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What is the difference between a gala and an open meet?

There are lots of different sorts of competition..... here is a brief description of each. In each case, other than Club Champs, you have to be 9 to compete, unless you are chosen for a relay (minimum age of 8). If you are chosen for your first gala please read our tips.

1) Club Competitions - These range from some u12 Development Gala's like the Derby & Notts and Minor Gala's to full squad (9's to Open) for the Spring Competition and the National Arena League (sometimes referred to as Speedo League), selection is done from the PB list so make sure it's upto date!
 
2) Open Gala's - These are individual gala's where swimmers are encouraged to participate and they range from 50 metre sprint meets which are a great non stressful introduction to swimming competition for younger age swimmers, to other Open Gala's, aimed at the quicker swimmers and generally used to achieve times for County, Midlands or National Competitions. Depending on the Level of competition these often have qualifying times (times you must be able to swim the event in) and sometimes Designated Fastest Entry Times (times you must not be quicker than).
 
3) County, Midlands and Nationals - For the elite swimmers in the club, based on achieving a specific time for a distance at a particular age (a qualifying time).
 
4) Club Champs - a great opportunity for the younger ages, as well as others to achieve county times and win some trophies at the end of year presentation evening