sussex family ymca team handbook 20151).pdf · 1 sussex family ymca team handbook 2015 table of...

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SUSSEX FAMILY YMCA TEAM HANDBOOK 2015

Table of Contents -2

Introduction Page 3 Objectives of SFY Tsunamis Page 3 Team Philosophy Page 4 SFY Accomplishments Page 4 YMCA Swimming Page 4

C&P League-Winter DSA-Summer

Mid-Atlantic Swimming (MA-USA) Page 5 American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) Page 5 Coaching Staff and Parent Boosters- “Tsunami Spirit” Page 5 Team Structure Page 6 Swim Seasons Practice Groups-revised 2013 Page 7-10

JV -Tidal Waves Tsunami 1 Tsunami 2 Tsunami 3 Tsunami 4 Tsunami 5 Tsunami National

Registration Information Page 11

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Fee Structure Page 11-14 Annual Swimmer Registration Fee Program Fees-Seasonal NEW 2015! Payment Options and Procedures Meet Fees USA Fees

Communication Page 15

Website-www.sfyswim.com Family Mailboxes SFY Newsletters Tsunami Bulletin Board

Team Apparel and Equipment Page 16-17

Practice Equipment Competition Equipment Tsunami Spirit Apparel

Swim Practice Guidelines Page 17 SFY Facility and Pool Rules Page 17

Locker Room Etiquette Pool Rules Thunder and Lightning Policy

Coach/Parent/Swimmer Triangle Page 18

Swimmer (Athlete) Guidelines Parent Guidelines Coaches Responsibilities

Keeping the Proper Perspective Page 19-20 Swim Meet Basics 1-24

Philosophy of Competition General Guidelines Swim Season Schedule How to Enter a Swim Meet Team Records Time Standards By joining SFY you agree to the following... Swim Meet Protocol

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Welcome to the SFY Tsunami Family

This handbook provides information about the SFY Tsunami swim team and the sport of swimming in

general.

The SFY Tsunami competitive program is a year-round, swim program dedicated to advancing the sport of swimming. SFY provides a program for all swimmers who wish to improve their swimming skills through training year round and seasonal competition. Our coaching staff has developed a program that provides each swimmer the required skills and conditioning to be successful at any level of swimming. The skill level of SFY swimmers ranges from the noncompetitive swimmer (JV - Tidal Waves) and swimmers who are competing in YMCA, USA and Invitational Meets.

Competitive swimming is a wonderful activity for everyone, and is a sport in which the entire family can be involved. The competitive philosophy at SFY is to allow swimmers to set goals for themselves and then compete against their own past performances to achieve these goals. With this approach, swimmers learn self-motivation to achieve their goals and personal pride once their goals are reached. These qualities produce a positive influence on their character, schoolwork and other community activities. The SFY Coaching Staff is passionate and proud to provide a program that plays such a positive role in swimmers lives.

OBJECTIVES OF SFY The objectives of the SFY Tsunamis include:

An opportunity to participate in a sport that allows development of social and personal skills that will be used for a lifetime.

Promotion of physical fitness, proper conditioning and good health habits.

Assist our youth in the development of good sportsmanship, personal pride, positive self-image, team participation, self-discipline and responsibility.

Providing training and facilities that allows young athletes to reach their maximum swimming potential.

Providing a training program that will allow competitive swimmers to advance to all levels of competition through YMCA (CPSL), United States Swimming (USA) and Delmarva Swim Association (DSA).

Supporting and advancing YMCA Competitive Swimming (CPSL) by being actively involved and participating in meets at all levels.

Supporting and advancing Mid-Atlantic Swimming, Inc. by being actively involved and participating in USA meets.

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TEAM PHILOSOPHY Team functions, fundraisers and swim meets bring all swimmers, parents and coaches together to provide an atmosphere of cooperation, unity and stability during the crucial years of swimmer’s development. Athletic programs provide valuable lessons on many practical levels such as teamwork, sportsmanship, winning, losing and dedication to goals. Through the SFY Tsunamis, swimmers learn self-discipline, build confidence and develop qualities that enable them to become responsible adults and productive citizens.

A SFY Swimmer should understand that membership and participation on the SFY swim team is a privilege and not a right. Both swimmers and parents must abide by all rules, policies and procedures as set forth by the coaches and Parents Board. Swimmers should demonstrate high standards by showing an exemplary attitude and positive work habits, and be aware that, as a member of SFY, their actions are a reflection of their family, community and the SFY Tsunamis.

SFY ACCOMPLISHMENTS SFY is proud of the goals that its swimmers have accomplished over the years. These accomplishments could only have been realized through the hard work of the athlete, the dedication of family and all the volunteer efforts by the members of SFY who work so hard to provide an environment for the continued growth and success of SFY swimmers.

TSUNAMI SWIMMING SFY participates in the Chesapeake & Potomac Swim League (CPSL) from October-April. The Mid-Atlantic USA (MA) during the Short Course and Long Course seasons (October-July) The Delmarva Swim Association (DSA) during June and July.

UNITED STATES SWIMMING SFY and its swimmers, who chose to be so, are members of United States Swimming (USA) which is the national governing body for amateur competitive swimming programs in the United States. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the Olympic Training Center, USA staff interact with fifty-nine Local Swimming Committees (LSCs), athletes, coaches and volunteers at all levels, to provide a variety of services to almost 300,000 registered athletes, 20,000 non-athletes and more than 2500 swim teams.

USA is responsible for establishing rules and regulations governing member swimmers, conducting national championships, providing educational programs, services, and training for USS certified coaches, disseminating safety and sports medicine information, selecting competitors to represent the USA in international competitions, and insuring the development of its member clubs and age groups swimmers. USS is the ruling body of sanctioned swim meets in the United States. USA meets are designed to protect the swimmer, provide fair and equitable conditions of competition, and to promote uniformity of the sport.

You can access USA on the INTERNET www.usswim.org and www.usaswimming.org

http://www.usswim.org/

http://www.usaswimming.org/

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MID-ATLANTIC SWIMMING

USA is comprised of four zones: Eastern, Southern, Central and Western. Each Zone is made up of a number of Local Swim Committees (LSCs). SFY is a member of the Mid-Atlantic LSC which is part of the Eastern Zone. Any SFY team member may join USA and must do so in order to compete at a USA meet with our team. USA registration provides the required liability insurance, and must be completed before a swimmer can participate in a meet. The registration must be renewed annually, and as part of the fee, the swimmer will receive “Splash Newsletter” which provides information for all levels of swimmers. NEW FOR 2015: All Level 4 and above swimmers are encouraged to be USA members. Renewals and new members are due October 15th of each year.

AMERICAN SWIM COACHES ASSOCIATION The American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) is the primary source for education and certification of coaches and represents a standard of excellence for swim coaches in the United States. Although coaches are not required to be members of ASCA, SFY is proud that its team of coaches is gaining certification by ASCA, and takes pride in the code of ethics and commitment to excellence that this represents. Aside from the primary educational function, which includes an annual clinic for coaches worldwide, ASCA provides a ranking system for coaches based on experience and accomplishments. Coaches are ranked from Level 1 to Level 5 with the top 2-4% of the coaches in the country ranked as Level 5, the top 4-7% certified as Level 4 and the top 15% being certified Level 3. The remaining 75% of the coaching population are within Level 1 and Level 2 categories.

For more information online: http://www.swimmingcoach.org

COACHING STAFF & PARENTS BOOSTERS Information on our Coaching Staff and our Parents Boosters can be found on the team’s website at www.sfyswim.com

TEAM STRUCTURE SFY is a progressive year-round competitive swim team geared towards long term development. The success of the team can be attributed to the development of well-rounded swimmers. SFY does not encourage stroke-specific swimmers; in any quality age group program, all four strokes are mastered to give the swimmer and the coach more flexibility and options. To this end, SFY has several practice groups based on age and skill level. The practice groups at SFY have been carefully thought out and planned for the protection and development of all swimmers. Since swimmers of the same age may learn skills at different speeds, there may be exceptions to the group dynamics.

http://www.swimmingcoach.org/

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The two major determining factors when dealing with the placement of an athlete in a specific practice group are age and ability level. In terms of age, SFY prefers to keep swimmers of a similar age and development together. At SFY, the emotional, physical and mental development of each athlete is evaluated to insure that an athlete is ready for the next level of training. If any one of these three areas is less developed, a move to the next practice group may be delayed until the area in question is more fully developed. Please remember that all decisions about group placement are carefully thought out and are in the best interest of the swimmer(s). Any question regarding a swimmer's placement within the SFY program should always be directed to the swimmer's coach.

Swim Seasons The Tsunami Competitive Program is based on a trimester system, and swimmers are encouraged to participate year round. Billing is based on which practice sessions the swimmers have been assigned to by the coaching staff.

Session I: Fall Training Session I: Winter Swim Team Session III: Spring Training Session III: Summer Swim Team

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PRACTICE GROUPS-Revised 2015

Note: Coaches placement is REQUIRED for all levels

Please check practice times on our team website-

Any changes will be posted to the team calendar and in the

SFY Team News link online

Starfish Club (ages 7 & Under) Prerequisites: 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke without stopping. *If unable to complete the minimum requirements-children should enroll in swim lessons to strengthen their skills.

This group is typically for swimmers ages 8 and younger. The emphasis at this level is on technique development, balance and kicking skills. Swimmers in the Starfish Club learn the basics of all strokes, turns and starts which are essential building blocks for competitive swimmers. These swimmers have 2 practice sessions per week. Participation in all home meets is encouraged. Season: Swimmers register by the session.

Tsunami-Level 1 (ages 5 & Older) Prerequisites: 25 yards of freestyle with rotary breathing and backstroke without stopping. *If unable to complete the minimum requirements-children should enroll in swim lessons to strengthen their skills.

The major emphasis is on refining individual stroke technique, kicking and balance in the water. Minimal training is introduced at this level with the focus on teaching the swimmers how to train together. Dry land or “out of the water” stretching is introduced at this level. Level 1 has 2 practice sessions per week. Participation in Opening Gun Swim Meet, all home meets and two away meets is required. Coaches will select any Championship Qualifiers end the conclusion of our last dual meet in February. Season: October 6, 2015 through the last dual meet in February 2016 unless invited to represent the Tsunami Team at Championships.

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Tsunami-Level 2 (ages 5-& Older) Prerequisites: 50 yards of freestyle with rotary breathing and backstroke without stopping and a basic knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly. The major emphasis is on refining individual stroke technique, kicking and balance in the water. Minimal training is introduced at this level with the focus on teaching the swimmers how to train together. Dry land or “out of the water” stretching is introduced at this level. Level 2 has 2 practice sessions per week. Participation in Opening Gun Swim Meet, all home and away meets is required. Coaches will select any Championship Qualifiers end the conclusion of our last dual meet in February. Season: October 6, 20115 through the last dual meet in February 2016 unless invited to represent the Tsunami Team at Championships.

Tsunami-Level 3 (ages 8 & Older) See new practice schedule

Must have a “B” Time or better in at least one event

2013-2016 Time Standards can be located online: http://www.usaswimming.org/_Rainbow/Documents/247b781e-ec16-406d-bc76-

38aea59b0008/2016MotivationalTimes-Top16.pdf

Prerequisites: 50 yards of freestyle with rotary breathing and 100 IM complete with proper open turns.

Although the group continues to reinforce technique, training becomes a major component of these practice sessions. Minimal dry land work is included in this group. Level 3 has 3 practice sessions per week. Participation in Opening Gun Swim Meet, all dual meets and one invitational meet is required. Coaches will select any Championship Qualifiers end the conclusion of our last dual meet in February. Season: October 1, 2013 through the last dual meet in February 2014 unless invited to represent the Tsunami Team at Championships.

Tsunami-Level 4 (ages 10-Older) Prerequisites: Swimmers need to be able to swim for 90 minutes and repeat sets of 100 yards in all four competitive strokes. Also must have District time in at least one event and a Level 4 Team Agreement signed. *Full YMCA membership is required to compete at the District Meet in March. This group is comprised of swimmers who have chosen swimming as their primary focus outside of school. These athletes are developing training habits to make the transition to compete at all Meets. Goal setting is introduced. Level 4-5 has 4 practice sessions per week. Participation in Opening Gun, all dual meets and a minimum of 3 USA/Invitational Meets is required. Season: October 6, 2015 through the league Championships in February 2016 unless invited to represent the Tsunami Team at Districts.

http://www.usaswimming.org/_Rainbow/Documents/247b781e-ec16-406d-bc76-38aea59b0008/2016MotivationalTimes-Top16.pdf

http://www.usaswimming.org/_Rainbow/Documents/247b781e-ec16-406d-bc76-38aea59b0008/2016MotivationalTimes-Top16.pdf

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Tsunami-Level 5 (Coaches placement required) Prerequisites: Swimmers need to be able to swim for 90 minutes and repeat sets of 200 yards in all four competitive strokes. Also must have District time in at least one event and a Level 5 Team Agreement signed. *Full YMCA membership is required to compete at the District Meet in March

This is the next highest level of the program and is designed for the serious athlete that is committed to the sport throughout the year. At this level, rigorous training and conditioning methods are used with continuous emphasis on racing techniques and strategies. Personalized goal setting at all levels of competition is an integral part of practice sessions. Level 5 has 4-5 practice sessions per week. Participation in all dual meets, USA and Invitational Meets is expected. Season: October 5, 2015 through the league Championships in February 2016 unless invited to represent the Tsunami Team at Districts.

Tsunami-National Team (Coaches placement required) Prerequisites: Must have National team agreement signed. This is the highest level of the program and is designed for the serious athlete (11 & Older) that is committed to the sport throughout the year and desires to compete at the Collegiate Level. At this level, rigorous training and conditioning methods are used with continuous emphasis on racing techniques and strategies. Personalized goal setting at all levels of competition is an integral part of practice sessions. Level has 5 practice sessions per week with individual dry land training included. Dryland Training is Tuesday & Thursday from 4:30-5:30pm. Participation in all dual meets, USA and Invitational Meets is expected. *Season begins September 1, 2015 - YMCA Short Course Nationals in April 2016 and or Long Course Nationals in July 2016.

www.sfyswim.com

http://www.sfyswim.com/

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Ready to sign up for 2015-2016 Winter Swim Team?

This year, start the process ONLINE at

www.sfyswim.com PLEASE NOTE - Registration is a 3-step process...

Step 1 - Visit www.sfyswim.com and click “Start Registration”. We are pleased to offer electronic

team registration. The process is simple for both new and returning members.

Step 2 - After completion of ONLINE registration, you MUST print out your fee schedule for the 2013/2014 season to take to Member Service. This estimate of fees due is based on information entered by you, and based on a payment schedule beginning on September 1st. This estimate may change when membership options and schedule are confirmed at Member Service. NOTE: EVERY swim team swimmer must have a YMCA membership. YMCA membership fees are not included in the Swim Team Fees.

Step 3 - Bring fee schedule to Member Service at Sussex Family YMCA and make your YMCA membership and swim team payment arrangements. Every Swim Team member is required to have a YMCA membership (YMCA membership fees are not included in the Swim Team Fees).

complete and your child cannot practice with the team until membership and payment arrangements have been made.

FEE STRUCTURE

Annual Registration Fee

All swimmers pay an annual registration fee of $60 before starting practice. All swim team members must pay this fee prior to the start of the Winter Swim Team Season. This fee is only paid once a year – if the swimmer pays registration fee in September, there will not be a registration fee in June. These fees are non-refundable.

Program Fees

Program fees are based on length of season, number of meets required and coach to swimmer ratios. See SFY Program Guide for details. USA, Invitational and Championship Meet fees are additional.

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Payment Options 2015-2016 Winter Swim Team

Level Fee Due at signup

FULL MEMBER

1 & 2 $60 Registration fee $60

$300 Program Fee

September 75.00

October 75.00

November 75.00

December 75.00

January 75.00

$135.00 due today ** this amount does not include required membership fees.

PROGRAM MEMBER

1 & 2 $60 Registration fee $60

$400 Program Fee

September 80.00

October 80.00

November 80.00

December 80.00

January 80.00



FULL MEMBER

LEVEL 3 $60 Registration fee $60

$375 Program Fee

September 93.75

October 93.75

November 93.75

December 93.75


PROGRAM MEMBER


$475 Program Fee

September 118.75

October 118.75

November 118.75

December 118.75


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FULL MEMBER


$475 Program Fee

September 75.00

October 80.00

November 80.00

December 80.00

January 80.00

February 80.00

$135.00 due today

** this amount does not include required membership fees.

FULL MEMBER


$525 Program Fee

September 87.50

October 87.50

November 87.50

December 87.50

January 87.50

February 87.50



FULL MEMBER

National Team $60 Registration fee $60

$575 Program Fee

September 98.00

October 79.50

November 79.50

December 79.50

January 79.50

February 79.50

March 79.50


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Payment Procedures Checks should be made out to the Sussex Family YMCA for all fees. There is no proration of fees for late registrations Bank draft Fees will be paid on the first or the fifteenth of each month. If program fees are not paid by the 15th of the month, a late fee of $25 will be assessed. If there are any outstanding fees, the swimmer (s) will not be allowed to participate in any scheduled practices or competitions. Note: If there is a problem, please call the YMCA 302-296-9622 Ext.116 and ask for Lydia. Other Expenses

Required equipment-Swimmers are required to provide their own team suit and equipment (details are listed for each practice group)

Meet Fees-Each swimmer will be invoiced for meet fees when applicable. Fees are due upon receipt and are non-refundable. Check payments should be made out to Sussex Family YMCA and Cash paid at the Member Services Desk with a copy of your invoice. Monthly billing with a credit card is available through our team web site.

USA Swimming-registration, membership, insurance. Every athlete who competes or practices in a USA Swimming sanctioned event must register with and become a member of USA Swimming, Inc. Renewable each October 1st, the registration fee is paid to SFY, who in turn send one payment to USA swimming. Included with the USA fee is excess medical accident insurance that covers the athlete at any sanctioned event or supervised practice. Any necessary forms are available in the team mailbox or online- More information is available on the USA Swimming website: http://www.usaswimming.org

COMMUNICATION Communication between the YMCA, coaches, swimmers and parents is vital. SFY has four methods with which to keep swimmers and families informed. The most important method to become familiar with is our used Tsunami friendly website. Parents are urged to visit these sites often, especially the SFY Tsunami website to stay abreast of upcoming events.

Tsunami Website- www.sfyswim.com

This is the primary method of keeping families apprised of current information. SFY NEWS (updated almost daily), meet schedule, meet locations and directions, are posted on this site and continuously updated. In addition, team records, Parent Booster information, links to competitive swimming and information about joining the SFY Tsunamis can be found on the website.

Note: All registration will be completed online at www.sfyswim.com

Note: each family is given a logon at the time of registration.

http://www.usaswimming.org/


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Family Mailbox

The SFY file system is another of the Tsunamis methods of communication. Each swimming family has a folder located in the pool lobby. All information that is distributed in hard copy form is placed in these folders, and swimmers and parents should check them at each practice. Extra copies of information distributed are posted on the bulletin board. Meet awards are filed here by the first practice following a meet.

WHERE DO I GO WHEN I HAVE QUESTIONS?

THE SFY Tsunamis rely on the Parent Boosters to perform specialized functions relating to meets, fund raising and volunteers. Should you have a question regarding any of these activities, please go to the Tsunamis website at www.sfyswim.com. If you have further questions, please contact Lydia A. Schmierer – Head Coach ([email protected])

TEAM APPAREL AND EQUIPMENT

Practice Equipment

The following practice uniform should be worn by all swimmers during scheduled practice sessions: Goggles (preferably with a bungee strap) are essential to see while swimming Suits used for practice should NOT be the same as the suits used for competition. The

practice suit should be snug, but not as tight as the competition suit. It is important that the suit be form fitting or snug; once a suit starts to stretch out, it acts like a parachute in the water and can become a hindrance in training. Girls may not wear a two-piece suit and boys may not wear swim trunks to practice.

Swim caps are sold to each swimmer at registration and are mandatory if the hair is longer than 2 inches. Additional caps may be purchased at the member service desk.

Water Bottles are mandatory for Levels 3-5, but highly encouraged for all levels. Fins (zoomers) will be used at Levels 3-5 and are required. Hand paddles will be used for

levels 4 and over. The individual swimmers may place an order in the fall with our team retail representative or order online. There will be an exchange/swap for outgrown fins and other swim items at the parents meeting.

Competition Equipment

The competition uniform is to be worn by all Tsunami swimmers at all swim competitions. The uniform consists of:

Goggles-preferably with a bungee strap SFY Cap-sold at registration or Member Service Team Suit-can be purchased at the suit fitting at the beginning of the season or information

for off-season purchase can be found on the team website at www.sfyswim.com

mailto:[email protected]


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Wearing SFY apparel during SFY team competitions is strongly encouraged. Please see the website (Order SFY Gear) to order t-shirts, sweats, etc. with the Tsunami logo.

Team Equipment

Each group has specific equipment that is used during practice and swimmers are responsible for being prepared for every workout. The equipment requirements for each level are as follows:

JV : goggles, cap, suit Level 1 & 2: goggles, cap, suit and water bottle Level 3: goggles, cap, suit, fins (zoomers) and water bottle

Level 4 and above: goggles, cap, suit, fins, paddles (see coaches) and water bottle

It is recommended that swimmers label their equipment and purchase a mesh equipment bag to keep their swim gear in. Any swim gear left on deck will be “Bought Back from Coach”. Goggles: $1;Cap: $2;Zoomers/Paddles: $5 Money will then be deposited in our team account.

Tsunami Spirit Apparel

At SFY we believe that the team concept is one of the most important components for success. One method of promoting the team concept is the team apparel.

The Tsunamis have seasonal orders where team apparel is sold. Please check out the current availability on the SFY website: www.sfyswim.com

SWIM PRACTICE GUIDELINES Plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes before practice starts. Important announcements and session goals will be made at the beginning of every practice session. All swimmers need to be “SWIM READY” when their practice session starts.

Are you “Swim Ready”?

Suit, cap and goggles on? Equipment on deck and in your assigned lane? Water bottle full?

SUSSEX FAMILY YMCA FACILITY AND RULES The Tsunamis practice at the Sussex Family YMCA. Please remember that we share the facility with other SFY members and guests and need to be respectful at all times. All SFY facility and pool rules are strictly enforced at all times.

No spectators are allowed on deck during practice sessions No glass containers-anywhere! Swimmers are required to place back packs on top of lockers if they do not fit inside. (Do not

leave anything in the locker room unless it can fit on top of a locker or inside)

All swimmers and parents will sign-in prior to each practice session (sign in sheets are located in lobby)

Parents will be notified immediately if their swimmer(s) is breaking the rules. See Code of Conduct

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Weather Policy

Every attempt will be made to hold scheduled practices. Please check SFY News on the team website before leaving if serious weather is imminent.

At the first site of lightning or sound of thunder, the pool will be immediately evacuated. Swimmers will not be allowed to return to the pool deck until 30 minutes after the last occurrence of thunder or lightning. Practice cancellation is the discretion of the coaching staff.

KEEPING THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE It is human nature that a person can and may lose ability to remain objective in matters concerning his or her child. Please consider the following:

Every individual learns at a different rate and responds differently to the various methods of presenting skills. The slower learner obviously takes more time to master a skill and this requires greater patience on the part of both coach and parent, who must remember that the athlete's ultimate swimming potential may be as great as the faster learner.

When an athlete first joins the team and begins practicing, it is possible for the abilities to

worsen, rather than improve. In the case of Levels 1-3, this is likely due to emphasis placed on stroke technique and development which takes a great deal of the swimmers time and effort to master. One must remember that these new sets of habits are the building blocks for later development. As training progresses to the upper level practice groups, the additional stress placed on muscles can often cause the muscles to “break down” under the demand of the additional work-thus causing a lack of improvement. Over time, the muscles will gradually recover and strengthen and the athlete’s performance will improve.

“Plateaus” can occur at any time in a swimmer's career. A plateau usually signifies that the

swimmer has mastered the lower-ordered skills but they have not yet become sufficiently automatic to leave the attention free to focus on high-ordered skills. It is important that the athlete and parent understand that these plateaus occur in all fields of physical learning. The successful athletes are those that continue to work hard through this temporary delay in improvement and go on to achieve the greater performances needed to approach their personal peaks.

Children ten (10) years and younger are the most inconsistent swimmers. This can be

frustrating for parents, coaches and swimmers alike. As adults, we must remain patient and permit these youngsters to learn to love their sport.

It is important for parents to realize that slow development at an early age is normal and usually more desirable than forcing early development. It is also important that everyone learn to develop some competitive spirit while learning to adapt to reasonable levels of emotional stress. The small disappointments that we learn to handle as youngsters prepares us for larger ones we will encounter as adults.

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The true rewards of the sport are gained over time with most coming during the teens and early twenties. For a child to truly benefit from their efforts in swimming, it is necessary to remain involved in the sport during those years. Pressure to perform is probably the single biggest factor cited by those young swimmers who have quit the sport at an early age. Most children have the innate desire to please their parents, teachers and coaches and we may add to this pressure in our deeds or words in response of a young swimmers effort. (Continued next page) Parent's attitudes and models often dictate those of their children. A child might not be consciously aware of what is taking place while subconsciously absorbing very powerful messages about his or her parents' desires.

It is a coach’s duty to offer constructive criticism of a swimmer's performance. It is the parents' duty to supply love, recognition and encouragement necessary to help the young athlete feel good about themselves.

Be sure that your child swims because he or she wants to. Children tend to resist anything that they “have to do”. Self-motivation is the core stimulus that motivates successful swimmers. By the same token, deciding to participate in an organized sport carries with it certain commitments on the part of the athlete. Occasionally, athletes lose sight of these commitments and, it then falls on the part of the parent to help them live up to them.

Please avoid “playing” your child against his or her nearest competitor for this often leads to

friction within the group, team or swimming community. Close competition provides two great services for the athlete: it brings out their best and shows where improvement is needed.

In general, it is best for parents to refrain from making stroke corrections or trying to coach their swimmer. When parents interject their opinions about how a swimmer should train or compete, it causes considerable, and often an insurmountable confusion as to who the swimmer should listen to.

Criticizing the coach in front of the child will undermine the coach's authority and erodes the swimmer-coach relationship that is necessary for maximum success. If you differ with something the coach is doing or advocating, please confer with the coach directly (and privately). All of our coaches welcome the opportunity to further explain the Tsunami program to any interested parent during free time.

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SWIM MEET BASICS

Philosophy of Competition

The SFY Tsunamis emphasize growth and development, and is designed to prepare swimmers for participation in competitive meets. Although winning is a team objective, the athlete's individual improvement is the primary focus at SFY. Good sportsmanship and respect for officials, coaches and other competitors are of the utmost importance. Encouragement of teammates and competitors, determined effort and mature attitudes are taught and expected. Swimmers are taught to set realistic, but challenging goals for swim meets, and to relate these same goals to training efforts.

General Guidelines

A swim meet schedule is developed each season by the coaching staff with the expectation that all swimmers will attend every meet available for their assigned level. SFY participates in YMCA, USA and Invitational Meets our swimmers are expected to fulfill their team commitment by attending all meets.

Swim Season Schedule

Level 1 and Level 2 Swimmers

Season is Tuesday, October 6, 2015 through February 2016. Participation after February 1, 2016 is by coach’s invitation only.

Practice T/TH 4:30-5:30pm. Note-If there is a Cape H.S. Home Meet the practice will be cancelled. Check calendar for updates

Level 3 Swimmers

Season is Monday, October 5, 2015 through the last dual in February 2016 Participation after February 1, 2016 is by coach’s invitation only.

Practice Mon 4:30-5:30 (Oct. 5-Nov. 9) and Tuesday/Thursday 4:30-5:30pm. Note-If there is a Cape H.S. Home Meet the practice will be cancelled. Check calendar for updates

Level 4 Swimmers

Season is Monday, October 5, 2015 through the last meet attended in February. Further participation is by coach’s invitation only.

Practices are Monday-Thursday 5:30-7:00pm. If there is a Cape H.S. Home Meet the practice will be 6:00-7:30pm.

Level 5 Swimmers Season is Monday, October 5, 2015 through the last meet attended in February.

Further participation is by coach’s invitation only.

Practices are Monday-Thursday 5:30-7:30pm. If there is a Cape H.S. Home Meet the practice will be 6:00-7:30pm.

Swim Meet Schedule

Look for the current season schedule on the web at www.sfyswim.com to be posted by September 1, 2015.


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Note: each family is given a logon at the time of registration.

How to Enter a Swim Meet

Know your child's meet schedule. The meet schedule for the current season is available on the Tsunami web site and a master copy is placed on the team bulletin board. If you are not sure which meets to attend, ask your child's coach.

Read your SFY News emails daily. Upcoming meets and sign-up deadlines are sent as reminders.

Meet Information. Once you register your swimmer, you will be emailed a log on for your family within 72 hours. Look for the meet information on the team web site at www.sfyswim.com. Dates, times, directions, any fees, warm-up times and all pertinent information are also posted on the team bulletin board.

Sign-up. Dual and tri-meets have no fees and each assigned level has a minimum participation requirement. USA, Invitational and Championship Meets have entry fees which must be paid in full by the meets registration deadline. SFY pays for all meet entries in advance and meet fees are non-refundable. The coaches will inform all swimmers of any relay teams.

Meet Commitment. Note: All USA and Invitational Meets have a maximum number of entries and age restrictions. Please read the meet registration packet thoroughly before committing to any meets. Deadlines are NOT NEGOTIABLE-it is your responsibility to review the completion schedule for your swimmers.

How do I commit to meets? Log on to sfyswim.com and select meet/event. Even if you are NOT participating, please decline. Coaches spend many needless hours chasing down parents who ignored team deadlines and did not select for all meets.

How do I pay meet fees? After the entries are complete-you will receive an email invoice via Team Unify Website. Fees can be paid to member service with cash, check, credit cards or paid online through the team website.

Can we pick our events? The SFY Coaching Staff encourages swimmers to make selections-remember though…the coaches will be finalizing entries based on team and individual goals.

How do I know what events my child is swimming? After the entries are complete, a list of individual and relay entries will be posted on the team's web site and team bulletin board. Any swimmer who is a “NO SHOW” at any meet will face the coach’s disciplinary action, which may include suspension from the next team competition.

What is my volunteer responsibility? All meets and SFY Tsunami special events rely on our parent volunteers for assisting in planning, set-up, cleanup, concessions, angeling, timing and officiating. One parent per family is required to volunteer during all SFY Tsunami events; both home and away. Please sign up on line when committing to a meet. Your assigned responsibility for the upcoming meet may change due to specific needs of our team. Please check your assignment on the team bulletin board or online.


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Meet Swim Bag – to be prepared for swim meets, plan to pack a bag with the following supplies:

Entertainment (no electronic games on deck please)

Water or a water bottle

2 each: suits, towel, goggles and cap

Warm dry clothing

Healthy Snacks

Parent Swim Bag – to be prepared for swim meets, plan to pack a small bag with the following supplies:

2-3 black Sharpie Markers

Copy of your swimmers events

Highlighter (to mark our swimmers in your program)

Stopwatch

Entertainment

Water or a water bottle

Time Records

One of the most important measures of a swimmers performance is time. Swimmers are encouraged to maintain a log book of competition times from meet to meet. Keeping a log book at home will allow each swimmer to to be aware of their times and how they relate to personal goals. Note: the team website has your swimmers times for all competitions as well as Time Standards

Time Standards / Team Records

Take a look at our Record Board in the Pool Area! Team records are updated at the conclusion of the winter and summer swim seasons. *See team website for details and links.

By joining SFY’s Tsunami Family I agree to…

Register for a SFY membership according to program guidelines Register swimmer(s) for the assigned level

Participate in practice sessions and meets according to the program outline requirements Provide an adult volunteer for every SFY Tsunami event Any meeting with the coach must be scheduled ahead of time and will be conducted before or

after workouts. Please DO NOT interrupt the coaches during any practice session.

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Swim Meet Protocol Know where you are competing. Find coach as soon as you arrive

Arrive 30 minutes before warm-ups

Get prepared

Conserve your energy. Focus on the upcoming events

Arrive with swim chart and events on your arm:

Event Heat Lane Stroke

# # # # #

Use Event Sheet to fill in HEAT, LANE & STROKE of swim chart

Find and introduce swimmer to Angel for their age group

Be ‘swim ready’ for warm-ups

Parents are expected to supervise their swimmers between events and swimmers are expected

to get to their angels on time prior to an event

Swimmers are expected to check with their coach after each event for performance review

Always check with your coaches about relays. Entries are subject to change

Drink plenty of appropriate liquids – Hydrate!

Be prepared for cool or warm venues. Swimmers stage in gyms, classrooms and on deck.

Temperatures can vary greatly and it is vital that all swimmers keep their body temperature

neutral between events.

Eat healthy food and snacks. Fruit, bagels, power bars, granola, etc. make for good snacks

between races. Avoid foods with a lot of fat or refined sugar.

Bring activities like games, cards, CD players, etc.

Be responsible for your personal items. Keep your team area cleaned up at all times.

HAVE FUN!!

Do not leave staging area without informing your coach. Remember to check with your coach

for final relay changes.