Open Meets & Licensed Levels
Open Meets
Open meets are organised by swimming clubs and licensed by Swim England so that results are official.
They give swimmers the opportunity to race against others, achieve qualifying times, and gain valuable experience at different venues.
Each meet publishes an entry pack explaining age groups, qualifying times, and event details.
Some meets are small local events, while others attract swimmers from across the country.
Licensed Meet Levels
Open meets are organised by swimming clubs and licensed by Swim England so that results are official.
They give swimmers the opportunity to race against others, achieve qualifying times, and gain valuable experience at different venues.
Each meet publishes an entry pack explaining age groups, qualifying times, and event details.
Some meets are small local events, while others attract swimmers from across the country.
Licensed Meet Levels
Level |
Pool Type |
Purpose / Typical Use |
1 |
Long Course (50 m) |
National & Regional qualifying times. Minimum entry standards apply. |
2 |
Short Course (25 m) |
County & Regional qualification for short-course events. Minimum times apply. |
3 |
25 m or 50 m |
For developing swimmers. Has upper-time limits (you must not have swum faster). |
4 |
25 m (minimum) |
Entry level meets – ideal for new competitors. |
How to Enter
Choosing the Right Meet
- Via Swim Manager – follow event links and submit entries before the deadline.
- Check qualifying times – ensure your official times meet the event’s limits.
- Ask your coach – if unsure which races to enter, your coach can advise.
Choosing the Right Meet
Swimmer Stage |
Recommended Level |
Focus |
New to competition |
Level 4 |
Learn routines, starts, marshalling |
Developing swimmer |
Level 3 |
Gain PBs, target County qualification |
County/Regional qualifier |
Level 2 |
Improve rankings and speed |
Experienced swimmer |
Level 1 |
Achieve National/British qualifying times |
What to Expect
Why Open Meets Matter
- Events are split into sessions (morning/afternoon) each with its own warm-up.
- Swimmers compete in heats arranged by entry time, not age.
- Final placings are based on times within each age group.
- Many meets operate on a Heat Declared Winner (HDW) basis with no finals.
Why Open Meets Matter
- Times count towards Swim England Rankings.
- Essential for qualifying for County, Regional and National competitions.
- Builds independence and confidence in a larger competitive environment.
