MASTERS SWIMMING AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
APRIL 23 to 27 2014
ROCKHAMPTON – QUEENSLAND
Masters Swimming Queensland decided to take the 2014 National Championships out of the traditional capital city circuit and into a regional pool. The Rockhampton Southside Memorial Pool was the beneficiary of funding through the Regional Development Australia Fund and the Rockhampton Regional Council to upgrade the facility and make it FINA compliant. They were very keen to host a major event and test out the infrastructure.
Although the site was still a “work in progress”, the vital areas – the competition pool and grandstand – the warm up pool and the change rooms were operational.
The competition pool was to FINA standards and the AOE equipment was fully operational.
The Meet was very well run and the relaxed atmosphere and great weather translated into an enjoyable National Championships for everyone.
Competitors:
There were 423 pool swimmers with every state represented in the competition. The ages ranged from 18 to 91.
Pool Deck Officials:
30 Officials volunteered their time over the 4 days of the pool events.
Of these, 13 were current MSQ accredited officials. 11 were SAL Officials all from Central Queensland Swimming and 6 were Interstate Masters Accredited Officials. All Officials are to be congratulated on their efficiency, their co-operation and their friendship during the Meet.
Swim Meet Infractions:
There were a total of 17 Infraction Reports written over the 4 days of the Swim Meet.
Of these:
6 were “Started before the starting signal”
3 were “Non simultaneous touch” in Breaststroke/Butterfly events 3 were “Did not finish on back” in Backstroke event
2 were “Incorrect turns during the I.M”
1 was “Left position on back during swim”
1 was “Leg movements not simultaneous” in Butterfly
1 was “Feet not turned outward in propulsive part of kick” in Breaststroke
Meet Records:
Many National Records and Branch Records were set. Full details will be available in the Meet Recorder’s final report.
Anzac Day Ceremony
As part of the conditions set by the Queensland Government for the session on Friday 25th April, an ANZAC DAY commemoration was conducted at the pool.
The first event on that day was event 17, the 400M Freestyle. Following that event, at approximately 10.30am, all competitors and spectators assembled in the grandstand for the traditional Anzac Day Commemoration.
All Officials, together with a former regular army person, who was also a competitor in the
Nationals, assembled on the pool deck for the Last Post, the Soldiers Ode and the National Anthem.
Presentation Function
A dinner for over 250 people was held at the local Leichardt Hotel on the Saturday night and the trophies and awards were presented for 2014.
Award Winner
Founders' Trophy Powerpoints (MSV) - 2183 Runner-Up Trophy Malvern Marlins (MSV) - 1103
Visitors' Trophy Powerpoints (MSV)
Vorgee Female Swimmer of the Meet Jenny Whiteley (Ryde, MSNSW) - 4960 Vorgee Male Swimmer of the Meet Mark Thompson (Powerpoints, MSV) - 4498 2013 Vorgee Endurance 1000 Award Talays (MSTas)
2013 Vorgee Endurance 1000 Champion Club Noosa Masters (MSQ) National Heart Foundation Trophy Not awarded
2013 MSA Coach of the Year Peter Johnston (Merrylands, MSNSW) 2013 MSA Official of the Year Jodie Burke(Seaside Pirates, MSNSW) Age Group Trophy - 120-159 years Powerpoints (MSV)
Age Group Trophy - 160-199 years Powerpoints (MSV) Age Group Trophy - 200-239 years Powerpoints (MSV) Age Group Trophy - 240-279 years Malvern Marlins (MSV) Age Group Trophy - 280-319 years Miami Masters (MSQ)
Age Group Trophy - 320-359 years North Lodge Neptunes (MSV) Life Members Trophy (new in 2014) North Lodge Neptunes (MSV) Presidents Trophy (new in 2014) Sutherland Sandbern (MSNSW)
Open Water Swim - Yeppoon – Sunday 27th April.
Conditions were perfect for conducting the OWS at the Yeppoon beach.
Of the147 competitors in the OWS, 58 swam the 1.25k swim, 54 in the 2.5k swim and 31 in the 5k swim. All bar 2 swimmers completed their event.
Yeppoon Surf Life Saving Club were excellent hosts, assisting in marking out the course as well as providing personnel and craft (2x IRB's, 11 Boards and 4 Skis) to ensure all safety requirements were met.
