Youth Swim Team Policies

Team Vision: 

Program’s purpose is to create/build/develop lasting friendships, goal setting, time management, healthy and consistent activity, and responsibility.

Parent Policies

Parents are the backbone of our youth swim team program. They plan their schedules around swim team practices, drive the kids to and from practices and help support the swim team’s objectives by encouraging and offering positive support to their children.

1) We want your swimmer to establish a constructive relationship with the coaches concerning swimming matters as soon as possible. A good relationship between coach and swimmer is paramount to success. When parents interfere with a coach’s opinion as to how the swimmer should swim or train, it can cause considerable confusion to the swimmer. If you have a problem or concern involving your swimmer, please contact the coach immediately. The coaches are the absolute authority in matters of swimming schedules, swimmer development, and participation in meets.

2) Always offer encouragement!

3) A coach and a program can be supported or ruined in the eyes of a swimmer by the parent. Never complain about the time your child puts in each day at practice. Rather, make him/her feel that it is worthwhile, and if this is something that he/she wants to do, you will help. Anything worthwhile requires sacrifice and hard work.

4) New and younger swimmers are most likely to experience inconsistent performances (e.g., times). This inconsistency can be frustrating for parents, coaches, and the swimmer alike. Parents and coaches must be patient and permit these youngsters to learn to love the sport.

5) Participation implies responsibility. Parents must become involved and help conduct all meets. There are several volunteer positions for each meet, picture day, parties, etc…each with a specific point allocation.

6) Please help when asked. Even though we have a minimum volunteer requirement there are times we may need extra help or all hands on deck. Life happens, kids get sick, plans change and we may sometimes need an extra hand. Please help when you can.

7) If you have experience in running organizations like a swim team, and you have the time and willingness, make your interest known to the Head parent or Coach. Most commonly, talented and wonderful parents are reluctant to step forward without being invited.

8) The happiest team has the most people working together!

 

Swimmer Policies

Be on Time: Whether arriving in a car pool or individually, be sure to arrive on time. Remember to allow time to do any flexibility work and/or fix your cap and goggles before practice begins. Parents- please double check that practice is occurring prior to leaving your child at the pool.

Use of Facilities: We are guests of all the facilities we use. Please conduct yourselves as such before and after practice, in the hallways and locker rooms. We are a respected group only as long as we respect others.

Dress: Your success is dependent upon your staying healthy. Take care to dry off well, especially your hair, and to dress appropriately for the weather.

Teammates: This is your team; make it enjoyable for everyone on the team.

Problems: If you have any questions or problems, talk to one of the coaches. They are the best source answers and solutions.

YES!

1. While waiting to swim or during instructions, one hand must be on the wall and the head must be above water. You cannot hear what the coaches are saying when your ears are under the surface.

2. Circle swim – swim on your right (as you face the opposite end) of the lane.

3. Swim all the way to the wall.

4. Make room for others to swim to the wall.

5. When swimming laps and you need to pass another swimmer, tap (don’t pull) their foot and then swim around them (down lane center) freestyle.

6. If someone taps your foot, stay close to the lane line/wall and let him or her pass.

7. Listen to instructions and raise your hand to ask a question if you do not understand.

8. Respect your teammates and coaches.

9. Have a positive attitude.

10. Be on time to practice.

11. Demonstrate good sportsmanship.

NO!

1. Horseplay.

2. Running.

3. Diving without instructions and direct supervision of the coach.

4. Pushing anyone into or under the water.

5. Hanging or playing on the lane ropes.

6. Walking on the bottom of the pool during swimming sets.

7. Kicking/splashing/spitting water/slapping kick boards.

 

Violation of these Policies:

At the discretion of any member of the Coaching Staff, one or both of the following penalties may be applied:

1) Removal of a swimmer from a practice and a parent/guardian notified.

2) Scratching of a swimmer from a meet and a parent/guardian notified.