Swim Team Handbook AWS
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Swim Team Handbook 2017 Barracuda Swim Season Welcome to the 26th season of the spirited Medlock Bridge Barracuda Swim Team. We are looking forward to an extraordinary season of personal best swimming and “Cuda” team fun. The swim team involves the whole family and we look forward to this opportunity to share the Barracuda experience with you and your family.
We are excited to welcome Coach Steve Johnson as our new head coach this summer! Coach Steve brings many years of varsity and summer league coaching experience. You can view his full bio at here. We have several returning assistant coaches: Madeline Evans, Katie Kohler, Ben Monckton and Mitchell Odendahl. New assistant coaches: Evie Davalbhakta, Sam Monckton, and Lexi Dean. We also have two new interns (Josh Kholer and Johanna Chien) to help out and learn the ropes. All of our coaches have a long history of swimming and working with children, and we are excited to have them on board. This handbook should give you an idea of what swim team is all about. Please spend some time looking through it. We are excited about our coaching staff and look forward to a terrific and fun season! Thank you for joining the team! GO CUDAS!
Mission Statement “Medlock Bridge Swim Team is in keeping with the Atlanta Swim Association (ASA) League of being a recreational league that is often the first introductory level of competitive swimming. It is meant to be an introductory program that welcomes all Medlock Bridge neighborhood swimmers. Our goal is that each swimmer discovers the joy of swimming and improves their personal ability and times.” Swimming for the barracudas is a team experience. Please know that your child may not always swim his/her best stroke or event. What is best and most competitive for the whole team is taken into consideration. Any questions about your swimmer, his ability, events, instruction, etc. should be discussed with the coaches. This would be the most TEAM POSITIVE and constructive approach to take on these issues. Any concerns after that should be addressed to your team representatives. Evan Hsi Carolyn Cunningham
1
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Eligibility
Swimmers should be 5 years old or no older than 18 years by June 1st to be on the swim team. Younger swimmers will be evaluated by the coaches and the coaches will decide if they are ready to join the team. All swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards (1 lap) by the first meet (June 2) to remain on the team. This is a Medlock Bridge Homeowners policy. If a swimmer is unable to remain on the team, the registration fee will be refunded minus $13.75 per week for coaching. No refunds will be made after June 4.
Registration
Registration is done online at http://medlockbridge.swim-team.us/. Please go to the website and click on the big button for Online Registration (upper right-handed corner) and provide the required information. If you were on the team last year, click on highlighted and blinking “Click here if you’ve registered for this team before” on the main registration page to enter your email address (or street address) you registered with last year and the information you entered last year will be pre-populated please validate all fields. At the bottom of the first registration page, make sure to check the box if you are Medlock Bridge resident. Non-resident pays an extra $25 fee. Again, please choose to pay online if possible. You can pay either through PayPal or credit card. If you opted to pay offline, print your invoice and bring this to the registration on April 15 from 4:00-6:00pm in Groomsbridge Clubhouse. Fees: o Team Fees: $110 (fee waived for swimmers 15-18) o Families with 3 or more children: the 3rd child will pay $55 o Late fee: additional $25 if registered after April 30. o The cost of registration covers coaches’ salaries, running of the meets, official’s fees, equipment, awards and social events. o If you are unable to pay online or make it to the Registration on April 15, you can drop off your invoice and check to 755 Grandbury Way (Evan Hsi’s mailbox).
o Team Swimsuits: Our team swimsuit this year is the RISE Sandies Chaos Poly Swimsuits (team color: Green/Black). Female - $29.00 Male - $19.95. All American Swim Supply will be onsite during registration on April 15 from 4-6pm. Swimsuits will be available to try on and they will have some inventory to purchase (so come early). 2
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Practices Practices are to help swimmers improve their strokes and learn new strokes-not a time to teach basic swim lessons. If you feel your child needs more one-on-one support, please contact one of the coaches for private lessons. The swimmer’s performance at meets depends on how often he/she attends practice. Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition. Working together as a unit for the benefit of all is an important part of the Barracuda spirit. Afternoon practices are Monday-Thursday from May 8th – May 25: (No practice May 22 due to Mock Meet) 6 & under 7-8 9-10 11 & up
5-5:30pm 5:30-6:15pm 6:15-7pm 7-8pm
Morning practices are Monday-Thursday from May 30 – June 29: (No practice May 29 Memorial Day) 6 & under 7-8 9-10 11 & up
9-9:30am 9:30-10:15am 10:15-11am 11am-12pm
Swim Meets There will be a mock meet at the beginning of the season for all swimmers 12 & under and all new swimmers to the team. This is a chance for the swimmers to see what a swim meet will be like. Times will also be taken which will help the coaches place the swimmers in the regular meets. There will be 5 regular season meets. All meets are on Thursday evenings with the exception of our last meet which will be on a Tuesday. The League Championship Meet at Georgia Tech is part of our regular meet schedule and is critical in establishing the team’s ranking in our league. All swimmers are encouraged to swim and must make every effort to participate. Swimmer Availability for Swim Meets It is very important for the coaches to know which swimmers will be available for each swim meet. You will be able to RSVP on our website for each child for each meet. We need to know YES or NO if they will be there. This eliminates any confusion as to availability. The coaches work on the lineup on Tuesdays so you will need to RSVP by Monday evening. If you do not RSVP, your child may not be in the lineup. It creates lots of extra work for the coaches to change the lineup. 3
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Swim Meet Procedures
At practice the day of a meet, the coaches will post the swimmers events on the bulletin board. It is the parents’ responsibility to check the board and get the event #, lane # and heat # for their child(ren). Arrive at the pool 10 minutes before warm-ups. The coach will conduct warm-ups for the allotted 20minute period. All swimmers must be present. Wear your team suit and bring your cap and goggles (if desired). Sweatshirts or jackets might be needed for the cool evening hours. 2 towels, a folding chair, sharpie and items to keep the kids occupied are suggested items to bring. If you are 10 and under, put your gear in the bullpen area and check in with the bullpen parent. If you are over 10, find an area near the bullpen to put your gear. You are responsible for checking your events and getting to them on time. Check the heat sheets to make sure they correspond to the events you have been assigned to swim. There may have been changes from what was posted earlier in the day. Check with the coach if there is a discrepancy. You can bring snacks and drinks with you but remember, there will be a concession stand available to purchase items. Please wait until you are finished swimming before eating heavier foods. The announcer will call swimmers to the deck by event numbers. Bullpen parents must assure that swimmers come to the block on time. Swimmers must stay in the bullpen area between events. Running in the parking lot or playing on the playground equipment is not allowed. In between races, rest and stay warm. Store up your energy for the competition. Use this time to cheer on your teammates. Check with your bullpen parent before you leave the meet to make sure you don’t have any more races to swim in. Remember, when you are wearing a team suit, you represent your team. Let your actions reflect your good sportsmanship and pride in being a Barracuda team member!
Age Groups: The swimmer’s age group is based on the age of the swimmer on June 1, 2016. For example, if a swimmer turns 7 on June 1st, they would race in the 7-8 age group. If that swimmer turns 7 on June 2, that swimmer will still swim in the 5-6 age group all season. Some swimmers with summer birthdays may want to swim in a different age group to be with their friends. Please discuss this with the coaches. Age groups are as follows:
6 & under 7-8 9-10 11-12 4
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
15-18
Swimming Up: In some cases, a swimmer may be asked to race in an older age group to fill a relay team. The coaches will only do this if they feel the swimmer is capable and ready for the challenge. Meets have been won with the help of younger children swimming up.
Communication We use the website http://medlockbridge.swim-team.us/as the primary means for communication. This is where you will find everything you need to know about the swim team. We will publish news items to the website. The website is where you will RSVP you swimmer for meets and volunteer for jobs at the swim meets. Team Rep email: [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator email: [email protected] Coach email: [email protected]
Volunteering The success of the Medlock Bridge swim team is dependent on parent involvement by every family on the team. One parent is required to volunteer for one half of the meet EVERY meet they have a swimmer entered. If you do not fulfill your volunteer duties, your child may not be allowed to compete at subsequent meets.
Inclement Weather Practices: Swim Practices will not be held in the event of hard rain or if there is any threat of thunder/lighting. We will follow the pool rules and wait 20-30 minutes if we hear thunder or see lightning. The weather changes quickly, so one group may have practice while others do not. Dryland drills may be held if it is unseasonably cold. Parents should use their own judgment as to whether their child should participate in any given practice. You will receive an email if practice is cancelled Swim Meets: Every effort must be made to swim each meet as scheduled. In the event of inclement weather, each team must show up at the pool on time. If at 5:30 the weather still precludes the meet from starting, the team reps and referee will decide whether to postpone the meet or cancel the meet. The meet will start and/or continue in the event of rain. Thunder and/or Lightning will stop the meet immediately. We must wait 20-30 minutes without any thunder or lightning before we can proceed with the meet. If it does begin to thunder and/or lightning, please go to your cars to wait safely for further instructions. Please do not leave the meet until you are notified that the meet has been cancelled. We will send out emails.
Awards
Ribbons are awarded to all swimmers in each event based on placement in each heat. A participation trophy is given to a swimmer for swimming in at least 2 meets per season. A Most Valuable Swimmer Award is given to the swimmer in each boy/girl age group who brings in the most points in the season and has followed the practice and behavior guidelines. The Coaches Award is given to the swimmer (in each boy/girl age group) that tries his/her best; cooperates with the coaches, encourages teammates, and cheers the team on. 5
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Withdrawal/Refunds: The Medlock Bridge Barracudas swim team encourages swimmers of all abilities to join the team. We want all swimmers to have fun and be safe. If you feel your swimmer is not having fun, or the coaches decide the swimmer is not safe in the water, we will gladly refund the registration fee minus $13.75 per week for coaching. No refunds will be made after June 4.
Discipline Policy CHILDREN WHO ARE CAUGHT FIGHTING with other swimmers, coaches, and adults during practice, home meets or away meets will be asked to leave the pool deck and must go home for that practice or swim meet. If your child has been asked to leave on account of fighting or bad language on 2 occasions, your child will be removed from the swim team without a refund. Unacceptable behavior will NOT be tolerated. Please talk to your child concerning this.
Atlanta Swim Association Sportsmanship The Atlanta Swim Association has a Code of Ethics that is used as a guide for the swim league. Adherence to this code is required, and failure to comply with these standards may result in disciplinary action from the league. All Team Representatives, Coaches, Participants, Official, and Spectators will treat other Team Representatives, Coaches, Participants, Officials, and Spectators with respect. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship for all participants. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all participants, coaches, and officials at every event, practice, and meeting. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials shall provide support for coaches and officials working with the league to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for all. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will place the emotional and physical well-being of their participants ahead of a personal desire to win. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will treat each participant as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development of members of the same age group. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will do their best to provide a safe playing situation and environment. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will do their best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all participants.
6
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will be knowledgeable in the rules of the league and the sport, and will teach these rules to their participants and parents. All Team Representatives and Coaches will use coaching techniques appropriate for the league and the sport of swimming. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials must remember that the league is for children and not for adults. The Atlanta Swim Association is an introductory program for recreational swimming. Year round and intensely competitive programs are available from several local US Swimming Clubs. Individuals not complying with these rules will be subject to suspension or dismissal from the league. A panel of League Officials, Team Representatives and Coaches will be responsible for hearing any complaints pertaining to this rule during the season and rendering any penalty if necessary.
7
2017
Swim Team Handbook 2017 Barracuda Swim Season Welcome to the 26th season of the spirited Medlock Bridge Barracuda Swim Team. We are looking forward to an extraordinary season of personal best swimming and “Cuda” team fun. The swim team involves the whole family and we look forward to this opportunity to share the Barracuda experience with you and your family.
We are excited to welcome Coach Steve Johnson as our new head coach this summer! Coach Steve brings many years of varsity and summer league coaching experience. You can view his full bio at here. We have several returning assistant coaches: Madeline Evans, Katie Kohler, Ben Monckton and Mitchell Odendahl. New assistant coaches: Evie Davalbhakta, Sam Monckton, and Lexi Dean. We also have two new interns (Josh Kholer and Johanna Chien) to help out and learn the ropes. All of our coaches have a long history of swimming and working with children, and we are excited to have them on board. This handbook should give you an idea of what swim team is all about. Please spend some time looking through it. We are excited about our coaching staff and look forward to a terrific and fun season! Thank you for joining the team! GO CUDAS!
Mission Statement “Medlock Bridge Swim Team is in keeping with the Atlanta Swim Association (ASA) League of being a recreational league that is often the first introductory level of competitive swimming. It is meant to be an introductory program that welcomes all Medlock Bridge neighborhood swimmers. Our goal is that each swimmer discovers the joy of swimming and improves their personal ability and times.” Swimming for the barracudas is a team experience. Please know that your child may not always swim his/her best stroke or event. What is best and most competitive for the whole team is taken into consideration. Any questions about your swimmer, his ability, events, instruction, etc. should be discussed with the coaches. This would be the most TEAM POSITIVE and constructive approach to take on these issues. Any concerns after that should be addressed to your team representatives. Evan Hsi Carolyn Cunningham
1
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Eligibility
Swimmers should be 5 years old or no older than 18 years by June 1st to be on the swim team. Younger swimmers will be evaluated by the coaches and the coaches will decide if they are ready to join the team. All swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards (1 lap) by the first meet (June 2) to remain on the team. This is a Medlock Bridge Homeowners policy. If a swimmer is unable to remain on the team, the registration fee will be refunded minus $13.75 per week for coaching. No refunds will be made after June 4.
Registration
Registration is done online at http://medlockbridge.swim-team.us/. Please go to the website and click on the big button for Online Registration (upper right-handed corner) and provide the required information. If you were on the team last year, click on highlighted and blinking “Click here if you’ve registered for this team before” on the main registration page to enter your email address (or street address) you registered with last year and the information you entered last year will be pre-populated please validate all fields. At the bottom of the first registration page, make sure to check the box if you are Medlock Bridge resident. Non-resident pays an extra $25 fee. Again, please choose to pay online if possible. You can pay either through PayPal or credit card. If you opted to pay offline, print your invoice and bring this to the registration on April 15 from 4:00-6:00pm in Groomsbridge Clubhouse. Fees: o Team Fees: $110 (fee waived for swimmers 15-18) o Families with 3 or more children: the 3rd child will pay $55 o Late fee: additional $25 if registered after April 30. o The cost of registration covers coaches’ salaries, running of the meets, official’s fees, equipment, awards and social events. o If you are unable to pay online or make it to the Registration on April 15, you can drop off your invoice and check to 755 Grandbury Way (Evan Hsi’s mailbox).
o Team Swimsuits: Our team swimsuit this year is the RISE Sandies Chaos Poly Swimsuits (team color: Green/Black). Female - $29.00 Male - $19.95. All American Swim Supply will be onsite during registration on April 15 from 4-6pm. Swimsuits will be available to try on and they will have some inventory to purchase (so come early). 2
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Practices Practices are to help swimmers improve their strokes and learn new strokes-not a time to teach basic swim lessons. If you feel your child needs more one-on-one support, please contact one of the coaches for private lessons. The swimmer’s performance at meets depends on how often he/she attends practice. Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition. Working together as a unit for the benefit of all is an important part of the Barracuda spirit. Afternoon practices are Monday-Thursday from May 8th – May 25: (No practice May 22 due to Mock Meet) 6 & under 7-8 9-10 11 & up
5-5:30pm 5:30-6:15pm 6:15-7pm 7-8pm
Morning practices are Monday-Thursday from May 30 – June 29: (No practice May 29 Memorial Day) 6 & under 7-8 9-10 11 & up
9-9:30am 9:30-10:15am 10:15-11am 11am-12pm
Swim Meets There will be a mock meet at the beginning of the season for all swimmers 12 & under and all new swimmers to the team. This is a chance for the swimmers to see what a swim meet will be like. Times will also be taken which will help the coaches place the swimmers in the regular meets. There will be 5 regular season meets. All meets are on Thursday evenings with the exception of our last meet which will be on a Tuesday. The League Championship Meet at Georgia Tech is part of our regular meet schedule and is critical in establishing the team’s ranking in our league. All swimmers are encouraged to swim and must make every effort to participate. Swimmer Availability for Swim Meets It is very important for the coaches to know which swimmers will be available for each swim meet. You will be able to RSVP on our website for each child for each meet. We need to know YES or NO if they will be there. This eliminates any confusion as to availability. The coaches work on the lineup on Tuesdays so you will need to RSVP by Monday evening. If you do not RSVP, your child may not be in the lineup. It creates lots of extra work for the coaches to change the lineup. 3
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Swim Meet Procedures
At practice the day of a meet, the coaches will post the swimmers events on the bulletin board. It is the parents’ responsibility to check the board and get the event #, lane # and heat # for their child(ren). Arrive at the pool 10 minutes before warm-ups. The coach will conduct warm-ups for the allotted 20minute period. All swimmers must be present. Wear your team suit and bring your cap and goggles (if desired). Sweatshirts or jackets might be needed for the cool evening hours. 2 towels, a folding chair, sharpie and items to keep the kids occupied are suggested items to bring. If you are 10 and under, put your gear in the bullpen area and check in with the bullpen parent. If you are over 10, find an area near the bullpen to put your gear. You are responsible for checking your events and getting to them on time. Check the heat sheets to make sure they correspond to the events you have been assigned to swim. There may have been changes from what was posted earlier in the day. Check with the coach if there is a discrepancy. You can bring snacks and drinks with you but remember, there will be a concession stand available to purchase items. Please wait until you are finished swimming before eating heavier foods. The announcer will call swimmers to the deck by event numbers. Bullpen parents must assure that swimmers come to the block on time. Swimmers must stay in the bullpen area between events. Running in the parking lot or playing on the playground equipment is not allowed. In between races, rest and stay warm. Store up your energy for the competition. Use this time to cheer on your teammates. Check with your bullpen parent before you leave the meet to make sure you don’t have any more races to swim in. Remember, when you are wearing a team suit, you represent your team. Let your actions reflect your good sportsmanship and pride in being a Barracuda team member!
Age Groups: The swimmer’s age group is based on the age of the swimmer on June 1, 2016. For example, if a swimmer turns 7 on June 1st, they would race in the 7-8 age group. If that swimmer turns 7 on June 2, that swimmer will still swim in the 5-6 age group all season. Some swimmers with summer birthdays may want to swim in a different age group to be with their friends. Please discuss this with the coaches. Age groups are as follows:
6 & under 7-8 9-10 11-12 4
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
15-18
Swimming Up: In some cases, a swimmer may be asked to race in an older age group to fill a relay team. The coaches will only do this if they feel the swimmer is capable and ready for the challenge. Meets have been won with the help of younger children swimming up.
Communication We use the website http://medlockbridge.swim-team.us/as the primary means for communication. This is where you will find everything you need to know about the swim team. We will publish news items to the website. The website is where you will RSVP you swimmer for meets and volunteer for jobs at the swim meets. Team Rep email: [email protected] Volunteer Coordinator email: [email protected] Coach email: [email protected]
Volunteering The success of the Medlock Bridge swim team is dependent on parent involvement by every family on the team. One parent is required to volunteer for one half of the meet EVERY meet they have a swimmer entered. If you do not fulfill your volunteer duties, your child may not be allowed to compete at subsequent meets.
Inclement Weather Practices: Swim Practices will not be held in the event of hard rain or if there is any threat of thunder/lighting. We will follow the pool rules and wait 20-30 minutes if we hear thunder or see lightning. The weather changes quickly, so one group may have practice while others do not. Dryland drills may be held if it is unseasonably cold. Parents should use their own judgment as to whether their child should participate in any given practice. You will receive an email if practice is cancelled Swim Meets: Every effort must be made to swim each meet as scheduled. In the event of inclement weather, each team must show up at the pool on time. If at 5:30 the weather still precludes the meet from starting, the team reps and referee will decide whether to postpone the meet or cancel the meet. The meet will start and/or continue in the event of rain. Thunder and/or Lightning will stop the meet immediately. We must wait 20-30 minutes without any thunder or lightning before we can proceed with the meet. If it does begin to thunder and/or lightning, please go to your cars to wait safely for further instructions. Please do not leave the meet until you are notified that the meet has been cancelled. We will send out emails.
Awards
Ribbons are awarded to all swimmers in each event based on placement in each heat. A participation trophy is given to a swimmer for swimming in at least 2 meets per season. A Most Valuable Swimmer Award is given to the swimmer in each boy/girl age group who brings in the most points in the season and has followed the practice and behavior guidelines. The Coaches Award is given to the swimmer (in each boy/girl age group) that tries his/her best; cooperates with the coaches, encourages teammates, and cheers the team on. 5
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
Withdrawal/Refunds: The Medlock Bridge Barracudas swim team encourages swimmers of all abilities to join the team. We want all swimmers to have fun and be safe. If you feel your swimmer is not having fun, or the coaches decide the swimmer is not safe in the water, we will gladly refund the registration fee minus $13.75 per week for coaching. No refunds will be made after June 4.
Discipline Policy CHILDREN WHO ARE CAUGHT FIGHTING with other swimmers, coaches, and adults during practice, home meets or away meets will be asked to leave the pool deck and must go home for that practice or swim meet. If your child has been asked to leave on account of fighting or bad language on 2 occasions, your child will be removed from the swim team without a refund. Unacceptable behavior will NOT be tolerated. Please talk to your child concerning this.
Atlanta Swim Association Sportsmanship The Atlanta Swim Association has a Code of Ethics that is used as a guide for the swim league. Adherence to this code is required, and failure to comply with these standards may result in disciplinary action from the league. All Team Representatives, Coaches, Participants, Official, and Spectators will treat other Team Representatives, Coaches, Participants, Officials, and Spectators with respect. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship for all participants. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all participants, coaches, and officials at every event, practice, and meeting. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials shall provide support for coaches and officials working with the league to provide a positive and enjoyable experience for all. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will place the emotional and physical well-being of their participants ahead of a personal desire to win. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will treat each participant as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development of members of the same age group. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will do their best to provide a safe playing situation and environment. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will do their best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all participants.
6
Medlock Bridge Barracudas
2017
All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials will be knowledgeable in the rules of the league and the sport, and will teach these rules to their participants and parents. All Team Representatives and Coaches will use coaching techniques appropriate for the league and the sport of swimming. All Team Representatives, Coaches, and Officials must remember that the league is for children and not for adults. The Atlanta Swim Association is an introductory program for recreational swimming. Year round and intensely competitive programs are available from several local US Swimming Clubs. Individuals not complying with these rules will be subject to suspension or dismissal from the league. A panel of League Officials, Team Representatives and Coaches will be responsible for hearing any complaints pertaining to this rule during the season and rendering any penalty if necessary.
7
