WHEELER REGIONAL FAMILY YMCA Tigersharks Swim Team Handbook 2013-2014 YMCA of Greater Hartford Mission Statement The YMCA of Greater Hartford is an association, open to all and committed to helping people develop their God given potential in spirit, mind and body. Our commitment is based on the belief that the purpose of this three fold development is to better live out the values our Judeo/Christian heritage, including caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Updated 7.21.13
Transcript
WHEELER REGIONAL FAMILY YMCA Tigersharks
Swim Team Handbook
2013-2014
YMCA of Greater Hartford Mission Statement The YMCA of Greater Hartford is an association, open to all and committed to helping people develop their God given potential in spirit, mind and body. Our commitment is based on the belief that the purpose of this three fold development is to better live out the values our Judeo/Christian heritage, including caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Updated 7.21.13
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the 2013-2014 Wheeler Regional Family YMCA Tigersharks Swim Team! I am looking forward to yet another successful season with even better things to come!
We are very excited to welcome back Coaches Rachel, Nick, and Audrey. While there will be a couple of new faces added to our coaching staff this season, I am confident that our team will continue to grow, improve, and break records, and make friends all while having fun!
It is important to remember that without your support, our team cannot run successfully. Swimmers, please show your commitment to your team by consistently coming to practices and meets ready to do your best and support your teammates. Parents, volunteering is essential and without the help of parents like you, we can’t time the children, offer a fantastic variety of healthy food and snacks at our meets to refuel your young athletes (and yourselves), or to help us organize the banquet! Each and every one of you has a talent and we need you to share it with the team!
Our Tiger Sharks have a very proud history and I am looking forward to the continued progress and success for this upcoming season. I wish all of you a fun, successful season!
GO TIGER SHARKS!!
Sincerely,
Amanda Robles
Aquatics Director
Wheeler Regional Family YMCA
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Wheeler Regional Family YMCA Tigersharks Swim Team is a competitive swim program serving those in the Greater Hartford communities from the youngest and newest swimmer to nationally ranked athletes. Our current 4-lane training facility is located at the Wheeler Regional Family YMCA in Plainville, CT. We believe that competitive swimming is a great youth sport, involving and enjoyed by the entire family. Our program strives to instill in young swimmers an understanding of and appreciation for self-esteem, personal accountability, goal setting, and achievement through hard work in training and in competition. At the same time, we provide an atmosphere that encourages the development of team sportsmanship, loyalty and camaraderie among competitors. Mission The Wheeler YMCA Tigersharks Swim Team is committed to providing an enjoyable swimming experience for swimmers of all abilities. We strive on teaching and improving technique in strokes to achieve personal best. Our goal is to build sportsmanship, character, skills, friendships and health in our swimmers everyday lives. Organization The Aquatics Director oversees the swim team and operational budget. The Head Swim Coach is responsible for all administrative aspects of the Tigershark Swim Team including program operation, supervision of assistant coaching personnel, volunteers and parent coordination. The Head Coach, along with assistant coaches, is responsible for setting up meets, practice sessions and preparing your swimmer for competition at the appropriate level. How To Become A Sandshark/Tigershark: The Wheeler Regional Family YMCA Swim Team program is made of two groups, the Tigersharks and the Sandsharks. Together these groups make up the Wheeler Regional Family YMCA Swim Team. The Sandshark program is an excellent starter program for inexperienced swimmers – the practice and meet commitment is smaller and the emphasis is on developing skills technique. Tigershark swimmers, usually the more experienced swimmers, will typically practice three or four days per week and will participate in approximately 8 swim meets per season. To sign up for the swim team, you may stop by the Member Services Desk at the Wheeler YMCA or you may call the main phone number with payment ready.
All Swimmers MUST: Be ages 6 –18 years old (15 and under should be green wrist band approved) Register at the Wheeler YMCA as a facility member AND for swim team Complete a Tigershark/Sandshark informational form; one per swimmer; must be
handed in at registration time. The Member Service Desk will pass this form onto the swim coaches.
Complete payment form and either pay in full or pay 1/3 of total at time of registration with signed payment option.
Sign and return both Parent Code of Conduct and Swimmer Code of Conduct at time of registration or no later than the first practice.
Swimmers must have their membership cards on them, present their card at Wheeler YMCA Member Service Desk Center to swipe their card each time upon entering the facility.
Team Affiliation and Representation Policy We take pride in being and representing the Wheeler Tigersharks Swim Team. Any USA swimmer from another team MUST complete a transfer of registration form from that team prior to joining the Tigersharks. There will also be a 120 day standing policy where you will need to swim unattached before representing our team fully. You can only swim for 1 team. High School swimmers must associate with their respective teams during their high school season. Inclement Weather/Pool Closure Policy At times during the season, we may have to close the pool or cancel practice/meets for various reasons. If we do not, please do your best to judge accordingly due to weather. The pool may be closed for thunder and lightning storms. The protocol is to close the pool for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Practice: If the pool is still closed down because it is still storming by a certain time for each group, we will dismiss swimmers at that time, so please plan to pick your swimmer up. Up until that time, we will aim to have dryland activities for the swimmers depending on the space at the Y that is available. Meets: For home and away meets, a decision will be made at least 1 hour (more time will be given for meets that require more travel) prior to the start of warm-ups. An email will go out, and an announcement will also be posted on the website.
COACHING STAFF & CONTACT INFO HEAD COACH Rachel King [email protected] Cell: 860-716-9183 ASSISTANT COACHES Nicholas Daddabbo [email protected] Audrey King Sibylle Gunzl (Additional Coaching Staff TBA) YMCA STAFF Main YMCA Number: 860-793-9631 Amanda Robles – Aquatics Director [email protected] YMCA: 860-793-9631 Sally Miller – Associate Executive Director [email protected] Bob Nenna – Executive Director [email protected]
COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION We believe communication between our coaching staff, swimmers and parents is extremely important. If there is an issue that you would like to discuss with the head coach the best method of communication is to send an e-mail or phone call. All e-mails and phone calls will be responded to within 24 hours. If you would prefer to talk in person with a coach please do so before or after practice. In order to provide your swimmer with the most fulfilling practice, please do not attempt to interact with a coach while he or she is conducting a practice. Website
http://www.teamunify.com/ctwryt Please check constantly for most recent news, meet information, practice updates, etc! Every member will have a log-in account to access certain swim team only information and will need access in order to sign up for meets. E-mail System When you register for the swim team, you are asked to supply an e-mail address. Blast e-mails from the head coach are sent regularly to parents with information on practices, meets, special events and weekly newsletters. E-mail will also be used to communicate urgent messages such as emergency facility closures or practice cancellations. Individual Family Folders In the wet hallway, there is a bin of manila folders where physical papers and items will be distributed. Each registered swimming family will be assigned a folder. Swimmers should check these folders after each practice. These folders will be used to distribute ribbons after each meet. Anything you want to give the coaches or drop off can be placed in the “Coaches” folder in the front of the bin. Team Bulletin Board The swim team maintains a bulletin board in the pool and wet hallway areas. Posted on the bulletin board you will find practice and meet announcements, schedules, special announcements, etc.
TEAM STRUCTURE Practice groups will be based on each swimmer’s skill/ability level/time/attitude/number of swimmers registered. Coaches will assign these groups the first week of practice. Practice groups are subject to change and swimmers can move at any point in the season. SANDSHARKS This is an introductory group that teaches the basic skills in all four strokes. Swimmers MUST be able to swim 25 yards freestyle and 25 yards backstroke. Recommended Age Range: 6-8 Recommended Practices: Offered once per week Recommended Meets: Only home meets WHITE This group is designed to help swimmers continue to learn and refine all four strokes, as well as starts and turns. Emphasis will be on drills and lots of kicking. In addition, swimmers will participate in a basic dryland/stretching program to help build strength and improve flexibility. Recommended Age Range: 7-11 Recommended Practices: Minimum 2 out of the 3 sessions offered Recommended Meets: All meets RED This group is designed to provide swimmers with the physical and technical skills necessary to compete in meets. Pool sessions will emphasize drills, starts, turns, endurance, as well as begin to introduce series of different workout sets. Dryland training will help build general strength, improve flexibility, and reduce injuries. Recommended Age Range: 9-13 Recommended Practices: 3 out of the 5 sessions offered Recommended Meets: All meets BLACK This group is designed to provide swimmers with an emphasis on drills, starts, turns, and endurance. Swimmers will also be introduced to different types of sets, race strategies, goal setting, nutrition, and mental preparation. Yardage and intensity will vary depending on time of season. Dryland training will help build general strength, improve flexibility, and reduce injuries. Recommended Age Range: 11 and up Recommended Practices: 4 out of the 5 sessions offered Recommended Meets: All meets
DRYLAND Dryland will take place before practice on certain days of the week for each group. Please come prepared with sneakers and appropriate clothing in case we go outside or use a different area. For those interested in additional one-on-one, semi-private, or small group training for athletes, you may contact the Wheeler Fitness & Wellness staff! HIGH SCHOOL High School swimmers can join at a discounted rate before or after their high school season. During their high school season, if they wish to swim on the team they can “unattached.” High School swimmers must swim in at least 3 YMCA meets in order to swim in New Englands/YMCA Nationals, with 1 of them being sanctioned. USA SWIMMING OPTION This program is for those swimmers that would like to broaden their experiences by participating in a program that provides more competitions and more opportunities to swim at invitational and championship meets throughout the season. In addition to regular YMCA meets, swimmers will participate in meets in various pools throughout CT. Swimmers that are participating must be serious about continuing their development as a swimmer. More info can be found at http://www.ctswim.org Prerequisites: Swimmers must be 9 or older and at least in the Red group or have the approval from the Head Coach. NOTE: There will be an additional fee for USA swimmers. This fee includes yearly USA Swimming registration fee for athletes, but does not include meet entry fees and will need to be paid when signing up for meets.
Wheeler USA Meet Schedule (TENTATIVE)
Date Who/What Where Time
Sunday 11/10 SNCO Qualifier New Britain, CT
Sunday 12/15 CCAT Invitational Middletown, CT
Saturday 1/4 – Sunday 1/5
WHAT Invitational Farmington, CT
Sunday 1/19 OAK Pentathlon Middletown, CT
Additional and Championship Meets TBD
PRACTICES Practices are designed by the coaches to teach and enhance swimming techniques, endurance, and speed. Training aids such as kick boards, pull buoys, hand paddles and fins may be used. Sets of drills that involve kicking, swimming, and pulling in all four strokes are taught. The coaches try to make each workout both interesting and challenging and they use every opportunity to respond to each individual's effort with reinforcement and praise. Practice Policies The following policies will be enforced on a regular basis. They are instituted in order to ensure the safety of all swimmers, maintain a quality program and establish a respect for the practice, of the coaching staff’s time, and to eliminate disruptions to practice and/or meets.
1. All swimmers are expected to take a shower prior to entering the pool: by law for health reasons.
2. All swimmers are to arrive on deck ON TIME and prepared to swim – with suit, goggles, cap and a bottle of water (no other beverages please).
3. Tardiness will not be tolerated, except for prior note or notification to a coach. Coaches will follow-up on written notes.
4. Please no parents on deck. Parents are welcome to stay in the wet hallway and observe during practices.
5. Parents are asked to limit conversations with members of the coaching staff to the time just prior to or following practice, NOT during practice.
6. After practice, swimmers are asked to keep their shower brief as we have a large team and we need to make sure everyone has a turn in a timely manner. Keep the floors dry. Please do not get dressed in the shower stalls so others can use the showers. Parents are asked to not ‘hold’ showers while waiting for their swimmer to leave practice.
7. Swimmers are expected to utilize the Male Family and Female Family locker rooms only. 8. Please lock all valuables in locker room as we are not responsible for lost or stolen
items. Equipment Needed For Practice: Swimsuit Goggles Towel Swim cap Water bottle Fins
For those that need swim equipment – please visit our team store online: http://www.swimoutlet.com/wheelertigersharks A portion of all sales goes back to support the team!
PRACTICE SCHEDULE Practices will officially begin on Monday, September 30, 2013. They will run until the end of February/end of March – depending on the swimmer’s end of season times/qualifications for Championship meets.
Wheeler 2013-2014 Practice Schedule
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday
Sandsharks 5:30-6:30PM
White 5:30-6:45PM
6:30-7:45PM
2:30-3:30PM
Red 5:30-6:45PM
6:45-8:15PM
5:30-6:45PM
5:00-6:30PM
3:30-4:30PM
Black 6:45-8:15PM
6:45-8:00PM
7:45-9:00PM
5:00-6:30PM
4:30-5:45PM
“Welcome Splash Week” The week before practices start will be a welcome and introduction to our team. Please attend only the sessions that apply to your swimmer(s) age. Monday 9/23- WELCOME INFO SESSION & DISCUSSION *This day is for both swimmers and parents to attend. Swimmers will just need to bring gym clothes and sneakers for an introduction to dryland exercises. Agenda: Welcome, Expectations, Practice Groups/Schedule, Meet Schedule, Website, Equipment, Aqua Aides/Parent Committees 5:30 to 6:30 – 10 & UNDERS 6:30 to 7:30 – 11 & OVERS Tuesday 9/24- SWIMMING. Bring suits, caps & goggles. *Swimmers will be in the pool to have a better idea of practice group placements. 5:30 to 6:30 - 8 & UNDER 6:30 to 7:30 - 9 & 10 Thursday 9/26- SWIMMING. Bring suits, caps & goggles. *Swimmers will be in the pool to have a better idea of practice group placements. 5:30 to 6:30 - 11 & 12 6:30 to 7:30 - 13 & OVER
SWIM MEETS Meet Attendance/Policies It is very important that the head coach know how many swimmers will be attending each meet. While we understand that illness and other unexpected things arise from time to time, the commitment from our swimmers and parents to take ownership in their meet attendance is essential to our ability to run smooth and successful meets. In order to help the coaches create lineups for each meet the following guidelines should be followed. We would like every swimmer to attend all home and away swim meets! (with the
exception of Sandsharks only home). Yankee Cluster Championships will be a required meet for EVERYONE unless given a sufficient reason that you are unable to attend.
Each swimmer is required to respond via the website indicating what meets they will be
participating in throughout the season. The coaches will create the lineups off this master attendance listing.
Meet registration deadlines will be noted on the website under each individual meet and
it is crucial that you sign up before the deadline in order to ensure your child will be able to swim. If you need to leave early/arrive late to a meet please make sure you make note of that when you sign up as well. We will not accept any late entries!
If there is an unexpected absence (kids get sick, etc.) that impacts a swimmer’s meet
attendance please send an e-mail to the head coach or call/text. Swimmers may suggest what they would like to swim at meets, but the coaches will
make the final decisions on event selections and relays based on practice attendance, effort, attitude, and ability.
What To Bring To A Meet: Team suit Goggles (and an extra pair) Team cap Towel Warm-up suit or warm clothing Clothes to change into after meet Suitable swim bag to carry and protect all items Team T-shirt/apparel Snacks Water bottle/Drinks
*Please make sure to write your name on all belongings and bring a lock to lock your valuables in the locker rooms at meets. We cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen items!*
Meet Reminders Entries are sent out prior to the meet, please write your child’s events on their hand to
save time for the coaches. 11 & overs should be able to read a heat sheet and write on their own hands if needed.
Swimmers should wear team suits and team caps. If you do not have a team suit or cap, you must wear a plain solid bathing suit or swim cap. This goes with our team affiliation policy.
8 & unders can leave after their free relay. No glass is allowed on pool deck. Cheer for your teammates! Unless volunteering for timing, officiating or running the system, parents should remain
in the stands. Pool area is for swimmers and coaches only. Swimmers need to clean up their own garbage. Swimmers need to let a coach know where they are at all times during a meet. We
should not be looking for swimmers to line up and cannot be held responsible if a child misses his or her event.
Meet Entry Fees Generally, all YMCA Dual Meets do not have entry fees, however, for league invitational meets, there will be a fee for each of the events that the swimmers are signed up for. USA meets require entry fees to participate in the events. Families are responsible for that entry fee, regardless of attendance later on! YMCA Dual/Tri Meets We are part of the Yankee Cluster YMCA Swim League. The majority of the meets are 'Y' dual meets, which involve two teams. Swimmers are separated by age and gender when competing. Events are organized by stroke. The dual meet season starts in early November and finishes off mid February, with typically two meets scheduled per month. In each swim meet the coaches will determine the lineup, but typically swimmers will swim a maximum of 5 official events: 3 individual events and 2 relays (if there are enough swimmers in the age group to form a relay). 8 & unders swim an abbreviated dual meet with their final event scheduled mid-way through the meet. Age Group: Swimmers will swim the age they are the day of the meet Format: 70 or 82 events divided by age and gender Days/Times: All dual meets are on Saturdays; Times will vary based on home and away
meets YMCA League Invitational Meets In addition to dual/tri meets there are periodically Invitational meets scattered throughout the season. An Invitational meet has a host team that “invites” the teams in the league to participate. Each swimmer will pay a small fee per event.
YMCA Yankee Cluster Championship The end of the dual meet season in February is marked with the Yankee Cluster Championships. This meet is scored, with awards going to the top teams. The Yankee Cluster Championship is very important because it determines our team’s overall ranking in the league for the season. This in turn determines what teams we will compete against in the following year. Friday PM: Distance events 11 and older Saturday AM: Events for 8 and under Saturday PM: Events for 9-10 age group Sunday AM: Events for 11-12 age group Sunday PM: Events for 13 and older Eligibility: Swimmers must have attended 3 dual meets and must be a current YMCA
facility member for a minimum of 30 days. This will be a REQUIRED meet for all Tigersharks and Sandsharks. (High School swimmers will not be able to swim if they are still in their season)
Winter Invitational/Last Ditch Meet This meet is held in late February/early March and is primarily a last chance meet for swimmers to make the New England Championship meet. There are qualifying times for this meet. Eligibility: Swimmers who have reached the Qualifying Standards.
YMCA New England Championship Meet This meet is held in mid/late March and is a regional meet for the YMCA’s of New England. Swimmers must achieve time standards within their age group in order to attend this meet. The meet does not have qualifying times for relays, but if an age group has at least 1 swimmer that has qualified individually, relay only swimmers may be invited to swim in the relays. Eligibility: Swimmers must have attended 3 YMCA dual meets. Swimmers must have attended 1 championship meet. Must be a current YMCA facility member for a minimum of 90 days. Website: www.melroseymca.com
YMCA Nationals To qualify for this meet, swimmers must make rather demanding cut times, which are determined each year by the YMCA National Committee. Eligibility: Swimmers must be at least 12 years old. Swimmers must have attended 3 YMCA dual meets. Swimmers must have attended 1 sanctioned YMCA championship meet. Must be a current YMCA member for a minimum of 90 days. Website: http://www.ymcaswimminganddiving.org
MEET SCHEDULE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED. Times and Locations are TBA.
Wheeler 2013-2014 Meet Schedule
Date Who/What Where Time
Saturday 10/26 Relay Carnival
Friday 11/1 (Distance),
Saturday 11/2 (12/U), Sunday
11/3 (13/O)
Autumn Classic
Saturday 11/16 Home Meet vs. Wallingford and Hartford
Plainville HS
Friday 12/6 – Sunday 12/8
Cluster Invitational
Saturday 12/14 Home Dual Meet vs. Valley Plainville HS
Saturday 1/11 – Sunday 1/12
Cluster Qualifier
Saturday 1/18 Away Dual Meet vs. Farmington Valley
Farmington Valley YMCA
Saturday 2/1 Away Meet vs. Waterbury and Northwest
Waterbury YMCA
Friday 2/7 Distance Meet
Saturday 2/8 Home Meet
Friday 2/22 – Sunday 2/24
Yankee Cluster League Championships
Sunday 3/2 Last Ditch/Winter Invitational
(TBD) YMCA New England Championships
Tuesday 4/1 – Friday 4/4
YMCA SC National Championships Greensboro Aquatic Center, Greensboro,
North Carolina
AQUA AIDES PARENTS COMMITTEE
Parent Run Committees: Being part of the WRTS swim team is a privilege, not a right. Our program will only be successful if every parent is supportive and does their part. The Aqua Aides Committee is composed of parent volunteers. To ensure the fairness of all families involved in the success of the Tigersharks Swim Team, the Aqua Aides has finalized a new parent work/volunteer policy. All families will be responsible for earning a given amount of credits throughout the swim season.
All families are required to earn 10 total points per family. If your child is a Sandshark or a High School swimmer who does not participate in the full season, you will be expected to earn 5 points.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities:
President - (1 needed) - 10 pts Vice President - (1 needed) - 10 pts Treasurer - (1 needed) - 10 pts Secretary - (1 needed) - 10 pts Concession Committee – (8 members who will coordinate overall concession planning at
home meets) - 10 pts Banquet Committee – (6 members who will plan our year end banquet) - 10 pts Volunteer/Family Tracking Committee – (2 members who will remind others to help out
and help with website) - 10 pts League Officials Committee – (10 certified members who will officiate home meets and
possibly away meets) - 10 pts Meet Managers Committee - (3 members to manage the computer at home meets) - 5
pts Suits/Caps/Flippers Committee - (4 members who will handle the order forms and
payments for the suits/caps/and fins) - 5 pts Awards/Ribbons Committee - (2 members to help with ribbons after every meet) - 5 pts Yankee Cluster Committee - (3 members who will be ordering T-Shirts for
Championships) - 10 pts Fundraiser Committee - (3 members who will organize smaller fundraising efforts
throughout the season via Spiritwear & events) - 10 pts Timers/Runners - (22 needed) - 5 pts or 2.5 split meet Concessions Donations - 1 pt per item Concessions Volunteers - 1 pt per hour per person Banquet Donations - 5 pts per raffle package Photographer - (1 needed) - 2.5 pts
GLOSSARY OF SWIMMING TERMS 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 Yard Events - The pool at the Y is 25 yards long. A 25 yard event is one length. A 50 yard event is two lengths. A 100 yard event is four lengths. A 200 yard event is eight lengths. A 500 yard event is 20 lengths. Age Groups - Swimmers are grouped according to their ages: 8 and under; 9 and 10 year olds; 11 and 12 year olds; 13 and 14 year olds and 15-18 year olds. Course – Designated distance over which the competition is conducted. Long course (LCM) is 50 meters and short course (SCM) is 25 meters or (SCY) is 25 yards. Deck Seeding – Heat and lane assignments are determined for the swimmers at the beginning of each meet session, after scratches are taken out. DQ – Disqualification. A swimmer is usually disqualified when s/he performs a stroke, touch or turn incorrectly or when s/he enters the water before the start (false start). Dual Meet - A swim meet where two different teams compete. False Start – When a swimmer enters the water before a race or moves during the start, s/he may be charged with a false start. This results in disqualification, and the swimmer being unable to compete in the event. Freestyle Relay – Four swimmers on each team each swim one fourth of the total prescribed distance all freestyle. Head Timer - A timer who is responsible for making sure an accurate time is collected. These duties include collecting times from other timers and counting laps. Heat – The group of swimmers who swim a race at the same time. Several heats may be held in a particular event. Heat Sheets – Printed listings of all swimmers by event number and entry time. These are also called the Meet program or “Psych Sheets.” IM – Individual medley. The event where a swimmer swims butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle, in that order. Medley Relay – Four swimmers on each team each swim one fourth of the total prescribed distance in the order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle. Meet Director – The individual in charge of planning and organizing all aspects of a meet. It is under the discretion of the meet director that changes be made to the event schedule, scoring, time line, etc. New Englands - This a regional meet, New England Area Swim Meet. You must achieve a qualifying time to be eligible to go. Qualifying Time - Some swim meets require that swimmers swim faster than a certain time for a given stroke in order to participate. These times are published well in advance of the meet. Prelims or Trials – In certain meets, the qualifying rounds for each event to determine the finalists. Usually either the top 12 or 18 will compete again at the finals session. Proof of Time – A requirement at some meets to make certain that swimmers have legally met the entry time standards for that meet. Referee – The YMCA or USA official who has the final authority over all other officials at the meet. He makes all final decisions and sees to the efficient running of the meet. Runner - An individual whose job it is to transport the event cards or timer sheets from the head timer to the scorer’s table.
Seed Times – The times a swimmer uses to enter a meet. These times appear on the heat sheet and the entry cards and determine the swimmers heat and lane assignment in a meet. Seeding – The process of assigning swimmers to lanes and heats by time. In general the swimmers with the slower seed times swim in the earlier heats. The order of swimming in the final heats depends on the type of meet. Starter - Person who starts each race of the meet. Should be Level II certification. Split – The time a swimmer achieves in one or more laps of his race. Coaches use these times to instruct swimmers in pacing. For example, the time for the first 50 yards in a 100-yard race is the swimmers 50 yard split. Starter – The official responsible for starting each heat and calling swimmers to the blocks. Stroke and Turn Judge – An official who determines the legality of swimmers‟ strokes, turns and finishes and disqualifies those who do not conform to YMCA or USA rules depending on the meet. Time Standards – A set of times developed to assist swimmers in performance planning developed by United States Swimming. They are based on percentiles of the 16th fastest time in each stroke in each age group. Timer - A volunteer who starts a stopwatch when the Colorado System flashes and stops the watch when some part of the swimmer’s body touches at the end of the race. There are two or three timers per lane. Touch Pad – An electronic pad, which stops the clock when the swimmer touches it at the end of the race. This is usually the official time, although corrections are made if the swimmer misses the pad. Unattached – The status a swimmer receives when changing from one USA club to another. A swimmer must swim unattached for 120 days from the date of the last USA meet he swam for the previous club. During this time they may compete individually, but may not be entered in relays. Connecticut high school swimmers compete unattached for their USA clubs during the high school swim season. Unofficial - A swim, designated in advance, that does not score points for the team. There is nothing bad about swimming unofficial! A swimmer is only allowed to be official in a certain amount of events during a meet. A coach may have a swimmer swim unofficial because they would like to get a time on the swimmer for a particular event. USA Swimming – Abbreviation for United States Swimming, the governing body for all amateur swimming in the US. National headquarters are in Colorado Springs, CO Yankee Cluster Championships - End of the season championship where all YMCA’s swim against each other. Everyone participates. There are no qualifying times in Yankee Clusters.
REGISTRATION AND FEES All Swim Team Participants must have a facility membership at the Wheeler Regional Family YMCA. Please see a Member Service Representative to either enroll in a membership or to activate a membership. Membership Options include: 1. Youth Membership (per child)- $32 per month 2. Family Membership (up to 2 adults and all children living in the household)- $93.84 per month 2013-2014 Swim Team Fees: 11-18 year old $600 10 years old & under $426 High School Girl (must be on a high school girls team) $426 High School Boy (must be on a high school boys team) $156 Sand Shark $186 Payment Options: 1. Full pay at time of registration 2. Credit/debit card draft: 1/3 of total paid at time of registration with 1/3 of total paid by credit/debit card draft on 10/1/13 and remaining balance paid by credit/debit card draft on 11/1/13. All credit/debit card draft information must be submitted at time of registration. The YMCA strives to serve all people, regardless of ability to pay. Financial Assistance information is available by contacting the Wheeler YMCA. USA Fees: $130 includes registration and coaching fees (event fees paid separately per meet)
WHEELER YMCA TIGER SHARKS SWIM TEAM PAYMENT FORM Membership Type: � Youth � Family Team Fee Swimmer #1 (Name) 11-18 year old �$600 10 years old & under �$426 High School Girl (must be on a high school girls team) �$426 High School Boy (must be on a high school boys team) �$156 Sand Shark �$186
TOTAL: ______ Team Fee Swimmer #2 (Name) 11-18 year old �$600 10 years old & under �$426 High School Girl (must be on a high school girls team) �$426 High School Boy (must be on a high school boys team) �$156 Sand Shark �$186 Sibling Discount (does not apply to USA fees) � 10%
TOTAL: ______ Team Fee Swimmer #3 (Name) 11-18 year old �$600 10 years old & under �$426 High School Girl (must be on a high school girls team) �$426 High School Boy (must be on a high school boys team) �$156 Sand Shark �$186 Sibling Discount (does not apply to USA fees) � 10%
TOTAL: ______
FINAL TOTAL: _________ PAYMENT INFORMATION � Payment in Full � 1 Payment at Registration & Credit/Debit Card Draft (2 equal payments of ___________ will be drafted on 10/1 & 11/1) Card Number: ________________________________________ Exp Date: ___________________________________________ Card Type: � VISA � MC � DISC � AMEX I authorize the Wheeler YMCA to charge my credit card for the above scheduled payments. Signature:_____________________________________ Date:_________________
WHEELER SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION FORM (ONE PER SWIMMER)
In the space provided below, list any pertinent health or medical information and instructions or special problems (allergies, tetanus booster dates, drug allergies, asthma, prescriptions, etc.) _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Aside from yourselves, (the parents of the Swimmer), please indicate (in order), those individuals that you would like the coaches to contact should there be an emergency involving your child: Name:__________________________ Phone: ________________________ Relation: ______________ Name:__________________________ Phone: ________________________ Relation: ______________ Swimmer’s Doctor:________________________________ Phone:_________________________ **************************************************************************************** In case of a minor emergency (cuts, scratches, headache, etc.), I (we) give permission to the coaches or chaperones to treat these as they deem necessary. In the event of a more serious emergency, I give permission for it to be handled in the best manner as determined by the chaperones or coaches of WRTS until I am able to be contacted. TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR HOSPITAL: Permission is hereby granted for you at the discretion of the coaches or chaperons of WRTS to perform whatever care is necessary for the welfare of my child until such time as you are able to reach me personally. INSURANCE INFORMATION (must be complete) Subscriber’s Name:_______________________________________________________ Insurance Company:______________________________________________________ ID # __________________________________________________________________ Group # _______________________________________________________________ Insurance Coverage (i.e. medical, dental):_____________________________________ By signing below, I verify that I have received a copy of the 2013-2014 Handbook and I understand that I am responsible for understanding and complying with the information it contains. Signature:_____________________________________ Date:_________________
WHEELER SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION FORM (ONE PER SWIMMER)
In the space provided below, list any pertinent health or medical information and instructions or special problems (allergies, tetanus booster dates, drug allergies, asthma, prescriptions, etc.) _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Aside from yourselves, (the parents of the Swimmer), please indicate (in order), those individuals that you would like the coaches to contact should there be an emergency involving your child: Name:__________________________ Phone: ________________________ Relation: ______________ Name:__________________________ Phone: ________________________ Relation: ______________ Swimmer’s Doctor:________________________________ Phone:_________________________ **************************************************************************************** In case of a minor emergency (cuts, scratches, headache, etc.), I (we) give permission to the coaches or chaperones to treat these as they deem necessary. In the event of a more serious emergency, I give permission for it to be handled in the best manner as determined by the chaperones or coaches of WRTS until I am able to be contacted. TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR HOSPITAL: Permission is hereby granted for you at the discretion of the coaches or chaperons of WRTS to perform whatever care is necessary for the welfare of my child until such time as you are able to reach me personally. INSURANCE INFORMATION (must be complete) Subscriber’s Name:_______________________________________________________ Insurance Company:______________________________________________________ ID # __________________________________________________________________ Group # _______________________________________________________________ Insurance Coverage (i.e. medical, dental):_____________________________________ By signing below, I verify that I have received a copy of the 2013-2014 Handbook and I understand that I am responsible for understanding and complying with the information it contains. Signature:_____________________________________ Date:_________________
SWIMMERS CODE OF CONDUCT As a member of the Tigersharks Swim Team I agree to the following:
1. I understand that being a member of the swim team is a privilege, not a right. 2. Team members will obey and respect the coaching staff at all times. 3. All participants will wear designated team suits, caps and t-shirts during all competitions. 4. Practice Tardiness: A parent’s note is required for entrance if a swimmer is to be late to practice.
NO NOTE = NO PRACTICE. A parent’s note is also required for early dismissal from practice. 5. Attendance is required at all team meetings and functions. Absences may be excused by
permission of a member of the coaching staff. If a swimmer neglects to complete training commitments without proper notification of the coaching staff, they may be scratched from the upcoming meet.
6. All swimmers are expected to participate in all dual, invitational and championship meets. If unable to participate in a dual or invitational meet, written notice must be provided to the Coach no less than 72 hours preceding the meet. If a swimmer is unable to participate in a championship meet, written notice must be provided by the posted deadline (to be announced).
7. Unsportsmanlike behavior towards team members, officials, other competitors, YMCA staff and coaches at practices, meets, or other outside functions sponsored by this team will not be tolerated.
8. Indiscreet or destructive behavior will not be tolerated. Every effort should be made to avoid 'guilt by association' with such activities at any time. Some of these activities include but are not limited to fighting, wrestling, or other forms of roughhousing or bullying, and damages or theft occurring at any team related event or locale.
9. Consumption, possession, or purchase of smoking or chewing tobacco is prohibited while a member of this team.
Violation of the Code Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in disciplinary action, and at the discretion of the Coaches, any one or all of the following penalties will be applied:
1. Swimmer will receive a verbal warning from the coaching staff; 2. Swimmer will receive a written warning from the coaching staff to the parents; 3. Swimmer may be scratched/sent home from the day's events or the entire meet at the coach's
discretion; 4. Swimmer will be suspended from the team until the swimmer and parents have had a conference
with the coaches of the team; 5. Swimmer will be permanently suspended from the team, but will remain responsible for all
financial obligations through the end of the current season. I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THAT I AM EXPECTED TO FOLLOW ALL OF THE GUIDELINES ABOVE. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WILL BE DISCIPLINARY ACTION SHOULD I FAIL TO MEET THESE EXPECTATIONS. Signature:_____________________________________ Date:_________________
PARENTS CODE OF CONDUCT All parents are required to read and sign this code of conduct prior to their child(ren) being able to participate on the Tigersharks Swim Team. This program will only be successful if every parent does their part.
1. Parents are expected to practice team work and sportsmanship with all parents, swimmers, coaches and YMCA staff by supporting the values of discipline, loyalty, commitment and hard work. Compliance with these practices will result in setting a great example for your swimmers and others.
2. To assure the maximum performance level for our swimmers: Swimmers – Swim Coaches – Coach Officials – Officiate Parents – Parent
3. To maintain the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility we require our parents to refrain from criticizing, name-calling, or the use of abusive language or gestures directed towards the coaches, officials, other parents and/or participating swimmers.
4. Parents are not allowed on deck at meets unless they are a designated worker or an official. If a parent is working at a meet, they cannot use that job to contact their child. Parents must remain in the designated parent seating area.
5. To allow the coaches to coach and for the safety of all swimmers, parents are not allowed anywhere on the pool deck during practices or meets.
6. To allow maximum coaching time for each group, we require communication with the coaches be done via email or telephone. Communication can be done with coaches prior to the first practice session or after the last practice session on any given day.
7. If your swimmer is late to practice make sure you have a hand written note and give it to the swimmer to bring on deck for late admission to practice.
8. Only questions or concerns regarding the training or performance of your swimmer(s) should be directed to the coaching staff. All other questions or concerns regarding schedules, meets, entries, fee, fundraising etc. should be addressed to Amanda Robles, Aquatics Director, and/or the individual designated for that activity. Amanda can be contacted via email ([email protected]) or by phone at 860-793-9631.
9. You are responsible for any written communication posted on the bulletin board(s), sent in emails and in team folders.
10. All parents must understand their responsibility to respect the opinion of other parents on this team. If there is a disagreement, please utilize discretion especially in front of swimmers. If a problem arises between adult parties that affects the functioning or morale of this team and/or violated any aforementioned code of conduct regulation, the Wheeler YMCA Tigersharks Swim Team reserves the right to impose the following disciplinary actions: 1st Occurrence: Written Warning 2nd Occurrence: A meeting between the adult parties involved and a team official 3rd Occurrence: Termination from the team (parents and children)
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF MY REQUIREMENTS AS A PARENT AND AGREE TO ALL THE ABOVE CONDITIONS. Signature:_____________________________________ Date:_________________
