Long-Term Athlete Development Pathway / Competition Levels
As per Swimming New Zealand’s guidelines the regional pathway has been designed with Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) in mind. Swimmers can target each level of competition from participation at grassroots to performance at a national level. See below the Wellington and SNZ event structures.
LEVEL | Events | Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) |
High Performance | International Comps/NZ National Teams | Training to Win & Perform |
Performance | NZ Swimming Championships National Age Group Swimming Championships | Training to Compete & Perform |
Competitive | Division II Swimming Championship Major Regional Championships | Training to Train & Develop |
Regional | Regional Swimming | Skill Development & Participation |
Local | Inter Club, Club Champs, Club Meets | Fundamentals & Play |
Target events - member meet level
The below outlines the relevant events which can be entered by specific member categories, age ranges and qualifying eligibility. Each level of competition should be a stepping stone for the next, with swimmers typically taking part in a number of events on each step of the pathway.
| Tier 3 (Regional Qualifying meet) | Tier 2 (National Qualifying meet) | Tier 1 (National Qualifying meet) | Regional Champs | National Champs |
Membership status | Club & Competitive members | Club & Competitive members | Competitive members | Competitive members | Competitive members |
Age range | All ages | All ages | 12yrs & Over | Junior or senior specific | Junior or senior specific |
Qualifying times | N/A | Entry times achieved from any meets in the SNZ database (No qualifying times) | Entry times achieved from any meets in the SNZ database (No qualifying times) | Qualifying times achieved from any meets in the SNZ database | Qualifying times achieved from ‘National Qualifying’ meets or Regional Champs |
Qualifying Times Structure
The below diagram shows which times can be used to enter each tier of competition in the Wellington region. Times achieved can be used to qualify for different meets. Swimmers are encouraged to participate at each level to learn the skills needed to race at every tier on the pathway.
If you have any questions on the new structure for the events in our region please do contact Louise Tresch at Louise@swimwn.co.nz to discuss further.
