SELECTION CRITERIA FOR

EUROPEAN LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS VENUES

The European Life Saving Championships (ELSC) are the most important competitive events on the calendar of the International Life Saving Federation of Europe (ILSE). The Championships must satisfy many requirements, most significantly the needs of ILSE membership and the goals of the organisation.

The purpose of this document is to enable the ILSE Sports Commission and ILSE Board of Directors to judge bids from potential hosting countries against laid down criteria for selecting venues.

Logistics play a decisive role in the success of any European Championships. The sites, whether beach/ocean or pool/stillwater must be of adequate size to accommodate and be accessible to competitors, officials and spectators. The infrastructure required for the event is considerable, complex and can be expensive. The Championships must be packaged to attract corporate sponsors, and promote marketing and merchandising opportunities. Regional business and government support is crucial in maintaining the event’s viability. Their support will secure a budget that can satisfy the needs of all those involved, and anticipate future needs.

In order to prosper the ELSC should have sponsorship, and media (preferably television) coverage, as well as maximum participation of competitors and officials, and it must have a strong public profile. The potential host organisation should meet the following conditions to ensure that the ELSC are successful:

  • have the guaranteed support of local government, major sponsors and media, (preferably television) outlets for the agreed period of the event
  • have a venue advantageous to competition and summer conditions
  • have sites large enough to cater for an event of this size
  • be a country that competitors and officials will want to visit
  • be a country serviced by appropriate travel and accommodation facilities
  • actively promote the event via appropriate agencies and media outlets to attract spectators and supporters

Selection Criteria

The following criteria should be met by any country applying to host the ELSC. It should be noted that in some cases not all criteria will be met, however some criteria will be “key performance” criteria and they must be met. In other cases a compromise could be achieved. The “key performance” criteria should be considered under the following categories:

  • essential
  • desirable
  • optional

Generally the location of the ELSC must meet specifications based on best practises relative to the following:

  • Access
  • Accommodation
  • Environment
  • The Beach
  • The Pool
  • Local support, including business, community, public and government
  • Television coverage
  • Civic services
  • Alternative venue
  • Venue Inspection

Criterion / Essential (E)
Desirable (D)
Optional (O)
Access
  • The venue for any ELSC must be affordable and readily accessible to the majority of ILSE life savers who wish to participate.
/ E
  • It must be served by major vehicle routes, and international airport and effective and accessible local public transport system.
/ E
  • It should also be accessible by railway and coach services.
/ D
  • The venue should be within 100 km of an international airport which is serviced by regular international flights.
/ E
  • The pool and beach venue should be within 25 km of each other on an acceptable vehicle route if open and still water competitions are being held at the same Championships.
/ E
Accommodation
  • The venue of any ELSC must be serviced by a broad range of accommodation from “budget” through to “5 Star Hotel” for at least 500 people within 25 km of the pool and beach sites.
/ E
  • The majority of these services should fall within a 10 kilometre radius of the pool and beach sites, since keeping participants of the event within this radius supports the social needs of the participants in that they remain accessible to one another and the social focal points during the championships.
/ E
  • The host country should be able to ensure that the competitors, officials and supporters are able to move freely and safely in the area where the event is taking place.
/ E
Environment
The climate of the venue selected must at least experience the following monthly readings for the month of the Championships:
  • average temperature which is greater than 18C
/ D
  • hours of sunlight greater than 100
/ D
  • average water temperature which is greater than 16C
/ D
  • wind speed not exceeding 10 knots for 60% of the month
/ D
The Beach
The specifications for the beach must be as follows:
  • The useable beach length must be at least 500 m long and straight. In the event of the beach being sectioned by either a “pier” or “breakwater” or similar obstruction, each section of beach should be at least 150 m long and straight
/ D
  • The useable beach width at high tide must be greater than 25 m
  • The shape of the beach must allow for fair even starting conditions
/ D
E
  • No rock or reef formations (natural or otherwise) at low tide within the entire length of useable beach length
/ E
  • The sea water must be clean and safe and the water environment must be safe from any dangers, thereby creating a safe environment in which life savers can compete
/ E
  • The beach must be non-abrasive sand which is regularly cleaned, thereby creating a safe environment on which life savers can compete
/ D
  • Other facilities on which to run certain events may be possible provide they are located near to the main beach area
/ D
  • In order to encourage open water competitions within Europe, the venue should be recognised for having a safe wave action and low surf conditions and not be susceptible to dangerous rips or currents
/ D
  • Be serviced by adequate parking facilities
/ E
  • Be readily accessible to adequate emergency services as necessary
/ E
  • Pedestrian access to the beach area must be located at a minimum of four locations along the length of the useable beach
/ O
  • Have tractor/four-wheel drive access must be located at a minimum of two locations along the length of the useable beach
/ O
  • An adequate public address (PA)/loudspeaker system must be available
/ E
  • Adequate toilet facilities must be available within walking distance of the beach competition area
/ E
  • The useable area behind the competition area must be at least 25 m in width for a considerable length along the beach to accommodate the infrastructure necessary for the championships, including grandstand, club tents, vendors, spectators, craft storing areas, power, medical facilities, media centre and communication
/ D
  • Adequate water safety for competitors must be provided, and at least one power craft per 30 competitors in the water must be available at all times
/ E
  • A suitable venue must be available in close proximity for the competition area for official and competitors briefings
/ D
  • There must be adequate competition equipment available to run the ELSC with sufficient for up to two complete water arenas at any one time
/ E
  • There must be a supply of back-up equipment available
/ E
  • A suitable equipment pool must be available for use by competitors to train before the event and during the event itself (minimum 8 of each type required is advised)
/ E
  • There must be adequate power craft available to transport water course judges and to assist in the setting up of competition courses
/ E
  • There must be a supply of adequate manpower to ensure that competition arenas are set up and taken down as required
/ E
  • The host must be able to demonstrate its ability to successfully stage competitions of this size at the venue
/ E
The Pool
The specifications for the pool must be as follows (generally the FINA rules must be adhered to):
  • The pool must be 50 m long and 25 m wide with a depth of 1.8 m with clear water
/ E
  • The pool must be able to accommodate at least 8 lanes with each lane having a width of 2.5 m
/ D
  • The pool must have starting blocks 0.5 to 0.75 m above the water surface
/ E
  • The starting blocks must have the lane number on all four sides
/ D
  • The pool must have lane ropes along the full length of the pool, and the rope floats shall me 0.05 to 0.015 m in diameter
/ D
  • The pool must have false start ropes installed and have backstroke turn indicators, a rope suspended 5.0 m from each end wall at a minimum 1.8 m and maximum 2.5 m above the water surface
/ E
  • The light intensity over the starting platform and turning ends must be suitable for the competition
/ E
  • The pool shall have lane markings of a dark contrasting colour on the floor of the pool, minimum width 0.2 m and maximum width 0.3 m
/ D
  • The pool temperature should not be less than 25C and not more than 27C, preferably heated
/ D
  • The pool must be equipped with electronic timing devices and be tested prior to the Championships
/ D
  • The pool must be available outside competition times during the Championships for training
/ D
  • Adequate spectator seating facilities for at least 500 spectators (which can include 250 competitors) must be available
/ D
  • A holding area for competitors in the SERC must be available
/ E
  • A suitable equipment pool must be available for use by competitors to train before the event and during the event itself (minimum 8 of each type required is advised)
/ E
  • The pool must be serviced by adequate parking facilities
/ D
  • The pool must be readily accessible to adequate emergency services as necessary
/ E
  • There must be an adequate public address (PA)/loudspeaker system available
/ E
  • There must be changing rooms and toilet facilities available within the swimming pool area
/ E
  • The pool must have the capability to accommodate the infrastructure necessary for the championships, including the following, a grandstand, vendors, power, medical facilities, media centre and communication
/ D
  • A suitable venue must be available in close proximity of the competition area for official and competitors briefing
/ D
Doping Control
  • The anti-doping regulations established by ILS, which are in accordance with the rules of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are used at European Championships. At every ELSC, the competitors must be controlled in accordance with the ILS anti-doping rules.
/ E
  • The minimum number of tests required in order to ensure the effective fight against doping is proposed by the ILSE Sports Commission in agreement with the Local Organising Committee and is approved by the ILSE Board of Directors.
/ E
  • The financial costs for the organisation, the logistic support and the analysis of a drug test are the responsibility of the organising country.
/ E
  • The host country should guarantee that the analysis of all samples be done in an IOC accredited laboratory and guarantee that the results of the analysis will be delivered to the competition venue within 24 hours after arrival of the sample at the laboratory.
/ E
  • The laboratory does not necessarily have to be in the host city or country - but the 24 hour response is the key factor.
/ E
Local Support
  • Local government and business support of the ELSC location is critical to the success of the event. Financial contributions to the Championships are vital to the economic survival of the event.
/ D
  • Local government contributions can be financial or “in-kind”.
/ D
  • The host country must be able to attract support from national or local businesses for the Championships.
/ D
  • The local community must be committed to, and recognised for, their participation in, and support of, aquatic activity.
/ D
Television
  • The availability of television and especially outside broadcast facilities are of great advantage and should be available.
/ D
  • In addition, geographic factors such as piers and cliff tops would be an advantage for the filming of the Championships.
/ D
Civic Services
  • There must be a recognised medical facility within 25 km of the venue offering a 24 hours emergency service.
/ E
  • First-aid and medi-vac facilities must be available at the beach or pool (where applicable) and it must be staffed while the event is running and for one hour after the event is completed on each day.
/ E
  • There must be qualified medical transport (ambulance) available to the venue within 20 minutes of being called.
/ E
  • The venue should be recognised for providing effective visitor information services, public amenities and hospitality services, including a full range of restaurants, vendors, alternative activities and social venues.
/ D
  • These services need to be readily accessible to the majority of visitors and Championship participants, and the majority will be within 25 km of the venue.
/ D
  • There should be fully licensed pubs and restaurants and clubs within 25 km of the venue.
/ O
  • There must also be other entertainment services available (theatres etc.) which will enhance the social aspect of the event.
/ D
Alternative venue
  • In the event that the open water venue must be moved due to serious deterioration in the weather and/or sea or water conditions, an alternative venue must be secured within 25 km of the original venue.
/ D
  • The alternative venue must comply with the criteria set out above, and should not be exposed to the same weather or sea or water conditions which have necessitated the move from the original venue.
/ E
Venue Inspection
  • Before a Championship bid is accepted for voting by the Board of Directors, a venue inspection must be made.
/ E
  • The venue should be inspected by a member of the ILSE Sports Commission, and any expenses in this connection must be borne by the country wishing to bid.
/ E


/ International Life Saving Federation
of Europe (ILSE)
APPLICATION TO STAGE
EUROPEAN LIFE SAVING CHAMPIONSHIPS
A. Information on the Candidate
Only full member organisations which are in a good financial standing with ILSE can apply. Please fill in the form in BLOCK CAPITALS
Candidate Organisation
Address
Telephone / Fax / E-Mail
Responsibleperson
Position
B. Venue
Name of City/Town/Area where the event will be held
Give the proposed dates / From / day / month / year
To / day / month / year
C. Access to Venue
Is there an international airport close to the venue / Yes / No
Distance of venue to the international airport / km
Is there a national rail link to the venue / Yes / No
Is there a public transport system in the area of the venue / Yes / No
D. Distances and Transport
Please specify distances from:
Accommodation to competition beach venue / km
Accommodation to competition pool venue / km
Pool to beach venue (if appropriate) / km
What transport is available:
Bus / Yes / No
Trams / Yes / No
Hired Vehicles / Yes / No
Others (please specify)
Are all venues (pool, beach, hotels etc.) within walking distances / Yes / No
E. Accommodation
Please specify the number of hotel beds available within 10 km of the beach or pool by class of hotel:
Category A - DeluxeFive-Star Hotel (*****) / approx
Category B - FirstFour-Star Hotel (****) / approx
Category A - StandardThree-Star Hotel (***) / approx
Category A - TouristTwo-Star Hotel (**) / approx
Category A - BudgetOne-Star Hotel (*) / approx
Please specify the number of beds in other accommodation available within 10km of beach or pool:
Bed and Breakfast / approx
Hostels / approx
Apartments / approx
What other facilities are available with regards to accommodation (camping, etc:)
What facilities are there available in the Championships area (within 10km from hotels):
Theatres
Restaurants
Cinemas
Fun Parks
Pubs/Bars
Casinos
Others
F. Environment
The information required is for the month that the Championships will be staged:
Average daily temperature / C
Average daily temperature / C
Average rainfall for that month / cm
Average wind speed for the month / km/h
Average ocean/open water temperature / C
Hours of daylight in the month / hours
Average sunrise / time
Average sunset / time
G. Beach
Name of beach
Type of beach surface (sand (coarse or fine), pebbles, etc)
Length of beach / m
Is the beach separated by obstructions such as piers, breakwaters etc / Yes / No
If so, what are the lengths of useable beach / m
Is the beach clear of rocks, reefs, etc at low tide / Yes / No
Tide difference in metres between high and low tide / m
Average wave size during month of competition / m
Number of vehicle parking bays within 1 km of the beach
Number of public toilets are available within 250 m of the beach
Width of area behind the competition area (back of beach) / m
Will there be spectator seating available / Yes / No
If so for how many spectators
Is there any electricity supply available at the beach / Yes / No
What other facilities are available on/near the beach
What equipment is available to run a Championships
Is there back-up equipment available / Yes / No
Number of power craft available to assist
Are the boats fully equipped with drivers, crew and propeller guards / Yes / No
What equipment will be available in the “equipment pool” for competitors to use
Will it be available for training for 2 days prior to the competition / Yes / No
What competitions of a similar status have been run successfully on this beach
Is there adequate and experienced manpower for the competition / Yes / No
Is there an alternative beach venue / Yes / No
If yes, where and what name
How far is the alternative venue from the original venue / km
Does the alternative venue meet the above criteria / Yes / No
H. Pool
Name of pool
Length / Width / Depth
Number of 2.5m width lanes in the pool
Equipment available in the pool: / Starting Blocks / Lane Ropes
Backstroke turn indicators / False Start Ropes
Average Pool temperature
Is electronic timing device available / Yes / No
Is electronic timing device available on both sides / Yes / No
Number of spectator seats available
Is there a warm up pool available / Yes / No
Will the pool be exclusively available during the Championships / Yes / No
If not, when will it be available
How many other pools are available within 10km of the competition area
What toilet facilities are there at the competition pool
What changing room facilities are there at the competition pool
What other facilities are there at the competition pool
I. Doping Control
Name of nearest IOC accredited laboratory
Distance from competition venue / km
Is the laboratory available to conduct tests / Yes / No
Cost of tests (each test)
Response time from laboratory from arrival of sample
K. Emergency Services
What hospitals are available within 25km of the venue offering 24 hours service
What other medical facilities are available at or near the venue
What medical transport facilities (ambulance etc) are available
Will there be a medical facility available at:
The Beach / Yes / No
The Pool / Yes / No
Will there be a medical officer at all the venues during the event / Yes / No
Will there be first-aiders etc at all the venues during the event / Yes / No
Any other comments regarding medical issues
L. General
When do you wish the inspection of the venue to be conducted / month / year