Each year, the Tasmanian State Short-Course Championships is a special opportunity for our swimmers to travel as a club. It’s much more than just another "meet" — it’s a chance for swimmers to spend time together out of the water, race hard, support one another, and represent Northcote as a unified team. Ask any of our older swimmers, they'll tell you that it is an absolute highlight on our annual calendar.

In 2026, the Championships will be held on the weekend of August 29th–30th. Most swimmers, coaches and supporting parents will fly down together on the morning of Friday, August 28th, which means most swimmers will need to take a day off school.

While we would love to take a big team away, because this is a team-based interstate trip involving travel, time away from school, and strong club representation, selection is not automatic.

The following considerations will guide how we select swimmers to be part of the Northcote team for Tasmania. Please read these through the information below and then let us know if you are interested in joining the team by completing this form.

Who's Eligible

• Squad Requirement - Swimmers must be members of the Silver or Gold Squad at the time of the Championships.

• Age Requirement - Swimmers must be 11 years of age or older at the time of the Championships. Note that swimmers aged 11 or 12 MUST be accompanied by a parent.

Performance & Entry

• Qualifying Standards - Swimmers must have achieved official qualifying times in AT LEAST TWO individual events. Note that there are NO individual 50m events for younger swimmers, which means they will need to qualify in 100m events.

• Relay Readiness - To give every swimmer an equal opportunity for relay selection, swimmers must have official times in ALL 50m events and the 100m Freestyle. Relays are a very big part of what makes Tasmania special — depth and flexibility matter.

Training & Commitment

• Consistency Matters - Swimmers are expected to meet the minimum attendance requirements for their squad (e.g. 60% attendance). The coaching team needs to see you swimming regularly to know how well you are swimming and to know that you are committed to your swimming.

• Holiday Fitness - Tasmania sits near the end of the winter season. Swimmers are expected to maintain their fitness over the holiday period. While attending squad is preferred, swimmers who are away should stay active through other sports or independent swims. Programs are available from your squad coach on request.

• Looking After Your Body - We love multi-sport athletes. That said, in the lead-up to Championships, please use good judgement around high-impact or injury-prone activities. An injury close to competition can undo months of steady progress.

Team Culture & Sportsmanship

• Coachable, Respectful, Positive - We select swimmers who bring a positive mindset, listen to feedback, and show respect to teammates and coaches. Tasmania is as much about who we are as how we swim.

• Active Team Support - We are one team. Swimmers are expected to actively support one another — cheering, high-fiving, encouraging after tough swims, and celebrating personal bests as loudly as podium finishes.

• Leading the Way - Selected swimmers represent the club beyond their own races. Younger swimmers look up to you. We expect leadership in attitude, behaviour, and effort — in and out of the water.

Thanks everyone.

Crispin
Club President