Open Meet Gala

Open Meet events are similar to championships in that they are open to anyone, swimmers enter as an individual, there is ultimately one winner and medals are awarded. They are organised by clubs primarily as fund raising events (Bristol North has one in September) so there is an entry fee and the event may be held all in one day or be spread over several days. Many of these events will be licensed (ours is not) by the ASA at a particular level so will have a qualifying time and, maybe, a cut-off time to eliminate swimmers above a standard. Most championship qualifying times must be achieved in licensed events so swimmers may travel long distances to take part in open meets. Entry times must be submitted and, if the event is very popular, entries may be rejected unlike a championship where if you qualify you are entitled to swim.