JUNIOR COMPETITION SQUAD.
Welcome
Junior Competition Squad is a surf sports program running from October to March for suitable nippers from under 9’s to under 13’s wishing to improve and test their surf skills through training and competition. The program is designed to prepare, develop and enhance athlete surf skills, surf awareness in a positive environment for competition in Victoria and potential interstate. It aims to develop surf skills and enjoyment for future life savers and future senior competitors.
SEASON STRUCTURE.
Pre-season
Kick-off (Sep)
During September a season kick-off information session is held for existing athletes and potential new athletes.
Preliminary Evaluations for Newcomers (Sep)
A preliminary evaluation is conducted for Newcomers to demonstrate their ability to meet the minimum ability level for training participation under assessment by WSLSC.
Pre-season Evaluations for Returning Athletes (Sep)
A pre-season evaluation is conducted for returning junior athletes to demonstrate they meet the minimum ability levels for their age groups.
Active Season
Training (Oct – Mar)
Tuesday and Thursday (5pm – 6pm)
Saturday (10am – 11am)
Training sessions are always dictated by conditions and risk assessments but generally involve board paddling and swimming in the lady bay anywhere between WSLSC and the Breakwater.
Junior Carnivals (Dec – Feb)
Generally, 5 single day carnivals are held per season across Victoria for competitors to participate and test their skills against other Victorian clubs.
State Championships (Mar)
3-day carnival held in Victoria at the end of the season to crown state champions in each event.
WHAT IS REQUIRED.
Training Pre-requisites
For compliance and safety reasons, to be able to train with the Junior Competition Squad each athlete must be able to perform correct and continuous freestyle in a 25m swimming pool environment as per below:
U9 – 150m (6 laps) in ~7 minutes
U10 – 150m (6 laps) in ~6 minutes
U11 – 250m (10 laps) in ~10 minutes
U12 – 250m (10 laps) in ~9 minutes
U13 – 300m (12 laps) in ~8 minutes
*Based on minimum pace of ~ 4 min per 100m.
Competition Pre-requisites
For compliance and safety reasons, to be able to compete at a Junior Competition each athlete must be able to perform correct and continuous freestyle in an open water environment as per the below competition distances:
U9 – 150m in 12 minutes
U10 – 150m in 11 minutes
U11 – 288m in 12 minutes
U12 – 288m in 10 minutes
U13 – 288m in 9 minutes
Membership and Nippers
Each Junior Comp Squad athlete must be:
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Maintain their WSLSC membership financially up-to-date.
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Enrolled in and attend the Nippers Program.
Regular External Swimming
Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended that athletes engage in at least 1-hour per week of external swimming classes year round.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED.
Intake Streams
September Intake
Annual Junior CompSquad Preliminary Evaluation.
November Intake
Perform Junior CompSquad Preliminary Evaluation during Nipper intake.
January Intake
During the Nipper Program, nippers may be interested in extending their skills or coaches may observe nippers of befitting skills. A Preliminary Evaluation will be arranged to facilitate.
Ad-hoc Intake
Outside of the 3 intake streams, an ad-hoc preliminary evaluation may be arranged by contacting junior.sport@warrnamboolslsc.org.au
FAQ.
Governance
What guides the structure of the WSLSC Junior CompSquad Program?
All WSLSC junior training and competition activities must be carried out in accordance with SLSA and LSV procedures and Policies.
Parent Involvement
Does the club need my support for the junior competition squad program?
Yes, the program is completely volunteered delivered. We need parent assistance for training and competition administration, water safety, officiating, age/team managing, coaching, board room upkeep, etc.
What is the expectation for parent support?
While understanding that not everyone can do all the volunteer roles required, ideally we’d like newcomer parents to observe the program during their first season, however we generally expect at least one parent to assist the program in some shape or form from their second season of involvement.
Training & Preliminary Evaluations
Can I participate in a training session without completing a preliminary evaluation?
No, although we welcome all newcomers, we have a strict preliminary evaluation process to ensure safety and ability awareness is maintained. Only names on the training roster will be permitted to participate in training. See above ‘how to get involved’.
Can I have my swimming teacher endorse my swimming ability and not complete a preliminary evaluation?
No, although external swimming coaches are highly competent, the preliminary evaluation also serves our coaches to observe ability and behaviors in the water as well as identifying to correct fitting training group?
What if I miss the initial preliminary evaluation sessions?
You can still get involved in the program by the ad-hoc intake method. See above ‘how to get involved’.
What Training group will I be in?
Your training group allocation, for water safety reasons, is based on your abilities. Our groups range include introductory, development and enhancement levels. Pre-season and in-season grading is conducted to ensure athletes are training in the correct group.
Where does training take place?
Each training is based on conditions and a risk assessment. Training areas generally are between WSLSC and the breakwater. While our introductory group generally trains inside and around the break, our development and enhancement groups can be beyond the break up to 250m off the beach (yellow buoys).
Carnivals & Competition Evaluations (S-Badge)
Can I compete in water events at a carnival without my competition evaluation?
No, it is an LSV and water safety requirement that athletes demonstrate they can complete a competition distance in a reasonable time. Distance and times are set by SLSA/LSV.
Can I compete in beach events at a carnival without my competition evaluation?
Yes, there isn’t any pre-requisites to compete in beach events.
When and where are the Competition Evaluations conducted?
Competition evaluations are conducted in November prior to the first carnival when conditions are suitable. They are generally carried out at worm bay around the red buoys.
How many evaluation sessions are held?
We will endeavour to hold at least two evaluation sessions prior to the first junior carnival, providing adequate conditions and water safety resources.
Where are Junior carnivals held?
Junior carnivals are generally held at the following beaches in Victoria. (Warrnambool, Lorne, Anglesea, Ocean Grove, Torquay, Mordialloc, Mt Martha, Pt Leo)
What fees are associated with Carnivals?
Subject to change junior carnivals cost approximately $40 to enter and State Championship are about $75.
Equipment
What equipment do I need to provide to training?
Wetsuit, Hi-vis vest, googles.
What equipment will WSLSC provide for training and competitions?
As part of your Junior Comp Squad membership, a WSLSC Paddle Board will be allocated to each athlete for the season.
How does my board get to a carnival?
Parents are responsible for transporting their allocated club board to and from each carnival. WSLSC will provide a board cover.