MANDURAH SWIMMING CLUB
Newsletter
12 November 2003
WELCOME  to all new club members and their families.

URGENT/TARGET MEET - Entries close this Friday 14 November for 2003 Region 1 meet to be held Sunday 7 December 2003 at South West Sports Centre, Bunbury.  If you are attending please put your name on the list on the clubroom noticeboard.
 
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - Children with at least one AA time are invited to attend Thursday morning training from 6.30am to 7.30am to try out and train for state championships.  The championships are held at Challenge Stadium 8 - 11 January 2004.  Any queries please ask your coach.  This session will commence Thursday 13 November.

TIME TRIALS
Time Trials will be held this Friday, 14 November 2003.  Otters to provide supper and help with the raffle.  Please have all entries in by 6.15pm so that we can get underway at 6.30pm.

RECEIVING THE CLUB NEWS
You can receive the club news by:
1.        Check out the club website at  www.southwest.com.au/~msc

2.        Also if you have an email address please let us know so that we can email the club newsletter to you.  Contact Kathleen Coles at: mk@southwest.com.au

3.        The good old fashioned way - check out the pigeon holes in the clubrooms next to the club office. 

SUMMER ALMANAC
You should all have a copy of the Western Australian Swimming Association summer almanac, which has a great deal of useful information, especially if you are new to swimming.  The WA Swimming website is another source of information: 
www.wa.swimming.org.au   check it out!

MEET ENTRIES
Details regarding meet entries are placed on the noticeboard above the pigeon-holes in the clubrooms.  Contact Alison Tilt 9535 3774 if you have any queries.  Please have your entries in as early as possible to make the life of our registrar stress free.  Note that there is a closing date for entries - usually one week earlier than advertised on the WA swimming website.  This closing date is final.  If unsure about target meets - check with your child's coach.

CLUBROOM SECURITY
It would be appreciated if all members would help out with the security of the clubrooms and equipment.  Please ensure that all equipment is returned to the storeroom or office and that if you are the last person leaving that all doors are locked. 

NOTICEBOARD
From time to time please also check the noticeboard in the clubrooms and also the portable whiteboards used by the coaches in case you have missed receiving any news or necessary information

TIMEKEEPING
Thankyou to the many parents who willingly timekeep at time trials and swim meets.  Please note that it is an obligation as parents of club members to do your turn.  The club is allocated certain lanes at meets and these positions have to be filled continuously for the duration of the meet. 

TIME TRIALS TIMEKEEPING
The recorder has requested that at time trials the sheet allocated to each lane should be fully completed with the number of each event, stroke etc.  At least two times should be recorded for each event, preferably three.
 
HINTS FOR TIMEKEEPERS
(repeat from an earlier newsletter - courtesy of Russell)
1.        ensure your watch is zeroed and functions are working.
2.        always operate with a clear line of sight to the starter's light.  Stand if necessary for the start.
3.        some referees will not allow the race to start unless they are satisfied all timekeepers are watching the starter's light.
4.        use of the index finger is preferred and is apparently capable of a quicker response than the thumb.
5.        if you miss a start, gain the attention of the chief timekeeper and let this official know.  He or she may give you one of their watches.
6.        timekeepers with no swimmer in their lane are still expected to start their watches in the normal fashion. These watches may assist others with gear malfunction or those who may have missed the start.
7.        aim for perfection with your fellow timekeepers....try for hundreds of a second difference rather than tenths of a second.
8.        watch closely for the hand or hands below the water at the end of a race....ie you must be directly above the end of the pool when the swimmer touches (yes you will probably get wet, it's almost unavoidable - dress appropriately!)

CLUB GEAR

Please see Diana Flintoff who is available at the pool on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday timetrial nights for any uniform sales.
Please mark all your clothing and gear with your name and check from time to time to make sure it hasn't worn off.
Diana also looks after lost property and will sell "previously loved" gear for you.

PROFICIENCY AWARDS
If your child is 8 or under they will need a proficiency certificate before they can enter competitions.  Please see Alison Tilt for further information.
FROM THE WASA Almanac
 
-Proficiency Awards
- Eight Years and under
 Proficiency Awards shall be awarded to all swimming members between the age of six and eight years for all fifty metre events, who demonstrate that they are proficient in that stroke over that distance.  Swimmers should also be able to demonstrate that they are capable of executing dive start and turns (where applicable).  These are required for all swimmers eight years and under wishing to enter all sanctioned meets (other than those designated as Novice or Promotional Meets).  Seven and Eight year olds are required to insert their proficiency award number(s) on their Meet Entry Card.  An award is required in each stroke and is to be signed by a District Referee or above, numbered and submitted to WA Swimming by the close of registrations for the meet or as requested by the club running the meet.
Nine and ten year old swimmers without a proven time for 100m Butterfly require a Proficiency Award.