Question 1

Am I Learn to Swim, or a Club Swimmer?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

What will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Depends on what swimming you choose: Learn to Swim Lessons start at $15/lesson and run for a school term typically of 9 or 10 weeks.  Depending on available slots we may run a 5 week term in the second half of the term at $16/lesson.  Payment is made at the start of the term when booking your class.  Enrollments must be made prior to each term - no auto-enrollments are provided.   Club Swimming Requires a membership with the club starting at $70 (20/21 season).  Training then starts at $9/session, with discounted training plans available for those who want to swim a bit more regularly than once a week.   Adult Swimming Requires membership with either the Club, or Masters Swimming.  Training is $10/session, or $60/4 weeks for unlimited swims.

Question 4

I'm an adult swimmer, but not sure if I am up for Masters swimming?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Why do I need to book now?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How do I book a squad session on the website?

Accepted Answer

Go to GK Shop - Squad Training (https://www.gkdsc.com.au/book-online)   Select the Squad level and pool you wish to book and click Book Now.   Select the day and time, and choose if you want to buy a pricing plan, or apply the session to an existing plan if you have one.   Proceed to the checkout to enter your credit card and complete the booking.

Question 7

How do I book a squad session on the Wix app on my phone?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What is a Pricing Plan?

Accepted Answer

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.   Pricing plans also allow you to cancel a session up to 15min before the scheduled start time and have that session credited back to your plan for later use.

Question 9

How can I check what I have booked?

Accepted Answer

You can access your current bookings either by the WIX app on your phone, or via the members area on the website.

Question 10

What if I cant attend after I have booked and paid for a session?

Accepted Answer

If you are on a pricing plan you can just cancel the session either through the website, or on the Wix app.     If you paid for a block of swims (eg 5 or 10 swim pack) when you cancel the session will be credited back to your account.  If you don't cancel the session will not be credited back.   If you are on a pricing plan and have been unwell for a while, we can suspend your plan until you are able to return.  We will suspend your plan when you tell us (we cannot suspend retrospectively) and when you are able to return we can re-enable the plan.  The system will add the time while suspended to the duration of your plan.  A medical certificate may be required.

Question 11

Will the old monthly plans and no need to book come back?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

When does my Pricing Plan expire?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What do I do when going on holidays?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When should I buy a new Pricing Plan?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

I want to start training next week, should I buy a pricing plan now?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

We are doing our first HBF meet - what should we know?

Accepted Answer

Parking is free - but for very big meets you may end up parking on the grass and walking. Entry fee - Both Swimmers and Spectators are charged a door-entry fee. Programs are normally for sale, or you can install MeetMobile on your phone for most meets. There is a cafe with food and coffee, however it typically will close between 2pm-3pm. GK normally sits roughly in the middle of the pool towards the top of the grandstand enter via Doors 4 or 5.  Spectators sit in the grandstand and are not permitted on pooldeck except for timekeeping. Take a pen for writing events on your swimmers arm - makes it easier for them to remember. Highlighter is handy for marking your swimmers, and other club swimmers, in the program to watch. A cushion to sit on, and a chiller bag for food is recommended. You will most likely be required to do some timekeeping.

Question 17

What does my swimmer need to know about their first HBF Meet?

Accepted Answer

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. There is a marshalling board under the scoreboard which shows what event is being marshalled to.  It is handy to write your swimmers event numbers on their arms to make it easier to remember.     When your event number comes up you need to get to marshalling almost immediately.  On the way you can stop with your coach for pre-race instructions, and then report to the marshalling table at the start end of the pool opposite the grandstand.  If you aren't sure it is recommended to grab one of our other swimmers to go with you the first time.  Taking another swimmer is preferred over an adult going as technically they shouldn't be on pool-deck and could lead to stress if turned away.  We have Senior and Junior Club Captains who will all be happy to help.   After your race report back to your coach for any feedback, and cool-down instructions.  It is important to do a cool-down so your next race isn't impacted, and so you aren't sore after the event.

Question 18

Will the Coaches be there?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

Can we do relays?

Accepted Answer

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.   If the club is not entering relays, but you have a group of swimmers who would like to do a relay, you are free to enter a team yourself, but the club will not cover the entry fee.  If you need assistance with the entries let us know and we can assist.

Question 20

What is States?

Accepted Answer

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:   1) State Open Championships - Same qualifying time for all swimmers, aimed at the older swimmers. 2) State Age Championships - Qualifying times set for each age group, with events swum in age groups. 3) Junior Championships - Similar to State Age Championships, but for our Junior Swimmers.

Question 21

What is Nationals?

Accepted Answer

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. There is also Open Water Nationals each year.  With Covid-19 and the use of beaches while the pools were closed, we will be looking to run some beach sessions in summer.  As a club we typically have a team of roughly 10 going to Nationals each year, and a couple OWS National Qualifiers.

Question 22

What are "Zones"?"

Accepted Answer

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.   Zone meets will become more common, and will be closed meets (that zones clubs only), and aimed to bring swimming out of HBF and back to local pools.  Due to limited clubs entered, zone meets are intended to be shorter in duration.   Central zone is taking an approach of designing it's zone meets around juniors.  At this stage we are aiming at 14/U, but some meets are open to all ages, and some are still at HBF Indoor.

Question 23

What is Summer League?

Accepted Answer

Summer League is a rookie meet designed to be a short duration (

Question 24

What events should I enter in a meet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 25

What is a club meet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 26

Who can enter a club meet?

Accepted Answer

All registered swimmers can enter a club meet and record times.

Question 27

How do I enter a club meet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

I entered a club meet, but now can't make it, do I need to tell anyone?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

Why don't we have all events at club meets?

Accepted Answer

Events at club meets are influenced by various factors:   - GGS Joint Meet, focus on 50m events - Timeline, club meets have a limited time to run so we can't do all events - Events our coaches want our swimmers to swim - Require times for a future event (eg updated times for relay teams)

Question 30

Can club meet times be used at other meets, and as qualifying times?"

Accepted Answer

Yes - If we have enough Technical Officials.  For times to be official at a club meet we require: - 3 timekeepers per lane - if running 4 lanes only we require 3 Officials including a Referee and a Starter - if running all lanes we require 4 Officials including a Referee and a Starter

Question 31

What if I am chasing an event not on offer at a club meet?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 32

What are the Club Sprint Championships?

Accepted Answer

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.   We also run a Handicap Relay, which includes a fancy-dress march past.  This is a fun event aimed at bringing the swimmers together for a bit of fun.   At the end of Sprint Champs we also run our annual egg throwing competition.  Working in pairs, the winning pair is the one who can throw a raw egg the furthest, and catch it without breaking.  Typical distances are 30m-60m.

Question 33

What is Presentation Night?

Accepted Answer

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: Handicap Relay Winners Best Dressed Team for March Past Egg Throwing Champs Swimmer of the Year Encouragement Awards Club Person Award Perpetual Distance Trophies Open Water Swimmer Trophies Club Points Trophies Recognising our Junior Dolphins / Tadpoles Sprint Championships Age Group Trophies Life Members All Time Record Breakers

Question 34

Do we run 'Social Events'?

Accepted Answer

On occassion we do, sometimes combined as a fund-raising event.  Our regular evenst are typically: Club Sprint Championships - Including handicap relay, fancy-dress march past, and egg throwing competition. Presentation Night - Otherwise known as Trophy Night, or 'The Night'. Christmas Meet - typically a short swim meet with games and lunch or similar.   Other events have included: Movie Premiers LaserTag Scavenger Hunts Picnics etc

Question 35

Where can I purchase uniform items?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 36

When can I collect my Uniform?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 37

Who do I collect my order from?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 38

Do I have to wear the uniform?

Accepted Answer

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.   When entering meets as a GK Swimmer, you are representing the club. It does not matter if it is a targetted or non-targetted meet.

Question 39

What is the uniform? (eg Mandatory items, Optional items)"

Accepted Answer

Mandatory: Blue GK Polo Shirt Black shorts (any) GK Swimming Cap   Optional: Training shirt (mandatory for GGS Gym) Club Jackets and Hoodies Club shorts

Question 40

I have old uniform items that don't fit anymore, what can I do with them?"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 41

What does LC and SC stand for?

Accepted Answer

LC = Long Course (50m Pool) SC = Short Course (25m Pool)   LC Meets traditionally run through Summer, and SC meets through Winter.

Question 42

What is a 'Qualifying Time'?

Accepted Answer

Some meets require the swimmers to achieve what is called a 'qualifying time' to allow entry to an event.  The best example of this is State Championships, where you must achieve a qualifying time in order to be eligible to enter that event at a State Championship level.   For example, 50m Freestyle has a qualifying time of 29.50sec.  In order to enter this event you must have swum 50m Freestyle at an officially recognised event in the last 12 months in a time faster than 29.50sec.

Question 43

What is a 'Targetted Meet'?

Accepted Answer

At the start of the season our coaches will plan out the coaching cycles, and select meets that fit in to the coaching cycles and offer the events our coaches require for their squads.  Prior to entering a meet it is worth asking your coach for advice on what to enter if not sure.   We will often target meets for either quantity, or quality.  A quantity meet is about race practice and entering many events.  A quality meet is about producing a quality outcome, so will target the swimmers specialty events, and limited or no other events so as to not impact those key events.   You are welcome to enter non-targetted meets, and may be valid reasons for doing so.  Please be mindful that the results at those meets may not be peak performance depending on where they are in the training cycle, and may have negative impacts on training, especially if skipping a training session to attend a meet.

Question 44

What is a Technical Official?

Accepted Answer

The Technical Officials (TO's) are the people who referee, start, judge, and facilitate a swimming race.  The key roles are: Referee - Person who blows the whistle and controls all other TO's.  All infractions (disqualifications) go to the referee. Starter - The person who actually starts the race Judge of Stroke (JOS) - Walk along the side of the pool watching to ensure the swimmers are swimming according to the FINA rules Inspector of Turns (IOT) - Stands at the end of the pool and observes all turns and finishes to ensure they comply with the FINA rules.

Question 45

How do I become a Technical Official?

Accepted Answer

The Swimming WA website has the pathway to follow.    https://wa.swimming.org.au/resources/officials/accreditation-and-courses   First step is to complete the AIS General Principals online course.  Once complete face-to-face courses run semi-regularly for the various TO Positions. Once you have completed a course, practice, practice, practice.  You can do this at club meets as well as at HBF.  When you are comfortable in that role you can request a practical assessment.  If you pass you will be formally certified as a TO.   Our club has a certified course presenter, and a certified assessor.  If you would like to become a TO please email the President for more information.

Question 46

How much do Technical Officials get paid?

Accepted Answer

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.   Benefits of Officiating: Best view at the pool. Giving back to the club and our sport. Friendship. Potential to Officiate at big events such as Nationals, Olympic Trials, or if your lucky enough and work hard enough the Commonwealth Games or Olympics! Get out of timekeeping :)

Question 47

Does it cost to become a Technical Official?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 48

What is Timekeeping?

Accepted Answer

For a swimmer to record an official time we require 3 timekeepers per lane to record a time.  With the systems currently in use all that is required is the press of a button when a swimmer touches the wall at the end of the race.  The timers will auto-start.   Timekeeping is usually assigned based on the number of swimmers entered from each club.  We have a timekeeping policy on the website, but will normally result in roughly 1 seat on timekeeping per 10 swimmers.  Prior to a meet a timekeeping roster will be sent out, usually with 1hr sessions on timekeeping, as closely aligned to when your swimmers are in attendance as possible.  Please note this isn't always possible - but we do our best.

Question 49

What if I can't do my rostered timekeeping?

Accepted Answer

If you are assigned timekeeping duties it is your responsibility to either cover it, or organise a replacement.  Maybe swap positions with another parent, or offer to do their roster at the next meet?  The club is assigned seats based on your swimmer being entered.   If you scratch before an event please let the coach know so we can adjust the roster and notify the meet host.

Question 50

What does Multi-Class, or MC swimming mean?"

Accepted Answer

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.   An MC swimmer will have a classification, and may have some exceptions.  For example if a swimmer doesn't have full mobility of 1 or both legs, they may have an exception related to leg movements in Butterfly or Breaststroke.   MC swimmers are awarded FINA points according to their classification.  With this points system the first to finish may not be the highest points recipient, so may not be the actual winner.  The points are based on comparing their finish time with the current world record for that classification of swimmer.

Question 51

What does tapering mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 52

What are the age groups in swimming?

Accepted Answer

Juniors: Boys 8-13 Girls 8-12 *8yo can only swim 50m Free/Back/Breast   Age: Boys 14-17 Girls 13-16   Open: All ages

Question 53

How often should my child train?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 54

How do I know if my child is getting stroke correction?

Accepted Answer

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.   Our coaches are highly trained and experienced in their profession, our junior coaches have come though our own swim program under the guidance of our current Head-Coach.  This gives coaching consistency from our Junior coaches who were coached in our program, through to our senior coaches in our intermediate and higher levels.

Question 55

What is an Official Time?

Accepted Answer

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.   Timing Equipment: Fully Automatic or Semi-Automatic timing must be used. 3 timekeepers per lane must be in place   Technical Officials: If only running 4 outside lanes 3 Technical Officials must be present, if more than 4 lanes then 4 Technical Officials are required.  These must be made up of 1 Referee, 1 Starter, and 1 or 2 Judge of Strokes.

Question 56

How do I know when my swimmer is ready for Squad Swimming?

Accepted Answer

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."   This is typically when you graduate Stage 6 from DR Swim, and roughly lines up with Department of Education Stage 6.  Some other Learn to Swim programs have different stages, and may focus more on water safety than swimming strokes over a distance.  The key measure regardless of Stage Number is able to swim the 50m of each stroke.   If you aren't sure you can come down for a free assessment and our coach can give you some guidance.  Alternatively a number of our DR Swim Teachers are also coaches and can offer some guidance.

Question 57

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 58

SW7 Breaststroke - Stroke cycle not 1 arm stroke to 1 leg kick in that order

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 59

SW7 Breaststroke - Head did not break surface of the water during each stroke cycle (except first stroke cycle after the start and each turn)

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 60

SW7 Breaststroke - Hands not pushed forward together from the breast during the race.

Accepted Answer

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)

Question 61

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)"

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 62

SW7 Breaststroke - Hands brought back beyond the hip line during the race (except during the 1st stroke after the start or turn)

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 63

SW7 Breaststroke - Arm movements not in the same horizontal plane

Accepted Answer

Arms must be on the same plane, or level, in the water.  1 arm up high and 1 pulling down low is not permitted.

Question 64

SW7 Breaststroke - Arm movements not simultaneous

Accepted Answer

Arms must move together simultaneously.  1 arm can not push out before the other, or pull back to the chest before the other.

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