FAQ

What are the squad training times?

A timetable can be found on our website under the 'Swimmers' tab.

Is there training on public holidays?

Generally no, but the coach will advise should this change due to competition dates.

When should I arrive at training?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your squad training begins. Unless notified otherwise for dryland.

What happens when the coach is away?

The club will endeavour to supply a replacement coach during this time.

If a replacement coach cannot be found, then the coach/club will call for volunteer parents to cover training sessions. Programmes will be provided for parents. Failing this, if no parents are forthcoming to cover, then programmes from the coach will be provided for swimmers to train themselves.

Who do I see if there are any issues or changes?

If it is a coaching issue, approach the Head Coach and make a time to discuss the issue. If a club matter, see our contacts tab on the website. Please notify the treasurer and secretary if any contact details change.

What is a club night?

Our club nights are friendly and enjoyable nights for swimmers to be introduced to racing and for parents to have a go at officiating. They are generally held once a month and dates are posted on the website home page. 

What is a swim meet? 

Swim meets are competitions which are held throughout the year. It is where all of the hard training pays off as swimmers pit their skills against swimmers from all over the local area, region and country. Swimmers compete in timed races and aim to get the fastest time possible.

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Why should my child compete?
Whangarei Swimming Club is not a swim school but a competitive club. The training has one aim, for swimmers to become more competent and faster swimmers so that they may compete against other swimmers from other clubs and regions.

As their times decrease they are eligible to enter more competitions with tougher competition but with greater glory. When a swimmer gains official times, they are recorded on the database and they can then qualify for Regional and National events.

On top of this, Swim Meets can be great fun and swimmers can make lots of new friends. It is the perfect reward for all of that hard training.

How can I find out about a swim competition?
You can find all swim meets on the Swimming New Zealand My Page.  Emails will be sent from the Carnival Secretary for Northland Meets.  Closing dates must be adhered to and entries must be made via the database.

Northland Meet Calendar

How are away meets organised?
When your swimmer qualifies for an away meet, the club will advise you on the specifics.


Where can I find qualifying times for meets and levels?
Qualifying times are found on the 'My Page' information on the Swimming New Zealand website.

What is a PB?
PB stands for Personal Best. The first time you swimmer swims a race they will be given a seeded time. When they beat this time their new time will be recorded and will become their new seeded time. Every time they beat this time it is called a personal best and this will be recorded. Every PB is a GREAT achievement and one which will become more difficult and less common the more your child swims.

What is a disqualification (DQ)?
A disqualification occurs when a swimmer fails to comply with the rules of that race and stroke. This could be an incorrect turn, failure to touch with two hands in Breast and Fly, an incorrect kicking infringement or early starts in relays or races.

When a swimmer is disqualified their time for that race is not counted. Younger swimmers are often learning these rules and may not know the reason they have been disqualified. If your child is disqualified please find something POSITIVE from their race to comment on and leave the disqualification feedback to their COACH. All swimmers will be disqualified at some point and it should be seen as something to learn from and not do next time. Swimmers will generally feel bad about being disqualified, they don't need to be told that it was bad, simply what to do instead next time.