Pool Entry

• Non-competitive Member
• Competitive Member
• Club Swimmer (competing at club meets, stepping it up towards becoming Competitive Member)

If you are registered as a competitive swimmer, you can participate in any events for which you qualify at a swimming competition (some events have qualifying times). If you are non competitive, you can still participate in club night & club champs races. 25m events are only available at club nights or club championships for our youngest swimmers in the Junior Academy or for siblings joining in.

Competitive fee goes to Swimming Bay of Plenty and Swimming New Zealand. Unfortunately this fee cannot be offered on a pro rata basis if you join as a competitive member later in the season.

All Performance and Development athletes should be competitive members. Rising Stars and Junior Acadamy are also encouraged to be competitive.

Athletes in every other squad can choose to be competitive or club registered. If swimmers are enjoying race nights and have participated in smaller competitions or are looking for a new challenge, they should consider enrolling as a club swimmer or competitive member for the season. If you need assistance with this, please talk to Tara.

•  If you have recently joined the Junior Academy Platinum, you can start by participating in the Club Race Nights held every two to three months.
•  Those who have been in Junior Diamond for more than a term might enjoy the extra challenges of attending some swimming competitions during the season, either as a competitive or non-competitive member. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how well you do.
•  Junior Diamond athletes training in a 50m pool should definitely consider enrolling as competitive members. You’ve been invited to join these squads because you’re showing a lot of ability and commitment to your swimming. However, there’s no pressure to become competitive, but most people who give it a try are really amazed at what they achieve.
• We encourage Teen Fit athletes to join as competitive members if it aligns with your swimming goals. Traditionally, swimmers in this squad have enjoyed competing and maintain fitness for Waterpolo.

We will continue to provide all club members with opportunities to race. We have our Race Nights, annual Club Championships in June. Additionally, junior athletes will have the chance to participate in small local competitions throughout the year. Non-competitive members are limited to racing in 25 and 50m events only, with a restriction on the number of smaller distance events they can attend.

Competitive swimming offers various race options, allowing participants to choose events of their preference and those recommended by their coach. The regional swimming body, Swimming BOP, regularly releases the Competitive Calendar around July, listing all swim meets. In addition, the head coach also shares a more club-specific Target Meet Calendar with all squads, including the Junior Academy. Competitions prompt athletes to challenge themselves, beat their personal best times (PBTs), and strive towards their set goals.

 Participating in swimming meets not only fosters personal growth but also provides opportunities to make new friends within the club and from other clubs. Most local club competitions do not have qualifying times, and we usually attend a variety of these throughout the year. However, regional competitions require qualifying times, and it is advisable for most athletes in the Junior Academy and Development squads to aim for qualification. We consistently attend Bay of Plenty events, however we also attend events in other regions for both seniors and juniors annually.

Parents are encouraged to accompany the team and often contribute by helping out.

 Furthermore, our top swimmers may qualify for national-level events, which are organised by Swimming New Zealand. These events include the National Junior Festival for athletes aged 12 years and under, Division 2 and National Age Group Champs (NAGS) for athletes aged 13 years and above, typically held in a 50m pool at the end of the season (March to May), and the National Short Course (25m pool) Championships held September for athletes aged 13 years and older. The NZ OPENs, catering to older athletes, are around May. The location of all NZ events changes annually.

No. Any swimmer in the club can enrol as a competitive member and continue training as many times a week as they currently do. All squads have minimum expectations for attendance, this is not based on whether or not you are competitive. Our top athletes do train 7 – 8 times a week. They are competing at a national level; making finals and winning medals.

No, you do not need to attend every competition if you join competitively. You will receive information via email about upcoming competitions. You can also check the Swimming Bay of Plenty and Swimming New Zealand websites for details. It’s important to discuss with your coach whether a particular competition would be beneficial for you. Some competitive members choose in advance to attend only a certain number of competitions in a year. We strive to make swimming competitions accessible and fun. We understand that different families have different expectations and other commitments.

The club is managed by a committee of volunteers. If you have skills to contribute, please reach out to the club administrator.

If your child is interested in competing, we encourage you to train as a Timekeeper. Tutorials are provided, followed by a brief theoretical and practical exam. You can start practicing with a stopwatch during club nights. From there, you can progress to roles such as Inspector of Turns (IOT), Starter, or Referee.

We are always seeking new coaches. If you are interested, please speak to your child’s coach. Additionally, we can assist our senior swimmers in enrolling for Swim Teacher Certificates, which also earn NCEA credits!