Hi all
It has been a great first week of pre-season, and attendance has been excellent (particularly for the competitive squads).
The schedule has been a little different to regular season, and some of the sessions have been pretty busy, and I was surprised to see that only 2 swimmers turned up to a session that didn't exist ;)
As most swimmers are returning to swimming after a lengthy summer break, training has been fairly non-specific, however we have been very pleased with the motivation levels so far. We are very close to appointing a new swim team coach, and we will be implementing more squad specific training when regular season training starts (11th September).
Thanks to Coach Sarah for running yoga in the rain yesterday (and all the swimmers who braved the conditions)
Activity sign-up
Please note that sign-up for season 1 opens today (Friday 25th August) and will close next Thursday (31st August). Sign-up is available through the school online portal.
We have a number of new students, as well as those who are moving from Infant School to Junior School, and Junior School to Middle School.
Hopefully most of the swimmers who have attended 'try-outs' for the 1st time are aware of the relevant squad for them. We will be contacting the few swimmers who are moving straight into NAG squads.
We have compiled general advice for sign-up for those who might not be sure:
SENIOR COMP
This squad is for current Senior Squad swimmers, new students who do not meet the tough standards of NAG and those who have moved to Grade 6, who are committed to competing and training regularly (2 morning & 4 afternoon sessions available).
SENIOR SWIM
This squad is aimed at those who are not certain of their desire to compete, or have no desire to compete. This squad does not have a strict attendance policy (2 morning & 2 afternoon sessions available). There are 2 sign-up options for this group, based on the number of desired sessions per week
JUNIOR COMP
This squad is split in to 3 sub-squads (Sharks, Orcas, Dolphins). There is 1 sign-up, and swimmers and parents will be informed of their specific squad and coach when sign-up is closed. There is a training and competition expectation in Junior Comp, which gradually increases as swimmers move towards Sharks.
JUNIOR SEAL
This squad is aimed at swimmers in Junior School who do not have a desire to compete, or require some technical development before moving to Junior Comp. Again, this squad is split into 3 sub-groups, with a different coach for each squad. There are 2 sign-up options for this group, based on the number of desired sessions per week
Competition Sign-up
We have a few competitions coming up in September and beyond
NEXUS INVITE WAVE 1This competition has been set-up for high level swimmers only, with stringent qualifying times. Swimmers who have achieved QTs will receive an invitation to sign-up for this competition.
Entry Deadline: Thursday 14th September
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DOVER PHOENIX SHORT COURSE INVITATIONAL
Date: 23rd September
Cost: $15 (+7% GST
Information and Sign-up
As we are hosting this meet, we would like as many Dover swimmers to compete as possible. The meet is split across 2 sessions, with the morning for swimmers who have achieved at least 1 of the qualifying times we have set, and the afternoon session for swimmers who have not achieved any QTs (and swimmers who have never competed before).
Entry Deadline: Thursday 14th September
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MERLION SPRINT FESTIVAL
Date: 7th October
Cost: $50 (+7% GST
Information and Sign-up
This is a great competition that takes place at the OCBC National Aquatics Centre. This is a fantastic opportunity to compete long course (50m pool).
Entry Deadline: Sunday 17th September
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UWC EAST RELAY RUMBLE
Cancelled
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CLUB NIGHTS / MORNINGS
We will very shortly be deciding the dates for club nights and club mornings. These will be small competitions that will take place during normal training times on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. These are a great opportunity to track progress and develop racing skills in a very low stress environment.
