2023 GBC Swimming Carnival – Event Information:

Parents/Spectators:

As per last year, we will be splitting swimmers and parents/spectators. The competitors will enter the aquatic centre and sit on the Western Side, with parents/spectators entering and sitting on the Eastern side. Note, only officials and competitors waiting to compete are permitted on the main pool deck. Each school to sit in their designated zone and students to be supervised by school staff throughout the day.

Stamping in the stands is not permitted. No zoom lenses photography allowed. No flash photography at the start of races.

Silence is to be observed at the commencement of each race.

Competition and Carnival Guidelines:

• 100m/50m Freestyle events. As per the GBC bylaws – any student that swims in the 100m freestyle event, is not permitted to swim in the individual 50m freestyle event.
• Age Groups: A competitor may compete in his/her own age group or ONE other higher age group, providing he/she remains in that one age group for the carnival.  This rule does not apply to the “Junior” or “Senior” 200 meter events for which a school may enter any eligible competitor. Each student’s age shall be taken as at 11:59 p.m. on December 31st in the year of competition (i.e., born 2nd January 2010 = 12 Years in 2022).
• Age Group Numbering: All competitors MUST have their age group marked (with the use of permanent marker) on one shoulder before they are permitted to swim. These numbers should remain consistent throughout the day.
• Entry to Pool Deck: Please note that entry to the pool deck for swimmers will not be permitted via the main reception area. Access from grandstands to the marshalling room or diving pool (warm up pool) is via the stairs placed alongside the diving pool only.
• Touch Pads: Please ensure that all swimmers are aware of the importance of touching the yellow touch pads at the end of each race. In relay changeovers, swimmers are to leave the pool by the sides to avoid reactivating the touch pads.
• Warm Up Pool: Please note that entry to the diving pool for swimmers to warm up or warm down can only be undertaken if a supervising staff member is present from the school involved. Students must not enter this pool without a supervising adult from their school. Supervising staff should be diligent in moving people on from this areas if they use if for a social gathering. It is to be used for warm ups/cool downs only.
• Competitor Seating: Competitors will sit with their schools until marshalling takes place. If they are using the warm up pool, it is the responsibility of the school to ensure their swimmers attend the marshalling area prior to their event.
• Start: Swimmers should be reminded that the ‘one start’ rule will be in force.
• Disputes / Protests:  In all cases, protests are to be referred to the Convenor (Eddie) who will proceed accordingly.
• Team Changes:  Late team changes are to be forwarded to Eddie prior to the carnival or handed into the recording room 30mins prior to the commencement of the carnival. All changes must be in writing using the template sent to school sport directors and MUST contain the event number of the change to be made.

• Centre Requirements: School officials and coaches are to ensure that the following rules are adhered to:
  • No spitting, crepe paper, confetti, zinc cream, face/body paint or littering in the complex
  • No bags on pool deck, stairways or walkways
  • No leaning on, or hanging over front handrails
  • All banners and signs must be removed on completion of the event
  • All walkways and stairways to be kept clear for the duration of the carnival

Photography: Sleeman Centre requirements

The Brisbane Aquatic Centre has a policy of no flash photography at the start of races and that all cameras with zoom lenses are not permitted to be used in the stands. This is an obvious child safety situation and is important that spectators understand the parameters of bringing photographic equipment with them. Zoom lens photography is permitted on the pool deck only where each school is permitted just one official school photographer.