The League Results page gives current point
position in the league, and links through to PB pages for the matches, as well
as the full match result table published in excel by the match organisers.
How the Leagues Work
The Midland District Leagues are open to all District Clubs. There are 5 divisions -
Premier, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. Each league consists of 5 teams, and each
team hosts a league match. There are age groups of 10 and Under, 11/12
years, 13/14 years, 15+ years. Each age group swims breaststroke,
butterfly, freestyle, backstroke, medley relay and freestyle relay. All
individual events are 100m except for the 10U who swim 50m races. A
swimmer can only swim one individual event in one match although they can swim
individual and both relays. Points are awarded for each race - 5,4,3,2,1
with 0 for no-swimmer or disqualified (DQ). At the end of the match,
the points are totalled. League points are award - 5 to the winning team,
4 for 2nd, and so on down to 1 point for the team placed 5th. At the end
of the year the team with most league points is the winner. If there is a
draw, the decision is based on total race points won in the season - so it is
important to do consistently well throughout the season.
Dates and Venues
The dates and venues for the leagues are displayed on the club notice board and
available here on the calendar. Make a note of them, and let
the coaches know well in advance if you can’t make any of the days. This
doesn’t mean you will be dropped from the team, but it gives them plenty of
time to arrange reserves. These events are very much a team affair, and if
swimmers are missing we can’t enter every event and so will lose points. Spectators always welcome to support the team - come and feel the tension,
and shout your support.
Team Make-Up and Events
The team is made up of equal numbers of girls and boys, with 4 in each of 4 age
groups. The age groups are 10 and under, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and
15 and over. Age is taken as your age on 31st December. There are 2 relay events, a freestyle relay and a medley relay,
when each swimmer takes a different stroke. In addition there are races in the 4
different strokes for each age group. (The order is always the same, starting
with the medley relay for each age group, then individual events and finishing
with the freestyle relay.) This means you could be in 3 races
altogether---medley relay, individual stroke, and freestyle relay, so never
leave the poolside to get changed until the coach tells you to. We usually have a PCSC "CHEER" at the end of the
match!
A reserve for
your age group might replace someone in a relay. It is very important to pay
attention when the coach is telling everyone what they are going to do. You
might find you don’t always swim the stroke you expect, so listen carefully.
You do not have to use the diving blocks if you don’t want to. It is
acceptable to start in the water, holding on to the side until the starting
signal is given. Backstroke swims always start in the water.
We like everyone to wear Perth City team gear, which means a club costume and hat,
(the girls, anyway) and a club polo shirt if you have one - if you don't have one, you can wear a royal blue
t-shirt or sweat shirt. Team members are entitled to one club costume at half
price, on the understanding that you do not wear it for training. (Frequent use
makes the colours fade and look sad!)
All club gear is available from the folks at the club table on a Friday night.
You will also need to bring a spare towel to dry off between
races, and a pair of pool shoes or trainers to help keep your feet warm. Most
swimmers like to bring something to eat but try to go for healthy snacks like
dried fruit or bananas---for advice on healthy eating click here. Remember your drinks bottle too. Glass bottles are not
allowed on the poolside or in the showers for obvious safety reasons.
Travelling to League Matches
We like all the team to travel together on the team bus. This helps swimmers to get
to know one another, and means we can be sure that everyone is present. It also
gives the coach an opportunity to speak to the whole team, telling you what you
are swimming and generally encouraging you all. There is a small charge for the
bus (£2), but this can be kept low if everyone travels this way. There are
usually enough empty seats for a parent to accompany you if you wish (though you
don’t need to sit beside the swimmers if you don’t want to!)
If the bus is full, you will understand that swimmers must get priority!
Support
During the league match the teams all stay together in their part of the pool area, and support each other whether they do
well or not so well. Every point counts so all support helps spur swimmers on. We never boo the other teams! The older
swimmers always help and take care of the younger ones as it can be intimidating at the first few events in strange pools.
Photography
Please note that it is forbidden to take photographs without written permission from
the gala organisers.
This includes any form of camera, including mobile-phones, video and still cameras - tape, film or digital.
Officials
Galas and leagues cannot operate without the requisite officials. Starting
as a timekeeper, you can progress to any level in the scheme of technical
officials. Please offer to help out, the only thing you will need is
to wear whites when on poolside.
Each club is obliged to provide technical officials, with a fine to be paid if we do
not!, so the more volunteers there are the less onerous it is for any individual. If anyone is interested in helping in
this way please speak to one of the coaches. Training is available for all
positions, as well as informal support from other officials on the poolside.
Finally, please do not hesitate to ask if there is anything you are unsure about.
