SEA Handbook |
South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team Handbook |
| TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Welcome to SEA! Philosophy of the South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team Goals and Objectives Team History Facilities SECTION 2: SEA TRAINING PROGRAM Team Levels Red Group White Group Blue Group Master's Program Group Change Requirements Training Sessions Stoke and Turn Clinics Short and Long Course Season Training Practice and Attendance Policies Illness and Injury Practice Equipment Swimmer's Training Responsibilities Code of Conduct Pool Rules Pool Closing and Schedule Changes SECTION 3: SWIM MEETS Competition Philosophy Swim Meet Policies Behavior at Meets Classification of Meets Meet Schedule Competition Uniform Meet Entries Swim Meet Guidelines Swimmer Incentive Programs SECTION 4: PARENT'S ROLE IN SEA SEA Organization SEA Board of Directors Annual Meeting Financial Obligations Parent, Coach, Swimmer Relationship Coaches� Responsibilities SECTION 5: GLOSSARY SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Welcome to SEA! Welcome to the South Eastern Aquatics (SEA) Swim Team. We are pleased you have chosen to participate in the great sport of competitive swimming and are glad you will be part of our team. SEA is a non-profit, year-round age swimming team offering instruction, training, and competition to children up to age 18 in the Age Group Program and adult ages 19 and over in the Master's Program. The team competes in local, regional, and national competition sanctioned by United States Swimming, Inc (USS), the national governing body for amateur swimming in the United States. The purpose of this handbook is to help you understand the day-to-day operations of our swim club and amateur swimming in general. You will be introduced to our team philosophies, policies and procedures, training and competition protocol, as well as how parents and volunteers can make a difference in our program. Please read through the handbook and keep it for a handy reference. Philosophy of the South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team The team philosophy is encompassed in the words COURAGE and PERSERVERANCE. COURAGE is the willingness to accept risk(s) and endure failings. Courage does not exist unless there is a situation that presents the opportunity for success. We encourage our athletes to embrace these opportunities and not fear the outcome. PERSERVERANCE is the backbone of success in any endeavor in life. One cannot succeed at the highest levels without enduring some setbacks. These difficult times can create a lack of faith, low self-esteem, and an obvious drop in enthusiasm. Perseverance is the quality that transcends these difficult times. It allows the individual to find the true strength of their character. South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team believes that COURAGE and PERSERVERANCE developed by swimming will prepare the individual for the challenges they will face in life. Goals and Objectives The primary goal of South Eastern Aquatics is to provide a guided age-group youth program for swimmers from the beginning swimmer to the most competitive and skilled swimmer. When a person becomes a member of the South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team, he/she learns the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. Swimming on the SEA Team provides physical, emotional, and intellectual skills that will last a lifetime through the following objective: 1. To provide opportunities for positive technical and emotional athletic development of the Individual and team efforts. 2. To create a positive training environment that promotes high self-esteem, and the values of self-discipline, dedication, and hard work. 3. To contribute to the goals of United States Swimming, Inc, (USS) in its efforts to build a base of experienced athletes and develop those who wish to achieve Olympic levels. Team History Originally formed as the Fort Bragg Swim Team, South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team has been providing age group swimming since 1969. In 2001, South Eastern Aquatics expanded its program to include a Masters Swimming program. Facilities Tucker Pool is located in building C-5838, Tulligue Way. The pool is indoors, 25 yards in length, and has 6 lanes. The pool ranges in depth from 4 feet to 12 feet. There are non-turbulent lane ropes and overflow gutters. This pool is used primarily for short course training. Twin Lions Pool is located in building D-4050, Normandy St. The pool is outdoors, 50 meters in length, and has 8 lanes. The pool ranges in depth from 4 feet to 12 feet. There are non-turbulent lane ropes. This pool is used primarily for long course training. SEA rents pool time from Fort Bragg Aquatics. SECTION 2: SEA TRAINING PROGRAM Team Levels The South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team uses a "progressive" age group program designed to develop the swimmer physically, mentally, and emotionally in a systematic fashion. A well-defined, long-term approach of gradually increasing degrees of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels during a swimmer's physiological prime. The emphasis in the early stages of participation must be placed on developing technical skills and a love for the sport. In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge must be introduced to the training program. It is also important to establish training groups of swimmers who are compatible in respect to abilities, commitment levels and goals. At each level, the goals and objectives are specific and directed toward meeting the needs of the swimmer. The long term goal of total excellence is always in mind. As each swimmer is different, he/she will progress at his/her own rate. The coaching staff recognizes this fact by making team assignments based on a swimmer's physical, mental, and emotional level of development. Red Group Red 1: The swimmer will be able to swim 25 yards of each stroke (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle). The swimmer will be able to swim 100 yards of freestyle non-stop. The swimmer will have rudimentary breathing skills and freestyle turning skills. Swimmers are encouraged to attend practice at least 3 times weekly. Red 2: The swimmer will be able to swim 50 yards of each stroke. The swimmer will have rotary breathing skills. The swimmer will have mastered the freestyle flip turn and will have a work-out awareness (reading the pace clock and pace speed laps). The swimmer will have mastered rudimentary dives for the competitive strokes. Swimmers are encouraged to attend practice 3-4 times per week. White Group The swimmer will be able to swim 100-200 yards of each stroke. The swimmer will have successfully completed a dry land exercise program. The swimmer will have successfully completed a goal-setting process. The swimmer will have completed a more detailed stroke analysis with their coach. The swimmer will have continued to work on endurance. The swimmer will be able to swim a 500 freestyle and a 200 I.M. The swimmers are encouraged to attend practice 4-5 times per week. Minimum age 11 or have 11-12 BB Times, maximum age 18. Blue Group The swimmer will be able to swim multiple distances of each stroke. The swimmer will have experience in dry land training and goal setting. The swimmer will have established a good meet attendance record. The swimmer will have continued to perfect stroke skills as well as endurance. The swimmer will be able to swim a 400 I.M. A minimum attendance level of 4 workouts per week or 8 workouts over a 2 week period is required for Blue Group. Minimum age 13 or have 13-14 BB times, maximum age 18. Master's Program The swimmer will be able to swim multiple distances of each stroke. The swimmer will have the opportunity to experience organized dry land training, weight training, and goal setting. The swimmer will participate in a variety of ways ranging from lap swimming, open water swims, special events, to international competition. Minimum age is 19. Group Change Requirements The individual needs of the swimmer is the key consideration for changing practice groups. In addition to attitude, social age, techniques, and competition level, the following considerations are considered when a decision to move or not move a swimmer to a higher group in our program: Training Ability: Consistent ability to hold repeat times and intervals in all aspects of training. The swimmer must demonstrate they will be able to handle the training load of the next group before they are moved. This is important for the self-image and success of the child. Attendance: Dedication to the sport needed at the next group level. The swimmer must make the attendance requirement for the next level for a pre-determined period of time before they are allowed to move up. Training Sessions Training sessions are the most important aspect of competitive swimming. Consistent training is needed to progress through the classes of swimmers. Training schedules are designed to provide only slightly more time than is required for a swimmer to accomplish this. Therefore, it is important that each swimmer attends as many practices as possible in order to derive the full benefits of the program. Pool availability is our most limiting factor. Don't waste practice time! Stoke and Turn Clinics These clinics will focus on the fundamentals of strokes and turns for competition. Periodically, the clinic will be offered to better prepare the swimmers for competitive swims. Short and Long Course Season Training Short course season generally runs from September through March. All meets and practices are conducted in a 25 yard pool. The Long course season generally runs from April through August. All meets and practices are conducted in a 50 meter pool. Time Standards in Long Course meters are different than Short Course yards. It is important to keep a log of a swimmer's times at each meet, refer to the National Time Standards, and research the classification of each swim (e.g. B, BB, A, AA, AAA, AAAA, Top 16). Practice and Attendance Policies These policies are designed to provide the best possible practice environment for all our swimmers. 1. Each training group has specific attendance guidelines appropriate for the objectives of that group. These guidelines as set to promote optimal progress for each individual. As a general rule, the least interruption in the training schedule will produce the greatest amount of success. 2. Swimmers should be present at the pool at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start of their workout time. Swimmers should also be picked up no later than 15 minutes after their practice is over. Swimmers should be ready to swim at their practice time. 3. Plan to stay the entire practice. The last part of practice is very often the most important. Announcements and reminders are made at the end of practice. Note: Age group swimmers in the event that your child needs to be dismissed early from practice, please send a note from the parent for each early dismissal to the coach. 4. Occasionally, most of a practice group may be attending a swim meet. A change or cancellation of practice will be posted in either the SEA Newsletter, Web Site, Bulletin Board at the pool, or E-mail. 5. Swimmers are to enter the building from the front lobby doors and go directly to the pool area. Note: Age group swimmers may only exit from specific pool doors when their parent/guardian has come to pick them up. 6. All practices are open to parents/spouses, as long as this remains non-disruptive. It is requested that parents/spouses not talk with their swimmer or the coach until practice is over. Children not on the team are not allowed on the pool deck. This is not only distracting to the swimmer, but can also be distracting to the entire team, as well as the coach. Illness and Injury Whenever possible, the coach should be informed in advance of an illness or injury. Regardless of how serious or minor it may be, it will almost always be possible to find a physician (or parent) who will recommend abstaining from training and one who will recommend a modified approach. For this reason, the coach must be the one to determine if the absence is excusable. It is helpful to find a family physician who appreciates the importance of participation and who understands the repercussions associated with missed meets and training sessions. If your swimmer will be out of the water over a long period of time with an injury or illness, please notify the coaching staff of the problem. A dry land workout schedule may be an option. Practice Equipment Swimmers are requested to bring their own practice swimsuit, towel, cap, and goggles to each practice. It is the swimmer's responsibility to make sure these items are properly adjusted and that spares are readily available. Equipment adjustment and repair will not be accepted as excuse to miss part of a training session. Kick boards: Kick boards are best used in the head-up position, with both hands gripping the far end and both elbows resting on or near the bottom end. Kick with a nearly straight leg. Kick boards are used for kick drills. Swim fins: Swim fins provide for ankle flexibility development, better stroke technique, and extra speed for speed-assisted training. Swim fins help the swimmer get a sense of what a proper kick feels like, and with regular use, fins will help you increase ankle flexion as you build kick speed, power and endurance. Hand Paddles: Hand paddles are excellent for challenging your upper-body muscles, lengthening your stroke, and reinforcing proper technique. Pull Buoys: Pull buoys support your lower body on the surface of the water, which allows you to concentrate exclusively on your stroke. Pace Clock: A pack clock helps you monitor your speed during a particular segment of the workout, particularly when doing interval training. It will help you determine not only the pace for each repeat you're doing, but also when to start the next repeat in your set. Swimmer's Training Responsibilities As a swimmer's level of swimming ability increases, so does his/her responsibility. The program is designed to encourage all swimmers to be Senior/Master Swimming bound. As swimmers improve, this is a deep commitment that requires great effort on all parts. A swimmer has responsibilities to the team, the coach, his/her parents, and most importantly to themselves. Swimmers need to prepare themselves for a 100% effort each time they come to practice. Code of Conduct 1. Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition. Working together as a unit for the benefit of the team is an important part of the "SEA Spirit." 2. Any swimmer who is known to use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco during practice or at a meet is subject to suspension from the team. 3. All swimmers are expected to follow the oral directions of the coaching staff. 4. No swimmer may interfere with the progress of another swimmer, during practice or otherwise. 5. Abusive language, lying, stealing, vandalism, disrespectful attitudes are not acceptable. These behaviors are contrary to the SEA philosophy and harmful to the group. Such action will result in disciplinary action that can range from "time out" to dismissal from the team. 6. SEA strives to be a good tenant of the facility. Unsupervised playing inside or outside the facility is not allowed. This includes: running, climbing, ball-playing, and other exuberant activities. 7. SEA swimmers behavior at all club functions, meets, social gatherings reflect on the team. All member of the team (swimmers, parents, and siblings) behavior should reflect positively on the team and serve to protect and improve the excellent reputation the club has throughout the state. Pool Rules 1. Swimmers are expected to follow the Pool Rules and lifeguards at all times. 2. No food, gum, candy, or beverages are permitted in the pool area. 3. There is no smoking or tobacco use permitted in the building. 4. No horse playing towel snapping, running, throwing equipment, etc. is permitted. 5. The SEA coaching staff are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. 6. No person is admitted to the pool area unless a staff member is present. 7. Admission will be refused to anyone with an infectious or contagious condition. 8. No breakable containers, radios, or metal objects are permitted in the pool area. 9. All swimmers must be fully clothed, including shoes, when entering and exiting the pool area. 10. Follow all other rules posted in the pool area. Pool Closing and Schedule Changes When practice schedules need to be adjusted, and the staff is aware of the change in advance, such changes will be in the Newsletter, Web Site, e-mail and/or posted at the pool. In an emergency cancellation, every attempt will be made to notify all swimmers when the pool will be closed or if there is a schedule change. Our facilities are owned and operated on Fort Bragg. Therefore, if the post is closed due to inclement weather, or otherwise closed to the public, practice will not be conducted that day. SECTION 3: SWIM MEETS Competition Philosophy SEA participates in a multi-level competition program with United States Swimming. This program provides challenging and success-oriented competitive opportunities for swimmers of every age and ability. We recognize that only one swimmer can finish first, but many swimmers can be winners. We encourage self-improvement and team spirit. All swims provide an opportunity to learn from mistakes, increase self-confidence, and progress toward individual and team goals. Swim Meet Policies 1. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in every meet scheduled for their classification or group. The team schedule averages one meet every three to four weeks for each classification or group. 2. Swimmers strongly encouraged to compete in every swimming event, distance, and stroke. A swimmer who enters all the events may excel at one stroke at an early age, and excel at another stroke at an older age. College coaches look for versatility. Versatility is promoted and the swimmer is encouraged to try all the events and find his/her niche in competitive swimming. 3. The coaching staff and/or meet manager have the final word on what meets and events a swimmer is permitted to enter. SEA swimmers are not to scratch an event without first consulting the coach. 4. In a meet with preliminaries, finals, and relays, any SEA swimmer qualifying to compete in the event will do so. Parents, please be aware to the possibilities before the meet starts. 5. The Team Swim Suit and Team Swim Cap are required at all competitions. Additional team apparel is optional, but strongly encouraged. 6. Swimmer must be on time for warm-ups. Please allow extra time to arrive without rushing to the pool deck. Swimmers are encouraged to see the coach before and after each swim. It is the swimmer's responsibility to know what and where they need to be for each event and not miss events. Swimmers should get all of their times from the timers (make this a habit!). 7. Parents are responsible for all transportation and lodging of their children for all SEA activities. A parent or responsible adult will supervise their age group swimmer during a swim meet. When SEA hosts a meet, all parents/spouses are expected to assist in the running of the meet. Behavior at Meets 1. All members of SEA and their acquaintances must remember that their actions and words reflect the team they represent (i.e. teammates, coaches, parents, and spouses). Appropriate behavior is required for continued membership in the program. 2. USS policy only permits registered athletes, coaches, and officials on the pool deck. Parents are not to be on deck unless they are in a specified role for USS (i.e. timer, stroke and turn judge). Please uphold this policy. 3. Questions about a meet result, official call, or conduct of the meet should be referred to the coaching staff. They will follow up on issue through the proper channels. Classification of Meets 1. Age Group Program: USS classifies several age group: 8 & under; 9-10 (10 & under); 11-12; 13-14; 15-16; 17-18; 15-18, Junior, and Senior. Junior age group is for any swimmer age 18 and under. Senior age group includes any USS registered swimmer regardless of age who meets the qualifying standard time for a given event. Age on the first day of the meet will govern the swimmer's age for the entire meet. USS establishes classification time standards each year to define ability levels (i.e. C, B, BB, A, AA, AAA, AAAA, Top 16) within each age group. In order to compete in a certain classification, a swimmer must have achieved the qualifying time for that particular classification. This permits fair, challenging competition on all levels. Meets may combine classifications to allow swimmers to compete in a complete event schedule. For example, a B/C meet would allow a swimmer to compete in the "C" breaststroke and the "B" freestyle. 2. Champs: Once each season a North Carolina championship is held for each classification. Each team member qualified is expected to participate. A swimmer may need to participate in a qualifying meet. 3. Junior Olympics: North Carolina Swimming Long Course Age Group Junior Olympic Championship is a National Official's Certification Meet held once a year. 4. North Carolina State Games: The State Games of North Carolina is a statewide, Olympic-style sports festival for North Carolina citizens of all ages and skill levels. State Games emphasizes personal development through physical fitness, health and sport. The State Games are produced by North Carolina Amateur Sports. 5. Eastern Zone Championships Meet: Swimmers meeting these time standards apply for selection to the team representing our area. The North Carolina LSC takes several swimmers per age group to this meet. This is usually the first opportunity for a swimmer to participate in a national-level competition. 6. USS Sectionals: This is a high level of competition for senior swimmers. SEA swimmers meeting the time standards travel to the host city in the United States to compete against America's fastest swimmers, age 18 and younger. 7. Phillips 66/Senior National Championships: This is the highest level of competition for senior swimmers. SEA swimmers meeting the time standards travel to various cities in the U.S. to compete against America's best swimmers. Performance at these meets, can qualify a swimmer for United States teams which then go on to compete in international competition (i.e. World Championships, Pan American games, Pan Pacific games, and the Olympic games). 8. Master's Program: Competitions are organized by age groups of five-year increments (19-24, 25-29, 30-34, etc. to 95 and over). Pool Meet events include Short Course (25 yard) and Long Course (50 meter) in the 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 1650 Freestyle (400, 800, 1500 in meters); 50, 100, 200 backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly; and 100, 200, 400 Individual Medley. There are also freestyle, and medley relays for men, women, and/or mixed teams. Open water swims are held in most locales during the summer and can range in distance from one to ten miles. USMS hosts two national championship meets a year. International championships are conducted periodically by Masters Swim organizations in countries throughout the world. World and U.S. records, Top Ten and All America rankings, All Star status and national champion are accomplishments recognized by USMS. Meet Schedule The meet schedule is published each season in the Newsletter and on the Web Site. The meet schedule is subject to change. Competition Uniform We require a uniform to promote identification and team unity. Coaches and spectators can identify our swimmers on the starting blocks when they are in team uniform. We require a team suit and team cap be worn in competitions. Optional team apparel includes: Sweat shirt, T-shirt, towel, hats, athletic bags, water bottles). Optional team apparel must be ordered and pre-paid. Meet Entries 1. Meet information is distributed at practice approximately one week before the turn-in date. Information will be placed in the swimmer's mailbox and/or on the Web Site. If you question whether you were should attend a meet, contact the coaching staff responsible for your training or the meet manager. 2. Fill out the Swimmer Entry Form and place it and the accompanying payment in the "Meet Entries" mailbox at the pool. Keep the remainder of the meet information to remind you when and where the meet is. It is also a good idea to note the events you entered so when you get to the meet you can check the heat sheet for correctness. DO NOT MAIL ENTRIES TO THE HOST TEAM. 3. Entry fees paid by SEA to the host club are non-refundable to SEA for any reason. 4. SEA entries are reviewed by the Meet Manager and master lists are generated from the Swimmer Entry Form. A copy is then given to the coaches to review, and a copy is posted in the SEA storage closet. 5. Occasionally, swimmer forgets to enter an event in a meet they should swim. If space is available, and the meet host (meet director and referee) is willing, a late entry may be permitted. The fee is usually double the normal entry fee and must be paid on deck by the swimmer. The swimmer must check with the coach before late-entering an event. Swim Meet Guidelines 1. Refer to your copy of the meet information and be sure you know the warm-up times for each session you enter. Be sure your transportation and lodging is arranged for the meet. 2. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time. During this time, the swimmer is expected to: a. Check-in with the coaching staff. b. Locate and place belongings in the team area. c. Check the heat sheet. If there is a mistake, discuss it with your coach, so proper channels can be used to correct situation. d. Visit the restroom and "suit up" for the warm-up. e. Check-in for your events. The swimmer check-in for the meet will be clearly marked. Place a check next to your name for each event you have entered. This is the individual's responsibility. f. Report to the team's lane(s) for warm-up on time. 3. Warm-up with the team. Warm-ups are conducted by a member of the SEA Coaching staff. 4. We ask athletes to sit together in the designated team area. 5. All swimmers are expected to wear the team suit. 6. Before a swimmer reports for an event, it is the swimmer's responsibility to check with the coach for a brief conference. 7. When entry cards are used, it is the swimmer's responsibility to pick up their card at the "Clerk of Course" for each event and report to the proper lane before the proper heat. 8. At the end of the race, the swimmer will get their unofficial time from the timers and report directly to the coach. 9. Visit your family and spend some time with them. 10. Between events, swimmers are expected to rest and stay warm. It is very important to save all energy for competition. if the swimmer must eat, a light, nutritious snack is recommended (i.e. fruit, sports bars). 11. Stay hydrated. Water or sports drink is good to sip throughout the meet. 12. When the official results are posted, note your official time and record it in your logbook. 13. Check with the coach before leaving the meet to make sure you are not in a relay or final. 14. If you are entered in a meet and cannot attend, notify the coach as soon as possible. Swimmer Incentive Programs 1. Meet Attendance Five Star Trip: SEA recognizes swimmers who participate in swim meets with a Gold Star Pin Incentive program. A swimmer earns one gold bead for each day of a meet attended. Three gold beads can be exchanged for a gold star pin. Five gold stars earned makes a swimmer eligible to participate in a special team trip. 2. Personal Best Star: SEA recognizes swimmer's progress in competition each time he/she achieves a personal best time. When a personal best time is achieved in competition, the swimmer receives a "star" suitable for sewing on his/her towel, bag, or jacket. The stars are awarded for each meet as follows: One to Two personal best times = Red Star + certificate Three to Five personal best times = White Star + certificate Six to Seven personal best times = Blue Star + certificate Eight or more personal best times = Gold Star + certificate All stars are obtained from the Meet Manager upon receipt of a meet's final results. 3. National Standard Time Chevrons: SEA orders National Chevrons for National B, BB, A, AA, AAA, AAAA time qualifiers. There is one Chevron per level ordered for each stroke: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley (IM). Team Record Holder chevrons are ordered when a team record is broken at a meet. Chevrons are usually worn on the sleeves of warm-up suits or are sewn to the team bag for the current age group in which the swimmer is participating. Chevrons are ordered from the Meet Manager upon receipt of a meet's final results. SECTION 4: PARENT/VOLUNTEER ROLE IN SEA SEA Organization South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team is a non-profit, parent/volunteer board-run organization. The team operates under a constitution and set of by-laws. Copies of the constitution are available on the Web Site. Each swimmer's family has a membership and inherent responsibility to participate and support the SEA activities. The Board of Directors are assisted by volunteers. SEA Board of Directors The Board of Directors is composed of seven members who are elected on a rotating basis and serve two-year terms. The eighth member of the board is the Head Coach who is hired by the Board. The Board meets each month to perform its duties. They are charged with the responsibility for directing the financial affairs, developing and implementing team policies, and supervising the management of the team. All parents/volunteers, and Masters Program Swimmers are encouraged to attend the Board meetings and to volunteer for any of the committees, fundraisers, and/or run for a position on the Board. Annual Meeting Each April, the team holds a general meeting. At this meeting, the team meets to discuss team accomplishments and to elect members of the Board of Directors. Financial Obligations 1. Training Fees and Payment Procedures: Training fees are due the first of the month and are paid for the full 12 month period. All fees not paid by the fifth will result in the swimmer being removed from the water. Please notify the Treasurer upon leaving the team. 2. Fundraising Participation: SEA is a non-profit organization which has a budget operating on training fees and fundraising activities. Team training fees do not completely cover the total cost of each swimmer in the program. As a result, each swimmer has a responsibility to participate in periodic fundraising events. 3. Meet Entry Fees: Meet entry fees must be paid prior to the meet. 4. United States Swimming Membership Registration: SEA is a member team of the United States Swimming, Inc., (USS) and abides by its rules and regulations. All swimmers are required to join this national organization. Please complete a USS registration form before your swimmer participates in his/her first training session. All swimmers must renew membership by December 1st each year for coverage starting January 1st. Non-Athlete membership is available. Safety Marshalls, Meet Officials, Meet Directors, LCS Representatives are non-athletic members of USS. Masters Swimmers are required to be registered members of United States Masters Swimming (USMS), Inc. and abide by its rules and regulations. 5. Team Uniform: The only required team uniform items are the team swim suit and team swim cap. All other team apparel are recommended to help build team spirit. 6. Practice Equipment: Swimmers are to provide their own towel, goggles, cap, suit for practice. It is recommended that each swimmer provide their own swim fins, but is optional. Place swimmer's name on all personal equipment. 7. Out of Town Competitions: a. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation and lodging for out-of-town meets. Do not ask your swimmer to arrange their own accomodations. b. Parents are encouraged to attend out-of-town meets with their swimmers and to chaperon their teammates. These trips can be great fun for parents and swimmers. c. A medical release and emergency phone number should be given to the parent/driver with whom your swimmer is riding in the event medical treatment is needed. d. Masters Swimmers are responsible for arranging their own transportation and lodging for out-of-town meets. 8. National Chevron Program: The Meet Manager will notify you when your swimmer qualifies for National Chevron and/or Team Record Holder Chevron. A group order will be placed and must be prepaid. Parent, Coach, Swimmer Relationship To have a successful program, there must be understanding and cooperation among parents, swimmers, and coaches. The progress your swimmer makes depends on this triangular relationship. Please consider the following guidelines to help keep your swimmer�s development in the proper perspective and help your swimmer reach his/her full potential as an athlete. The coach is the coach: We want your swimmer to relate to his/her coach as soon as possible concerning swimming matters. This relationship between coach and swimmer produces the best results. When parents interfere with opinions as to how the swimmer should swim or train, it causes confusion as to whom the swimmer should listen to. The parent�s role: The coach�s job is to motivate and critique the swimmer�s performance. It is the parent�s job to provide love, recognition, and encouragement. Not every time: Even the best swimmers will have meets where they do not do their best times. These plateaus are a normal part of swimming. Over the course of a season, times should improve. Please be supportive of these �poor� meets. Contact the Coach: Questions about your swimmer�s training or team policies are best answered by contacting the coach for a scheduled meeting, before practice or after practice. Any disagreement with a meet official should be brought to the coach�s attention and handled by the coach. The Goal: The goal is not only to produce good swimmers, but also to produce great people who swim! Coaches� Responsibilities 1. The coaches� job is to supervise the entire competitive swim program. The SEA Coaching staff is dedicated to providing a program for swimmers that will enable them to learn the values of �being the best you can be.� 2. Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and the training regimen rest with the SEA Coaching staff. Each group�s practices are based on sound principles and geared to the goals of the specific training group. 3. The SEA Coaching staff will make the final decision concerning which meets, as well as which events SEA swimmers may participate. 4. At meets, the Coaching staff will conduct and supervise warm-up procedures for the team. After each race, the coaches will offer constructive critiques of the swimmer�s performance. Parents offer love and understanding regardless of your swimmer�s performance. The coach is solely responsible for selecting members of a relay team. The SEA Coaching Staff and Board of Directors are constantly updating and improving various aspects of the SEA program. It�s our swimmer�s and parent�s responsibility to make the most out of the excellent opportunity this program provides for success in swimming. SECTION 5: GLOSSARY Academic All-American: Honor presented by United States Swimming to the national top 50 in each high school event based on equally �weighted� grades and swimming times. All American: Annual honor presented by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) for the national top 30 times in each event. The next 15 times are awarded �honorable mention� status. This presentation is the more prestigious of the two �All American� honors. American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA): National coaches organization that certifies coaches based on education and experience. Bulkhead: Movable wall used to divide 50 meter pools into 25 yard pools. Clerk of Course: The person in charge of the ready bench and responsible for checking swimmers in and seeding events. Deck: The area immediately surrounding the pool. Swimmers not competing in a meet and parents not working in a meet are required by USS regulations to stay off the deck. Deck Entries: A policy of accepting entries on the day of the meet. Usually a late fee is required. Deck Seeding: A procedure of assigning swimmers to appropriate lanes and heats immediately before each event at the ready bench on the pool deck or at the beginning of the meet session. Disqualified (DQ): When a swimmer�s performance does not adhere to the rules for the event. The swimmer may not use a DQ time to qualify for meets. False Start: A swimmer gets an unfair advantage by being in motion before the start signal is given. FINA: Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur. The international governing body for all four aquatic sports (swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming). USS rules are based on FINA rules. Finals: The session during a meet following qualifying rounds conducted previously to determine the finalists. The finalists compete to determine the winner. Heat Sheet: A listing of all swimmers by event number, heat, and lane assignment in the meet. Usually these sheets are only available at invitational and championship meets. Late Entry: See definition for Deck Entry. Long Course: A type of competition pool course which measures either 55 yards or 50 meters in length. The standard size for international meets and all world records is 50 meters. LSC: Local Swim Committee, a geographical division of USS. USS has 59 LSC�s that oversee its programs. SEA is in the North Carolina LSC. National Collegiate Association of Athletics (NCAA): Governing body of all four-year collegiate athletic programs. Preliminaries: In certain meets, qualifying rounds are held for each event to determine the finalist. Proof of Time: A requirement at some meets by officials to make certain that all swimmers have met the qualifying standards for the meet. Psyche Sheet: A ranking by event or seeding times of all swimmers entered in a particular event of a meet. Referee: The official who has authority over all other meet officials at a meet. He/she makes all final decisions and sees that the meet is conducted efficiently. Scratch: A swimmer already entered in an event may withdraw or scratch from the event before it is seeded. Seed Time: The time that a swimmer uses to enter an invitational or championship meet. This time determines the swimmer�s heat and lane for competition. Short Course: A type of competitive pool which measures 25 yards or meters in length. Split: A per-lap time that coaches often record for teaching the concept of pace. Starter: The official at a meet responsible for giving the starting signal to each heat of swimmers. Strobe Light: Light used to signal the start of a race in conjunction with the horn start. Timers are instructed to start their watches when the light flashes to provide a more accurate time as light travels faster than the horn sound. Stroke and Turn Judge: Official who determines the legality of swimmer�s strokes and turns. It is their duty to disqualify those who do not conform to the rules. Time Trials: Occasionally a swimmer will need to make a qualifying time in an event not offered in a meet. A Time Trial is occasionally set up and sanctioned by USS to ensure proper conduct of the swim. Touch Pad: The part of the electronic timing system that rests in the water at the end of each lane. Swimmer�s times are electronically recorded to the hundredth of a second when the pad is touched. Unattached: When a swimmer changes from one USS club to another, there is a 120 day period during which the swimmer must compete �Unattached.� They may not score points for their new team or participate in relays. Unite States Master Swimming (USMS): United States Masters Swimming, Inc. provides the administrative structure for Masters swimming. The country is divided into smaller groups called Local Masters Swimming Committees (LMSC). LMSC's in turn are composed of smaller groups (clubs or teams and unaffiliated swimmers). United States Swimming (USS): The governing body for amateur swimming in the United States. Responsibilities include providing the program to select our U.S. Olympic Swimming Team. South Eastern Aquatics Swim Team Handbook revised 01/01 |