For many parents, the world of competitive swimming can quickly become confusing.

Questions such as:

• What is a good swimming time?
• Why is my swimmer ranked where they are?
• What does a qualifying time mean?
• Why do some swimmers improve faster than others?

are common among families entering the sport.

This guide explains how swimming times, rankings and qualification standards work, helping parents better understand their swimmer's progress and development.

Understanding Swimming Times

Swimming is a sport measured by time.

Unlike some sports where winning is the only objective, swimmers are constantly comparing their performances against their previous swims.

For example:

Every event has its own time.

A swimmer may be strong in one stroke or distance and developing in another.

This is completely normal.

What Is a Good Swimming Time?

This is probably the question parents ask most often.

The honest answer is:

A good swimming time depends on age, experience, training history and event.

For example, a fantastic time for an 11-year-old swimmer may be very different to a strong time for a 16-year-old swimmer.

Rather than comparing swimmers directly, coaches often focus on:

✅ Personal improvement

✅ Technical development

✅ Consistent progress

✅ Long-term potential

A swimmer's most important comparison is usually against their own previous performances.

What Is a PB?

PB stands for Personal Best.

A PB is the fastest time a swimmer has ever achieved in a particular event.

Examples:

• 50m Freestyle PB
• 100m Backstroke PB
• 200m Individual Medley PB

PBs are one of the best ways to measure progress.

A swimmer who achieves a PB has improved their previous performance, regardless of where they finish in the race.

Why Do Some Swimmers Improve Faster Than Others?

One of the biggest mistakes parents can make is comparing swimmers directly.

Every athlete develops differently.

Swimming improvements are influenced by:

• Growth and physical development
• Training consistency
• Technique
• Strength and fitness
• Competition experience
• Confidence

Some swimmers improve rapidly at younger ages, while others develop later.

Coaches therefore focus heavily on individual progress rather than comparisons.

Understanding Rankings

Rankings are simply lists showing how swimmers compare against others within a specific category.

Rankings may be organised by:

• Age
• Event
• Region
• County
• Nation

For example:

Rankings help swimmers understand where they currently sit compared to others.

However, rankings change constantly as swimmers improve throughout the season.

Should Parents Focus on Rankings?

The simple answer is:

No, not too much.

Rankings can be useful, but they only tell part of the story.

A ranking doesn't show:

• Work ethic
• Training attendance
• Technique improvements
• Long-term potential
• Confidence
• Commitment

Many successful swimmers were never top-ranked at younger ages.

Coaches often place more emphasis on improvement and development than rankings alone.

What Is a Qualifying Time?

A qualifying time is a performance standard that swimmers must achieve before entering certain competitions.

Higher-level championships use qualifying standards to ensure appropriate competition levels.

Examples include:

• County Championships
• Regional Championships
• National Championships

If a swimmer achieves the required time during the qualification window, they become eligible to enter that event.

Why Are Qualifying Times Important?

Qualification standards help swimmers by:

✅ Providing clear goals

✅ Rewarding progress

✅ Creating appropriate competition levels

✅ Encouraging long-term development

For many swimmers, achieving a first qualifying time is a major milestone and often becomes one of their most memorable achievements.

Understanding Consideration Times

Parents sometimes hear about:

Qualifying Times

A swimmer must achieve the standard to enter.

Consideration Times

A swimmer may be accepted if places remain available after automatic qualifiers are entered.

Consideration times are commonly used at higher-level competitions where entry numbers are limited.

Short Course vs Long Course Times

Swimmers maintain separate times for:

Short Course (SC)

25-metre pool

Long Course (LC)

50-metre pool

The times are kept separate because racing conditions differ.

In a 25m pool swimmers benefit from:

• More turns
• More push-offs
• More underwater phases

For this reason, swimmers often have different PBs and rankings in each pool type.

Why Coaches Focus on the Process

Parents sometimes become concerned when rankings stop improving or PBs become harder to achieve.

This is where coaches often remind swimmers to focus on the process.

The process includes:

✅ Training consistently

✅ Improving technique

✅ Working hard

✅ Learning race skills

✅ Following coaching advice

✅ Recovering well

While swimmers cannot always control rankings or results, they can control the process.

Over time, strong processes usually lead to improved performances.

Why Rankings Don't Tell the Whole Story

Consider two swimmers.

Swimmer A

• Ranked 5th
• Misses training regularly
• Relies on natural ability

Swimmer B

• Ranked 15th
• Attends every session
• Continuously improves

Many coaches would be excited about both swimmers, but they may see significant long-term potential in Swimmer B because of their commitment to the process.

Swimming development is a marathon, not a sprint.

What Should Parents Focus On?

The most successful sports parents often focus on:

✅ Effort

✅ Improvement

✅ Attitude

✅ Enjoyment

✅ Commitment

✅ Learning

Rather than asking:

"What ranking are you now?"

Try asking:

• Did you enjoy the competition?
• What did you learn?
• Did you achieve your race goals?
• What went well?

These conversations help create a healthier sporting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good swimming ranking?

There is no universal answer. Rankings vary by age, event and competition level.

How often do rankings change?

Rankings can change throughout the season whenever swimmers compete and record new times.

Are rankings more important than PBs?

Most coaches would say PBs and long-term development are more important than rankings.

Why does my swimmer have different times in different pools?

Short Course and Long Course pools produce different race conditions and therefore separate PBs.

What is more important, rankings or the process?

The process. Consistent training, improvement and learning ultimately drive long-term performance.

Final Thoughts

Swimming times, rankings and qualifying standards can sometimes seem complicated, particularly for new swimming parents. While these numbers are useful tools for measuring performance, they should never become the sole focus of a swimmer's journey.

The most successful swimmers are rarely those who obsess over rankings every week. Instead, they are the swimmers who focus on improvement, embrace challenges, listen to their coaches and trust the process.

PBs, rankings and qualification times are important milestones, but they are best viewed as indicators of progress rather than the destination itself.

After all, competitive swimming is about becoming a better swimmer today than you were yesterday.

Related Articles

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Understanding PBs in Swimming

For parents, however, Counties can often feel confusing. Questions about qualifying times, entry standards, expectations and competition formats are common.

This guide explains everything parents need to know about County Championships and how to support swimmers throughout the experience.

What Are County Championships?

County Championships, often referred to simply as "Counties," are annual swimming championships organised by each county swimming association.

Examples include:

• Nottinghamshire ASA Championships
• Leicestershire ASA Championships
• Derbyshire ASA Championships
• Lincolnshire ASA Championships

Each county runs its own championship event, typically during the early months of the year.

These competitions provide swimmers with the opportunity to compete against others from clubs across their county and are often the first step on the pathway towards Regional and National Championships.

Why Are Counties Important?

For many swimmers, qualifying for Counties represents the reward for months or years of hard work in training.

County Championships provide opportunities to:

✅ Race against stronger competition

✅ Gain championship experience

✅ Achieve Personal Bests (PBs)

✅ Learn how to perform under pressure

✅ Develop confidence

✅ Qualify for Regional Championships

While medals are exciting, most coaches see Counties as an important developmental experience rather than simply a results-based competition.

How Do Swimmers Qualify?

Unlike many club galas and open meets, swimmers cannot simply enter County Championships.

To compete, swimmers must achieve a qualifying time.

A qualifying time is a minimum performance standard set by the county for each event.

For example:

(Note: These are example times only.)

If a swimmer achieves or exceeds the required standard during the qualification window, they become eligible to enter.

Understanding Qualification Windows

Every County Championship has a qualification period.

This is the period in which swimmers must achieve their qualifying times.

Typically:

• Times must be achieved at licensed competitions.
• Times must fall within the published qualification dates.
• Swimmers may qualify in multiple events.

Parents should always check their county's conditions and qualifying window carefully.

Is Qualifying for Counties a Big Achievement?

Absolutely.

Many swimmers work towards county qualification for several years.

Qualifying demonstrates:

• Consistent training
• Technical development
• Improved race skills
• Commitment to the sport

Regardless of final placing, earning a place at Counties should be celebrated as a major achievement.

What Happens If a Swimmer Qualifies in Multiple Events?

This is quite common.

Some swimmers may qualify for:

• One event
• Several events
• A full programme across multiple strokes and distances

Coaches usually advise which events are most suitable.

Entry decisions often consider:

• Experience
• Recovery time
• Development goals
• Competition schedule

Swimming every available event isn't always the best option.

What Happens Before Counties?

Once qualification has ended:

Entry Forms Are Submitted

Swimmers select the events they wish to enter.

Programmes Are Published

Counties release:

• Event schedules
• Session information
• Warm-up details

Coaches Create Plans

Many coaches work with swimmers to establish goals and expectations.

These goals are often focused on performance rather than medals.

Managing Expectations

One of the most important things parents can do is help swimmers maintain realistic expectations.

At local meets, swimmers may often finish high in the rankings.

At Counties, the standard is much higher.

A swimmer who normally wins club races may finish:

• 10th
• 20th
• 30th

And still have an excellent competition.

This can sometimes be a shock for first-time competitors.

Parents should remember:

Qualifying for Counties is already a significant success.

The aim should be to gain experience, learn and compete well.

What Happens on Competition Day?

County Championships generally follow a similar structure to other open meets.

Arrival

Swimmers arrive before warm-up.

Warm-Up

Athletes prepare physically and mentally for competition.

Marshalling

Swimmers are organised into heats.

Racing

Events take place throughout the session.

Results

Times and rankings are published throughout the day.

The atmosphere often feels very different from a regular gala because the standard of swimming is much higher.

What Are Heats and Finals?

Many County Championships include finals.

Heats

All entered swimmers race.

Finals

The fastest swimmers from the heats qualify for a final later in the day.

Making a County final is often another important milestone in a swimmer's development.

Some swimmers qualify for finals immediately.

Others may spend several seasons progressing towards that goal.

Why Coaches Still Focus on the Process

One of the biggest lessons swimmers learn at Counties is that results become harder to predict.

Competition is stronger.

Margins are smaller.

PBs become more difficult.

This is why coaches continue to focus on the process.

The process includes:

✅ Good preparation

✅ Quality warm-ups

✅ Strong technique

✅ Race execution

✅ Positive attitude

✅ Learning from performance

A swimmer can have a successful County Championship without winning a medal.

What If There Isn't a PB?

Not every County race produces a PB.

Championship events often bring:

• Increased pressure
• Greater competition
• New experiences

Sometimes swimmers race slightly slower than expected.

That doesn't mean the championship was unsuccessful.

Counties provide valuable learning opportunities and experience that often help swimmers achieve future breakthroughs.

As coaches often say:

Trust the process.

How Parents Can Support Their Swimmer

The best swimming parents focus on encouragement rather than results.

Before Racing

✅ Stay positive

✅ Keep routines calm

✅ Avoid adding pressure

During Racing

✅ Cheer enthusiastically

✅ Enjoy the experience

✅ Trust the coach

After Racing

Instead of asking:

"Did you win?"

Try asking:

• Did you enjoy the race?
• What did you learn?
• What went well?
• What are you proud of?

These conversations reinforce confidence and growth.

Common County Championship Questions

Is Counties only for elite swimmers?

No.

County Championships include swimmers at a variety of ability levels who have achieved the published qualification standards.

What if my swimmer only qualifies for one event?

That's fantastic.

One county qualification is an achievement worth celebrating.

How important are medals?

Medals are exciting but should never be the sole focus.

Achievement, improvement and experience matter more.

Can swimmers achieve Regional qualifying times at Counties?

Yes.

Many swimmers use Counties as an opportunity to achieve Regional Championship consideration times.

Should swimmers feel nervous?

Absolutely.

Nerves are normal and experienced by swimmers at every level of the sport.

Signs of a Successful County Championship

Success isn't measured solely by medals.

Look for:

✅ New PBs

✅ Improved technique

✅ Better race execution

✅ Increased confidence

✅ Championship experience

✅ Enjoyment

✅ Making a final

✅ Learning from competition

All of these are valuable achievements.

Final Thoughts

County Championships represent one of the most exciting milestones in competitive swimming. For many swimmers, it is their first taste of championship competition and an opportunity to test themselves against some of the strongest athletes in their county.

Parents can play a vital role by helping swimmers focus on what really matters: effort, learning, improvement and enjoyment.

Remember that qualification itself is already a fantastic achievement. Whether your swimmer leaves with a medal, a PB, a final appearance or simply valuable experience, they are taking another step forward on their swimming journey.

Most importantly, continue to trust the process. The lessons learned at Counties often become the foundation for future success in the pool.

Related Articles

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Understanding Swimming Times, Rankings and Qualifying Times

Swimming Parent Etiquette

"Trust the process."

You might hear it after a swimmer misses a PB, during a difficult training block, or even after a disappointing competition.

For many parents, the phrase can sound confusing. If swimming is about racing faster, why do coaches spend so much time talking about the process rather than the result?

The answer is simple: successful swimmers are built through consistent habits, good training and long-term development. PBs, medals and qualification times are often the result of the process, not the starting point.

This guide explains why coaches focus so heavily on the process and how swimmers and parents can use it to enjoy greater success in competitive swimming.

What Does "The Process" Mean?

In swimming, the process refers to all the daily actions that contribute to long-term improvement.

This includes:

✅ Attending training regularly

✅ Listening to coaching feedback

✅ Improving technique

✅ Working hard during sets

✅ Looking after nutrition

✅ Prioritising recovery

✅ Getting enough sleep

✅ Maintaining a positive attitude

✅ Learning from races

The process is everything a swimmer can control.

The outcome, such as winning a medal or achieving a PB, can never be guaranteed.

Why Do Coaches Focus on the Process?

Most swimmers love seeing faster times on the scoreboard.

However, coaches understand that focusing only on results can create problems.

If swimmers become obsessed with:

• PBs
• Rankings
• Medals
• Qualification times

they can forget about the things that actually lead to those achievements.

Great coaches know that long-term improvement happens when swimmers focus on the controllable parts of the sport.

In other words:

Focus on the process and the results will often take care of themselves.

Swimming Improvement Doesn't Happen Overnight

Many new swimmers experience rapid improvement.

PBs might come at every competition for months.

Then suddenly, progress appears to slow down.

This is completely normal.

As swimmers become more experienced:

• Technique improves
• Fitness increases
• Race skills develop
• Margins become smaller

A two-second PB may become a half-second PB.

A half-second PB may become a tenth of a second.

Eventually, even tiny improvements become significant achievements.

This is why coaches encourage swimmers to stay committed to the process, even when improvements seem slow.

Why Swimmers Sometimes Stop Getting PBs

One of the biggest challenges in swimming is understanding that a lack of PBs does not always mean a lack of progress.

Coaches regularly introduce technical changes such as:

• Better streamlining
• More efficient turns
• Improved underwater kicking
• Stroke technique adjustments
• Better race pacing

Sometimes these changes can initially make swimmers slower.

That can be frustrating.

However, coaches know that temporary disruption often leads to long-term gains.

A swimmer may not PB for several meets while adapting to a new technique, only to suddenly make a significant breakthrough months later.

This is a perfect example of why trusting the process matters.

The Building Blocks of the Process

Consistency

Swimming rewards consistency more than almost any other sport.

One outstanding training session rarely changes performance.

Hundreds of good sessions do.

Swimmers who attend training regularly build:

• Better technique
• Greater fitness
• Stronger habits
• Improved confidence

Consistency is often the foundation of long-term success.

Technique

Parents are often surprised by how much time coaches spend focusing on technique.

That's because swimming is a highly technical sport.

A small technical improvement can produce significant gains over time.

Examples include:

• Stronger streamlining
• Better body position
• More effective breathing
• Improved turns
• Faster underwater phases

Technique is a major part of the process because it creates long-term efficiency in the water.

Effort

A swimmer cannot control who enters a competition.

A swimmer cannot control how fast competitors race.

A swimmer cannot control the final result.

They can control their effort.

Coaches value swimmers who consistently work hard because effort is something every athlete can choose every day.

Learning

Every race provides information.

Even a disappointing swim can teach valuable lessons.

Swimmers may learn:

• How to handle nerves
• How to pace a race
• When to attack a turn
• What preparation works best

The process involves constantly learning and improving.

What Happens During a Plateau?

Almost every swimmer experiences a plateau.

A plateau is a period where race times stop improving as quickly as before.

Parents sometimes worry that something is wrong.

Usually, it isn't.

Plateaus often occur because:

• The swimmer is growing
• Training intensity has increased
• Technique changes are being introduced
• The athlete is adapting to a new training load

Many swimmers make their biggest improvements shortly after these periods.

The key is remaining patient and continuing to trust the process.

How Parents Can Support the Process

Parents play a huge role in a swimmer's development.

One of the most helpful things a parent can do is reinforce process-focused thinking.

Instead of asking:

"Did you win?"

Try asking:

• Did you enjoy the race?
• Did you follow your race plan?
• What went well?
• What did you learn?
• What will you practise next?

These questions encourage growth and learning rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

Process Goals vs Outcome Goals

Coaches often encourage swimmers to set process goals.

Outcome Goal

"Get a PB in the 100m Freestyle."

Process Goal

"Practise strong underwater kicks off every wall."

Outcome Goal

"Win a medal."

Process Goal

"Attend every training session this month."

Process goals focus on actions the swimmer can control.

Outcome goals depend on many factors outside a swimmer's control.

The most successful swimmers typically focus heavily on process goals.

What Elite Swimmers Understand

At the highest levels of the sport, swimmers know that results cannot be forced.

Elite athletes focus on:

• Training quality
• Recovery
• Technique
• Preparation
• Consistency

They understand that the process is what creates performance.

This mindset helps swimmers stay motivated through both successes and setbacks.

Signs the Process Is Working

Sometimes progress appears before it shows up as a PB.

Look for signs such as:

✅ Improved technique

✅ Better turns

✅ Stronger underwater work

✅ Increased confidence

✅ Greater consistency

✅ More positive race execution

✅ Better training attendance

These are often indicators that faster times will eventually follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my coach keep saying "trust the process"?

Because coaches understand that long-term progress comes from consistent habits, good technique and regular training rather than focusing only on results.

Is a race successful if there isn't a PB?

Absolutely.

Many successful races involve learning, skill development and improved execution.

Why have PBs become harder to achieve?

As swimmers improve, gains become smaller and more difficult to earn.

This is a natural part of athlete development.

How long does the process take?

Swimming is a long-term sport.

Meaningful development often takes place over months and years rather than days and weeks.

What should parents focus on?

Effort, commitment, learning, enjoyment and personal improvement.

Final Thoughts

The phrase "trust the process" has become one of the most common sayings in competitive swimming because it captures an important truth about the sport.

The swimmers who achieve long-term success are rarely those who chase results every day. They are usually the swimmers who attend training consistently, listen to coaching advice, work on their technique, stay positive during setbacks and keep turning up when things become challenging.

PBs, medals and qualification times are exciting milestones, but they are often the by-product of hundreds of small actions performed well over time.

So the next time a coach says, "trust the process," remember what they're really saying:

Focus on the things you can control today, and the results will often follow tomorrow.

Related Articles

Why Technique Matters More Than Fitness in Swimming

Why Swimming Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Why Some Swimmers Improve Faster Than Others

Why Swimmers Sometimes Plateau

Swimming Squad Progression Explained

Why Do Some Swim Squads Swim More Distance Than Others?

Building Confidence in Swimming

Swimming Parent Etiquette

The good news is that every swimming parent started exactly where you are now.

This guide explains how competitive swimming works, what to expect as your swimmer develops, and how parents can best support their child throughout their swimming journey.

What Is Competitive Swimming?

Competitive swimming is the sport of racing against the clock and other swimmers across different strokes and distances.

Swimmers compete in:

• Freestyle
• Backstroke
• Breaststroke
• Butterfly
• Individual Medley (IM)

Races can vary from 50 metres to 1500 metres depending on the swimmer's age and ability.

Unlike many sports, success in swimming isn't measured purely by winning. Personal improvement is a huge part of the sport, which is why you'll hear so much about Personal Best times (PBs).

Why Competitive Swimming Is Great for Children

Swimming develops much more than fitness.

Young swimmers often develop:

✅ Self-discipline

✅ Time management skills

✅ Goal-setting habits

✅ Confidence

✅ Resilience

✅ Teamwork

✅ Friendships

✅ Independence

Many of the life skills learned through swimming continue to benefit children long after they leave the pool.

Understanding Swimming Squads

As swimmers progress, they are often moved through different training groups or squads.

These may include:

Learn to Swim

The foundation stage where swimmers develop basic stroke skills and water confidence.

Development Squad

Focuses on improving technique and introducing competition skills.

Competitive Squad

Training becomes more structured and swimmers begin competing regularly.

Performance Squad

Designed for swimmers aiming for county, regional or national level competition.

Every club names its squads differently, but the aim is always to provide training appropriate to the swimmer's current stage of development.

What Is an Open Meet?

An open meet is a swimming competition that welcomes entries from multiple clubs.

Swimmers enter races based on their current times and compete against others of a similar standard.

Open meets help swimmers:

• Gain race experience
• Achieve PBs
• Qualify for higher-level competitions
• Practise racing skills

Most competitive swimmers attend several open meets each year.

What Happens at a Swimming Gala?

A typical gala day includes:

Arrival

Swimmers arrive before warm-up begins.

Warm-Up

Swimmers prepare physically and mentally while becoming familiar with the pool.

Marshalling

Officials organise swimmers into the correct events and heats.

Racing

Swimmers compete in their entered events.

Results

Times are published and swimmers can see whether they have achieved PBs, medals or qualification times.

Between races there can often be significant waiting time, particularly at larger competitions.

Understanding PBs (Personal Bests)

A PB is the fastest time a swimmer has achieved in a specific event.

For example:

• 50m Freestyle PB
• 100m Backstroke PB
• 200m IM PB

PBs allow swimmers to measure progress against themselves rather than constantly comparing themselves with others.

A swimmer who finishes sixth with a PB may have had a more successful swim than someone who wins but performs below their usual standard.

Trust the Process

One phrase parents will hear repeatedly from coaches is:

"Trust the process."

This means focusing on long-term development rather than immediate results.

The process includes:

• Attending training regularly
• Improving technique
• Learning race skills
• Following coaching advice
• Developing positive habits
• Working consistently

There will be times when swimmers do not achieve PBs.

This does not necessarily mean progress has stopped.

Sometimes coaches are focusing on:

• Better stroke technique
• Improved turns
• Faster underwater work
• More efficient race pacing

Technical improvements often take time before they translate into faster race times.

The swimmers who achieve long-term success are usually those who commit to the process rather than obsessing over results.

Understanding Swimming Competition Levels

As swimmers improve, they may progress through various levels of competition.

Club Competitions

Internal competitions designed to introduce racing.

Open Meets

Competitions involving multiple clubs.

County Championships

The first major championship level for many swimmers.

Regional Championships

The next step above counties.

National Championships

The highest domestic level of competition.

Not every swimmer will reach national level, and that's perfectly fine. Competitive swimming should always be about enjoyment, development and achieving personal goals.

Short Course and Long Course

Parents often hear these phrases.

Short Course (SC)

A 25-metre pool.

Long Course (LC)

A 50-metre pool.

Because race conditions differ, swimmers maintain separate PBs for each pool type.

Why Swimmers Sometimes Plateau

Most swimmers experience periods where progress appears to slow down.

This is completely normal.

Reasons may include:

• Growth and development
• Increased training loads
• Technical adjustments
• Physical maturation
• Competition pressure

Swimming development is rarely a straight line.

Progress often happens in cycles, with breakthroughs following long periods of consistent work.

Again, this is why coaches encourage swimmers and parents to trust the process.

What Should Parents Focus On?

The best swimming parents focus on:

✅ Effort

✅ Attendance

✅ Attitude

✅ Learning

✅ Enjoyment

✅ Personal improvement

Rather than asking:

"Did you win?"

Try asking:

• Did you enjoy it?
• What went well?
• What did you learn?
• How did your race feel?
• What will you work on next?

These conversations help develop a healthy and positive relationship with sport.

Supporting Your Swimmer on Competition Day

Parents can help by:

Before the Meet

• Arriving on time
• Packing the correct kit
• Keeping pre-race routines calm

During the Meet

• Being positive
• Staying relaxed
• Supporting all swimmers
• Trusting the coach

After the Meet

• Celebrating effort
• Avoiding immediate criticism
• Allowing coaches to provide technical feedback

Remember that swimmers are often more aware of mistakes than anybody else.

Encouragement usually goes further than analysis.

Common Challenges Swimming Parents Face

"My Child Is Nervous"

This is completely normal.

Even experienced swimmers get nervous before races.

"My Child Didn't Get a PB"

Not every race will be a PB.

Progress is measured in many ways.

"Training Seems Hard"

Swimming is a demanding sport, but challenges often help build resilience and confidence.

"My Child Wants to Quit After a Bad Meet"

Most swimmers experience disappointing competitions.

One competition rarely defines a season or a swimmer's future progress.

Swimming Vocabulary Every Parent Should Know

PB

Personal Best

DQ

Disqualification

Heat

A race within an event

Lane

The swimmer's allocated position in the pool

Marshalling

The process of organising swimmers before racing

SC

Short Course (25m pool)

LC

Long Course (50m pool)

IM

Individual Medley

Split

A timed section within a race

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times should my child train each week?

This varies depending on age, experience and goals. Follow the guidance of your club's coaching team.

How important are PBs?

PBs are a useful measure of improvement, but they are only one part of a swimmer's development.

Should I coach my child from the spectator seating?

No. It is usually best to leave technical coaching to the coaching staff.

What if my child isn't winning medals?

Many successful swimmers spent years developing before achieving major results. Focus on improvement rather than medals.

Is competitive swimming a team sport or an individual sport?

It is both. Swimmers race individually but train, travel and compete as part of a team environment.

Final Thoughts

Competitive swimming is a fantastic sport that teaches discipline, resilience, commitment and confidence. While medals, rankings and PBs can be exciting milestones, the most important thing is that swimmers enjoy the journey.

As a parent, your role is not to be the coach, official or selector. Your role is to provide encouragement, support and perspective.

Celebrate the good days, learn from the challenging days and remember that swimming is a long-term journey. The swimmers who thrive are usually those surrounded by positive support, consistent coaching and a family that understands the importance of trusting the process.

Related Articles

Your First Swimming Gala: A Complete Parent and Swimmer Guide

What Happens at a Swimming Open Meet? A Complete Parent and Swimmer Guide

Swimming Age Groups Explained: A Parent's Guide to Competitive Swimming

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Understanding PBs in Swimming

Understanding Swimming Times, Rankings and Qualifying Times

There are race entries, warm-ups, marshalling, results, PBs and plenty of poolside activity to take in. Understanding what happens throughout the day helps swimmers feel more confident and allows parents to relax and enjoy the experience.

This guide explains exactly what happens at a swimming open meet, from arriving at the pool to finishing the final race.

What Is an Open Meet?

An Open Meet is a competitive swimming event where swimmers from multiple clubs compete against each other.

Unlike a regular club training session, swimmers race in organised competitions that are usually licensed by Swim England, Swim Wales or Scottish Swimming.

Open meets can range from small local competitions to high-level regional and national qualifying events.

Swimmers enter races based on their current times and compete against others of a similar age and ability.

Why Do Swimmers Attend Open Meets?

Open meets provide swimmers with opportunities to:

✅ Achieve new Personal Bests (PBs)

✅ Gain race experience

✅ Test skills learned in training

✅ Achieve qualifying times

✅ Build confidence

✅ Learn how to perform under pressure

Most coaches view open meets as an important part of a swimmer's development because they provide real racing experience that cannot be replicated in training.

Before the Meet

Once entries have closed, swimmers will receive information about:

• The venue
• Warm-up times
• Session start times
• Event schedule
• Meet conditions

Parents should read this information carefully and make sure swimmers know:

• What events they are swimming
• What time they need to arrive
• What they need to bring

Good preparation helps reduce race-day stress.

Arriving at the Pool

Most clubs recommend arriving at least 15–30 minutes before warm-up starts.

When swimmers arrive they should:

• Find their club's designated seating area
• Check in if required
• Speak with coaches or team managers
• Organise their swimming kit
• Prepare for warm-up

Parents often discover that swim meets involve a lot of waiting, so it's worth bringing drinks, snacks and something to occupy spare time between races.

Understanding Warm-Ups

One of the first things swimmers do is take part in the warm-up session.

Warm-ups are essential because they help swimmers:

• Get used to the pool
• Raise body temperature
• Activate muscles
• Practise starts and turns
• Prepare mentally for racing

The warm-up also allows swimmers to judge factors such as water temperature, block height and the overall feel of the pool.

Coaches will often provide specific instructions about how to use warm-up time effectively.

What Happens After Warm-Up?

After warm-up, swimmers usually return to their club seating area.

This period is often spent:

• Resting
• Hydrating
• Eating light snacks
• Reviewing race plans
• Talking with coaches

Experienced swimmers know that success often comes from managing the time between races effectively.

What Is Marshalling?

Many first-time swimmers are nervous about marshalling because they are unsure what happens.

Marshalling is simply the process of organising swimmers before a race.

When an event is called, swimmers report to the marshalling area where officials:

• Check names
• Confirm event numbers
• Organise heats
• Direct swimmers to the correct lanes

Marshalling ensures races run smoothly and on time.

The key for swimmers is to listen carefully to announcements and know which event they are swimming.

Understanding Heats

Open meets are organised into heats.

A heat is a race involving a small group of swimmers in the same event.

For example:

• Event 12 – 50m Freestyle
• Heat 1
• Heat 2
• Heat 3

Swimmers are usually seeded based on entry times.

The fastest swimmers are normally placed together in later heats.

For younger swimmers, it is important to remember that the lane next to you doesn't determine how well you swim. The focus should always be on your own race.

Behind the Blocks

Before a race begins, swimmers are taken from marshalling to the starting blocks.

At this point swimmers should focus on:

• Their race plan
• Their technique
• Their breathing
• Staying relaxed

This is where coaches often remind swimmers to focus on the process, not the outcome.

The process means concentrating on:

• Streamlining
• Underwater kicks
• Stroke technique
• Turns
• Finishes

Rather than worrying about medals or PBs, swimmers should focus on executing the skills they practise every day in training.

The Race

Once the referee signals the start, it's time to race.

During the swim, competitors aim to execute:

• Strong starts
• Efficient strokes
• Good turns
• Effective underwater phases
• Strong finishes

Every race provides valuable feedback, regardless of the result.

Some races produce PBs, while others offer important learning experiences for future competitions.

After the Race

Once swimmers finish, several things usually happen:

Talk to the Coach

Most coaches will provide feedback on:

• Technique
• Race execution
• Pacing
• Starts and turns

Check Results

Results are often displayed electronically or on notice boards.

Swimmers can compare their time with:

• Their entry time
• Their PB
• Other competitors

Recover

Recovery is important between races.

Swimmers should:

✅ Rehydrate

✅ Eat a light snack

✅ Stay warm

✅ Relax and prepare for the next event

What If There Isn't a PB?

This is one of the biggest lessons swimmers learn during their competitive journey.

Not every race will result in a PB.

Sometimes swimmers are:

• Tired from training
• Practising technical changes
• Racing stronger competition
• Learning new skills

Coaches often encourage swimmers to trust the process during these periods.

A swimmer may not achieve a PB today but could be developing better technique, stronger underwater work or improved race strategy that leads to future success.

Progress in swimming is rarely a straight line.

Finals Explained

Some larger open meets include finals.

In these competitions:

1. Swimmers race in heats.
2. The fastest swimmers qualify.
3. Qualified swimmers return later to compete in the final.

Finals provide valuable experience and often feature the fastest racing of the day.

Many younger swimmers set goals of qualifying for their first final as an important milestone in their swimming journey.

What Do Parents Do During an Open Meet?

Parents play an important supporting role.

The best way to help is by:

✅ Being positive

✅ Encouraging effort

✅ Celebrating progress

✅ Helping swimmers stay relaxed

✅ Trusting the coach

Many successful parents focus conversations on:

• What went well?
• What did you learn?
• Did you enjoy it?
• What will you work on next?

These questions reinforce the importance of development rather than simply focusing on results.

Open Meet Etiquette

For Swimmers

• Respect officials and volunteers
• Support teammates
• Listen to coaches
• Keep poolside tidy
• Report to marshalling promptly

For Parents

• Follow venue rules
• Respect officials
• Avoid coaching from the spectator area
• Encourage all swimmers
• Remember that volunteers make competitions possible

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an open meet last?

Sessions typically last between three and five hours, although some competitions run for the entire day or across an entire weekend.

Are open meets only for elite swimmers?

No. Many open meets cater for swimmers of all abilities, including those entering competition for the first time.

What should swimmers eat during an open meet?

Light snacks, fruit, sandwiches, pasta and plenty of fluids are usually recommended.

Why are swimmers sometimes slower than their PBs?

Fatigue, technical changes, race experience and training load can all influence performance. Not every race is about achieving a PB.

What is the most important thing to remember?

Enjoy the experience and focus on the process. Improvement comes from consistent training, learning and gaining competition experience over time.

Final Thoughts

An open meet is much more than a series of races. It is an opportunity for swimmers to develop skills, gain confidence, make friends, achieve PBs and learn valuable lessons about competition.

For both parents and swimmers, understanding what happens throughout the day can make the experience far more enjoyable. Remember that every swimmer's journey is different, and success isn't measured solely by medals or times.

The swimmers who progress furthest are often those who embrace the process, learn from every race and keep turning up with a positive attitude.

After all, every experienced swimmer started with their very first open meet.

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