REPORT FROM 2024 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

Leah Pullen

Now that we have completed this year’s County Championships, here is a brief over-view of how it went.

 

27/28 January – LAC

The weekend ran well with only a few minor hiccups.  Despite that, we managed to finish within the allotted time and not incur a fine for running over.

 

The temperature in the call room was an issue and we have spoken with the pool regarding the fact that some swimmers were overheating.  The heat in the AOE suite was also unbearable at some points so this is clearly an issue which the LAC needs to deal with.

 

We also understand that the swim-down pool was closed early – we are taking this up with the pool management to find out why.

 

Swimming all the 50m events at the LAC was definitely the right decision.

 

3/4 February – Hillingdon

This was another successful weekend.  Many thanks to Hillingdon SC who lent us their backstroke ledges.

 

The main issue was dealing with parents who insisted on filming despite being told numerous (too many times to remember!) that any type of photography (photos and videos) was not allowed and that this was in the conditions for the hiring of the venue.  It took several people being removed from the viewing gallery and the threat of removing all spectators before the request was taken seriously.

 

Generally

Unfortunately, a few swimmers did not withdraw from finals and were, therefore, removed from the remainder of their events as per our conditions.  Please ensure that all finalists (including any reserves) withdraw if they do not wish to swim.

 

We managed to give lots of mentoring to officials with several completing their J1 and J2 competencies.

 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at meets (not just for the County), please see with your club and also look on the Middlesex website where you can get details of how to volunteer for a non-technical role or to sign up to go on a J1 course in order to become a technical official.  Without the support of volunteers (which all the non-tech and officials are), the meets just would not be able to run.  Please consider giving up some of your time so that the swimmers can continue to compete.