PRACTICE AND MEET TIMES

• Be at the pool 15 minutes before starting time so you can be changed and ready to practice on time. Bring a towel and dry (warm) clothes.

 

• All swimmers should attend as many practices as possible.  Three practices a week are required and unless it is family vacation time or some other family obligation, you are expected to make all practices. The more you practice the better and faster you become.

 

• Please remain quiet during coaches’ explanations to be fair to all swimmers.

 

• Remember why you are here! No running around, throwing rocks, and please listen to the coaches. For a successful practice it will be necessary to get into the pool.

 

• Please have respect for your teammates in the locker room.  No picking, hitting, teasing or hurting anybody.

 

• All home meets will begin at 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Swimmers should report to the coach at the pool by 4:45 p.m. For away meets, swimmers should report to the coach at the pool by 5:15 p.m.

 

• If you are unable to swim in a meet, please use the “Vacation Slips” provided in your packet to notify the coach at least three days before the meet.  Do no expect “verbal” notification to be remembered.

 

• If you become ill the day of a meet and cannot make it, please call the coach at home as soon as possible. It takes time to rearrange the line-up, especially for the relays, so the earlier you can call the better.

 

• NO two piece swim suits are allowed.  A tem suit is suggested for all swimmers for team uniformity.

 

• Team members must have consistent practice attendance to be eligible for swim meet participation. Meet line-ups will be made at the coaches discretion based in large part on practice attendance.

 

• Always eat nutritious food before and after swim meets.  Check the “Nutrition Information” section.

 

• During a meet, DO NOT leave your designated area unless you tell the coach, this includes going to the restroom and snack area because if for some reason your event would begin earlier and you could not be located you could miss your event. This not only hurts you, but it loses points for the team.

 

• When sent to the starting blocks for your event, please remain in the area.

 

• When the starter/referee blows the whistle to begin an event, you must remain quiet until the swimmers enter the water to start the race.

 

• At the beginning of your race, stand behind the block of your assigned lane.  The starter will tell you when to step up, then step onto the back of the block and wait until the starter tells you to take your mark. At this command, place one or both feet so that your toes are on the front edge of the block and maintain a starting position. At this, DO NOT MOVE, until the gun/horn sounds, indicating the start of the race. If the gun/horn sounds repeatedly or you swim into or over a rope, there has been a false start.  Return to the starting block and wait for further instructions.

 CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP

• Improper behavior or conduct at any team function will result in the offender being sent home, or in severe cases suspended from team activities.

 

• We are a team.  Show team spirit. Encourage your teammates at both practice and meets. As part of the team, ALL members are expected to remain at the meet until the last event is finished.

 

• Be gracious towards your opponent whether you win or lose.  Shake hands with opposing team and compliment them on a job well done.  Antagonism will not be tolerated.

 

• Accept a disqualification graciously.  Listen to what the official has to say.  If you disagree with their decision, talk to your coach. DO NOT argue with the officials or claim they are wrong to your teammates.  IF there was an error in the disqualification, ONLY your coach can discuss it with the referee.

 

• Remember that team membership obligates the swimmer to participate in all scheduled meets and fundraising activities.  Unusual circumstances will be handled on an individual basis.

 WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM THE COACHES?    COMMITMENT!

• To make you the best you can be by structuring difficult (not impossible) and challenging workouts, pushing you to do more, to be better, to work harder, and to be more disciplined.  In other words, to get you to make the most of your individual talents and abilities.

 

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