Frequently asked questions
Swim Meets
What is States?
States is the abbreviation for the State Championships. This is a premier event where swimmers must have achieved qualifying times throughout the year in order to enter. There are 3 levels of State Championship Meets:
What is Nationals?
Nationals is the Pinnacle Swimming Event in the Australian Calendar. Achieving a qualifying time for Nationals places the swimmer somewhere near the top 5-10% in the country. We have Age and Open Long Course Nationals, and Open Short Course Nationals. Long Course Nationals are held in a different city each year, Short Course Nationals is traditionally in Melbourne.
We are doing our first HBF meet - what should we know?
Parking is free - but for very big meets you may end up parking on the grass and walking.
What are "Zones"?
Zones are a recent introduction to Swimming, intended to model the country regions, and the zones seen in NSW. They effectively break the Perth Metropolitan clubs in to 3 zones - North/Central/South. We are placed in the Central Zone.
What does my swimmer need to know about their first HBF Meet?
When you arrive familiarise yourself with where the toilets are, where the swimmers are sitting, where the coaches are, and where marshalling is. Report to your coach on arrival for any warm-up instructions.
Will the Coaches be there?
We will have coaches at 'Targetted' meets only. It may not always be your usual coach, mostly it will be Carlos and Brandon, but depending on the meet and coach availability other coaches may be in attendance.
Can we do relays?
Our coaches will look at the program and decide if the club will enter relays. If they do, the coaches will pick the teams and the club will enter and pay for the entries. If you are interested in entering relays please tick the 'available for relays' option when entering the meet.
What is Summer League?
Summer League is a rookie meet designed to be a short duration (<3hrs) and aimed at novice/junior swimmers. Swimming WA will support the event with an MC, music, celebrities, dressing the venue up, etc. It is a great introduction to competitive swimming in WA.
What events should I enter in a meet?
If ever in any doubt, ask your coach for guidance. They are best placed to know where your swimmer is at in their program, and the best events to enter.
Club Events
What is a club meet?
A club meet is a club hosted event to provide timed racing for our swimmers. They are typically at the GGS Senior pool in Summer, and DRSC pool in Winter. They are a great introduction to racing, and normally only open for GK Swimmers. They will provide official times which can be used for qualifying times if required.
Can club meet times be used at other meets, and as qualifying times?
Yes - If we have enough Technical Officials. For times to be official at a club meet we require:
Why don't we have all events at club meets?
Events at club meets are influenced by various factors:
What if I am chasing an event not on offer at a club meet?
Let us know as soon as possible. If you require an entry time for an event then first discuss with your coach, and then let us know and we can slot an extra event in.
What are the Club Sprint Championships?
At the end of each season we run our Sprint Championships. At this meet we race the sprint events for each age group, with points being awarded based on placings. Overall points are recognised at our presentation night across each age group.
What is Presentation Night?
Each year we come together to recognise the efforts of our swimmers. The evening is hosted by an MC and includes dinner. Our trophy night includes trophies for:
Who can enter a club meet?
All registered swimmers can enter a club meet and record times.
How do I enter a club meet?
Meet Entries are completed through My Swim Results. Links for the entry pages will be included in the event listing on our website. If you are having issues or just need some help entering please let us know.
I entered a club meet, but now can't make it, do I need to tell anyone?
Please let the club know if you cant make it (email President / Secretary, or message on facebook) so that we can remove your swimmer from events, and ensure you are not on timekeeping. This allows us to potentially merge heats to save time on the day.
Do we run 'Social Events'?
On occassion we do, sometimes combined as a fund-raising event. Our regular evenst are typically:
Uniforms
Where can I purchase uniform items?
Uniform items can be purchased through the website, and collected from DRSC. Due to pricing confidentiality swim equipment (goggles, flippers, etc) will require registering on the website in order to see pricing and order.
Do I have to wear the uniform?
It is required that you wear club uniform to external events. This helps us to identify our swimmers in and out of the pool, but most importantly enables us to identify our swimmers in the water.
What is the uniform? (eg Mandatory items, Optional items)
Mandatory:
I have old uniform items that don't fit anymore, what can I do with them?
We collect second hand uniforms for sale to members at a discounted price. Money raised is donated in to the Athlete Welfare Fund to support our members who may need a helping hand.
When can I collect my Uniform?
The uniform positions are a volunteer position - we normally have someone at DRSC at 4pm most weekdays. We would suggest emailing uniform@gkdsc.com.au to confirm you will be collecting your order and when.
Who do I collect my order from?
Our uniform people are a volunteer role, but they will do their best to be available. Currently they are Anita Biggin and Clare Henry. You can email them on uniform@gkdsc.com.au
General Swimming
What does LC and SC stand for?
LC = Long Course (50m Pool)
What is a Technical Official?
The Technical Officials (TO's) are the people who referee, start, judge, and facilitate a swimming race. The key roles are:
How do I become a Technical Official?
The Swimming WA website has the pathway to follow.
What is a 'Qualifying Time'?
What is a 'Targetted Meet'?
What is Timekeeping?
What if I can't do my rostered timekeeping?
What does Multi-Class, or MC swimming mean?
Multi-Class swimmers are swimmers with a disability. These swimmers are classified accoring to their disability so that they can all compete on a level playing field. The various classes of swimmers will swim together, hence the term Multi-Class.
How much do Technical Officials get paid?
Officiating is a volunteer role, and a necessary role in order to record official times for our swimmers. At some meets the host club may pay a token amount in appreciation of the time donated.
Does it cost to become a Technical Official?
The Technical Official membership does have a cost associated with it, but as a club we value the contribution of our volunteers so will cover this cost for you. If you are looking to become a TO please let us know and we will organise the registration for you.
What does tapering mean?
Tapering is when coaches will gradually reduce the level of swim training in the lead up to swim competition. The level of tapering will depend on the swimmer, the competition being targetted, and what else is in the swimmers competition calendar the coach is aiming for. Tapering can have a huge impact on results, PB's being harder to achieve when not tapered. Tapering is at the coaches discretion, normally in conjunction with the swimmer (depending on age), and the swimmers goals for the season.
What are the age groups in swimming?
Juniors:
How often should my child train?
This will depend on your childs goals, ability, free time, other sports they participate in, enjoyment levels, etc. This is a conversation best had with your childs coach. It is important to not over-train and remove the enjoyment of swimming, but also if you have aspirational goals once a week may not enable your child to achieve their goals.
How do I know if my child is getting stroke correction?
Swimmers coming from learn to swim will be accustomed to stroke correction being very hands-on. In squad swimming stroke correction may not be as easy to observe. If the coach has set drills (eg pull, 1-arm, kick, etc), or equipment is being used such as flippers, kick-boards, pull-boys, etc, then stroke correction is occurring. Drills and equipment are used to isolate and work specific components of a stroke - these drills are chosen based on the requirements of the swimmers in the squad. Just because your swimmer hasn't been directly spoken to DOES NOT mean stroke correction isn't occurring. This is a symptom of a Learn to Swim parent and is not reflective of squad swimming.
What is an Official Time?
An official time is a time that can be used as an entry time or a qualifying time at another meet. There are requirements that need to be met in order to recognise times from a meet as official.
How do I know when my swimmer is ready for Squad Swimming?
The requirement for our Junior Squad is "Must be able to swim a minimum distance of 50 metres in freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke correctly and efficiently."
Swimming Rules
SW7 Breaststroke - Head did not break the surface of the water before hands turned inward at the widest part of second stroke after the start or Xm turn
In breastsroke you are allowed 1 full arm pull, 1 breaststroke kick, and half a second arm pull. Head must break the surface of the water before the arms start coming inward on second arm stroke.
SW7 Breaststroke - Stroke cycle not 1 arm stroke to 1 leg kick in that order
First part of a breaststroke race is the initial arm pull, followed by a leg kick, and then arms, legs, arms, etc. It is not permissable to do 2 arm pulls without a leg kick, or 2 leg kicks without an arm pull.
SW7 Breaststroke - Head did not break surface of the water during each stroke cycle (except first stroke cycle after the start and each turn)
The head must break the surface of the water each stroke cycle. The exception is the split stroke at the start of the race and after each turn, where the head must surface half way through the second arm stroke.
SW7 Breaststroke - Hands not pushed forward together from the breast during the race.
Hands must be pushed forward together from the chest/breast. They must be simultaneous, and not over the water (as defined by elbow must remain under the water)
SW7 Breaststroke - Elbows not under the water during the race (except the last stroke before the turn, during the turn or the final stroke at the finish)
If elbows are coming out of the water, you are effectively doing something closer to butterfly arms. Arms must be pushed forward together from the breast, and not over the water. Hands may come out of the water, but elbows to remain below the surface level of the water.
SW7 Breaststroke - Hands brought back beyond the hip line during the race (except during the 1st stroke after the start or turn)
Hands must come back to the chest/breast. If they are pushed back to the hipline this is an infraction. The first stroke after the start or turn (split stroke) is the only exception to this.
SW7 Breaststroke - Arm movements not in the same horizontal plane
Arms must be on the same plane, or level, in the water. 1 arm up high and 1 pulling down low is not permitted.
SW7 Breaststroke - Arm movements not simultaneous
Arms must move together simultaneously. 1 arm can not push out before the other, or pull back to the chest before the other.
SW7 Breaststroke - Leg movements not simultaneous
Legs must move together simultaneously. This is most often observed as 1 leg kicking out before the other, or recovering before the other.
SW7 Breaststroke - Leg movements not on the same horizontal plane
Legs must be at the same level in the water. This is most often observed as 1 knee as higher than the other due to being turned out further than the other leg. It can also be not sitting flat in the water and 1 foot kicking lower than the other.
SW7 Breaststroke - Feet not turned out during the propulsive part of the kick
When the legs kick the feet should be turned out. If you imaging they are swimming next to a wall the foot will be turned as if to be kicking the wall.
SW7 Breaststroke - Executed an alternating kick during the race
An alternating kick is a freestyle kick. It will most often be observed after the start while still submerged, or a flutter at the end of the breastsrtroke kick.
SW7 Breaststroke - Executed a downward butterfly kick during the race
Most often observed as a downward kick at the end of the breaststroke kick. Only a proplulsive kick is an infraction, a downward movement of the feet due to the undulation of the body is not considered a propulsive kick, and hence not an infraction.
SW7 Breaststroke - Executed more than one butterfly kick after the start or Xm turn
During the split stroke after the start or turn, a single butterfly kick is permissable at any time prior to the first leg kick
SW7 Breaststroke - Did not touch with both hands separated/simultaneously
Must touch each wall with both hands simultaneously, and separated. Incidental overlapping of hands is permitted.
SW7 Breaststroke - Body not on the breast (other than the execution of the turn)
Swimmers can rotate up to, but not exceeding, 90' (as in on their side). They cannot roll over on to their back.
SW7 Breaststroke - Body not on the breast upon leaving the wall after the Xm turn
Can not tumble and come off the wall on your back, or for any other reason be on their back. The tumble is permitted if they can touch with both hands simultaneously, and come off the wall on their breast.
SW5 Freestyle - Head did not break the surface of the water at or before the 15m mark after the start or Xm turn
Freestyle is swum on the surface of the water, after the start or turn the swimmer must surface at or before the 15m flags. This is measured by the head breaking the surface, not feet or hands.
SW5 Freestyle - Did not touch the wall with any part of the body
In a freestyle race each wall must be touched with any part of the body, typically hand at the finish, and feet at the turn if doing a tumble-turn. If no contact is made at the turn the swimmer is disqualified.
SW5 Freestyle - Completely submerged during the race (except the first 15m after the start or turn)
Freestyle is swum on the surface of the water, swimmers are not allowed to be submerged during the race except after the start or turn.
SW6 Backstroke - Head did not break the surface of the water at or before 15m mark after the start or turn
Backstroke is swum on the surface of the water, after the start or turn the swimmer must surface at or before the 15m flags. This is measured by the head breaking the surface, not feet or hands.
SW6 Backstroke - Left position on the back except when executing a turn
Swimmers must remain on their back at all times, except when executing a turn
SW6 Backstroke - Turn not initiated immediately after leaving position on the back
Immediately after leaving the back at the backstroke turn the swimmer must immediately execute their turn - they cannot just kick in to the wall if they turn too soon. Initiating the turn includes commencing one single arm, or double arm pull.
SW6 Backstroke - Turn not executed at completion of the arm puul after leaving position on the back at the turn
At completion of either the single, or double arm pull after leaving position on the back, the turn must be executed. It is not permissable to kick in to the wall if you turn too early.
SW6 Backstroke - Executed more than one continuous single or double arm pull to initiate the turn
Only a single arm pull is permissable after leaving position on the back.
SW6 Backstroke - Did not touch the wall with any part of the body during the turn
The swimmer must touch the wall at every turn.
SW6 Backstroke - Not on the back upon leaving the wall after the turn
The swimmer must be on their back after the turn when leaving the wall. They cannot push off the wall on their front and then rotate on their back - they must be on their back when leaving the wall.
SW6 Backstroke - Completely submerged (except first 15m after start or turn)
Backstroke must be swum on the surface - it is not permissable to be under the water. This is most often seen at or just prior to the finish where a swimmer will lunge to the wall and may submerge. This is where you will see a swimmer raise a foot or hand to ensure part of their body remains above the water.
SW6 Backstroke - Not on the back at the finish
Swimmers must finish the race on their back. This is most often reported at the end of the backstroke section of a medley.
SW6 Backstroke - Completely submerged at the finish
Swimmers are not to be submerged except in the first 15m after the start or turn. This includes the lunge to the wall at the finish which is what this refers to.
SW8 Butterfly - Head did not break the surface of the water at or before 15m mark after the start or turn
Butterfly is swum on the surface of the water, after the start or turn the swimmer must surface at or before the 15m flags. This is measured by the head breaking the surface, not feet or hands.
SW8 Butterfly - More than 1 arm pull whilst fully submerged after the start or turn
Swimmers can not swim with multiple arm pulls while under water
SW8 Butterfly - Not on the breast (except when executing the turn)
Butterfly must be swum on the breast, swimmers can not rotate on to the back.
SW8 Butterfly - Not on the breast upon leaving the wall after the turn
Swimmers must be on the front when leaving the wall after the turn.
SW8 Butterfly - Arms not brought forward simultaneously over the water
Arm recovery in butterfly must be over the water and simultaneously. Over the water is like a boat goes over the water - their does not need to be a clearance between the arm and the surface of the water, but water can not be rushing over the arm. They must also move forward simultaneously - this is most often observed in younger swimmers with 1 arm leading the other.
SW8 Butterfly - Arms not brought backward simultaneously under the water
Arms are pulled backwards simultaneously under the water
SW8 Butterfly - Did not touch the wall with both hands seperated/simultaneously
Both hands must touch the wall at the same time and not be overlapping or stacked. Incidental overlapping is allowed, but not a full stack of 1 hand on top of the other.
SW8 Butterfly - Used a breastsroke kicking motion
A breaststroke kick is not permitted - however for our Masters swimmers it is allowed at Masters events.
SW8 Butterfly - Alternating movement of legs or feet
A freestyle flutter kick is not permitted. This is most often observed at the start during the streamline. Feet do not have to be together, but cannot alternate. So you may observe 1 foot lifting before the other or being higher - this is Ok as long as it is the same foot on each kick. Left first followed by right first indicates an alternating kick.
SW8 Butterfly - Completely submerged (except first 15m after start or turn)
Swimmers mut not be submerged during butterfly except after the start or turn. This is most often called as a result of a deep lunge at the finish.
SW9 Medley - Incorrect stroke order
For the individual event stroke order must be Fly - Back - Brst - Free
SW9 Medley - At the start of the freestyle section swimmer was not on the breast before the first kick/stroke
If a swimmer is on their back they are swimming backstroke. No more than 1/4 of a medley can be swum in backstroke so if a swimmer leaves the wall at the start of the freestyle section on their back it is an infraction. They have until the first kick or stroke to be on their breast to be Ok.
SW9 Medley - Start/finish of each section not in accordance with the rules for the particular stroke.
A medley is effectively 4 races with each section being swum with a start and finish. This is most often called at the end of the backstroke section where a swimmer will leave their back for the turn, instead of finishing that section on their back as per the rules for a backstroke race.
Misc - Started before the starting signal
Most commonly miss-understood rule. Starting before the starting signal is ANY movement at the start of the race - as in the sounding of the buzzer/beep. This movement can be a shoulder twitch, back foot moving, slow rock backwards, literally any movement at all. Swimmers must be perfectly still for the start.
Misc - Stood on the bottom of the pool (except freestyle)
Swimmers must not touch the bottom of the pool - exception being freestyle.
Misc - Took a stride or step from the bottom of the pool.
In Freestyle, a swimmer is permitted to stop and stand up if they wish. When they go to swim again they cannot take a stride/step/jump/push off the floor of the pool. They must float up and start swimming again.
Misc - Pulled along the lane rope
Incidental contact is allowed, but swimmers are not allowed to grab the ropes and pull themselves along.
Misc - Did not remain in the same lane they started in
Rarely seen, but a wayward push off a wall at a turn may send the swimmer in to the next lane. Even if they return without interfeering with any other swimmer this is not allowed.
Club Info
How do I join the club?
GK operates 3 'clubs'.
How do I find out what is happening in the club?
Our 2 main methods of communication are emails through MailChimp, and Facebook.
Who do I contact about joining the club?
Our club registrar is your first point of contact : registrar@gkdsc.com.au
Who manages the club coaches?
Our coaches are employed by the club, report to the committee, but are managed by Head Coach Carlos, and Director of Junior Coaching Brandon. Any coaching questions or concerns should be directed to Carlos and/or Brandon in the first instance, and the Club President if required.
Booking Squad
Why do I need to book now?
Under Covid-19 requirements, we must keep a register of participants at every session. We have chosen to do this by introducing a booking mechanism in order to train. If you haven't booked, you won't be on our register, and you won't be able to swim.
What is a Pricing Plan?
A pricing plan provides the option to make a single payment to allow you to purchase a block of swims, or train as often as you like for a period of time. It also provides a cost saving on a per session basis for those who train frequently. We currently offer weekly/fortnightly/monthly plans, the longer the duration the greater the saving.
How can I check what I have booked?
You can access your current bookings either by the WIX app on your phone, or via the members area on the website.
How do I book a squad session on the website?
Go to GK Shop - Squad Training (https://www.gkdsc.com.au/book-online)
How do I book a squad session on the Wix app on my phone?
Tap the Schedule on the menu at the top. Scroll to the session you wish to book and click the "Book" button next to that session.
What if I cant attend after I have booked and paid for a session?
If you are on a pricing plan you can just cancel the session either through the website, or on the Wix app.
Will the old monthly plans and no need to book come back?
No - One of the most time consuming VOLUNTEER roles we have is that of the Treasurer. Reconciling payments in to the bank account, checking attendance sheets for the month, generating invoices and chasing late payments, all disapear thanks to Covid-19. By booking and paying in advance the Treasurers role is greatly simplified. The Wix App also provides our coaches with an online roster including taking attendance. Swimmers not booked in and listed on the coaches phone will not be permitted to swim.
When does my Pricing Plan expire?
You can check what active plans you have, when it expires, and past expired plans, through the Wix app on your phone. You will also receive an email when it expires - you may need to check your Junk/Spam folder for emails from GK Swim, mark them as not Spam/Junk, and add the sender to your contacts.
What do I do when going on holidays?
You now have the option to choose the pricing plans that suit you to work around your family schedules. For example if you're going on a holiday in a couple of weeks, then you would be wise to select a weekly plan instead of a monthly plan.
When should I buy a new Pricing Plan?
You can set the date that a pricing plan begins when you purchase it. If you have a current plan expiring in 5 days, then purchasing another plan now will result in having 2 active plans for the next 5 days. This provides no extra benefit for the 5 days where you have 2 plans. If booking in advance and your plan doesn't run that long, check your plan expiry and purchase a new plan starting after your current plan expires to get the maximum value.
I want to start training next week, should I buy a pricing plan now?
Yes - You can set the start date of a pricing plan when you purchase them. Just make sure you set the start date to the day of your first booking, or the night before.
How do I start?
How do I get started?
First step is to look at booking in for a free trial. You can book a trial here : https://www.gkdsc.com.au/free-trial
Am I Learn to Swim, or a Club Swimmer?
Once you pass Stage 6 you can consider Club Swimming. Learn to Swim has a focus on water safety, and introduces the other competitive strokes. Club swimming takes swimming to the next level with a focus on technique and fitness. Club swmming also introduces the social side of swimming, making new friends, attending club meets and competitions, other social events such as Beach Swims and movie nights, and other sporting events the club may enter teams in, such as a team Triathlon event.
What will it cost?
Depends on what swimming you choose:
I'm an adult swimmer, but not sure if I am up for Masters swimming?
Our learn to swim program also caters for adult lessons after the kids have finished. If you are interested in learning reach out to us and we can see what we can organise. Our Masters program caters for most levels from very basic ability and up.