Why Has the Calendar Been Split Into Three Phases ?

2016-2017 HDSC Competition Calendar

In support of the new competition calendar, please find some further information which I hope you will find useful. Further details will be given at squad meetings in September.

Why has the calendar been split into three “phases”?

This is to reflect the British Swimming Calendar, which is designed to get swimmers achieving peak performance three times per season. Learning how to peak at major competitions involves a degree of trial and error and takes years of practice, following the HDSC calendar will challenge our swimmers to improve in this area.

Why are there no competitions scheduled in September?

When swimmers return from the summer break, training will be focused on goal setting, the learning of stroke drills and consolidation of basic stroke mechanics. The new season starts on the 5th September 2017 to coincide with the start of the school year, during September there will be no Saturday morning sessions for Performance Pathway swimmers; this is to ease swimmers back into their usual routine. There will be Club Championship events on the 12th, 19th and 26th September to re-introduce swimmers to racing ahead of competitions in October.

Why are there fewer team competitions this season?

The club will not be entering a team in the North East Arena Swimming League this season. There were 12 teams in the league in 2013, this had gone down to 4 teams in 2015, and at current levels the league does not provide a suitable level of competition for our swimmers. The club and coaching team will seek to identify alternative team competition in the meantime.

The club will enter the White Rose Junior League and Yorkshire Team Championships as usual.

What are “Process Goals”?

Process goals focus on what the swimmer needs to do to perform well, these can be physical, technical, psychological, nutrition, lifestyle etc. Coaches will help swimmers to develop these skills through training and set targets at each competition. Process goals are in the swimmer’s control and allow the swimmer to experience success regardless of the overall outcome, focusing solely on the outcome provides no specific feedback or direction.

What are “Target Meets”?

These are competitions where swimmers will have been specifically prepared to be race ready. Target meets are usually scheduled towards the end of a training phase when swimmers have had sufficient opportunity to achieve their process goals, the exception being during the national qualification window where swimmers will be challenged to remain race ready. Opportunities to achieve County, Regional and National Qualifying times.

The best chance to achieve qualifying times should be in Target Meets, swimmers will have tested their process goals in earlier competitions and training will be focused on race preparation leading up to each Target Meet. Following this approach will give swimmers both the opportunity to qualify for championship meets and perform strongly at them.

Unfortunately this means younger swimmers will have to qualify three months in advance for the 200,400,800 and 1500 metre events at the Winter NER championships. This will ensure that those who do qualify will be competitive at the championships.

Why are some of the competitions outside Yorkshire?

In total there are 16 competitions scheduled in Yorkshire, 7 in Northumberland and Durham, 3 in Lancashire, 1 in Derbyshire, 1 in Scotland and 1 Overseas.

Many of these trips are unavoidable due to the staging of North East and National Championships, the remainder are chosen to provide swimmers with a suitable level of competition and range of events that fits in with the training and competition calendar. Some events may require parents/swimmers to stay in overnight accommodation for the duration of the meet, this happens regularly at competitions throughout the country and is good practice for when swimmers may reach National level and need to travel further to attend competitions.

Competing outside of Yorkshire introduces swimmers to unfamiliar facilities, different competition formats and provides the opportunity to race against different swimmers. The experiences gained from overcoming these challenges help swimmers to become better competitors.

What is the purpose of an overseas meet?

It is a chance for swimmers to represent their club on an international stage, they will travel to and stay at the destination as a team. The coaching team have the opportunity to manage the swimmers ahead of the competition, helping them to become more self-reliant and to make the correct choices in relation to training, nutrition and rest. In my experience, this type of trip results in swimmers achieving fantastic results, learning many valuable lessons and solidifying friendships.

Please Note: There will be a cost associated for any trip to an overseas meet, to go ahead there must be sufficient demand and the club must be able to provide suitably qualified team managers. This represents both a major investment for the club and also a great deal of time and effort will be needed to plan and staff the trip. Further details will be published if it is decided to go ahead with the proposed trip.

How many competitions should be entered?

Swimmers in the Performance Pathway Squads should aim to enter all of the competitions set out for their Squad, this works out at approximately 14 weekends of competition during the season. It goes without saying that attendance at competitions is vital if a swimmer is to make progress; competitions are the chance to test out skills and gain valuable feedback. Swimmers in the Talent Pathway should aim to enter at least one competition in each phase, those swimmers wishing to progress into the Performance Pathway will need to attend more competitions.

Which events should I enter?

The coaching team would encourage all swimmers to compete in all strokes and distances throughout the course of the season. There may be some exceptions due to a swimmers age and ability; however as a general rule the more variety the better, avoiding certain strokes and distances will affect long term progress. The coaching team will provide advice as to which events should be targeted in advance of the entry forms being sent out and we will be happy to answer any queries.

What if I don’t have qualifying times for a particular competition?

Some competitions allow for estimated times to be used and others stipulate that a qualifying time must have been achieved. If estimated times can be used, one of the coaching team can arrange for the swimmer to be timed in training or provide an estimate.