From First Races to Championships

Competition Guide

CEDO swimmers can take part in a range of competitions, from introductory meets through to Brisbane, Queensland and national championships. Families should select meets that suit the swimmer’s experience, current training and competition goals.

Official Competitions and Club Nights

CEDO swimmers can take part in official competitions and local Club Nights. Each offers a different racing experience and uses a different entry system.

Official Competitions

Official meets are entered through Swim Central and are generally available to eligible competitive members.

Entry fees, qualifying times and other meet conditions may apply.

CEDO Club Nights

Club Nights offer relaxed local racing and are nominated through the Swim Club Connect Meet Manager app.

CEDO membership is not required and there is no nomination fee.

How to Enter a Competition

Follow these steps before submitting an official meet entry.

1. Review the Meet Details

Check the eligibility requirements, qualifying times, age groups, entry fees, session information and closing date.

2. Speak With Your Coach

Confirm that the meet and selected events are appropriate for the swimmer’s current training, experience and goals.

3. Complete the Entry

Select the correct swimmer and meet, choose the approved events and complete payment before entries close.

Types of Competition

Meet names and entry conditions vary, but most official competitions fall into one of the following broad categories.

Transition Meets

A supportive introduction to official competition where swimmers can practise race skills, record recognised times and build confidence.

Preparation Meets

These meets allow swimmers to sharpen their race skills, improve times and prepare for larger competitions later in the season.

Championship Meets

Brisbane, Queensland and national championships are available to eligible swimmers who meet the published age, membership and qualifying requirements.

Championship Pathway

Competitive swimmers can progress from Brisbane regional events to Queensland and national championships when they meet the relevant entry and qualifying requirements.

Regional Brisbane Championships

Regional championships are conducted by Swimming Brisbane. Competitions may include:

  • Brisbane Short Course Championships
  • Brisbane Open Water events
  • Brisbane Relay Championships
  • Brisbane Sprint Championships
  • Brisbane Junior Metropolitan Championships
  • Brisbane Senior Metropolitan Championships

Queensland State Championships

State championships and preparation events are conducted by Swimming Queensland. Competitions may include:

  • Short Course qualifying and preparation meets
  • Queensland Short Course Championships
  • Queensland Sprint Championships
  • Queensland Open Water Championships
  • Long Course qualifying meets
  • Queensland Championships
  • Queensland national preparation meets

National Championships

National competitions are conducted by Swimming Australia and may include:

  • State Teams Age Short Course Championships
  • Australian Short Course Championships
  • Australian Open Water Championships
  • Australian Age Championships
  • Australian Swimming Championships

Short Course, Long Course and Open Water

Swimming competitions are held in different environments. Times and qualifying standards may be specific to the course in which they were achieved.

25 Meter Pool

Short Course

Short Course meets are conducted in a 25 meter pool. Short Course times can be used where a meet publishes Short Course qualifying standards.

The season generally leads towards the Australian Short Course Championships later in the year.

50 Meter Pool

Long Course

Long Course meets are conducted in a 50 meter pool. Long Course times can be used where a meet publishes Long Course qualifying standards.

The season generally leads towards the Australian Age and Australian Swimming Championships.

Open Water Venue

Open Water

Open Water competitions are conducted in locations such as lakes, rivers and ocean venues.

Events vary by competition and age group and may range from shorter introductory distances through to five and ten kilometer events.

Brisbane Premiership Competition

Results at selected Swimming Brisbane championship events also contribute to the performance of participating clubs.

Points for the Club

Points are allocated to clubs based on swimmer performances at designated Brisbane regional championship events.

These points help determine each club’s Premiership division. By representing CEDO at eligible events, swimmers contribute to both their own achievements and the club’s overall result.

Pho3nix Junior Excellence Program

The Junior Excellence Program recognises and encourages the development of junior competitive swimmers.

Recognising Junior Progress

Swimming Australia’s Pho3nix Junior Excellence Program recognises swimmers aged 9 to 13 who achieve the published performance standards during the qualification season.

Swimmers can achieve a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Blue standard, depending on their age and eligible performances.

Gold Standard
Silver Standard
Bronze Standard
Blue Standard

How Results Are Recognised

Results from approved meets are recorded in Swim Central and used to assess eligible swimmers against the published JX standards.

Families do not normally need to submit individual race results manually.

Unsure Which Meet to Enter?

Speak with your swimmer’s coach before entering. The coach can help identify suitable competitions and events based on the swimmer’s current training, experience and goals.