Latest News
Latest News
Scholarships available for State and National swimmers
The Federal Government has provided information on the Local Sporting Champions Program
Swimmers aged 12-18years will be able to apply for funding to help cover the cost of attending State and National Championships.
Funding will be available to help people aged 12 to 18 years to help cover the costs of attending and competing in major sporting events.
Grants of $500 per individual and $3,000 per team are available to help meet costs such as travel, equipment, uniforms, and accommodation.
This will particularly help young sportspersons and teams if they have to travel interstate to compete, or they live in regional or rural areas and have to travel long distances to compete in major events
A total of $9,000 a year in grants will be available for each metropolitan electorate and $12,500 a year in grants for non-metropolitan electorates to help young sports people achieve their sporting goals.
Applications for grants can be made at any time throughout the year, either through the Australian Sports Commission or the office of the local Federal Member. I would suggest applying through both channels. ASC details can be found by following the below link: http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/juniors/get_involved/local_sporting_champions
Click here to advise of availability to represent SCAT in the Brophy Shield, to be contested in Canberra on Sunday, March 29, 2009.
With Mum, Dad and big sister Angela cheering from the stands, Australian Institute of Sport member Robert Hurley (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) was the star of the second day of the FINA World Cup held at SOPAC today.
In the final of the men's 50 m backstroke Robert, swimming in Lane 6, led from the start, to set a NEW WORLD RECORD of 00:23.24, slicing 0.03 seconds off the record set by Thomas Rupprath of Germany in 2004.
Robert was presented with his gold medal and a cheque for $US 10,000.00 for his efforts. Congratulations Robert.
Members of the SCAT Development Squads, levels B, C and D enjoyed a great day our at SOPAC today. Many arrived in time to watch the heats of the FINA World Cup before attending the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) to see what it offers, having a training session in the SOPAC utility pool, making use of the NSWIS underwater analysis equipment.
Finally the squads were given a training session with Olympians Stephanie Rice and Brenton Rickard before lining up for autographs and photographs with these two charming and inspiring swimmers. Some of the squad members then stayed on to watch the finals session of the World Cup, seeing Brenton swim in the 100 m breaststroke.
Welcome to Mollymook Makos, the newest club in the SCAT district. We look forward to seeing them compete around the district.
All outstanding raffle tickets should be returned to Micheal Southwell by Friday, 24 October to allow the draw to take place at the SCAT Executive meeting on Tuesday, 28 October.
The SCAT General Meeting will be held at the Dapto Clubhouse on Tuesday, 25 November 2008, commencing at 08:00 pm. All affiliated clubs are entitled to send two delegates, each of whom must be financial members of the club.
At the SCAT Annual General Meeting Hilda Pardy and Alex Smith were recognised for 50 years service to swimming in the SCAT District. Wow! Congratulations on an outstanding effort.
Congratulations to Ian Coleborne (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) and Ian Eastley (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) who both received the SCAT Service Merit Award at the SCAT AGM.
At the SCAT AGM the following resolution was adopted: "During the conduct of the SCAT Championships, there shall be no time trial events and all times recorded for events shall be as per the chapmionship program."
This means that no additional time trial events will be added to the SCAT Championships program and that, while a swimmer may swim any stroke during a freestyle event at the SCAT Championships (as per the rules of swimming), the time achieved will only be recorded as a freestyle time.
Congratulations to Faye Rowles (Life Member of SCAT and Dapto SC). Faye, now living at Dunbogan on the North Coast of NSW, has just been awarded a Service Excellence Award by Swimming NSW. You can read the full details of Faye's award on the Swimming NSW website, in their News section.
Several SCAT swimmers have been rewarded for their effort and talent by being selected for inclusion in a range of Swimming NSW teams. Congratulations to each of them:
Emerging Athlete Program, Level 3 - Jordan Chyra (Wests Illawarra Aquatics), Zoe Elkerton (Oak Flats) and Emma McKeon (Wests Illawarra Aquatics).
NSW Age Development Squad - Matthew Crisafi (Wests Illawarra Aquatics), Kirra Jones (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) and Rachel Reynolds (Bomaderry)
Swimming NSW SWD Development Squad - Megan Newell (Wollongong)
Technical Officials Needed SCAT has a team of qualified Presenters & Assessors looking for work - all that’s missing are the trainees! The good news is that training courses have been simplified and no longer include written exams. Instead, each credential consists of a theory section covered by a Presenter and a practical assessment carried out by an Assessor at a Club night or a Club meet. Anyone interested in becoming a Technical Official or in gaining additional Technical Official qualifications should contact ALEC Convenor Ian Coleborne on 0407 238 797 or by email at icole_scatalec@hotmail.com for more information.
Congratulations to Robert Hurley (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) on his selection in the Australian team to contest the 2008 Oceania Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand in June. Robert just missed qualifying for the Beijing Olympics, and this selection highlights how well he is swimming.
Congratulations also to Emma McKeon (Wests Illawarra Aquatics). Emma has been selected to represent Australia in the 2008 Trans-Tasman series. These swims will be held in Woy Woy, Wagga Wagga and Canberra in July.This is Emma's first time in an Australian team.
Congratulations to the following Technical Officials who have successfully completed Swimming NSW training courses and are now qualified Presenters and Assessors: Gary Carroll & Erich Fenske (Bomaderry), Ian Coleborne (Wests Illawarra Aquatic), Rong Gallagher & Nicky Hemsworth (Ulladulla), David Kingdom (Corrimal), Trevor McDonald (Bay & Basin), Jackie Moulton (Shellharbour-Warrigal), Robert Newell (Wollongong) and John Williams (Kiama).
Application forms for SCAT's 2008 Development Squad are now available. Click here for yours.
The program looks very interesting, with just three days scheduled. Day 1will be a day at the University of Wollongong pool, followed by the SCAT Presentation and BBQ. Day 2 will be held at the Kiama Leisure Centre, followed by a walk through the Minnamurra Rainforest. Day 3 will be held at SOPAC, with Jim Fowlie from NSWIS in attendance, with attendees staying to watch the third Telstra Grand Prix meet. Dates can be seen on the Winter 2008 program.
Congratulations are due to a number of SCAT swimmers following January's Country Regional meets. Hayden Crisafi (Wests Illawarra Aquatics), Bred Gullick (Wests Illawarra Aquatics), Chelsea Hemsworth (Ulladulla), Alexander Ingle (Bomaderry), Alexis Mastro (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) and Trent Rigby (Oak Flats) have all been selected by Swimming NSW as members of the 2008 Country Regional Squad.
Congratulations to Alexandra Sinadinovic (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) who has been included in Swimming NSW's 2008 11-12 years Individual Medley squad.
Congratulations to Emma McKeon (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) on being named the female Swimmer of the Meet at the 2008 NSW Country Championships. Emma achieved this feat with a swim of 00:29.15 in the 13 years 50m butterfly. This swim not only established a NSW Country record, but also a NSW record and a NSW All Comers record.
Emma's swim just edged out Alexandra Sinadinvoc (Wests Illawarra Aquatics), who was trying for a 3rd straight Swimmer of the Meet award. Alex also established a NSW Country, NSW and NSW All Comers record with her swim of 00:31.87 in the 11 years 50m butterfly. Alex also established two NSW Country records - 01:18.96 in the 11 years 100m breaststroke and 00:30.63 in the 11 years 50m freestyle.
Other SCAT swimmers to have record-breaking swims at this meet were Matthew Crisafi (Wests Illawarra Aquatics), 02:25.40 in the 16 years 200m breaststroke, Jordan Chyra (Wests Illawarra Aquatics), 2:10.38 in the 15 years 200m butterfly, Tegan Ogle (Dapto), 00:31.86 in the 17 years 50m backstroke, and Phoebe Roman (Oak Flats), 00:27.85 in the 15 years 50m freestyle and 00:31.86 in the 15 years 50m backstroke.
There were a number of SCAT records broken at the recent SCAT Championships. Congratulations to the Wests Illawarra Aquatics A team who, in the 12 years and under girls medley relay swam 02:22.04 to set the first record for the weekend. In the girls 11-12 years 50 m butterfly Alexandra Sinadinovic swam under the old record, only to be beaten by Alexis Mastro (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) who set the benchmark at 00:32.34. Alexis also set a new mark for the 11-12 years girls 50 m backstroke with her swim of 00:34.56. Emma McKeon (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) swam 01:01.59 to set a new SCAT record in the 13 years girls 100 m freestyle, while Tegan Ogle (Dapto) swam 00:32.15 to break her own record in the 15 and over girls 50 m backstroke.
In the boys, Matthew Crisafi (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) also broke his own record in the Open mens 200 m breaststroke with a time of 02:31.16. Anton Summerfield (Corrimal) finished the meet on a high with his new record in the 15 and over mens 200 m individual medley of 02:21.04.
The Summer 07-08 program has been adjusted. The November General Meeting will be held on Tuesday November 27, commencing at 8:00 pm. Every club is entitled, and encouraged, to send two delegates. Some big changes are occurring in swimming and all clubs need to be aware.
Kiama Swimming Club will be running a 1500 m time trial at the conclusion of their pointscore on Friday December 14. This event is open to anyone wishing to gain a time. Pointscore begins at 7:00 pm, with the pool available from 6:30 pm. Entries should be advised by Friday December 07, but the $5.00 entry fee can be paid on the night. Entries and queries to Barb Hatton at drbloke@bigpond.com or phone 0409969044. Normal pointscore will include freestyle, backstroke and butterfly events from 25 m to 200 m, with all swimmers welcome. Pointscore entries need to be in by 6:40 pm.
Congratulations to Robert Hurley (Wests Illawarra Aquatics - AIS) on his performances representing Australia at the FINA World Cup Meet in Sydney (November 02-03). Robert won silver in the 100 m backstroke (00:51.64) and bronze in the 50 m backstroke (00:24.16).
Congratulations to Megan Newell (Wollongong) who represented Australia with distinction at the recent Special Olypmics in Shanghai. Megan came away from the meet with three silver medals from the 100 m Individual Medley (01:27.94), the 100 m Breaststroke (01:40.51) and as a member of Team Australia in the 4 x 50 m Medley Relay (06:49.97).
Congratulations to Alexis Mastro (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) who set a new NSW Country SC record in the 11/under 50 m backstroke at 00:33.48.
Another SCAT bus trip has been organised. This one is for November 10. For details of how to reserve your seat, click here.
Congratulations to the swimmers whose swims created new records at the NSW Country Short Course Championships. They are Emma McKeon (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) in the 13 years 100 m freestyle (00:59.44), Rachel Reynolds (Bomaderry) in the 15 years 100 m backstroke (01:05.89) and Alexandra Sinadinovic (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) in the 11 years 100 m breaststroke (01:19.15).
Congratulations to Erich Fenske (Bomaderry) and Nicky Hemsworth (Ulladulla) on gaining accreditation as Finish Judges. Both Erich and Nicky are now seen around SCAT pools regularly, volunteering their time to assist in the running of our swim meets.
We are, of course, always looking for new Technical Officials, so if you are interested in helping your children, and others, gain the best possible experience in the pool contact Ian Coleborne, SCAT's ALEC Convenor (email icole_scatalec@hotmail.com). Ian will arrange training in the positions of Timekeeper, Check Starter, Finish Judge, Starter, Recorder and Referee for those interested.
Unfortunately a lack of entries has forced the SCAT Executive to cancel the SCAT Swim Squads meet scheduled for Sunday, July 22. A big thankyou to those swimmers who did enter. SCAT will now have to either look at other fundraising options, or reduce its expenditure on the development of swimmers in the district.
At the recent NSW Country short-course swimming championships a number of SCAT swimmers were successful in setting new records for this competition. Congratulations to Emma McKeon (Wests Illawarra Aquatics), Rachel Reynolds (Bomanderry) and Alexandra Sinadinovic (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) on their efforts. Emma swam a time of 00:59.44 in the girls 13 years 100 metre freestyle, Rachel swam 1:05.89 in the girls 15 years 100 metre backstroke, and Alexandra swam 1:19.15 in the girls 11 years 100 metrre breaststroke.
Congratulations to Cliff Harris (Oak Flats). Cliff was granted Life Membership of Swimming NSW at the recent Annual General Meeting. This is an honour which is not given lightly and a quick read of Cliff's resume on page 23 ot the July Swimmer will show the great contribution Cliff has made to swimming in NSW. At the AGM, Cliff also retired as President of Swimming NSW, having overseen a period of great growth and change.
GO CLUB
In conjunction with Swimming NSW, SCAT has organised two Go Club presentations which should be of great interest to all clubs. The first presentation will be held at Bomaderry clubroom on Sunday July 15 from 10:00 am and will cover Club Planning plus Marketing and Promotion. The second presentation will take place on Sunday August 26 in the Dapto clubrooms, again from 10:00 am. This one will cover Governance and Committee Roles plus Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers.
All clubs should be sending at least one representative to each of these presentations.
In the July edition of the Swimmer from Swimming NSW there are details of the Telstra Swimming Assistance Fund where grants of up to $5 000.00, plus GST, to provide for equipment and available only to those clubs who have completed their 2007 Go Club PB Workbook. These applications close on August 01, so be quick.
If you are still at school, or if you have children at school, check out http:/www.skwirk.com.au. This website contains notes for Kindergarten to Year 10 in all the main subject areas. The notes match the syllabus and should prove an ideal backup for parents, or an extension for students. There is a choice of registering for free, or as a premium member. The site encourages both students and parents to register.
There is a new email address to contact the SCAT Secretary. All electronic correspondence should now be addressed to scatsecretary@hotmail.com.
Congratulations to Jason Batson on being elected as the Coaches' Representative on the SCAT Committee.
Congratulations to Alicia Burgess (Corrimal) on her selection in the NSW Open Water Development Squad.
Congratulations to Matthew Crisafi (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) on his selection as a member of the Swimming NSW Level 3 Emerging Athletes squad.
Congratulations also to Rachel Reynolds (Bomaderry), Jordan Chyra (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) and Ryan Hanson (Dapto) on their selection as members of the NSW Age Development Squad.
Congratulations to Tara Crisafi (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) and Ryan Hanson (Dapto) on their inclusion in the NSW State Open Water Development Squad.
Also in the hands of Club Secretaries are forms requesting clubs to nominate candidates for the award of Life Member of SCAT, and for Service Merit awards. A Life Membership can be awarded to anyone who has given outstanding service to swimming in the SCAT District over a period of not less than 10 years. The Service Merit Award can be awarded to a person who has given outstanding service to swimming in the SCAT District over a period of not less than 5 years. Who, in your club fits the bill. (The SCAT Executive Committee will select from the nominations and make recommendations to the AGM).
Brophy Shield Team announced. After long deliberations the SCAT Team to contest the Brophy Shield has been announced.
Girls: Alicia Anderson, Ashleigh Anderson, Brielle Baker, Jaimi Catterall, Jessica Daly, Jessica Davis, Ashleigh Defrenza, Brittany Defrenza, Keira Eady, Zoe Elkerton, Amelia Hallagan, Brittany Iliffe, Lisa Jurak, Alexandra Kennedy, Eliza Kennedy, Alexis Mastro, Tania Nguyen, Tina Nguyen, Tegan Ogle, Shannan Pastrovic, Jessica Piana-Algie, Michelle Quince, Rebecca Quince, Emily Rosskelly, Jessica Rosskelly, Hunter Sims, Alexandra Sinadinovic, Neisha Sinadinovic, Leah Smith, Briarnna Southwell, Eliza Vesey
Boys: Cihan Bagdatli, Jason Bujaroski, Richard Bujaroski, Chris Bushell, Bradley Dawson, Jamie Dawson, Samuel De Wal, Brad Honey, Alexander Ingle, Adrian James, Tyler James, Zachary Jones, Anthony Jurak, Joshua King, Jack MacKenzie-Wood, Jake McIver, John Neall, Michael Neall, Vladimir Pan, Jack Parkes, Max Parkes, Christopher Poier, Cody Roman, Jonathon Tatton, Mateya Tomii, Michael Trajcevski, Mitchell Velthuis
Congratulations to all the swimmers selected, and good luck from all at SCAT. Bring home that trophy.
Congratulations to Cameron Pell (Bomaderry). Swimming at the NSW Open Championships at SOPAC, Cameron established a new Australian Record (provisional) for 14 year old boys (s9). Cameron's new mark is 00:29.17.
Belated congratulations to Tyler James (Oak Flats), Alexandra Sinadinovic (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) and Nick Milnes (Bomaderry) for their efforts in establishing new SCAT Records at the 2006 SCAT Championships. Tyler's time of 1:13.03 broke a very old record held by Kurt Malone since 1993 for the 11-12 year Boys 100 m Backstroke. Alexandra beat Amy White's 2000 record in the 10/U Girls 100 m Breaststroke, setting a new mark of 1:26.08. Nick broke his own record in the 15/O Boys 100 m Freestyle with his time of 00:56.01. Nick just edged out Ryan Hanson (Dapto) who also went under the old record with his time of 00:56.21.
Application forms for the SCAT Development Squads are now available here. These squads are supported by Swimming NSW and are a great way for swimmers of all abilities to progress in their sport. A small number of sessions will be held over winter withboth land and water sessions, and lectures (for both athletes and parents) relevant to swimmers. All squad members will be offered the chance to represent SCAT at a meet relevant to their ablity, with all costs met by SCAT.
The Speedo Sprint finals will contain a series of District Relays, as well as the individual events. Swimmers placing in the Speedo Sprint heats should indicate their availability to contest these relays when they collect their finals information.
Congratulations to Matthew Crisafi (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) on his selection in the Australian team to contest the 2007 Australian Youth Olympic Festival. Matthew swam strongly in the 100m and 200m breaststroke and 100m Butterfly events. a strong contingent of Wests Illawarra supporters was on hand to watch Matthew contest the final of the 200m Breaststroke, where he finished fifth.
Congratulations to Robert Hurley on his efforts at the Junior Pan-Pacs in Maui. Robert won silver in the 200m Freestyle, and gold as a member of the Australian team in both the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays.
Congratulations to Alexandra Sinadinovic (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) on her results at the NSW Age (10/Under -12) Championships. Alexandra established a NSW Record with her swim of 1:23.08 in the 10 years 100m Breaststroke. In all, Alexandra won 4 gold and 2 silver medals.
Congratulations to Alexandra Sinadinovic and Emma McKeon, both from Wests Illawarra Aquatics on establishing new SCAT records on the Saturday of the 2006 SCAT Championships. Alexandra broke her own record in the 9-10 years girls 50 metre breaststroke, setting a new mark of 39.08 seconds. Emma broke Shannon Clarke's 2002 record in the 11-12 years girls 50 metre freestyle. Emma's new time is 29.73 seconds.
Congratulations to Megan Newell (Wollongong) on her selection in the Australian team to contest the World IPC Championships in South Africa.
Congratulations to Angela Hurley (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) who has been selected to represent NSW in the 2006 State of Origin series against Queensland. Congratulaions also to Ingrid Vanderburg (Wests Illawarra Aquatics) who has been selected as one of the team managers for the NSW team at this meet.
The latest version of the Swimmer magazine (August 2006) from Swimming NSW contains the new Safe Diving Depth Policy (page 3). All clubs engaged are advised to check this policy and ensure that all club activities comply. Any diving which does not comply with this policy and results in an injury would not be covered by the Swimming NSW insurance policy.
Also in the Swimmer (page 20) is Swimming NSW's School Swim Meet Policy.With school swim meets coming up soon the policy sets out the requirements which must be met for swimmers to use the times set at a school swim meet as qualifying times.
Congratulations to Robert Hurley (Wests Illawarra Aquatics SC) and Nick Milnes (Bomaderry SC) who have both been selected by Swimming Australia to compete in the Junior Pan Pacs meet to be held on the island of Maui (Hawaii) in January 2007.
Information about a swim meet to be hosted by Canberra ASC on September 23 has been received. Those who would like information should check this link.
Congratulations to Nick Milnes (Bomaderry SC) on his selection as a member of the Swimming NSW 2006 Age Development Team.
Congratulations to Helen and Ted McKay (Oak Flats SC) on being granted Life Membership of the SCAT District. This award is recognition of a life time of service, from both of these wonderful people, to the SCAT District.
Congratulations to Tony Speelman (Albion Park SC) on being awarded a Service Merit Award. Tony is a well-known face around the pool and the award is richle deserved.
Just added a link to a new page called Swim Sites. It has lists of Regional, National, District and Club sites, plus some interesting stuff, including blogs for swimmers. It's worth at least one look.
Don't forget, if your SCAT club has a site that's not listed, simply email me with the details and I'll include a link so all the District and the rest of the world can see what's happening in your club.
The rule changes announced by FINA are now in force with Swimming NSW at all levels. The rule changes can be downloaded from this link.
The FINA Technical Congress, meeting at the World Swimming Championships in Montreal, has approved some changes to the rules of swimming. These changes are summarised on the FINA Montreal website as follows:
During the breaststroke start and turns, while the swimmer is wholly submerged,
a single downward dolphin kick followed by a breaststroke kick is permitted.
The backstroke finish rule has officially been clarified. Now it is legal for
a swimmer to be completely submerged not only during the turn but also during
the last stroke. Also in backstroke, swimmers are now allowed to start with
their feet out of the water. It is no more mandatory that “The feet, including
the toes, shall be under the surface of the water”.
These rule changes will take effect only after they have been approved by the Swimming NSW Technical Committee, which will also offer some clarifications. Do not expect these rule changes to begin before October 01 2005.
Swimming NSW has released details of the changes to the Learn To Swim campaign. This is covered in the July 2005 Swimmer, pages 7-10. Especially important is the information regarding the rollout of courses to upgrade Swimming NSW Instructors credentials to Austswim accreditation. Each club must provide Swimming NSW with details of Instructors wishing to upgrade by July 25. Forms should be in your club now. Instructors named on these forms will be able to upgrad via a bridging course arranged by Swimming NSW at no cost to themselves. Failure to send the form in will mean that the Instructor will have to pay the full cost of an Austswim course - about $200.
[Home] [Contact
Details] [Executive] [Life
Members] [Club Contacts] [Constitution]
[By-Laws] [Latest
News]
[District Records] [Development
Squads] [Interclub Competition]
[Results]
[Summer
Program 2007/08]
[Winter
Program 2007]
[Technical Officials] [Carnival
Checklist] [Trophies and Awards]
[Links]