CHANCE FOR UNDER-14’s

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 15

CHANCE FOR UNDER-14’s

Team For N.Z. Titles

Provided times are of a reasonable standard and there are signs of potential, four under-14 competitors may be included in the Canterbury team to take part in the New Zealand amateur swimming championships at Blenheim (February 17-22). This suggestion, made by the selectors (Messrs D. W. Cain, B. E. McKenzie, and R. W. Luscombe). was approved at a meeting of the Canterbury centre last evening.

In a prepared report, the selectors said that they were "very keen" to include the four under-14 swimmers in the team.

"It is proposed to select a training squad at an early date and this season swimmers will be required to attend training session* regularly. The training session must be regarded as such and not just as a token visit or, worse still, a social visit,” the selectors stated. “All swimmers selected will remain under the care of their own coaches, but must be prepared to train, not just put in an appearance.”

A list of times, to be taken as a guide to the standard required before a swimmer could seriously be considered a contender for the Canterbury team, were put forward by the selector* and approved. It was pointed out that a swimmer would not be included in the team automatically if he reached the time set for hi* event, and that failure to attain the time set might not rule out what could be classified as "a swimmer with potential.” "Times registered in event* not conducted in Canterbury will be given due consideration providing they are confirmed by responsible timekeeper*.” the selector* emphasised. Regarding the South Island championships. to be held at Greymouth on December 14, the selectors confirmed that it was their policy to be represented in all events if times were up to standard.

Consideration would be given to sending two swimmer* for the women'* freestyle events if that would mean that valuable experience would be gained by tbs swimmers concerned. Juniors could also be selected for senior event* for the same reason, stated the selector*.