COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

Updates that affect our club members can be found online at here. Please ensure you regularly check the club website for these updates as changes occur.

With the situation rapidly changing it is important that you remain aware of NSW Health guidelines and case locations. If you have attended any of the case locations listed on their website you must not attend club activities. Case locations are regularly updated and you should check the list before leaving home to attend a club activity.

Remember:

• Do not come to club activities if you are not feeling well;
• Maintain social distancing by spreading out in areas to sit (do not congregate in areas);
• Only timekeepers, officials & swimmers for the event to be swum should be in the marshalling area;
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands & using hand sanitiser regularly.

COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Check in processes have been updated and the swimming centre is now using the Service NSW QR code. This means all spectators entering the centre must check-in and out using the Service NSW app. By using this app spectators no longer need to sign-in using the club’s QR code. Please ensure you sign-in and sign-out every time you attend the swimming centre.

Download the Service NSW app here.

Club Uniforms

Items can be purchased through the club’s online shop.

If you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

Fundraising Chocolates

If you are interested in participating in the fundraising please email the Social Secretary (Emily Ton) (emily.ton@merrylandsasc.asn.au) advising you would like chocolates to sell. Orders will be placed in late January, so please let Emily know if you are interested in placing an order.

Member Profile

This will return next week, who will the first profile for 2021 be??

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Christmas Wishes

We have quickly arrived at the season halfway point, with Christmas only a week away.
On behalf of the Committee I would like to wish every one of our members and their family’s a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year.
This has been a most challenging year for everyone, one we hope will never be repeated again. Please take the time off to enjoy your time with family and friends and celebrate life.
Enjoy the festive cheer and we look forward to seeing you back at club races on Saturday 2nd January, 2021.

Squad Training Break

Squad training resumes on Saturday, 2nd January, 2021. If you will be away please complete the training break form to indicate your last day of training and your first day back.

Swimming NSW Senior Age Championships

Congratulations to Vanessa Ozols, Alison Sakurovs & Summer Shrestha who represented the club at these championships last week.

Swimming NSW Open Water Championships

Niushka Shrestha (2.5klm), Summer Shrestha (5klm) & Matthew Vicic (5klm) have qualified for and are competing in the Open Water Championships being held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre this weekend.

The 2.5 klm swim is 2 laps of the course, whilst the 5klm swim is 4 laps. Good luck to each of you and may the whale be with you .

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

If you have visited the Northern Beaches since Friday 11^th December we ask that you follow health guidelines and DO NOT ATTEND CLUB ACTIVITIES until isolation & testing requirements have been completed. For more information visit the NSW Government website.

• Do not come to club activities if you are not feeling well;
  
• Maintain social distancing by spreading out in areas to sit (do not congregate in areas);
  
• Only timekeepers, officials & swimmers for the event to be swum should be in the marshalling area;
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands & using hand sanitizer regularly.
  

Updates that affect our club members can be found online at here. Please ensure you regularly check the club website for these updates as changes occur.

Christmas Hampers & BBQ

The Christmas Hamper raffle will be drawn this morning. Every member will be allocated a raffle number and a lucky draw will occur after club races conclude. There are a total of 4 prize hampers and there is a limit of 1 hamper prize per family.

The BBQ will be held after club races. Please do not proceed to the BBQ area until directed and follow the instructions provided. There will be a limited number of people allowed in the queue (follow the bollards which are spaced so that only person is at a bollard at any time). Once you have your food please leave the area and do not congregate in groups.

Club Championship Results

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed in the 200m Freestyle Championships last week. The results are here. Congratulations to Matthew Vicic who set a new record, swimming 2:28.77, breaking the previous record of 2:31.69 set by Steven Nguyen in 2003.

Member Profile

Congratulation to Breeanah Khoury who was re-elected as our Female Club Captain. Some interesting information about Breeanah:

Fundraising Chocolates

If you are interested in participating in the fundraising please email the Social Secretary (Emily Ton) (emily.ton@merrylandsasc.asn.au) advising you would like chocolates to sell. Orders will be placed in late January, so please let Emily know if you are interested in placing an order.

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Whales Challenge

The first Whales Challenge for the season was contested last Saturday. What a great start to the Challenges for the season. The Maroon (Turner) team led for most of the morning, but a great late effort by the White (Emery) team meant both teams finished tied on 1,329 points. With 2 more Challenges to be held during the season, everyone will be keenly awaiting the next Challenge on Saturday 16th January, 2021 to help swim their team to victory.

Christmas Hampers & BBQ

The club is providing Christmas Hampers for a member raffle to be held on Saturday 19th December (our last race day before Christmas). Every member will be allocated a raffle number and a lucky draw will occur after club races conclude. There are a total of 4 prize hampers and there is a limit of 1 hamper prize per family.

A BBQ will also be held as well as novelty events. These events will be held with Covid Protocols in mind, so please ensure you follow the directions provided on the morning. We are looking for volunteers to assist with the BBQ, so if you are able to assist please see Emily Ton. We hope everyone can join us on the morning as we celebrate the season and the end of a most unusual 2020.

Squad Training Break

The last training session for 2020 will be held on Thursday, 17th December 2020. See all the details here.

Swimming NSW Senior Age Championships

These championships commence today and conclude on 17th December.

Good luck to Vanessa Ozols (5 events), Alison Sakurovs (1 event) & Summer Shrestha (1 event) who have qualified and will compete at the meet. May the whale be with you all.

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

Updates that affect our club members can be found here. Please ensure you regularly check the club website for these updates as changes occur.

We appreciate the assistance everyone is giving in helping to comply with the plan. We all need to ensure that we continue to adopt good practices. Some key points to continue to remember are:

• Do not come to club activities if you are not feeling well;
  
• Maintain social distancing by spreading out in areas to sit (do not congregate in areas);
  
• Only timekeepers, officials & swimmers for the event to be swum should be in the marshalling area;
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands & using hand sanitizer regularly.
  

Fundraising Chocolates

If you are interested in participating in the fundraising please email the Social Secretary (Emily Ton) (emily.ton@merrylandsasc.asn.au) advising you would like chocolates to sell. Orders will be placed in late January, so please let Emily know if you are interested in placing an order.

Championship Qualification

Please ensure you have swum a championship qualifying swim before completing your online race entries each week. Championship dates & all other events can be found in the season program here.

Club Championship Results

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed in the 200m Individual Medley Open Championships last week. There were a total of 22 entries for these races, it was encouraging to see so many swimmers competing. The results are here.

Club Uniforms

Items can be purchased through the club’s online shop.

If you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

Member Profile

Welcome to Michael Vicic as the newly elected Male Club Captain. Some interesting information about Michael that you may not know:

Upcoming Events

Australian Not-For-Profit Technology Awards

Congratulations to Peter Johnston who has been presented with a Lifetime Service Award at the Australian Not-For-Profit Technology Awards. Peter received the award for his technology-related service to Merrylands Amateur Swimming Club. Peter has been providing his services since the mid 1990’s and continuously adapts and finds ways to enhance accessibility to members of the club and the wider community. We all greatly appreciate the extensive work Peter does behind the scenes for our club. I’m not sure how he fits in his full-time job, club coaching and Committee roles such as the website and technology solutions.

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Whales Challenge

Today is the first Whales Challenge for the season. Will it be the Maroon (Turner) team or the White (Emery) team to get the first win of the season? Good luck to both teams.

Championship Qualification

There are many situations that may arise which impact on swimmers plans, especially to qualify for championship races. Swimmers need to plan their championship eligibility swims as early in the season as possible, rather than leaving these swims to the last week available before the Championship event is to be swum.

A failure by a swimmer to swim an eligibility swim will preclude their participation in that championship.

Please ensure you have swum a championship qualifying swim before completing your online race entries each week. Championship dates & all other events can be found in the season program here.

Contact Tracing

Sign-In for Spectators & Volunteers

NSW Health have this week updated contact tracing sign-in requirements for many organisations & businesses. As we are required to keep a record of all people attending club events (club races and training sessions) we ask that you ensure you sign-in every time you attend a club event.

Open Water Time Trial

Congratulations to Summer Shrestha and Matthew Vicic who each swam a 5klm time trail during the week. Both had great swims and achieved NSW Open Water Championship qualifying times.

Swimming NSW Junior Metropolitan Championships

Last weekend a team of 5 swimmers represented our club at these championships. And they did themselves, their coaches and our club proud with outstanding results!

From a total of 9 swims there were 6 PB’s achieved.

Congratulations to Joseph Assi, Joab Hada, Summer Shrestha, Unish Shrestha & Matthew Vicic on your achievements.

Fundraising Chocolates

If you are interested in participating in the fundraising please email the Social Secretary (Emily Ton) (emily.ton@merrylandsasc.asn.au) advising you would like chocolates to sell. We will then place orders for the specific number of chocolates required for sale. We have some interest already and we will place orders for the specific number required in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

Updates that affect our club members can be found here. Please ensure you regularly check the club website for these updates as changes occur.

A couple of key points to remember are:

• Anyone who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity;
• Comply with health advice if you have visited any identified “hot spot” locations or venues;
• If you become unwell whilst at the pool please advise us and leave immediately;
• Maintain social distancing when at the swimming centre;
• Only use designated areas around the pool;
• Practice good hygiene.

Club Championship Results

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed in the 200m Freestyle Championships last week. The results are here.

Club Uniforms

Our great range of club uniforms can be purchased through the club’s online shop.

Orders are still being taken for club hoodies as we need a minimum order number before we can place an order. If you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

Christmas Hampers & BBQ

With the easing of restrictions and health guidelines we are pleased to advise that we will be providing Christmas Hampers (club funded, so donations are not requested this year). Stay tuned for details on how we will “raffle” the hampers. We will also be holding a BBQ on the last day of club races in December (19th December), so we look forward to celebrating the Christmas season with everyone at the pool.

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Club Merrylands Charity Raffle

Thank you to anyone who purchased tickets in the raffle. It was drawn on Tuesday 1^st December 2020 with winners announced on the Club Merrylands website.

Contact Tracing

Sign-In for Spectators & Volunteers

NSW Health have this week updated contact tracing sign-in requirements for many organisations & businesses. As we are required to keep a record of all people attending club events (club races and training sessions) we ask that you ensure you sign-in every time you attend a club event.

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

As you are aware the club must operate under a COVID-19 Safety Plan. NSW Health guidelines are regularly updated and we must ensure we all comply with these.

Updates that affect our club members can be found here. Please ensure you regularly check the club website for these updates as changes occur.

A couple of key points to remember are:

• Anyone who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity;
• Comply with health advice if you have visited any identified “hot spot” locations or venues;
• If you become unwell whilst at the pool please advise us and leave immediately;
• Maintain social distancing when at the swimming centre;
• Only use designated areas around the pool;
• Practice good hygiene.

Whales Challenge

The first Whales Challenge will be held next Saturday (5th December). You can purchase your Maroon caps for this event through the online store https://shop.merrylandsasc.asn.au/club-uniforms

Championship Qualification

There are many situations that may arise which impact on swimmers plans, especially to qualify for championship races. Swimmers need to plan their championship eligibility swims as early in the season as possible, rather than leaving these swims to the last week available before the Championship event is to be swum.

A failure by a swimmer to swim an eligibility swim will preclude their participation in that championship.

Please ensure you have swum a championship qualifying swim before completing your online race entries each week. Championship dates & all other events can be found in the season program here.

Fundraising Chocolates

If you are interested in participating in the fundraising please email the Social Secretary (Emily Ton) (emily.ton@merrylandsasc.asn.au) advising you would like chocolates to sell. We will then place orders for the specific number of chocolates required for sale. We have some interest already and we will place orders for the specific number required in the coming weeks.

Club Uniforms

We have a great range of club uniforms available for sale. These can be purchased through the club’s online shop.

Orders are being taken for club hoodies, so if you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

MSW Open Water Championships

Over the past few Sundays MSW have held the Open Water Championships. Congratulations to Brendan Kirkpatrick (5km) & Alison Sakurovs (5km) who competed in these championships.

Club Championship Results

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed in the 100m Butterfly Championships last week. The results are here.

Congratulations to Matthew Vicic, who broke the record for the Boys 13 Years Championship. Matthew swam a time of 1:17.62, which broke the record of 1:19.90 set by Brett A. Taylor in 1981.

Swimming NSW Junior Metropolitan Championships

These Championships are being held this weekend at SOPAC. We have a team of 5 swimmers who qualified and are representing our club.

Good luck to Joseph Assi (1), Joab Hada (1), Summer Shrestha (4), Unish Shrestha (1) & Matthew Vicic (2), who are competing in a total of 9 individual events. May the Whale be with you all.

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Club Merrylands Charity Raffle

Tickets can be purchased online. When purchasing your tickets record you are from our club and we have the chance to win $500.

Club Captains

One of the important leadership roles club members play during the season is as Club Captains. The responsibilities of Club Captains are varied and include representation amongst the younger members of the club. We were fortunate to have a number of nominations this year for these positions. Online voting allowed as many members as possible to participate in the election of the Club Captains.

Thank you to the members who accepted nominations for these roles and we are pleased to announce the Club Captains for 2020/2021 are:

Male Captain - Michael Vicic
Female Captain - Breeanah Khoury

This is Michael's first experience as Club Captain, whilst Breeanah was a Club Captain for the first time last season. Please join us is congratulating both Michael & Breeanah and we look forward to your support of them in their roles over the rest of the season.

Fundraising Chocolates

As we noted last week we have in previous years undertaken fundraising through the sale of chocolates. We have received a small number of responses so far, so if you are interested in participating in the fundraising please email the Social Secretary (Emily Ton) (emily.ton@merrylandsasc.asn.au) advising you would like chocolates to sell. We will then place orders for the specific number of chocolates required for sale.

Club Uniforms

We have a great range of club uniforms available for sale. These can be purchased through the club’s online shop.

Orders are being taken for club hoodies, so if you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

Whales Challenge

The first Whales Challenge is only 2 weeks away (Saturday, 5th December). You can purchase your Maroon caps for this event through the online store https://shop.merrylandsasc.asn.au/club-uniforms

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

As you are aware the club must operate under a COVID-19 Safety Plan. NSW Health guidelines are regularly updated and we must ensure we all comply with these.

Updates that affect our club members can be found here. Please ensure you regularly check the club website for these updates as changes occur.

A couple of key points to remember are:

• Anyone who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity;
• Comply with health advice if you have visited any identified “hot spot” locations or venues;
• If you become unwell whilst at the pool please advise us and leave immediately;
• Maintain social distancing when at the swimming centre;
• Only use designated areas around the pool;
• Practice good hygiene.

Record keeping is a vital action in assisting with contact tracing. We are required to keep a record of all people attending club events (club races and training sessions) so please ensure you sign-in every time you attend a club event.

Club Championship Results

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed in the 100m Freestyle Championships last week. The results are here.

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Club Merrylands Charity Raffle

Tickets can be purchased online. When purchasing your tickets record you are from our club and we have the chance to win $500.

Club Captains

All financial first claim members should have received an email this week with a personal link to the online voting system. If you haven’t yet submitted your vote online please do so before 9.30am this morning when voting closes.

Correction - Upcoming Events

Previous editions of Whales Tales had incorrect information about the Upcoming Events. The 200m Freestyle Championship on Saturday 28th November is for Seniors (Boys 14 years & over and Girls 13 years & over) and Veterans. The 200m Freestyle championship for Juniors (Boys 10 – 13 years & Girls 10 – 12 years) is on Saturday 12th December.

Fundraising Chocolates

In previous years we have undertaken fundraising through the sale of chocolates. This fundraising assists with the purchase of trophies and awards at the Annual Presentation. With COVID impacts we would like to gauge interest in participating in this fundraising.

If you are interested in participating in the fundraising please email the Social Secretary (Emily Ton) (emily.ton@merrylandsasc.asn.au) advising you would like chocolates to sell. We will then place orders for the specific number of chocolates required for sale.

Club Race Entries

Entries for club races are only accepted online and they close at 8.00pm Thursday. So plan your swims and ensure your entries are completed in time.

Remember there are limits to the number of swims you can do each week and this depends on the events being held (eg Championships). When you log in to Swim Central to submit your entries please ensure you read the Number of Entries Permitted based on your age group before purchasing your entries.

Metro South West Senior Championships

The MSW Senior Championships were held last weekend at SOPAC. Congratulations to our team of 7 swimmers who competed at the meet. Details of their results are here.

Whales Challenge

The first Whales Challenge will be held on Saturday 5th December. You can purchase your Maroon caps for this event through the online store https://shop.merrylandsasc.asn.au/club-uniforms

Relay Competition

Remember to complete your team’s weekly entry form each morning before you race. This form is needed to nominate the 4 team members swimming.

Nominate your Swimmers

Club Uniforms

We have a great range of club uniforms available for sale. These can be purchased through the club’s online shop.

Orders are being taken for club hoodies, so if you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

Club Championship Results

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed in the 200m Individual Medley Championships (Juniors) last week. The results are here.

Congratulations also to Matthew Vicic who set a new Club Record.

Remember to check the season program and plan your swims to ensure you complete your qualification swims for the Championship events.

Contact Information

Your contact & emergency contact details are important to us and we need them to be up-to-date at all times, as we may need to quickly communicate with you or your emergency contact.

Please check your swim central profile and ensure your contact details (parents & children) are up-to-date.

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

Sign-In for Spectators & Volunteers

The club operates under a COVID-19 Safety Plan and it is continually updated as health guidelines change. Health guidelines play an important role in setting the protocols the club is required to comply with.

We ask for your assistance in complying with the protocols & plan in place. We will communicate changes as they occur and these updates can be found here.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity;
• If you become unwell whilst at the pool please advise us and leave immediately;
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing. We have hand sanitiser available for your use;
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including googles, drink bottles or towels;
• Maintain social distancing when at the swimming centre. We have designated areas around the pool and ask for your assistance in complying with these;
• If you wish to wear a mask whilst at the pool we recommend that you bring this with you;
• Download the COVID-19 app to assist with contact tracing if it is required.

We must keep a record of all people attending club events (club races and training sessions) for contact tracing purposes.

• Competitors are recorded automatically through their online race entry so they do not need to sign in on a Saturday morning;
• Officials, Volunteers & Spectators (who aren’t competing in races) must sign in at the pool entry (Council has an app option or paper form to complete). In addition, the club is required to also record attendees, so we ask that you sign in using the button above to complete an online form each time you attend a club event.
• Normal pool entry applies and you will need to scan your Council pool card for entry;
• No club room access. Access is limited for only obtaining equipment required to be used.
• We recommend you leave the swimming centre after completing club races. 

Referee Tips

With Championship races well underway now, we have seen a number of disqualifications in races. Below are some tips and things to think about for your races:

Marshalling

• Check the races (heat & lane) you are in when the Information about Club Races is emailed to you. This will help ensure you know when you are racing;
• Keep an eye on what races are in the water so you can be in the marshalling area ready for your race;
• Let the marshall know as early as possible if you are not going to swim in a race.

The Start

• Make sure your googles are on correctly before you step onto the starting platform;
• When the starter announces “Take your Marks” make sure you immediately take up your starting position with at least one foot at the front of the starting platform and remain stationery until the starting signal sounds.

Backstroke

• Remain on your back throughout the race (except to execute a turn) including at the finish;
• Make sure you are not completely underwater prior to or at the finish of the race.

Breaststroke

• You can only execute one butterfly kick prior to, during, or after your first stroke (when you can take your arms completely back to your legs);
• Your second stroke must be a breaststroke and your head must have broken the surface of the water before your hands turn inwards during this stroke;
• Your hands must not be brought back past your hips during each stroke;
• The touch at any turn and the finish of the race must be with both hands separated & simultaneously on the wall.

Butterfly

• You must kick using a butterfly kick and not alternate your legs or fee during the kick;
• The touch at any turn and the finish of the race must be with both hands separated & simultaneously on the wall.

Individual Medley

• You must finish each section of the race in accordance with the rules for that stroke;
• In the backstroke section of the race you must finish the stroke on your back. This means you cannot tumble turn BEFORE touching the wall whilst on your back;
• In the Butterfly & Breaststroke sections of the race you must touch the wall with both hands separated & simultaneously;
• In the Freestyle section of the race you must swim Freestyle (and not any of the other strokes).

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Club Merrylands Charity Raffle

Tickets can be purchased online. When purchasing your tickets record you are from our club and we have the chance to win $500.

Club Captains

Nominations for the positions of Male and Female Club Captains were received last Saturday. I am pleased to advise that we received a number of nominations for both Male and Female Club Captains. The nominees are:

Male
Elie Menhem
Michael Vicic

Female
Darla Assi
Laura-Belle Casey
Breeanah Khoury
Vanessa Ozols

All financial first claim members can vote for these positions on week 6 (14th November, 2020). Stay tuned for information about the voting process to be used.

Club Race Entries

Entries for club races are only accepted online and they close at 8.00pm Thursday. So plan your swims and ensure your entries are completed in time.
The Time Record Sheet is a handy reference to record your swims during the season and a quick reference point to check if you have completed swims to qualify for championship races. You can download the sheet at here.

Club Uniforms

We have a great range of club uniforms available for sale. These can be purchased through the club’s online shop.

Orders are being taken for club hoodies, so if you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

Metro South West Senior Championships

The MSW Senior Championships are being held this weekend at SOPAC. We have a team of 7 swimmers competing.

Good luck to Laura-Belle Casey, Michael Evans, Brendan Kirkpatrick, Elie Menhem, Vanessa Ozols, Alison Sakurovs & Summer Shrestha. May the Whale be with you all.

In addition, a Junior Meet is being concurrently held at SOPAC on Saturday afternoon. We have a team of 6 swimmers competing.

Good luck to Joseph Assi, Joab Hada, Niushka Shrestha, Unish Shrestha, Daniel Vicic & Matthew Vicic. May the Whale be with you all too.

Relay Competition

The team relay competition commenced last week, with 6 teams taking to the blocks. Some of the times swum were very close to those nominated by the teams. The Merry Ladies have hit the lead in Week 1. Good luck to all the teams for the rest of this hotly contested competition.

The next round of the relay competition will be held on Saturday, 14th November.

Don’t forget you need to nominate the 4 swimmers who will swim each week via the online form.

Club Championships – 100m Breaststroke

Congratulations to all swimmers who competed in the 100m Breaststroke Championships last week. The results are available here.

Is your contact information up to date?

Your contact& emergency contact details are important to us and we need them to be up-to-date at all times, as we may need to quickly communicate with you or your emergency contact.

Please check your swim central profile and ensure your contact details (parents & children) are up-to-date.

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

Sign-In for Spectators & Volunteers

The club operates under a COVID-19 Safety Plan and it is continually updated as health guidelines change. Health guidelines play an important role in setting the protocols the club is required to comply with.

We ask for your assistance in complying with the protocols & plan in place. We will communicate changes as they occur and these updates can be found here.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity;
• If you become unwell whilst at the pool please advise us and leave immediately;
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing. We have hand sanitiser available for your use;
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including googles, drink bottles or towels;
• Maintain social distancing when at the swimming centre. We have designated areas around the pool and ask for your assistance in complying with these;
• If you wish to wear a mask whilst at the pool we recommend that you bring this with you;
• Download the COVID-19 app to assist with contact tracing if it is required.

We must keep a record of all people attending club events (club races and training sessions) for contact tracing purposes.

• Competitors are recorded automatically through their online race entry so they do not need to sign in on a Saturday morning;
• Officials, Volunteers & Spectators (who aren’t competing in races) must sign in at the pool entry (Council has an app option or paper form to complete). In addition, the club is required to also record attendees, so we ask that you sign in using the button above to complete an online form each time you attend a club event.
• Normal pool entry applies and you will need to scan your Council pool card for entry;
• No club room access. Access is limited for only obtaining equipment required to be used.
• We recommend you leave the swimming centre after completing club races. 

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Club Merrylands Charity Raffle

Tickets can be purchased online. When purchasing your tickets record you are from our club and we have the chance to win $500.

Club Captains

Nominations for the positions of Male and Female Club Captains are open and close this morning at 9.30am. Information about the duties and responsibilities of Club Captains can be found on the club website in the By-Laws. Copies of these are also available to read at the pool.

Please provide your nominations to Graham today.

All financial first claim members can vote for these positions on week 6 (14th November, 2020).

Learn to Swim

The club Learn to Swim program has commenced and concludes on Saturday 12th December 2020. Full details of the program can be found here.

Child lessons: 9.15am – 9.45am
Adult lessons: 10.00am – 10.45am

Club Race Entries

Entries for club races are only accepted online and they close at 8.00pm Thursday. So plan your swims and ensure your entries are completed in time.
The Time Record Sheet is a handy reference to record your swims during the season and a quick reference point to check if you have completed swims to qualify for championship races. You can download the sheet at here.

Club Uniforms

We have a great range of club uniforms available for sale. These can be purchased through the club’s online shop.

Orders are being taken for club hoodies, so if you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

Relay Competition

The team relay competition commences this morning. There are a total of 10 relay competition races over the season and points are awarded to teams each week based on how close they swim to their nominated entry time. Before your team swims this morning you need to complete the Team Entry Form AND the Weekly Swimmer Nomination Form.

Team Entry Form

This is a once only form that each team needs to complete to enter their team and nominate their time before the first competition relay swim this week.

Enter your Team

Remember there is a maximum of 6 team members only per team. The cost of team entry is $12 and a link will be emailed to the team to pay this online once the form is completed.

Weekly Swimmer Nominations

This is a weekly form that the team needs to complete before swimming the relay to nominate the 4 team members who will swim that week.

Nominate your Swimmers

Club Championships

Whilst we are not currently able to hold presentations after our club championships, we congratulate all swimmers who competed in the 100m Backstroke Championships last week. The results are available here.

Your Contact Information

Having your contact information is vitally important to ensuring we can quickly contact you if club events change and also for contacting your emergency contact if required.

Did you know:

• only 12% of our members have their mobile number in their member profile in Swim Central;
• only 13% of our members have an Emergency contact listed in Swim Central.

Your contact details are important to us and we need them to be up-to-date at all times.

Please check your swim central profile and ensure your contact details (parents & children) are up-to-date.

To update your profile in Swim Central:

Please take the time to check your details this weekend

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

Sign-In for Spectators & Volunteers

The club operates under a COVID-19 Safety Plan and it is continually updated as health guidelines change. Health guidelines play an important role in setting the protocols the club is required to comply with.

We ask for your assistance in complying with the protocols & plan in place. We will communicate changes as they occur and these updates can be found here.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity;
• If you become unwell whilst at the pool please advise us and leave immediately;
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing. We have hand sanitiser available for your use;
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including googles, drink bottles or towels;
• Maintain social distancing when at the swimming centre. We have designated areas around the pool and ask for your assistance in complying with these;
• If you wish to wear a mask whilst at the pool we recommend that you bring this with you;
• Download the COVID-19 app to assist with contact tracing if it is required.

We must keep a record of all people attending club events (club races and training sessions) for contact tracing purposes.

• Competitors are recorded automatically through their online race entry so they do not need to sign in on a Saturday morning;
• Officials, Volunteers & Spectators (who aren’t competing in races) must sign in at the pool entry (Council has an app option or paper form to complete). In addition, the club is required to also record attendees, so we ask that you sign in using the button above to complete an online form each time you attend a club event.
• Normal pool entry applies and you will need to scan your Council pool card for entry;
• No club room access. Access is limited for only obtaining equipment required to be used.
• We recommend you leave the swimming centre after completing club races. 

Who invented swimming?

Archaeological and other evidence shows swimming to have been practiced as early as 2500BCE in Egypt and thereafter in Assyrian, Greek, and Roman civilizations. In the 1st century BCE the Roman Gaius Maecenas is said to have built the first heated swimming pool.

In the Orient swimming dates back at least to the 1st century BCE, there being some evidence of swimming races then in Japan.

The lack of swimming in Europe during the Middle Ages is explained by some authorities as having been caused by a fear that swimming spread infection and caused epidemics. How topical today!

Internationally, competitive swimming came into prominence with its inclusion in the modern Olympic Games from their inception in 1896.

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Club Merrylands Charity Raffle

Tickets can be purchased online. When purchasing your tickets record you are from our club and we have the chance to win $500.

Club Championships Commence

Week 3 and we are commencing our club championship races today, with the 100 metre Backstroke age & open championships. Good luck to all competitors.

There are many situations that may arise which impact on swimmers plans. The Committee strongly recommends that swimmers plan their championship eligibility swims as early in the season as possible, rather than leaving these swims to the last week available before the Championship event is to be swum.

A failure by a swimmer to swim an eligibility swim will preclude their participation in that Championship.

The season program can be found here.

Sign Up for Whales Tales

Club Captains

Nominations for the positions of Male and Female Club Captains are open and close at 9.30am on week 4 (31st October, 2020). Information about the duties and responsibilities of Club Captains can be found on the club website in the By-Laws.

All financial first claim members can vote for these positions on week 6 (14th November, 2020).

Learn to Swim

The club Learn to Swim program commences this morning and concludes on Saturday 12th December 2020. Full details of the program can be found here.

Thank you to our coordinators, instructors and helpers who have volunteered their time for this program.

Child lessons: 9.15am – 9.45am
Adult lessons: 10.00am – 10.45am

Your Contact Information

Having your contact information is vitally important to ensuring we can quickly contact you if club events change and also for contacting your emergency contact if required.

Did you know:

• only 12% of our members have their mobile number in their member profile in Swim Central;
• only 13% of our members have an Emergency contact listed in Swim Central.

Your contact details are important to us and we need them to be up-to-date at all times.

Please check your swim central profile and ensure your contact details (parents & children) are up-to-date.

To update your profile in Swim Central:

Please take the time to check your details this weekend

Annual Presentation

Relive the fun and celebrate last season’s achievements by viewing the annual presentation here.

Relay Competition

This morning is the last team relay time trial as the first point score races commence next Saturday 31^st October. There are a total of 10 relay competition races over the season and points are awarded to teams each week based on how close they swim to their nominated entry time.

Team Entry Form

This is a once only form that each team needs to complete to enter their team before and nominate their time before the first competition relay swim next Saturday.

Enter your Team

Remember there is a maximum of 6 team members only per team. The cost of team entry is $12 and a link will be emailed to the team to pay this online once the form is completed.

Weekly Swimmer Nominations

This is a weekly form that the team needs to complete before swimming the relay to nominate the 4 team members who will swim that week.

Nominate your Swimmers

Club Uniforms

We have a great range of club uniforms available for sale. These can be purchased through the club’s online shop. If you have any questions about club uniforms please talk to the Property Officer (Margaret Edwards).

Membership

All the information you need on club membership for this year is available here. We are happy to advise that membership fees have not changed this year, and free membership is again available for swimmers 8 & Under, thanks to Club Merrylands.

Technical Officials

Remember if you are a qualified technical official (and a non-swimmer) to renew your non-swimmer membership to ensure your technical accreditation remains current.

Club Race Entries

Entries for club races are only accepted online and they close at 8.00pm Thursday. So plan your swims and ensure your entries are completed in time.
The Time Record Sheet is a handy reference to record your swims during the season and a quick reference point to check if you have completed swims to qualify for championship races. You can download the sheet at here.

Thank you

The first two weeks of club races have run smoothly and that’s due to everyone attending club races working with the change in protocols. Your help is greatly appreciated and we give a big thankyou to you. Keep up the great work. 🙂

COVID-19 Safety Plan & Protocols

Sign-In for Spectators & Volunteers

The club operates under a COVID-19 Safety Plan and it is continually updated as health guidelines change. Health guidelines play an important role in setting the protocols the club is required to comply with.

We ask for your assistance in complying with the protocols & plan in place. We will communicate changes as they occur and these updates can be found here.

Please remember:

• Anyone (coach/athlete/parent/official/spectator) who is unwell for any reason should not attend any training, competition or club activity;
• If you become unwell whilst at the pool please advise us and leave immediately;
• Protect yourself and others from getting sick by following good personal hygiene practices and maintaining physical distancing. We have hand sanitiser available for your use;
• Swimmers should not share any equipment including googles, drink bottles or towels;
• Maintain social distancing when at the swimming centre. We have designated areas around the pool and ask for your assistance in complying with these;
• If you wish to wear a mask whilst at the pool we recommend that you bring this with you;
• Download the COVID-19 app to assist with contact tracing if it is required.

We must keep a record of all people attending club events (club races and training sessions) for contact tracing purposes.

• Competitors are recorded automatically through their online race entry so they do not need to sign in on a Saturday morning;
• Officials, Volunteers & Spectators (who aren’t competing in races) must sign in at the pool entry (Council has an app option or paper form to complete). In addition, the club is required to also record attendees, so we ask that you sign in using the button above to complete an online form each time you attend a club event.
• Normal pool entry applies and you will need to scan your Council pool card for entry;
• No club room access. Access is limited for only obtaining equipment required to be used.
• We recommend you leave the swimming centre after completing club races. 

Squad Enrolment

It’s time to complete your squad enrolment if you haven’t already done so. See the details here.

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

Thank you to our major sponsors who provide fantastic support to our club. If you know of a business or organisation who may be interested in providing sponsorship or support to our club please let us know.

Club Merrylands Charity Raffle

Tickets can be purchased online. When purchasing your tickets record you are from our club and we have the chance to win $500.