DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 Dixon Family YMCA DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM HANDBOOK Dixon Family YMCA Mission Statement To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy body, mind, and spirit for all. 1

2 Welcome from the Coaches... 4 Coaches Philosophy... Coaches Objectives... 5 Expectations of each swimmer... 5 Expectations for each parent... 5 Philosophy, Purpose, and Objectives... 7 Philosophy... 7 Purpose... 7 Objectives... 7 Expenses, Eligibility, and Practice Information... 8 Membership Fees and Expenses... 8 Eligibility... 8 Practice Information... 8 Practice Group Advancement Guidelines... 9 Extra Practice Policy... 9 Meets Types of Meets Dual/Triangular Invitational Junior District Championship District Championship State Championship National Championship Sportsmanship and Conduct at Meets Minimum Requirements Swim Meet Signup How Swim Meets Work Transportation for Away Meets Events and Age Groups Disqualifications

3 Ribbons and Awards Check-in The Bullpen The Event Meet Duration Swim Buddies Equipment Awards Fundraisers Rules Team Rules Pool Rules Parent Involvement The Role of Swim Team Parents Communication Northwest District YMCA Information District Times Not yet available, coming soon 3

4 Welcome from the Coaches The coaches would like to take a moment to welcome you to the Dixon Dolphin Swim Team season and to also thank you for your participation. We ve got a great group of dedicated coaches to work with this year s swimmers on basic skill sets, developing advanced techniques, and setting up current and future goals. Swim team can be an exciting and fun opportunity for your child to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun! As fun as it can be for your child, different expectations from the coaches, parents, and swimmer can take away from the experience in a number of ways. As you read through this handbook, please make sure our philosophy fits with your expectations of the team and the needs of your child. Please communicate with us if your thoughts differ from the philosophy. Coaches Philosophy We believe swimmers gain confidence and love for the sport through positive feedback from parents, coaches, and other swimmers. Skill levels develop at different rates for swimmers, but with effort, all things are possible. We will always provide positive feedback for effort. We as coaches want to be involved with your child s swimming career. We will strive to talk with all swimmers one on one at some time during practices or meets. We may not be successful at getting to every swimmer every day, but we want them to know that we are interested in what they have to say and that we believe in their ability to perform well in the sport. We believe in trying to make practices as fun as possible, but still providing the techniques, endurance sets and instruction that they need to improve. Teams respond to well-structured and organized practices, therefore we will strive to keep swimmers moving and active. Teamwork and developing friendships is an important part of any team sport. We will remind swimmers how important it is for them to support each other and to stay positive around their teammates. Competition is an important element of any sport, and as swimmers improve their skill sets, they will naturally become more competitive. The goal is not to win, but to participate in competition in a healthy way. Personal development can be measured using competition times, and we ll emphasize competing against a swimmer s own times. Effort and positive attitude make a great difference at meets and in practice. 4

5 The coaches will work on teaching fundamentals and skills during practice, but the meets are their time to shine. We will give instruction during the meets, but in general it is for them to enjoy the competition and time with their teammates. Disqualifications are a fact of the sport. When the skills do not match the rules of competition, it is the officials jobs to make the disqualification call. It s our job as coaches and parents to redirect the focus to become a learning experience rather than a failure. Our goal is to make every swimmer feel that they swam great races that day and to highlight the need to improve in a specific area. Coaches Objectives Provide a safe and healthy environment for all swimmers on the team. Help your child develop the skills necessary to be successful at this level and to prepare your child for the end of season championship meets. Teach about the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Give positive reinforcement based on effort to learn, rather than results. Have fun and help swimmers develop a lifelong love for the sport. Expectations of each swimmer Show respect for coaches, parents, teammates, and volunteers. Participate in a safe manner. Have fun and put forth effort. Spend time outside of practice swimming and land training. Expectations of each parent Safety is our primary concern. We will always have a lifeguard on duty at practices, but if you believe there is a safety concern, please notify the guard or coaches immediately. Help out with team volunteer possibilities. We have a number of activities that require parent help. Every time you volunteer to help our child s team, you help your child too. Please try to get your child to practice and meets on time. We know this can be difficult and sometimes impossible at times, but structure will bring success. If you know your child will be late or won t be able to attend practice or meets, please let us know in advance if possible. We will be taking attendance at all practices. Get involved with your child s swimming career and make sure that you re talking to your child about how they feel in regards to their 5

6 progress on the team. Swimmers love it when their parents get involved! Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, and officials at every meet and practice. Please positively cheer for your child during meets, but try to keep from yelling instructions to them. Remember, this is their opportunity to enjoy the sport and some of the fun can be lost if they hear parents yelling instructions. Let us know if you or your child has a problem with something that is happening. We want to know right away so that they can be fixed easily. Please refrain from coaching your child during practices. We as coaches may be telling them to swim one way as a step to a larger correction. It is easier to take small steps than to take large steps. If you have questions regarding coaching methods, please speak to one of the coaches. Please show respect for other swimmers, coaches, officials, and any volunteers. The children are more likely to show respect if they see it demonstrated by the parents. Each practice it s important to be prepared and on time. However, being a few minutes late is better than not showing up at all. We will always welcome swimmers that make an effort to show up. Please come prepared for practices with goggles, cap, swimsuit, towel, and water. Please make sure that swimmers always know where their personal items are at all times. It may be helpful to label personal items with permanent marker. It s important that when they are not in view, that they are locked in a locker or being held by a responsible and trusted adult. Neither the YMCA nor the coaches are responsible for lost or damaged personal property. Again, thank you for your time and dedication to this team we re looking forward to a really exciting and fun swim team season! Please feel free to reach out to any of the coaches with any comments or concerns. Coaches Abbey, Andrea, and Jesey 6

7 Philosophy, Purpose, and Objectives Philosophy The goal of our team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to national competitor while enjoying the wonderful sport of life! The YMCA of the USA Swim Team Motto: Everybody swims, everybody wins! In all YMCA sports programs, everyone should have the opportunity to be the best they can be. Purpose The program's purpose is to benefit youth. An age group swim team offers all children an opportunity to participate while developing a positive attitude toward competitive swimming. It should help them to learn how to win and to lose with a positive attitude. A good loser will become an excellent winner! In all its activities, the Y strives to develop the complete person: spirit, mind, and body. It develops the participant's human potential through the growth of friendship, competitive swimming skills, and encouragement to develop oneself to the fullest. We work for all children to gain from their experiences, whether or not they ever win a race. The program should improve one's interest and enthusiasm for this superb lifetime sport. Objectives 1. Provide an opportunity for children to gain strength and endurance through the sport of swimming. 2. Offer opportunity for social & emotional development. 3. Furnish a wholesome and worthwhile physical and recreational outlet. 4. Have fun and enjoy the diverse aspects of YMCA competitive swimming. 5. Learn excellent sportsmanship. 6. Appreciate the benefits of swimming as a lifelong sport. 7. Offer educational opportunities. 8. Learn positive healthy habits. 9. Provide training and the opportunity for competition to all members. 10. Provide opportunities for families to be together on common ground. 7

8 Expenses, Eligibility, and Practice Information Membership Fees and Expenses Swimmers who are not up-to-date with their YMCA or Team fee payments will not be allowed to swim at all. If a swimmer can NOT swim in a meet after the commitment was made and the meet fees were paid, the swimmer is still responsible for the fees. Other expenses swimmers can expect to incur during the year are a practice suit, a team suit for meets, goggles, invitational meet fees, and travel expenses. State Championship meet fees are included in the cost of the team fees. Eligibility A swimmer must be a YMCA member in good standing for the past 30 days to participate in YMCA dual, triangular, or invitational swim meets. A swimmer must be a YMCA member in good standing for the past 90 days to be eligible to participate in District, Area, Regional or National Swimming Championships. Practice Information There is no practice at the YMCA when the following occur: YMCA closes (will be noted online, via text alert, and announced on WIXN 1460 radio if weather related), or holiday (will be noted on team website or communication). Any changes will be sent out in weekly reminder s by the coaching staff. Practice groups are organized by skill level and age consideration. Each group is designed to encourage team unity and promotes ability. Age group is determined by the child s age as of December 1 for the winter. Our coaches recommend fitting your child one or two sizes smaller than a normal recreational swimsuit to minimize drag through the water. Since pool chemical are hard on suits and their elastic parts, it is recommended that swimmers provide a separate suit for practice. Dry land workouts will resume in October for the season to improve each swimmer s core strength and balance. Additional information will be sent by and will be put in your swimmer s mailbox. The end of February through the end of March, practice will be continued for swimmers in the State and National Championships. 8

9 Practice Group Advancement Guidelines Practice group will be determined by skill level, endurance at practice, speed, and stroke technique. Attendance, maturity, dedication, respect and commitment to training will also influence lane placement. Extra Practice Policy Members of the Dixon Dolphin Swim Team are not encouraged to do extra practices. Please speak to the coaching staff if you wish to attend any practice that is not in your child s typical practice group. If a swimmer is experiencing any type of injury such as tendonitis or strains, coaches request that the swimmer refrains from extra practices. Please work with the coaches to make sure the swimmer s workouts are altered to prevent further injury. Fall Season practice times: Monday/Wednesday/Friday Tuesday/Thursday 4:00-5:30 pm 5:30-7:00 pm 9

10 Meets The swimmers will have a variety of opportunities to swim in meets. A meet is a swim competition between two or more teams. A meet consists of events, with each stroke, age group, and gender swimming separately. Age groups are typically 8 & under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and Swimmers usually swim in the age group based on their age. However, if a swimmer/coach wants them to swim a longer distance or to increase the level of competition, they may swim up an age group to do so. Under no circumstances will swimmers be allowed to swim down an age group. Competitive swimming consists of 4 strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. In addition, the I.M. (Individual Medley) combines all four strokes in the same event. There is also the option for swimmers to be a part of either a Medley (combination of all four strokes) or a Freestyle Relay. Coaches will decide on the swimmers, as well as the order of the relay. Coaches may also chose to move swimmers up an age group to participate in a relay as well. Types of Meets Dual/Triangular The dual/triangular meet season runs from the middle of October through February. These meets will create excellent competitive relationships for future years. Dual meets have 102 possible events and last approximately 3-4 hours. Regular winter season swim meets are held on Saturdays, with warm-up and start times communicated accordingly. There are a few invitational meets held on Sundays. During the summer season, swim meets are usually held on Thursday evenings. Invitational These are all-day meet which require preregistration and an additional fee. The dates of these meets are listed on the calendar. Preregistration deadline information and applications will be available on the Dixon Dolphin bulletin board and online. Some invitational meets have minimum age or time requirements. Junior District Championship This meet is limited to swimmers age 12 and under who are not qualifiers in an individual event for the District Championships. All swimmers must have participated in three YMCA sanctioned dual or triangular meets. 10

11 District Championship To be eligible for the winter District Championship Meet, swimmers age 12 and under must have equaled or surpassed the qualifying times in a YMCA regular season meet. All swimmers 13 and over are eligible for the championship. These times are posted on the bulletin board or available online. The final lineups are determined by the coaches from those swimmers who have met the eligibility qualifications. All swimmers must have participated in three YMCA dual or triangular meets. State Championship To qualify, a swimmer s times must equal or surpass minimum times at or before the District Championship meet. Times must be accomplished in prelims or finals. Time trials do not count. Only state swimmers participate in State practice sessions during the weeks after the conclusion of the regular season. All swimmers must have participated in three YMCA sanctioned dual or triangular meets. Minnesota Regionals To qualify, a swimmer s times must equal or surpass set Minnesota Regional qualifying times. Only swimmers participating in this meet will be allowed to participate in practices post conclusion of the regular season. Qualifying times are posted on the bulletin board. National Championship To qualify, a swimmer s times must equal or surpass minimum times at any YMCA, USA, or High School meet within a year of the previous National Championship (times do qualify if done at Nationals of the previous year). If a national time was achieved at a High School meet, official meet results with documentation signed by the Official who ran the meet is required. For additional regulations, please contact the coaches. 11

12 Sportsmanship and Conduct at Meets 1. Swimmers are to stay on deck or in the team area during a meet. It is the swimmer s responsibility to show up for each of their events. Coaches and volunteers will not leave the deck or team area to find a swimmer for an event & under swimmers will need to be ready to report to the bullpen 5 or 6 events prior to your event. If events are combined, the meet will move more quickly than you may anticipate. 3. No running and horseplay at swim meets. Please no recreational toys or other inappropriate items to the meets. Items such as cards, games, music, coloring, etc., are much better options. 4. Only bring and eat food in the designated areas at our YMCA as well as any facility that we visit. Please completely clean up the area that our team has used before you leave. This affects our team reputation and may determine whether we are invited back to a meet or whether our own YMCA will allow us to use the facility again. 5. Please show good sportsmanship to other swimmers and parents. No booing other swimmers. We will attempt to wish our competitors well while we are in the bullpen and after we swim. 6. Parents, understand that we count on each other to protect our children and our team reputation. Parents will keep an eye on our team and team area and help "police" when we feel it's necessary (especially at home meets, when many of our parents are volunteering and cannot keep a constant eye on their swimmers). 7. The team will adhere to the sportsmanship and conduct rules, and understand that violation of any of the above rules may result in a disqualification from the meet or future meet, as well as any other disciplinary action that the coaches may feel is appropriate. 8. Swimmers are responsible for their personal possessions. Loss of those possessions is neither the YMCA nor the host team s fault. Please pack accordingly and make sure when you go to swim, your possessions are packed safely in your bag or in your locker. 12

13 9. Please do not cheer until after the race has started. Sometimes a swimmer misses the directions of the starter if there is too much shouting, so please remain silent until after the start. Minimum Requirements Swim team membership necessitates certain obligations. One of these is placing the team before the individual. Team participants learn dependence upon and respect for each other. Commitment, dedication, and loyalty are important team ingredients. To compete in the winter season championship meets, there are requirements set by our district. To be eligible to swim in a season's championship meet, a swimmer must have competed in three officially sanctioned swim meets. This includes dual meets and invitational meets. Swim Meet Signup The coaches will assume your child is NOT attending a meet unless a coach is notified in writing either by or by signing the Sign-up sheet located on the Dixon Dolphin bulletin board or by signing up using the OME (Online Meet Entry) system. If a swimmer cannot compete after the commitment has been made, a parent is responsible for informing the coach immediately. Please speak with a coach during practice or the coaches at swimteam@dixonymca.org or call It is also very important that swimmers come on time for pre-meet warm-ups. We understand unforeseen circumstances do arise therefore, please communicate with one of the coaches if your swimmer will be running late. Those arriving after warm-ups will be scratched from the meet and cannot be put back into the lineup. There is an informational bulletin board for the team to view announcements and sign up for meets. The board is located by the family locker room near the pool entrance off the main lobby of the YMCA. How Swim Meets Work The YMCA swimming organization in Illinois is broken down into districts by location. The Dixon Family YMCA is a member of the Northwest District. The YMCA member organizations in each district meet regularly to distribute information and coordinate activities. Most of our meets will take place within our district. 13

14 Transportation for Away Meets Most of the away meets in which we participate are within an hour of Dixon, although various larger invitational and the district, state, regional and national championships are further away. In all cases, the expenses related to travel to and from the meet, as well as all expenses for overnight accommodations is the responsibility of the swimmer s family. Many families traveling to away meet have extra room available. If you are unable to provide your own transportation for your swimmer(s), please work with other families to arrange transportation. YMCA and USA Swimming policies prohibit the coaches from providing transportation for team members. Events and Age Groups Competition at YMCA swim team events is organized by age group based on a swimmers age before December 1 of the current season. The groupings are: 8 & Under There are also special events that are held from time to time at meets, depending on the location. Each time a group of swimmers in the same age group swims the same length of the pool doing the same stroke it is called an event. For example, 10 & under girls 50-yard backstroke is a different event from the 10 & under boys 50-yard backstroke or the 8 & under girls 25-yard backstroke. If there are more swimmers entered into a particular event than there are available lanes in the pool, then the event is broken down into multiple heats. Swim event assignments are the responsibility of the coaching staff. At the discretion of the coaches, input from the swimmers may be solicited from time to time about what events they would like to swim, but final decisions are based on the need of the team to be represented in a full variety of events. Please be supportive of the decisions made by the coaching staff. A dual meet (one in which two teams are competing against one another) consists of around 102 events, special events notwithstanding. Events for which even 1 swimmer signs up are held, but events (particularly at smaller meets) are often held simultaneously. For example, in a six lane pool if 14

15 there are four 10 & under girls swimming the 50 freestyle and two 10 & under boys swimming the same distance with the same stroke the officials will often start both events at the same time. This is called combining events and reduces the duration of the swim meets significantly. Each swimmer at a home meet is allowed to participate in three individual events plus one relay event or two individual events plus two relays. These limitations are set by the host team, and may vary at away meets. By agreement of the coaches, swimmers may swim additional exhibition events and relays for the purposes of establishing benchmark times; performance by these swimmers does not impact the outcome of the meet. Disqualifications YMCA certified swim officials coordinate the conduct of the actual swimming events during the swim meets. They make certain that the meet is conducted in accordance with national competitive swimming regulations of the YMCA of the USA. Part of that responsibility involves observation of the swimmers during each event and reporting when swimmers violate regulations for a particular event. These violations are usually related to the starts, stroke, or turns for that event. For example, swimmers making a turn during the 50-yard breaststroke events must touch the wall on the turn with two hands. Failure to do so results in a disqualification. Since no time is official for disqualified swimmers they cannot qualify for ribbons or points. It is especially important that you be available for your swimmer after an event in which he or she has been disqualified. Reactions in both swimmers and parents range from surprise and disappointment to more dramatic episodes of anger or grief, particularly when it impacts other swimmers (as in the case of a relay team). Disqualifications impact the career of every swimmer; try to help your swimmer understand the opportunity for learning and recognize their effort, regardless of the formal outcome. Ribbons and Awards Each local YMCA has set standards for the distribution of ribbons, medals or other awards for individual performances during the meet. A packet of ribbons/awards is typically presented to the coaches at the conclusion of the meet, and they are typically distributed to swimmers through their YMCA mailboxes in the week following the meet. While some programs provide ribbons for every swimmer who competes, it is more often that case that ribbons only are awarded to the top finishers in each event (i.e., 1 st -6 th place, 1 st -12 th place, etc.) 15

16 Check-in Instructions for each meet will include a designated warm-up time, as each team gets a specified amount of time in the water to prepare for the meet. Swimmers are required to check in with the coaches before the warm-up time. Upon check-in the swimmers are directed to an area that is equipped with permanent fine tip markers and an event listing. The swimmers mark their events on the back of their hands by number, so when they have completed checking in, they have a record of all of their event numbers. During check in the coaches or a designated representative also directs swimmers to their rest area, normally a room or portion of a community area where the team gathers in between events. The Bullpen At every meet the swimmers are queued up in an area referred to as the bullpen. During the course of the meet, you will regularly hear announcements regarding both the current event and the upcoming events that need to report to the bullpen. Parents and swimmers please be sure to make a conscious effort to be aware of the event numbers being called to the bullpen. Bullpen coordinators attempt to make certain that all swimmers are present for their assigned events and prepare the swimmers by reminding them of their lane assignments. Swimmers will need to pay close attention before their event to make sure they are in the correct lane during the event. The Event As each event concludes, the swimmers for the next event take their places in their assigned lanes and report to their lane s timers. Once in place, the swimmers simply follow the instructions of the starter for the meet. After they have completed their heat it is important that the swimmers get out of the water in a timely and orderly fashion. At some meets, fly over starts are done to help the meet go faster. In the case of fly over starts, swimmers must remain in the water in the corner of their lane at the conclusion of their race. It is important that swimmers remain still against the wall until the next heat has started. Any distractions made to the next swimmers on the block can result in a disqualification. (Fly over starts are not used during any backstroke events.) Once the next heat has started, the swimmers then must exit the water in a timely and orderly fashion. At this time it is imperative that each swimmer checks in with their coaches. Coaches will provide feedback in a positive and constructive manner in regards to the swimmer s performance in their recently completed event. After the swimmer has checked in they can relax and rejoin their friends or family until they are called back to the bullpen for their next event. 16

17 Meet Duration It is helpful to get a feel for the pace of each meet that you attend. Meets vary dramatically in the time it takes to move from one event to the next, as it is based on the number of teams and swimmers participating in the meet. It is the responsibility of the swimmers to keep track of the progress of the meet. The team will make every effort to make certain no swimmer forgets his/hers events. Swimmers need to stay near or on the pool deck throughout the duration of the meet. Small dual meets take as little as two hours, invitational meets can consume a full eight-hour day, and sometimes the meets are scheduled over two days. Swim Buddies The Dixon YMCA has very successfully used a system that pairs younger swimmers up with older swimmers, who are there to provide guidance and keep younger swimmers in touch with the pace of the meet. These buddies are assigned at the beginning of each meet. Equipment Each swimmer is responsible for making certain that he or she is prepared with the supplies and equipment they require for the meet. The swim team family members have traditionally done whatever they could to help a swimmer with an equipment crisis, but it best to be prepared. Some recommendations: Swimsuit A spare suit is never a bad idea. Tearing a suit does happen, and little can be done to recover in that case. Goggles Goggles are one of the most frequently misplaced or broken items at a meet. Two pairs are a necessity. Swim cap For those swimmers who wear them, they are aware of just how fragile the caps can be. Again, bring two. Warm-up suit, cover-up, etc. The pool areas at these meets are normally warm and humid, but the team rest areas are not. Particularly during winter meets it is important to make certain that the swimmers have some kind of clothing to keep them warm in between events. Towels At least two, one for after events and one for the final dry-off before leaving. Again, please help us ensure that swimmers are not leaving the meets wet during the winter months. A waterproof bag is always helpful for carrying wet suits, towels and clothing. A padlock can be helpful for practices and meets where the swimmers will be using lockers. Snacks - Longer meets normally run concession stands. While the prices are usually reasonable, the variety of items available is typically limited. You are encouraged to bring sack lunches or snacks that reflect your 17

18 family s nutritional standards, keeping in mind that the swimmers are strongly discouraged from having snacks or drinks with simple sugars until after the completion of their last event. Healthy snacks or those with complex carbohydrates provide the swimmer with a more sustainable energy reserve. Concession stands are open during most meets, and larger events like invitational may even have invited vendors selling t-shirts or other items of interest to swimmers. Plan accordingly. Invitational and longer meets test the swimmers patience and attention spans. Many bring sleeping bags and rest during the meet, or bring other activities (books, games, music) to keep them busy during their down times. Try to label any items that may be shared. Many of the rest areas at away meets are very congested, and during the meet the movement of swimmers in and out of the area gets a bit frantic. It is extremely easy, especially for a younger swimmer, to get confused and misplace personal items. Please leave all valuables AT HOME. 18

19 End of Season Awards Highest Point Winners Awards will be based on points accumulated at swim meets during the season. The girl and boy with greatest points in each age group receive a trophy or medal. Rookies of the Year The coaches elect the rookies of the year from a slate of eligible new swimmers per age group/gender. Top Dolphin Swimmers who qualify in all District events in their age group earn an award. Big Dolphin Award given to swimmers for exceptional effort, general attitude, and sportsmanship exhibited at practice per age group/gender. Most Improved This award is presented to swimmers in each age category/gender. Clownfish Award Award given to swimmers who always have a smile on their face and keeps the whole team laughing from their fun and goofy attitude. Record Breaker Swimmers who set new team or pool records at competition are honored by having their names posted at the YMCA on the team record board. State Champ Swimmers who become State Champions will have their name posted on the State Record Board at the YMCA. National Champ Swimmers who become National Champions will have their name posted on the National Record Board at the YMCA. District Qualifiers State Qualifiers National Qualifiers 19

20 Fundraisers Fundraising for the Dixon Dolphins is not the constant chore we see elsewhere. We like projects producing larger sums of money in a limited span of time. The purpose is to raise funds to go beyond the basics of supplying coaches and a pool. Coaches travel expenses, team spirit events, equipment such as timing equipment, scoreboard, lane ropes, fins, kick boards, record boards etc. are not covered by team fees. The goal is first-rate coaching, equipment and amenities for the team. Concessions (every Home Meet) Concessions are promoted by donating items for the stand, volunteering, and buying food at home meets. The funds go to the team annual activities budget (pizza party, spirit parade, etc.). Swim-A-Thon (Feb) Swimmers are asked to get pledges for the laps they swim in minutes. This fundraiser supports the team s capital expenses. Other fundraisers will be held throughout the season. Every swimmer and their families are asked to help out as they are able to. 20

21 Rules Team Rules 1. All swimmers must comply with the YMCA policies and with the rules set by team. Any swimmer not complying will be removed from the team. 2. Bullying will not be tolerated at any time by any member of the swim team. The Dixon YMCA has implemented a Bullying Policy and will be strictly enforced. 3. Parents must assume the responsibility of bringing their swimmer(s) to the meet. However, remember that tardiness is unacceptable and will be handled at the coaches' discretion. 4. Good sportsmanship is expected of every swimmer. If in the judgment of the coaches the following rules are violated, disciplinary action may be necessary. The basic rules include: A) Respecting officials, judges, coaches and timers. B) Being courteous to our guests at home meets and being polite guests at away meets. C) Congratulating our opponents on a good meet or a good race. D) Proper conduct in the locker rooms and pool areas. 5. No food or gum is allowed on the pool deck. 6. Practice times are set by the coaching staff. All swimmers are expected to attend at least 3 practices per week during the winter season, and 2 per week during the summer, in order to qualify for that weeks meet. If your swimmer needs to leave early from practice, please provide a signed note stating what time the swimmer should be dismissed from practice. 7. Team swimsuits are required at meets. Swimmers may wear any type of suit during practice. Team suits are not to be worn at practices. If a swimmer does not have the team suit at the meet, swim meet eligibility will be at the coaches discretion. 9. Parents and swimmers are not allowed on the deck to question an official's decision. Protests or disagreements should be brought to the coach's attention so he/she may take action, if necessary. 10. Swimmers missing one of their events during a meet may be scratched from the current meet by the meet officials or head coach. Eligibility for the 21

22 next swim meet may also be compromised at the discretion of the coaching staff. 11. No parents are allowed on deck during practice hours unless a medical emergency has occurred. 12. A signed doctor s note must be provided for all injuries requiring the swimmer to sit out from practice or take precautions in regards to specific stroke or distances that they cannot participate in. Pool Rules All pool regulations should be followed as posted. In addition, please help the team observe the following: 1. No food or drink on pool deck except for water in plastic bottles. 2. No street shoes on pool deck. Deck shoes have clean white soles. (Home meets; clean shoes are permitted on deck) 3. All swimmers must take a shower, which includes their hair before entering the pool. 4. Entrances for the pools are accessed through the locker rooms. See a coach if your child needs to use the family locker rooms. 5. If there is lightning, the pool will be closed for 30 minutes after the last lightning bolt. With power outages and water being a conductor of electricity, this rule is for our safety. Practice will not be delayed unless there is a power outage. If the team is currently in pool, we will get dressed and work out in a space provided. On deck coaches will make decision based on weather conditions, time remaining in practice, and gym availability. 22

23 Parent Involvement The Role of Swim Team Parents As a parent of the Dolphin Swim Team your major responsibility is to be enthusiastic and supportive of your child's swimming. You can show your interest by ensuring your child's attendance at practices, helping at meets, and cheering for the team. Attendance at parent meetings is required for all swim team parents. Parents need to show their swimmers that they support them and their team. The Dixon Dolphins rely on parent participation for the operation of our swim team. Every family is expected to participate in some capacity. Swim meets need to be staffed with officials, timers, computer handlers, etc., all of whom are parents. Without parent participation, holding a meet is impossible. Training will be made available for all of these positions. Please fill out the volunteer forms on the bulletin board early so last minute phone calls aren t needed. We appreciate all volunteer effort and time you put into the team for your swimmers. Parents are encouraged to become a YMCA Swimming official. This is a valued position. All training is provided and the Dixon Dolphins Swim Team will pay for the registration fees. Communication is a convenient and efficient way to communicate, and will be the main form of communication throughout the season. Please let us know if you do not have an address, or if you would prefer we not use your to share swim team information. You may contact at our coaches at swimteam@dixonymca.org Mailboxes During the course of the season each swim family, as well as coaches and staff, are assigned a mailbox (hanging file folder) kept in a file cabinet near the YMCA front desk. The mailboxes are used to provide you with information about upcoming events, to distribute ribbons and information about recent meets, and to provide you with a way to communicate with the coaches, staff or other swim families. It is your responsibility to regularly check your mailbox for information at least once per week. 23

24 Website Please visit the team s website for a copy of the handbook, calendar, upcoming events, and other relative information at: Text Alert Please make sure that you and your families are signed up for the community s Text Alert program. This system will be used to notify team members of cancelled meets due to weather or other last minute cancellations. Sign up here: 24

25 Northwest District YMCA Information 1. Dixon Family YMCA 110 N Galena Ave, Dixon, IL Phone: Website: 2. YMCA of Belvidere 220 W Locust St, #1, Belvidere, IL Phone: Website: 3. YMCA of Rock River Valley (Pennock Family YMCA) 200 Y Blvd, Rockford, IL Phone: Website: 4. YMCA of Kewanee 315 W 1st St, Kewanee, IL Phone: Website: 5. Streator Family YMCA 10 Oakley Ave, Streator, IL Phone: Website: 6. Kishwaukee Family YMCA Inc W Bethany, Sycamore, IL Phone: Website: 25

26 7. YMCA of Ottawa Illinois 201 E Jackson St, Ottawa, IL Phone: Website: 8. Illinois Valley YMCA Inc. 300 Walnut Drive, Peru, IL Phone: Website: 9. YMCA of Northwest Illinois 2998 W Pearl City Rd, Freeport, IL Phone: Website: 26

27 Dixon Family YMCA Swim Team Handbook Participant Acknowledgement I the parent acknowledge that my swimmer and I have received a copy of the Dixon Dolphin Swim Team handbook. Parent Signature Participant Signature Date 27