2017 Parent Handbook

2017 Parent Handbook

Dripping Springs Tiger Splash Swim Team

Dear Tiger Splash Swim Parents, Welcome to another great season of swimming with Tiger Splash Swim Team. Our coaching staff, junior coaches and volunteers are sure your child will experience waves of fun, excitement, camaraderie and team spirit while improving their individual skills. Tiger Splash is very proud of its team, especially the positive attitude displayed by swimmers, parents, and coaches. Our swimmers will forever hold many fond memories of being on Tiger Splash. Dripping Springs Tiger Splash is a community based non-profit organization. We compete under T.A.A.F. (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation). The amazing success and growth of Tiger Splash is due primarily to our dedicated volunteers, which is why each family is expected to get involved to help build the sport of swimming in the Dripping Springs area through a variety of volunteer opportunities provided by the team. This handbook offers new and returning families important information and details about our summer swim season. It includes the following: • • • • • • • •

2016 Swim Season At-A-Glance Bad Weather/Pool Closure Policy and Communications Information Top 10 Swim Practice Tips/Swim Cap Care Swim Meet Guidelines Parent Volunteers Code of Conduct T.A.A.F. State Games of Texas Information General Rules and Regulations

We look forward to a great season!

Board of Directors Nicole McGilvray President; Steve Kling, Vice President; Kristi Rutter, Secretary; Chris Nuccio, Treasurer; Jodi Cohen, Karen Silcox and Connie Warkentin, Directors-at-Large Community Education Liaison: Misty Hurlbut

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2017 Tiger Splash Swim Season At-A-Glance All dates are subject to revision. Check www.tigersplashswim.org for the most up-to-date information.

May 1st

May 11th May 15th May 15th, 16th & 18th May 22nd May 27th May 29th June 1st June 3rd June 5th June 10th June 17th June 24th June 29th

Optional preseason practices begin (Mondays-Thursdays): 4:30-5:00 PM: Ages 6 and under; Coach’s invites 4:45-5:45 PM: Ages 7-8 5:30-6:30 PM: Ages 9-10; New 11-12 swimmers 6:15-7:30 PM: Ages 11 and up All spirit item orders are due today by the end of practice! Swim Freak Swim Shop at Founders Pool from 4:00-6:30 PM Come before practice to shop, as swimmers must be dry to try-on suits. Parent Meeting at Founders Pool (please plan to attend one) May 15th: 5:30-6:00 PM; May 16th: 4:45-5:15 PM May 18th: 6:15-6:45 PM Team and individual photos at 6:00 PM. Wear your black meet swimsuit. Time Trials Swim Meet at Founders Pool Warm-ups at 7:15 AM; Meet from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Memorial Day – No practice today! Entries and fees due today for “CAN DO” Pentathlon on June 11th. Home Swim Meet at Founders Pool Warm-ups at 7:15 AM; Meet from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Regular summer practices begin (Mondays-Thursdays) Note: Swimmers may only attend their registered session. Session 1: 6:00-6:45 PM (Ages 8 and under) Session 2: 6:45-7:45 PM (Ages 8-12) Session 3: 7:45-9:00 PM (Ages 11 and up) “CAN DO” Pentathlon Swim Meet at Landa Park in New Braunfels Warm-ups at 7:30 AM (tentative); Meet from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (tentative) Annual Hill Country Invitational at Founders Pool Warm-ups at 7:15 AM; Meet from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Color Splash Swim Meet at Founders Pool Warm-ups at 7:15 AM; Meet from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Entries and fees due for T.A.A.F. Regional Championships (ALL swimmers, regardless of participation, should submit a Regional form.)

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June 29th July 4th July 15th July 17th – July 26th season. July 27th – qualifiers) July 30th

Tiger Splash End-of-Season Extravaganza and Regionals Pep Rally (6:00-8:30 PM) Team awards, family pasta potluck, pool fun and general membership meeting. 4th of July – No practice today! T.A.A.F. Regional Championships at Landa Park in New Braunfels Regional swimmers will be notified of warm-up/meet times prior to meet. Note: This meet is open to all swimmers and is the qualifying meet for State. Countdown to State Adjusted Practice Schedule Note: All Tiger Splash swimmers are invited to continue swimming the final weeks of the 6:00-7:15 PM Ages 10 & Under (6&U will end at 7:00 PM) 7:00-8:30 PM Ages 11 & Up (7:00-7:15 PM will be deck stretches) T.A.A.F. State Championships at Edinburg Water Park, near McAllen, TX (for Regional Note: Swimmers will only swim on the day designated for their age group/gender. All times listed below are meet start times. Warm-up times TBA. • •

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Thursday, July 27th: o Session 1: Boys 11-14 - 4:00 PM Friday, July 28th: o Session 2: Boys 9/10 and 15/17 - 9:00 AM o Session 3: Girls 9/10 and 15/17 - 2:00 PM o Opening Ceremony at McAllen Convention Center- 7:00-9:00 PM Saturday, July 29th: o Session 4: Men 18 & over; Boys 8 & under - 9:00 AM o Session 5: Women 18 & over; Girls 8 & under - 2:00 PM Sunday, July 30th: o Session 6: Girls 11-14 - 9:00 AM





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Bad Weather/Pool Closure Policy Our goal is to provide as much pool time as possible and practice/meets will be held as long as the safety of our swimmers is not in jeopardy. If the weather is too severe to swim (thunder or lightning in the pool area), practices and meets will be postponed or cancelled. Practice and meets will not be cancelled due to light rain. We will make every attempt to e-mail updates regarding any postponement/cancellation due to weather conditions or pool closures. Our website, www.tigersplashswim.org, is the best resource for up-to-date weather-related/pool closures. Please keep in mind that the weather is unpredictable.

Communication E-mail is the primary means of communication. You will receive e-mails throughout the season with important information. If you are not receiving communications, please check in your spam e-mail folder. Our weekly newsletter is a bulk email from Dripping Springs Tiger Splash and is sent to the email provided at registration. If you do not receive team e-mails, please contact us at [email protected]. This e-mail is also available to answer general questions regarding the swim team and team events. If you wish to contact one of our coaches directly regarding your individual swimmer, you may contact them through their e-mail addresses, which are posted under “About: Contact Us” at www.tigersplashswim.org. Please keep in mind that practice times and meets are not an appropriate time to address questions or concerns.

Top 10 Swim Practice Tips To become an outstanding swimmer, you should believe in your coach, concentrate on techniques, develop strength and endurance, set realistic goals for yourself and above all, maintain a good, positive attitude. 1. Swimmers are encouraged to attend as many practices as possible each week. 2. Only swimmers, authorized parent volunteers, and coaches are allowed in the pool area during practice. Parents who wish to observe practice may do so outside the fenced pool area. This ensures swimmers are focused on coaches during practice. 3. Have goggles adjusted and ready to go prior to practice. 4. Store your towel, water bottle and shoes in the cubbies provided. Label your belongings. 5. Be on deck at 15 minutes early and be ready to stretch. 6. While waiting to practice, please show courtesy to the group in the water. 7. Bring your labeled equipment (goggles and swim cap) to each practice. 8. Listen attentively during practice and model active listening for those around you. This is your chance to correct errors in your stroke, which will help you avoid being disqualified from an event at a meet. 9. Check your folder at the gate regularly for additional information. 10. Support and encourage your teammates and be sure to wear your smile at all times! J 4

Swim Cap Care Always be sure to rinse off your swim caps in fresh water after you are done swimming. This will help to ensure that any harmful pool chemicals (such as chlorine which can wear down your swim cap over time) are removed. Next, be sure to dry off your cap after use and store it in a cool and dry location. Leaving a silicone or latex cap in the sun or in a hot car will destroy it. Be sure to keep your cap away from sharp objects and use care when putting it back in your swimming bag. When you are done for the day, you should dust your cap on the inside and outside with talcum powder, corn starch, or baby powder.

Swim Meet Guidelines Note: All swimmers are expected to signup for meets using the online system. Swimmers will not be seeded in a meet if they have not signed up online by the posted deadline. Please understand that to ensure efficiency at our meets, no deck entries will be made except in cases of our error. Please notify the Head Coach or designee by the Wednesday prior to a meet if you know your swimmer will arrive late or leave the meet early to assist with planning. What to Bring: Ö Black swimsuit (one-piece for girls; jammers or Speedos for boys) Ö Team t-shirt, swim cap and goggles Ö Permanent marker(s) to mark your swimmer for the meet before applying sunscreen Ö Sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or hats Ö Plenty of towels (2 to 4 depending on the number of events) Ö Team t-shirt, swim cap and goggles Ö Warm clothing/cover-up Ö Chairs or blankets to sit on Ö Cooler for water, fruit, juices, snacks, etc. – no glass containers in the pool area; Concession items will be available for purchase during meets Ö Shade tent Ö Highlighter(s) to mark your heat sheet ($1) When to Arrive: Ö Arrive at least 15 minutes before Tiger Splash’s warm-up time. Ö Warm-up times are posted on the calendar, in the handbook and on the website. At the Meet: 1. Sign-in prior to entering the pool area for warm-ups. 2. Stake out a “team area.” 3. Mark your swimmer’s right shoulder according to the event, heat and lane they will be swimming with a permanent marker using the heat sheet (Example: 5-2-3 which means Event 5, Heat 2, Lane 3). See the website or a veteran swim team member for additional help. 4. Swimmers should stay in or close to the team area. Listen for your event and be ready to go to the “ready bench” when called. (Parents, please know where your swimmer is at all times. If you are volunteering during the meet, please designate another parent to watch your child and assist them with getting to the ready bench on time.)

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5. It is ultimately the swimmer’s responsibility to get to the ready bench and the blocks on time. Failure to report to the ready bench on time will result in the swimmer missing the event. An alternate race will not be formed for missed events. 6. Please remember to check to see if your child is needed on a relay prior to leaving a meet. 7. CHEER for all swimmers and have FUN! J 8. Please use trashcans for your garbage. We are a clean team. 9. After the whistle sounds for the start of an event, there should be silence for the start. This is standard swim meet etiquette.

Parent Volunteers Dripping Springs Tiger Splash Swim Team is completely run by volunteers, which is why all families are expected to volunteer. Assistance is needed at practices, events, and meets. Help is needed in setting up, timing, scoring, announcing, cleaning up, organizing swimmers, awards distribution, etc. The swim team must have your involvement to thrive.

For Practices: Assistant Coaches: Tiger Splash encourages volunteer coaches to help in the development of all swimmers. Applications for Junior Assistant Volunteer swim coaches are accepted prior to each swim season beginning in March. This program is open to anyone 13 & older or returning swimmers, age 12. All JAVs must complete mandatory training and commit to a schedule. Volunteer credit will be given for all JAVs at the end of the season.

For Founders Pool Meets: Timers: For each meet, 24 lane timers will be needed. Responsibilities include: checking the name on the swimmer’s time card with the swimmer; timing the swimmer; recording the time on the swimmer’s card; and passing the card to a runner. Timers will be responsible for accurately starting and finishing each race. Timers will switch at the middle of each meet so that each timer is only working half of the meet, unless otherwise directed. Head Timer: At each meet, two Head Timers will be needed. Responsibilities include: coordinating timers and teaching the timing procedure to any new timers. Head Timers are responsible for back up timing in the event that a lane timer cannot complete his or her time. Before beginning the race, the Head Timer will confirm that all timers are ready to begin the race. After all swimmers have finished, the Head Timer will notify the lane timers to clear their watches. Head Timers will be responsible for gathering all timers together immediately prior to each meet and providing proper st rd instruction for the timers start and finishing times. The Head Timers also need to visually call 1 –3 place in case there is a discrepancy during the meet. Ready Bench: For each meet, 4 to 6 people will be needed to run the ready bench. Ready bench volunteers will work half of the meet. The Ready Bench volunteers will help organize the swimmers for their events and make sure they get to their lanes at the proper time. The Ready Bench volunteers will also need to coordinate with the starter to call the appropriate events to the ready bench. Awards: For each meet, volunteers will be needed to assist with awards. Responsibilities include: applying the ribbon labels, sorting the ribbons by team and sorting Tiger Splash ribbons by swimmer. This volunteer position can be completed at home after the meet as long as it is completed by the following Monday at noon. Runner: At each meet, 2 people will be needed to work as runners. A runner is responsible for collecting time cards from timers after each heat and giving them to the scoring table. Runners will be available to help the Swim Team Operations Director throughout the swim meet with tasks including time sheets, ready bench, etc. Stroke Judge: At each meet, 2 people will be needed to work as stroke judges. These individuals should be knowledgeable of the stroke and turn rules for swimming. Responsibilities include: watching each race for rule

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infractions; issuing warnings and/or disqualifications; and making recommendations for improvement. The Stroke Judges may also serve as additional back-up timers. Announcer: The announcer announces the events and calls swimmers to the ready bench. Starter: The starter starts each event and restarts events in the case of a false start. Concession Stand: At each meet, 4 people will be needed to work the shaded concession stand during the meet selling concessions and heat sheets. Shift times will be divided among the volunteers. We understand that on-deck volunteering is difficult for families with small children. Please know that additional volunteer opportunities are available. Contact our volunteer coordinator at [email protected] for additional volunteer opportunities.

Code of Conduct 1. Display good sportsmanship at all times, including but not limited to, congratulating race opponents, win or lose. 2. Display respect toward teammates, coaches, officials, judges, chaperones and volunteers at all times. 3. Treat guest teams courteously and model Tiger Splash expectations when they are visiting a pool. 4. Refrain from causing bodily harm to others. Running, pushing, horseplay or fighting in the pool area or bathrooms will not be tolerated 5. Refrain from communicating threats, inappropriate comments, obscene language or gestures, or any actions that could be considered disrespectful. 6. Exhibit tolerance and courtesies toward our diverse swimming community. 7. Respect and use pool equipment and facilities in the intended manner. 8. Follow the lifeguard’s instructions at all times regarding pool safety and rules. 9. Keep out of the baby pool area at Founders Pool during practices or meets unless permitted by coach. 10. Refrain from the use of tobacco, drugs or alcohol. Note: Any swimmer who presents a disciplinary problem at practice or at a meet will be given a verbal warning. If the swimmer’s behavior does not improve, the swimmer will then be asked to leave the practice or meet. He/she will not be allowed back at practice until the parent(s)/guardian(s) have spoken with the Head Coach. If the swimmer does not remove himself/herself from the pool area immediately after being told to do so by any of the coaches, he/she will not be allowed to participate in the next meet. Severe misbehavior, as determined by the Head Coach, will result in immediate removal from the pool. Swimmers involved in severe misbehavior will not be allowed to return to practice until a meeting between the coach, parent(s)/guardian(s) and the swimmer has resolved the issue. Severe misbehavior may cause a swimmer who has qualified for the Regional or State meet to lose his/her position. Tiger Splash Swim Team reserves the right to dismiss, without refund, any participant who violates the Code of Conduct.

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T.A.A.F. Games of Texas Swimming Championship July 27-July 30, 2017 Edinburgh, Texas Facility Host: Edinburg Water Park, 101 E. Palm Drive, Edinburg, TX Facility: This is an OUTDOOR facility. Allow extra time to arrive and find parking as the majority of parking is across the street. At no time will any coach or parent be allowed to stand behind the starting blocks or have access to the heating/event area. City of Edinburg staff will be on hand to direct spectators around the pool and keep the aisles and walk ways clear. We ask that every spectator please be respectful to each other and event staff. At no time will you be allowed to save seats. Umbrellas will be allowed on the top two rows only. A concession stand will be available. No coolers allowed. Gate Fee: There will be entrance fees charged by the facility host - $7 per session or $35 for six sessions. Entry is first come, first served – saving seats is not allowed and will be monitored by staff. Please arrive and enter together. Parking: Free parking is located across the street from the Water Park. Tags are not required. Overnight parking and RV parking are prohibited. NO EXCEPTIONS! Meet Information: Swimmers must qualify through a Regional Swim Meet. Entries are only accepted from the Region Director/Meet Director. Please contact your region for information regarding region meets. Meet Mobile: There has been some confusion as to the accuracy of Meet Mobile. We provide this as a courtesy to coaches/spectators. Please keep in mind that results are NOT final until posted on the wall at the conclusion of the protest period. Session Dates & Start Times: Times provided are approximate meet start times and gates will open one and one- half hour prior to meet start time. Warm- ups will take place prior to the beginning of each session. Warm- up schedule will be provided to coaches at the coaches meeting. Athletes will need to report to the heating tent when event is called. NO parents/coaches allowed in heating area! § §

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Thursday, July 27th: • Session 1: Boys 11-14 - 4:00 PM Friday, July 28th: • Session 2: Boys 9/10 and 15/17 - 9:00 AM • Session 3: Girls 9/10 and 15/17 - 2:00 PM • Opening Ceremony at McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Blvd., McAllen, TX 78501 – Ceremony (7:00-9:00 PM) Saturday, July 29th: • Session 4: Men 18 & over; Boys 8 & under - 9:00 AM • Session 5: Women 18 & over; Girls 8 & under - 2:00 PM Sunday, July 30th: • Session 6: Girls 11-14 - 9:00 AM

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General Rules and Regulations T.A.A.F. Membership and Optional Insurance T.A.A.F. is a non-profit organization established in 1925 to promote and organize amateur athletics in Texas. Tiger Splash competes in the T.A.A.F. Games of Texas, and therefore, swimmers must be T.A.A.F. athlete members in order to be eligible for competition. Since the T.A.A.F. Regional Championship serves as the end-of-season championship, all swimmers must be athlete members of T.A.A.F. during the swim season. All membership fees associated with T.A.A.F. are covered in the registration costs for Tiger Splash. T.A.A.F. also provides the option of athlete insurance to cover athletes participating in a T.A.A.F. sanctioned event. Operation of Rules The Head Coach possesses ultimate authority to interpret the meaning and intent of the rules, and to determine their application in particular cases. Disqualification is a penalty provided under the rules, for violation of the rules. It is to be invoked by a meet official with the jurisdiction to do so. A swimmer who is disqualified in an event shall neither place, score points, nor receive an award in that event. Eligibility No swimmer shall be denied participation in any swim team meet for reason of ethnic, cultural, or socio-economic background. Age: A swimmer must be 17 or younger as of June 1st of the current year. Ability: A swimmer must exhibit a level of comfort with the water and meet minimal swimming requirements as set forth by the Board of Directors and the Head Coach. T.A.A.F. swimming is open to anyone who meets the following criteria: .01 From January 1 of the current year to April 30, in the current year, individuals must follow eligibility guidelines as set forth below. Deviations from guidelines will result in disqualification of individual from T.A.A.F. swimming. Repeated violations from individuals on the same team may result in team/coach disqualification from T.A.A.F. swimming. • Individuals may not compete in USA or other year round swim meets • Individuals may swim only 90 minutes per week • Participation in T.A.A.F. Winter Games of Texas (see Sports Rule 23.22) • Summer season work-outs can begin May 1 each year • Exceptions: - May 1 - Winter Games of Texas meet - Any swimmer in divisions 13 & older - UIL sanctioned meets

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Age Categories A swimmer’s age category will be determined by their age on June 1st of the current year. A boy or girl must participate in his/her age division. No participant may change or swim in another age classification. Age categories are as follows: 6 & under, 8& under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15-17. Scoring At local swim meets, a tie shall be declared when two or more swimmers in the same heat have posted identical times, or when swimmers in different heats of the same event have posted identical times. Awards Local Meets: Ribbons will be awarded to 1st through 6th place finishers in each event. Participation ribbons will be given for any meet participant not receiving a place ribbon for the meet. Regional/State Meets: Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in each event. Ribbons or medals will be awarded to the 4th-8th place finishers in each event. No high point award will be given. Meet Entries and Deadlines The Head Coach is responsible for all meet entries. Local Meets: Meet entries must be submitted online by the posted deadline. No deck entries or changes will be made at meets. T.A.A.F. Regional Championships: Parents will be required to notify the Head Coach of their intent to swim in the Regional and State meet (deadlines TBD). A Regional event entry form and fees, if participating, for the T.A.A.F. Regional Championships are due no later than the end of practice on Thursday, June 29th. No late entry forms will be accepted nor will any deck changes or deck entries be allowed. T.A.A.F. Summer Games of Texas: All event entry fees for the T.A.A.F. state swim meet are due to the Head Coach or the designated representative no later than one hour after the Regional Championships. A copy of your child’s birth certificate must be on file with the team for participation in the T.A.A.F. Summer Games of Texas. Events One length of the pool is 25 yards/meters, depending on the pool. Individual Medley (IM): A single swimmer swimming equal distances of the four different strokes in one race in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle. Freestyle Relay: Four different swimmers, each swimmer swimming equal distances of freestyle in one race. Medley Relay: Four different swimmers, each swimmer swimming equal distances of one of each of the four different strokes in one race in the following order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle. Mixed Relays: Mixed gender relay where at least two of the four swimmers must be female. 10

6 & Under:

25 freestyle; 25 backstroke; 100 freestyle relay Note: 6 & under swimmers competing in any other events will compete in the 8 & under age division. Swimmers may not compete in the same event in two age groups.

8 & Under and 9-10 Age Groups: 100 medley relay; 100 freestyle relay; 25 freestyle; 50 freestyle; 25 backstroke; 25 breaststroke; 25 butterfly; 100 individual medley 11-12 Age Groups: 200 medley relay; 200 freestyle relay; 50 freestyle; 100 freestyle; 50 backstroke; 50 breaststroke; 50 butterfly; 100 individual medley 13-14 and 15-17 Age Groups: 200 medley relay; 200 freestyle relay; 50 freestyle; 100 freestyle; 200 freestyle; 50 backstroke; 50 breaststroke; 50 butterfly; 100 individual medley; 100 mixed freestyle relay (15-17 only); 200 mixed freestyle relay (15-17 only); 200 mixed medley relay (15-17 only)

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