Nottingham Forest Sharks Swim Team âNFST Swim
Nottingham Forest Sharks Swim Team Growing Safer, Stronger Swimmers www.nfswimteam.com
“NFST Swim Team 101” TEAM DETAILS
Open to all NFC member families in good standing, kids ages 4 – 18 Part of Memorial Spring Branch Swim Conference www.msbsc.org After-school practices during school year. Morning practices once SBISD out for the summer. 4 - 5 swim meets (Mon & Thu evenings in June) + Meet of Champs the last weekend in June. Managed by a volunteer committee of parents. 2018 Committee is:
Michele Higgins – Co- Chair Aimee Donnel – League Rep Mark Pearce – Treasurer Leslie Nogaret – Meet Director Mo Oteiza – Meet Operations Erin Fry – Spirit Coordinator Abby Clark - Sponsorships
Debbie Blackwood – Co- Chair / Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Leslie – New Member Liaison/ Wrangler Training Valerie Brennan – Communication Jenny Teixeira – Eligibility Helen Pearce – Member At-Large Natalie Geczik – Member At-Large
REGISTRATION
Registration opens March 19, 2018 and is completed online at www.nfswimteam.com Swimmers’ parents must be residents of Nottingham Forest or Ashford Forest, a non-resident club member or apply for a Swim Team Only membership. See our website for the agreement. Fee Schedule: First swimmer in a family $135, Second $115, Third $95, Fourth+ Free. Registration fees include a team t-shirt and swim cap. Swimmers ages 13 and over have $0 Registration Fee; a mandatory spirit-wear package is $30. Fees may be paid by credit card online (subject to processing fee) or by check payable to NFST and submitted to the NFC Office by May 25. Team suits can be purchased from Texas Swim Shop. (Fittings at pool May 14th). For year-round swimmers, MSBSC has a cut-off date to remain eligible for our summer league. It is March 4th for 2018.
SPONSORSHIP/FUNDRAISING
Each year swim teams encounter new funding needs, like upgraded technology, new equipment, meet supplies, etc., which are not covered by registration fees. During registration, families are given the opportunity to sponsor the team to help offset some of these expenses. Donations of at least $100 are recognized on our team banner at the pool, and any amount is greatly appreciated! We also solicit local companies for sponsorship - Gold ($500+) and Silver ($250+) Sponsor form We sell spirit items (adult shirts, yard signs, etc.) and home meet concessions. We may also hold a Shark Swim-A-Thon during practice on a weekday in June. Swimmers are asked to request pledges for swimming laps (flat rate donations accepted as well). 1
COMMUNICATION
Team communication is sent via email to addresses provided during registration. Additional addresses may be provided by logging in and updating your account with that information. Please make sure to read messages in their entirety, as changes, reminders, requests and updates are sent periodically throughout the season. Please keep an eye on your inbox for last-minute information on weather delays and/or cancellations for both practices and meets. Our website is another great source of information, including committee and coaches contact information, practice and meet schedules, copies of past emails, etc. www.nfswimteam.com The Coaches must be notified ahead of time if a swimmer will miss a meet. Coaches and committee members are available to answer questions that may not be addressed on our website.
PRACTICES at NFC Pool by Age Group
After-school practices Monday - Thursday, Begin April 30th OR May 7 OR May 9**
6 & Under (4-5s) 3:30 - 4:00pm
6 & Under (6s) 7 /8 9 /10s 11 and Over Open (RSVP)
4:00 - 4:30pm 4:30 - 5:00pm 5:00 - 6:00pm 6:00 - 7:00pm 7:00 - 7:30pm
** Practice Start Dates by Age Group: ALL Age 9 & Ups - Monday, April 30th. NEW Age 8 & Unders - Monday, May 7th RETURNING Age 8 & Unders - Wednesday, May 9th
NO PRACTICE on Memorial Day, May 28.
Friday evenings when pool is open (Adjusted Schedule) May 4, 11, 18, 25 & June 1
Open 9/10s 7/8s 6 & Under 11 & Up
7:00 - 7:30am 7:30 - 8:30am 8:30 - 9:15am 9:15 - 9:45am 9:45 - 10:45am
Saturday AM practices, May 5 - June 16 to work on starts (dives), strokes, turns, relays, etc.
3:30 - 4:00pm 4:00 - 4:30pm 4:30 - 5:00pm 5:00 - 5:30pm 5:30 - 6:00pm
Morning weekday practices, Tuesdays through Fridays, June 5 through June 22. There are no Monday morning practices in June due to pool cleaning.
6 & Under (4-5s) 6 & Under (6s) 7 /8 9 /10 11 and Over
8 & Under 8:30 - 9:30am 9 & Up 9:30 - 10:30am
Evening mid-week practices* are offered in June for swimmers who cannot make the morning practices. June 5, 6, 12, 13
6 & Under 5:00 - 5:45pm* 7 & Up 5:45 - 6:30pm*
*You must reserve a spot online using the Green RSVP button for each evening practice. There are a limited number of spots as the pool is open to all members at those times. 2
PRACTICES (continued)
Please ensure your child makes every effort to attend practices. The more practice, the stronger the swimmer. If your child cannot attend practice, please contact the Coaches. First-time swimmers must attend regular practices. NEW 8 & Unders will have two weeks of practice to qualify for the team by swimming a 25-yd length, unassisted in under one minute. This is a league rule. 6 & Unders swim freestyle and backstroke; all older swimmers may swim butterfly and breaststroke, also. If your child does not know a stroke, he/she will be instructed during practice, however, practices are not lessons. If your child needs more assistance with a stroke or technique, please consider private lessons provided by our coaches at a reasonable rate. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed at the pool without supervision. This is an NF Club rule. If you drop your child off for practice, MAKE SURE that practice is still on. Pick up your child(ren) ON TIME. There are no babysitters to watch your child before or after practice, and there are no lifeguards on duty. During practice hours, swimmers may only be in the pool during their practice time. This is a safety issue. There are no lifeguards on duty at these times. The NFC “Baby” Pool should only be used by pre-school kids during practice hours, not by our Sharks. Parents are responsible for watching kids on deck and in the baby pool during practices. Team suits should be saved for swim meets. A suit may not survive the season if worn daily. The practice schedule for Meet of Champs will usually differ from previous schedules.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Debbie Blackwood is our Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] Every family is required to serve at least 10 volunteer hours, which is essential to a successful season. Many families give more. We would not function without each family pitching in! If you see something that needs to be done (especially during a meet), please lend a hand. Volunteer positions and descriptions are available on the website to help inform your decision prior to signing up. Several volunteer positions require attending a league training meeting on either May 6th, May 20th or June 3rd. Any last-minute volunteer changes or questions should be communicated to Debbie Blackwood, Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] Check in at the Volunteer Table when you arrive at a meet and get your nametag. The meets cannot start until all critical volunteers are in place (place judges, stroke judges, timers, and scorekeepers). If you cannot make your volunteer time – IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND A REPLACEMENT ahead of time!! If you do not, you will be contacted after the meet and will need to reschedule. Debbie Blackwood may be able to help with a replacement if given enough time. If a family is unable to commit to eight volunteer hours during the season, an Opt-Out option is available for a $300 fee. (Opt-out fees benefit the team, much like a sponsorship fee would.)
3
MEETS
All swimmers must “opt in” or out of each meet online before that meet’s deadline. Absences affect seeding of heats and relays, and coaches need time to be thoughtful about placement. Any changes to a swimmer’s availability after the deadline, must be emailed to the Coaches. The meet schedule is on our website and below. All meets begin at 6:00 p.m. Warm ups are at 5:00 for home meets and 5:30 for away meets. Make every effort to be on time for warm ups. Time trials determine the fastest swimmers in each stroke in each age group. The coaches use timing to set heating at the meets. The Red + Blue practice meet on May 19 will be used as time trials to give racers “competition conditions” for (hopefully!) the best possible times. Label EVERYTHING! Towels, suits, goggles, caps, games, coolers, water bottles, EVERYTHING! There is a lot of “down” time between events, so have your child bring something to do while they wait – card games, toys, books, etc. Wranglers (parent volunteers that make sure swimmers in an age group are in the right lanes/heats for their events) are extremely important to the smooth running of a meet. Please offer to help, if you are not busy, especially with younger age groups. Swimmers (and parents!) are encouraged to cheer for teammates and show good sportsmanship. If possible, try to stay until the end of the meet to cheer on the older swimmers!
HOW MEETS WORK
Arrive before warm up to check in with the Wrangler for your child’s age group. Also, check in with the Volunteer Coordinator if you have a job during the meet. The Wrangler writes the swimmer’s name with a Sharpie on their shoulder and events on their arm. Please put on sunscreen after mark-ups, avoiding the ink if possible. Make note of your kid’s events. Heat sheets will be available for sale at the concession stand. Kids will warm up when called by the coaches, and return to their age group area afterward. Swimmers must remain with their age groups during the meet, and should always ask their Wrangler if they have time to get a snack, go to the bathroom, etc. If they cannot be found in time for their event, they WILL NOT swim. Parents must make sure their swimmer(s) remains with their age group. Each heat of each event generally takes less than a minute. Swimmers in every heat get a ribbon, 1st through 6th place, determined by the Place Judge, not the timers. Place Judges are volunteers and their decisions are final. Times are recorded for swimmers to track their improvement. It’s a parent’s job to be supportive and cheer on the swimmers. Only the first heat of each event in each age group counts toward the team score, but every heat is important. Rainouts are rescheduled for the following Tuesday or Saturday. When your child is done with all of his events, and you are done volunteering, you are free to leave. Most 6 & Unders are free to go after all the freestyle events, unless swimming the backstroke. Some 7/8s will be free to leave after freestyle. Notify the Wrangler before you leave, there may be an opportunity to “swim up.”
4
IMPORTANT DATES - 2018
March 19 - Registration Opens - www.nfswimteam.com April 15 - Family Potluck – 4pm at NFC May 6 - MSBSC Judges Training Meeting May 13 - Team Suit Swap at NFC May 14 - Swim Suit Fittings through Texas Swim Shop at NFC during practice The deadline to order is May 18 This team suit is intended to be used for many years to come, rather than having a new suit design every 2 years. Girls’ racing suits cost on average $55 and boys’ jammers cost approximately $35.
May 19 - Sharks Practice “Blue + Red Meet” – Takes the place of “time trials” and allows swimmers to be timed in “competition conditions.” It also helps new swimmers and volunteers learn the ropes of a meet. May 20 - MSBSC Judges Training Meeting May 25 – Deadline for Team Registration Fees June 3 - Picture Day and Pizza, Popsicle & Pool Party (Team & Individual Photos) Individual (and/or siblings) pictures by the pool between 11am and 1pm, then a full team, group photo at 1pm, culminating with pizza, popsicles and pool time. June 3 - MSBSC Judges Training Meeting
2018 Swim Meet Calendar Meets begin at 6pm, and are held on Mondays and Thursdays. Plan to arrive an hour ahead for team warm ups.
June 7 @ NFC vs Thornwood - Warm Up 5:00pm June 11 @ Memorial Bend (12805 Boheme Dr, Houston, Texas 77024) - Warm Up 5:30pm June 14 @ Memorial Forest (12122 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77024) - Warm Up 5:30pm June 18 @ NFC vs Fonn Villas - Warm Up 5:00pm
June 23-24, 2018 - Meet of Champs – The fastest 3-4 swimmers for our team, in each age group event go to the league MOC held at the Spring Branch Natatorium (10404 Tiger Trail, Houston, TX 77043), with Prelims on Saturday, and Finals (top 8 in the league in each event) on Sunday. We will need volunteers to work both days. These will be extra volunteer hours that are not covered by the Opt-out Fee. It’s an honor for swimmers to make MOC. Please do NOT plan a family vacation on this weekend; it’s never clear until the end of the season who will qualify!
Monday, June 25- End of Season Team Party – This casual evening includes dinner, trophies, awards, pool time and slideshow highlights from the season. This is a fun and festive family event held at NFC. 5
“NFST Swim Team 101” TEAM DETAILS
Open to all NFC member families in good standing, kids ages 4 – 18 Part of Memorial Spring Branch Swim Conference www.msbsc.org After-school practices during school year. Morning practices once SBISD out for the summer. 4 - 5 swim meets (Mon & Thu evenings in June) + Meet of Champs the last weekend in June. Managed by a volunteer committee of parents. 2018 Committee is:
Michele Higgins – Co- Chair Aimee Donnel – League Rep Mark Pearce – Treasurer Leslie Nogaret – Meet Director Mo Oteiza – Meet Operations Erin Fry – Spirit Coordinator Abby Clark - Sponsorships
Debbie Blackwood – Co- Chair / Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Leslie – New Member Liaison/ Wrangler Training Valerie Brennan – Communication Jenny Teixeira – Eligibility Helen Pearce – Member At-Large Natalie Geczik – Member At-Large
REGISTRATION
Registration opens March 19, 2018 and is completed online at www.nfswimteam.com Swimmers’ parents must be residents of Nottingham Forest or Ashford Forest, a non-resident club member or apply for a Swim Team Only membership. See our website for the agreement. Fee Schedule: First swimmer in a family $135, Second $115, Third $95, Fourth+ Free. Registration fees include a team t-shirt and swim cap. Swimmers ages 13 and over have $0 Registration Fee; a mandatory spirit-wear package is $30. Fees may be paid by credit card online (subject to processing fee) or by check payable to NFST and submitted to the NFC Office by May 25. Team suits can be purchased from Texas Swim Shop. (Fittings at pool May 14th). For year-round swimmers, MSBSC has a cut-off date to remain eligible for our summer league. It is March 4th for 2018.
SPONSORSHIP/FUNDRAISING
Each year swim teams encounter new funding needs, like upgraded technology, new equipment, meet supplies, etc., which are not covered by registration fees. During registration, families are given the opportunity to sponsor the team to help offset some of these expenses. Donations of at least $100 are recognized on our team banner at the pool, and any amount is greatly appreciated! We also solicit local companies for sponsorship - Gold ($500+) and Silver ($250+) Sponsor form We sell spirit items (adult shirts, yard signs, etc.) and home meet concessions. We may also hold a Shark Swim-A-Thon during practice on a weekday in June. Swimmers are asked to request pledges for swimming laps (flat rate donations accepted as well). 1
COMMUNICATION
Team communication is sent via email to addresses provided during registration. Additional addresses may be provided by logging in and updating your account with that information. Please make sure to read messages in their entirety, as changes, reminders, requests and updates are sent periodically throughout the season. Please keep an eye on your inbox for last-minute information on weather delays and/or cancellations for both practices and meets. Our website is another great source of information, including committee and coaches contact information, practice and meet schedules, copies of past emails, etc. www.nfswimteam.com The Coaches must be notified ahead of time if a swimmer will miss a meet. Coaches and committee members are available to answer questions that may not be addressed on our website.
PRACTICES at NFC Pool by Age Group
After-school practices Monday - Thursday, Begin April 30th OR May 7 OR May 9**
6 & Under (4-5s) 3:30 - 4:00pm
6 & Under (6s) 7 /8 9 /10s 11 and Over Open (RSVP)
4:00 - 4:30pm 4:30 - 5:00pm 5:00 - 6:00pm 6:00 - 7:00pm 7:00 - 7:30pm
** Practice Start Dates by Age Group: ALL Age 9 & Ups - Monday, April 30th. NEW Age 8 & Unders - Monday, May 7th RETURNING Age 8 & Unders - Wednesday, May 9th
NO PRACTICE on Memorial Day, May 28.
Friday evenings when pool is open (Adjusted Schedule) May 4, 11, 18, 25 & June 1
Open 9/10s 7/8s 6 & Under 11 & Up
7:00 - 7:30am 7:30 - 8:30am 8:30 - 9:15am 9:15 - 9:45am 9:45 - 10:45am
Saturday AM practices, May 5 - June 16 to work on starts (dives), strokes, turns, relays, etc.
3:30 - 4:00pm 4:00 - 4:30pm 4:30 - 5:00pm 5:00 - 5:30pm 5:30 - 6:00pm
Morning weekday practices, Tuesdays through Fridays, June 5 through June 22. There are no Monday morning practices in June due to pool cleaning.
6 & Under (4-5s) 6 & Under (6s) 7 /8 9 /10 11 and Over
8 & Under 8:30 - 9:30am 9 & Up 9:30 - 10:30am
Evening mid-week practices* are offered in June for swimmers who cannot make the morning practices. June 5, 6, 12, 13
6 & Under 5:00 - 5:45pm* 7 & Up 5:45 - 6:30pm*
*You must reserve a spot online using the Green RSVP button for each evening practice. There are a limited number of spots as the pool is open to all members at those times. 2
PRACTICES (continued)
Please ensure your child makes every effort to attend practices. The more practice, the stronger the swimmer. If your child cannot attend practice, please contact the Coaches. First-time swimmers must attend regular practices. NEW 8 & Unders will have two weeks of practice to qualify for the team by swimming a 25-yd length, unassisted in under one minute. This is a league rule. 6 & Unders swim freestyle and backstroke; all older swimmers may swim butterfly and breaststroke, also. If your child does not know a stroke, he/she will be instructed during practice, however, practices are not lessons. If your child needs more assistance with a stroke or technique, please consider private lessons provided by our coaches at a reasonable rate. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed at the pool without supervision. This is an NF Club rule. If you drop your child off for practice, MAKE SURE that practice is still on. Pick up your child(ren) ON TIME. There are no babysitters to watch your child before or after practice, and there are no lifeguards on duty. During practice hours, swimmers may only be in the pool during their practice time. This is a safety issue. There are no lifeguards on duty at these times. The NFC “Baby” Pool should only be used by pre-school kids during practice hours, not by our Sharks. Parents are responsible for watching kids on deck and in the baby pool during practices. Team suits should be saved for swim meets. A suit may not survive the season if worn daily. The practice schedule for Meet of Champs will usually differ from previous schedules.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
Debbie Blackwood is our Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] Every family is required to serve at least 10 volunteer hours, which is essential to a successful season. Many families give more. We would not function without each family pitching in! If you see something that needs to be done (especially during a meet), please lend a hand. Volunteer positions and descriptions are available on the website to help inform your decision prior to signing up. Several volunteer positions require attending a league training meeting on either May 6th, May 20th or June 3rd. Any last-minute volunteer changes or questions should be communicated to Debbie Blackwood, Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] Check in at the Volunteer Table when you arrive at a meet and get your nametag. The meets cannot start until all critical volunteers are in place (place judges, stroke judges, timers, and scorekeepers). If you cannot make your volunteer time – IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND A REPLACEMENT ahead of time!! If you do not, you will be contacted after the meet and will need to reschedule. Debbie Blackwood may be able to help with a replacement if given enough time. If a family is unable to commit to eight volunteer hours during the season, an Opt-Out option is available for a $300 fee. (Opt-out fees benefit the team, much like a sponsorship fee would.)
3
MEETS
All swimmers must “opt in” or out of each meet online before that meet’s deadline. Absences affect seeding of heats and relays, and coaches need time to be thoughtful about placement. Any changes to a swimmer’s availability after the deadline, must be emailed to the Coaches. The meet schedule is on our website and below. All meets begin at 6:00 p.m. Warm ups are at 5:00 for home meets and 5:30 for away meets. Make every effort to be on time for warm ups. Time trials determine the fastest swimmers in each stroke in each age group. The coaches use timing to set heating at the meets. The Red + Blue practice meet on May 19 will be used as time trials to give racers “competition conditions” for (hopefully!) the best possible times. Label EVERYTHING! Towels, suits, goggles, caps, games, coolers, water bottles, EVERYTHING! There is a lot of “down” time between events, so have your child bring something to do while they wait – card games, toys, books, etc. Wranglers (parent volunteers that make sure swimmers in an age group are in the right lanes/heats for their events) are extremely important to the smooth running of a meet. Please offer to help, if you are not busy, especially with younger age groups. Swimmers (and parents!) are encouraged to cheer for teammates and show good sportsmanship. If possible, try to stay until the end of the meet to cheer on the older swimmers!
HOW MEETS WORK
Arrive before warm up to check in with the Wrangler for your child’s age group. Also, check in with the Volunteer Coordinator if you have a job during the meet. The Wrangler writes the swimmer’s name with a Sharpie on their shoulder and events on their arm. Please put on sunscreen after mark-ups, avoiding the ink if possible. Make note of your kid’s events. Heat sheets will be available for sale at the concession stand. Kids will warm up when called by the coaches, and return to their age group area afterward. Swimmers must remain with their age groups during the meet, and should always ask their Wrangler if they have time to get a snack, go to the bathroom, etc. If they cannot be found in time for their event, they WILL NOT swim. Parents must make sure their swimmer(s) remains with their age group. Each heat of each event generally takes less than a minute. Swimmers in every heat get a ribbon, 1st through 6th place, determined by the Place Judge, not the timers. Place Judges are volunteers and their decisions are final. Times are recorded for swimmers to track their improvement. It’s a parent’s job to be supportive and cheer on the swimmers. Only the first heat of each event in each age group counts toward the team score, but every heat is important. Rainouts are rescheduled for the following Tuesday or Saturday. When your child is done with all of his events, and you are done volunteering, you are free to leave. Most 6 & Unders are free to go after all the freestyle events, unless swimming the backstroke. Some 7/8s will be free to leave after freestyle. Notify the Wrangler before you leave, there may be an opportunity to “swim up.”
4
IMPORTANT DATES - 2018
March 19 - Registration Opens - www.nfswimteam.com April 15 - Family Potluck – 4pm at NFC May 6 - MSBSC Judges Training Meeting May 13 - Team Suit Swap at NFC May 14 - Swim Suit Fittings through Texas Swim Shop at NFC during practice The deadline to order is May 18 This team suit is intended to be used for many years to come, rather than having a new suit design every 2 years. Girls’ racing suits cost on average $55 and boys’ jammers cost approximately $35.
May 19 - Sharks Practice “Blue + Red Meet” – Takes the place of “time trials” and allows swimmers to be timed in “competition conditions.” It also helps new swimmers and volunteers learn the ropes of a meet. May 20 - MSBSC Judges Training Meeting May 25 – Deadline for Team Registration Fees June 3 - Picture Day and Pizza, Popsicle & Pool Party (Team & Individual Photos) Individual (and/or siblings) pictures by the pool between 11am and 1pm, then a full team, group photo at 1pm, culminating with pizza, popsicles and pool time. June 3 - MSBSC Judges Training Meeting
2018 Swim Meet Calendar Meets begin at 6pm, and are held on Mondays and Thursdays. Plan to arrive an hour ahead for team warm ups.
June 7 @ NFC vs Thornwood - Warm Up 5:00pm June 11 @ Memorial Bend (12805 Boheme Dr, Houston, Texas 77024) - Warm Up 5:30pm June 14 @ Memorial Forest (12122 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77024) - Warm Up 5:30pm June 18 @ NFC vs Fonn Villas - Warm Up 5:00pm
June 23-24, 2018 - Meet of Champs – The fastest 3-4 swimmers for our team, in each age group event go to the league MOC held at the Spring Branch Natatorium (10404 Tiger Trail, Houston, TX 77043), with Prelims on Saturday, and Finals (top 8 in the league in each event) on Sunday. We will need volunteers to work both days. These will be extra volunteer hours that are not covered by the Opt-out Fee. It’s an honor for swimmers to make MOC. Please do NOT plan a family vacation on this weekend; it’s never clear until the end of the season who will qualify!
Monday, June 25- End of Season Team Party – This casual evening includes dinner, trophies, awards, pool time and slideshow highlights from the season. This is a fun and festive family event held at NFC. 5
