Since the last Executive Committee meeting we have held this year’s County Age Group Championships and this has been reviewed by the Sub Committee

Since the last Executive Committee meeting we have held this year’s County Age Group Championships and this has been reviewed by the Sub Committee.

Difficulties have been experienced at Grantham pool for a number of years but these reached a level this year that threatened the integrity of the Championships. Despite numerous letters, telephone calls and conversations with the Meres Lesiure Centre staff and senior management within Leisure Connections little progress had been made, so, following the catastrophic galas on 14^th March matters were escalated to South Kesteven District Council by both members of the Sub Group and Grantham Swimming Club. This seemed to have some effect with the conditions for the galas on 21^st March and 28^th March showing a gradual improvement. A bulletin was issued to swimmers and parents at the gala on 21st March, and posted on the web-site, so that all were in the picture regarding the problems that had been experienced.

At the final gala Club Coaches were asked for their views on what, if any, changes needed to be made for future years and their input has been reviewed by the Sub Committee. The main recommendation from the Coaches is that the Long Distance events should be swum in a 50m pool. Enquiries are currently underway to see whether this would be possible and, if so, what the likely costs would be.

Other decisions reached by the Sub Committee were:

· To see whether it would be possible to hold part of next year’s Championships at the new pool being constructed in Louth. The Sub-Committee intend to hold a meeting in Louth in the summer to assess progress. Until this meeting takes place the Sub-Committee will not be recommending venues for the 2010 Championships.

· To recommend that the Championships be opened to all County registered disabled swimmers with a British Swimming or IPC Swimming classification.

· To investigate whether the Long Distance championships could be swum at locations other than Grantham in the County if it is not possible to hold these in a 50m pool.

· That the provisional dates for the 2010 Championships should be as follows:

o 13^th/14^th February Long Distance events

o 13^th March

o 20^th March

o 27^th March

and that the Closing Dates for entries should be:

· Long Distance – 19^th December 2009.

· All Other Championships – 16^th January 2010.

The County Executive is asked to note this report and approve the proposed dates for the 2010 Championships.

Sheila Smith