Parent Handbook Sept 2014 March 2015

Transcription

1 SHARKS SWIM TEAM Parent Handbook Sept 2014 March 2015

2 Sharks Swim Team QUICK REFERENCES Head Coach: Coaches: Payment Mailing Address: Jim Semenecz 436 Ridge Road North Arlington, N.J Phone: Swim Team Phone: Y.M.C.A. Emergency phone: (cell) Rafal Gwiszcz Megan White Ralph Rivera Meadowlands Area Y.M.C.A c/o Sharks Swim Team P.O. Box 252 Rutherford, NJ Team Website: Team Information, Calendar of Events, Pictures NJ YMCA Swimming: Championship Information, Qualifying Times Team suit and gear: Swimoutlet.com/meadowlandsharkstingrays

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4 Philosophy The Sharks Swim Team believes in promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership and determination while striving to enhance all swimmers spirit, mind and body. The Sharks Swim Team strongly believes that each athlete deserves an equal opportunity at instruction. We also realize that the single most important goal is that the sport is fun and enjoyable and always encourages all participants to accomplish their personal best. Team Practice Information Practice Starts September 15 and runs through Mid February (Beginner Group) March (Junior and Senior Groups) Novice/Beginner Saturday Monday thru Friday 5:15 Stretch 5:30pm-6:15pm Junior 8 to 9AM 6:00 Stretch 6:15-7:15pm Senior 8 to 9AM Until November Then time change 6:15 Stretch 6:30-7:45 pm A change in policy may be necessary this year: Parents may not allowed on the pool deck at any time during practice. If a parent has any concerns, they need to be addressed to the coach before or after practice, not during. If needed, a meeting can be scheduled between parent and coaches. This policy change will only be put into effect if the coaching staff deems this to be a necessary for the running of practices. Beginner Group: This group is for the entry-level swimmer. Stroke work is the primary objective of this group, then building for endurance. Beginning swimmers learn the four competitive strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly), turns and starts. Junior Group: Swimmers begin to swim intervals and work with a pace clock. Technique in stroke and turns continues to develop, but more emphasis is placed on endurance and speed. Senior Group: This group is for athletes who are the most advanced swimmers. This group will work on technique, endurance and speed training and will set goals to swim in meets such as Silver championships and States. Team Fees You can either pay in full at the beginning of the season, or choose the credit card draft procedure where the fees are automatically deducted from your credit card in three payments in September, October and November. In addition to the season fee all participants must be a member of the YMCA, this is an additional $20 for each child and must be paid at time of registration. Novice/Beginner Group: $647 Junior & Senior Group: $737 High School Swimmers $500 This is for swimmers who also train on a high school swim team. The reduced rate is due to the swimmers practicing with their high school team during that swim season. Swimmers must provide a letter signed by their high school coach proving their participation.

5 Release of Liability Form & Medical Authorization These forms will be provided to you when you register. The medical authorization will allow the coaches to seek medical assistance in the event a parent or legal guardian cannot be reached. Team Suit Each swimmer is required to purchase a team suit to wear at all dual and invitational swim meets. The YMCA will provide a team swim cap that must also be worn. These show team consistency and spirit. Attendance Each practice group has specific attendance requirements appropriate for the objectives of that group. As a general rule, the least interruptions in training will lead to the greatest yield of improvement. However, the team understands that there may be other activities that the swimmer is involved in outside of swimming and will encourage swimmers to participate in them outside of the pool. Swimmers should arrive 5 minutes prior to the start of practice and be ready to swim. Swimmers should make an effort to attend as many practices as they can, we encourage 75% attendance throughout the season. As specified by the YMCA of the USA children must attend 3 YMCA sanctioned meets in order to be eligible for any championship meet. In the case of a prolonged sickness, please provide the Head Coach with a medical doctor s note describing the illness and specifying the amount of practice time that the swimmer will have to miss. Swimmers will need a swimsuit, goggles, cap (if desired for boys, required for girls), towel, and water bottle for every practice. Water is extremely important considering the water temperature and keeping the kids hydrated. They can bring their water bottles on the pool deck, but they must not leave the bottles on the pool deck after practice. Behavior Each swimmer should realize that he/she is a team member. It is expected that each swimmer will be respectful and courteous of other swimmers. Swimmers should always be aware that they are representing the Meadowlands Area Y.M.C.A., their parents, and their coaches at all times. Therefore the basic four values of the YMCA: Honesty, Responsibility, Caring and Respect will be expected of all the athletes. Rude or inconsiderate behavior as well as foul or obscene language will not be tolerated at practices, meets or social events and can be grounds for dismissal from the team. Pick-up/Drop-off Policy Please make sure your swimmer makes it to the pool area safely. We cannot take responsibility for your child s safety until they join their practice group. Last minute schedule changes do occur, so please escort your child. Please be prompt when picking up your child after practice. Because of other duties, the coaches cannot be responsible for swimmers once they leave the pool area. Please make sure you are on time for your child s pick-up. Locker Room Procedures All personal belongings must be put in a locker, for which swimmers should bring a lock for daily use, or brought onto the pool deck. No items may be left in the changing areas of the locker rooms or on the floor. Do not bring anything valuable to practice. All swimmers must change in the locker rooms and not on the pool deck. Swimmers are expected to be respectful of others and to behave in the dressing rooms at all times. Any swimmer caught taking or playing with others belongings will be taken aside and warned, if this activity continues there will be a call to the parent and the swimmer will be told to dress and go home. Showers are required before entering the pool. No Coach, No Swim Policy When arriving at the pool if there is no coach on deck, swimmers shall not enter the water. This policy is enforced due to insurance and pool contract requirements.

6 Disciplinary Actions: Being a member of the Sharks Swim Team means being respectful to the coaches and other swimmers in the pool. If the swimmer is creating a disruption in the pool, they will be asked to sit out for 5 minutes. If the behavior continues, they will be asked to sit out for 10 minutes. If the behavior continues a third time, they will be asked to get dressed. Any disciplinary actions will be brought to the attention of the parent after it happens and a parent/coach and swimmer meeting might be suggested. Also there is a no hazing policy at the Y, if caught there will be disciplinary action taken and the parents will be advised immediately. Anti-bullying policy: A lot of young people have a good idea of what bullying is because they see it every day! Bullying happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending themselves. Usually, bullying happens over and over. Bullying will not be tolerated. Any and all allegations are taken very seriously and will be investigated to the fullest extent. Punching, shoving, and other acts that hurt people physically Spreading bad rumors about people Keeping certain people out of a "group" Teasing people in a mean way Getting certain people to "gang up" on others Bullying also can happen online or electronically. Cyber bullying is when children or teens bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include: Sending mean text, , or instant messages Posting nasty pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone What is the Anti-Bullying Code of Conduct and the rules of the program regarding Bullying? We will not bully others zero tolerance. If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell a staff person and an adult at home. What are the consequences of violating the Anti-Bullying Code of Conduct? Discipline associated with violation of the Anti-Bullying Code of Conduct will be administered by the Site Director and the Meadowlands YMCA administration as appropriate to the severity of the violation. 1 st time: Verbal warning by staff person. 2 nd time: Formal Letter of Complaint will be issued to all parties involved and filed with the YMCA and YMCA CEO. 3 rd time: Program Suspension (two weeks from program) and a formal meeting with the Program Director. Written documentation of incident & suspension will be kept on file. 4 th time: Removal of participant from the program.

7 Communication is the best way for coaches to get information out to all the members of the team quickly, and for you to get information to the coaches. There will be a swim team distribution list, please make sure to get your address to the head coach as soon as possible to receive important information. Bulletin Board There is a bulletin board centrally located in the hallway of Rutherford High School which is used to post all the information about meets, practices and special events as well as top times and directions to meets. It is updated frequently, so please make sure to look for updates. Phone chain In case of emergency, there is a phone chain established within the team. This chain is used when there is a cancelled meet or information that needs to get to all the members of the team quickly. Parent Involvement Dual Meets All parents are required to volunteer in some capacity for the Sharks Swim Team dual meets. Parents are asked to volunteer as timers, runners, and at the tally table. The team is also in need of YMCA officials to make the meet official. Stroke and Turn Judges are greatly needed and all parents are encouraged to participate in clinics to be a certified judge. All these positions need to be filled at both home and away meets, if we do not have volunteers the meet will not start and will take more time to complete. It is because of the parents involvement that our team will have great success. Committees There are many committees that work with the head coach in matters that will help our team run smoothly. We will be looking for volunteer coordinator, officials and timers, concessions, fundraising and awards dinner and phone chain. Please get involved, the more parents that can help the better and more effective we can be.

8 TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR SWIMMING PARENTS by Rose Snyder (Adapted from Ed Clendaniel s Ten Commandments for Little League Parents ) 1. Thou shalt not impose your ambitions on thy child. Remember that swimming is your child s activity. Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each individual. Don t judge your child s progress based on the performance of other athletes and don t push them based on what you think they should be doing. The nice thing about swimming is every person can strive to do their personal best. 2. Thou shalt be supportive no matter what. There is only one question to ask your child Did you have fun? If meets and practices are not fun, your child should not be forced to participate. 3. Thou shalt not coach your child. You have taken your child to a professional coach, do not undermine that coach by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to support, love and hug your child no matter what. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy. That is not your area. This will only serve to confuse your child and prevent that swimmer/coach bond from forming. 4. Thou shalt only have positive things to say at a swimming meet. If you are going to show up at a swimming meet, you should cheer and applaud, but never criticize your child or the coach. 5. Thou shalt acknowledge the child s fears. A first swimming meet, 500 free or 200 IM can be a stressful situation. It is totally appropriate for your child to be scared. Don t yell or belittle, just assure your child that the coach would not have suggested the event if your child was not ready to compete in it. 6. Thou shalt not criticize the officials. If you do not have the time or the desire to volunteer as an official, don t criticize those who are doing the best they can. 7. Honor thy child s coach. The bond between coach and swimmer is a special one, and one that contributes to your child s success as well as fun. Do not criticize the coach in the presence of your child, it will only serve to hurt your child s swimming. 8. Thou shalt not jump from team to team. The water isn t necessarily bluer at the other team s pool. Every team has its own internal problems, even teams that build champions. Children who switch from team to team are often ostracized for a long, long time by the teammates they leave behind. Often times swimmers who do switch teams never do better than they did before they sought the bluer water. 9. Thy Child shalt have goals besides winning. Giving an honest effort regardless of what the outcome is, is much more important that winning. One Olympian said, My goal was to set a world record. Well, I did that, but someone else did it too, just a little faster than I did. I achieved my goal and I lost. This does not make me a failure, in fact, I am very proud of that swim. 10. Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian. There are 225,000 athletes in United States Swimming. There are only 52 spots available for the Olympic Team every four years. Your child s odds of becoming an Olympian are 1 in about 4,300. Swimming is much more than just the Olympics. Ask you coach why he coaches. Chances are, he was not an Olympian, but still got enough out of swimming that he wants to pass that love for the sport on to others. Swimming teaches self discipline and sportsmanship; it builds self esteem and fitness; it provides lifelong friendships and much more. Most Olympians will tell you that these intangibles far outweigh any medal they may have won. Swimming builds good people and you should be happy your child wants to participate. Source: United States Swimming Parents Handbook, Club Development Series

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10 Dual Meets Dual meets are meets where the Sharks Swim Team competes against other YMCA League swim teams in our area. They are separated into a boys and a girls team and compete at two different locations. They are held only on Saturdays and the times differ from one YMCA to another. Throughout the season, the swimmer will compete in the same age group even if they change age. As per YMCA rules, the age of the swimmer as of December 1 st is the age they will stay for the remainder of the season. It is mandatory for growth and personal experience that all swimmers compete in the dual meets. All swimmers will be automatically entered into every dual meet. To save the coaching staff and other teams time and energy if you will cannot make a meet the head coach must be notified by the Wednesday prior to the meet. The head coach can be reached by phone or . In case of illness, please notify the coach as soon as possible. Each swimmer should arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time or be scratched or removed from the meet. Once removed a swimmer cannot be placed back into the meet, there are no exceptions. If you are running late, please call the emergency number for Jim In a meet, swimmers can only swim a total of 2 official events and one relay for a league dual meet. However, each swimmer may not be able to swim 2 events in every meet due to large numbers of swimmers on the team. It may happen on occasion that a swimmer will only swim 1 event and one relay per meet. This is normal, and swimmers are not being penalized in any way. We do have a lot of swimmers in each age group and there are only a certain number of spaces for swimmers to swim in a meet. Swimmers do not get to choose what events they swim in at dual meets. Transportation is supplied for swimmers to away dual meets. If you chose to transport your child instead of allowing them on the bus a parent will need to fill out a permission slip which is located at the end of this packet. Coaches are not permitted to transport swimmers. Invitational and Championship Meets In addition to the dual meet schedule, there will be several invitational meets for which swimmers will be able to attend. At these meets we will compete against upwards of 10 other YMCA teams at larger pool facilities. There is an additional fee for each race your child is entered into at these meets, money can be cash or check and given to the head coach prior to the meet. Transportation to and from these meets will be the responsibility of the swimmer and their parents. Each swimmer should arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time or be scratched or removed from the meet. Once removed a swimmer cannot be placed back into the meet, there are no exceptions. If you are running late, please call the emergency number for Jim If you are attending a championship meet (Bronze, Silvers, States, etc.) and you miss your event you will be scratched from the remainder of your events that day. It is extremely important that the swimmer be behind their respective block prior to their race. At these types of meets there are large score boards which will show the current event # and heat. Swimmers need to be aware of what event and heat is going on so they can get to their respective race on time. It is not the coaches job to get the swimmer there. Swimmers are expected to attend the highest level of competition available to the individual as determined by their respective coach, regardless of the number of events for which they qualify. Swimmers qualifying for the YMCA age group or bronze and silver championships must have represented the team in at least 3 YMCA meets to participate. Swimmers qualifying for the YMCA Nationals must have represented the team in at least 3 YMCA meets and the YMCA State Championship in order to participate.

11 Coaches have final say in what events a swimmer is ready to swim and reserve the right to make changes to meet entries accordingly. Each swimmer is expected to be courteous and polite to all coaches, officials, and opposing team members. Parents are not allowed on the pool deck at any dual or invitational meets unless working in a specific capacity. No parent is allowed to approach an official at any meet. If there is a problem, a swimmer or parent should see a coach to resolve the situation. Attending An Invitational Swim Meet Here are some tips on making your first swim meet a success. Check the YMCA and your for any last minute time changes for a meet. A change doesn t happen often but when it does the is the quickest way to get the information out. If we attend a meet that is not local (which happens 1-2 times and year during championships) make your hotel reservations early. The team tries to stay together but it is not mandatory. Ask other parents for suggestions on hotels near the pool. Always keep the meet information handy. It will give you the address for the pool and start times for warm-ups and the meet. Know which session you will be swimming (morning or afternoon) and what time are warm-ups. Usually there are 1 st warm-ups and 2 nd warm-ups. The coach will know which one our team has been assigned. Get there early. This is will give the swimmer time to change into their suit and get situated in the sitting area. It will also get you a better seat to watch the meet from. Swim meets can get crowded. Swimmers need to check in with the coach upon arrival and check out before they leave. Make sure your swimmer is not on a relay before you leave the meet Parents can buy a psyche/heat sheet to review what events your swimmer is entered in and their times if they have any. It is not necessary to purchase one but can be very helpful to a new swimmer and parents. Relax, swim meets seem very unorganized at first but usually run very smoothly. The coach, other swimmers and parents will be available to answer any last minute questions you may have. What To Bring To An Invitational Swim Meet Swimmers Swim bag, goggles, towels, water bottle, suit, swim caps, deck shoes (flip-flops), misc. items for in-between events (books, cards, electronic games, yo-yo s, homework, etc.). Swimmers may also bring a cooler of healthy snacks and sport drinks, however snacks are usually sold by the host team. Bring warm clothes such as sweat pants and sweat shirts for between events and after you swim, even though it is humid in the pool building you will feel cold. Parents Bring your swimmer (of course), money for heat sheets, snacks, lawn chairs, extra towels, highlighter (for heat sheet), black permanent marker, cameras, a book or magazine or anything else you can think of to pass time in-between the events. These are held in the fall through spring and the weather is usually cold and wet or snowy. However, swim meets are held indoors and the pool area is usually warm and humid. Dress accordingly by wearing layers. You will be very hot and uncomfortable at a swim meet dressed for the cold outside, so keep this in mind when preparing.

12 During The Meet During warm-ups a heat sheet will be printed and posted with the heats and lanes of all the events. It is here where the swimmers will look for their name and write down their event heats and lanes. Most kids write them with a sharpie on the back of their hands so they won t lose it and won t forget. Swimmers need to be alert at all times to what is happening at the meet, it is not the coaches responsibility to get the swimmer behind the block for his or her race. When swimmers are done with their heat, they need to go directly to the coach after each race for an evaluation of their swim. Record your swimmers times on the heat sheet or in their swimming recorder. Always check with the final results to see the official time. Most final results are posted on a wall near the pool or crash area. If your swimmer is DQ d for some reason, the stroke and turn judge will speak with them after the race and tell them what they did wrong. The coach will also visit with the swimmer after the race. This is not a big deal and should be taken in stride as a learning experience. Once the swimmer is DQ d, they will not receive an official time for that event. At no time is a parent or swimmer allowed to confront a stroke and turn judge regarding a disqualification,or any official! If there is a question about a call the coach and only the coach will get a clarification. Parents may speak with the coach after the meet or in between sessions, do not interrupt the coach while the meet is running. At no time during the meet are parents allowed on the pool deck. Except if they are volunteering as a timer, runner, official or tally table,. Enjoy the meet, stay cool, and speak positively to your swimmer. Your swimmer will have good swims and bad swims. Continue to encourage and support them during both types of swims. After the meet, make sure your swimmer has everything they arrived with. Many suits, swim caps, goggles etc. have been lost at meets. Double check to make sure you have not forgotten anything.

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14 Progress Chart Swimmer: Date 25 Free 50 Free 100 Free 25 Back 50 Back 100 Back Notes Date 25 Fly 50 Fly 100 Fly 25 Breast 50 Breast 100 Breast Notes Date 100 IM 200 IM Notes

15 Progress Chart Swimmer: Date 50 Free 100 Free 200 Free 50 Back 100 Back 200 Back Notes Date 50 Fly 100 Fly 200 Fly 50 Breast 100 Breast 200 Breast Notes Date 100 IM 200 IM 400 IM 500 Free 1000 Free 1650 Free Notes

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17 Tentative Meet Schedule (Subject to change without notice) Away Meets Swimmers MUST be on time for the bus. Please be at the front of the High School on Elliott Place on time DATE MEET AGE GROUP or MEET TYPE VENUE TIME October 18, 2014 Intra Squad Y Dual Rutherford October 25, 2014 Raritan Valley Y Dual Rutherford(Girls) October 25, 2014 Greater Freehold Y Dual Rutherford(Boys) November 1,2014 Bye (Boys/Girls) Y Dual November 8,2014 Meadowlands Y Dual Greater Freehold (Girls) November 8,2014 Meadowlands Y Dual Raritan Valley(Boys) November15, 2014 November 15,2014 November 21-23,2015 Bye (Girls) Meadowlands (Boys) HCY Autumn Challenge Y Dual Y Dual Invitational Bye Bye Hunterton County Raritan Bay November 22,2014 Metuchen/Edison Y Dual Rutherford(Boys) 8:00 AM 3:00PM 1:00PM 3:00PM 1:00PM TBA 7:00 Am 3:00PM November 29,2014 Bye (Girls) Y Dual Bye November 29,2014 December 6, 2014 December 6, 2014 Bye (Boys) Meadowlands (Girls) Bye (Boys) Y Dual Bye Y Dual Metuchen/Edison TBA Y Dual Bye

18 December 13, 2014 Bye (Girls) Y Dual Bye December 13,2014 Bye (Boys) Y Dual Bye December 20, 2014 Montclair Y Dual Meadowlands (Girls) 3:00 PM December 20, 2014 Meadowlands (Boys) Y Dual Montclair January Stingray Splash Invitational Raritan Bay YMCA 7:00 AM February 7, 2015 February 14, 2015 February 14-15, 2015 February 20-22, 2015 February 27-March 1, 2015 March 12-15, 2015 NJYMCA 8-Under Championships NJYMCA 14- Under State NJYMCA Bronze State NJYMCA Silver State NJYMCA 12- Under State NJYMCA 13- Under State Final RVCC TBA Qualifier TBA TBA Championships RBAY TBA Championships GCIT TBA Championships OCCYMCA TBA Championships Franklin and Marshall College, PA. OTHER MEETS WILL BE ADDED ONCE WE RECEIVE MEET INVITES TBA

19 DIRECTIONS TO YMCA S AND OTHER FREQUENTLY VISITED POOLS: (DIRECTIONS ARE ALSO ONLINE AS WELL AS THE ABILITY TO USE MAPQUEST!) FANWOOD-SCOTCH PLAINS YMCA 1340 Martine Ave. Scotch Plains (908) From Parkway: Take Exit 135/Westfield onto Central Ave. to the first light. Make a left turn onto Raritan Road. Follow Raritan Rd. to Lake Ave. Turn right. Lake Ave. becomes Martine Ave. The Y is on the left. From Route 22: Take Route 22 to Park Avenue in Scotch Plains (by Pantageous Restaurant). Follow Park Ave. south through Scotch Plains and Fanwood. Park Ave. becomes Martine Ave. The Y is on the right. GLOUCESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (609) From the North: Take NJ Turnpike south to Exit 3. Continue on exit to 295 South. At the sharp turn under an overpass stay to the left and continue onto Route 42. At the second exit make a right onto Route 55. Continue to the exit for Route 553 bear west. At the next light make a right (WAWA will be on the corner). Make first left onto Tanyard Road. Proceed past the college and enter VOTEC. If you reach a traffic light, you have gone too far. FROM THE NORTH AND THE WALT WHITMAN BRIDGE: Take I-295 south to Route 42 south and remain in right lane. Take Route 55 south to exit 56b (route 47 north/woodbury). Turn left onto Bankbridge road at the traffic light. Turn left again at the next traffic light onto Tanyard road. The entrance to GCIT is on the left side of the road at the bottom of the hill. HAMILTON YMCA Meets held at Nottingham High School 1055 Klockner Ave. Hamilton (609) Take Parkway to Exit 129 Turnpike South. Take the Turnpike south to Exit 7A. Take Route 195 West to Exit 3B Hamilton Square Exit. At the second light, make a left onto Klockner Road (Steinert High School will be on your right). Follow Klockner through 3 lights. At the 3rd light you will see a CVS under construction on your left. Nottingham is immediately past the light. Take the second driveway into the back parking lot. HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP YMCA (908) From Somerville take Route 206 South to: 1) Triangle Road (Exxon service station on the right) make a right turn onto Triangle Road and travel approx. 2 miles to a T and stop sign (this is Beekman Lane). *Make a left turn onto Beekman and go to the next stop sign. (This is S. Branch Road with the Hillsborough Municipal Complex on the right.) Make a right onto S. Branch Road and travel approx.1/2 mile to the small shopping center on the left called The Corner. The Y will be on the opposite corner. On the corner of Mountain Road and S. Branch Road. 2) New Amwell Road (Getty service station is on the right) make a right turn onto New Amwell Road and travel approx. 1.4 miles to a T and stop sign (this is Beekman Lane). Follow directions above starting at the *. HUNTERDON COUNTY YMCA 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington (908) Meets are held at Raritan Valley Community College, Rt. 28 & Lamington Rd., North Branch, N.J. From the east/rt. 22: Take Rt. 22 West 3 miles past Bridgewater Commons Mall and Ethicon-look for the Rt. 28 West exit. Stay on Rt. 28 West for 3 miles. College is on the right. Follow signs to parking lot #2. From the north/rt. 287: Take Rt. 287 South to Rt. 78 West. Take Exit 26/North Branch. Make a left at the traffic light. College is 2-3 miles on the left. Follow signs to parking lot #2. LAKELAND HILLS YMCA 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes (973) From 287 South: Take Myrtle Ave. Exit #45 TURN LEFT AT STOP SIGN. Follow to 3 rd light. Turn right onto Main St. Make immediate left at light onto Morris Ave., following to stop sign at Fanny Rd. Make right. The Y is ¼ mile on left. From 287 North: Take Intervale Rd./Mountain Lakes exit #43. Turn left (cross back over 287). At light, turn right onto Fanny Rd. Follow to stop sign. Proceed straight. YMCA is ¼ mile on left. MADISON YMCA 1 Ralph Stoddard Drive, Madison (973) From the Parkway: Take Exit 142 onto 78 West. (Traveling on the Parkway north you must make a U-turn at Exit 54). Follow the directions from 78.

20 From Route 287: Take Exit 35, MadisonAve./124 East. (North 287 travelers need to make a left off the ramp onto 124 East.) Pass Fairleigh Dickinson on the left and Drew University on the right. When you get into town, make a right at the corner with three gas stations. Make a left immediately after the train trestle onto Kings Road and the Y will be on your right just before the turn in the road. From the Turnpike: Take the Turnpike to exit for Route 78. Take 78 West towards Clinton, but stay in the local lanes. Follow directions for 78. From 78: Take 78 to Exit 48 (Rt. 24 exit) towards Springfield and Morristown. Take 24 West to Exit 7 onto 124West towards Chatham. At the sixth light, you will enter Madison. After the Jaguar dealership at the light where there are three gas stations, make a left onto Prospect. Make the left immediately after the train trestle onto Kings Road. The Y will be on your right just before the turn in the road METUCHEN-EDISON YMCA 65 High Street, Metuchen (732) From Route 1 North or South: Take Metuchen exit and proceed down Main Street 6 or 7 blocks. Make a left onto High Street and proceed 1 block. The Y is on the left. From the Parkway North: Take the Parkway north and exit at Route 287. Follow Route 287 north to the Route 27 North exit. Follow Route 27 North 7 blocks to the sharp bend in the road. DO NOT make the sharp bend. Turn right onto Lake Ave. Go up 3 blocks and the Y is on the left. From the Parkway South: Take the Parkway south and exit at Exit 131. Bear right off of the ramp and take Route 27 South to Main Street, Metuchen. Make a left onto Main Street and go through 2 more lights. After the 2 nd light, go 2 more blocks and make a right onto High Street. Go up 2 more blocks and the Y is on the left. MEY-Directions to the Wardlaw-Hartridge School FROM EAST OR WEST On Route 22. Coming from the east. turn right onto Terrill Road exit jug handle (across from Sears). You will cross Route 22 onto Terrill Road. Coming from the west, turn right onto Terrill Road (Sears is on right). Take Terrill Road past Terrill Middle School on your left. Turn right at the next light onto Cooper Road. At the end turn left onto Rahway Road. Turn right at the end (second stop sign) onto Inman Avenue. Wardlaw-Hartridge is a 1/4 mile down on the left. There is a green Wardlaw-Hartridge sign next to the road OR Route 78, take exit 40. Coming from the east, turn left onto Hillcrest Road. Coming from the west, bear right onto Hillcrest Road. Go to end. Turn right Into Watchung Circle (go 3/4 way around circle) and turn right onto Somerset Street. Take Somerset Street (almost to Route 22) and turn left at The Plainfields sign. Go over overpass and turn left onto Somerset Street (which becomes Park Avenue). At eighth traffic light turn left onto 7th Street. At traffic light turn right unto Watchung Avenue after you pass Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church. At first light turn right onto Woodland Avenue. At second light left onto Maple Avenue. At fork. bear right onto Inman Avenue and Wardlaw-Hartridge is 1/4 mile on right. There is a green Wardlaw-Hartridge sign next to the road. FROM NORTH OR SOUTH On Garden State Parkway South take exit 135. Bear right off exit onto Central Avenue. At first light turn left onto Raritan Road and go to end (name of road changes to Oak Ridge Road and Featherbed Lane). Turn right onto Inman Avenue. Wardlaw-Hartridge is 2 miles on left. There is a green Wardlaw-Hartridge sign next to the road. On Route 287 South (heading east) take Durham Exit. Turn left at light onto New Durham Road. Bear left at fork (Shell Station). Turn left at light onto Central Avenue which becomes Plainfield Road. Turn left after Bishop Ahr High School Tingley Lane. Go to end. Turn left onto Inman Avenue and Wardlaw-Hartridge is 1/4 mile on left. There is a green Wardlaw-Hartridge sign next to the road. On New Jersey Turnpike North take exit 11 onto the Garden State Parkway North. On Garden State Parkway North take exit 131 onto Route 27 South. Turn right at second light (bottom of hill) onto Wood Avenue. Turn left at third light (approx. 2 miles) onto Inman Avenue. Wardlaw-Hartridge is 2 1/2 miles on left. There is a green Wardlaw-Hartridge sign next to road. Montclair YMCA 25 Park Street, Montclair (973) Garden State Parkway north: Take Exit 148 (Montclair, Bloomfield Ave.) Bear left off the exit ramp across Bloomfield Ave., around the loop and turn right onto Bloomfield Ave. West. *Go approx. 3 miles, past the Claridge Theatre and at the next light turn right onto Park Street. The Y is on the right after the parking deck.

21 Garden State Parkway South: Take Exit 148. Stay in the center lane off the exit ramp. Turn right onto Bloomfield Ave. Follow directions above*. OR take Route 287 Route 280 East to Exit 8B Prospect Ave. (Cedar Grove). At the light (by the gas station and Caldor) go straight to the light at Bloomfield Ave. (Exxon, Montclair Acura). Turn right onto Bloomfield Ave. Go about 2 miles, you will pass the police station, and at the next light make a left onto Park St. The Y is on the right after the parking deck. MORRIS CENTER YMCA 79 Horsehill Road, Cedar Knolls (973) From the North: Take Route 287 south to the first Morristown Exit (Ridgedale Ave.). Turn right onto Ridgedale and left at the 3 rd light onto Hanover Ave. Turn right at the 1 st light onto Horsehill Road. The Y is 1/10 of a mile down the hill on the right. From the South: Take Route 287 North to Lafayette Ave. West Exit. At 1 st light, turn right onto Ridgedale Ave. At 3 rd light turn left onto Hanover Ave. Proceed as above. From the East: Take Route 80 West or Route 280 West. Follow North directions above. Take Route 78 West to Route 24 West. Take exit 1A, Morristown. Bear right at light onto Hanover Ave. Turn right at 3 rd light onto Horsehill Road. Y located 1/10 mile down hill on the right. From the West: Take Route 80 East to Route 287 South. Follow North directions above. Take Route 78 East to Route 287 North. Follow South directions above. OCEAN COUNTY YMCA 1088 W. Whitty Rd. Toms River (732) From The North Take Garden State Parkway Exit 88 to Route 70 West. Take Route 70 West to New Hampshire Avenue South. (To make left turn you must use jug handle to right). Continue 2 1/2 miles on New Hampshire. Make right turn onto West Whitty Road (just before the Garden State Parkway Overpass). The Y" will be on the right just past a cemetery. Alternate: On Route 70 West, if you miss New Hampshire, continue to U.S. Route 9 south. Continue 3 miles to West Whitty Road. Turn left onto Whitty Road and the YMCA will be ¼ of a mile on the left. From The South Take Garden State Parkway Exit 83 (You will be on Route 9 North). Continue North, West Whitty Road will be the second traffic light. Turn right onto West Whitty Road and the Y will be a quarter mile further on the left. From The West Take Route 70 East to Route 571 East. At the Route 9 intersection make left turn to Route 9 North. At the first traffic light, turn right onto West Whitty Road and the "Y" will be a quarter mile further on the left. RARITAN VALLEY YMCA Meets are held at North Brunswick Township High School (908) From the South: Take Route 18 north to Route 1 south (toward Trenton). Continue on Route 1 south for approximately 3 miles to the intersection of Route 130 South. Take the jug handle turn (Camden/Georges Rd. exit). Cross over Route 1 and travel on Route 130 south to the first traffic light (about 1 mile). Make a right onto Raider Road. Take road to the end (facing the high school), make a right into the main parking lot and head toward the rear of the building. Enter the building through the door nearest to and facing the rear of the parking lot. Go through the doors and make the second right down the hallway. Go to the end and make a left into the pool area. DO NOT WALK THROUGH THE GYMNASIUM. From the North (Parkway): Take the Parkway south to Route 1 south (Exit 130). Take Route 1 south for about 10 miles to Route 130 south and proceed as above. I-287 from the North: Take Route 287 South to Exit 5 (Bound Brook/Highland Park). At the end of the ramp, turn right toward Highland Park. This is River Road (Temp. Rt. 18 South). Continue for 3 ½ miles. Follow signs for New Brunswick/Route 18 South. Continue on Rt. 18 south past Rutgers University/New Brunswick campus and the City of New Brunswick. Take exit for Route 1 south (before entering East Brunswick, if you pass the Tower Center/Hilton Hotel, you have gone too far). Continue on Route 1 south to Route 130. Follow directions as above. RED BANK YMCA 166 Maple Ave., Red Bank, NJ (732) Take Parkway south to Exit 109. Proceed approximately 2 miles and turn left onto Maple Ave. Route 35 (stay left of Food Town). Go 6/10 of mile and the Y is on the left.

22 SOMERSET HILLS YMCA 140 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge (908) From the North: Take Route 287 south to Mt. Airy Road exit. Turn right onto Mt. Airy Road and proceed about ½ mile. The Y is on the right. From the South: Take Route 287 north to second Mt. Airy Road exit (Bernardsville). Proceed about ¼ of a mile to the Y on the right. SOMERSET VALLEY YMCA 601 Garretson Rd., Bridgewater (908) From the North: Take Route 287 south to Exit 17 (Commons Way-Route 202/206, Somerville). Follow signs for Commons Way. At the exit ramp light, turn right on Commons Way and proceed to Garretson Road. At the next light, turn left onto Garretson Road. The Y Bridgewater pool is ¼ of a mile ahead on the right, opposite the high school. From the South: Take Route 287 north to Route 22 West Exit. Exit from the LEFT lanes. Travel west on Route 22 to Commons Way exit. Stay on Commons Way and proceed to Garretson Road. At next light, turn left onto Garretson Road. The pool is ¼ of a mile a head on the right, opposite the high school. SUMMIT YMCA 67 Maple Ave, Summit (908) From the Parkway: Exit at Union Toll Plaza. Take I-78 to Route 24. Take Route 24 west to Summit/Millburn. Exit at Broad Street and circle over Route 24. Take Broad Street, 2 miles, into downtown Summit to Maple Street and turn left. Westbound & Eastbound I-78 to Rt. 24: Take Summit/Millburn exit to Broad Street. Go two miles on Broad Street to the corner of Broad and Maple, turn left onto Maple. Additional parking is available in the parking garage located a few blocks from the Y. Directions to the garage: from Broad Street, turn right at the light onto Maple Street. (The Y will be on the left.) At the next light, turn right onto Springfield Ave. and continue approx. ¼ of a mile to the entrance to the parking garage is on the left, just before Bagel Chateau. WEST ESSEX YMCA 321 S. Livingston Ave., Livingston (973) East/West: Take Route 280 to Exit 5A. Take Livingston exit going south onto Livingston Ave. At the 4th light you will see "Kings" on the left and "7-11" on the right. Go through the light and the West Essex YMCA is 300 yards on the left, before Livingston Police Dept.. Parkway: North or South: Take Parkway (Exit 145) to Route 280 West. (Follow directions above.) WEST MORRIS AREA YMCA 14 Dover-Chester Road, Randolph (201) From the North or South: Take Route 287 to the exit for Dover Route 10 West. Take Route 10 west toward Dover for about 9 miles. Go past the County College of Morris. Turn right at the Dover/Chester/Ironia exit at Dover-Chester Road. Bear right toward Dover. Do not cross Route 10. The Y is about ½ of a mile on your left. From the East: Take Route 80 west to Route 287 south. Exit at Dover-Route 10 West. Follow from Route 10 above. WESTERN MONMOUTH COUNTY YMCA 470 E. Freehold Road. Freehold (908) Take Parkway south to Exit 123 (2 nd exit after Raritan Toll Plaza). Follow Route 9 south to Route 18 south. Continue on Route 18 south to Freehold Exit (Route 79 South). Follow 2 to 3 miles and turn right onto East Freehold Road. The Y is on the left about ¼ of a mile down. WESTFIELD YMCA 220 Clark Street, Westfield (908) From Route 22: Exit onto Park Ave. into Scotch Plains. At third traffic light, turn left onto Midway Ave. This becomes North Ave. Proceed to the first street past Lord and Taylor store. Turn left onto Clark Street. The Y is on the right. From the Parkway: Take Exit 135 (Westfield/Clark) Exit onto Central Ave. Go 2 ¼ miles to the 5 th traffic light. (Gulf and Sunoco stations are on the left corners.) Turn left onto South Ave. and proceed ½ mile to the 2 nd traffic light. Turn right and go under the railroad tracks. Proceed to the 1s t traffic light and turn left onto North Ave. Go about 100 yards and turn right onto Clark Street. The Y is on the right.

23 OTHER POOLS Seton Hall Take GSP to exit 145 route 280 west. Get off 280 on Day Street. Come up the ramp and go through the first light. Then make two consecutive lefts and then the first right which is Center Street. Proceed straight for about 1.8 miles, this will bring you to South Orange Avenue. Proceed directly across to the main gate of the university. The first large building on the left is the recreation center. Rutgers University From the NJ Turnpike, North or South - Take Exit 9-New Brunswick and pay toll. ** Follow signs for Route 18 North-New Brunswick. Proceed along Route 18 North, crossing the Raritan River on the John Lynch Bridge, approximately 3.7 miles. ## Proceed through the light at the end of the bridge. Proceed along Metlars Lane approximately 2/10 of a mile and turn left onto Brett Road. Stay on Brett Road to Lot 64. Park in Lot 64 except during Rutgers school hours when security guards will direct you to designated parking lots. From the Garden State Parkway traveling south-follow Parkway South to Exit 129-New Jersey Turnpike. Travel South on the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 9-New Brunswick. Follow directions from ** above. Blair Academy West on Route 80, take exit 12 (Hope/Blairstown). Right at end of ramp, toward Blairstown. Continue across narrow bridge to Route 94 (about 6 miles). Turn left onto Route 94, to Coastal gas station (about 1/2 mile). Turn right at Blair Academy sign. Continue through 2 short blocks to SECOND entrance (golf course entrance). Go past tennis courts and pool building is on left. OTHER DIRECTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE VIA AND ON BULLETIN BOARD FOR MEETS THAT ARE NOT IN THE HANDBOOK

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25 Swimming Glossary Bronze, Gold and Silver Meets: Refers to the classification of swimmers based on times that equal or betters minimum established times for a given stroke (the time standards for these are listed elsewhere in this handbook). For example, a gold swimmer in the backstroke meets or betters the gold time standard for that stroke and a silver swimmer meets or betters the silver time standards. A bronze swimmer has not yet met or bettered silver times. However, once you become a silver swimmer you will stay at that level until you age up or make an gold time. Some meets are all inclusive for the time standards and other meets are strictly a gold, silver or bronze meet and you must have times that qualify to attend that meet. Age Groups: Swimmers compete based on their age the first day of a meet. Age groups are: 10 & under, year olds, year olds, and seniors. Some meets will also have events for 8 & under and occasionally there are even events for 6 & under. The meets are normally broken into morning and afternoon sessions. Depending on your age group you will probably swim only in the morning or afternoon of each day. Clerk of Course: This is the person the swimmer checks in with prior to swimming an event. Lane and heat assignments (for deck-seeded events) are assigned at that time. Course: Long Course Short Course 50 Meters (55 yards recorded as 50 meters) 25 Yards Short Course Meters 25 Meters Crash Area: This is a term used to identify where the swimmers may congregate during the meet and wait for their next event. DQ: A swimmer who is disqualified for an event is said to have been DQ d. It can happen for many reasons and it is nothing to get upset about. A miss-timed turn, a false start, or improper stroke technique are some of the reasons swimmers are disqualified. If it happens to you, it simply means you may need to improve in that area. Entry Fees: The fees paid by the swimmer to enter the swim meet. The entry fee structure is subject to change so read your meet information carefully. Events: An event is a race or series of races for a certain stroke or distance. An example would be: Event #12, Men 10 and Under 50 Fly. The number of events you enter is up to you, with your coach s advice of course. The maximum number of individual events you can enter per day is indicated on the meet information. False Start: A false start can occur when the referee or the starter determines that a swimmer was in motion prior to the starting signal. A swimmer charged with a false start may be disqualified from that event. Heats: Each event is divided into heats. The number of heats depends upon the number of swimmers entered in that event and the number of lanes the pool is using. For example: in an event has 36 swimmers entered and the pool is using 6 lanes then there will be 6 heats. Heats are usually swum slowest to fastest meaning the slowest times will swim in the first heat and the fastest times will be swum in the last heat. Heat Sheet: They list all swimmers entered, their events and their times for the entire meet. Heat sheets divide the events into heats and lane assignments. Swimmers use this tool to know what events they are swimming, which heat and lane

26 they will swim and whom they may be competing against. Purchasing a heat sheet is optional. Coaches will always have one on hand to tell the swimmers what events they are in. The usual cost of a heat sheet is $5.00. Judges: At swim meets there are Stroke Judges, Turn Judges, or Stroke & Turn Judges. The stroke judge evaluates strokes and turn judges evaluate the turns. Improper stroke and or turns will result in the judge raising his/her arm for swimmer disqualification (DQ) from the race. All judges are certified through USA Swimming. Psych Sheet: A psych sheet is similar to a heat sheet in that it lists the swimmers and their times by events. The swimmers in an event are listed by their times only, fastest to slowest. The swimmer will not know what heat and lane he is in for an event until he reports to the clerk of the course. Ribbons and Medals: Ribbons are awarded to the top swimmers in each event, which is often first through eighth for individuals and first through third for relays. All meet information handouts state the awards that can be won by the swimmers. Seeding: The distribution of swimmers among heats and/or lanes according to the times they submitted on their entry forms. Deck Seeding: Swimmers are assigned heats and lanes on the day of the event based on submitted times and any scratches or adds. The clerk of the course is used to stage the swimmers. Pre-Seeding: Swimmers are arranged in heats and lanes in events according to submitted times and heat sheets are prepared prior to the date of competition. Clerk of the course may or may not be used to stage the swimmers. Scratch: A scratch is when a swimmer withdraws from an event or doesn t swim the event. There is no penalty for scratches made prior to seeding (deck seeded events); however if you don t scratch before seeding, you will be barred from participating in the next individual event you are entered in. Times: A swimmer s submitted time on the entry form determines what heat they will swim in. The slower swimmers are assigned to the first heats of each event. Also, in each heat the faster swimmers are generally assigned to the middle lanes with the slower swimmers being assigned to outer lanes. Official Time: The time a swimmer receives in a race, which determines the swimmer s ranking for the event and is eventually published in the final results.