Top Tips and Info for Parents/Guardians and Swimmers

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Meet program: Make sure to print the meet program so you know what to expect at the meet. There may be different requirements at each meet.

 

Be punctual: Most meets allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for pre-race warm up. Meets will be advertised with a warm-up time and a competition start time. For example, Gates Open 7:30am, Warm up from 7:45am, Competition Start 8:45am. Coaches ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes earlier than the pool warm-up time to allow for stretches and a team meeting. 

 

Where to meet: Katherine Swimming Club sets up to the right of Parap Pool as you walk in. For meets at other pools Katherine Swimming Club will advise where to meet at the start of the event. If your child is new to competing please introduce yourself to the Team Manager or to the Coach. There will always be someone who can help if you are unsure what to do.

 

Withdrawals: During an event anyone wishing to withdraw from their nominated events should talk to the Team Manager at the beginning of the session.  Also, if you are unable to attend the meet you are asked to contact the Katherine Coaches / Team Manager prior to the event so that they are aware of your withdrawl. They will also be able to advise you on how to obtain a refund for your entries and the rules around this. All queries and concerns during the event should be directed to the  Coaches / Team Manager only and they will be able to advise you what to do.

 

Marshalling: ALL Swimming NT meets are self-marshalling. In larger events swimmers must listen to the announcer who will say which events are being marshalled. Generally 2-3 heats will be called to marshal each time. In smaller events swimmers must ensure that they keep up with which event is in the water themselves. There will be seats behind the blocks where swimmers will be directed to sit. This means swimmers are responsible for knowing the event, heat number and lane they are swimming. Team Managers will still be there to help but it is also the responsibility of the parent and swimmer to know when to marshal for their events. A good idea is to write down the details of the events to be swum on the swimmers arm or a piece of paper for them to refer to. Please assist the Team Manager by making sure your swimmer knows what events they are doing and what is expected of them. 

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If you are unsure, please ask. If your child misses a race, please tell the Team Manager as there may be a chance to swim in another heat (except at championship meets).

 

Relays: We all love a good relay. Please check the meet program and or chat to the Team Manager / Coach to see if your swimmer is part of a relay. It is possible that changes have been made during the meet, please do not leave the meet without checking.

 

You need to bring to a meet: Training bathers, racing skins (generally major meets only), 2 caps/2 goggles (in case one breaks), towel, water bottle, and healthy snacks. 

 

General Rules and Expectations for Meets:

• Know in advance when your race is due.

• At all major meets you should report to the Coach immediately before and after your race to get feedback on your performance.​

• It is compulsory for the current Club shirt to be worn at all meets where you are representing Katherine Swimming Club.

• A Katherine Swimming Club cap must be worn during your race at all swim meets where you are representing the Club.

• During medal presentations swimmers must wear their Club shirt as you are representing our club. 

And last but not least HAVE A GREAT TIME! 

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Shade Tents: Katherine Swimming Club have a number of shade tents which we set up at different meets. We would love a hand from parents and our older swimmers to set these up when necessary - It will be greatly appreciated by everyone.

 

​​Team Manager: The Team Manager is a parent volunteer, so please offer your assistance if there are a lot of swimmers needing help. The main role is to attend the team manager meetings at the event, organise relay changes and remind swimmers when to marshal.  Team Managers also liaise with the meet referee when necessary. Please consider volunteering to be Team Manager - we always love a hand. 

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​​Timekeeping/Volunteering: Almost everyone at a Swimming NT meet is a volunteer. Without parent help, these meets could not run. Our Club will be allocated a number of timekeeper positions and it is expected that all parents take a turn in volunteering. It is not a difficult job so please help out when asked. Volunteering is fun and rewarding and you are well looked after during the event. 

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We look forward to supporting our club members at all events. If anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to ask us and we will help you.