10/1/14 PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT TEAM UNITY COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT TEAM UNITY COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE

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Lorraine Simon
6 years ago
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2 AGENDA Welcome About the Team Practices and absences Meet schedule and information Team captain selection Club communications Team gear Safety Volunteers Fundraising Who to contact with questions 2

INTRODUCTION Thank you for becoming part of the Vashon Seals. It is easy to think that the athletes are at the core of the club; the people to whom our mission applies.

3 INTRODUCTION Thank you for becoming part of the Vashon Seals. It is easy to think that the athletes are at the core of the club; the people to whom our mission applies. My feeling is that without our dedicated parents, there is no team. Personal Achievement & Team Unity are core values for every member of the SEALS, yet perhaps most of all for our parents. So thank you for giving up your valuable time; for juggling your busy lives to make room for this amazing sport; for investing in the club; for sitting for hours to watch a 30 second race; for getting your kids to practice; for holding them accountable to themselves and their team; for wanting the best for your own swimmers; for supporting all our athletes; for keeping the goggle industry in business; for showing up, honoring your teammates with your effort and for doing it right. Thank you for being the heart of our swim team community. 3

ABOUT THE TEAM As Vashon s premier aquatics program, the Vashon Seals Swim Team provides an exceptional swim team experience through professional leadership.

4 ABOUT THE TEAM As Vashon s premier aquatics program, the Vashon Seals Swim Team provides an exceptional swim team experience through professional leadership. Our coaches progressive, developmental and competitive age-group training creates a supportive team environment that emphasizes personal achievement at each swimmer s highest level of ability, from stroke school to championship competition. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) parent board run club and hold monthly board meetings to set ensure the proper running of the team. The board handle the dry-side, like contract and facility negotiation, event planning, fundraising, media, policy making, fees, and budget. The coaches handle the wet-side, which includes athlete development, program, workout and practice design, swim meets, equipment, level placement, and continuing education. 4

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ABOUT THE COACHES All our coaches are members of USA Swimming and the American Swim Coaches Association and are held to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

6 ABOUT THE COACHES All our coaches are members of USA Swimming and the American Swim Coaches Association and are held to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. All staff are certified in CPR, First Aid, Safety Training for Swim Coaches, have completed rigorous background checks and have completed the athlete protection training course a new initiative from USA Swimming designed to raise awareness about physical and sexual abuse in sport. Through USA Swimming our coaching staff also have the advantage of the most comprehensive education and certification curriculum of any youth sport in the United States. 6

Life-skills such as responsibility and accountability to self and team, commitment and good sportsmanship are also key components in our team s strategy for athlete development.

7 SEALS MISSION Personal Achievement: We expect our swimmers to succeed at their highest level of ability, both in and out of the water. Our coaches devote energy to developing progressive, technique-based training plans that form a strong foundation for success. Life-skills such as responsibility and accountability to self and team, commitment and good sportsmanship are also key components in our team s strategy for athlete development. Team Unity: At the heart of all great teams are synergy, spirit, and cohesion. We provide an atmosphere that encourages respect, camaraderie, and support to every member of the team, from our youngest minnows to our most advanced racers. Competitive Excellence: Through our high quality program and coaching, we strive to create an environment where champions can grow. 7

8 TEAM GOALS The three immutable laws of improvement: Show up. Honor your team-mates with your effort. Do it right! Technique, technique, technique! Build core strength from the inside out; Accountability + hard work = results; Pledge to the Streamline From our youngest novice to our oldest sprinter; Attention to detail; Learn about intrinsic vs extrinsic reward; Take a step outside your comfort zone; Have fun and swim fast! 8

TEAM EXPECTATIONS Coaches: Be on the deck every day committed to providing swimmers with outstanding coaching and strive to continuously improve expertize to insure that swimmers have every advantage

9 TEAM EXPECTATIONS Coaches: Be on the deck every day committed to providing swimmers with outstanding coaching and strive to continuously improve expertize to insure that swimmers have every advantage possible to reach their maximum potential. Swimmers: Show up. Honor your team-mates with your effort. Do it right! Parents: Support the Swimmers, Coaches and Board with a commitment to volunteer hours needed to make this team function successfully, attend meetings and events, and positively encourage all swimmers in their endeavors to excel. Board: Support the coaches and swimmers with the development and expenditure of resources that backs up the mission in every way. 9

TEAM EXPECTATIONS: OTHER ACTIVITIES Children involved in other activities can benefit in the areas of coordination and balance, as well as improved social and intellectual development.

10 TEAM EXPECTATIONS: OTHER ACTIVITIES Children involved in other activities can benefit in the areas of coordination and balance, as well as improved social and intellectual development. Specialized training in one activity does not necessarily need to take place at this stage of development. Will your child s teammate who makes all practices have better results? Probably, because his/her teammate is working solely on developing swimming skills. It is up to you to explain to your child that making the choice to participate in other activities can have its consequences. Tell your children that they should not compare their results to that of his teammate, but to focus on the fact that he is benefiting from and enjoying both sports. As there are fewer meets this year, our expectation is that your child makes SEALS activities a priority. If your athlete s team participation is in question, please discuss attendance and meets directly with your child s coach. 10

11 PRACTICES Swimsuit, goggles, cap, towel yes, you need them every day. Bring (and use and take home) a water-bottle. Parents are always welcome on deck to observe practices, yet at the same time it is important that parents do not interact with the swimmers or coaches during training. This is not because we don t want to talk with you. Swimmers need to be focused on what they are doing and on the coaching. Coaches need to be focused on the swimmers in the water. If you have questions, please ask at the end of practice. Please allow the coaches to be the coaches. There are times when we do not comment on a swimmers behavior or technique during practice. This may be because we want the swimmers to begin to get a feel for the water or technical aspects of the stroke. Trust the coaches. 11

DRYLAND: CORE STRENGTH Monday / Wednesday / Friday Compulsory: Silver & Gold You will need running shoes and sweats. 4:20 4:50pm Optional: Bronze and Blue No jeans or flip-flops.

12 DRYLAND: CORE STRENGTH Monday / Wednesday / Friday Compulsory: Silver & Gold You will need running shoes and sweats. 4:20 4:50pm Optional: Bronze and Blue No jeans or flip-flops. Dryland training is simply conditioning that a swimmer does out of the pool as a form of cross training. This includes cardiovascular, flexibility, and core strength activities. This age-appropriate core training program has been specifically designed by the Seals Swim Coaches to compliment the in-pool training cycle, and is appropriate for all swimmers. Swimmers train with exercises designed to target specific muscle groups, reinforce good stroke technique, educate the swimmers on how the body moves through the water efficiently as well as building strength and endurance. 12

ABSENCES We take attendance every swim session, to help keep track of our swimmers progress. When there will be a known absence, please let coaches know as soon as possible.

13 ABSENCES We take attendance every swim session, to help keep track of our swimmers progress. When there will be a known absence, please let coaches know as soon as possible. This will help us to plan appropriate workouts for the swimmers who are in attendance, and be able to follow up with swimmers who have not made it to a few practices. Coaches can be contacted by , text or phone. It is always best to have the swimmer make the call or send the whenever possible. This puts the responsibility in their hands, as they have to explain the absence to the coach themselves. This reinforces a swimmer s commitment and responsibility to themselves and the team. 13

FALL/WINTER MEET SCHEDULE Oct 11 October Challenge All Team Nov 8 Seventh Annual Honu Gathering All Team Nov 16 Q Meet Silver qualifier by event Nov 22-23 Age

Gold qualifier by event Dec 6-7 Fall Divisional Champs Prelims/Finals for 11+ Dec 18-21 PN Short Course Championships PNS qualifier by event Jan 10-11 January

14 FALL/WINTER MEET SCHEDULE Oct 11 October Challenge All Team Nov 8 Seventh Annual Honu Gathering All Team Nov 16 Q Meet Silver qualifier by event Nov Age Group Invitational. Gold qualifier by event Dec 6-7 Fall Divisional Champs Prelims/Finals for 11+ Dec PN Short Course Championships PNS qualifier by event Jan January Challenge All Team Feb 7-8 February Challenge All Team Travel Meet Feb Age Group Invitational Gold qualifier by event Mar 7-8 March Madness or Daffodil Classic All Team Mar NWAG Regional Championships Regionals qualifier by event Mar Spring Divisional Championships Prelims/Finals for

15 MEET EXPECTATIONS: SIGN-UPS Sign-ups: Coaches will select the swimmers events depending on what we are working on and athlete goals. This is to ensure that swimmers try events that stretch them, as well as events they are good at. Swimmers events will be available on-line. Escrow accounts will be debited two weeks before the meet, as entries have to go in early. Parents will receive an reminder and must contact Coach Randy if they intend to withdraw. Competing: While Bronze, Silver and Gold swimmers are expected to compete, we encourage all swimmers, including the White and Blue group, to participate in meets. When swimmers are hesitant to compete, we have them attend their first meet as Meet Rehearsal. They do a practice race and are there to to observe - there are lots of jobs they can do to help out, and it helps swimmers get a feel for the swim culture. 15

MEET EXPECTATIONS: SWIMMERS Team Gear: All swimmers are expected to wear team attire at swim meets. The team suit is available online. Also bring 2-3 towels.

16 MEET EXPECTATIONS: SWIMMERS Team Gear: All swimmers are expected to wear team attire at swim meets. The team suit is available online. Also bring 2-3 towels. Warm Clothes: Bring a sweat shirt and sweat pants - your body temp. can drop between events. Water Bottle: (Water, Half Juice and Half Water or Gatorade) Swimmers sweat during workouts, warm-ups and races, and need to get into the practice of keeping well hydrated. Healthy Snacks: You can purchase snacks at most meets, but it is always advisable to bring your own. Check the club website for pre-meet nutrition suggestions, and for healthy snacks to bring with you to an event. 16

17 MEET EXPECTATIONS: PARENTS Make sure your swimmer goes in and puts on his or her suit as soon as they enter the building. Using a Heat Sheet, mark your swimmer s forearm in ink with their events, heats, and lane assignments. Have your swimmer check in with the coach for any instructions. The coach will tell them when and where the warm up will occur. Once the warm up is done, the swimmers should stay with the team until their events come up. Immediately prior to and after your swimmer s event, your swimmer should check in with their coach for encouragement, focus and feedback. 17

PARENT & ATHLETE SUPPORT USA Swimming make parent and athlete education a priority. They know how important the role of parent is in the success of their swimmers and the team.

18 PARENT & ATHLETE SUPPORT USA Swimming make parent and athlete education a priority. They know how important the role of parent is in the success of their swimmers and the team. USA Swimming have recently re-designed their website to make it easier than ever to get the information you need. There is a welcome kit, FAQ s, information on nutrition, competition, rules, language all with the expressed desire to make YOU feel part of the team. 18

19 TEAM COMMUNICATIONS The coaches communicate with the team through and the team website. Please check your regularly and ensure that or is on your list of acceptable addresses. 19

20 TEAM GEAR Please purchase a discounted team suit on-line through kiefer.com. Instructions are available on the team website. You can. Other merchandise, such as silicone swim caps, t-shirts, etc. can be ordered through the club. 20

SAFETY The safety of our swimmers is of paramount importance to the club, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Safety information is available in the Safety Handbook and on the website.

21 SAFETY The safety of our swimmers is of paramount importance to the club, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Safety information is available in the Safety Handbook and on the website. Swimmers MUST remain on-deck under the supervision of the coaches if they are excused from practice or a parent is late for pick-up. Swimmers may not wait out in the reception area or parking lot. No cellphone use in the locker rooms. No swimmer may use the hot tub during swim team. Cancellation of Practice: Please assume that practice will go-ahead unless you hear otherwise. Bad weather days follow School District protocol. Swimmers who do not follow coaches instructions and put their team-mates safety at risk by misbehaving in the pool, on-deck or in the locker room may be excused from practice. Should this happen, parents will be notified. 21

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23 VOLUNTEERS To maintain a program of this quality, volunteer involvement is crucial. We need all families to contribute to the running of the. We always need volunteers to help with team operations and special events. We also currently need new board members so ask you to consider taking a board position, especially if you have been with the team for some time. Someone will be contacting you all shortly about how you can help, and current board members are available this evening if you have questions about what positions are available. 23

FUNDRAISING Seal-a-thon Atheltes swim for 2 hours to see how far they can swim in that time. Swimmers are asked to collect pledges from family, friends and local businesses.

24 FUNDRAISING Seal-a-thon Atheltes swim for 2 hours to see how far they can swim in that time. Swimmers are asked to collect pledges from family, friends and local businesses. Pledge packets will go out a couple of weeks before the event. All swimmers and families are expected to participate to help count laps and to raise valuable funds that support our financial aid program and keep our fees down. Lynne Cox This year we have a special event on October 12, when long distance swimmer Lynne Cox will give a talk and book-signing at Vashon Theater. Entry is by donation and everyone is welcome. 24

WHO TO CONTACT Your swimmers progress on the team Swimmer or Family Concerns Swim Meets Absence from Training Health Concerns Volunteer Questions Business Concerns Meet Fees & Escrow Accounts

25 WHO TO CONTACT Your swimmers progress on the team Swimmer or Family Concerns Swim Meets Absence from Training Health Concerns Volunteer Questions Business Concerns Meet Fees & Escrow Accounts Registration Facilities or Equipment belonging to the Athletic Club Safety Issues Level Coach or Head Coach Team President or Vice President Level Coach or Head Coach Level Coach or Head Coach Level Coach or Head Coach Volunteer Chair Team President Team Treasurer or Coach Randy Coach Randy Team President or Head Coach Team Safety Chair 25

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NEW SWIMMER EVALUATIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE VENTURA AQUATIC CENTER POOL 901 South Kimball Rd. Ventura, California ON AN ONGOING BASIS

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF COMPETITIVE SWIMMING IN VENTURA COUNTY NEW SWIMMER EVALUATIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE VENTURA AQUATIC CENTER POOL 901 South Kimball Rd. Ventura, California ON AN ONGOING BASIS For