Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team New Parent Packet
Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team New Parent Packet Welcome!! www.prestonwoodflyers.swim-team.us Email: [email protected] PO Box 692381 Houston, TX 77269
1
Welcome to the Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team This handbook has been prepared to familiarize you with the Prestonwood Flyers swimming program. However, a handbook cannot anticipate and answer all questions that you may have. Feel free to ask questions of the swim team board members and/or coaches. The Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team is a non-profit organization formed to promote competitive swimming for all Prestonwood Forest residents and eligible nonresident participants between the ages of 4 to 18 years (as of start of the swim season as determine by the NWAL rules). It is the goal of the Prestonwood Flyers to: 1. Provide safe, healthful exercise and an opportunity to practice social skills in a positive environment for all participants. 2. Help each swimmer realize their potential as an aquatic athlete through instruction in stroke technique, starts, turns and endurance given by qualified coaches. 3. Develop the qualities of good sportsmanship, self-discipline and endurance. 4. Provide a way to meet your neighbors and continue a fun Prestonwood Forest tradition.
The Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL) Prestonwood Forest is a subdivision member of the Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL). The NWAL sanctions competitive youth swimming throughout the Houston area and is one of the largest swimming organizations in the United States. The league is divided by competitive potential into five or six-team divisions. Each team swims against the other teams in the division in a series of dual meets. At the end of the season, the teams compete in a divisional meet to decide the division champion.
A Little History The Prestonwood Flyers swim team has been an institution in our neighborhood since 1973. During that time, the youth from Prestonwood and surrounding subdivisions have been afforded excellent and continuing opportunities to learn to swim, to test themselves against the skills of others in competitive events, and to merit an opportunity to compete at higher levels. Over the years many team members have earned well-deserved college scholarships through participation in the Prestonwood Flyer Swim Team. The team activity promotes strong kids, focuses on good sportsmanship, and healthy competition. Approximately 100 youth from the ages of 4 to 18 swim on the Flyers team. Their parents are enthusiastic volunteers who support the team. Thus, this is truly a parent and child activity which makes running the team a great family event. After each season the families and team grow closer together making Prestonwood Forest a stronger community. The Members of the Prestonwood Forest Maintenance Association take great pride in supporting the Flyers and pledge to continue to do so. The Association strongly urges local business owners or any interested private person or party to participate in supporting this worthy cause. 2
2017 Executive Board President:
Guadalupe Ramírez
Vice President:
Ted Gorman
Treasure:
Pete Lugo
Secretary:
Cindy Ramirez
Team Representative:
Leslie Martin
Communication Methods/Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Website: prestonwoodflyers.swim-team.us
Friend us on Facebook: Prestonwood Flyers
Prestonwood Press Newsletter
Prestonwood Online Site – www.prestonwoodforestonline.com
NextDoor app - https://nextdoor.com/
Mail:
Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team PO Box 692381 Houston, TX 77269
Quick key points: ►Practices start in mid April with “Guppy school” for our youngest swimmers (under 6) and those under 8 that are new to the team. Regular practices start about a week after Guppy School. ► The Kick Off Party is held at the beginning of practice season and lets parents meet each other and learn more about the team. ►The official meets start in May and ends prior to July 4. There are only five (5) meets and a Divisional competition. ►Various social events are held throughout the season to encourage team spirit and friendships among the athletes (and maybe their parents, too!)… ►We will have an end of the season social where the coaches will give awards and special recognitions to well deserving athletes. The Board President will announce the recipient(s) of the Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team Scholarship. We encourage all athletes and parents to attend. ►The Flyers will have a float in our Fourth of July Parade.
3
General Helpful Hints for Swim Parents Don't be afraid to get involved --even if you've never been to a swim meet in your life. Ask questions often. Have plenty of water available for your family and especially your SWIMMER. Rinse (don’t use soap) your team suit in cold water after each use and hang to dry (not in the sun or in the dryer). Never discuss issues with the coach during meets, practice, or around your swimmer. There is a "clipboard" on the coaches table for parents to write their name and number where you can request Coach Brita to call you and discuss a question or concern...this allows the Coach to coach without interruption during the practices. Of course, if this is a safety issue that is currently being witnessed, by all means speak up immediately! Our swimmers’ safety is ALWAYS first! Medical Tips Using a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and alcohol solution dropped in each ear after meets and every practice will keep swimmer’s ear away! Every practice. Every meet. INHALERS: If your child is asthmatic, this is the most important thing they own. Different environments have different triggers that can set off an attack. Tell the coach(es) if your child has asthma & where his/her inhaler is! Practices Practices are Monday through Friday. It is important for your child to attend as many practices as possible. The more practices they attend, the better they will learn the various swimming strokes and how to implement them correctly.
Practices are what many like to call controlled chaos. There will be many kids in, out and around the pool area at almost all times. We rely on all of our parents to help keep the kids safe, out of trouble and to help channel their excitement and energy into their swimming (and not relinquishing it on the poor plants and shrubs around the clubhouse).
4
SAMPLE Practice Schedule:
Before school is out: EVENINGS
AGE GROUP
START TIME
END TIME
Mid April through Last week of school:
11 & 12
4:00 pm
5:00 pm
Practices Monday through Friday
9 & 10
5:00 pm
5:45 pm
7&8
5:45 pm
6:15 pm
6 & Under
6:15 pm
6:45 pm
13& Up
6:45 pm
7:45 pm
You will be notified a week prior of any schedule changes
After school is out: MORNINGS Week after school year ends through end of season Practices Monday through Friday
AGE GROUP
START TIME
END TIME
9 & 10
7:30 am
8:15 am
11 & 12
8:15 am
9:15 am
13 & up
9:15 am
10:15 am
6 & under
10:15 am
10:45 am
7&8
10:45 am
11:15 am
You will be notified a week prior of any schedule changes
Makeup Practices: Tuesday &Thursday EVENINGS ONLY 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm (for those that miss morning practices only)
Invitational Practice: June 20th through June 23rd MORNINGS ONLY Mornings Only Monday through Friday (could change depending on numbers) 8:00 – 9:00
10 & Under
9:00 – 10:00
11 & Up
5
TEAM POSITION ON INEXPERIENCED-SWIMMERS
The Board of Directors has made every effort to provide a fun, competitive, and safe swimming program for the swimmers of Prestonwood Forest Swim team.
All members of the swim team must demonstrate the ability to 1) consistently enter the water unassisted, 2) be safe in the water by themselves, and 3) demonstrate the basics of swimming.
Children do not have to be able to swim the length of the pool before joining the swim team; however, they must be able to swim the length of the pool in under 3 minutes to compete in a dual meet.
Every effort will be made to communicate with the parents of children who are deemed to be inexperienced swimmers by the 1st dual meet of the swim season. The communication will come from the Head Coach and will be directed to the individual’s parent.
Fostering the relationship between the children of Prestonwood Forest and their swim team is of the utmost importance; therefore, inexperienced-swimmers are welcomed and encouraged to participate in team events and activities like pep rallies, team dinners, and team parties. All children who register with the team will receive recognition at the end of the year at the awards banquet.
Parents are strongly encouraged to seek private lessons and have your child participate in Guppy School.
Remember the more practices your child attends, the better swimmer they will be.
GUPPY SCHOOL Guppy School is a pre-swim team program for non-swimmers or swimmers with limited stroke or competition skills that have an interest in summer swim team. The school is a week-long program that offers small class sizes Monday through Friday with the team coaches and/or their assistants. If the child is not yet ready for competition, we encourage parents to keep the child active at every swim practice and to be in touch with the coach prior to the following meet.
SWIM MEETS What happens before a swim meet? The coaches decide who will swim, and what events they will swim, PRIOR to the meet. Most people aren’t aware of how much work goes into making a line up for meets. Many factors are considered, such as relay teams, number of events per swimmer, and the need for a valid time in each event for swimmers to compete at Divisionals. You may wonder why we focus so much attention on line-ups, but hours of preparation go into each meet. Many times, that preparation is wasted when children fail to show up for a meet. One lineup change causes a domino effect within the age group which is very disruptive to the start of the meet.
6
This makes it very important that you let the coaches know if your child will not be participating in a meet. If you know in advance (prior to Wednesday), fill out the attached absentee form and hand it to one of our coaches. You may also go to the website, click on the meet, and RSVP to “No” If you have a schedule change or your swimmer is sick, be sure to send an email to the coach at [email protected] and the board at [email protected] if it is the morning of a meet.
What happens at swim meets? The first thing EVERY parent should know about swim meets are that they start EARLY! Most meets have a swimmer check-in starting around 6:45 AM. Be prepared – even the early birds that get the worm wonder why we start so early. When you arrive: o Find a seat with swimmers from your team. o Check in with the “ready bench” and get your swimmers “numbers" (the event numbers). The “ready bench crew” will write your swimmer’s event numbers on his or her arm (for handy reference….). o Tell your athlete to head over to the rest of the team. If you are checked in with the ready bench team and received your numbers, then the coach knows you are there. THEY HAVE TO KNOW WHO HAS SHOWN UP -- SO CHECK IN! o Check in with the volunteer coordinator to ensure all slots are filled and you get credit for hours worked. There are warm-ups at each meet. Home team warms up first, generally starting around 7 AM. The visiting team generally starts warm-ups around 7:45 and the meets generally start around 8:30 AM. A typical swim meet will last until about 1-2 PM. Each meet is divided up into different events. The events are: Freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, individual medley, medley relay, and freestyle relay. Each event may have 1 or more heats. Kids are assigned a heat based on their time from the previous week’s swim meet (Intra-squad/Time Trials/Mock meet will establish times for the first swim meet). Kids with the slower times will race against each other in the first heats, while the faster times will be seeded in the last heats. Log on to the Website www.prestonwoodflyers.swim-team.us with your mobile device and go to Meet Vision to view meet entries and status of events. Each swim meet runs the same events in the same order. In general, the meet is designed to complete the 6 & under events earlier than the remaining events. If you have 8 yr old or older swimmers – be prepared to stay until 1-2 PM. There are limited races and heats in a summer meet. Your swimmer will not swim in every event. Children 6 & under swim only freestyle and backstroke events (2 or 3 events) and will typically be done about 11 AM. For the remaining age groups, expect your swimmer to be in a total of five events. Some events run faster than others. During a meet, the swimmer must go to the ready bench and then line up in his/her appropriate lane one or two events prior to his/her scheduled event. 7
They will not hold the event to find the swimmer. If your swimmer misses it, he/she will NOT have the opportunity to make it up. Our coaches ask that each athlete come directly to them after his/her event so that they can tell them how to do better, congratulate them, whatever is necessary. A portable shade structure (such as a 10x10 pop-up canopy), or a strategic partnership with a friend who owns one will be the best investment you will spend on swim team all season. The second best investment you can make is a plastic tarp to put under the shade structure. Food – every swim meet has a concession stand that will sell various food items. All proceeds from the concession stand go directly toward the numerous expenses the team incurs during a season. However, concessions are not always known for their vast array of food choices or for their health-conscious selections. While we do encourage you to visit the concession stand (early and often), if your child has special nutritional needs, you will want to bring that along with you. Disqualifications – Swim meets are monitored by officials who watch for stroke infractions. It is inevitable that every kid will be disqualified at some point during their swimming career. The officials disqualify kids, not because they enjoy watching kids cry (which will also inevitably happen), but to help teach the kids the proper way to swim the different strokes. Officials are volunteers from each team and are guided by a meet referee who controls the entire swim meet. All issues or questions regarding how the meet is run should be directed to the coach, who will then take it up with the meet referee if necessary. Engaging the meet referee in a lengthy discussion of whether little Johnny turned his feet outward or not during the breaststroke will only prolong the meet and make a lot of hot tired parents sitting in a blazing sun less of a friend of yours. There is a lot of down-time between your swimmer’s events, which means most kids will need to have some form of entertainment. It is encouraged to bring something to occupy your kids between events, such as board games, cards, portable game players, Legos, books, drawing/coloring items etc. However, electronics are not encouraged as they may get lost, wet, stolen, broken, etc. While many of the teams we swim against will have playground equipment on-site, these are often off-limits to the kids due to insurance liability reasons.
What to bring? (for swimmers):
Swim cap (could have 2 -they tear easily!) GOGGLES (again, may want to have 2 pair and NEVER wear untested, new goggles at a meet) 2 Towels (one to sit on and one to wrap up in) SUNSCREEN: waterproof, rub proof, goof proof. Remember, sunscreen is oily; a swimmer could lose their goggles because of it. Remove sunscreen around the eyes and forehead before the race. WATER BOTTLE Other drinks and snacks (see parent info below) 8
Entertainment: a book, deck of cards, board games, coloring/drawing materials …. Swim bags to hold all this loot
What to bring? (for parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents…):
Bring SHADE – Shade is your friend: an umbrella, pop-up canopy, etc. Or share some shade with another team-members shade canopy… Chairs or bleacher seats A highlighter (for marking their race info on the heat sheet) A pen (you might want to write down the new times they achieve at the meet) COOLER packed with yummy and healthy food snacks and lots of WATER o Some snack suggestions: raisins, trail mix, Ritz bits w/peanut butter, goldfish, grapes, small chunks of fruit or veggies; favorite dry cereals in Ziploc bags, string cheese; beef jerky, Gatorade Bars or Power Bars -- ask around for ideas! o Most pools will have concessions, so some families don't bring coolers. But don't forget drinks for yourself, your kids, & your spouse! Remember, alcoholic beverages are not allowed at any Flyers/NWAL event. SUNSCREEN & some kind of BUGS-GET-OFF-ME spray. Entertainment: a book, deck of cards, knitting, Christmas cards to address… Baby powder (sample size will last a long time): to lightly dust inside of swim caps after drying them; keeps them from sticking together & easier to put on! We usually do this at home.
Swim Meet Hints:
Remember your food items to contribute to the concession stand for our home meets—bite size, cut up fresh fruit. If you have a child that wakes up sick and can’t make the meet: Last minute illness should send an email to the coach at [email protected] and the board at [email protected] .
Label everything possible: bags, goggles, towels, and t-shirts (all Prestonwood Flyers t-shirts look alike!) Your athlete should wear his/her swimsuit to the meet: do not plan on time to change at the pool! Plan on arriving at least 10 minutes BEFORE warm up starts: to check in, find the team, stake a claim on a piece of real estate for yourself & your cooler, find the swim lineup and get your numbers & check out the concessions. Have spare change for the concession stand. Also, bring food and drink for you and your family. Always encourage your swimmer to do his or her best before every race. Be aware of when your child swims, so that she or he doesn't miss her or his race. Always check for relays! If your swimmer is scheduled to swim in a relay he/she must stay at the meet until the completion of the relay! There are 4 swimmers on a relay, so if one swimmer is missing it affects the rest of the relay team. 9
Know that your swimmer will not be perfect in every race. There are many requirements for each stroke to be completed without disqualification. Your swimmer will learn these in time. Expect your swimmer to be disqualified (DQ’d) the first few times she or he swims an event, and praise her/ him when she/he completes a race without disqualification! Even the most experienced swimmers are DQ’d. Stay alert and cheer them on! Congratulate, console if necessary but never, NEVER coach. Try to teach your swimmer to be a good sport & to congratulate the swimmer who wins the race. The main thing is that your athlete realizes that he/she is there to improve his/her own times and if in doing that he/she also beats other athletes, well, that is an achievement! But pouting, getting angry, scowling, crying and worst of all bragging is unsportsmanlike conduct and parents must avoid it at all costs! Someday it will be your child's turn to be the one congratulated and boy, does it feel good! Expect 5 hours or more! Swim meets are not known for their brevity. Bring something to occupy the time while you wait for your swimmer to swim again. Knit, read, write, snooze, play cards, read the paper, write your mother, address Christmas cards, file your nails, torture your other children… Sit with other Flyer parents & get to know each other: we're a happy bunch and will include you and your Aunt Harriett in our conversations! I've met some friends I will have forever at swim meets. You will too.
Most importantly, make the season FUN for you and your swimmer! Smile! You're going to love it...
10
Frequently Asked Questions Q. -How long does a swim meet last? – Typically the swimmers will have to be at the pool by 7 am and the meet will be completed at about 2 pm. Q. Are there bleachers or do I need my lawn chairs? Both.... there may be bleachers, but not enough for everyone--so be prepared. At pools we visit you should DEFINITELY bring chairs! Q. -What about inclement weather? – If it is thundering or lightning out practice is cancelled. This is not automatic for swim meets, however. We do not swim if it is not safe! If a practice or meet is canceled it will be updated on the Website www.prestonwoodflyers.swim-team.us and our Facebook page. Be sure to check often. Q. – Are we required to volunteer at a swim meet? -Yes, there are many opportunities to get involved and we need you! Each family is required to work at least 3 sessions. Two home meets and 1 away meet. (You are obligated to fulfill two home sessions on two separate dates and one away session throughout the entire season). Timers, concessions, water runners, ribbon writers and more are needed at each home and away meet. Be sure to check our website for your assigned session the Wednesday before the meet. Q. -How do we order a swimsuit? – We get our suits through D & J sports on near the corner of Spring Cypress and FM 249. Just tell them you are a Prestonwood Flyer and they will take it from there.
11
Swim Terms DIVISIONALS -This is the last meet of the season where all teams in our division compete against each other on the same day. You will hear more about this meet as the season progresses. DQ -Disqualification -Swim does not count because of an infraction of the rules DROPPED TIME -When a swimmer goes faster than the previous performance they have "dropped their time." EVENT -any race or series of races in a given stroke or distance HEATS -a division of an event in which there are too many swimmers to compete at one time HEAT SHEET -a booklet of swimmers and what events they will swim INVITATIONALS -Are mid-season and post-season meets for swimmers whose times qualify them to be invited to participate in these events. Participation in invitationals is based on qualification and choice. LANE -the specific area in which the swimmer is assigned to swim LANE LINE -continuous floating markers attached to a line stretched from the starting end to the turning end for the purpose of separating each lane NT -No Time. The abbreviation used on a heat sheet to designate that the swimmer has not swum that event before. OFFICIALS -The certified adult volunteers who operate the many facets of a swim competition. PSYCHE SHEET -An entry sheet showing all swimmers entered into each individual event; sometimes referred to as a "Heat Sheet" or meet program. However, a “heat sheet” would show not only every swimmer in an event, but also what heat and lane they are swimming in. RECALL ROPE/FALSE START ROPE -A rope across the width of the racing pool for the purpose of stopping swimmers who were not aware of a false start. The rope is about 1/2 way on yard pools and about 50 feet from the starting end on meter pools. SCRATCH -Removing a swimmer’s name from the roster for that meet's date before the final line-up is made SEED –Assign the Swimmers hear and lanes according to their submitted or preliminary swim times STARTER -The official in charge of signaling the beginning of a race and insuring that all swimmers have a fair takeoff STROKE -There are 4 competitive strokes: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle. STROKE & TURN OFFICIAL -The official positioned at the side of the pool, walking the length of the course as the swimmers race. If the Stroke Official sees something illegal, they report to the referee and the swimmer may be disqualified. SWIM LINEUP -a list of swimmers and what events they will swim
12
Volunteer Job Descriptions Concessions: Your job is to man the concession booth at home meets. This is a great job if you have younger children. You will be allowed to leave the area when your child is swimming. We would never want you to miss her/his swim. Head Timer: Performs the duties of a Lane Timer but has 2 watches. Ensures all Timers are ready to start their watches. Timer: Responsible person who stands at the end of a race and records the time of the swim in a particular lane. This is a great job, as it allows you to be front and center for all races. Might not be great if you have small children who cannot get to their race independently. Scribe: Receives times produced by the timer’s watch from each lane. The scribe writes the times on the timer sheet. Runner: Your job is to collect the timer sheets after each swim to give to the scoring table. This job requires a love of walking! Scoring: We have an automated scoring system, but we need people to learn the system and make sure our meets are scored correctly. Water runner: Your job is to keep all officials and timers hydrated....water, water, water. We have great water carriers to fill and walk around with...anyone with muscles in their body can do this job...that means YOU! :) Ready Bench: These folks get all the kids signed in, lined up, and ready to swim for all our swim meets. This is a great job to see all the swimmers and bring a reassuring smile to each of our kiddos before it is time for their swim! Ribbons: These fine individuals use the labels our automated scoring system prints out, and affixes them to the ribbons. The ribbons are then put into our swimmers folders, or our opposing team’s bag. This job has varying degrees of busyness during the meet. As always, you will be encouraged to see your child swim! Official: This is a trained individual who judges the strokes, turns, and starts during a race. We need to provide as many officials as possible. You will need to attend a day of training, and then take a test. For more info about becoming an official, contact our team representative at [email protected] or visit the NWAL page http://nwal.swim-league.us Board Member: These volunteers meet throughout the year setting the course and standards for the swim team. Jobs include Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President and Team Representative.
13
NORTHWEST AQUATIC LEAGUE PARENT/COACH CODE OF CONDUCT Children’s sports are supposed to be fun-for the children. Unfortunately, many parents, fans and coaches don’t realize that their actions, whether verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly taken away by adults. This following Code of Conduct is for parents and spectators to abide by at every practice and meet. Preamble The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and caring and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.” I therefore agree: 1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the sport is for youth, not adults. 2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others. 3. I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the league. 4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators at every meet, practice, or other sporting event. 5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsman-like conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures. 6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes. 7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. 8. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability. 9. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a race or his/her performance. 10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time. 11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition. 12. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize meets and competition in the lower age groups. 13. I will promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win. 14. I will respect the officials and their authority during meets and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches or officials at the meets, and will take time to speak with them at an agreed upon time and place. 15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events. 16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during meets and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team. I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following: Verbal warning by official, head coach and/or head of league organization Written warning Parental meet suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved. Meet forfeit through the official or coach Parental season suspension. You signed this form when you registered online The basis for this code of conduct is produced by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation
14
NWAL SafeKids Program Guidelines The Northwest Aquatic League is organized to foster competitive swimming and good sportsmanship in the youth of the area. The following constitute the policies of Northwest Aquatic League with regard to awareness and preventions of abuse within our organization. NWAL is committed to ensuring the safety of the children who participate in this program and to provide a safe environment and to prevent child abuse and sexual misconduct. NWAL will make every reasonable effort to ensure that every person involved in coaching/training a sport activity in our organization will abide by the SafeKids guidelines. NWAL will make every reasonable effort to exclude any coach/trainer with a legally documented history of child abuse/molestation or any other record that would bring unnecessary risk to the health and safety of the participants of this organization. Therefore, every person applying for a position as a coach/trainer (whether paid or volunteer) must complete a Coach/Trainer Disclosure Statement. The team representative will provide the Coach/Trainer Disclosure Statement Form to coach/trainer applicants. These statements must be completed and returned to the NWAL League Manager prior to the new Coach/Trainer beginning their work with the children in any team training/practice, meet or other team activities. NWAL will take appropriated action on allegations of child abuse and/or sexual misconduct. All allegations will be reported immediately to the authorities for investigation and NWAL will cooperate fully with any such investigation. The following represent the preventative measures of Northwest Aquatic League with regard to abuse: • Physical, mental, and verbal abuses of any of the participants, coaches, managers, employees, volunteers involved in our sponsored activities is not permitted. • Inappropriate touching of any kind is forbidden. • We agree to provide more than one adult working at or overseeing every activity. If a child needs special attention (oneon-one training or an individual meeting), it will be handled with the assistance or presence of another adult. • Coaches/trainers should not socialize with the participants outside of the sponsored activities of the organization. • Coaches/trainers should not ride alone with a child or participant in the car. Procedures will be established for coaches to follow in the event a participant is stranded at an activity. • Parents are encouraged to attend sponsored activities.
15
A few thoughts from parents and board members from our past seasons: Swim Team Tips With four swimmers, now in their teens and 20s, and more swim meets than I care to remember under my belt, I just want to urge parents not to care more about the outcome of a swim meet - the times and stats - than their kids do. For the vast majority, swimming is going to be a fun way to stay fit for life, not a ticket to college scholarships (just 2% of all teen athletes get scholarships to college, and the vast majority of those are not full rides) or Olympic glory. So support your swimmers, enjoy their successes, don't sweat the stats and above all, don't pace up and down the pool deck screaming "Swim! Swim!" like some parents I've seen. :-) Also: Body Shop body butter helps hydrate sun parched skin, frozen grapes are awesome snacks, and get yourself a comfy little stadium seat*, the portable kind with good back support. You'll be spending many years in those bleachers! *added by Flyers board member: a great chair goes a long way….alot further than a stadium seat in the case of our swim team.
We love Swim Team My kids have been part of a summer swim team for seven years now. I love the sport, as I think it allows them to compete individually, but also be part of a team. Swim meets can be quite long, with lots of downtime waiting between events. We always pack a swim bag with: plenty of towels; a Sharpie pen for writing event, heat and lane info on our kids' hands, extra goggles and swim caps, sunscreen for outdoor summer meets, water bottles (you still get thirsty, even if you're in the water!), and plenty of activities. The kids bring their Game Boys/iPods and I always pack a book to read. Another fun thing to have in the bag are waterproof (plastic) playing cards. Finally, my advice is to make friends with the other parents. It can be a great social experience for both the swimmers and the parents, and it is fun to hang out together through the meets.
16
ABSENCE NOTIFICATION FORM If your child/children will be unable to swim in a swim meet, please return this form one week prior to that meet. Failure to notify the coaches can cause the team to scratch a relay team or not have swimmers entered in certain areas. My child/children: ______________________________________will miss:
Date
Meet Type (Home/Away/Divisional)
****If your child wakes up sick on Saturday morning please email/text the coach. You may also email us and Call or Text ANY board member to relay the information to the coach. Please provide the name and age of your swimmer.***** Coach Britta Domino’s Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] President
Guadalupe Ramirez
(832) 598-6757 - cell
Vice President
Ted Gorman
(713) 598-5919 - cell
Team Representative
Leslie Martin
(281) 635-1728 - cell
Secretary
Cindy Ramirez
(832) 865-5450 - cell
Treasurer
Pete Lugo
(956) 592-1471 - cell
Parent’s Signature: ______________________________________
17
TEAM SWIMSUITS D & J Sports 11407 Spring Cypress Road (1/4 mile west of 249 on Spring Cypress) Tomball, TX 77377 (281) 370-7946
www.djsports.com
18
1
Welcome to the Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team This handbook has been prepared to familiarize you with the Prestonwood Flyers swimming program. However, a handbook cannot anticipate and answer all questions that you may have. Feel free to ask questions of the swim team board members and/or coaches. The Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team is a non-profit organization formed to promote competitive swimming for all Prestonwood Forest residents and eligible nonresident participants between the ages of 4 to 18 years (as of start of the swim season as determine by the NWAL rules). It is the goal of the Prestonwood Flyers to: 1. Provide safe, healthful exercise and an opportunity to practice social skills in a positive environment for all participants. 2. Help each swimmer realize their potential as an aquatic athlete through instruction in stroke technique, starts, turns and endurance given by qualified coaches. 3. Develop the qualities of good sportsmanship, self-discipline and endurance. 4. Provide a way to meet your neighbors and continue a fun Prestonwood Forest tradition.
The Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL) Prestonwood Forest is a subdivision member of the Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL). The NWAL sanctions competitive youth swimming throughout the Houston area and is one of the largest swimming organizations in the United States. The league is divided by competitive potential into five or six-team divisions. Each team swims against the other teams in the division in a series of dual meets. At the end of the season, the teams compete in a divisional meet to decide the division champion.
A Little History The Prestonwood Flyers swim team has been an institution in our neighborhood since 1973. During that time, the youth from Prestonwood and surrounding subdivisions have been afforded excellent and continuing opportunities to learn to swim, to test themselves against the skills of others in competitive events, and to merit an opportunity to compete at higher levels. Over the years many team members have earned well-deserved college scholarships through participation in the Prestonwood Flyer Swim Team. The team activity promotes strong kids, focuses on good sportsmanship, and healthy competition. Approximately 100 youth from the ages of 4 to 18 swim on the Flyers team. Their parents are enthusiastic volunteers who support the team. Thus, this is truly a parent and child activity which makes running the team a great family event. After each season the families and team grow closer together making Prestonwood Forest a stronger community. The Members of the Prestonwood Forest Maintenance Association take great pride in supporting the Flyers and pledge to continue to do so. The Association strongly urges local business owners or any interested private person or party to participate in supporting this worthy cause. 2
2017 Executive Board President:
Guadalupe Ramírez
Vice President:
Ted Gorman
Treasure:
Pete Lugo
Secretary:
Cindy Ramirez
Team Representative:
Leslie Martin
Communication Methods/Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Website: prestonwoodflyers.swim-team.us
Friend us on Facebook: Prestonwood Flyers
Prestonwood Press Newsletter
Prestonwood Online Site – www.prestonwoodforestonline.com
NextDoor app - https://nextdoor.com/
Mail:
Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team PO Box 692381 Houston, TX 77269
Quick key points: ►Practices start in mid April with “Guppy school” for our youngest swimmers (under 6) and those under 8 that are new to the team. Regular practices start about a week after Guppy School. ► The Kick Off Party is held at the beginning of practice season and lets parents meet each other and learn more about the team. ►The official meets start in May and ends prior to July 4. There are only five (5) meets and a Divisional competition. ►Various social events are held throughout the season to encourage team spirit and friendships among the athletes (and maybe their parents, too!)… ►We will have an end of the season social where the coaches will give awards and special recognitions to well deserving athletes. The Board President will announce the recipient(s) of the Prestonwood Flyers Swim Team Scholarship. We encourage all athletes and parents to attend. ►The Flyers will have a float in our Fourth of July Parade.
3
General Helpful Hints for Swim Parents Don't be afraid to get involved --even if you've never been to a swim meet in your life. Ask questions often. Have plenty of water available for your family and especially your SWIMMER. Rinse (don’t use soap) your team suit in cold water after each use and hang to dry (not in the sun or in the dryer). Never discuss issues with the coach during meets, practice, or around your swimmer. There is a "clipboard" on the coaches table for parents to write their name and number where you can request Coach Brita to call you and discuss a question or concern...this allows the Coach to coach without interruption during the practices. Of course, if this is a safety issue that is currently being witnessed, by all means speak up immediately! Our swimmers’ safety is ALWAYS first! Medical Tips Using a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and alcohol solution dropped in each ear after meets and every practice will keep swimmer’s ear away! Every practice. Every meet. INHALERS: If your child is asthmatic, this is the most important thing they own. Different environments have different triggers that can set off an attack. Tell the coach(es) if your child has asthma & where his/her inhaler is! Practices Practices are Monday through Friday. It is important for your child to attend as many practices as possible. The more practices they attend, the better they will learn the various swimming strokes and how to implement them correctly.
Practices are what many like to call controlled chaos. There will be many kids in, out and around the pool area at almost all times. We rely on all of our parents to help keep the kids safe, out of trouble and to help channel their excitement and energy into their swimming (and not relinquishing it on the poor plants and shrubs around the clubhouse).
4
SAMPLE Practice Schedule:
Before school is out: EVENINGS
AGE GROUP
START TIME
END TIME
Mid April through Last week of school:
11 & 12
4:00 pm
5:00 pm
Practices Monday through Friday
9 & 10
5:00 pm
5:45 pm
7&8
5:45 pm
6:15 pm
6 & Under
6:15 pm
6:45 pm
13& Up
6:45 pm
7:45 pm
You will be notified a week prior of any schedule changes
After school is out: MORNINGS Week after school year ends through end of season Practices Monday through Friday
AGE GROUP
START TIME
END TIME
9 & 10
7:30 am
8:15 am
11 & 12
8:15 am
9:15 am
13 & up
9:15 am
10:15 am
6 & under
10:15 am
10:45 am
7&8
10:45 am
11:15 am
You will be notified a week prior of any schedule changes
Makeup Practices: Tuesday &Thursday EVENINGS ONLY 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm (for those that miss morning practices only)
Invitational Practice: June 20th through June 23rd MORNINGS ONLY Mornings Only Monday through Friday (could change depending on numbers) 8:00 – 9:00
10 & Under
9:00 – 10:00
11 & Up
5
TEAM POSITION ON INEXPERIENCED-SWIMMERS
The Board of Directors has made every effort to provide a fun, competitive, and safe swimming program for the swimmers of Prestonwood Forest Swim team.
All members of the swim team must demonstrate the ability to 1) consistently enter the water unassisted, 2) be safe in the water by themselves, and 3) demonstrate the basics of swimming.
Children do not have to be able to swim the length of the pool before joining the swim team; however, they must be able to swim the length of the pool in under 3 minutes to compete in a dual meet.
Every effort will be made to communicate with the parents of children who are deemed to be inexperienced swimmers by the 1st dual meet of the swim season. The communication will come from the Head Coach and will be directed to the individual’s parent.
Fostering the relationship between the children of Prestonwood Forest and their swim team is of the utmost importance; therefore, inexperienced-swimmers are welcomed and encouraged to participate in team events and activities like pep rallies, team dinners, and team parties. All children who register with the team will receive recognition at the end of the year at the awards banquet.
Parents are strongly encouraged to seek private lessons and have your child participate in Guppy School.
Remember the more practices your child attends, the better swimmer they will be.
GUPPY SCHOOL Guppy School is a pre-swim team program for non-swimmers or swimmers with limited stroke or competition skills that have an interest in summer swim team. The school is a week-long program that offers small class sizes Monday through Friday with the team coaches and/or their assistants. If the child is not yet ready for competition, we encourage parents to keep the child active at every swim practice and to be in touch with the coach prior to the following meet.
SWIM MEETS What happens before a swim meet? The coaches decide who will swim, and what events they will swim, PRIOR to the meet. Most people aren’t aware of how much work goes into making a line up for meets. Many factors are considered, such as relay teams, number of events per swimmer, and the need for a valid time in each event for swimmers to compete at Divisionals. You may wonder why we focus so much attention on line-ups, but hours of preparation go into each meet. Many times, that preparation is wasted when children fail to show up for a meet. One lineup change causes a domino effect within the age group which is very disruptive to the start of the meet.
6
This makes it very important that you let the coaches know if your child will not be participating in a meet. If you know in advance (prior to Wednesday), fill out the attached absentee form and hand it to one of our coaches. You may also go to the website, click on the meet, and RSVP to “No” If you have a schedule change or your swimmer is sick, be sure to send an email to the coach at [email protected] and the board at [email protected] if it is the morning of a meet.
What happens at swim meets? The first thing EVERY parent should know about swim meets are that they start EARLY! Most meets have a swimmer check-in starting around 6:45 AM. Be prepared – even the early birds that get the worm wonder why we start so early. When you arrive: o Find a seat with swimmers from your team. o Check in with the “ready bench” and get your swimmers “numbers" (the event numbers). The “ready bench crew” will write your swimmer’s event numbers on his or her arm (for handy reference….). o Tell your athlete to head over to the rest of the team. If you are checked in with the ready bench team and received your numbers, then the coach knows you are there. THEY HAVE TO KNOW WHO HAS SHOWN UP -- SO CHECK IN! o Check in with the volunteer coordinator to ensure all slots are filled and you get credit for hours worked. There are warm-ups at each meet. Home team warms up first, generally starting around 7 AM. The visiting team generally starts warm-ups around 7:45 and the meets generally start around 8:30 AM. A typical swim meet will last until about 1-2 PM. Each meet is divided up into different events. The events are: Freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, individual medley, medley relay, and freestyle relay. Each event may have 1 or more heats. Kids are assigned a heat based on their time from the previous week’s swim meet (Intra-squad/Time Trials/Mock meet will establish times for the first swim meet). Kids with the slower times will race against each other in the first heats, while the faster times will be seeded in the last heats. Log on to the Website www.prestonwoodflyers.swim-team.us with your mobile device and go to Meet Vision to view meet entries and status of events. Each swim meet runs the same events in the same order. In general, the meet is designed to complete the 6 & under events earlier than the remaining events. If you have 8 yr old or older swimmers – be prepared to stay until 1-2 PM. There are limited races and heats in a summer meet. Your swimmer will not swim in every event. Children 6 & under swim only freestyle and backstroke events (2 or 3 events) and will typically be done about 11 AM. For the remaining age groups, expect your swimmer to be in a total of five events. Some events run faster than others. During a meet, the swimmer must go to the ready bench and then line up in his/her appropriate lane one or two events prior to his/her scheduled event. 7
They will not hold the event to find the swimmer. If your swimmer misses it, he/she will NOT have the opportunity to make it up. Our coaches ask that each athlete come directly to them after his/her event so that they can tell them how to do better, congratulate them, whatever is necessary. A portable shade structure (such as a 10x10 pop-up canopy), or a strategic partnership with a friend who owns one will be the best investment you will spend on swim team all season. The second best investment you can make is a plastic tarp to put under the shade structure. Food – every swim meet has a concession stand that will sell various food items. All proceeds from the concession stand go directly toward the numerous expenses the team incurs during a season. However, concessions are not always known for their vast array of food choices or for their health-conscious selections. While we do encourage you to visit the concession stand (early and often), if your child has special nutritional needs, you will want to bring that along with you. Disqualifications – Swim meets are monitored by officials who watch for stroke infractions. It is inevitable that every kid will be disqualified at some point during their swimming career. The officials disqualify kids, not because they enjoy watching kids cry (which will also inevitably happen), but to help teach the kids the proper way to swim the different strokes. Officials are volunteers from each team and are guided by a meet referee who controls the entire swim meet. All issues or questions regarding how the meet is run should be directed to the coach, who will then take it up with the meet referee if necessary. Engaging the meet referee in a lengthy discussion of whether little Johnny turned his feet outward or not during the breaststroke will only prolong the meet and make a lot of hot tired parents sitting in a blazing sun less of a friend of yours. There is a lot of down-time between your swimmer’s events, which means most kids will need to have some form of entertainment. It is encouraged to bring something to occupy your kids between events, such as board games, cards, portable game players, Legos, books, drawing/coloring items etc. However, electronics are not encouraged as they may get lost, wet, stolen, broken, etc. While many of the teams we swim against will have playground equipment on-site, these are often off-limits to the kids due to insurance liability reasons.
What to bring? (for swimmers):
Swim cap (could have 2 -they tear easily!) GOGGLES (again, may want to have 2 pair and NEVER wear untested, new goggles at a meet) 2 Towels (one to sit on and one to wrap up in) SUNSCREEN: waterproof, rub proof, goof proof. Remember, sunscreen is oily; a swimmer could lose their goggles because of it. Remove sunscreen around the eyes and forehead before the race. WATER BOTTLE Other drinks and snacks (see parent info below) 8
Entertainment: a book, deck of cards, board games, coloring/drawing materials …. Swim bags to hold all this loot
What to bring? (for parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents…):
Bring SHADE – Shade is your friend: an umbrella, pop-up canopy, etc. Or share some shade with another team-members shade canopy… Chairs or bleacher seats A highlighter (for marking their race info on the heat sheet) A pen (you might want to write down the new times they achieve at the meet) COOLER packed with yummy and healthy food snacks and lots of WATER o Some snack suggestions: raisins, trail mix, Ritz bits w/peanut butter, goldfish, grapes, small chunks of fruit or veggies; favorite dry cereals in Ziploc bags, string cheese; beef jerky, Gatorade Bars or Power Bars -- ask around for ideas! o Most pools will have concessions, so some families don't bring coolers. But don't forget drinks for yourself, your kids, & your spouse! Remember, alcoholic beverages are not allowed at any Flyers/NWAL event. SUNSCREEN & some kind of BUGS-GET-OFF-ME spray. Entertainment: a book, deck of cards, knitting, Christmas cards to address… Baby powder (sample size will last a long time): to lightly dust inside of swim caps after drying them; keeps them from sticking together & easier to put on! We usually do this at home.
Swim Meet Hints:
Remember your food items to contribute to the concession stand for our home meets—bite size, cut up fresh fruit. If you have a child that wakes up sick and can’t make the meet: Last minute illness should send an email to the coach at [email protected] and the board at [email protected] .
Label everything possible: bags, goggles, towels, and t-shirts (all Prestonwood Flyers t-shirts look alike!) Your athlete should wear his/her swimsuit to the meet: do not plan on time to change at the pool! Plan on arriving at least 10 minutes BEFORE warm up starts: to check in, find the team, stake a claim on a piece of real estate for yourself & your cooler, find the swim lineup and get your numbers & check out the concessions. Have spare change for the concession stand. Also, bring food and drink for you and your family. Always encourage your swimmer to do his or her best before every race. Be aware of when your child swims, so that she or he doesn't miss her or his race. Always check for relays! If your swimmer is scheduled to swim in a relay he/she must stay at the meet until the completion of the relay! There are 4 swimmers on a relay, so if one swimmer is missing it affects the rest of the relay team. 9
Know that your swimmer will not be perfect in every race. There are many requirements for each stroke to be completed without disqualification. Your swimmer will learn these in time. Expect your swimmer to be disqualified (DQ’d) the first few times she or he swims an event, and praise her/ him when she/he completes a race without disqualification! Even the most experienced swimmers are DQ’d. Stay alert and cheer them on! Congratulate, console if necessary but never, NEVER coach. Try to teach your swimmer to be a good sport & to congratulate the swimmer who wins the race. The main thing is that your athlete realizes that he/she is there to improve his/her own times and if in doing that he/she also beats other athletes, well, that is an achievement! But pouting, getting angry, scowling, crying and worst of all bragging is unsportsmanlike conduct and parents must avoid it at all costs! Someday it will be your child's turn to be the one congratulated and boy, does it feel good! Expect 5 hours or more! Swim meets are not known for their brevity. Bring something to occupy the time while you wait for your swimmer to swim again. Knit, read, write, snooze, play cards, read the paper, write your mother, address Christmas cards, file your nails, torture your other children… Sit with other Flyer parents & get to know each other: we're a happy bunch and will include you and your Aunt Harriett in our conversations! I've met some friends I will have forever at swim meets. You will too.
Most importantly, make the season FUN for you and your swimmer! Smile! You're going to love it...
10
Frequently Asked Questions Q. -How long does a swim meet last? – Typically the swimmers will have to be at the pool by 7 am and the meet will be completed at about 2 pm. Q. Are there bleachers or do I need my lawn chairs? Both.... there may be bleachers, but not enough for everyone--so be prepared. At pools we visit you should DEFINITELY bring chairs! Q. -What about inclement weather? – If it is thundering or lightning out practice is cancelled. This is not automatic for swim meets, however. We do not swim if it is not safe! If a practice or meet is canceled it will be updated on the Website www.prestonwoodflyers.swim-team.us and our Facebook page. Be sure to check often. Q. – Are we required to volunteer at a swim meet? -Yes, there are many opportunities to get involved and we need you! Each family is required to work at least 3 sessions. Two home meets and 1 away meet. (You are obligated to fulfill two home sessions on two separate dates and one away session throughout the entire season). Timers, concessions, water runners, ribbon writers and more are needed at each home and away meet. Be sure to check our website for your assigned session the Wednesday before the meet. Q. -How do we order a swimsuit? – We get our suits through D & J sports on near the corner of Spring Cypress and FM 249. Just tell them you are a Prestonwood Flyer and they will take it from there.
11
Swim Terms DIVISIONALS -This is the last meet of the season where all teams in our division compete against each other on the same day. You will hear more about this meet as the season progresses. DQ -Disqualification -Swim does not count because of an infraction of the rules DROPPED TIME -When a swimmer goes faster than the previous performance they have "dropped their time." EVENT -any race or series of races in a given stroke or distance HEATS -a division of an event in which there are too many swimmers to compete at one time HEAT SHEET -a booklet of swimmers and what events they will swim INVITATIONALS -Are mid-season and post-season meets for swimmers whose times qualify them to be invited to participate in these events. Participation in invitationals is based on qualification and choice. LANE -the specific area in which the swimmer is assigned to swim LANE LINE -continuous floating markers attached to a line stretched from the starting end to the turning end for the purpose of separating each lane NT -No Time. The abbreviation used on a heat sheet to designate that the swimmer has not swum that event before. OFFICIALS -The certified adult volunteers who operate the many facets of a swim competition. PSYCHE SHEET -An entry sheet showing all swimmers entered into each individual event; sometimes referred to as a "Heat Sheet" or meet program. However, a “heat sheet” would show not only every swimmer in an event, but also what heat and lane they are swimming in. RECALL ROPE/FALSE START ROPE -A rope across the width of the racing pool for the purpose of stopping swimmers who were not aware of a false start. The rope is about 1/2 way on yard pools and about 50 feet from the starting end on meter pools. SCRATCH -Removing a swimmer’s name from the roster for that meet's date before the final line-up is made SEED –Assign the Swimmers hear and lanes according to their submitted or preliminary swim times STARTER -The official in charge of signaling the beginning of a race and insuring that all swimmers have a fair takeoff STROKE -There are 4 competitive strokes: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle. STROKE & TURN OFFICIAL -The official positioned at the side of the pool, walking the length of the course as the swimmers race. If the Stroke Official sees something illegal, they report to the referee and the swimmer may be disqualified. SWIM LINEUP -a list of swimmers and what events they will swim
12
Volunteer Job Descriptions Concessions: Your job is to man the concession booth at home meets. This is a great job if you have younger children. You will be allowed to leave the area when your child is swimming. We would never want you to miss her/his swim. Head Timer: Performs the duties of a Lane Timer but has 2 watches. Ensures all Timers are ready to start their watches. Timer: Responsible person who stands at the end of a race and records the time of the swim in a particular lane. This is a great job, as it allows you to be front and center for all races. Might not be great if you have small children who cannot get to their race independently. Scribe: Receives times produced by the timer’s watch from each lane. The scribe writes the times on the timer sheet. Runner: Your job is to collect the timer sheets after each swim to give to the scoring table. This job requires a love of walking! Scoring: We have an automated scoring system, but we need people to learn the system and make sure our meets are scored correctly. Water runner: Your job is to keep all officials and timers hydrated....water, water, water. We have great water carriers to fill and walk around with...anyone with muscles in their body can do this job...that means YOU! :) Ready Bench: These folks get all the kids signed in, lined up, and ready to swim for all our swim meets. This is a great job to see all the swimmers and bring a reassuring smile to each of our kiddos before it is time for their swim! Ribbons: These fine individuals use the labels our automated scoring system prints out, and affixes them to the ribbons. The ribbons are then put into our swimmers folders, or our opposing team’s bag. This job has varying degrees of busyness during the meet. As always, you will be encouraged to see your child swim! Official: This is a trained individual who judges the strokes, turns, and starts during a race. We need to provide as many officials as possible. You will need to attend a day of training, and then take a test. For more info about becoming an official, contact our team representative at [email protected] or visit the NWAL page http://nwal.swim-league.us Board Member: These volunteers meet throughout the year setting the course and standards for the swim team. Jobs include Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President and Team Representative.
13
NORTHWEST AQUATIC LEAGUE PARENT/COACH CODE OF CONDUCT Children’s sports are supposed to be fun-for the children. Unfortunately, many parents, fans and coaches don’t realize that their actions, whether verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly taken away by adults. This following Code of Conduct is for parents and spectators to abide by at every practice and meet. Preamble The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and caring and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.” I therefore agree: 1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the sport is for youth, not adults. 2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others. 3. I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the league. 4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators at every meet, practice, or other sporting event. 5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsman-like conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures. 6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes. 7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence. 8. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability. 9. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a race or his/her performance. 10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time. 11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition. 12. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize meets and competition in the lower age groups. 13. I will promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win. 14. I will respect the officials and their authority during meets and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches or officials at the meets, and will take time to speak with them at an agreed upon time and place. 15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events. 16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during meets and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team. I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following: Verbal warning by official, head coach and/or head of league organization Written warning Parental meet suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved. Meet forfeit through the official or coach Parental season suspension. You signed this form when you registered online The basis for this code of conduct is produced by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation
14
NWAL SafeKids Program Guidelines The Northwest Aquatic League is organized to foster competitive swimming and good sportsmanship in the youth of the area. The following constitute the policies of Northwest Aquatic League with regard to awareness and preventions of abuse within our organization. NWAL is committed to ensuring the safety of the children who participate in this program and to provide a safe environment and to prevent child abuse and sexual misconduct. NWAL will make every reasonable effort to ensure that every person involved in coaching/training a sport activity in our organization will abide by the SafeKids guidelines. NWAL will make every reasonable effort to exclude any coach/trainer with a legally documented history of child abuse/molestation or any other record that would bring unnecessary risk to the health and safety of the participants of this organization. Therefore, every person applying for a position as a coach/trainer (whether paid or volunteer) must complete a Coach/Trainer Disclosure Statement. The team representative will provide the Coach/Trainer Disclosure Statement Form to coach/trainer applicants. These statements must be completed and returned to the NWAL League Manager prior to the new Coach/Trainer beginning their work with the children in any team training/practice, meet or other team activities. NWAL will take appropriated action on allegations of child abuse and/or sexual misconduct. All allegations will be reported immediately to the authorities for investigation and NWAL will cooperate fully with any such investigation. The following represent the preventative measures of Northwest Aquatic League with regard to abuse: • Physical, mental, and verbal abuses of any of the participants, coaches, managers, employees, volunteers involved in our sponsored activities is not permitted. • Inappropriate touching of any kind is forbidden. • We agree to provide more than one adult working at or overseeing every activity. If a child needs special attention (oneon-one training or an individual meeting), it will be handled with the assistance or presence of another adult. • Coaches/trainers should not socialize with the participants outside of the sponsored activities of the organization. • Coaches/trainers should not ride alone with a child or participant in the car. Procedures will be established for coaches to follow in the event a participant is stranded at an activity. • Parents are encouraged to attend sponsored activities.
15
A few thoughts from parents and board members from our past seasons: Swim Team Tips With four swimmers, now in their teens and 20s, and more swim meets than I care to remember under my belt, I just want to urge parents not to care more about the outcome of a swim meet - the times and stats - than their kids do. For the vast majority, swimming is going to be a fun way to stay fit for life, not a ticket to college scholarships (just 2% of all teen athletes get scholarships to college, and the vast majority of those are not full rides) or Olympic glory. So support your swimmers, enjoy their successes, don't sweat the stats and above all, don't pace up and down the pool deck screaming "Swim! Swim!" like some parents I've seen. :-) Also: Body Shop body butter helps hydrate sun parched skin, frozen grapes are awesome snacks, and get yourself a comfy little stadium seat*, the portable kind with good back support. You'll be spending many years in those bleachers! *added by Flyers board member: a great chair goes a long way….alot further than a stadium seat in the case of our swim team.
We love Swim Team My kids have been part of a summer swim team for seven years now. I love the sport, as I think it allows them to compete individually, but also be part of a team. Swim meets can be quite long, with lots of downtime waiting between events. We always pack a swim bag with: plenty of towels; a Sharpie pen for writing event, heat and lane info on our kids' hands, extra goggles and swim caps, sunscreen for outdoor summer meets, water bottles (you still get thirsty, even if you're in the water!), and plenty of activities. The kids bring their Game Boys/iPods and I always pack a book to read. Another fun thing to have in the bag are waterproof (plastic) playing cards. Finally, my advice is to make friends with the other parents. It can be a great social experience for both the swimmers and the parents, and it is fun to hang out together through the meets.
16
ABSENCE NOTIFICATION FORM If your child/children will be unable to swim in a swim meet, please return this form one week prior to that meet. Failure to notify the coaches can cause the team to scratch a relay team or not have swimmers entered in certain areas. My child/children: ______________________________________will miss:
Date
Meet Type (Home/Away/Divisional)
****If your child wakes up sick on Saturday morning please email/text the coach. You may also email us and Call or Text ANY board member to relay the information to the coach. Please provide the name and age of your swimmer.***** Coach Britta Domino’s Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] President
Guadalupe Ramirez
(832) 598-6757 - cell
Vice President
Ted Gorman
(713) 598-5919 - cell
Team Representative
Leslie Martin
(281) 635-1728 - cell
Secretary
Cindy Ramirez
(832) 865-5450 - cell
Treasurer
Pete Lugo
(956) 592-1471 - cell
Parent’s Signature: ______________________________________
17
TEAM SWIMSUITS D & J Sports 11407 Spring Cypress Road (1/4 mile west of 249 on Spring Cypress) Tomball, TX 77377 (281) 370-7946
www.djsports.com
18
