Competitie
The competitive section of ZGEEL: training with ambition and racing with a licence from the Vlaamse Zwemfederatie.
Who is it for?
The competitive swimmers are ZGEEL's licence holders, aged 9 and up. Joining is not automatic — new swimmers come in after an interview and a test, in which the coaches assess technique, level and motivation.
- Every competitive swimmer races with a licence from the Vlaamse Zwemfederatie (Zwemfed).
- The Competitie section takes commitment: several training sessions a week and regular competitions.
Joining the competitive section
There are two routes into competitive swimming: young swimmers move up from the Niet-vergunninghouders, based on age-related qualifying times (400 m freestyle and 200 m individual medley) and an assessment by the coaches; experienced swimmers from outside the club can join directly after an interview and a test.
| Age | Limit women | Limit men | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9–10 years (Eendjes) | — | — | Coach assessment: body position, aptitude, motivation + taking part in PACO competitions |
| 11 years | 400 VS < 7'00" · 200 IM < 4'00" | 400 VS < 7'00" · 200 IM < 4'00" | Taking part in PACO competitions required |
| 12 years | 400 VS < 6'30" · 200 IM < 3'30" | 400 VS < 6'25" · 200 IM < 3'25" | Taking part in PACO competitions required |
| 13 years | 400 VS < 6'00" · 200 IM < 3'15" | 400 VS < 5'45" · 200 IM < 3'05" | Taking part in PACO competitions required |
| 14 years | 400 VS < 5'30" · 200 IM < 3'00" | 400 VS < 5'15" · 200 IM < 2'50" | Taking part in PACO competitions required |
| 15+ years | ≤ 108% Rudolph | ≤ 108% Rudolph | Assessment against the RP limit + technical skills (Rudolph tables) |
Entry points: September · after the Christmas, half-term (February) and Easter holidays. Capacity: up to 40–45 swimmers (waiting list when full). The qualifying times only apply to new entrants.
For the 15+ assessment the Rudolph tables apply — see swimstats.net/rudolphtables.
Groups & requirements
Within the competitive section, training takes place in ability groups. Each group has its own requirements, set by the coaches every season:
- Qualifying times over agreed distances — swimmers who get faster move up to a higher group.
- Training attendance: each group has a minimum number of sessions per week.
- Competing: Competitie swimmers race regularly, from provincial meets to Flemish and Belgian championships.
You will find upcoming competitions in the calendar. Results and personal bests are on Swimrankings.
Contact people
Toon Dillen
Lead for the Competitieteam and point of contact for swimmers joining from outside the club.
Sven Vereecken
Lead for the Prestatieteam and point of contact for swimmers joining from outside the club.
Jo Maes
Handles entries for competitions and championships.
Ready to compete?
Get in touch for an interview and a test — the coaches will look with you at whether competitive swimming is right for you.