Channel Swimming Association

From Openwaterpedia

noun - The Channel Swimming Association (CSA) is one of the two governing bodies of the English Channel. The CSA was founded to authenticate swimmers claims to have swum the English Channel, and to verify crossing times. Since its formation in 1927, the CSA has been entrusted with the task of observing and authenticating all Cross-Channel Swims in the Strait of Dover. CSA also assists and advises swimmers who intend to make an English Channel attempt. It regulates the conduct of such attempts and aims to further the sport of channel swimming and was recognized by the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame as an Honour Organisation.

Accreditation is accorded only to those swimmers registered with the Association and whose attempts have been observed by Association Officials who agree to be bound by the rules of the Association and who are escorted by Pilots registered with the Association using vessels registered with the Association.

Such registration is subject to careful scrutiny and is conditional on remaining in compliance with the Association's Rules and Guidelines to Pilots. These are regularly updated (taking on board suggestions and advice from HMCG and the French Maritime Authorities) and are accepted by responsible swimmers and Pilots as entirely appropriate to the safe conduct of the Sport.

In 1999, the CSA was instructed by its members to undertake a thorough review and overhaul of its constitution and rules. In accord with legal advice and consistent with the members' contributions, a new constitution was proposed and put to the entire membership for a paper ballot. The result, by an overwhelming and 'absolute' majority led to the formation of, and transfer of assets to, `Channel Swimming Association Ltd.' a Company limited by guarantee and, to ensure that no financial benefit could accrue to any individual seeking commercial gain, devoid of shareholders.

The Channel Swimming Association has influenced many open water swimming governing bodies and association around the world over the course of several decades. From the Catalina Channel Swimming Federation and the Santa Barbara Channel Swimming Association to the Tsugaru Channel Swimming Association and the Menorca Channel Swimming Association, its influences, rules, procedures and protocols are influential and replicated.

Channel Swimming Association Awards

The Channel Swimming Association gives out the following awards at the end of its swimming season:

• The Audrey Scott Commemorative Award is an award given to the individual for the Greatest Contribution to the Channel Swimming Association
  
• The Belhedi Trophy is awarded to the Fastest Swimmer on the Highest Tide
  
• The Bill Pickering Shield is awarded to the Fastest Ladies Relay (not 6 Swimmers)
  
• The CSA Centenary Cup is awarded to the Fastest Swim by a British person
  
• The CSA Gold Medal is awarded to the individual with the Fastest Solo Swim of the year
  
• The CSA Special Award Shield
  
• The Derek Turner Trophy is awarded to the Earliest / Latest Swim (the mid-point is 14 August)
  
• The Garnet Martin Cup is awarded to the Fastest Relay
  
• The Gertrude Ederle Cup is awarded to a World Record 2 Way Swim
  
• The Graeme Thompson Memorial Cup is awarded to the Youngest Successful Swimmer
  
• The Howe Bridge CRT Award is given to the Fastest Breaststroke Swimmer
  
• The John Bullett Cup is awarded to the Youngest Relay Team
  
• The John & Gwen Jacques Shield is awarded to the Fastest Ladies Relay
  
• The John Unicume Wood Cup is awarded to the Fastest Swim by a Man
  
• The Julie Bradshaw Award is awarded to the Greatest Feat of Endurance by a Ladies Relay
  
• The Julie Bradshaw Trophy is awarded to the Fastest Butterfly Swim
  
• The Lada Cross Channel Cup is awarded to the Fastest Junior Relay
  
• The Letona Trophy is awarded to the King of the Channel®, the Most Successful Swims by a CSA Man
  
• Mark Rickhuss Memorial Trophy is awarded to the Fastest 2 Way Swim
  
• The Montserrat Tresserras Cup is awarded to the Fastest Swimmer from a New Country
  
• The Montserrat Tresserras Shield is awarded to the Fastest Men's Relay (not 6 Swimmers)
  
• The Observer of the Year Shield is awarded to the CSA Observer of the Year
  
• The O'Clee Jubilee Cup is awarded to the Oldest Successful Swimmer
  
• The Oldman Trophy is awarded to the BLDSA Swimmer of the year
  
• The Pierre Van Vooren Memorial Trophy is awarded to the individual with the Swim in the most Arduous Conditions
  
• The Ray & Audrey Scott Trophy is awarded to the Queen of the Channel®, the Most Successful Swims by a CSA Lady
  
• The Ray Cossum Shield is awarded to the Fastest Mixed Relay (not 6 Swimmers)
  
• The Ray Scott Memorial Shield is awarded to the Fastest Mixed Relay
  
• The Robert Lyle Memorial Cup is awarded to the Fastest American Swimmer
  
• The Rosemary George Trophy is awarded to the Most Meritorious Swimmer
  
• The Sotiraki Cup is awarded to the Fastest Swim by a Lady
  
• The Stan Maycock Shield is awarded to the Fastest Men's Relay
  
• The Sunny Lowry Cup is awarded to the Fastest British Lady
  
• The Teresa Zarzeczanska Cup is awarded to the Fastest 2 Way Ladies Relay
  
• The Van Audenaerde Endurance Cup is awarded to the Greatest Feat of Endurance
  
• The Van Audenaerde Tankard is a Special Award to a Disabled Swimmer
  

External links

• Channel Swimming Association website
• Open Water Swimming
• Daily News of Open Water Swimming
• World Open Water Swimming Association
• International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame
• Marathon Swimming
• The Belhedi Trophy Recipients
• Channel Swimming Association Gold Medal recipients
• Channel Swimming Association website
• International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame
• Channel Swimming Association Celebrates Greatness
• Moving To Music, Stopping To Sound All The Way To France
• To Bubble Or Not To Bubble - That Is The Question
• Standardization vs. Localization In Open Water Swimming
• Rules And Regulations Across The Seven Seas