One of the main activities of the club is to provide an opportunity for members to swim in race conditions. Swimmers new to the sport can get familiarity with race procedures and rules. For more experienced swimmers it is an opportunity to test themselves under race conditions and to measure their improvement over time.
Club Nights are held at the Barker Aquatic Swim Centre on Friday nights during the school term as per the event calendar.
Although the atmosphere at Club Nights is relaxed, the races are conducted with the same rules and procedures as official swim meets so that swimmers are better prepared for external meets and competition. Details of these procedures are below and the parents running the Club Night will help swimmers who are not sure of what to do.
Did we mention parents helping? Yes, we need all parents to help out where they can. Please volunteer to help.
As per Barker College rules, all participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Club Night Procedures
Club Night entries open online early the week of the club night (normally Monday or Tuesday). Entries will close automatically at 12pm on the Friday of Club Night. Race events are seeded electronically and the programme and lane sheets printed for the marshalling, lane keeping and the starter. Late arrivals can still swim if we are able to fit them into appropriate heats.
In order to help swimmers prepare for other meets, club nights are run with the same procedures as formal meets:
- Events will be called over the speaker system. When swimmers hear their event called they move to the marshalling area.
- Swimmers will be allocated lanes by the marshaller and should move to the start area when advised to do so.
- At the blocks, swimmers should not mount the starting blocks until advised by the Starters whistle. The call from the starter is then “Take your Marks” and the starting siren. The starter will assist any swimmers who are new to the procedure.
- At the conclusion of their event swimmers should remain in their lane until advised by the starter and then should exit the pool ONLY via the side of the pool. Normally, the next race is started “over the top” while the preceding swimmers are still in the water.
Please do not hesitate to seek assistance from any of the Club Committee if you require clarification or need any help on the night.