Understanding Competition Jargon
Welcome to the world of competitive swimming! This guide is here to translate the key phrases and acronyms you'll meet on your journey.
Like any sport, swimming has its own language. If you ever hear a term you don't understand, please ask a coach or committee member – we're here to help!
The Basics: Pools
Short Course (SC / SCM)
A competition held in a 25-metre swimming pool. Our home pool in Burnham is a Short Course pool.
Long Course (LC / LCM)
A competition held in a 50-metre swimming pool, the same size used for the Olympics.
The Basics: Qualifying Times (QTs)
A QT is a time standard set by meet organisers. To enter an event, a swimmer must have an officially recorded time that meets specific criteria.
"Fast Enough"
You must be faster than this time to enter. Used for Championships (Counties/Regionals).
"Not Too Fast"
You must be slower than this time to enter. Ensures fair competition in developmental meets.
"Wild Card"
A slightly slower time. You can enter, but acceptance depends on if there is space left in the event.
The Competition Pathway
Counties (Somerset ASA)
First major champs (Jan-Mar). Swimmers compete against the best in Somerset. Requires County QT.
Regionals (South West)
The next step up. Brings together the fastest from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Glos, Somerset & Wilts.
Nationals
The highest level. The best from England, Scotland, and Wales compete at national summer championships.
Other Useful Terms
🔢 Conversion
Mathematically adjusting a time from a 25m pool to 50m (or vice-versa). Allows swimmers to use existing times to qualify for meets in different pool sizes.
📱 Meet Mobile
An essential app for parents! View heat sheets, live results, and rankings. Usually requires a small subscription.
📈 LTAD
Long-Term Athlete Development: Our coaching framework ensuring training is appropriate for a swimmer's specific age and stage.
🏛️ Somerset ASA
The governing body for swimming in our county, responsible for organising the County Championships.
