1. How does a swimmer qualify for the championship meet?
A swimmer needs to compete in at least three dual meets (relay or individual event), in a scoring or exhibition event (minimum of just one "splash") AND achieve a recorded qualifying time. A swimmer’s time from PJSL dual meets, the GPS Invitational Meet or the George Stultz Memorial Meet may be used as a qualifying time for the PJSL Championships.
2. How does a swimmer qualify for the George Stultz "Last Chance" meet?
A swimmer needs to compete in at least two dual meets (in a relay or individual event, scoring or exhibition = minimum of just one "splash") AND NOT achieve a championship qualifying time in that event (NT is acceptable too).
3. How are championship qualifying times determined?
Qualifying times for championships are based on averaging the 16th place times from the previous five championship meets. If there is no 16th place time, the last place time is used.
4. What determines the league team standings, the dual meet record or the championship meet?
The standings for the end of the season results will be determined by the win/loss record of the teams. The top three (3) will be awarded trophies based on this record.
5. If the dual meet record determines the league standings, what does the "Championship Meet" determine?
The championship meet determines individual and relays champions in each event regardless of their team (no points are awarded at championships).
6. What if there is a two way or three way tie between teams?
Ties for final league standings will be resolved using the formula outlined in Exhibit E: PJSL League Standings Tie Breaker System.
7. How many events can a swimmer participate in at a league meet?
Swimmers may compete in four (4) events: one (1) free relay, one (1) medley relay and two (2) individual events OR one (1) relay and (3) individual events.
8. How are points awarded at dual meets?
Scoring shall be for individual and relay events as follows: 1st place – 5 points; 2nd place – 3 points; 3rd place – 1 point. The 3rd place points will go to the other team as long as the swimmer was not disqualified. Otherwise no 3rd place points will be awarded. That is, teams are NOT allowed to sweep, 1-2-3. At least one point (3rd place) will go to the opposing team if they have a swimmer who legally finished the race. If there is no swimmer, then only points for 1st & 2nd are awarded.
9. Are swimmers allowed to compete in different age groups?
Swimmers are allowed to move up to any age group, but they may not compete in more than one (1) event in any given stroke; therefore, a swimmer may not compete in 2 age groups in the same free relay, medley relay or individual event. They may move down to their age group for the next event of a different stroke. This rule applies to dual meets and the championship meet.
10. Do exhibition races count?
Yes, times achieved in exhibition events count. They count towards participation eligibility and qualifying time criteria for the championship meet. However, they do not score points.
11. What if there is a thunderstorm or adverse weather conditions?
Teams may not compete during thunderstorms or when lighting/thunder is seen or heard indoors or outdoors, from 30 minutes past last seen/heard. However, this is largely determined by the two head coaches agreement if they should try to get the meet in, how long they should wait, and when they can reschedule. So, look for communication from your coach, and do NOT just not show up, and/or do not just leave. The league encourages teams to try to get the meet done the day it was scheduled if possible, and to look for reasons to swim, rather than looking to cancel early. In the event of a thunderstorm and/or adverse conditions prevent a swim meet from continuing, the meet will be continued at a later date from the point at which the meet was disrupted. If team spokespersons agree not to reschedule, and 41 events have been completed, the meet ends and the score stands as of the last full event swum
12. Who swims in which lanes at dual meets?
The home team has even lanes, away team has odd lanes. Traditionally, the faster swimmers compete in the inner lanes (3 & 4), but coaches can place their heat 1 athletes (scoring eligible) in any lane assigned to their team. Exhibition heat lane assignments are determined by time and the fastest/least # of heats possible.
13. Who swims in which lanes at championships?
Heats are swam slowest to fastest, with faster swimmers in each heat assigned to the inner lanes (3 & 4), followed by the next fastest (2 & 5), followed by the next set of swimmers (1 & 6).
14. Are there any penalties for a "No Show" swimmer in an event?
Besides missing an opportunity to swim, losing points for your team at a dual meet, or losing a chance to place at championships, NO, there are no penalties. Swimmers may swim their next event(s) without penalty.
Glossary
- EXH = Exhibition
- DNF = Did Not Finish
- DQ = Disqualified
- NS = No Show
- NT = No Time
- QT = Qualifying Time
- S = Short Course Meters (short course = 25 meters)
- Y = Short Course Yards (short course = 25yards)
