| Competition Help | |||||||
| Ages | Helping | Notification | Organisation | Preparation | Travelling | Types of Competition | |
The ASA restricts the age at which children can compete.
Ages are always taken as at 31st December of the current year unless stated otherwise in the conditions of entry. This means that if, for example, the age was given as U/13 (i.e. under 13) it would mean that the swimmer must still be 12 or under on 31st December that year.
The current rules are as follows:
| Internal Galas | Any Age | Usually entry by swimmer, and entry fees paid by swimmer. |
| Inter-Club Galas | 9 yrs & older | Selection by Club (no entry fees) |
| Leagues | 9 yrs (Relays only) 10 yrs & older (Individual events) |
Selection by the Club (no entry fees) |
| County Championships | 10 yrs & older Individual and relays |
Entry by swimmers achieving entry qualifying times and paying entry fees |
| Open Meets (all types) | 10 yrs & older | Entry by swimmers being within qualifying times and paying entry fees |
| South East Region | 11 yrs & older Individuals |
Entry by swimmer achieving qualifying time and paying entry fees |
| National Age Group Youth Championships | 10 yrs & older Individuals |
Swimmers achieving national qualifying times are entered and entry fees are paid by the Club |
| National Short Course and Long Course BAGCATS | 10-13 Girls (14 Boys) Youth 14-17 (15 Boys) Senior (Open) |
Swimmers achieving national qualifying times are entered and entry fees are paid by the Club |
When an age is quoted, that is the youngest age at which a competitor may compete in that competition according
to ASA Laws.
Team Managers in collaboration with the Chief Coach/coaching staff do Selection for Galas and relays.
The Club or Organisation that is running the event sets Qualifying Times. These are set out in the Promoters
Conditions. These must be abided by.
Ages are always taken as at 31st December of the current year unless stated otherwise in the conditions of
entry. This means that if, for example, the age was given as U/13 (i.e. under 13) it would mean that the swimmer
must still be 12 or under on 31st December that year.