Level X Racing
What is Level X?
Level X Racing has been launched by Swim England to help us get back racing whilst maintaining current Covid restrictions. This allows swimmers to race on a National basis across, with results being published on a National Leader Board. Full details from Swim England can be found here.
How will Bluefins adopt this?
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Following a successful Series 1, Bluefins are excited to launch Series 2 (April 12 – August 22nd) for all squads. Eligibility for Level X Rankings state you must be a Cat 2 registered swimmer. Therefore, whilst all swimmers will have the chance to ‘time trial’ any swimmer who is not Cat 2 registered will not be submitted to Swim England. You can upgrade your membership via Ali ahead of racing and we will be in touch with those swimmers who are CAT1 to give them the option.
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In addition to Level X, we have written our schedule to coincide with the ‘expected’ cut off date for Regionals. However, this is also subject to change and we will be ready to adapt if/when needed.
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Risk Assessments and strict guidelines have been written to ensure the races comply with social distancing and guidelines from Swim England. As with anything Covid related we need to be able to make changes quickly!
What are we racing?
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Distances will be 50, 100 and 200 for all strokes, 400 free and 100, 200 & 400IM. We are also planning to run 800 &1500 for certain squads and these will be scheduled to tie in with the cut off for Regionals if these events are run. (This has not been confirmed and is up to each region). There are cut off times on when these need to be submitted and our schedule will reflect this.
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When will we race?
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Racing will take place during training times and there is an overall club schedule and individual squad program.
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What races can we do and how do we enter?
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All swimmers will automatically be entered into all races that have been assigned to their squads. The only exceptions are where swimmers from certain squads are invited to a session outside of their usual pool time where we will liaise with coaches/swimmers to check. In addition, there may be an exception for some swimmers for example on 200 fly/200 Breast, where coaches will advise the Bluefins Level X team on any swimmers that will not compete in a certain event. There are certain days where swimmers can pick a 200 in conjunction with the coach and we will liaise with coaches on these.
Can we wear race suits?
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Our aim is to make this as ‘race usual’ as possible in our current ‘new normal’ and offer you the best chance to post the fastest times. So yes, for those of you with race suits, please do wear them. However usual practice applies – you will need to arrive in your race suit, warm up in it and race it, then of course leave within that – so please bear that in mind when picking your suit! Using toilets/changing rooms to change suits is prohibited.
Will we have officials and timing pads?
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We will have timekeepers (they do not have to be qualified but must be registered with Swim England). There will be 2 officials in charge of the races so this is more simplified than what our swimmers are used too (less people in white). Timings pads will not be used, timing will be manual, however we are planning to use the starting system, again to give our swimmers some normality. Its imperative we get help from parents of swimmers in each race session to help time! Contact Margo - bluefinsofficials@bbfsc.org
Are spectators allowed?
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Unfortunately, not, we need the space for our swimmers and as its stands we cannot facilitate spectators at Bluefins sessions.
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We successfully ran a ‘Closed Facebook Group’ for parents that are on Social Media in Series 1 and we aim to do this again for as many sessions as possible (and of course internet permitting). This will only be for swimmers that have signed social media and filming consent. If swimmers are in a race with a swimmer that has not given consent, that race/heat will not be filmed.
Are spectators allowed?
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Unfortunately, not, as per above, we are still to follow our return to the pool Covid restrictions, and this does prevent spectators. We also need the space on poolside to ensure our swimmers maintain social distancing.
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We are planning to create a ‘Closed Facebook Group’ for parents that are on Social Media for Race & Performance squads and upload a video of races. This will only be for swimmers that have signed social media and filming consent. If swimmers are in a race with a swimmer that has not given consent, they will not be filmed.
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Is there a cost?
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Yes, there will be a cost to all swimmers and varies per squad – this of course is minimal compared to usual entry fees. This will be sent out to each squad separately with a timetable of races.
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When will my times be on Swim England Rankings?
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We, as a team have 48 hours to submit times (this is a manual process) and we are able to submit each swim – so by swimming 50 Free twice in the qualifying period, both times are submitted, but your fastest will appear on the Leader board. National Leader boards are published as follows:
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Submission cut-off date: 27th August
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Leader board Published: 22nd September
Rankings can be found here: https://www.swimmingresults.org/levelx/