Club Time trials
These are small organised timing session based at the club during club sessions, to provide the younger swimmers with the opportunities to experience race practice and gain times for particular events. Also it allows swimming teachers to see and monitor their progression both at speed but at technical aspects such as turns, starts etc.
Swimmers will not be disqualified or placed in these trials the
main focus is on personal development.
Club Champs
The Club championships are a competition for Ashbourne member
only, with specific events and age group racers. This event is an excellent
opportunity for swimmers to compete against one another in a relaxed and fun
based environment. Prizes and awards will be available. The club champs are held
once a year.
4 Towns
In general the team is based on current performances within training. When selecting a team the teachers aims to be as fair as possible, however in some cases some swimmers will have more races than others. However the fastest swimmers will not be selected for every race within their age as most galas have rules and regulation regard how many races swimmers can swim in. Races will be shared between the team and relays will be selected carefully. It is important all swimmers selected to swim tick or cross their name on the notice board ASAP. Reserves will be added to the list if a swimmer is unable to attend. Been a reserve does not mean you are second best. The coaches simply have to share the competitions out and try to ensure all swimmer get the opportunity to compete.
There are several rules in the 4 Towns Galas, therefore the team will be selected to obey the rules of the competitions.
Swimmers should record their Personal best times in a PB book,
they should know there best times for all major events.
What are Open Meets?
Open meet competitions are held over several sessions and days. They allow swimmers the opportunities to race over a range of distances, strokes and events in specific age groups categories. Swimmers compete individually and represent the club. The selection of events the swimmer chooses is decided by the swimmer with guidance from the coach. Ashbourne Swimming Club will select specific open meets that are appropriate for the swimmers level. To swim in Open meets the swimmer must hold level two ASA membership (if a swimmers does not have this it can be arrange with a club committee member). All swimmers should try open meets as there are levels for all abilities, but the entry forms can be confusing to fill in. If it is your first time,
please feel free to ask the coaches or the committee to help you fill out the entry forms.
There are 3 basis levels of open meets:
Level 1 – Advance County, Midland and National swimmers
Level 2 or A Grade – County level performance and top end club swimmers
Level 3 or B Grade – Low level fun based opens suitable for the majority of club member, also novice and beginners
Grade C – same as grade B
Check out the club calendar for details of current competitions