Entering your first meet is exciting! Our system is managed through the club website to keep things simple.
Every competition follows the same simple process, from the invitation email to race day.
Step 1
You will receive an invitation email containing the Meet Pack (dates, schedule and qualifying times) and the AST internal closing date. 📧 The email — contains the vital details and entry fees. 📱 Spond — please RSVP so we know you are planning to attend. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: RSVPing on Spond does NOT enter you into the competition. You must complete Step 3 on the website.
Step 2
For younger swimmers we encourage entering a variety of strokes and distances (including IM) to build well-rounded skills. 💡 Top tip: unsure what to enter? Speak to your coach for guidance.
Step 3
All entries must be submitted via the AST club website before the closing date. Log in to your account, or use the direct link in your invitation email or Spond invite. • Events appear in the order of the programme. • S = short course time, L = long course time. • The system finds each swimmer's fastest time and converts it to the correct pool length. 🚫 Please do not change times manually — never edit a converted time, or enter one where the list shows NT (no time). Questions about times? Contact Stevie Dixon at [email protected].
Step 4
After the closing date a draft list is sent out for checking. Once the meet organiser accepts the entries, fees are collected automatically by GoCardless Direct Debit — no BACS transfers needed. A small admin fee (about £5) covers coach passes.
Step 5
Once your entries are processed we will email you the confirmed entry list and warm-up times, and post a notification on Spond.
Organisers may reject (scratch) swimmers to stay within the time limits, usually removing the slowest entries. Refunds are issued for any rejected swims.
Unfortunately the deadlines are strict and we are unable to accept late entries once the internal date has passed.
Nationals are entered directly through the Swim England website. Coaches will give full guidance to any qualifying swimmers.
Our competitions team is always happy to help — just get in touch.