The History of the Seven Speedo Swimming Leagues by Paul Matthissen

In 1986 the magic figure of 500 Teams participating in Speedo League Competition was reached, and since that year, to date, it has been in excess of 500 each season.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

It was in 1964 that the original idea was born within the llford Swimming Club, that there might be interest amongst progressive clubs to form a League consisting of a membership from a much wider area than Essex County, which was then the limit of the 'local league', which had been started in 1952 with just five clubs. Suggestions were put to the Southern Counties A.S.A. Executive, but they felt unable to take on and organize such a scheme, as they were already overloaded with work. However, approval was given for the Clubs to go ahead on their own.

llford S.C. Committee therefore invited me to attempt to produce a scheme which might prove satisfactory in giving an acceptable Final League Table from only three rounds of Galas, if possible. Four, five and even six rounds were considered. The more rounds, the more accurate the Final League Table was likely to be. However, it was decided to go for three rounds, so as to ensure that Clubs' Membership would retain interest and enthusiasm from start to finish. Short and snappy was the key, which, in due course, was shown to be right, and also, workable. Another objective, that of having a good 'mix' of Clubs as the rounds progressed, appeared to be achievable and even more so when a Division consisted of 24 clubs rather than 15 or 20.

Thought, too, was given, as to which should have the greater emphasis - Gala Points or League Table Points. Both are obviously important, but there was no doubt that, in the first place. Gala Points were favoured, so that every swimmer could see, during a Gala the point's contribution which he or she was making to their team, and with the knowledge that every extra Gala Point was important in progressing the Club into the next Round in the predetermined manner. Team spirit was thus encouraged.

It should be said, too, that from the outset, it was realised that Bonus Points in the League Table were essential to the scheme proposed, and, although the Final League Table gives fairly accurately the correct order, the total Table Points gained might not indicate the comparable strength of some clubs, especially at the 6th and 7th positions, where 6th might finish with 28 points, 7th on 21 points and 8th on 19 points. It has always to be remembered that the Football League's Final Table is made up of over 40 contests compared with our 3 Rounds. Many other choices were debated. For example, several variations of Seeding - but over the years 99% seem to favour the Random Draw for Round 1. They like a little gamble and 'good luck' to a Group of Clubs who just might have an easy first round, for it soon sorts itself out in the succeeding rounds. Also, account was taken of the fact that the strength of even Top Clubs could and did vary from year to year. On the assumption that success would bring expansion, with Promotion or Relegation, or the reverse, how could these clubs fairly fit into any Seeding? Another question considered - whether or not a League should have any boundary limitation? The answer was an emphatic No, so as to encourage integration, enables clubs to compete against clubs further afield than hitherto, and help to produce one large happy family of Leagues. The same arguments prevailed when it was decided not to limit a Club to joining only one League. Another item, about which careful thought was given, concerned the type of Club for which this proposed group of Leagues should cater. From the beginning it was agreed that the aim should be to have our League Competition for the 'average' club. With this in mind it was decided that competitors should be allowed to swim in any number of events, with the exception of a maximum of two individual Events in their own Age Group. This was to prevent the really outstanding boy or girl from completely excluding all others in their age group, but, on the other hand, the Rule still helps the many 'weaker' clubs to fill any gaps in their team. Without the Rule a good number of small clubs would not be able to join one of our Leagues. For the same reason 'national' distances were excluded in the younger age groups. (About 10 years ago the 13/U age group was increased, but generally the 11/U age group remains at 1 length based on Pools of 331/3 Metres approx, being conscious of the objective of enabling the smaller clubs to continue to participate).

Then there was the question of who should, and how should the Galas be organized. The conclusion was reached that the promotion of the Gala itself by the Clubs would produce friendly rivalry between them, and the maximum co-operation and efficiency in consequence. This has proved to be the case, and helped to maintain our first class image. It was also thought and found to be quite feasible for a Sponsoring Club to take their 'home' organization 'away' to a 'neutral' Venue, and this continues to be done quite often. It had not been attempted before.

FORMATION OF THE PARENT LEAGUE

Having produced the nucleus of a possible scheme. Clubs were circularized, and in September, 1964, I was invited to chair a Meeting of 15 forward-looking, progressive thinking Clubs, mainly from the Greater London area, who agreed to take part in an experimental League-type Competition, based upon the Rules and Plan presented to them. Between Mid-January and early March, 1965 nine Galas took place at intervals of 21 days. Three neutral venues in the London area were selected, and three galas were swum off simultaneously for each of the three Rounds. The Final League Table read: 1st WATFORD, 2nd TOTTENHAM, 3rd HESTON, 4th CHEAM LADIES/SUTTON & CHEAM, 5th HORNCHURCH, 6th SOUTHWARK, 7th ILFORD, 8th TUNBRIDGE WELLS, 9th WOOLWICH, 10th FULHAM/PENGUINS, 11th EDMONTON, 12th SOUTHALL, 13th SEVEN KINGS, 14th CHELSEA, 15th CATHALL. The hire of the Pool for the Saturday evening Gala of 3 hours was £3-3-Od (£3.15p). In the light of experience gained, some minor alterations were made to the rules, including amendments to accommodate 20 clubs for the 1966 Competition - again a highly successful series of galas. Two further rule adjustments were made for the 1967 season, when applications to join totalled 30 and two Divisions of 15 Clubs were brought into operation, with promotion and relegation. Clubs now included Southampton, Reading, Bristol Central, Granta Cambridge, Camphill Edwardians (Birmingham).

In the Jan/March 1969 Competition 48 Clubs competed, with 6 Clubs up and 6 down to guarantee that neither Division became a 'closed shop'. This did have a disadvantage and some years later the number was reduced to 4 Clubs promoted and relegated.

At that time 48 Clubs in the League was considered just right for the most efficient organization on a voluntary basis, if the first class image being built-up was to be maintained. Therefore, rather than contemplating an extension to a third division, a second League in the Southern District was set-up, and TSL South was born. Some clubs from the Parent League also joined TSL South, and were very helpful in progressing the new Sister League. In any case, this was a deliberate policy, there being no boundary limitations, so as to encourage happy integration.

The winners of our Area Competition held to date are: Division 1 - 1965 Watford, 1966-70 - City of Southampton, 1971

- Woolwich and City of Southampton tied, 1972-77 - City of Southampton, 1978-79 - Reading, 1980 - Hatfield, 1981

- City of Southampton, 1982-85 - Reading, 1986-87 - Portsmouth Northsea, 1988 - City of Southampton, 1989-91 -Portsmouth Northsea, 1992 - Shiverers, 1993 - Portsmouth Northsea, 1994 - Barnet Copthall. The Secretary of this, the original League from 1965 to date has been myself (Paul Matthissen) who has also helped in the setting up of the Sister Leagues. For nearly 20 years now my duties have included that of the official National Liaison Officer to the seven Speedo Swimming Leagues.

FORMATION OF THE SWIMMING LEAGUE - EAST MIDLANDS

In 1966 Derek Spratt, a former Member of llford S.C., who at that time was the Coach to Luton & Vauxhall S.C. started The Motorway Swimming League for clubs based in the area reasonably adjacent to the M1 Motorway. The first competition took place in the early months of 1967, and the Final League Table (in finishing order) read: 1st WARLEY followed by Camphill Edwardians, Nottingham, Luton & Vauxhall, Stevenage, Granta Cambridge, Harlow, Leicester Penguins, Norwich Swan, Oxford City, Northampton Britannic, Ipswich.

In successive years the membership increased up to 36, but was not sustained. 1971 was the year when Derek Spratt resigned the Secretaryship of the Motorway League to further his career in baths management. Jim Clamp (Coventry S.C.) took over as Secretary, and the late Mr. Bert Hay (Leicester S.C.) was elected Chairman.

To that date a different scheme had been in operation, and there were only 18 teams left in this League. Changes were agreed to bring it more in line with The Swimming Leagues' Rules which had been proved to be more satisfactory. In fact, more than one variation has been tried, but, to date, it appears that basically the set-up, which has now become well established, is the best. It should be noted that several other radically different ideas have been carefully examined, and the decision taken to adhere to the present method of competition. It is worth mentioning that a unique feature of progressing the rounds brings together, in Round 2, the six teams who scored the least Gala Points in Round 1 (i.e. 6th and 2 x 5th placed). It seems to be much appreciated by these clubs that an opportunity is thus given for an encouraging position to be achieved in the Round 2 Gala, and this should, therefore, remain a permanent feature.

The changes had the hoped-for effect, and soon two Divisions were in operation. In 1973 it was agreed to amend it's title to The Swimming League - East Midlands, so as to establish a complete national relationship with The Swimming League and its sister Leagues. For a number of years now TSSL-EM has had 96 teams competing in 4 Divisions of 24 teams each, with promotion and relegation of 4 teams in each Division.

Jim Clamp has been at the helm as Secretary from 1971 to 1994, and only a Speedo League Secretary knows the extent to which a League is indebted for such a length of dedicated service.

FORMATION OF THE SWIMMING LEAGUE - WESTERN

This League was initiated by the enthusiasm of Bristol Central Swimming Club, who joined the Parent League in 1966. After their first taste of League Competition, early in 1967, the club carried back the idea that a League should be started in their area. Moves were made by Mr. C.W. Webb, Mr. R. Macfarlane, both Past Presidents of the Western Counties A.S.A. and Bristol Central S.C. Secretary Mr. G.D. Jones, G.M.

After a June 1967 meeting chaired by Mr. C.W. Webb and attended by myself, 15 Teams from Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hereford agreed to form a League to commence in the autumn of 1967. Mr. C.W. Webb was elected Chairman, and Mr. Mike Smith the Secretary. In 1968 two Welsh teams joined which is believed to be the first time that clubs from England and Wales swam together in a major competition.

The recruitment continued and by 1971 a second Division was formed. In 1974 Mr. M. Smith was succeeded as Secretary by Mr. Fred May, by which time the membership numbered 48 teams in two Divisions of 24. Regrettably Fred passed away in 1988, when the present Secretary, Mrs. Sheila Bryant took over.

It was 1976 when City of Cardiff S.C., representing this League, won the Inter-League Cup Final, breaking the predominance of City of Southampton S.C. In 1977, Silver Jubilee Year, the League organized, in association with City of Cardiff S.C., the Inter-League Cup Final at the Empire Pool, Cardiff, which was another 'first' and a great success.

This League continued to grow, and its catchment area now stretches from the far south-west, Bodmin in Cornwall, to Bournemouth in Dorset, and north to Oxford, Hereford in the west to Llanelli in Wales. Since 1980, sponsorship money provided by Speedo (Europe) Ltd, plus a levy on Members, has been used to operate a scheme to finance part of the cost of transport for the clubs travelling the longer distances to venues. In 1994 the total Membership had reached 84, a remarkable achievement.

FORMATION OF THE SWIMMING LEAGUE - SOUTH

The second League in the Southern District was specifically set-up to accommodate an anticipated 'overflow' of Clubs wishing to join in top-class League competition, including those unable to afford the transport costs to the Greater London area. Expansion was, therefore, expected, initially to be slow, and this proved to be the case.

An inaugural meeting was held on the 30th November, 1968 at Crawley. The swimming clubs represented were: Barracuda, Eastleigh, Guildford City, Lambeth, Crawley, Addington, Bromley Town, Bognor Regis. Apologies were received from Portsmouth Northsea and Amphibians/Croydon Ladies. These clubs, together with Aldershot commenced a programme of Galas in 1969. By the time the 1971 competition was due to be swum, there were 20 clubs in the League, with 2 Clubs on the waiting list. This had risen to 24 with 7 waiting by 1972, and it was then decided to swim Division 1-18 teams and Division 2-12 teams. In 1973 the total was 29, but the numbers rose steadily thereafter - until in 1977 there were 48 teams in the two Divisions. During the 1980's the Membership continued to mount, so that in the 1990's over 90 teams have been competing in 3 Divisions. Divisions of 30 rather than a smaller number had been established as giving a better 'mix'.

The first Secretary was Mr. M.T. Davey (Bognor Regis), and also at the helm have been W.A. Penn (Aldershot) and A.J. Goring (Portsmouth Northsea). In the 1980's Roger Loveman (City of Southampton) was the most enthusiastic guiding hand, and after his untimely demise, Mike Marker (Redhill and Reigate) has held the position of Secretary.

The Isle of Wight S.C. and Clubs from the Channel Islands have been Members for a number of years now. They are much indebted to mainland clubs, who have given the teams 'bed and breakfast' during the 3 Rounds of a competition.

THE A.S.A. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON COMPETITIVE SWIMMING

The Committee was set-up in early January, 1969, under the Chairmanship of Kenneth B. Martin (Nottingham) with Alan M. Clarkson (York), Thomas G Handley (London), Dr Philip T. Penny (Taunton), Graham Sykes (Coventry), Frank Carter (Ashton in Makerfield).

A 68 Page Report included extensive comment on the Swimming Leagues, which were accepted and approved by A.S.A. Council in March 1970. Three extracts read: (a) Over the last five years a number of Swimming Leagues have formed, grown and flourished. Although all clubs participating have been affiliated to the A.S.A. and all competitions have been conducted under A.S.A. Laws, the organisation of these Leagues has been independent of the A.S.A. Furthermore, the very nature of the competition provided, is outside that provided by the A.S.A. is clearly defined and could perhaps be considered as a logical extension or development of the two or three cornered Inter-Club Contest as organised by individual clubs in the past. We have been impressed by what we have seen and heard of the existing Swimming Leagues. It would seem to us that together with Age Group Competitions this is the direction in which competitive swimming at Club level should be encouraged to develop and (b) we therefore feel that Swimming Leagues should be encouraged and new ones created. We see no reason for interference where Swimming Leagues are being run efficiently. Even where the promotion of new Leagues is stimulated no particular advantage can be seen in District or County Associations running them. This would apply particularly where the obvious best geographical area for a League could include clubs from different Counties, Districts and even Countries, and (c) - the approved resolution "The A.S.A. look with favour on the setting up of the Swimming Leagues throughout the country". They were allocated October - Mid December and January -March.

It is worth emphasising that from the beginning the Swimming League Movement has never been interested in the 'politics of swimming', but solely wished to organize a competition for competitive swimmers, and this has been strictly adhered to.

THE FIRST NATIONAL INTER-LEAGUE FINAL

This took place on Sunday, 20th September, 1970 at the National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace, London in the 50 Metre Pool. It was organized by the Parent League in association with llford S.C. and Royal Tunbridge Wells Monson S.C. The Gala, for the Bovril Trophy, was between the winner and runner-up of the Area Competitions held in the period October 1969 to March 1970 by TSL South, TSL Western, The Motorway League, TSL London. The final positions were: City of Southampton (280 pts), Leeds Central (270), Cheam Ladies and Sutton & Cheam (225), Orion (204), Gloucester City (178), Croydon Ladies/Amphibians (167), Soundwell (166), Aldershot (162).

It is believed that this was the first major Swimming Event to be held on a Sunday. Over 1200 paying spectators raised the roof throughout the afternoon (cost 5/- = 20p). The occasion was honoured by the presence of Mr. E.W. Keighley, the President of the A.S.A. in 1970, who concluded the gala with a tribute to the excellent organization and presentation, and referred to the Event as a 'Festival of Swimming' at which it was wonderful to see 10 and 11 year olds joined together with Internationals in the Clubs' teams. He added that this new idea of League Swirnming had been like a blood transfusion to Club swimming, and concluded by expressing great enthusiasm for the wonderful atmosphere which had been so evident.

The VIP Party included the Secretaries of the participating Leagues, and the Secretaries of TSL West Midlands, Mrs. C. Ward, TSL North-West, Mr. W.A. Wright, TSL North-East, Mr. G.F. Alexander, these three new Leagues having been formed some months previously. The second National Inter-League Final, held 12 months later, and also at Crystal Palace, was equally successful. Subsequently, the annual Final was organised in a fixed rotation by the seven Leagues at Coventry, Cardiff, Blackpool, Leeds, Crystal Palace - the five 50 Metres Pools available in the 1970's and early 1980's.

FORMATION OF THE SWIMMING LEAGUE - NORTH WEST

The inaugural meeting of the League in the North-West was held on the 23rd May, 1970, and the first competition started January-March, 1971, when Everton S.C. won. They were superseded by C.O.S.A.C.S.S. for the next four years.

The original Secretary was W.A. (Tony) Wright, whose enthusiasm for the cause of League swimming was great, and ensured that the North-West continued to progress from strength to strength. In 1979 Dave Holland took over, and from 1982 to 1993 Perry Mason was at the helm. The present Secretary is Brian Boyle.

The first Chairman was K. Ratcliffe, who helped to guide the League through its initial two years, when he was succeeded by Joe Leighton, and then Ken Groves.

By 1973 the popularity of the League was such that it was possible to form a second division, and the two were named 'Major' and 'Minor'. In 1981 the titles were changed to Division 1 and Division 2 with 24 teams and 30 teams respectively. Numbers continued to increase and eventually it was decided to divide - Premier Division - 18, Division One - 18, Division Two - 36. In the 1990's some withdrawals took place, mainly due to the financial and administrative impact of mandatory A.S.A. registration on the Speedo Leagues. It was agreed to set-up a Minor Division with a reduced programme, with no provision for promotion and relegation with other Divisions. A.S.A. Registration is not mandatory. In 1994 the Minor Division had 12 Teams competing. Premier Division - 18, Division One - 18, Division 2-28 teams.

The North-West League extends over a wide area, embracing clubs from as far as Cumbria in the north, to Staffordshire in the south, and from North Wales in the West to the Pennines in the east. The Premier Club in 1990 and 1991 -Warriors, 1992 - Man. United Salford, 1993 - City of Chester, 1994 - City of Liverpool.

FORMATION OF THE SWIMMING LEAGUE - WEST MIDLANDS

The West Midlands League has become the largest of the seven Swimming Leagues, assisted by the great number of competitive clubs in the Midlands, who gave great support from the outset. Over 50% of the teams have been competing in both the West Midlands and its sister East Midlands League for many years.

The inaugural meeting was held in July 1970, and the competition started with 18 clubs in the following October. The second year saw 30 clubs in two Divisions. By 1977, with 66 teams, the competition was run in three divisions, and in 1979 with 84 teams, was divided into 4 divisions. In recent years the total has hovered around 108, which is generally considered too many to be organized efficiently on a voluntary basis.

From 1970, and for 21 years, Mrs. Catherine Ward, recognised as one of the best administrators in the Midlands, served as the highly efficient Secretary- In the third year, John Ward took over (temporarily!) as Treasurer. It remained a husband and wife team until 1991, with a new Vice-Chairman each year, who became Chairman during his or her second year of office. Mrs. Margaret Marshall is the current Secretary.

Trophies were generously donated for each division: Division 1 - The C.O.S.A.C.S.S. Bowl - presented by the City of Stoke-on-Trent Education Committee; Division 2 - The Edna May Trophy - presented by Knighton Fields S.C.; Division 3 - The Premier Calendar Trophy - presented by G. Gaunt of the South Lines Competitive Club; Division 4 - The Luton & Vauxhall Cup - presented by Luton & Vauxhall S.C. Some of the earlier winners of Division 1 were: 1970 - Coventry S.C., 1971 - C.O.S.A.C.S.S., 1972/73 - Coventry S.C., 1974 - City of Coventry S.C., 1975 - Camphill Edwardians S.C., 1976 - City of Coventry S.C., 1977 - C.O.S.A.C.S.S., 1978/79/80 - City of Coventry S.C. In the 1970's The City of Coventry S.C. were winners of the Inter-League Final in 1976, 1977, 1979.

FORMATION OF THE SWIMMING LEAGUE - NORTH EAST

The Swimming League - North-East came into existence in 1970, with Gordon F. Alexander, one of the founder members, taking office as Secretary, a post he held until his election to Secretary of Yorkshire A.S.A. He was superseded by Mr. Ron Smith, who held the position until 1990. Mrs. Joan Frank (City of Leeds S.C.) took over in 1991, and Mrs. Mary Waller (Rotherham Metro) has been Secretary since 1992.

This League was formed initially only for clubs within the North-East District, but later extended to accept members from all regions from the Midlands up to Scotland, and from the East to the West coast. A second - Minor Division started in 1978, which was renamed Division 2 in 1980, with promotion and relegation between divisions.

The Member Clubs reached around 36, but for various reasons was not sustained. The reasons included the increase in cost of travel, and a reluctance to compete against the all-powerful Leeds Club, who are strong enough to field A, B and C Teams. In 1989 the compulsory introduction of A.S.A. Registration of all Speedo Leagues' swimmers, with a mandatory fee, added to the problem. Initially this was £2 and in 1993/94 it is £6 per swimmer, which is a disincentive to smaller clubs, the majority of whose swimmers do not aspire to competing in A.S.A. Competition, which also requires the Registration Fee.

In the 1970's with only two exceptions, 1971 when it was Hull Olympic S.T.C., and 1977 - Sheffield Oak St. S.C., Leeds Central were the winners of TSL - North-East every year. A similar pattern has continued since with City of Leeds S.C. dominant, except once, when Borough of Kirklees S.C. won by 2 points. City of Leeds have been overall National Speedo Inter-League Cup Final Winners nine times between 1980 and 1993.

THE POPULARITY OF THE SWIMMING LEAGUES

In 1973 I read an article in a Swimming Journal, which suggested that 'The Swimming Leagues were popular with some kids, but its value to their swimming progress must be in doubt". Many would disagree with this assessment, even though the Leagues' Competitions could be considered, in some respects, a little light relief from the serious requirement of progressing 'champions'. Is it not true that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"? Let us face it, some 95% of competitive swimmers never become national. District or County Champions or even Finalists, and yet plenty of encouraging 'Personal Best Times' are achieved at League Galas.

It should be remembered that the original objective was to give the 'grass roots' of the Sport, the Clubs, a new, improved method of organizing Inter-Club contests. It gives less work for Competition Secretaries. For them this is a 'package-dear - laborious fixture-making is a thing of the past. The Leagues' Competitions are multiple and of the right strength for individual clubs, ensured by the system of promotion and relegation. They are short and varied, and often of greater interest to spectators than County and District Championships with many heats. Team spirit is encouraged. It all seems to add up to a valuable contribution to our sport, which is increasingly accepted as the right way forward.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPONSORSHIP

The stature of the seven Swimming Leagues grew with each succeeding year; and a lot of time and effort has always been directed in maintaining our first-class image, and paying attention to detail, to encourage sponsors to be attracted and, hopefully, retained.

At the annual National Inter-League Cup Final in 1976 Messrs SPEEDO (Europe) Ltd., for the first time, gave financial assistance and other material help.

SPEEDO widened their support to include the seven Area Leagues' Competitions with a four year Sponsorship Agreement dated 2nd July 1979. The terms required that 'SPEEDO' be incorporated into our titles, but no objection would be raised to the inclusion of other sponsorship monies provided those other Sponsors do not conflict with Speedo's interests, and SPEEDO be regarded at all times as the MAJOR Sponsor. It is with much pleasure that I can write that 15 years later, in 1994, SPEEDO continue to be our MAJOR Sponsor.

In 1983 Messrs. Sportscare (Promotions) Ltd., printed. Free of Charge, with the aid of Advertisements, the 40,500 Areas Programmes of 8 Pages each, required, and the Cup Final Programmes, but this useful support lapsed. Since the 1984 season the Liaison Officer (Paul Matthissen) has made himself responsible for the obtaining of Advertisers, and production of up to circa. 50,000 programmes. Free of Charge for the seven Leagues. The Cup Final programmes have also been within his orbit. We are indebted to a nucleus of regular supporters, but new ones have always to be found.

Messrs. BOVRIL Ltd were persuaded to donate the Inter-League Trophy in 1970. Then, in 1984 it became possible to revive their interest and financial arrangements were agreed, including Cash Prizes to the eight Cup Finalists, which reached £1000 in 1987. The total support was repeated in 1988, with the advertised Product and the Inter-League Trophy switched to LUCOZADE by Messrs. BEECHAMS, thanks to the good offices of the Mr. R.A. (Tony) Dougal-Biggs, who retired from the Company in 1991. Up to 1994 I have been successful in keeping this valuable sponsorship and getting it increased.

All support becomes more difficult to obtain and retain, so that every effort, has to be constantly made in this field. It is never to be forgotten that every Sponsor expects a return for his expenditure. My motto has always been: Sponsorship must never be taken for granted.

A.S.A. PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE

In 1989 the Liaison Officer and the Secretary of TSSL - East Midlands Jim Clamp were invited to attend a meeting convened by the A.S.A. Director of Swimming, Derek Stubbs to discuss ways to rationalise the A.S.A. Domestic Calendar, and avoid the clashing of major events, including Speedo Leagues.

There appeared to be general agreement on A.S.A. National, District Championships and District Age Groups Competitions dates. A.S.A. County Championships and County Age Groups were not discussed. The existing format of 3 weekends in the Oct/Nov/Dec period and 3 weekends in Jan/Feb/March currently used by Speedo Leagues were accepted without any discussion. Similarly, the Grand Prix dates.

Subsequently, a Speedo Swimming Leagues 5 year dates plan was produced to focus an attempt to bring the dates further into line, and eventually down to six weekends per League season. This plan was updated annually.

On the 25th May 1993 the seven Speedo Swimming League Secretaries were invited to a meeting at Speedo (Europe) Ltd Headquarters. Speedo personnel present were: Sales and Marketing Director John Leaver, Swim Promotions Manager - UK Gaynor Stanley-Willis, and Media Consultant Anita Lonsbrough, who chaired the meeting. Also present: A.S.A. Director of Swimming Paul Bush, from Wales A.S.A. Bryn Williams and Dave Haller. These latter three gave the Secretaries prepared papers to read outlining some drastic proposals for change of the Speedo Leagues format. Basically, the Speedo Leagues were asked to agree to officially integrate into the G.B. /A.S.A. Calendar on three identical weekends in October, November, and December with the Inter-League Cup Final a 'moveable feast' in early spring. In effect, this reduced a Club to compete in one Speedo League, unless it was practical to organize two Speedo Leagues on successive days (i.e. Saturday and Sunday). However, 'A' and 'B' Teams were accepted, so that, in fact, a club could enter an 'A' Team in one League and a 'B' Team in another. Amongst other comment, they proposed that the 'Programme of Events' be amended, deleting the Open Age Group, so that "16/17 year olds could concentrate on preparing for events such as the Grand Prix Circuit, the A.S.A. Club Team Championships and National Championships" as was stated.

In due time a National Speedo Leagues Postal Ballot was conducted, and in March, 1994 it was confirmed that the National Speedo Swimming Leagues would only agree to officially integrate into the G.B. /A.S.A. Calendar on three identical weekends in October, November and December annually, and the Spring date for the Cup Final to be fixed, preferably the last Sunday in April. The A.S.A. has now withdrawn other proposals.

A considerable minority of clubs are disappointed that they no longer have the choice of two Speedo League competitions spread over six months. The new planning commences in October 1995 and in 1996 the Inter-League Cup Final will be on Sunday 28th April.

THE 25TH NATIONAL 'SPEEDO' INTER-LEAGUE CUP FINAL

This Event will be celebrated on Sunday, 25th September, 1994 at Leeds International Pool.

This history is only a summary of some of the thinking and happenings, but it is hoped that it will be a useful record for Speedo League enthusiasts. Partly it is based on earlier histories produced over the years since 1965.

July, 1994 - Paul Matthissen