Team Selection Policy
The swimming club participates in many team galas including both friendly and league galas. The league galas are an important part of the club and currently we participate in three main leagues:
• Mercian League
• Junior League
• National Arena League
As a successful club we compete in Division 1 of all three of the above leagues. LSASC won Mercian league in 2012 and came a close second in 2014, we have achieved the final of Junior League many times, the latest in 2013 and narrowly missed out on the final of the prestigious National Arena League in 2013 by 1 point. For a smaller town club this is a tremendous achievement and as such, to be selected as part of the team for one of these galas is something to be very proud of.
Team selection is generally based upon rankings, however coaches discretion is applied to ensure we field the strongest team for each event. We try to ensure every swimmer selected has at least two swims, but in some cases children may only be picked for a single event where it makes a significant advantage.
Any swimmer that is selected to represent Leamington Swimming Club in a team gala will be expected to stay and support their team mates until the last race. This is taken into account when making team selections.
What do I do if I’m selected and I’m not available?
Mark yourself as unavailable on the team sheet as soon as possible and inform your coach the reason why. Being unavailable for one of the league galas has a significant impact, not only to the club but also to every other member of the team and swimmers should do their utmost to be available for these leagues. As the league galas have such a high importance for the club, failure to be available will be taken into consideration when making future team selections, squad movements and selection for additional sessions for the rest of that swimming season. There can always be exceptional circumstances why a swimmer is unavailable to represent their club, therefore it is important to inform the coach of the reason for your unavailability.
Regional and National Relay Selection Policy
In all cases team selection will be based on times in the British Rankings, Long Course times for LC championships and Short Course times for SC Championships. The fastest swimmers will be selected to give the fastest possible teams for freestyle and medley relays.
The coaches reserve the right to withhold entry for a team if they consider it to be uncompetitive.
Criteria for individual championships as follows:
West Midland/Midlands LC spring championships
Selection is based on the relay age bands 14-16 years and 17/over (age at 31st December). Swimmers will be selected on LC times swam in the qualifying period, currently from the previous 1st October until the April closing date.
Nationals/British Summer Championships
Teams that qualify at regional competition for National competition will be subject to the normal selection criteria, the fastest swimmers will be selected based on LC rankings at the end of the regional championships or the 31st May whichever is the later. Therefore swimmers who improve their LC times in competition up to the cut off can gain a place in the team.
Regional SC Championships
Selection will be based on ranking SC times swam since 1st January until the cut off date (mid October). Converted LC times may be considered.
ASA National Winter Meet SC
Teams that qualify at regional competition for National competition will be subject to the normal selection criteria, the fastest swimmers will be selected based on SC rankings at the end of the regional SC championships. Therefore swimmers who improve their SC times at competition up to the end of regional competition can gain selection.
In all cases the coaches reserve the right to withdraw swimmers who are unable to compete to their potential through injury, illness, lack of training or loss of form.