Information for New Club Swimmers
BASIC REQUIREMENT FOR CLUB SWIMMERS: Ability to swim 2 strokes for 50 metres. All abilities are welcome; you have to start somewhere!.
Most swimmers begin training Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00-8:00pm. Cost per session $15.00.
New swimmers can often feel that this is one hour of training is beyond them - these feelings are normal - dedication and perseverance are rewarded with feelings of satisfaction as training seems to become easier.
Don't be overwhelmed, everyone was in the same position when they first started.
It generally takes new swimmers 8 weeks, coming twice a week, to feel comfortable with the level and intensity of training.
PLEASE use the Clubrooms, they should always be open during training (Paul Taylor Head Coach and Peter Botheras have keys).
ALL the Club information you require is available in the clubrooms (notice boards, newsletters, carnivals etc). You can also find out all news and information on this web site.
Free tea or cofee is available in the clubrooms for parents.
Always ask questions and for futher information ask the Committe members listed in the newsletter e.g. Vince Taylor, Sandra Eccles, Peter Botheras, Sharon Brian.
Training fees go to Paul (training cheques to be made out to Swim Squad). Place in the yellow box in the clubrooms.
The grey cash box in the clubrooms is for messages, entries, fees, etc., when other contacts are unavailable.
The only time you pay at the entry counter is on Sunday morning Club competitions.
Club membership with Swimming Victoria and Metro West (due about a month after arrival to the club).
Please consider Sunday morning Club competition days (8:00 - 11:00am). This is a great learning experience for ALL abilities, don't hold back, this is the next step to be taken.
Speak to the coach to see how you are going (after sessions).
Improved performances at training will lead to moving through the squads (if that is what you want).
CONCENTRATE ON ALL STROKES.
Train hard to improve your stamina, fitness and satisfaction.
Drills improve the swimmer - you may feel they are too hard, but the more you do the easier it becomes.
Speak to your coach or Paul (Head Coach), if you feel you want to increase your training to improve performance.
Session times can be discussed with your coach or Paul to suit your needs.
Races and competitions are available when you are ready - but do not leave it too long! (make enquiries).
Bathers and caps are available at good proces, along with other Club clothing. See Adele at the clubrooms Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 - 8:30pm and Sunday Club Competition mornings 8:00 - 11:00am (or phone 9974 2206) or see Sharon or Ainsley.
Swimmers, Parents and Coaches Codes of Conduct are available in the clubrooms.
Competitions
The following information will make it a little easier for you to work out what to do when you are ready to start competing.
Competition Entry Cards:
Copies of Swim Meet flyers together with Swimming Victoria entry forms are kept on the bench in the clubrooms. The Club will target a number of competitions for the year which swimmers should enter. There are also a number of other competitions listed on the calendar page of the Swimming Victoria Web Page.
Take care to fill out the formscorrectly. The following points are designed to help you fill out these cards.
Make sure you compete all details and sign the form. Please note that most clubs do not have credit card faciliteis.
Your Registration number is:
The 1st three letters of your last name, followed by the 1st two letters of your given name, then your full date of birth in the format "ddmmyy"
For example Joe Bloggs born 10 June 2000
Registration Number: BLOJO100600
Be careful to enter the correct event number and stroke. Make sure if you are a male that you enter male event numbers and vice versa.
Qualifying Times apply to some meets such as Victorian Championships. You must have swum the time since 1st January of the year prior to the closing date of the meet at an International, Australian Swimming, Swimming Victoria or other Association meet or at an "approved" meet conducted by a Victorian District or other Club. You may incur a fine if you swim slower than the qualifying time and cannot supply evidence of having a valid qualifying time. See the noticeboard or the
Swimming Victoria website for the latest Qualifying Times for State or National competitions.
Entry times should always be accurate especially if Qualifying Times are asked for. Also you must fill out where and when times were swum (so you will need to keep a record of details of previous swims). If no time has been achieved simply put "NT" (ie. "No Time") in the entry time space.
If you need help in filling out an entry just ask a committee member or another parent.
What to take to a Competition:
When representing Werribee Sharks in races at any swim meet we encourage you to wear club clothing. Wear either club bathers or racing suits in royal blue (preferred colour), black or navy blue. Club caps are to be worn for all races at all meets. Club polo shirts should be worn to & from a meet and at the pool. A uniform top of some description should always be worn during medal or award presentations.
Club uniform (this should be worn to and from the competition)
Racing bathers, goggles and club cap, plus spares of each.
Towels
High energy (carbohydrate) snacks
Drinks (sports drinks or water only)
Hat and sunscreen for outdoor pools
Warm clothes (e.g. Club jacket and tracksuit pants)
What to do During a Competition:
Arrival:
Try to arrive 15 minutes before the start of warmup. Your coach will tell you beforehand what time he/she wants you to be on pool deck.
Warmup:
Gather on pooldeck with the coach(es) at the start of warmup and follow their instructions. It is essential that you warm up.
What to do:
All club members/swimmers should sit together in the one area for team spirit and to support their teammates.
Do not go for extended walks away from the team in case there are changes to the program or if the coach needs to talk to you. It is important to keep active to keep your muscles warm, but do not be too active! (Go for occasional walks to check results, or maybe accompany teammates to marshalling or warmup).
Have fun, enjoy the day and be positive and supportive, both of yourself and your teammates.
Before & After a Race:
GO SEE YOUR COACH - It is VERY IMPORTANT to check in with the coach before going to marshalling to get last-minute instructions and again after the race to get feedback.
Marshalling:
Watch the marshalling board for your event number. Allow time to collect your gear, check in with the coach and get down to the marshalling area.
DO NOT BE LATE FOR MARSHALLING!
What to do When the Comp Finishes:Record your times and placings for each swim which may then be used for later competition entries and for future reference. The additional benefit of recording your swims is to enable you to measure your progress. Also, many swimmers like to look back on their career many years later and these notes are invaluable for that. Don't dwell on any negatives and always take something positive away with you.
Information for Parents
