TRAINING EXPECTATIONS

Consistency, preparation, communication and positive training habits allow coaches to build skills progressively and help swimmers get more from the time they spend in the water.

Our expectations are designed to support swimmer development, maintain a positive training environment and keep swimmers genuinely connected with their Club.

REGULAR PARTICIPATION

GSSC swimmers are expected to participate genuinely in the Club training program.

As a general minimum, registered swimmers should average at least one GSSC coached session each week, assessed across a rolling four-week period.

For some swimmers, particularly those preparing for higher-level Championship competition, the Coaching Subcommittee may recommend a higher training frequency having regard to the swimmer’s development and competitive goals.

Reasonable allowances can be made for illness, injury, holidays, school commitments, seasonal sport and other circumstances.

If something is affecting regular training, communicate with the Club. Knowing what is happening allows coaches to support the swimmer appropriately.

ARRIVE READY TO TRAIN

Swimmers should arrive early enough to be ready at the scheduled start of their session.

Regular training equipment includes:

  • Goggles

  • Fins

  • Kickboard

  • Pull buoy

  • Drink bottle

  • Swimming cap, where used

IN THE TRAINING ENVIRONMENT

We expect swimmers to train safely, listen and respond to coaching instructions, respect others in their lane and contribute positively to the group.

As swimmers mature, they are encouraged to ask questions, understand feedback, communicate directly with coaches and take increasing responsibility for their own preparation.

COACHING & FEEDBACK

GSSC’s appointed coaches are responsible for technical direction during Club training.

Parents and carers play an important role by helping swimmers arrive prepared, encouraging consistent participation and providing support away from pool deck.

Keeping technical coaching with the appointed coaching team provides swimmers with clearer, more consistent feedback and allows coaches to manage the training environment effectively.

TRAINING AT THE RIGHT LEVEL

Swimmers are not expected to progress simply because they reach a particular age or achieve one fast race time.

Coaches consider technique, training capacity, consistency, maturity, competition experience and readiness for increased demands when determining the most appropriate training environment.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Regular structured competitive swimming training outside GSSC must be communicated to and agreed with the GSSC Coaching Subcommittee before arrangements begin. It may supplement, but must not replace, genuine participation in the GSSC program unless otherwise permitted by Swimming SA.

This helps ensure training loads, technical direction and competition preparation remain coordinated. Where external competitive coaching is undertaken, it must meet applicable Swimming SA requirements, including appropriately licensed coaching and a recognised swimming program.

Recreational swimming, school swimming, surf lifesaving and swimming with family are not restricted.

See the GSSC By-Laws for full requirements.