Time Standards and Qualifying Meets

Hello TEAM,

As our athletes continue to improve and post faster times at swim meets, understandably there have been a few questions surrounding qualifying swims and time standards. I'll try to lay out the development stages of our athletes racing pathway in a simple form, so athletes and parents can see and understand where they're currently at, and what's the next step in the pathway.

LASERS Racing Pathway:

Stage 1 - Sask Race Series: We've had two of these meets so far this season - both were well subscribed by LASERS. These meets are fun, one day events, one session where the athletes can swim up to 3 races. This is a great intro to racing as the meet offers 25s, 50s and is a perfect opportunity to try new/longer races for the first time. Also the fact that the Race Series is local at the SHAW, makes this the BEST spot to start your racing 'journey' in the competitive swimming world. 

Stage 2 - Invitationals: These meets are often 2 or 3 days in length, multiple sessions and may require travel. Some invitationals will require time standards which will be outlined in the meet package of the event, and decided on by the host club. Sometimes invitationals will have prelims (morning swims) and then finals (evening swims for the top 8 or 10 fastest, who qualified in the morning). Invitationals are somewhat of a mixed bag, as it is up to the host club to decide what the meet really looks like. These meets are great to practice multi-day/session events, as well as a valuable opportunity to race and qualify for bigger meets. 

Stage 3 - Junior Provincials: These meets happens twice a year (winter & summer) and is the first level of Championship meet in Saskatchewan. To attend this meet an athlete will need to have obtained an 'A' provincial qualifying time (see link below). This is an excellent meet to race for a medal and cheer on your TEAM. I believe our own LASERS will be hosting Summer Junior Provincials in June.  

Stage 4 - Man/Sask Provincials: This is the top provincial meet and showcases some of the fastest age group swimming from Saskatchewan and Manitoba in a head to head competition. This meet also runs twice a year (short course in the winter, and long course in the summer). To attend this meet an athlete will need to have to obtained an 'AA' provincial qualifying time (see link below). Again this is a great meet to race for a podium/medal and to attempt to hit your national cuts.

Stage 5 - Westerns: Canada used to have a 'stepping stone' set of meets called Westerns/Easterns. This was a national level entry meet which was a great opportunity to race some of the best age group athletes across Canada, bridging the gap from provincial to national level racing. Swimming Canada removed these meets which has since left a gap in our racing pathway (especially Saskatchewan since the jump from Man/Sask to Nationals is a very large gap). There is however talk about bringing this meet back (possibly this season), which could be a great addition to our racing schedule. More info to come on this opportunity - stay tuned. 

Stage 6 - National Meets: These meets are VERY fast and require an exceptional swim to achieve these standards. Most of the national level meets are open, meaning they have one set of standards, as opposed to age group standards (different times for different ages), so older, more experienced athletes have an advantage. Attending meets at this level is a privilege as athletes get to represent their TEAM, city and province and race against the BEST the country has to offer - to race at this level should be on of your long term goals!

Side Note: The progression pathway of racing is very similar to the pathway of officiating. Starting at smaller meets to gain experience and then attending invitationals to receive signoffs and your officials qualifications, then progressing to championship meets and earning more experience and even more qualifications. Clubs always need officials to help run swim meets and LASERS very much appreciate your efforts and support in becoming an official. Also being an official is the best seat in the house... the splash zone!

See 'A' and 'AA' Man/Sask times HERE!

See National times HERE!

Check out the links above, to see the time standards. Find out what level you (or your swimmer) are at, and then see what the next level is. Make sure to chat with your coach about the game plan to close the gap and hit that next stage and qualifying time! Also if you have any questions about the pathway don't hesitate to reach out to your group coach for further discussion - we know this can all be a bit confusing, especially if you're new to the sport. Now let's get to work and level up and hit those standards! 

#OutTrainThem