DSC Club Championships

DSC Club Championships are held across the year. In 2010 the confirmed dates are:

Sprint Championships: 22nd May at Dorking Sports Centre

(ASA Level 4 licence applied for)

The deadline for entries is 7th May and the entry form is available here or from your squad rep. No late entries will be accepted. All swimmers age 6 and above are able to participate in this event. Please see the FAQs below. Promoters conditions will be posted here shortly.

100s will be held on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of July 2010 also at Dorking Sports Centre. ASA Level 4 licence applied for. The deadline for entries will be 10.6.10. No late entries will be accepted.

The dates for the long distance championships will be confirmed shortly but thesse can be expected to take place in November and December.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Club Championships

What are the Club Championships? The Club Championships are designed to provide as many Dorking swimmers as possible with the opportunity to swim competitively. For younger swimmers, they offer an ideal first experience of competitive swimming; while more experienced swimmers have the opportunity to improve their times across a range of events during the year.

What does it mean that an ASA Licence has been applied for? Applying for an ASA licence means that we agree to run our club championships to a certain standard set by the ASA. This means that times swum can be submitted to the ASA Rankings database (we are required to do this within 5 days of each meet). Entry for the Surrey Age Group Championships ("the Surreys") requires a valid licensed time and licencing our club champs ensures our swimmers can use their times towards county meets if they achieve the necessary qualifying time. There are different "Levels" of licensing, our club champs are the most basic "Level 4". You will see other competitions and open meets advertise which "Level" of licensing they have applied for/obtained. Generally, the lower the number the faster the swimmers!

Who should enter? Everyone! As well as the competitive aspect, the club championships are great fun and these galas are when the whole club gets together. However, please note that you must be paid-up club member with a valid ASA membership to enter, please see the membership secretary if you are unsure of your membership status.

How can I find what my Personal Best (PB) times are? Please look at the Members Only pages of the website. Ask your squad rep if you are not sure of the password.

How can I find out my ASA number? If you know you have filled out the necessary forms, please follow the link from the website: /galas-and-opens/find-asa-number.aspx If you do not think you have completed the ASA registration forms, please speak to your squad rep straight away.

What is the "age at" date ? The "age at" date ensures that swimmers are grouped into the correct award categories. The sprints, 100s and the long distance championships all have different 'age at' dates (the last day of competition in each case) so that swimmers may move between age group categories during the year. However this also a fairer system as it means that there is no particular advantage by having a birthday in a certain month.

Why can younger swimmers only enter certain events? It is important to introduce young swimmers to competition gradually and allow them to enjoy the experience, rather than push them too hard. The competition organisers work with the coaches to decide which events should be open to which age groups and also take into account ASA guidelines on these matters.

Why do swimmers under the age of 12 need coaches' approval? Swimmers mature at different rates, and so while you may be eligible for a particular event, your coach may decide that it is not in your best interests to swim on this particular occasion. Of course the reverse is also true, you may not fancy the Fly but your coach may suggest you should give it a go! Coaches can also advise on the best way to maximise swimmers chances of achieving important qualifying times for future events, perhaps by focusing on particular strokes or distances. It is important that you only seek coaches' approval from your own squad coach, ideally from your regular lane coach.

Why is there a deadline for entries? There is a lot of behind the scenes work to process the entry forms and organise each event. The volume of entries determines how the day is organised and so we need to get a view on this as early as possible. All swimming competitions have closing dates and so this also means swimmers get used to the form filling!

What happens if I miss the deadline? In most cases you will not be able to swim in that particular competition. Forms are posted on the website and available from your squad rep well in advance.

Why are parents needed to help run the club championships? This is simple, many hands make light work! There is a lot of behind the scenes organization and on the day help needed. You do not need to be qualified just enthusiastic! Please see /galas-and-opens/team-competitions.aspx and click on the volunteer roles document for more information. Or ask your squad rep about helping out! Please note that all poolside helpers (over 14 yrs old) must be CRB checked by the club. Unfortunately you cannot transfer CRB checks from other organizations or clubs.

What if I can't remember what events I entered? Accepted entries will be posted on the website before each competition.

What do I need to take on the day? Costume, goggles, hat, towel, spare towel or shirt to wear poolside and plenty to drink (not fizzy). Please do not bring electronic equipment (mobiles, DS, PsP, iPod etc) poolside. Please leave valuables at home if at all possible or ensure you use a locker.

Why must I sign in? So we know you are here and planning to swim! We then organise the heats to allow the swimmers closest together in time (rather than age) to swim together. You might have entered all the events but now have decided to swim only two - you let us know this during the sign in process. If you decide to withdraw completely before the day of the competition please do let your squad rep or one of the organisers know if possible.

When will I find out the results? Official results will be posted around the pool as soon as they are processed and will be available on the website shortly afterwards. Lane timekeepers are not able to give individual times for swimmers as these must be approved by the referee before they become official. The organisers politely request that parents do not ask officials or the organisers for individual swimmers results as this tends to cause delays to results processing.