The selection process being used this year differs from previous years in a number of ways.
Firstly, swimmers will be invited to join a squad rather than having to apply. Of course, the invitation does need to be accepted and the swimmer and their parents will need to agree to abide by the requirements set down for the squad. These requirements, along with an outline of the program for the relevant squad, will be included with the invitation.
Secondly, the criteria to be met to be considered for a squad has been changed. In most instances it is necessary to reach a standard and compete at either a NSW State or National meet to be considered. That means that it was important to qualify for State and Nationals and then to compete.
The names of some of the squads has been changed to reflect the group belonging to the squad. There will still be a Gathercole Squad and of course a Brophy Team.
The criteria applying to the Elite Squad is still under consideration.
1. Swimmers commitment to their sport will be taken into account with both competition and participation considered.
2.No swimmer will be invited to join a squad unless they have already reached the minimum age.
3. The selection process will be completed as easrly as possible in the calendar with a view to commencing the squad programs early on the winter season.
Age: 10-13
Maximum number of swimmers: 30
Selection: Qualified for and competed at Little State (NSW 9-12 years State Championships).
Selection will be made following Little State with times established between 1 February 2004
and 31 January 2005 taken into account.
Minimum Age: 13 years
Maximum number of swimmers: 25
Selection: NSW State qualifiers who competed at State. Both Winter 2004 and Summer
2004/05 taken into account.
Where heats and finals are swum in an event, finalists will be given preference over
other swimmers.
Swimmers will be ranked using the International Points Score (IPS).
Minimum Age: 13 years
Maximum number of swimmers: 20
Selection: National qualifiers who competed at Nationals. Both Winter 2004 and Summer
2004/05 taken into account.
Swimmers will be ranked using the International Points Score (IPS).
This squad will be selected from swimmers who compete in the Winter Development Series in 2005. A range of activities will be offered to swimmers who are competing in the Series and a team will attend the NSW Development Meet.
To be eligible for consideration for the Gathercole squad swimmers must compete at the Winter Development Series, be at least 10 years old on September 25, 2005 and were not NSW State qualifiers in the 2004-05 Summer Season. Swimmers must also be training throughout the winter within their club program.
Swimmers who are selected to be part of the Gathercole Squad will be notified following the Woden Development Meet.