National Speedo League
Importance:    Very important - Harlow Penguins competes sending its strongest possible team who will maximise points over 49 races in every gala match.
What is it:      Over 12,000 swimmers from 1,000 clubs compete all over the country in a District league system in areas covering the length and breadth of the UK. Harlow Penguins compete in the London District which has two divisions (we are in the top division). The winning teams from the districts compete in a semi final competition with the top teams competing for the honour of Top Team in the UK
How many teams are in the same Division as Harlow Penguins, how many promoted, how many relegated:  There are 24 teams in London Division 1. The London Division is extremely strong with Olympic swimmers such as Karen Pickering competing for Ipswich in the same division as us. The top team in this division competes in the Southern District Semi Final. The bottom four teams in our division get relegated with the top four teams from division 2 promoted into our league.
How many matches swam in one season:    There are a maximum of three rounds (Gala matches). Based on the number of points achieved the league division is calculated. The top team goes to the Semi final and maybe the final.
When do the Gala matches take place:   Normally one in October, November and December (always held on a Saturday evening)
Is there a website: yes here is the link and it is always upto date www.speedoleague.org.uk

Essex League
Importance:    Important - Harlow Penguin normally sends swimmers who are progressing extremely well, are committed, train hard and want to compete to win. The same swimmers may or may not have competed in the National Speedo League above BUT are not far away from it. We often use the Essex league to "blood" our new swimmers and put them under the pressure of competition. There are 49 races in an Essex league match.
What is it:      The Essex league is only open to teams competing in Essex (from Southend to Harwich!!)
How many teams are in the same Division as Harlow Penguins, how many promoted, how many relegated:  There are 5 teams in Harlow Penguins division this year, normally there are six. There are 6 divisions in all and we are currently in Division 2 (2006 season). In a division of six it would be top two teams promoted and bottom two teams relegated.
How many matches swam in one season:    There are a maximum of four Gala league matches.
When do the Gala matches take place:   Normally one in October, January, February & April (always held on a Saturday evening)
Is there a website: calendar and results appear on www.essexswimming.org

Junior Speedo (M11 corridor) league
Importance:   Fairly important - this is only open to Junior swimmers between the ages of 9 and 12. This year, swimmers must be under 12 on 25 Nov. 2007. This is a great way for Coaches and Team Managers to get their first impressions of young swimmers competing against like minded individuals from other clubs in a 43 race programme. We consider those swimmers with speed, good technique, good behaviour and team participation.
What is it:      The Junior Speedo league replicates the National Speedo league in that the top teams from all over the country compete against each other to see who is the top Junior Speedo team. There are local leagues (HPSC swim in the M11 corridor league). The top team from Division One goes forward to compete in a semi-final match and perhaps the final.
How many teams are in the same Division as Harlow Penguins, how many promoted, how many relegated:  There are two divisions each of 12 teams. In 2006 HPSC finished 6th in Division Two. The top 2 teams are promoted to Division One with the bottom two teams from Division One relegated. This MS Word document gives the full rules and the events swam.
How many matches swam in one season:    There are a maximum of three Junior Speedo galas.
When do the Gala matches take place:  Normally one in April, May and June (always held on a Sunday evening- yes I know its a pain!!!)
Is there a website: no. Information and results will be posted on HPSC website. The event organiser can be contacted by email, phone or post via Anne Reynolds (send your questions to the webmaster.)
 

Club Time Trials (upto 13 yrs old - normally Fridays 7pm to 8.15pm when held)
Importance:   Very important - these time trials help us spot talent rising from the younger swimmers aiding selection for Junior Speedo, Essex or National Speedo galas. It is also extremely useful for Coaches and Teachers as they can clearly identify individual and group weaknesses (eg Breaststroke screw kicks)
What is it:      It is held three to four times a year normally in January\February and March. All times are recorded and available on this website. At the end of the final time trial certificates are given to the swimmers so they can see how well they are progressing.
Is there a website: not a website but the results of previous time trials can be found here on our reports page.

Open Meets
Importance:   Depends on the actual meet, who is competing and what our swimmers are competing for.
What is it:      traditionally, the major fund raising activity undertaken by a club where it invites other local clubs to race in competitive swimming from 9yrs old to master age group. There is no qualifying times for swimmers to consider unless the meet is popular then the organisers may set some times to limit the number of entries. Race distances may vary from 50m sprint meets to all the distances upto 800m freestyle. Our swimmers who attend would race to achieve personal best times, Essex County qualifying times or use as part of the training programme set by the Coach. The main function of the hosting club is to raise large amount of funds by charging swimmers £3 to £4 per race awarding medals for perhaps the fastest 3 to 6 swimmers. Harlow's own Open Meet has been extremely successful in recent years with over £10k raised before expenses. Clubs depend on this money for survival.
How many teams compete:  it's not the number of teams that compete that is important as the number of swimmers. Anything from 100 to 300 swimmers over a weekend is usual.
How many Open Galas in one season:    Harlow will attend between three or four a season. We like to support the local clubs that support us at our open meet. We always attend Epping Forest, Bishops Stortford, Waltham Forest and Canvey island - we would like to consider these as our friendliest rivals
When do the Open Galas take place:  Anytime during the season - look out for them in Diary dates or announced on club nights
Is there a website: depends on host club. Harlow Open Meet results are posted on this website. Results from all Open and Designated Meets held under ASA rules must be submitted to a national database within 5 days.

More explanations on  Licensed Meets (also known as designated meets), B grade galas and C grade galas can be found at www.essexswimming.org and www.britishswimming.org