What are the levels of age group galas in South Africa?
Rule- South Africa
- Swimming South Africa
- Age group swimming
- 16&U
- World Aquatics rules
- 2025/26
- Parents
Swimming South Africa (SSA) runs a ladder of age group competitions. All age group championships are club based, and World Aquatics technical rules apply at national competitions.
| Level | Who takes part | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Level 0 (intra-district) | Registered clubs, swim schools and schools | 25 m pool, no qualifying times, ribbons or certificates (no medals) |
| Level 1 (intra-provincial) | Registered clubs, swim schools and schools | One per province; province may set qualifying times; timed finals; a chance to qualify for higher levels |
| Level 2 (regional) | Clubs and schools | Four regions: WC and EC; KZN; Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga; North West, Northern Cape and Free State |
| Level 3 (regional) | Clubs | Held at three regional venues |
| SA National Junior Championships | Clubs | The top age group meet |
In the 2025-2026 season SA Junior Nationals were held at Newton Park, Gqeberha, from 21 to 25 March 2026. A club near another region's venue may opt to swim there, but all its swimmers must then go to the same venue.
Updated 21 Oct 2026