SOUL SWIMMING CLUB INITIATION HANDBOOK

SOUL SWIMMING CLUB INITIATION HANDBOOK Approved by: Soul EXCO Date: 31/08/2016

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc WELCOME! We are happy that you have chosen to be part of our SOUL swimming team family. This handbook has been prepared to help you and your child succeed in this program. The handbook was designed to answer most of the common questions and to help you understand the philosophies of the team. First and foremost, please don t be afraid to ask questions! The Coaches/Administrators will be able to answer your questions regarding your child s swimming development, and the Teams Administrators will be able to answer all of your questions from a parent and administrative perspective. Supporting your child in swimming can be a very rewarding experience. The more involved you are, the greater the benefits will be. You may soon find yourself cheering at competitions, timing during meets, or becoming a swimming official. Whatever your role, your child s experience has much to do with your positive support. Please reach out to other parents and set up some time to talk with your child s coach. We re all working towards the same goal: to provide your child with the best possible experience in swimming. SOUL TEAM - Coaches and Committee Coaches Junior Coach: Merril Stainton (merrilstaintonswimming@gmail.com) Senior Coach: Donny Semple (semples@icon.co.za) Executive Committee Chairman: Cobus Kruger (cobus.kruger@hansen-genwest.co.za) Vice Chairman: Steve Botha (steve_botha@yahoo.com) Club Secretary: Farrah Mitchell (farrahmitchell@hotmail.co.za) Treasurer: Tanya Rosa (rosas@tiscali.co.za) Sub Committee Gala Secretary: Louise Gillett (louisesoulgala@gmail.com) Kit coordinator: Toni Jardim (tonisoulkit@gmail.com) Official s coordinator: Raymond Ryan (raymond.ryan@nokia.com) Co-opted member: Shirley Leech (shirleyl@vodamail.co.za) Co-opted member: Nicky Whiting (nwhiting@growthpoint.co.za) Co-opted member: Kirsten Nel (kirsten.nel@roche.com) Page 2 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING Swimming is a reflective and empowering sport that encourages swimmers to think as well as act. On this team, we work on developing mind, body and spirit. All team members will be taught the fundamentals of each stroke, how to improve on those skills, and the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. In addition, swimmers will develop self-esteem, confidence, time management skills, regard for others, and much more. They will learn how to adjust to success and failure, pressure and stress, which help them to develop courage, perseverance, and a positive attitude. The camaraderie among swimmers is unique, and many swimmers become lifelong friends. One of the greatest benefits your child will gain from participating in an organized swim program is the life skills they will develop. Your child will reap the benefits of swimming long after their competitive participation ends. ABOUT SOUL SWIMMING SOUL swimming is an East Rand based swimming club, training from the Clearwater estate lifestyle centre. Soul has a year-round competitive swim program where your children will learn solid work habits which prepare them for the challenges of life. The Soul team has athletes who have competed in local, provincial and national meets. Soul swimming is an independently-operated non-profit organization, which is managed by the executive committee voted on a yearly basis at an annual AGM normally held after the regular swimming season (May). All swimmers parents are urged to attend and vote/discuss on issues that transpired during the previous and following year. The Committee is a group of parent volunteers who meet monthly or as required to discuss all issues concerning the swimmers, meets and their general requirements. The goal of the Committee is to provide support to the Soul swim team through open communication, discussion and implementation of ideas for improvement. They help administer the swim team program so that the coaches can devote their full attention to the teaching and coaching. COMMUNICATION Communication takes place via the following mediums: Electronic mail Facebook Soul website - http://soulswimmingclub.weebly.com/ WhatsApp groups Meet Mobile Special meetings as required The following items are discussed via these communication channels: Upcoming events: Meets, Social gatherings, and Volunteer opportunities. Practice Times and Swim Lessons Meet Results Time Standards Swimming Links and news News, which lists all recent emails and Newsletters Downloadable forms Information on your account Page 3 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc PRACTICES Swim practice is the most important facet of our program. Although competition is the test of a swimmer s ability, practice is where the potential and foundation for achievement is established. Practice schedules vary by group and season. Swimmers are expected to attend practice as often as possible in order to give themselves a chance to achieve their full potential as a swimmer. There is no minimum practice requirement; of course, the more your swimmer attends the faster they will progress! The swimmer s attitude towards practice will determine to what extent he or she will benefit. We hope that all the swimmers ENJOY practice as well as learn stroke proficiency, and that they are eager to attend practices. TALKING TO THE COACHES DURING PRACTICE TIME: During practice it is very important that the coaching staff be able to focus all of its attention on the swimmers and their development. Therefore, we ask that parents not talk with the coaching staff while practice is in progress. The coaches are available to discuss any issues parents may have after practice has finished. Please feel free to email coaches to set up a mutually convenient time. PRACTICES: Expectations of swimmers before and during a practice 1. Swimmers should fuel up their bodies with a healthy snack before practice. 2. Be on deck a minimum of 10 minutes in advance of practice. 3. Pick-up the necessary equipment prior to the practice starts time. 4. Please refrain from messing around on deck - Swimmers must act responsibly for their own safety and for the safety of others. 5. Bring a positive attitude, including the willingness to learn and desire to improve. PRACTICES: Necessary Items for each Practice All swimmers will need to have the following equipment for all practices: 1. Swimsuit. Practice suits do not need to be Soul competition suits. The suit should be relatively snug to reduce drag, and remember that suits will stretch with wear. Rinsing suits out and air dry after each use can prolong their lifetime. 2. Goggles. Must be worn to keep swimmers eyes healthy. Good quality goggles are worth the investment since cheap goggles leak and fog badly. 3. Caps. Caps should be worn from a health and comfort perspective. Team caps must be worn during meets and can be purchased from the kit coordinator. Any swimming cap however may be worn at training 4. Water bottle. Hydration is an important aspect of training, and it is recommended that all swimmers bring a water bottle. 5. Fins and kickboards. These items can be purchased at most sport retail outlets. Most swimmers opt to purchase their own fins so they can ensure the best fit and most comfortable fins. 6. Wet bags. As Soul swims at a venue open to the public wet bags are necessary to keep all their kit together and a protective waterproof cover are mandatory to prevent water spillage in the venue when the swimmers leave the premises. Page 4 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc SWIM MEETS (GALAS) You must be registered with EGA/SSA in order to compete in an official swim meet. The Galas schedule is made available at the beginning of the season - please add the dates to your calendar and plan on attending. We encourage all our swimmers to swim in meets, but there is no requirement to compete or travel to meets. It is also an option to compete in only one day of the meets instead of all days. There are two main swimming seasons: the short course (25 metres) season runs in winter months, and the long course (50 metres) season runs in the summer months. Swimmers not registered with EGA/SSA may still participate in non-affiliated amateur galas SWIM MEETS: SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETS AND MEET INFORMATION The gala secretary will provide you with the upcoming meet information timeously. Please read the electronic mail correspondence carefully as well as the attachments. All meets will have an information sheet as well as a gala entry form for your swimmer and their events. The information sheet will provide the background information including the pool address, starting times, age groups for the meet, awards, event fees, the order of events, maximum number of events per day, and if it is a multi-day meet, which events are swum on each day. The completed entry sheet and proof of payment must be returned to the gala secretary prior to the closing date for entries. SWIM MEETS: Levels SSA will publish the level time standards each year and this will be communicated via the gala secretary. There are set standards for Level 2, 3 and SA Junior Nationals. Level 1 has no qualifying times but the swimmer must have a time on the database for the entered event. For each stroke from Level 2 up, there will be a set level time according to the swimmers age group and gender. If your swimmer achieves this time at any official timed gala, during their appropriate birth year, they will retain this level for that particular stroke. Obtaining a level allows a swimmer to participate in Regional level competitions during the year and the Level finals held in March/April. Once a swimmer ages up, the levels for that age group become immediately applicable, and the swimmer needs to apply his/her fastest times to that table, to check in which level they now fall. Should a swimmer s birthday fall during a gala event, the age on the first day of the gala will apply. Level 1 Intra provincial districts, Club/School Competition. No qualifying times required but must have recorded a time on the official database. Swimmers must be registered with SSA at the entry level registration. Swimmers may not participate at this level, if qualifying times for any other levels, has been achieved. The age groups will be 10/u, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16. 17 and over. Swimmers may qualify for the Level 2 regional gala provided they achieve the required Level 2 qualifying time. Swimmers qualifying for the Regional Level 2 gala at the Provincial Level 1 gala must upgrade their SSA registration to swim at the Level 2 gala. Page 5 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc Level 2 The swimmer must have a minimum of ONE (1), Individual Medley time for the 200m or 400m events on the SSA National Database, as well as one Level 2 qualifying time. It is not compulsory to swim either the 200m or 400IM at this event. 50m events require a qualifying time on the official database. Swimmers may enter all events that they have qualified in, plus three additional events that they have not qualified in provided they have times on the SSA database for the additional 3 selected events. If a swimmer has achieved one Level 3 qualifying time, the swimmer must participate at Level 3. This rule does not apply to swimmers in the 10 and under age group, they may choose to compete in the 10 and under events at Level 2 or compete in the 11 and under events at Level 3. This competition will be a regional competition. Level 3 The swimmer must have a minimum of TWO (2), Individual Medley times for the 200m or 400m events or combination thereof on the SSA National Database, as well as one Level 3 qualifying time. Swimmers may enter all events that they have qualified in, plus three additional events that They have not qualified in, provided they have times on the database for the additional 3 selected events. There will be no qualifying times for any of the 50 s events (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly). Swimmers who have qualified in any event may in addition to their 3 unqualified events (100m and longer), choose any of the 50 s provided they have times on the database for the particular event. Level 3 will start at 11&U, and the oldest age group will be 16 18. Swimmers in the 10 and under age group, who have achieved a Level 3 qualifying time in the 11 and under age group, may choose to compete in the 11 and under age group at Level 3 or compete in the 10 and under age group at level 2. If a swimmer has achieved one Level S A Junior National qualifying time, the swimmer must participate at S A Junior National Age Group. This rule will not apply to 11 and under swimmers, they may choose at which age group competition they would prefer to compete in. This competition will be a regional competition. SA Junior Nationals The swimmer must have a minimum of TWO (2), Individual Medley times for the 200m or 400m events or combination thereof on the SSA National Database, as well as one Junior National qualifying time. Swimmers may enter all events that they have qualified in plus three additional events that they have not qualified in, provided they have times on the database for the additional 3 selected events. There will be no qualifying times for any of the 50 s events (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly). Swimmers who have qualified in any event may in addition to their 3 unqualified additional events (100m and longer), choose any of the 50 s provided they have times on the database for the particular event. Swimmers in the 11&U age category who have qualified in any S A Junior National 12&U event, may choose to swim at S A Junior Nationals in the 12&U age group or swim at Level 3 in their own age group category. However swimmers, who are not 12 years old, may not enter the 12 14 years events e.g. 200 Fly, 400 IM, 800 and 1500 Freestyle events at S A Junior National Age Group Championships. The events that are swum as Timed Finals, where possible all the Timed Finals will be swum in the Finals session Please refer to the annexure at the end of this document for the current applicable level time standards for 2016/2017. Page 6 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc SWIM MEETS: Time standards At some swim meets there are specific time standards that swimmers must achieve in order to compete. The faster the times, the more advanced the meets are. Some meets are governed by National /qualifying or level times. For some galas, swimmers will be allowed to sign-up for ONLY those events in which they have made the qualifying time. The time standards are determined by SSA/Region/Host and sent to parents on a regular basis. There are two time standards that are applicable depending on the course i.e. short course (25m) and long course (50m). Short and long course times differ due to the amount of turns assisting the swimmer in the short course format. Long and short course standards can be converted by using the following table if needed: SWIM MEETS: Relays A relay is a team race consisting of 4 swimmers, who swim one after the other in the same lane. In a Freestyle Relay the four swimmers swim freestyle. In a Medley Relay each swimmer does a different stroke in this order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle. A relay means that each swimmer swims one length. Coaches assign relay teams by using a combination of swimmers that best meet the needs of the team. Parents should understand that relay assignments will change throughout the season. Assignment on a relay will vary based on swimmers performances at practice, attitude, and other team dynamics. Page 7 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc SWIM MEETS: ENTRY REPORT AND PSYCHE SHEETS After the meet entry deadline, you will receive an email with the meet Entry Report/psych sheets. This is a listing of all team swimmers participating in the meet, the events they have been entered in, and their entry time. You will need to check the events, and if any revisions need to be made, contact the gala secretary. If your child does not have an entry time for an event, they will be entered as NT (no time). SWIM MEETS: PAYMENT OF MEET FEES The meet fees you pay to swim in a meet will vary with each meet. The cost is designated by the hosting region and can be found in the meet announcement and gala entry form. The gala entry form automatically calculates the entry cost and any other related administration fees. These fees must be paid prior to participation in a meet and proof of payment must accompany the entry form. No swimmer can be entered into a gala without an entry form and proof of payment. Fees for relays are normally paid by Soul. No refunds are due if swimmers do not attend the meet. SWIM MEETS: HEAT SHEETS/PROGRAM All racers (and parents) will need to know what event, heat and lane they are swimming in. This information is found in the Heat Sheet/Program usually obtainable at the gate of the venue on the morning of the gala. Swimmers will likely want to highlight the event/heat/lane on their program so they know where and when they will swim. Many meets utilize a free download app with a small annual fee for smart phones called Meet Mobile. This app lists all teams, swimmers, and events, including heat and lane information. During a meet, results are posted to Meet Mobile as soon as they are finalized. SWIM MEETS: WHAT TO BRING - WHAT TO DO What to bring to a meet: 2-4 towels (1 per event and 1 per warm-up) Drinks- water or sports drinks. Ask your coach for direction. Snacks energy foods, fruits, veggies, sandwiches, etc. Swimsuit usually 1 warm up and 1 racer. Team swim cap Goggles Warm clothes, team t-shirt, team track suit or swim coat. Footwear (sandals, flip flops, warm boots). Footwear is required outside the pool deck and locker rooms. Games, books, cards, etc. Chairs, stadium cushions, stretchers, blankets etc Page 8 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc Before the Meet Starts Arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time. Your coach will inform you of warm up time. Encourage your parents to find the SOUL section in the stands. Often parents will bring chairs for themselves (the cloth ones that sling over your shoulder). Team camaraderie is for parents as well as swimmers. Purchase a program upon arrival at the pool. Highlight heat sheets for your swimmer s events. Write your swimmer s events/heats/lanes on their leg or arm with a pen, if they choose. Swimmers should check in with the coach and team manager to let them know you have arrived. Gather with your teammates in the area designated for the SOUL swimmers. Warm up with the team. Coaches will let you know what lane you are in for warm-up. During the Meet Swimmers should stay in or close to team area. Stay warm, hydrated, and nourished. Listen and watch for your event, and be ready to swim with cap and goggles in hand. It is ultimately the swimmer's responsibility to get to the marshalling and starting blocks on time. Check in with the coach before each event. Swim each race FAST! Check in with coach after event. Cool down as directed by your coach. Page 9 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc SWIM MEETS: My swimmer s times It is helpful during a meet for parents to keep track of their swimmer s times on the heat sheet or meet mobile. You ll be able to watch them improve throughout the season! During swim meets, swimmer s results for each event are posted on the posting wall for the duration of each swim session. In many meets, results are also posted on Meet Mobile, a web app for smart phones. It will list all swimmers times, splits, and place results. Final results will also be sent to you in the days following the event by the gala secretary. Also, you can keep track of your swimmers progresses by means of a simple excel spreadsheet. Here is an example: Chad le Clos Stroke Distance Actual Best LC Time EGA Winter 1 EGA Winter 2 EGA Winter Champs Freestyle 50m 00:34.36 00:34.46 Freestyle 100m 01:13.34 01:16.46 01:14.24 Freestyle 200m 02:42.66 02:45.77 Freestyle 400m 05:49.96 Freestyle 800m 12:16.41 Butterfly 50m 00:36.97 00:36.97 Butterfly 100m 01:25.04 01:29.54 01:25.04 Breaststroke 50m 00:48.99 IM 100m 01:28.8 IM 200m 03:11.11 03:11.11 Backstroke 50m 00:38.30 00:38.95 Backstroke 100m 01:23.58 01:23.82 01:23.58 Backstroke 200m 03:00.88 Page 10 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc EXPECTATIONS OF OUR SWIMMERS We expect all Soul swimmers to conduct themselves in a considerate, respectful and appropriate manner with all teammates, coaches, staff, and other patrons using the pool. Appropriate conduct is expected in the pool, on deck, in the locker rooms, the lobby areas, and surrounding grounds. If damage to the pool or disruptive behavior occurs, disciplinary action will be initiated. Parents will be responsible (financially or otherwise) for any damage caused by their swimmer. SOUL SWIMMERS CODE OF CONDUCT 1. I will do my best to listen and learn from my coaches. 2. I will actively participate in all team practices, competitions, fundraising events and other team activities. 3. I will be on time for workouts, competitions, and team events. 4. I will show respect at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents and the facilities. 5. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship during all practices, meets, and team activities. 6. I will be modest in victory and gracious in defeat. 7. I will refrain from foul language, violence, behavior deemed dishonest, discourteous, disrespectful, or offensive to others. 8. I will support and encourage all my teammates. 9. I will talk openly with my coaches about my progress and what I can do to improve. 10. I will encourage my own parents and family to engage in good sportsmanship. 11. I will remember that not only do I represent myself, but I also represent Soul Swimming Club, my family, and my coaches at practices and meets. 12. I will have fun! PARENTS ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS The greatest contribution you can make to your swimmers progress is to be a loving, supportive parent. The coach s job is to motivate and constructively help the swimmer achieve his/her goals in swimming. It is the parent s job to supply the love, recognition, and encouragement necessary to make the child work harder in practice, which in turn gives him/her the confidence to perform well in competition. We expect the swimming experience to be fun for you too. Parents enjoy the camaraderie of being on a team. You ll be excited and shocked to see how much your child will improve. We expect parents to be welcoming of others parents and supportive of all our swimmers. At practices, if you see someone in the stands that you don t know, introduce yourself. Invite other parents to sit with you. Ask if they have any questions. Page 11 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc WHY ALL PARENTS NEED TO VOLUNTEER SOME TIMES Behind every successful swim team is a group of individuals who raise money, fill out forms, punch stopwatches, keep records, run meets, organize food, officiate meets, etc. This is accomplished through swim team parent volunteers. Being a swimmer means a commitment of family members to share in the success of our team. Most parents enjoy the swimming experience more fully if they actively volunteer to be involved in as many ways as possible. All parents are asked to help at meets. Examples of ways to volunteer include: timing at swim meets; organizing events; coordinating; or becoming a stroke and turn official through SSA Swimming. Time keeping and judge s courses are offered through EGA at no cost. The official s coordinator will inform you of scheduled dates for these courses. Each parent is expected to assist with time keeping or judging every alternate gala and sessions for galas run over a few days. SWIMMING STROKES AND RELAYS There are four competitive strokes, which are combined in the Individual Medley: 1. Freestyle The competitor may swim any stroke he or she wishes. The stroke most commonly used is the crawl, which is characterized by the alternating overhand motion of the arms and an alternating (up & down) flutter kick. On turns, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. Most swimmers do a flip turn and touch the wall with their feet. 2. Backstroke This stroke consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a flutter kick while on the back. On turns, the swimmer must touch the wall while on their back. This may be executed by doing a back flip turn (touching with their feet) or simple by staying on the back, touching with their hand, and then turning. 3. Breaststroke This stroke requires simultaneous movement of the arms in the same horizontal plane. The hands are pressed out from the breast in a heart shaped pattern and recovered under or on the surface of the water. The kick is a simultaneous thrust of the legs called a frog or breaststroke kick. No Flutter or dolphin kicking is allowed. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously. Swimmers are allowed only one underwater pull off the start and turn. 4. Butterfly This stroke requires simultaneous overhead stroke of the arms combined with a dolphin kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs together and may not flutter, scissors, or use the breaststroke kick. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously. 5. The Individual Medley commonly referred to as the I.M. This race features all four strokes. In the I.M., the swimmer starts with the butterfly, then changes after one-fourth of the race to the backstroke, then the breaststroke and finally freestyle. The swimmer must touch the wall with their hand for the backstroke to breaststroke transition. Page 12 of 14

Soul Initiation Handbook v2_25_08_2016.doc Relays: Team event which vary in length from 100, 200, 400 to 800 metres. 1. Freestyle Relay This event consists of four freestylers, each swimming one quarter of the total distance of the race. 2. Medley Relay All four strokes are swum by a different swimmer. The first swimmer swims backstroke, the second breaststroke, the third butterfly and the final swimmer anchors the relay with freestyle. Starts, Turns and Finishes: Many races are won or lost by swimmer s performance in the start, turn or finish. At the start, the swimmer is called to the starting position by the official/starter that visually checks that all swimmers are motionless. When all swimmers are set, the starting horn is sounded to start the race. Fast flip turns, quick touch-and-goes and tight streamlines can improve a swimmer s race times. Finishing strong to the wall and not gliding will also help improve race times. Disqualifications (DQ s): Our coaches work hard at every practice to ensure their swimmers understand all the rules and swim each stroke correctly. It takes a lot of time in the pool to perfect strokes and turns, so DQ s will happen to every swimmer! The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equal conditions for competition and to promote uniformity in the sport. Each stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmer gets an unfair advantage. Trained officials observe the swimmers during each event to ensure compliance of the rules. If a swimmer breaks any of the rules, he/she will be disqualified. This means that the swimmer will not receive an official time and will not be eligible for an official time and award for that event. Below is a guideline to which contravention judges will look for and what constitutes a DQ: Page 13 of 14

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2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 SWIMMING PROGRAMMES, CLOSING DATES AND RULES [A] GENERAL SWIMMING COMPETITION RULES 1 FINA Technical Rules will apply to all National Competitions. 2 IPC rules will apply when there are events for Para swimmers at national competitions. 3 All Age Group competitions will be club based. 4 Clubs should be encouraged to participate at all the levels of Age Group Competitions 5 South African participants must be registered with SSA and have competed in competitions to ensure that their times for entries are on the National Database. 6 Visitors must forward a clearance to compete. Their entry times must be verified. 7 If, due to weather conditions, any section of a swimming program cannot be completed the following will apply: 7.1 On the final day of the competition, if the Finals cannot be completed, the Final results and Medals will be awarded as per the results of the Heats. 7.2 If on any of the other days, the Finals cannot be completed, due to time constraints, the Finals will either be rescheduled or the results awarded as per the heats results. 7.3 If circumstances require, any part of the program may be swum as timed finals. 8 TECHNICAL OFFICIALS 8.1 The names of SSA registered, trained and available officials must accompany the swimmers entries. This will be a requirement for the acceptance of swimming entries. If this requirement is not fulfilled, the penalty will be a fine of R1000.00 for every official not present and the swimmers from the club/province may be excluded. 8.2 For Inter Club and Provincial Competitions, clubs/provinces will be required to provide SSA registered trained officials for EVERY SESSION, according to the number of swimmers entered in the competition: 8.2.1 1-4 swimmers, one judge per session 8.2.2 5 10 swimmers, one judge and one timekeeper for every session. 8.2.3 11 and over swimmers, a minimum of three officials, two judges and one timekeeper for every session. 8.2.4 The names of the officials must accompany the entries. 8.2.5 All Technical Officials must be correctly attired; 8.2.5.1 White shirts and Navy Blue Trousers or skirts for finals sessions; 8.2.5.2 Navy blue shorts for Heats will be permitted. * 2017 Qualifying Times Notes. The SSA policy is to adjust our qualification times every four years, situations may arise that require adjustments to be made at the end of each season to ensure our times are in line with International standards and in congruence with the Long Term Participants Development framework. SSA has decided to introduce an additional level to Age Group Swimming. Level 1 will be held in each province, (Inter Districts) there will be no QT, the Level 2, 3 and S A Junior Nationals QT s will be the disqualifying time. Swimmers should be registered on the SSA DataBase and have times on the Data 1

2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 Base. All Age Groups will be catered for. Each Province will decide which venue will be used. The Dates to be considered will be 11 12 March 2017. The age groups will be 10/u, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16. 17 and over. Swimmers may qualify at the Level 1 Age Group for Level 2 in the relevant age groups. Swimmer must upgrade their registration to participate at the Level 2 Age Group. Participation at the 2017 Level 2, 3 and National Junior Age Group competitions, will be dependent on the swimmer having participated in a minimum of one (1) for Level 2 and two (2) for Level 3 and Junior Age Groups, 200m or 400m Individual Medley events or a combination thereof. These times for the 200m and 400m Individual Medley events must be official and be captured on the SSA National Database. The nominal purpose of this rule is to encourage younger swimmers not to specialise in specific strokes at too early an age as part our Long Term Participant Development programme. It is not compulsory for the swimmer to compete in the 200m or 400m Individual Medley event at the Championships. Concessions to this rule due to medical conditions, accompanied by medical reports must be received by 15 February 2017 There are no 50m Qualifying times for Level 3 and Junior Age Group Championships. This is in line with the LTPD programme. These 50m events will not count as the additional events. There are no 50m Qualifying times for non Olympic events, for the S A National Youth competition. Swimmers who wish to enter 50m distance of a non Olympic event, must have a qualifying time in the 100m or 200m in that particular stroke, e.g. to qualify to enter 50m Breaststroke the swimmer must have a qualifying time for either the 100m or 200m Breaststroke. Swimmers 10 years and younger are encouraged to swim Level 2 even if they have qualified for a higher level. Similarly, 11 year old swimmers, with Junior Age Group QT are encouraged to swim at Level 3. The choice however is left to the individual and their advisors. Please note that the swimmers age is at the first day of the competition and pre-season goals and targets should be set in accordance with the rules and dates of the competitions. Swimmers may only compete at one SSA National / Regional Age Group Championship. The cut-off date for qualification for Age Group Competitions will be 1 st March 2017. Except for swimmers competing at Level 1, who wish to qualify for Level 2. Meet results after this date will not be considered for entry times for Age Group competitions, unless a concession has been applied for, prior to 1 st March 2017. The same will apply for medical reasons for the non-compliance of the IM rule. The entry fee for any entry received, that does not comply will be forfeited. [B] Age Group Competitions Qualification 1. One Relay entry per club per event. Swimmers may swim up in relays but only be entered in one relay per event. 2. Swimmers may only compete at one age group competition, except swimmers who compete at Level 1 and qualify to be entered in Level 2 Regional Age Group in the same season. 3. Level 1 3.1 Intra provincial districts, Club/School Competition. 3.2 Swimmers must be registered with SSA at the entry level registration. 3.3 Swimmers may not participate at this level, if qualifying times for any levels, has been achieved. 3.4 The age groups will be 10/u, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16. 17 and over. 4. Level 2 4.1. The swimmer must have a minimum of ONE (1), Individual Medley time for the 200m or 400m events on the SSA National Database, as well as one Level 2 qualifying time. 2

2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 4.2. Swimmers may enter all events that they have qualified in, plus three additional events that they have not qualified in provided they have times on the SSA database for the additional 3 selected events. 4.3. If a swimmer has achieved one Level 3 qualifying time, the swimmer must participate at Level 3. This rule does not apply to swimmers in the 10 and under age group, they may choose to compete in the 10 and under events at Level 2 or compete in the 11 and under events at Level 3. 4.4. This competition will be a regional competition. 4.4.1. Southern Regions: Eastern Cape, Western Cape. 4.4.2. Eastern Regions: Freestate, Mpumalanga, KZN, N Cape. 4.4.3. Northern Regions: Gauteng, Limpopo, North West. 4.4.4. Swimmers/Provinces that wish to deviate from entering in their region, must apply to SSA, motivating their request. 5. Level 3 5.1. The swimmer must have a minimum of TWO (2), Individual Medley times for the 200m or 400m events or combination thereof on the SSA National Database, as well as one Level 3 qualifying time. 5.2. Swimmers may enter all events that they have qualified in, plus three additional events that they have not qualified in, provided they have times on the database for the additional 3 selected events. 5.3. There will be no qualifying times for any of the 50 s events (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly). Swimmers who have qualified in any event may in addition to their 3 unqualified events (100m and longer), choose any of the 50 s provided they have times on the database for the particular event. 5.4. Level 3 will start at 11&U, and the oldest age group will be 16 18. Swimmers in the 10 and under age group, who have achieved a Level 3 qualifying time in the 11 and under age group, may choose to compete in the 11 and under age group at Level 3 or compete in the 10 and under age group at level 2. 5.5. If a swimmer has achieved one Level S A Junior National qualifying time, the swimmer must participate at S A Junior National Age Group. This rule will not apply to 11 and under swimmers, they may choose at which age group competition they would prefer to compete in. 5.6. This competition will be a regional competition. 5.6.1. Southern Regions: Eastern Cape, Western Cape. 5.6.2. Eastern Regions: Freestate, Mpumalanga, KZN, N Cape. 5.6.3. Northern Regions: Gauteng, Limpopo, North West. 5.6.4. Swimmers/Provinces that wish to deviate from entering in their region, must apply to SSA, motivating their request. 5.7. Events for Para swimmers This will be age group based and any Para swimmer may compete at Level 3. The Level 3 Age Groups for Para Swimmers is 14 and under and 15 18. There are no QT s, but swimmers must have times on the SSA Database. Medal standards will apply, swimmers must achieve the medal standard time to be awarded a medal. 3

2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 6. S A Junior National Age Group 6.1. The swimmer must have a minimum of TWO (2), Individual Medley times for the 200m or 400m events or combination thereof on the SSA National Database, as well as one Junior National qualifying time. 6.2. Swimmers may enter all events that they have qualified in plus three additional events that they have not qualified in, provided they have times on the database for the additional 3 selected events. 6.3. There will be no qualifying times for any of the 50 s events (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly). Swimmers who have qualified in any event may in addition to their 3 unqualified additional events (100m and longer), choose any of the 50 s provided they have times on the database for the particular event. 6.4. Swimmers in the 11&U age category who have qualified in any S A Junior National 12&U event, may choose to swim at S A Junior Nationals in the 12&U age group or swim at Level 3 in their own age group category. However swimmers, who are not 12 years old, may not enter the 12 14 years events eg 200 Fly, 400 IM, 800 and 1500 Freestyle events at S A Junior National Age Group Championships. 6.5. The events that are swum as Timed Finals, where possible all the Timed Finals will be swum in the Finals session. 6 TIME TRIALS Applications for Time Trials during any competition period, will be considered for the following swimmers: 6.1 Swimmers who had entered the relevant event by the closing date for entries of the competition 6.2 Written application detailing the motivation must be received at least twenty-four hours prior to the time trial 6.3 The Fee will be R600.00 per time trial 6.4 Time Trials, if granted, will take place at the end of a heats session [C] Open Competitions Qualification There are three categories for the SA National Senior and Youth Championships, namely the SA Elite Youth, SA Youth and the SA Senior Nationals. The SA Elite Youth and SA Youth Competition will run concurrently with the SA Nationals Championships Programme at the same venue. The heats for the SA Elite Youth and S A Youth Nationals as well as the S A Aquatic Championships will be swum as a combined event. The results for the SA Elite Youth and SA Youth Nationals will be determined from the heats. There will be no SA Elite Youth or S A Youth Finals The medal presentations for Youth categories will take place at the end of the preliminaries session for those events. 1. S A Elite Youth Nationals - 1.1. Swimmers 19 and under, who have achieved one S A National qualifying standard will be considered a S A Elite Youth Qualifier, for results purposes. The same entry conditions will apply to entries as per the S A National Qualifier, the only difference would be the age indicator. 4

2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 1.2. There will be no relays in this category. 1.3. The results for the S A Elite Youth Nationals will be determined from the heats. 1.4. The first three placed swimmers in the 19 and under age group will receive the S A Elite Youth Medal. 1.5. There will be no SA Elite Youth Finals 2. S A Youth Nationals - 2.1. Swimmers 19 and under, who have achieved one S A Youth qualifying standard may enter three additional Olympic Events, provided they have times on the SSA Database. 2.2. There will be no qualifying times for the 50m Youth events, except the 50m Freestyle. Swimmers, who wish to enter a 50m Event (50m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly), must have achieved a qualifying time in the 100m or 200m of the particular event. e.g. 50m Butterfly, the swimmer must have qualified in either the 100m or 200m Butterfly 2.3. There will be no relays in this category. 2.4. The results for the S A Youth Nationals will be determined from the heats. 2.5. The first three placed swimmers in the 19 and under years age group, who qualified on the SA Youth QT, provided they do not fall in the S A Elite Youth awards will receive the S A Youth Medal. 2.6 There will be no SA Youth Finals 3. S A National Aquatic Championships 3.1. Swimmers may enter the events that they have S A National qualifying times for, plus six additional non qualifying events provided they have times on the SSA Database. 3.2. Provinces may enter their fastest non qualifier in an event where they do not have any swimmers with qualifying times entered. 3.3. Provinces may enter two relay teams per event for S A Nationals. 3.4. Both teams will score points. 3.5. There may be heats and finals for the Relay events where there are 8 or more entries. This decision will be taken at the Manager s Meeting 3.6. The team composition may consist of swimmers who are SA Youth or S A National swimmers 3.7. Any swimmer entered into the meet may be selected as a member of their provincial relay team. 4. Para Swimming 4.1. Swimmers may enter the events that they have S A National qualifying Times for, plus three additional events provided they have times on the SSA Database. 4.2. Para Swimming events will be swum in two categories, Depending on their classification. Category 1 Swimmers with S1-13 classifications category 2 Swimmers with S14 and S15 classifications. 4.3. The heats will be swum as combined events and the finalists for Category 1 and 2 will be separated into two final events. The final results and qualification for the final events will be determined using the World Records for each classification. 5

2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 [D] ENTRIES ADMINISTRATION 1. All entries must be submitted by the Provincial Secretary. The competitions competed on a Provincial basis, must be entered as Province and not as clubs, the inter-club competitions, must be entered as clubs. 2. Only accredited managers may 2.1. Withdraw competitors 2.2. Lodge objections 2.3. Lodge complaints 3. Written protest accompanied by R500.00 must be lodged with the Admin Referee within 30 minutes of the publication or announcement of the disqualification 4. In the case of a dispute, the referees decision will be final. 5. All team managers must attend the Manager s Meeting. 5.1. Clubs/Provinces who are not represented and who do not comply with the rules concerning entries will not receive any concessions. 5.2. This will be the last opportunity to apply for late entries subject to the late entry fee of 10x the original entry fee and the availability of lanes. 6. Withdrawals 7. Relays 6.1. Pre-competition at the Manager s Meeting no charge 6.2. After the Manager s Meeting, Withdrawals will be accepted 1hour before the start of the evening session preceding the heats. Withdrawals made outside this time limit, will be fined R200.00 per event. 6.3. No-shows, heats or finals, swimmers who do not show for their race, will be fined R300.00 and the swimmer may not compete in any other event until this fine has been paid. 6.4. Withdrawals from the finals this must be done before the end of the heats session or as notified by the Admin Referee. It would be really helpful if these withdrawals are done as soon as possible after the results are notified, as this would be useful for notifying the alternates for the particular events. The alternates must report for the finals in case they are needed. 6.5. If the Referee deems a swimmer to have deliberately false started or not performing to the swimmer s capabilities then the swimmer will be fined R500.00 and will be withdrawn from all further events that session, including relays if they fall in that session. 7.1. The names must be received in the correct following order for the relays on the prescribed forms and must be submitted before the end of the session (e.g. morning session) preceding the session (e.g. evening session) in which the relay will be swum, this will be confirmation of the relay entry, if the relay form is not received the team will be withdrawn from the event. Only swimmers entered in the competition may swim in relays. 7.2. The names of the relay swimmers may be changed up to one hour before the start of the 8. CEREMONIES session. Relay changes after this time will be subject to a medical certificate. 8.1. Opening Ceremony Managers should instruct Swimmers on respectful behaviour during the performing of the National Anthem and Opening Speeches. 8.2. Medal Ceremony Swimmers must present themselves in good time and correctly attired. 8.3. Only medal winners are allowed to be on the medal podium during medal presentations. 9. SSA reserves the right to enter provincial/club swimmers, who have met the SSA qualifying standards for any National Competition. 6

2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 LEVEL 1 INTRA PROVINCIAL AGE GROUP PROGRAM - INTRA PROVINCIAL CLUB/ SCHOOL COMPETITION VENUES: Provinces to notify SSA one per province DATE: 11 12 March 2017 - one or two days as required MANAGER S MEETING: 11 March 2017 09H00 at each venue CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 24 February 2017 CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY CORRECTIONS: 3 March 2017 ENTRY FEE: R10.00 - INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES plus R5.00 SSA Levy per entry R20.00 RELAYS plus R5.00 SSA Levy per entry All events will be Timed Finals. Competition may be held in a 25m Pool. SESSION 1 200 FREE MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 200 FREE WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 50 FLY MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 50 FLY WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 100 BACK MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 100 BACK WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 4x50 MED RELAY MEN 12&U 13 14 15&OVER 4x50 MED RELAY WOMEN 12&U 13 14 15&OVER 4x50 FREE RELAY MIXED 12&U 13 14 15&OVER SESSION 2 50 FREE MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 50 FREE WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 100 BREAST MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 100 BREAST WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 50 BACK MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 50 BACK WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 100 FLY MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 100 FLY WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 4x50 FREE RELAY MEN 12&U 13 14 15&OVER 4x50 FREE RELAY WOMEN 12&U 13 14 15&OVER 4x50 MED RELAY MIXED 12&U 13 14 15&OVER SESSION 3 100 FREE MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 100 FREE WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 50 BREAST MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 50 BREAST WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 200 IM MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 200 IM WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 17&OVER 4x100 FREE RELAY MEN 12&U 13 14 15&OVER 4x100 FREE RELAY WOMEN 12&U 13 14 15&OVER 7

2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 LEVEL 2 REGIONAL AGE GROUP PROGRAM - CLUB COMPETITION VENUES: TBA for Southern Regions: Western Cape, Eastern Cape. TBA TBA for Eastern Regions: Mpumalanga, KZN, Freestate, N Cape. for Northern Regions: Limpopo, Gauteng, North West. Swimmers/Provinces that wish to deviate from entering in their region, must apply to SSA, motivating their request. DATE: 28 30 March 2017 Northern Regions only 23 26 March 2017 Eastern and Southern Regions MANAGER S MEETING: 23 March 2017 16H00 at each venue except Northern Regions, 27 March CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 10 March 2017 CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY CORRECTIONS: 17 March 2017 ENTRY FEE: Starting Time: Heats TBA R40.00 - INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES plus R5.00 SSA Levy per entry R50.00 RELAYS plus R10.00 SSA Levy per entry Finals TBA DAY 1 50 BREAST MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 50 BREAST WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 100 FREE MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 100 FREE WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 50 BACK MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 50 BACK WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 200 I.M. MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 200 I.M. WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 4x50 MED RELAY MEN 12&U 13-16 4x50 MED RELAY WOMEN 12&U 13-16 4x50 FREE RELAY MIXED 12&U 13-16 DAY 2 200 FREE MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 200 FREE WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 100 BACK MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 100 BACK WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 50 FLY MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 50 FLY WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 100 BREAST MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 100 BREAST WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 4x100 FREE RELAY MEN 12&U 13-16 4x100 FREE RELAY WOMEN 12&U 13-16 DAY 3 200 BACK MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 200 BACK WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 200 BREAST MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 200 BREAST WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15 16 100 FLY MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 100 FLY WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 50 FREE MEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 50 FREE WOMEN 10&U 11 12 13 14 15-16 4x50 FREE RELAY MEN 12&U 13-16 4x50 FREE RELAY WOMEN 12&U 13-16 4x50 MED RELAY MIXED 12&U 13-16 8

2017 National/Regional Swimming Competition Rules, Programmes, Dates August 2016 LEVEL 3 REGIONAL AGE GROUP PROGRAM CLUB COMPETITION VENUES: TBA TBA TBA for Southern Regions: Western Cape, Eastern Cape. for Eastern Regions: Mpumalanga, KZN, Freestate, N Cape. for Northern Regions: Limpopo, Gauteng, North West. Swimmers/Provinces that wish to deviate from entering in their region, must apply to SSA, motivating their request. DATE: 23-26 MARCH 2017 MANAGER S MEETING: 23 March 2017 16H00 Swimmers/Provinces that wish to deviate from entering in their region, must apply to SSA, motivating their request. CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: 1 March 2016 CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY CORRECTIONS: 10 March 2016 ENTRY FEE: R50.00 - INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES plus R5.00 SSA Levy per entry R60.00 RELAYS plus R10.00 per entry DAY 1 Start at 17:00 400 FREE MEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 18 Timed Finals 400 FREE WOMEN 11&U 12 13 14 15-18 Timed Finals Starting Time: Heats TBA Finals TBA DAY 2 200 FREE MEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 200 FREE WOMEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 200 I.M. MEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 200 I.M. WOMEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 100 BREAST MEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 100 BREAST WOMEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 50 BACK MEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 50 BACK WOMEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 50 BACK MEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 50 BACK WOMEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 100 FLY MEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 100 FLY WOMEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 4x100 FREE RELAY MEN 13&U 14-18 4x100 FREE RELAY WOMEN 13&U 14 18 DAY 3 100 FREE MEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 100 FREE WOMEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 100 FREE MEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 100 FREE WOMEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 50 BREAST MEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 50 BREAST WOMEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 50 BREAST MEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 50 BREAST WOMEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 100 BACK MEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 100 BACK WOMEN 11&U 12 13 14 15 16-18 100 BACK MEN MULTI-DISABILITY 14/u 15-18 9