swimmer who does not have an official time for an event, or whose time does not meet the criteria for other licensed meets (levels 2&3)•
Not aimed at:
• Swimmers with County Championship qualifying times
Swimmers for whom Development Meets are a priority should enter:every Development Meet possible and every event available (within reason).
You DO NOT need a qualification time from a previous gala for entry to a Development Meet - that is why these are essential and help you to progress the Level 3 Licenced Meets.
(FYI We only enter a small selection of these Meets, approx. 3-4 per year, where each one only has about four events)
Who picks the team at Team Galas?
The team is selected by the coaches as are the events they will swim. So for these gala’s you only need to confirm your attendance on invitation to the team.
What are Club Championships?
Some clubs run their own championship’s, but invite other clubs to add to the competition (and make money!)
Some of these are licensed and so times will count for subsequent Meet qualification, but some are not licensed.
We will specify on the Events page if the Meet is licensed, i.e. it will be denoted by the word ‘Level’.
Banbury Club Championships is an Open Meet that KGSC are invited to.
It is not licensed, but it is a good opportunity for swimmers to get some race practice, particularly inexperienced racers, or those more experienced that want to try out new events, or just get more racing in.
Some of these are licensed and so times will count for subsequent Meet qualification, but some are not licensed.
We will specify on the Events page if the Meet is licensed, i.e. it will be denoted by the word ‘Level’.
Banbury Club Championships is an Open Meet that KGSC are invited to.
It is not licensed, but it is a good opportunity for swimmers to get some race practice, particularly inexperienced racers, or those more experienced that want to try out new events, or just get more racing in.
What's the difference between a Meet and a Gala?
None! - it seems to be a Club tradition as to the preferred designation - so a Open Meet or an Open Gala is 'the same'