Squad Structure

Geraldine Swimming Club has a range of squads that carry on from Learn To Swim.  These are a fantastic way to both maintain and extend your childs swimming ability.  They also have the opportunity to join the sport of swimming and compete locally or throughout New Zealand 

1. Transition Squad:  Following the completion of GASC Level 5 Learn to Swim (or the equivalent), Swimmers may opt to try competitive swimming out before joining the Development Squad.  This is not a compulsory step and swimmers may progress directly from LTS to Development Squad.

This squad trains on Tuesday and Thursday plus have the option of training one other night with the Development Squad.  Swimmers are encouraged to join in the fun of the Jellybean races and compete at local swim meets in Temuka and Waimate. 

2. Development Squad:  Once a swimmer graduates from Level 5 Learn to Swim (or equivalent) they can become a member of the Development Squad.  This Squad trains Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 5.00pm and 6.00pm.  The primary objective of this squad is to develop swimmers technique over the four strokes and to be able to hold these over 50-100m.  Swimmers will be introduced to and learn how to use the starting blocks, execute turns according to stroke and understand race protocol.  This is an opportunity for swimmers to become part of the Geraldine Swim team.  Swimmers should begin to attend Jelly bean race nights (if not already familiar with these), and attend at least 2 local Swim Meets during the season.  Swimmers are able to compete in Club Champs at the end of the season and they may also be invited to compete at the annual Temuka v Geraldine CS Davis Cup evening. 

Swimmers are registered with Swim New Zealand.

Progression to the next level depends on a number of factors as determined by the coaches.  These factors may include but are not limited to technique, fitness, performance in a competition environment and maturity level, attitude and attendance.  Please feel free to discuss this with the coach if you think your child is in the wrong squad; however remember the coach’s decision is final.

 3. Performance Squad:  This programme caters for swimmers who have the necessary skill and commitment to compete at Club, Regional and National events.  This squad trains Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights (5.00pm - 5.45pm or 5.45pm - 6.30pm). Swimmers continue to develop stroke techniques and hold these over longer distances. Swimmers of similar ability will be grouped together for training, although, on occasions swimmers may transition back and forth between lanes due to lane crowding and safety issues, this does not mean they have progressed up or down a squad level. Swimmers learn to use the Pace Clock, read and execute “sets” from the whiteboard and develop an understanding of heart-rate recovery.  Swimmers are part of a team environment and are encouraged to set their own swimming goals with the guidance of their coach.  Swimmers should attend Jelly bean race nights as both a competitor and assist Learn to Swim swimmers as required.  They should attend at least 2 local Meets during the season.   Swimmers are able to compete in Club Champs at the end of the season and they may also be invited to compete at the annual Temuka v Geraldine CS Davis Cup evening.

Development and Performance Squad Swimmers are registered with Swim New Zealand and times from official meets are recorded in a National database.

Financial assistance may be available when swimmers compete at Regional and National level.