Frequently asked questions
Everything new families ask about Friday nights at the Samford Pool.
How does the night run?
Warm-up starts at 5.30 pm and marshalling at 5.50 pm. Racing starts at 6.00 pm with the 12.5m Stingray Pups, unless a distance event is scheduled first, so the youngest swimmers can rotate through the four strokes and get home at a reasonable time, usually by 6.20 pm. The senior program then runs from 25m to 50m and longer distances. The program for each night is in the Swim Club Connect app, and the night finishes around 8.00 to 8.30 pm depending on numbers.
What time does it start?
Gates open at 5.30 pm for warm-up, and marshalling starts at 5.50 pm.
What should my child wear?
Girls should wear a one-piece swimming costume. Boys may wear racers, jammers or briefs. A swim cap must be worn at all times. Goggles are optional but recommended.
How will my child know when they are swimming?
A microphone announcement calls each stroke to marshalling, for example "All freestyle swimmers to the marshalling area, please". You can also follow the program in the Swim Club Connect app.
Where is the marshalling area?
The undercover area on the car park side of the pool complex. Spectators should not sit there.
Can I help my child?
Of course. You can walk them to marshalling, and if they need help at the blocks just tell the marshaller or race secretary. Please keep the pool side clear for the referees. If your child needs extra support to race, email secretary@samfordswimclub.com.au so the committee can plan a safe experience for everyone.
What is the starting signal?
We time races with the Swim Club Connect app, with timekeepers' phones linked to a starting buzzer. The referee blows a long whistle, and swimmers take their place on the blocks, on the pool edge, or in the water for a deep water start. The starter calls the distance and stroke, then "Take your mark", then the beep starts the race.
How is the 12.5m mark marked?
A rope with pool noodles runs across the pool at 12.5m. Swimmers just swim to it and touch it.
Is there extra support for 12.5m swimmers?
Yes. Senior swimmers are on hand to encourage and support our youngest racers.
What do the referees do?
They make sure heats run smoothly, safely and under the club rules.
Can my child be disqualified?
Swimmers aged 9 and over may be disqualified for incorrect technique under Swimming Australia rules. Swimmers 8 and under, and anyone in a 12.5m event, are only disqualified for swimming a completely different stroke. Common disqualifications include false starts, the wrong stroke, a one-hand touch in breaststroke, standing up mid-race, incorrect turns and being fully submerged at a backstroke finish. If your child is disqualified, they can come to the education session at 5.30 pm the next club night to learn why.
How do I see my child's times?
Club night times appear in the Swim Club Connect app in near real-time. The app has a small subscription fee charged by the developer, not the club. For Swimming Queensland sanctioned meets, results are in Swim Central and Meet Mobile.
How are seed times calculated?
Seed times are your child's best times from last season, up to the final standard club night. New swimmers start with no seed time (NT).
Is there food and drink?
Yes. The weekly BBQ serves sausages, Angus beef burgers, bacon and egg burgers, water, soft drinks, sports drinks and confectionery. It is run by club families on a roster.
What if it rains or storms?
Club nights go ahead in light to moderate rain. With lightning, racing is suspended until 30 minutes after the last flash, under the Swimming Queensland lightning policy. The committee may cancel for driving rain, ongoing storms, high winds or cold, and will post in the private Facebook group.
How can I help?
Every family helps with set-up, BBQ or pack-up on a roster, and we call for timekeepers and marshals every week. Timekeeping with your phone is easy and makes sure the kids get accurate times. The club is run entirely by volunteers, so every bit of help is appreciated. Email volunteer@samfordswimclub.com.au.
Can I bring glass?
No. The pool has a no glass policy, so please leave all glass at home.
Still unsure? Email the committee.