Competitions
 

Nunawading Swimming Club offers  competition opportunities for all levels of squad swimmers. From those just starting out in competitive swimming, in which the emphasis is on learning and self-improvement in a non-threatening environment, through to those competing on the International stage.

When should we become involved in competitive swimming?

Swimmers in all squads are guided by the coaches of the squads as to when they should start competing.
Most junior swimmers will begin by competing in the Nunawading PB Challenge meets held on Friday nights and Sunday mornings 2-3 times a term.
If you have any questions in regards to when your child should start competing, please speak to your childs coach.

 

How do we know when meets are scheduled, and which ones are most suitable?

These are the main sources of information about competitions:

  1. The coach: Coaches determine the competition schedule for each season and inform all swimmers and parents of which meets they should be entering. This is to ensure that all athletes are provided with the best opportunities to improve. Please do not enter any meets that are not on the competition calendar without speaking to your squad coach first. 

  2. The Club Website has a comprehensive event calendar which is updated regularly.  The website includes links to the meet information and online entry.

  3. Nuna News – Upcoming swim meets and entry closing dates are promoted through the Nuna News weekly email service.

  4. Swimming Victoria website - www.swimmingvictoria.org.au - provides a comprehensive list of all competitions within Victoria and includes meet information and entry details

  5. Swimming Australia website - www.swimming.org.au - provides details for all National level competitions

 

How do we enter competitions?

See ‘Entering Competitions‘ for more information on how to enter meets.

 

What do we do when we get to the meet?

Most meets will have programs and timelines available either online before the meet. Make sure you check each competitions meet information prior to the day to ensure you have access to a program at the meet.

The first thing you should do at every meet is to go and see your coach. Your coach will then assist you with your warm-up to ensure that you are ready for your first race.
It is vital that you arrive at all meets with plenty of time to complete your dryland activation and swim warm-up. Your coach will let you know how early before your first race your are required to be at the pool.

Some helpful hints to ensure that your day runs smoothly are listed below

  • Watch the ‘event board’. Usually you are required to report to marshalling three events before your race. Speak to any of the coaching staff if you can’t identify the event board or marshalling area.

  •  Speak to your coach before going to marshall to receive your race instructions. Ensure you leave yourself plenty of time to get to marshalling on time.

  • After your race, go and swim down (if there is time).

  • Then see your coach for post-race feedback.

 

Team Managers

Each year, Nunawading Swimming Club elects a head team manager/s who coordinates the group of team managers for the season.

Team managers are primarily responsible for assisting swimmers at selected competitions and when away on team trips.  Team managers are present at all the major National and State meets during the season, all team trips and other selected meets at the discretion of the coaches, particularly those with relay events.

The team managers are always available to assist any swimmers (or parents) who may have questions or problems at a swim meet – please, just ask!  Should any swimmers be involved in drug testing at a meet, the team managers will remain with the swimmer as long as is necessary in order to provide support and also to act as a witness to the proceedings.

 

What to wear

When representing Nunawading at competitions swimmers should wear Club uniform.

The first items to purchase should be a Club cap and polo shirt.  All swimmers that compete for Nunawading are encouraged to purchase full uniform that includes club polo shirt, jacket, track-suit pants, shorts and a cap. More information on uniform and how to order is available HERE

 

Personal Best Times (P.B.’s)

All swimmers should keep a record of their own personal best times (PB’s). This is helpful for competitions and also for during training sessions. If you are unsure of your current PB’s these can be found on the National Results Database.

 

Qualifying Times

Some swim meets apply qualifying times to events to restrict the standard of swimming. Where qualifying times apply, you need to have officially swum at least as fast as the qualifying time for each event you wish to enter. Training times, or parent recorded times are not acceptable as qualifying times. State qualifying times indicate the minimum standard you need to achieve before being eligible to enter and compete at State Championships. A copy of these times is posted on the noticeboards and Swimming Victoria website each year. Only competitions which meet a certain criteria (have the required number of qualified officials) are classified as approved qualifying meets, and only times swum at these competitions are acceptable as state qualifying times.

 

What do parents do at swim meets?

Parents play a vital part in not only supporting their children at meets but also in assisting to run meets. There are numerous opportunities throughout the year where parents should consider volunteering. These include Nunawading run meets where volunteers are needed for catering, officials, timekeeping, PB Challenges and cooking pancakes for Club breakfasts.

Timekeeping is one of the most important jobs for volunteers as without timekeepers, meets can not run. Nunawading runs a roster system for all timekeeping duties to ensure that the responsibility is shared by all families in the club.

Clubs and associations appreciate the support of all volunteers at swim meets and around the club.