Lane Discipline and Training Rules for all Swimmers

Session Start Time:

  • Please arrive in enough time to be able to enter the water at the start time of your session.  Normally warm up takes 10 minutes, so swimmers must be in the water no later than 5 minutes after the session start time, this is to prevent injury that may occur from going straight into the main set.  Swimmers that arrive more than 5 minutes late will not be allowed to swim and parents will be called to collect them.    
    By arriving and starting your session on time you are helping avoid potential health and safety issues that could arise from being insufficiently ‘warmed up’ and will not disrupt the others training in your lane.
  • Please ensure you bring all equipment to the poolside at the beginning of every training session - do not leave fins in your bag to retrieve later, and sort out your kit before your session starts – i.e. hats and goggles.

Direction of swimming within your lane:

  • Please pay attention to which way your lane is swimming, i.e., clockwise or anti-clockwise.  Please note that if you are swimming clockwise the lanes next to you will swim anti-clockwise or vice versa.
  • Keep to the correct side of the lane at all times (except when turning).
  • When coming into the turn, if clear and no one is immediately in front of you, you can move to the middle of the lane BUT remember to keep clear of swimmers turning ahead of you AND when you push off you must get over to the lane rope to keep clear of the swimmer coming into the turn behind you.
Overtaking:

  • There is to be NO overtaking whilst you are swimming a length and swimmers should not stop during a length to let other swimmers go in front of them.  If you need to be in front of another swimmer, this should be done at the ends of the pool.
  • Faster swimmers should be at the front of the lane, slower towards the back.  This will change according to stroke. 
  •  It is important that you set off at intervals of 5 seconds behind the swimmer in front of you.  Please use the pace clock to avoid bunching and if you can’t see it wait until the swimmer in front of you has passed under the 5 metre flags.
General ‘Do nots’:

  • Do not chat whilst the Coach is explaining the programme to you or giving feedback to the group.
  • Do not have your back to your Coach.
  • Do not stop/change swim speed unexpectedly.
  • Do not hang/sit on the lane ropes at any time as this can break them.
  • Do not stop before the end of the length, swim to the wall whenever possible.
  • Do not dive unless it is clear and you have been asked to do so by your Coach.
  • Do not swim over the lane ropes when climbing out of the pool sides. 
  • Do not leave poolside without asking your Coach. 
  • Do not push off the floor, push off the wall! 
  • Do not push off the wall on your front when doing backstroke, push off on your back! 
  • Do not engage Lifeguards in conversation as they are working. If they are not paying attention to the pool area…remember it only takes a second to drown!   
Coaches:

  • Always follow instructions given to you by your lane Coach.
  • It is crucial that the training programme is followed by all in the lane.  It is not acceptable for some swimmers to ‘do their own thing’ as this can be disruptive to the rest of the swimmers in the lane.  In certain situations, i.e., due to injury or needing to practice for certain competitions, variations to the programme can be agreed with the Coach.
  • Please thank your Coach at the end of the session, they are giving up their own free time to support you.
Swimmers:

  • It is unacceptable to get in the way of other swimmers especially at the ends of the pool. If resting at the end of the lane, climb out and away from the other swimmers and do not engage other swimmers in conversation.
  • Ensure you pace yourself on the longer sets.
  • Always practice the correct turns, streamlined push off etc. Practice makes perfect!
  • If you are injured or feeling ill speak to your Coach immediately.
Respect:

  • Be respectful of both your coaches and fellow swimmers. Please refer to our Code of Conduct and Squad Criteria.  It is not acceptable to ignore these policies.
Verbal Warnings:

  • As from the 1st March 2026 there will be a traffic light system in place for unacceptable behaviour.  Please see Traffic Light Document.