02/23/10

The swim clubs are assigned to leagues based on team strength as measured by performance at the City Swim meet; League I consisting of the larger, stronger teams and League III consisting of the smaller, less experienced clubs.  The leagues are organized in this manner so as to ensure that the swim meets are as evenly matched as possible.  Boys and girls 18 years old and younger are eligible to compete in the swim program.  All meets include both male and female competition during the summer and at the City Championship Meet.  Events alternate girl-boy at the meets, and the total combined club score determines the winning team for “A” meets.

 DECK BUMS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED AT PRACTICES.  Swimmers will be expected to be in the water and participating appropriately.  Those unwilling to cooperate will be sent home.  We cannot supervise on deck and in the water simultaneously.

 Regardless of the temperature, the coaches will be present for practice.  It will be up to the parents to decide if their child will practice.  If the child is present and chooses not to get into the pool, he/she will be sent home.  The only time practice will not take place is (1) if there is lightning or (2) if there is continuous and steady rainfall.  Signs will be posted if practice is canceled for these reasons.  Please be aware that if one time session is canceled, others may still be held if the weather clears.  For this reason, swimmers will be allowed to attend another practice other than their regularly scheduled practice. 

 Discuss a plan to follow in the event of a storm or cancellation, and be sure that your children know where they are to go and with whom, or that they have money to call home.

 PREP TEAM EVALUATIONS are conducted during scheduled practice time.  Prep swimmers will need to be able to swim two (2) lengths of the small pool with some degree of stroke awareness.  We hope that we can take everyone, but due to the need for a smaller swimmer/coach ratio, we must place this restriction.  If a swimmer cannot perform satisfactorily, a notice will be sent home notifying the parent and recommending lessons.  A refund will be given.  More than likely, a summer of lessons will enable your child to participate on the Prep Team next year.

 Prep swimmers will be assigned a time slot for practice, either 9:00 to 9:45, or 9:45 to 10:30.  The Prep team roster and practice time schedule will be posted on the swim team bulletin board at the pool entrance.  PRACTICE TIMES WILL NOT BE FLEXIBLE.  Swimmers will be expected to practice at their scheduled time and will not be permitted at any other time.  This will help ensure a better coach / swimmer ratio and more quality time for your child.

 As the summer progresses, there is the possibility of moving him/her to the big pool (regular swim team) or changing practice time.  The coaches will be in contact with parents when they feel that this is a possibility.

 Prep team parents will be assigned work commitments for prep meets, and are held to the same standard as swim parents.

The Swim team communicates thru the website to save printing costs. Check the bulletin board at the pool for important notices.  Check your mailboxes at each practice.  Check the Website daily.

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Swim Meets and Prep Meets

See the calendar for a schedule of swim meets.  Based on team sizes of competing swim clubs, we will have combined A/B meets.  In addition, intrasquad meets may be scheduled periodically. The Home Team begins Warm Ups at 4:30 PM and the Visiting Team begins warm-ups at 4:45PM. The Meet starts at 5:30 PM.

In addition to our swim meets, we also have scheduled PREP meets.  These meets are for the beginner who has little or no experience as a competitive swimmer.  In order for a child to be eligible for the prep team, he/she should be 5 years old by June 1st; be able to swim two (2) lengths of the small pool; and know at least one stroke, i.e., have their “RED” band.  Children not able to meet these qualifications should sign up for individual lessons so they will be ready for the swim team the following year.  If the lack of swimming ability causes a safety risk to the child, the Arlington Swim/Dive Team Board will refund their registration money.

SWIMMERS MUST SIGN UP FOR EACH SWIM MEET, OR THEY WILL NOT BE INCLUDED ON THE ROSTER FOR THAT MEET.

Swimmers must turn in registrations by sign-up deadlines for special swimming meets.  The coaches must turn in line-ups by specified dates and cannot honor late entries.  Also, please make every effort to be available for all meets.  We need everyone!

 AGE GROUPS

A child’s age as of June 1st determines the age group that he/she swims during the summer.  The meets are arranged with the boys and girls swimming in the following age groups:

              8 and under girls                  8 and under boys

              9-10 girls                               9-10 boys

            11-12 girls                              11-12 boys

            13-14 girls                              13-14 boys

            15-18 girls                              15-18 boys

SWIMMING EVENTS

The order of events is as follows:

            Medley Relay
            Freestyle
            Breaststroke
            Backstroke
            Butterfly
            Individual Medley
            Free Relay                             

Events are run alternately with the girls going first followed by the boys.  All of one event is completed before proceeding to the next event.

Rosters will be posted one day prior to the scheduled meet on the swim team bulletin board at the pool entrance.  It is the swimmer’s responsibility to check this roster and notify the coach immediately if he/she is not able to participate.  We ask that swimmers/parents notify the coaches in writing one week ahead of an absence from a meet so the individual is not scheduled, and another swimmer can be scheduled in his/her place.  This can be done with a note to the coach’s mailbox, or by e-mail.

Due to the limited number of swimmers in certain age groups, it may be necessary to ask swimmers to “swim up” an age group to fill events and relays.  If this does become necessary, the coaches will identify the swimmer(s) based on swimming ability.  Sometimes swimmers who would normally swim “B” meets may be asked to swim relays / events in an “A” meet as well.  The swimmer will be scheduled for at least two (2) swim events, one being an individual event.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

IT TAKES 50 PEOPLE TO RUN A SWIM MEET!

Parents’ involvement is key to the success of the swim program.  Every swim club is responsible for assigning individuals to various responsibilities during the swim meets.  Without our parents’ help, the meets would not be possible!

In dual meets, the host club is responsible for the following:

·     Thirteen (13) timers (this position stands at end of lane and uses stopwatch & records time of swimmers)

·     One (1) starter (this requires training and is the person who calls swimmers to block and starts the race)

·     Two (2) finish judges  (this position is sitting at the finish line and recording the order of finish by lanes)

·     Two (2) stroke and turn judges (this position requires training and is one that identifies incorrect stokes and turns)

·     Two (2) runners (this position is one that collects the timer and finish judge records and takes to award table)

·     Two (2) clerks of course (this position is one that collects the swimmers for each event -usually one for boys and one for girls)

·     Six (6) recorders (these workers record swimmer’s names and their times at end of lane)

·     Award table (these are the workers at awards table who record results and create swimmer’s awards)

·     Scorers (This position keeps track of the results and keeps a running score for the competing teams)

·     Concessions (this position sells the various concessions & may require set up and take down time)

In dual meets, the visiting team must supply:

      Six (6) timers                                   One (1) recall starter

      Two (2) finish judges                       Two (2) clerks of course

      Two (2) stroke & turn                      Three (3) recorders

At larger meets, these jobs are shared equally between the clubs that are participating.  Additional work commitments will be assigned for those families participating in  invitationals, League II, and city meets, or you may have your choice of assignments by volunteering early!

Swimmers will not swim in meets if families have failed to uphold their commitments.  If  parents are unable to attend a meet and do not find a substitute worker for their commitments, the team may pay a substitute worker and charge the absent parent.  The swimmer(s) will not swim in further meets until the obligation is paid and an additional work commitment(s) is assigned.

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General Information

AWARDS

Ribbons will be given for the first six places in dual swim meets.  Awards for larger meets vary and are the responsibility of the host club.  An entry fee may be charged at the larger meets in order to cover the cost of the awards.  The coaching staff will inform all swimmers if an entry fee is required for any of the meets during the summer.

Swimmers who do not receive their awards during the swim meet will receive awards as soon as possible at a practice.  Check your mailbox.

AWARDS EVENING

An awards evening will be held to recognize all of the swimmers and divers and preps for their hard work.  The swim/prep team generally has a banquet and the dive team usually has an ice cream social.  Each member will receive a trophy.  Look for information about reservations to come home in July.

COMMUNICATION

Parents and swimmers are asked to check the APS&D website (www.apswimanddive.com) and the bulletin board DAILY for important information concerning the swim team and swim team schedules.  Each family also has a mail folder at the pool where notices and ribbons may be placed.

PRACTICE SCHEDULES

Swim and Dive Morning Practices:

Dive: 7:45 - 10:45 Times are to be determined.

 
SPECTATORS AND FANS

Attendance by family members, friends and relatives is encouraged and usually no admission fee is required at any of the meets.  Seating is a minimum at most pools and usually not adequate, therefore you are encouraged to bring your own chairs.  Refreshments are available at most pools, and help support the team.

SPIRIT WEEK

There are many fun activities scheduled for Spirit Week.  These activities include all swimmers and divers, whether or not they are signed up to swim or dive in the City Meets.   All team members and their families are invited to Family Fun Night and the Awards Evening.

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General Description of the Diving Program

Arlington Park dives as a team during the season.  Specialized instruction is given to each child to help them obtain individual goals as well as meeting overall team objectives.

GENERAL INFORMATION

·         Divers should attend at least three (3) practices a week.  Please inform the coaches two (2) days in advance if you are not able to attend a meet.  Meet participation is at the discretion of the coach.  Each diver must be able to meet the requirements of their age group in order to dive in a meet.

·         A child’s age as of June 1st determines the age group that he/she dives during the summer.

·         Events are run alternately with the girls going first followed by the boys.

DIVING FORMAT

8 and under       1 meter        4 dives        2 categories     3 required, 1 optional
9 and 10            1 meter        4 dives        2 categories     2 required, 2 optional     
11 and 12           1 meter        6 dives        3 categories     3 required, 3 optional
13 and 14          1 meter        6 dives        3 categories     3 required, 3 optional
15 through 18    1 meter        6 dives        4 categories     6 optional

12 and under     3 meter*     4 dives        2 categories     1 required, 3 optional
13 through 18   3 meter*     5 dives        3 categories     5 optional dives

·         The City Dive Meet will host 3-Meter competition for exhibition only.  Divers can enter this event as individual competitors, but placement will not be scored as team points. 

·         Note:  Any diver in the appropriate age group who is unable to fulfill the required format may dive with no team points and placement.

·         Scoring at dual and tri meets will be done by the parents of both the home and away teams.

·         Parents are required to work 4 meets, with additional volunteer and invitational assignments.  If you are unable to keep your commitment work schedule, it is your responsibility to find a replacement and contact the Meet Director of the change.

·         The Dive team communicates by E-mail to save printing costs. Check the dive bulletin board at the pool for important notices.  Check your mailboxes at each practice.  Check your e-mail daily.

·         Concessions will be available at the meets.  All money raised goes back to the team so please support this “fund-raiser” at our pool and other pools.

·         Parents will be needed to help at the City Dive Meet.  All dive parents will be assigned work commitments for Invitationals and City Meet when your child is diving.

·         Practice times will be assigned by coaches. 

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Coaches’ Responsibilities 

• Assure that the objectives of the program are adhered to without compromise.
• Organize effective and disciplined practices.  Provide in-water stroke, turn, and start instructions for all swimmers.
• Supervise the entire swim/dive program; take attendance daily; share the meet results with the goals and awards chairperson.
• Develop desirable attitudes of participants by setting the proper example while coaching children.
• Show good sportsmanship at all times.
• Show compassion and understanding to all participants.
• Make final decisions concerning which participants should enter which swim and dive events.
• Keep participants informed of progress or lack of progress.
• Post swimmer/diver and parent information on the bulletin board at the pool entrance and ensure that important information is posted on the website .

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Participants’ Responsibilities

• Attend at least three (3) practices per week (unless excused by the coach) so that you may swim/dive in a meet.  Any planned absences or illnesses should be reported to the coach.
• Sign up for each meet on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board or by e-mail to your coach.  If you do not sign up, you will not be scheduled to swim/dive in the meet. 
• Check posted swim/dive meet schedules.  If you are unable to swim, notify the coach immediately so the three other children on your relay team do not lose the opportunity to swim.  Tell the coaches on the sign-up sheet if you will arrive late or must leave early, so they will not include you in the relays.
• Respect the coaches’ decisions at all times.  The coach is responsible for the overall performance of the team which, at all times, takes preference over the individual.
• Work to your maximum abilities in both practice and meets.  Remember that this is a team sport made up of individual efforts.  You have the chance to excel in individual events as well as being a member of a relay team.
• Make a commitment to compete during the entire season.  Support the team by encouraging the other swimmers/divers and attending all team activities.
• Always check the bulletin board located at the pool entrance, and the website daily.
• Leave the coaches’ reminder notes in their mailboxes or e-mail.

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Parents’ Responsibilities

 Suggestions about how to improve our swim and dive program are encouraged.  If you have concerns about the program, we need to know them as well.  These should however, be directed to the Swim/Dive Team Board, not the coaches.  You may contact the coaches to discuss your child’s progress, problems, etc.  However, coaches will not be available for such conversations during practice times or swim and dive meets.  Also, please do not approach the coaches who are lifeguarding during pool hours.  At these times complete attention must be focused on the swimmers.  We thank you for being sensitive to these wishes.

• Parents are required to assist at four (4) regular meets & one volunteer activity.  Many parents do much more.  It is the parent’s responsibility to find a replacement (trade) if a work commitment cannot be met.  If a parent needs help identifying a person to substitute for him/her, do not hesitate to call any of the meet directors (names and phone numbers are listed on this website).  As a last resort, if a substitute is hired to replace you, your child will not swim until the bill is paid.  Check in with the meet director when you arrive, and do not leave until all work is complete.
• Parental support of this program is essential for its success.  Assure that your children attend all meets if they are scheduled to swim/dive.  Failure to notify coaches of an absence can cause a relay team to be scratched, thereby disappointing three other swimmers!  Do not leave early unless you check that your children are not scheduled on a free relay.
• Make sure your child attends all practices.  Unexcused absences will show lack of interest and consequently, the child may not be scheduled to participate in the next meet.
• Emphasis should be placed on the individual to do his/her best for a combined team effort.  Remember, this is NOT a JUNIOR OLYMPIC PROGRAM where winning is a paramount objective.  This is a two month summer recreational program for the children with all members participating, regardless of how highly skilled the children are.
• Parents are highly encouraged to attend swim/dive meets to provide support for your child and all other children on the team.
• Concerns and suggestions are encouraged.  These should be directed to the Swim/Dive Team Board, not the coaches.  You may contact the coaches to discuss your child’s progress, problems, etc.
• Check the bulletin board and e-mail daily for important notices.
• All parents are asked to help with transportation.  Coaches are not to transport children.

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