How to enter an Open Meet

From time to time your Coach may suggest that you enter an Open Meet or you may see details on the noticeboard. Each Open has different criteria and you will need to check carefully that you qualify. Refer to your up-to-date personal best times in each event.

Open Meets give you a chance to compete against swimmers from other clubs.  Although you will essentially be swimming for yourself, you will be representing your club as well and will be expected to behave according to your Club rules as well as those of the host Club. Please wear your club hat, polo shirt and jacket.

Entry forms will either be given to you or you will be asked to download them from either this website or the host club's website. See the list of local Open Meets in the section above. You can enter Meets in any part of the U.K. as well as long as you are ASA registered.

So that you can complete the entry forms correctly you should always keep a record of your fastest times in every event by keeping your Log Book (if you have been issued with one) up to date. There may be lower and even upper qualifying times in each event. There will be a fee usually between £3.50 to £5 for each event.

If the club has asked you to enter the Meet, your payment will need to be in the form of a cheque payable to the club (Wyre Forest Swimming Club) so that a single club cheque can be sent to the host club with everyone's forms. Please return your form to the Open Meet Secretary by the date stated on the noticeboard (this will be the Open Meet Secretary's deadline - earlier than the Meet deadline). If you are entering the Meet on your own then you will need to make your own arrangements regarding payment.

Usually a Club Coach will be available at the Meet to sit with you and the other swimmers from the Club but sometimes a Parent may have to take the place of a Coach. After the entry forms have been sent in and as long as they have been accepted by the host club, entry cards will be sent/handed to you. Often Open Meets are cardless but you will be advised of this. If cards have been issued they must be taken to the Open Meet for registration. Please check any cards carefully and make sure you know where you are going and when you have to be there. Leave plenty of time to get to the Open Meet in time for registration and the warm-up.

There are many Open Meets that you can enter and the list attached is just the more local ones. The Swimming Times advertises other Open Meets which you may wish to consider. Always check with the Head Coach first as you will be expected to swim in league galas in preference to open meets.

Open Meets are graded according to their difficulty. Designated Open Meets are popular amongst swimmers who are hoping to get District or National Qualifying Times.

As you would in a Gala take at least one change of swimwear, spare clothes, goggles and spare towels with you.  If you are going to be there for a long time then you will need lunch and plenty of healthy snacks and drinks as well. You may wish to take a book to read or similar activity as Open Meets often last for several hours if not all day! You must listen carefully to instructions announced at each meet and it will be up to you to be ready for your event.

Please do ask advice, especially if you are new to entering Open Meets.