BUSL Format

Each team will be placed into a local conference consisting of 4 teams. These teams will battle throughout the course of our Phase 1 and Phase 2 meets for qualification for our National Finals.

Local conferences = minimal travel times. This allows teams to compete on Wednesday afternoons as is the norm for the rest of University sport.

Whilst each insititution is only able to formally enter one team we encourage teams to make the most of the pool having swimmers swim on a time-only basis next to the BUSL lanes. There are no squad rosters ensuring larger teams are able to rotate swimmers to ensure everyone can compete!

Phase 2 takes place just after January examinations. Teams compete in a more classic type of gala which sees all four of the teams in each conference go head to head to secure their spots in the National Finals.

Whilst this is a 4 team gala, we again encourage teams to make the most of pool space and it is common place for teams to enter non-scoring B teams which swim alongside the BUSL competition. In all we expect over 100 swimmers at each of our Phase 2 meets.

To spice things up, Phase 2 sees a slightly modified program of events with the inclusion of a 200m Freestyle and an 8x50 cannon relay. Midway through the event 4 swimmers face off in our skins events which with a vast number of points up for grabs makes for a great bit of racing!

Phase 3, our National Finals are the pinacle of the year of swimming. We aim to have as many teams as possible at our Finals. All conference winners automatically qualify, then we invite the best second placed teams until capacity is reached.

Last year, our Final at Birmingham saw 16 of our best teams and over 300 swimmers compete for the title of BUSL Champion which after a tense afternoon saw Surrey claim.

We are aiming to go even bigger this year. 32 teams of the best placed teams after the first two phases competing in an A and B final. The BUSL is centered on participation and providing the chance for over 600 swimmers swim in Phase 3 shows just how committed we are to this. Working with our new partners for this year AP Race, who are experienced in the delivery of world class events we are incredibly excited to see what we can do this year!

Phase 3 again sees a changed up program of events with the inclusion of a 4x50 mixed medley relay. Our Skins are back and even better with both an A (fasted 8 teams ranked by 100 IM) and B final for men and women.