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Northcote Swim Club 2015 Handbook

Updated Jan 2015

Northcote Swimming & Lifesaving Club Handbook 2015

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CONTENTS Membership ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Organisational Structure ................................................................................................................... 3

About Our Coaches ........................................................................................................................... 4

Club Communications.......................................................................................................................... 4

The Parent's Role ................................................................................................................................ 5

Volunteering ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Grievances and Complaints ................................................................................................................ 6

Safety and Behavior .......................................................................................................................... 6

Training ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Training Attendance ........................................................................................................................ 8

Strength training .............................................................................................................................. 8

Camp ................................................................................................................................................ 8

Swimming Season ............................................................................................................................ 9

Short Course ................................................................................................................................... 9

Long Course..................................................................................................................................... 9

Age-Group Swimming .......................................................................................................................... 9

Club Uniform and Equipment .............................................................................................................. 10

Competition .................................................................................................................................... 10

Competition levels ..........................................................................................................................11

Club Level Swimmers ...................................................................................................................11

District Level Swimmers ...............................................................................................................11

State Level Swimmers ................................................................................................................ 12

Swimmers With a Disability (SWD) Classification ........................................................................ 12

Qualifying Times .......................................................................................................................... 12

Swimming Victoria Member ID ...................................................................................................... 12

Registering for a Swim Competition .............................................................................................. 13

First Competition Tips ..................................................................................................................... 14

Writing on a Swimmer's Hand ..................................................................................................... 15

What to Bring to Competition Meets .......................................................................................... 15

Australian Junior Excellence Program (JX) & Youth Performance Squad (YPS) ............................... 16

Swimming Victoria Member Account and Portal ............................................................................ 17

Where is Northcote Swimming Club Located? .................................................................................. 17

Facilities for people with a disability ................................................................................................. 17

How to get to Northcote Swimming club ......................................................................................... 18


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TRAVELLING TO THE CLUB VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORT .............................................................. 18

WELCOME TO NORTHCOTE SWIMMING CLUB

Northcote Swimming Club is a community based club that provides a specialized service

for girls and boys who are interested in having fun, improving fitness and making new

friends whilst learning about and participating in competitive swimming. We strive to

provide a positive atmosphere in which to learn and develop the skills of competitive

swimming and welcome swimmers with a disability and provides equitable access to

swimming development opportunities.

Northcote Swimming Club is registered swim club with Swimming Victoria

www.swimmingvictoria.org.au, the governing body for swimming in Victoria. All members

of Northcote Swimming Club, our coaches, and all officials at swim meets are registered

as members of Swimming Victoria. Annual membership is from 1st May to 30th April each

year.

All swimmers are required to be a member of the Northcote Swimming Club Swim Club

in order to train within the competitive squads. The squads are structured around the ages

and abilities levels of the members. This ensures every swimmer is exposed to the

appropriate training loads and skill acquisition progressions for their age and ability.

Northcote Swimming Club members train at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

All training sessions are conducted by professional swimming coaches under the guidance

of Head Coach Simon Gitson.

http://www.swimmingvictoria.org.au/


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MEMBERSHIP Membership in the Northcote Swimming Club Swim Club is contingent on available

space and is open to individuals who meet all the following criteria:

Between the ages of 6 and 21

Able to pass a swim test administered by the coaches

Payment of membership and coaching fees

The benefits of competitive swimming include the following:

Opportunity to meet people and make new friends

Participation in one of the most beneficial forms of cardiovascular exercise

Development of the lifetime sport of swimming

Development of time management skills, self-discipline, and sportsmanship

Your swimmer will continue to reap the benefits of participation long after his or

her association with Northcote Swimming Club.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Northcote Swimming Club operates in accordance with its Constitution, which explains

the purpose of the club, membership, and Committee. The Committee manages the swim

club and meets on a monthly basis or at other times when required.

A list of the current committee, all committee positions and contact details can be

found in the on the club website.

The committee assists with all aspects of administration of the club including:

Communications

Finances

Fundraising

Registrations

Uniforms

Events and functions

Lane hire from the YMCA

Other social activities that run throughout the year

Parents also assist with team manager roles at varies swim meets and on some

camps. The committee has a number of portfolios that can be viewed on the

club's website and are always looking for volunteers to assist were possible .

The Northcote Swimming Club Coaching team is led by Head coach Simon Gitson who

drives the direction of the swimming program and ensures all swimmers receive

professional coaching of a high standard.

http://www.northcote.swimming.org.au/page.php?id=7871



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The Head Coach meets regularly with the Committee to provide updates on the swim

program and to have input into the planning for the club.

The Northcote Swimming Club is responsible for the administration of squad fees and the

employment of the coaching team that conducts all training sessions.

The coaching staff also work closely with the Northcote YMCA which provides "Learn to

Swim" education for junior age groups. Many Northcote Swimming Club members

commenced swimming as young children via the YMCA program. In addition many of our

senior swimmers go on to become swimming teachers and lifeguards with the YMCA.

The Northcote YMCA provides and manages the pool space to meet the club's training

requirements, however, we are separate entities. All correspondence relating to the

Northcote Swimming Club should be sent directly [email protected]

ABOUT OUR COACHES The Northcote Swimming Club coaching team is led by Head Coach, Simon Gitson, who leads a

team of qualified swimming coaches. Each coach is responsible for a designated squad and for

working with Simon to set out the yearly training and competition plan across all squads. The

continued planning ensures that there is a fluid transition through the Northcote Swimming Club

Swimming Club from our youngest to oldest swimmers.

The Northcote Swimming Club coaching team works closely with each athlete to achieve the best

possible outcome for the individual and the club as a whole. The coaching team is the main point

of call for athletes and parents of the Northcote Swimming Club Swimming Club. Should you

have any questions or concerns about your child's swimming, their progression or what might be

best for them; your squad coach should be the first point of call. Coaches can be approached

before or after training sessions or contacted via email. If your squad coach cannot answer your

questions then please contact the Head Coach, Simon Gitson.

More information on each of the coaches can be found in the About Us section of the

clubs Website

CLUB COMMUNICATIONS The main means of communication is the club website: www.northcote.swimming.org.au

and via the club email address: ntc.swimming@ gmail.com. A ll meet entry forms can be

found on the events page and other important notices can be found on our website. It is

important for parents and swimmers to get into a daily habit of checking the website and

mailbox for the latest information on training schedules, schedule changes, meet

announcements, newsletters, awards, and so on. Other means of communication include

the Northcote Swimming Club Facebook page.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.northcote.swimming.org.au/



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THE PARENT'S ROLE Being a swimming parent is not so different to being a parent of a child involved in

any other sport, there are a few common "best practices" in order for your child to grow

as an individual, an athlete and above all else, to enjoy themselves during their time in

swimming.

As the parent of a competitive swimmer, your main responsibility is to provide a caring

environment for your swimmer. This support will encourage your swimmer to feel good

about his or her interest in competitive age-group swimming. Show your support by

ensuring your swimmer's attendance at training and swim meets.

Parents are not participants on their child's team but contribute to the success

experienced by the swimmer and his or her team. Parents serve as role models, and

children often emulate their attitudes. Strive to be a positive role model. Most important,

show good sportsmanship at all times toward coaches, officials, opponents, and

teammates.

Swimming is a very technique driven, skill driven and fitness orientated sport where the

coach will plan different focuses for the squad from session to session, week to week,

and season to season. It is impossible for a coach to teach every skill in one session or

even one week and generally these skills will be practiced for months or even years

before they become learned by a swimmer. Be enthusiastic, but remember that your

child is the swimmer. Swimmers need to establish realistic goals and it is the coach's

role to work with each swimmer to do this.

Below are a few very general rules I guidelines to follow as a parent:

Let the coach do the coaching. DO NOT compare one swimmer to another or compare

swimmers' times (focus on individual progression and individual improvement )

Educate swimmers on being self-sufficient (let them pack their own bags and be

responsible for their swimming)

Try not to talk "swimming" all the time; if your child wants to talk about

swimming they will bring it up.

Communicate regularly with your child's coach on their progress and what they

are working on.

Follow the training and competition plan as best as possible for your child to

ensure they get the most from their swimming i.e.; attend designated training

sessions consistently and enter required swim meets.

Support your child and show the same emotion regardless of the outcome of a

race

One of the best resources available for parents is a book called Swimming for

Parents by Gary Barclay www.swimmingforparents.com. The book covers many

aspects of swimming that are useful and essential for parents to know.

http://www.swimmingforparents.com/


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VOLUNTEERING All parents registering with Northcote Swimming Club are required to participate in

volunteer support services. There are many options. Throughout the year, we run

roughly 8 club meets and need every family's involvement for success.

Volunteer roles include:

catering support

marshalling

timekeeping

results recording

We also ask that you participate in fund-raising, club nights, training breakfasts and team

trips as they occur. Time keeping duties are also often required at swimming

competitions. Where possible, timekeeping rosters will be distributed to all

participating families prior to the meet. It is the volunteer efforts of individual parents

that allow for the existence of the club.

GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS As in any organisation involving significant numbers of parents and their children,

Northcote Swimming Club cannot always be all things to all people. Although conflicts in

our club are few, they occasionally arise, and we have a protocol for dealing with them.

If you have a complaint about the administration of the club, coaching, finances, other

swimmers' behaviour, other parents' behaviour, or other related matters, please contact

the Northcote Swimming Club Grievance Officer, or the Northcote Swimming Club Head

Coach in the first instance

SAFETY AND BEHAVIOR The Northcote Swimming Club Committee and coaches want all Northcote Swimming Club

activities (practices and social activities) to be safe for swimmers, coaches, families, and

spectators. To this end, we ask that all members follow the rules of the facility being used,

listen to coaches, and follow directions. All Northcote Swimming Club Members and those

associated with the Club are also expected to follow the Northcote Swimming Club Code of

Conduct which is based on the Swimming Australia Code of Conduct. A full copy of the Code

is available via the Northcote Swimming Club website.

Training is not a time for fooling around. No swimmers will be allowed in the pool without

a coach on the pool deck. Swimmers must act responsibly for their own safety and for the

safety of others.

Northcote Swimming Club coaches are not in charge of supervising swimmers once they

have entered the change rooms. Individual families must be responsible for their own

swimmer in the changing areas. Change rooms should be used with expedience and left in

http://www.northcote.swimming.org.au/


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the same state in which they were found. Any swimmer acting inappropriately will have

membership privileges suspended, and the Committee will review the situation to

determine whether the suspension should lead to termination of membership rights. No

mobile phones are allowed to be used in the change rooms. All calls should be made from

the pool deck or outside the pool area. Secure your items during practice, taking everything

with you as you leave or securing it in the storage shed at the Northcote Aquatic Centre.

Disruptive behaviour and not following protocol set forth by the coaches are detrimental

to the swimmer and the team. The club has a three step process: warning, timeout and

exiting the session. Swimmers are given warnings for small behaviour issues or rule

infractions. Timeouts are given for more serious behaviour and if poor behaviour continues

or the behaviour is obscene or highly dangerous swimmers are exited from a session. In the

event of a swimmer being ‘exited’ from a session, the parent or guardian will be contacted

to collect the swimmer from training immediately and follow up conversations with the

coach and committee will need to take place.

The Northcote Swimming Club Committee reserves the right to terminate the membership

of any individual whose behaviour places Northcote Swimming Club in an unfavourable

light or jeopardizes our participation in any pool use or sporting event. All Northcote

Swimming Club swimmers are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and act as

appropriate ambassadors for the club. They should act as role models for other swimmers.

TRAINING Northcote Swimming Club uses the Northcote Aquatic & Recreation Centre pool as their

primary training location. The full training schedule and pool location information is

available in the Training Schedule section of the club’s website.

From time to time the pool may be unsafe during extreme weather (heat or storms) or too

cold. Where possible an alternative dry activity will be provided or the session will be

cancelled (in the case of hot weather, generally the day before).

The majority of training is based around giving swimmers the appropriate knowledge

and skills to enable them to compete successfully in a variety of events. The key training

elements I principles swimmers are exposed to are aerobic and endurance training,

speed and race specific training and technical I skill acquisit ion training.

As swimmers get older and improve they will move through the squads of Northcote

Swimming Club where they are exposed to more sessions per week in order to continue

their rate of development. The Head Coach determines specific training groups and

squads in consultation with other members of the Northcote Swimming Club coaching

team. Swimmers are placed according to what is appropriate for their ability.

Parents should not expect that their swimmer will be placed in the group of the family's

choosing or for other reasons, such as car pool purposes, established friendships,

preference for time and days of a practice group, or parents' opinion regarding the



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swimmer's ability. Swimmers who show steady improvement will be moved as necessary

to another group. These moves can occur at any time in the season to accommodate the

individual swimmer.

Coaches will be available before and after practice for any questions that you may have

about your swimmer . If your query requires detailed discussion, then it is best to contact

your coach to schedule a longer appointment. Please allow the coaches to concentrate

on instructing the swimmers during training time.

TRAINING SQUADS Recommended training sessions for each squad are detailed below:

State Squad: 4-7 sessions per week with 2 gym per week

District: 3-5 sessions per week with 2 gym sessions per week

Development: 2-4 session per week: 1 gym session per week

Junior A: 2-3 sessions per week

Junior Squad: 2-3 sessions per week

Nippers: 2 sessions per week

STRENGTH TRAINING At Northcote Swimming & Lifesaving Club, our members have access to a strength and

conditioning program designed by qualified gym instructors at the Northcote Aquatic and

Recreation Centre. The program is designed to improve swimmer strength, fitness and

performance. Please note, swimmers aged 13 and over are eligible for this program.

All programs have a combination of muscular strength, core strength and flexibility. There

are many benefits in adding a gym program to your training. As swimmers progress the

program can be changed to include new and more challenging exercises.

All swimmers begin with a basic program to build foundational skills and technique using a

variety of free weights and machines. Before commencing a program, all athletes must

participate in an induction session run by the YMCA gym staff. If swimmers are aged

under 18 a parent must accompany the swimmer to this session. Swimmers are then

able to use the gym on their own.

The cost of attending the gym is $5.00 per session, 10 x pass cards can be purchased once a

swimmer has attended a gym induction session which is run once each term.

CAMP Each year the Swimming Club runs a Junior (9-11 year old) and Senior (12 years and above) training

camp. Each camp has a different focus, helping to develop swimmer strength, speed, technique and


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mental skills. The junior camp is held at Portarlington during the term 2 holidays and the senior

camp in Warrnambool during the term three holidays. Both run for a few nights, in clean, safe

accommodation supervised by coaching staff. Generally a few committee members also attend the

camp to assist with catering and is a major highlight for the year.

LIFESAVING During the school holidays the club runs lifesaving training awards including: Bronze Cross, Bronze

Medallion, Bronze Star and CPR. Information about these awards can be found on our events page

and are advertised in advance.

SWIMMING SEASON The swimming calendar I year is generally broken in to 2 seasons and starts in May each

year and ends in April.

SHORT COURSE Short Course season {where events are swum in a 25m pool) runs from May though to

September. The main focus during this season for the younger swimmers is the Metro

East events and for the older swimmers, the Victorian Short Course Championships and

National Short Course Championships .

LONG COURSE Spring marks the start of the Long Course season {where events are swum in a SOm pool).

The season runs from September to December / January. The main focus of the Long

Course season is the 7-10 Competition for junior swimmers and the Victorian Long

Course Championships for older swimmers .

AGE-GROUP SWIMMING Swimming Australia and Swimming Victoria Age Group programs and rules govern

participation in competition. The Swimming Victoria (and Australia) program provides fair

and open competition for Swimming Victoria members aged 18 and under. Its purpose is

to encourage maximum participation, provide an educational experience, enhance

physical and mental conditioning, and develop a rich base of swimming talent.

Participants compete in different age groups depending on their age on the first day of the

meet.

Typically, meet competition falls in the following age groups: 8 and under; 10 and under

or 9/10; 11/12; 13/14/ 15/16 and senior. Swimmers always compete with their own sex.

Graduating up to the next age level of competition is referred to as "aging up." This

occurs on the swimmer's birthday. Occasionally swimmers may race against people

older or younger than them.


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CLUB UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT Wearing the team uniform at meets helps create a team atmosphere and enables coaches

and spectators to observe and cheer for Northcote Swimming Club swimmers.

The Northcote Swimming Club team uniform consists of team polo, hoodie and swim

cap. These must be worn for all competitions. Additional team apparel will be made

available throughout the year. All uniform purchases are done through the uniform

coordinators.

Racing and training bathers are not purchased through the club. Bathers can be

purchased from Funky Trunks, Speedo and Engine, all of these are

recommended brands. Please speak to a coach if you need further information.

All swimmers are required to have the following equipment at training:

Goggles x 2 (Engine and Speedo brand goggles recommended)

Mesh equipment bag

Fins

Pull buoy

Kickboard

Drink bottle

Runners (must be worn every session for warmup and dry activities)

Goggles are needed for better visibility and protection against the irritation of pool

water. Be sure the goggles you buy are comfortable and watertight. Fins will also be

required, make sure to bring them to each practice. The coaches use fins to teach certain

techniques.

It is recommended that you label your swimmer's equipment. Labelled equipment

found at practice can easily be returned. Any unlabelled items left at training will be

kept for two weeks then placed in the YMCA lost property bin in the indoor pool.

COMPETITION By its very name, the purpose of competitive swimming is to compete and that means

attending swim meets. Individuals seeking membership of the competitive swim squads

of Northcote Swimming Club should understand that they are a member of a

competitive team and be willing to accept the responsibility of membership and

participate in meets.

It is vitally important for swimmers and parents to understand that competitions are a

way of measuring SELF-IMPROVEMENT. There is only ever 1"winner" in each race and

winning does not mean that a swimmer has swum a good race but merely that they

have beaten the other swimmers in the pool. All swimmers should strive for self-

improvement rather than to "win"!


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There are a number of different competitions throughout the year for swimmers at

every level. These events are designed so that swimmers at every level have the

opportunity to be "successful". At some competitions a swimmer may be the best and at

other competitions that same swimmers will be at the back of the field. It is important

that all swimmers have the opportunity to compete in competitions at a range of levels.

The list of club-nominated competitions for each squad is available via the Northcote

Swimming Club website events page. Swimmers are expected to compete in

competitions designated for their squad . Reminders for nominated competitions are

also commonly sent via the Northcote Swimming Club email. Most competitions are

split into day sessions by age group. Where a competition has been nominated by the

Club, coaches will be in attendance to support swimmers throughout the competition.

A full calendar of swimming events and competitions is also available via the Events

page of the Swimming Victoria website.

http://vic.swimming.org.au/calendar.html

COMPETITION LEVELS For many new swimmers, taking the first step and going to their first competitive meet

is a big undertaking. Our coaches understand this and are happy to share information

about each competition.

Northcote Swimming Club participates in a range of events and competitions designed to

meet the needs of all levels of swimmers:

The level a swimmer has achieved generally determines the types of events or

competitions that swimmers participate in:

CLUB LEVEL Everyone is expected to race at club level events. It is a great way to get to learn how to

race and socialise with team mates in a fun environment. These meets include club nights,

club championships and encouragement meets. They are all held at Northcote Pool and

only open to club members.

DISTRICT LEVEL District level competitions include – All Junior, Scratch Meet, District encouragement meets,

Metro North meets, Interclub and Aggregate competitions. Swimmers represent Northcote and

race at a variety of pool including MSAC and Watermarc. From time to time, competitions

are also held in other venues.

There are 4 districts in the Melbourne metro area - East, North, South and West.

Northcote Swimming Club belongs to the Metro North district


http://vic.swimming.org.au/calendar.html


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http://www.metronorthswimming.org.au/ and takes part in both individual and relay

based events in our region.

STATE LEVEL State level swimmers primarily swim external club meets and have Victorian state

qualifying times.

External club events refer to the majority of events run at the Melbourne Sports and

Aquatic Centre (MSAC) . These are events that any swimming club may host and invite

members from any other swimming club to come and compete in.

Victorian State events / State Championships are run by Swimming Victoria and

swimmers must achieve qualifying times to be eligible to compete . Generally the best

40-50 swimmers in Victoria (per event per age group) will compete in these events.

SWIMMERS WITH A DISABILITY (SWD) CLASSIFICATION Classification is used to place athletes of similar ability or function into groups for the

purpose of competition. A swimmers medical condition, physical attributes and functional

ability are all considered to group them into classes. Swimming Victoria hold two SWD

classification days annually. For more information speak to your coach or visit the

Swimming Victoria SWD Classification info handout http://bit.ly/1s3GTRc

QUALIFYING TIMES State and National level championships (and select swimming competitions) require

swimmers to have a qualifying time in order to be eligible to compete. Each year

Swimming Victoria publish a list of qualifying times for each age group.

This means that the swimmer must have swam a particular stroke and event at another

competition beforehand entering a State or National championship event. Swimming

meets can be separated into ‘qualifying’ and ‘non-qualifying’ and it will be labelled on

the competition flyer.

SWIMMING VICTORIA MEMBER ID Each swimmer is assigned a personal Swimming Victoria Member ID. This ID is used to

identify swimmers when they register for meets and also to track their results in the

National Results Database. The ID number is easy to remember. It is composed of:

First three letters of the swimmer's last name

First two letters of swimmer's legal first name

Swimmer's date of birth: (mm/dd/yy)

Example of a registration number: DOEJA011098 (Jane Doe, 1st October 1998)

http://www.metronorthswimming.org.au/

http://bit.ly/1s3GTRc


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REGISTERING FOR A SWIM COMPETITION Swimmers wising to compete in an event must register within a nominated time period

(generally indicated on the Competition Flyer). Registration is usually able to be

completed online; however some events still require lodgment of a paper entry form.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the Swimming Vict o ria w ebs ite.

If you need help in completing the form, please ask your coach.

Before registering for an event, make sure you look at the event flyer to decide which

events you would like to enter. Swimmers also need to discuss their choice of events

with their coach prior to registering for a competition.


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FIRST COMPETITION TIPS Find out where you're going.

Find out what time warm-ups begin for your swimmer and when the meet begins. Most

meets are held in two sessions-morning and afternoon . You need only attend the

session in which your swimmer swims. Allow for plenty of time to get where you are

going.

Wear something cool because pool areas are usually hot, but preferably with a long sleeve

top or jacket which you can put on should the weather be cooler.

Purchase a meet program. You will find your swimmer's entry information listed in the

meet program along with that of all other participants. Use a highlighter to mark all your

swimmer's events. NOTE: Programs are not available for purchase at every meet. Some

may require you to download the program from the Host Club website prior to the meet

day and print at home.

Locate where the Northcote Swimming Club team are sitting.

Parents should make sure their swimmer warms up. The swimmer should go down to the

pool deck prior to the beginning of the warm-up session and consult with the coach. It is

important to follow the recommendation of the coach. After warm-ups, your swimmer

should dry off and keep warm. Swimmers should always have their cap and goggles handy.

For State or National Championships, swimmers must have their athlete pool deck pass or

they will not be allowed onto the pool deck. Many athletes find tying their pass to their

small mesh bag {containing their cap and goggles) a handy way not to lose their pass while

keeping it with them.

After the race, the swimmer goes immediately to the coach for feedback. If the coach is

with another swimmer or watching another Northcote Swimming Club athlete compete,

your swimmer needs to be patient while waiting. A printout of the electronic results will

be posted in a specified area near the pool, usually within 15 minutes of the race. Check the

results and record your swimmer’s time in your program.

All swimmers should also cool down after each event (depending on the amount of time

between each event they are competing in).

Swimmers are occasionally disqualified (DQed) during their event. Reasons for a DQ range

from false starts to performing strokes, turns, or finishes incorrectly. DQs are judgments

made by the Swimming officials. The official will explain to the swimmer the reason for the

DQ. The coach will reinforce this judgment. Parents should not question the judgment of

an official. DQs can be difficult for swimmers and parents to accept, but they do happen to

every swimmer sooner or later. It is helpful if the parent accepts the fact that Swimming

Victoria/ Australia has high standards and that the same standards apply to every

swimmer. Performing the skills of swimming in accordance with Australian (and


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international} swimming standards is part of the discipline process that makes swimming a

character-building sport.

WRITING ON A SWIMMER'S HAND

By writing information in waterproof ink on the back of the swimmer's hand, the

swimmer can watch and listen for their events to be announced and remember what

events they are entered in. This also allows the swimmer to check whether they are in the

correct heat and lane.

The information on the hand represents the swimmer's individual events at the meet the

swimmer is attending. A chart on the hand or arm seems to work best. The chart will

consist of 4 columns, one each for Event Number, Heat, Lane and Event Name. There will

be as many rows as your swimmer has events. For instance, the first row would read 6, 4,

4, 50 Free, so the swimmer would know that they are in event 6, heat 4, lane 4 and will be

swimming the 50 Free. The column headings will be abbreviated as E, H, L and then write

out the event name.

WHAT TO BRING TO COMPETITION MEETS Experienced swimmers recommend bringing the following:

Racing bathers, warm up bathers

Goggles-well-adjusted and leak proof and extra goggles just in case

Team swim cap-or two in case one rips

Northcote Swimming Club polo and shorts (or tracksuit pants)

Deck jacket - particularly for outdoor events

Towels-two may be needed because the swimmer dries off after warm-ups,

between events, and when changing to go home

Plastic water bottle and/or drinks in containers other than glass

Highlighter to mark your swim program

Ballpoint pen or Sharpie to write on your swimmer's hand

Food - make sure that you have lots of foods that you can snack on between races

to quickly refuel (e.g. yoghurt, pasta, pikelets)

For summer meets: sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses


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AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR EXCELLENCE PROGRAM (JX) & YOUTH PERFORMANCE SQUAD (YPS)

The Australian Junior Excellence Program (JX), recognises rewards and encourages junior

swimmers who, through their development of aquatic skills and fitness, achieve a high

standard of swimming excellence.

Under the program, swimmers aged from 9 to 13 years, who accomplish times set by

Swimming Australia, qualify at Gold, Silver, Bronze or Green standard, depending on their

best performance/s during the season.

For doing so, qualifiers receive special recognition by way of:

A distinctive JX cap (9 and 10 year olds) or JX shirt (11 - 13 year olds)

A JX certificate of achievement signed by the National Youth Coach and members

of the Australian Swim Team

Publication of their name on this website

A JX DVD with tips from Swimming experts for 11 to 13 year olds

The Australian Youth Performance Squad (YPS) is designed to reward swimmers aged 13-18

for their performances in the pool. The YPS is an extension of the Junior Excellence program


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which recognises and rewards 9-13 year olds. Similar to Junior Excellence, YPS rewards

swimmers for achieving particular time standards set by Swimming Australia.

SWIMMING VICTORIA MEMBER ACCOUNT AND PORTAL The Swimming Victoria website www.swimmingvictoria.org.au provides parents and

swimmers the opportunity to follow their swimmer's progress during the season as well as

keep up to date with Swimming Victoria and associated events and competitions and

qualifying times and criteria. The Swimming Victoria site also contains a link to the national

swimming results database, via which you can track all official qualifying times recorded by

registered swimmers.

WHERE IS NORTHCOTE SWIMMING CLUB LOCATED? Northcote Swimming Club trains at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre 180

Victoria Road, Northcote, 3070.

FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY All facilities within the centre are at ground level and are wheel chair accessible.

Pools accessible by "beach access" and wet wheelchair available

Grab rails in Warm Water Pool to assist balance and access

Tactile markers and signage for visually impaired to aid mobility around the centre –

Aquatic Wheelchairs available for patrons' use - Communication boards for

individuals with communication needs

25m indoor pool hoist available

http://www.swimmingvictoria.org.au/


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HOW TO GET TO NORTHCOTE SWIMMING CLUB Melway Reference Map 30 J8

TRAVELLING TO THE CLUB VIA PUBLIC TRANSPORT Route 508 Bus: Alphington – Moonee Ponds via Northcote and Brunswick (wheelchair

accessible). The bus stop is on the corner of Victoria Road and Separation Street and a five

minute walk from the pool. http://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/845

Route 250 Bus: La Trobe University – City. The bus stops directly outside the pool.

http://ptv.vic.gov.au/route/view/8135

Route 251 Bus: Northland SC – City. The bus stops directly across the road from the pool.





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