Be the BEST you can be!

Transcription

1 1 AquaClub

2 2 TABEL OF CONTENT Mission and Vision..Page 3 Mission Statement...Page 3 Vision Statement Page 3 Purpose of AquaClub. Page 4 Story of AquaClub..Page 5 Organizational Flow Chart. Page 6 Our Priorities.. Page 7 Philosophy and behavior Page 8 Program Objectives Page 9 The Coach...Page 10 The Swimmer..Page 11 Our Program...Page 12 The Parent.. Page 16 Fees Page 25 Philosophy of Competition Page 28 Appendix A... Page 37 Appendix B Page 38 Appendix C....Page 39 AquaClub Directory...Page 40

3 3 MISSION STATEMENT To share our knowledge and passion for swimming, by empowering safety, fun, and proper technique in all our members to achieve their full potential through encouraging excellence. VISION STATEMENT Evolve our program into a national model committed to individual and team success for all swimmers, creating Olympic level athletes that make swimming part of their daily lives. We believe that our Team Work should be a partnership between the Parents, Coaches and Swimmers. We all need to be on the SAME PAGE and aim for the same goals!

4 4 Purpose of AquaClub s Team Handbook The AquaClub team handbook is intended to educate all families about essential information regarding AquaClub s teaching tools, program policies, and expectations of our swimmers, coaches and parents. We expect this document to influence our members to conduct themselves appropriately according to AquaClub s rules and procedures. In order to protect the rights of our members, coaches and staff it is imperative that this document is fully enforced by all our stakeholders. By joining AquaClub you agree to uphold program s standards which will be stated in this handbook. Welcome! Welcome to the AquaClub swim program! We are excited to work with your swimmer(s), and are ready to guide them through their swimming career. Our team is a year-round, competitive program, which offers instruction, training and competition to swimmers of all ages and abilities. AquaClub strives to establish itself as a top team in Michigan, as well as one of the top teams in the United States. The team competes in local, regional, national, and international competitions sanctioned by USA Swimming, Inc. USA Swimming Inc. is the National Governing body for amateur swimming in the US. This handbook will help familiarize all our members with all the facts of the AquaClub program and with competitive swimming in general. As you read through the handbook you will be introduced to our philosophy, team policies, and to the basic information concerning your dayto-day participation in the AquaClub program. Our goal, is that this handbook will help you better understand the inner workings of the program and enjoy the world of competitive swimming. Story of AquaClub

5 5 AquaClub is a swim school & swim team founded by 2-time Olympian Nim Shapira. Nim s purpose behind AquaClub is to join the fight to prevent further drowning in local communities and create athletes that make swimming part of their daily life. AquaClub is proud to be the only swim program in Michigan that uses Olympians to teach swim lessons, and aims to provide every member with the BEST of the swimming world. Whether you are a beginner or an expert in the pool, we have the right program for you. Our Program offers communities a proven method of confidence building and progressive swim lessons that can be started by babies as early as 3 months. We offer a variation of weekly swim lessons for all levels with flexible times, and are open year round. If your family already has a motivated swimmer, AquaClub manages 3 competitive swim teams that will advance your child s skill to the next level. AquaClub provides a plethora of services to help swimmers advance their ability and achieve exciting new goals in the pool. AquaClub achieves this with our outstanding coaching, private lessons, underwater video analysis, and swim clinics with Olympians. Our coaches are committed to help our swimmers reach their goals in the pool, and become the BEST they can be.

6 6 AquaClub s Organization Flow Chart Nim Shapira Owner & Team Leader Legal Advisor & Program Lawyer Michael Shapira Mentor & Team Leader Accountant Dr. Chass Mentor & Coach Janis Schnur Oxford's Manager Lead Coach Karen Kahana FAC Manager Membership & USA Swimming Age Group Coach Membership Instructors Instructors Instructors Lifeguards ** See last page for directory & contact info ** AquaClub

7 7 Our Priorities Safety First Aqua Club s number one priority is to ensure a safe environment for all swimmers at each AquaClub location. AquaClub strives to create safety conscious swimmers, and is able to achieve our objective with the implementation of the following safety requirements during all shifts. Fun The number one reason swimmers leave the sport of swimming is due to a lack of fun. AquaClub prides itself on implementing fun engaging swim classes to excite and motivate our instructors and swimmers to attend classes each week. AquaClub s swimming classes opens up all of our member s eyes, and show them the fun in swimming. Through the implementation of fun swimming programs, our end goal is to create independent swimmer that progresses into AquaClub s competitive swim teams, and continue to make swimming a part of their daily lives. Technique, Technique, Technique!!! AquaClub creates self-sustaining synergetic programs for all it s members. We are successful in this practice due to all our employees having a universal understanding of all our programs swimming techniques, through our extensive training programs. AquaClub executes our synergetic techniques by applying mandatory requirements, APR. APR At AquaClub, we train according to an established coaching philosophy called APR. This philosophy calls for two consecutive cycles, each one of three days. Each cycle, is made up of one day emphasizing Aerobic war, one day emphasizing Power and a third day emphasizing Race speed work.. The AquaClub values reflect our philosophy of moral growth: Be respectful for the property and opinions of others Be responsible for your actions Be proud in your program Exercise discipline to achieve mental and physical excellence Show concern for others, especially for those less fortunate

8 8 PHILOSOPHY AND BEHAVIOR Non-Discriminatory Policy Participation in our programs are open to all eligible swimmers who meet our qualification requirements regardless of gender, race, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Harassment AquaClub does not tolerate any form of harassment toward its stakeholders during practice, swim meets, or any AquaClub activities. This is a serious offense and will be grounds for expulsion from the program. We do our best building a safe environment inside our AquaClub programs, any sort of misconduct taken place out of the program is to be dealt with outside of the program. Expectations Regarding Mutual Respect and Appropriate Conduct At AquaClub, there are reasonable expectations governing our conduct designed to help mandate that all members are treated with respect. This ensures that each person is allowed the same opportunity to achieve success without bullying, insults, threats or harassment. We do not tolerate participants to be intoxicated or under the use of illegal substances at any AquaClub event. The consequence is immediate expulsion of the swimmer for the practice or event and will result in a meeting with the coach, swimmer and parents. These expectations apply to all forms of conduct and communications, whether physical, verbal, written, or electronic. Only those participants willing to show respect for their fellow members of our community belong at AquaClub. Discipline System (4 strike system) Strike 1: Swimmer who does not follow the rules or is behaving in an unsafe manner toward other members. Strike 2: Swimmer continues the behavior. Strike 3: Staff may have the swimmer sit out of the activity. Strike 4: The manager will sit down with the swimmer and their parents to try and rectify the situation. Otherwise, the swimmer will be suspended from the program.

9 9 Program Objectives Long Range Objectives Personal and Physical Development To provide an opportunity for athletes to engage in a safe, wholesome, recreational activity and implement into their daily lives. To promote physical fitness, teach proper conditioning, and encourage healthy habits. To provide opportunities for healthy social, emotional, and educational development, and encourage peer and family participation. To foster the development of high self-esteem and help cultivate a positive self-image. Competitive Development To create an environment in which the desire for self-improvement and goal achievement, motivates the individual to fully develop their natural abilities and help others to do likewise. To provide opportunities to learn the values of dedication, self-discipline and perseverance. To promote the ideals of honesty, integrity, good sportsmanship and team loyalty. To provide quality instruction, training, and competing at all levels and ability. Coaching Staff Nothing has a greater influence on the quality of an athletes sport than the excellence of the coach. The AquaClub swim staff consists of professionally trained coaches. As members of the American Swimming Coaches Association, our coaches have access to the most comprehensive training certifications for athletes of any other sport in the United States. Certified coaches in USA Swimming possess training and experience in the physiology and psychology of adolescent development.

10 10 THE COACH Coaches Rights 1) Each coach is a professional and has the right to be treated with respect by all swimmers, parents, and other staff members. 2) Coaches have the right to expect the full support of all parents in the AquaClub swim program. 3) Coaches have the right to establish training programs which are safe and meet the needs and goal of our swimmers, head coach, and AquaClub program. 4) Coaches have the right to be free from unnecessary interruption from parents during training sessions or meets. Coaches Responsibilities The AquaClub coaching staff is dedicated to providing the BEST environment for our members. 1. The coaches are responsible for placing swimmers in sufficient practice groups. This is based on the age and ability of each individual. Upon improvement, the coach will place him or her in a more challenging training group. 2. Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and training regimen rests with the AquaClub coaching staff. 3. The program s staff will make the final decision concerning which meets our swimmers may attend. The coaching staff also makes the final decision concerning which events a swimmer is entered into. 4. At meets, the coaching staff will conduct and supervise warm-up procedures for the team. After each race, the coaches will offer constructive criticism regarding the swimmer s performance. (It is the parent's job to offer love and understanding regardless of their swimmer's performance!) 5. The building of a relay team is the sole responsibility of the coaching staff. 6. Each coach has the responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing training environment. 7. Each coach has the responsibility to be a positive role model for the swimmers. 8. Each coach has the responsibility to be a technical expert the the sport of swimming.

11 11 9. Each coach has the responsibility to help construct goals and vision for the athlete. What is possible in the sport of swimming and the path each swimmer should follow in order to achieve that goal. The coaching staff is constantly updating and improving the AquaClub program. It is the swimmer's and parents' responsibility to make the most out of the excellent opportunity this program provides for success in swimming. THE SWIMMER Swimmer s Rights 1. Swimmers have the right to be treated with respect at all time. 2. Swimmers have the right to be free from all bullying from coaches, staff, teammates, parents and members. 3. Swimmers have the right to be free from verbal, physical or written abuse from coaches, staff, teammates, parents and members. 4. Swimmers should expect that his or her coach, after being made aware of a limiting physical condition, will not ask the swimmer to perform or train in a manner that the coach knows will be harmful to the swimmer. 5. Swimmers should expect that all practices, both in and out of the water, will be conducted in a safe manner so that the swimmer will not be exposed to unnecessary risk. 6. Swimmers must know that his or her coach cares about him/her as an individual as well as an athlete. 7. Swimmers should be positively encouraged, congratulated, and corrected when improvement is needed and attainable. 8. Swimmers should expect practice to be challenging, and that competition will be rewarding. 9. Swimmers should set personal swimming goals with their coach, and be allowed to adjust these goals as circumstances arise. Swimmer s Responsibilities As swimmers progress in ability, it is expected they will take on more responsibility which in turn will require a deep commitment on both the swimmers and their parents. Therefore, swimmers must consider that their actions directly affects the team, coaches, parents, and most importantly themselves. It is a great privilege to be part of a team that supports its members and provides many benefits for those involved. AquaClub strives to build athletes who appreciate the

12 12 value of the team and all the opportunities it offers. That being said, swimmers should use these guidelines when conducting themselves at each practice. 1. Swimmers are to treat their coaches and teammates with respect at all times, and use the proper channels to address any problems or complaints. 2. Swimmers must adhere to the coach s rules governing training sessions and commit themselves to the training program. 3. Swimmers must take their training seriously at whatever his or her ability may be. 4. Swimmers must show up prepared and on time to practices and swim meets. 5. Swimmers must attend the minimum number of training sessions set by the coach and should strive for perfect attendance. 6. Swimmers are expected to give their best effort at competitions and during practice. 7. Swimmers are required to bring their training equipment to every practice. Equipment adjustment and repair will not be accepted as an excuse to miss any part of a training session. OUR PROGRAM Learn 2 Swim Swim School The AquaClub Learn-to-Swim program combines the expertise of the AquaClub coaching staff with the innovative concept of a swimming school. Students attend weekly or bi-weekly swimming classes designed to teach them the fundamentals of both water safety and swimming. This program is for young swimmers seeking to explore the water and learn how to be safe, buoyant, balanced and have fun in the pool! Our L2S program is divided into 7 levels based on ages and skill levels. Pre-Swim Team The Pre-Swim team is the first step for swimmers interested in competitive swimming. This group is composed of swimmers with novice ability in the water and display a natural inclination for swimming. These swimmers are comfortable in deep water, and can swim back and forth in a competitive sized pool. The main emphasis of this group is to teach the basic fundamentals of the competitive strokes and prepare them for swim competitions. This consists of kicking, stroke drills, streamlines, underwater push offs, breath control, and the developmental skills necessary for competitive swimming. Starts, turns, and mental focus for training will also be emphasized. Competitive Programs In keeping with our philosophy of providing a well-rounded, quality, competitive swimming program for athletes of all ages and abilities, AquaClub offers progressive levels of professional instruction, stroke technique work and endurance training. Evaluations are necessary for entry into all competitive teams.

13 13 Junior Team It is at the Junior Team level that swimmers are introduced to a more intensive training regimen. Swimmers will be presented advanced technique drills to improve the competitive strokes and will begin performing more repetitions in the pool to increase endurance (Aerobic), Power and Race speed in the water. Racing starts, turns and legal competitive stroke technique is still the primary focus of this group along with specialized drill work and kicking endurance. Swimmers will also learn how to read workouts and familiarize themselves with interval training and reading both digital and analog clocks for pacing in practice sets. Swimmers may begin competing at swim meets with the team as the coaching staff feels fit for the athlete. Goal setting will also be introduced and swimmers will be expected to be more accountable for their swimming progression. Consistent practice attendance is necessary for continued improvement and advancement to the next group. It is mandatory that all swimmers in this group be registered annually with USA Swimming. Senior Team The Senior Team provides training to athletes who are already experienced competitive swimmers. Swimmers at this level are typically placed into training groups based on age and ability and will advance their physical endurance and stroke proficiency in the water and further develop their strength and coordination with dry land activities. Conditioning for high level performance at various competitions is the focus of this group. Swimmers must display a commitment to training, competing, and mental preparation to train in this group. The AquaClub strives to create a positive training environment for the athletes and will make every effort to ensure that there is a place for the swimmers to advance their swimming careers competitively, whether they are new to year-round swimming or are preparing to compete at the national or international level. Regardless of their personal goals, swimmers in this group are asked to maintain good attendance, compete in swim meets, and partake in team activities designed to form a well-rounded competitive swimmer. Team spirit and mental fortitude are also areas of focus within the senior group. Swimmers who train in this group are expected to be registered with USA Swimming annually. Team Uniform and Equipment AquaClub is fortunate to be sponsored by HERO who provides our team with equipment, advertising and more. Our relationship with HERO is dependent on the commitment by our team to wear HERO swimwear and equipment whenever possible. AquaClub swimmers are required to wear an official AquaClub swimsuit at practices and meets (unless otherwise specified by their coach, i.e. Championship meets). Furthermore, it is mandatory that each senior group swimmers purchase an official AquaClub warm-up outfit and swim bag that is designated by the staff at the beginning of each swim year. Failure to comply may result in a swimmer not being allowed to compete in a meet, even if the swimmer has already signed up for the competition. Please understand that coaches will enforce this requirement. All items will be available for purchase through our team website and our offices.

14 14 Required Equipment & Gear Goggles Fins Kickboard Hand paddles (Sr. Group) Pull Buoy (Sr. Group) Snorkel (Sr. Group) Water bottle Appropriate swimwear Swim Cap (Only the AquaClub team swim cap is acceptable) AquaClub T-Shirt AquaClub Hoodie Lost and Found There are lost & found bins located at each of our facilities. Every evening the pool deck is cleared of leftover items and placed into the bins. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that all members put their name on each piece of equipment and AquaClub clothing. All items not claimed by the last Friday of each month will be donated. Attendance Policies The following guidelines are in order to inform parents and swimmers of AquaClub s on the policies regarding attendance. These policies are designed to provide the best possible results for the advancement of our swimmers. Swimmers are expected to attend all of their scheduled lessons or practices. 1) The least possible interruption in the training schedule will produce the greatest amount of success. It is required that all AquaClub members notify our staff of any absence from practice. Simple text, call or will do. 2) For swim school classes and private lessons, a make-up session will be given provided that a written notice has been received 24 hours in advance, otherwise the absence will be considered as a no show. Members will not be reimbursed for no show absences. Members are allowed only one (1) make-up session each month.

15 15 3) As a safety precaution swimmers should arrive at the pool no more than 15 minutes before practice begins. Early arrival should be used for pool set up, preparing equipment and stretching, showering and using the restroom. Swimmers should not use this time for playing or socializing with the coaches. 4) Parents are expected to pick up children immediately after the scheduled practice time. Children are not to be left unsupervised at the pool prior to or after practice. The coaching staff is NOT responsible for supervising athletes either prior to or following a practice session. 5) Each swimmer should plan to participate for the entire practice as each practice is designed to be the most beneficial when completed in its entirety. In the event that your child needs to be dismissed early from practice, please notify the coach 24 hours in advance. 6) All swimmers are expected to be in their designated groups with their equipment ready to start on time. Tardiness is considered to be disruptive to the learning environment and disrespectful to the coaching staff. 7) Swimmers must notify the coaches when they leave the workout for a bathroom break. A swimmer is never to leave the facility without the permission of a coach. 8) Swimmers and parents will be notified of any schedule changes, or practice cancellations. In the event of a swim meet members may be asked to reschedule lessons and will be notified of all cancelations. These updates will be provided through and will be posted on our website. Practice Code of Conduct for Swimmers and Families 1) In accordance with the governing body of USA Swimming, Inc., parents may observe practice from the balcony or designated viewing area per the coach on duty. For liability reasons, at no time are parents allowed on the pool deck. Please do not sit in an area where you will be a distraction to the swimmers and coaches. 2) Any individual not registered with USA swimming, Inc. through AquaClub is not permitted in the pool or the pool deck at any time. 3) Swimmers and parents must respect the learning environment at all times. Disrupting coaches and other swimmers with unnecessary communication is prohibited, unless of course, in the case of an emergency. 4) During practice, the pool deck is only for coaches and swimmers. If you need to speak with the coaches, please call or to set up an appointment. 5) Swimmers are expected to support their teammates at practice as well as in

16 16 competition. Working together as a team benefits all individuals in the group and is an important part of the AquaClub program. Swimmers are always encouraged to be positive at practice. 6) Swimmers are expected to follow the instructions of the coaching staff at all times. 7) Abusive language, lying, stealing, and/or vandalism will NOT be tolerated. Those behaviors are directly contrary to the objective of the AquaClub program and may warrant strict disciplinary actions, up to and including expulsion from the program. 8) Our aquatic centers are off limits to ALL AquaClub members unless under the supervision of an AquaClub coach/staff member. 9) Swimmers are not permitted in the strength training room(s) without a member of the coaching staff present. 10) Parents are responsible for a swimmer s behavior before and after workouts. This includes swimmers waiting in the pickup area as well. 11) Any siblings or guests must have adult supervision at ALL times. 12) It is of the utmost importance that ALL swimmers and parents remember that we are guests at our aquatic centers and therefore should respect our facilities and communities. Illness and Injury Whenever possible, the coach/manager should be informed to any illness or injury a swimmer may have, regardless of how serious or trivial it may be. If your swimmer will be out of the water over a long period of time with an injury or illness, please notify your swimmer s coach by phone or . THE PARENT Parents Your Athlete Needs You Swimming requires discipline, persistence, integrity, respect, and trust. Your child can only learn these values if you live them yourself. With the assistance of your coach and a positive supportive atmosphere, your child can achieve their dreams. A successful swimming program requires understanding and cooperation among the coaches, swimmers, and parents. This relationship is critical to your child s development on the team. The coaching staff appreciates your commitment to your child, and understands you will always look out for your child s best interests. The coaches are also committed to ensuring that your child s best interests are served; their responsibility is to serve each athlete on the

17 17 team. Parents and coaches perspectives may differ when it comes to your child s development. Patience, understanding, and most importantly, communication are the cornerstones of this relationship. With this in mind, please review and consider the following guidelines. 1) Individuals learn at different rates and in different ways. Some athletes will quickly pick up a skill while others may require more time to learn the same skill. Please be patient with your child and his/her development. Direct any questions to the coach. 2) Progress is not always immediate. New team members will experience a period of adaptation, no matter their age, that may impede immediate progress. This could be caused by greater training demands, a stronger emphasis on technique, or simply nerves. Patience, trust, and communication among coaches, swimmers, and parents will help any struggling swimmer through such a period. 3) A plateau in performance may signify that a swimmer has reached a certain level of performance and is having difficulty advancing. Plateaus can occur in a swimmer's career, and can be experienced in both competition and training. It is important to explain to the swimmers that plateaus are common. Those who work through these momentary phases achieve greater performance to approach their personal potential. 4) It takes swimmers years to grow and develop as athletes. Parents must take into account that young swimmers must undergo physical and mental maturity before reaching their full potential. This can be frustrating for parents, coaches, and swimmers alike! We must be patient and permit these youngsters to learn to love the sport. 5) Parents must realize that slow development of the competitive drive at an early age is normal and perhaps more desirable than precocious or forced early development. It is important that everyone learn to compete and develop some competitive spirit. It is also important for children to learn to adapt to reasonable levels of emotional stress. Sometimes small disappointments teach youngsters to prepare us for the larger ones we are certain to experience as adults. 6) It is the coaches' job to offer constructive criticism of a swimmer's performance. It is the parents' job to supply love, recognition, and encouragement necessary to help the young athlete feel good about him or herself. 7) Parents attitudes often dictate those of their children. A child might not be consciously aware of what is taking place while subconsciously absorbing powerful messages about his/her parents' desires. For example, be enthusiastic about taking your child to practice, meets, meetings, etc. don t look at these functions as chores. 8) If you have any questions about your child's training or team policies, contact the coach. Criticizing the coach in front of the child undermines the coach's authority and breaks the swimmer-coach support that is necessary for maximum success. 9) No parent should behave in such a way as to bring discredit to the child, the team, or competitive swimming. Any disagreement with a meet official should be brought to the attention of the coach and handled by the coach. 10) Children should swim because they wants to and have a passion for the sport of

18 18 swimming. It is natural to resist anything they have to do. Self-motivation is the stimulus of all successful swimmers. 11) The etymology of the word ''competition'' goes back to two Latin words: ''com'' and ''pet ere,'' which means together to strive. Avoid ''playing'' your child against his nearest competitor, thereby creating friction within the team and swimming community. Close competition provides two great services for the athlete: it brings out the best in him/her and shows where improvement is needed. 12) The communication between coach and swimmer is very important. A two-way relationship must exist daily at practice. It is imperative that the coach has the swimmer s full attention at these times. For this reason parents are allowed to watch practice only from the designated bleachers in the pool area. They are NOT permitted to participate or instruct. Parents who attempt to coach or interrupt their child during a practice may be asked to leave the pool deck. 13) Please leave all coaching to the coaching staff. If you have questions about technique or coaching strategies, we encourage you to arrange a time NOT during practice and not after practice. Please understand that most practices end late at night and the coaches need to get home. 14) Remember, particularly in the case of younger swimmers, that attitude and behavior of the parents in regard to their outlook on the sport has an important effect on the child. In swimming, as in life, nobody can win or succeed all the time there will always be some disappointments. Every child can gain from his experience, whether or not he/she ever wins a single race. The important thing is to keep on striving to do better next time. 15) Behind every successful swimmer, there is a driving and supportive family/parent. Your kids need you! The goal is not only to produce great swimmers, but to produce great people who swim! Guide to Being A Good Swim Parent The parent s primary role is that of unconditional love and support for their swimmer. There are many ways to fulfill this role: 1) The first is to remind your child that you love them, no matter how they perform either at practice or at a meet. Support your child s goals by first allowing them to make goals of their own in consultation with their coach. Remember that this is your son s or daughter s childhood and not your own:

19 19 Recognize their dreams and support their ambitions, but don t create them for the child. Make sure that your child is having fun! If this isn t fun, then why do it? If they are not having fun, find out why or ask the coach to find out why. Do not let your child s performance affect your attitude towards them. If your child swims poorly it will not make them feel better to see disappointment in their parents. Before they race encourage them to have fun and after they race tell them you love them. Simple words can have a drastic impact on a child s outlook. Do not pay your child or provide material rewards for swimming well. Children must learn that doing a thing well is worthwhile in its own right. Through swimming they should earn respect because of their commitment and not money for their accomplishments. Understand that swimming can be daunting, especially to new swimmers or younger swimmers. A 50 meters pool looks awfully long to an eight year old! If your child is afraid to swim an event remind them that the coach would only suggest it or enter them in it because they believe in your child. 2) It is imperative that your swimmer believes you support the coach, even when you disagree with him/her. Disagreements are natural and when they exist everyone wants resolution, but there is a time and a place to discuss disagreements. The pool deck is NOT the place to argue or confront the coach about any disagreement. All coaches are available away from the pool deck and will respond to any questions/concerns. During practice a coach s attention must be focused on the group. If you wish to meet in person with your child s coach please schedule a time to do so; do not arrive at practice assuming that either the coach will be available to meet with you or that it is the appropriate time and place to meet. Support the coach by understanding they do have a life outside of the pool. This sport requires long hours of work. Respect the coach s desire to go home to his/her family after practice. 3) Support the team at practice, meets, and at home. Supporting the team means everything from making sure your child wears team apparel at meets to volunteering your own time at any of our home meets. Do not leave it to others to do this work. Our team extends beyond the coaches and swimmers and we need everyone s involvement to be successful. Team uniforms are mendatory to ALL swimmers during ALL competitions in which

20 20 they represent AquaClub. Not adhering to this requirement can result in suspension of the swimmer on this occasion. We ask all parents and relatives who come to watch our swim meets to wear our program s colors (Orange) and to sit together. This unity of color and closeness will help the kids (your children) on deck and during competition. Unity and ONE team = ONE goal is our message! Supporting the team also means being a positive influence from the sidelines at any meet. There are often instances where parents from opposing teams do not get along, which only creates more tension for the child. We want each swimmer to be a good sport, which means we need our parents to be good sports. In order to support the team one must be an active member, beyond just dropping your child off before practice and picking them up afterwards. Attend parents meetings Volunteer at meets Become an official Pay all bills promptly and in full 4) Support your child in positive ways. Do not compare your child to anyone else on the team. Your child is unique, wonderful, and full of potential. Remember that everyone achieves potential in different ways and at different times. Don t time your child from the stands. There are enough timing devices around at meets and at practice. When a parent times from the stands it simply adds pressure on the child. 5) Do not criticize officials. Most times officials are parents just like you, committed to their children and committed to their sport. 6) Winning is NOT everything. The most important things a child can do in a race are: Be Safe Have fun! Try to employ the coach s technical instructions and racing strategy. Give their best effort and RACE! Congratulate the other competitors no matter what the outcome. 7) Encourage healthy eating. Make smart eating decisions for your child and for yourself. Your children will emulate the people they respect and love most, their parents. Allow their desire to swim to make a positive influence on your own life and health by using it as another reason to make good eating decisions.

21 21 Volunteering To ensure that AquaClub swimmers have the opportunity to participate in team activities, swim meets, and USA Swimming sanctioned competitions, as well as supplement operating expenses, AquaClub must host several swim meets and events throughout the year. All team-affiliated events are staffed mostly by parent volunteers and cannot run without family participation. AquaClub is very fortunate to have an incredible group of very committed members who are willing to volunteer, however, it is necessary to implement a Service Hour Obligation policy to ensure that ALL families participate. This is implemented in order to make sure that everyone equally takes part to grow the program and allow their kids better opportunities. A family s willingness to volunteer will have a great impact on their child s athletic experience and love for the sport of swimming. Regardless of whether or not a swimmer actually participates in a meet, it is the positive experience of being involved in the whole TEAM event that will give each athlete the support and fellowship offered by being a valuable member of the AquaClub TEAM. Volunteer Positions Prior to the swim meet 1. Concessions Prep - inventory supplies, prepare shopping list 2. Hospitality Prep - inventory supplies, prepare menus 3. Food/Drink donations - $25 spent will equal 1 Service Hour During the Swim Meet 1. Announcer announces events, heats, and notifications during the sessions over the PA system 2. Computer Hytek/SST Operator manages the timing system as well as Hytek Meet Manager system (Must have experience and/or training) 3. Concessions sell food and drink to spectators during meet sessions. Program will buy the products. 4. Admissions collect admission fee, sell programs and/or heat sheets to spectators 5. Hospitality work hospitality room to provide drinks and meals for coaches and officials, as well as deliver water and snacks to volunteers working on the pool deck 6. Meet Marshal supervise the pool deck, keep area behind starting blocks and official s

22 22 area clear of non-athletes, direct spectators to proper restrooms, and monitor flow of traffic in restricted areas 7. Timer run stopwatch as a back-up to the timing system, record watch time 8. Volunteer Coordinator greet and assist volunteers to sign in for duty, distribute and collect volunteer badges 9. USA Swim Official These volunteers run the meet, assure fairness to ALL swimmers, and have completed the requirements to be a USA Swim Official (see below). Post-swim meet 1. Clean up & Tear down: Clean and return pool deck to working order For more detailed information regarding volunteer and positions descriptions please refer to our volunteer manual which can be found on our website. Service Hour Obligation Policy The competitive swim group a swimmer participates in will dictate the total number of Service Hours the swimmer s family will be responsible for providing at AquaClub sponsored swim meets. Families with more than one swimmer will be required to fulfill the obligation for the highest level group to which their swimmers belongs. All families will be required to work at the AQUA Sprint Challenge swim meets. Extra Help From You Be an Official! Five Reasons to Become an Official: 1. You ll be working with the greatest group of volunteers in all sports. 2. You will be close to the action. The bleachers aren t comfortable anyway! 3. High satisfaction; low pay. 4. It s a great way to meet future Olympians-unless you already have one in your home!

23 23 5. Great food in hospitality and you can t beat the price! Steps to Referee Certification Contact an AquaClub coach or the Swim Office to begin this incredible and valuable service for your swim team. Steps include: A. Attending an information meeting B. Completing an open book online test C. Apprenticing at 6 meet sessions under the direct supervision of a current official D. Having an annual background check E. Complete an Athlete Protection test F. All parents are encouraged to consider becoming an Official! Communication An important link in the swimmer, coach, and parent triangle is a healthy line of communication. Parents are kept informed of team events, activities, and updates through the following methods: Team Website The AquaClub website is kept up to date daily and maintained by the team s webmaster and coaches. ALL information can ultimately be found on the website. In the future the team website will also serves as the account and billing system for all of the team members. We are working in order for members to log into their accounts to view meet entries, service hour balance/history, swimmer s times, and all billing activity. This process of having an effective website is our priority to give our members as many tools as possible to make a superior swimming experience. Coach/Staff ing is a preferred method of communication unless the issue is an emergency or extremely sensitive, requiring a direct phone call. The coaches s can be found on the team website or in the team handbook. It is a coach s personal prerogative to give out their cell phone number. In the event you utilize this form of communication, please be considerate of both their personal time and life outside of the pool. Believe it or not, they are real people with families and feelings just like you! In the event you are not able to contact the facility staff of coaches or they do not follow up on an issue or resolve it in a timely manner please contact upper

24 24 management. Reminder Software and Communication In our attempts to enhance our communications with swimmers and parents, we have decided to utilize a software application called "Remind" to inform our members of important events and scheduling updates. With this software we will be able to inform our members through text messaging of any cancellations due to snow days, severe thunderstorms, power outages, unexpected pool closings, or any other unforeseen situation that arises. We will also be able to notify members of volunteer opportunities and job openings within the club. Announcements It is most common for Junior and Senior groups to receive communication through direct announcements by their head coach. The expectations for our competitive swimmers is to pay attention, retain, and communicate to their parent s any and all team information. Healthy Communication If any member, parent or swimmer has questions or concerns, the lines of communication with all coaches are open. It is best to communicate with the coach most involved with your child s program. One of the traditional swim team communication gaps is that some parents seem to feel more comfortable in discussing their thoughts about coaching philosophy with other parents rather than taking them directly to the coach. Not only is the problem never resolved but in fact, this approach often results in new problems being created. Listed below are some guidelines for a parent raising some difficult issues with a coach: 1. Try to keep foremost in your mind that you and the coach have the best interests of your child at heart. If you trust that the coach's goals match yours, even though his/her approach may be different, you are more likely to enjoy good rapport and a constructive dialogue. 2. Keep in mind that the coach must balance your perspective of what is best for your child with the needs of the team or a training group that can range in size from 20-

25 members. On occasion, an individual child's interest may need to be subordinate to the interests of the group, but in the long run the benefits of membership in the group compensate for occasional short term inconvenience. 3. If your child swims for an assistant coach, always discuss the matter first with that coach, following the same guidelines and preconceptions noted above. If the assistant coach cannot satisfactorily resolve your concern, then ask that the head coach to join the dialogue as a third party. 4. If another parent uses you as a sounding board for complaints about the coach's performance or policies, listen empathetically, but encourage the other parent to speak directly to the coach. He/she is the only one who can resolve the problem. Discussions with the coaching staff WILL NOT be held during practice or meets. Characteristic of any business, AquaClub expenses begin the first day of every month. A positive cash flow is required to assure payroll requirements and various other expenditures. It is, therefore, imperative for all AquaClub members to pay their swimmer's monthly account balance on the 23 rd of each month. This will give you a week of grace period until the 1 st of the month if there was any issue with your payment (change of cards etc.) If fees are not current, your swimmer will not be allowed to participate in practice. FEES Types of Fees Monthly Dues: The training fees are based on the program group in which a swimmer is enrolled. Annual Registration Fee ($100): Each swimmer will be charged an annual registration fee. This will establish the swimmer s amateur status as a competitive swimmer with USA Swimming Inc., as well as provide insurance coverage during swim practice and meets. Meet/Entry Fee: A swimmer is charged for each event/race they swim in at a meet. AquaClub will pay this fee ahead of time to the hosting team. Swimmers meet entry fees are due at the time of meet registration, along with the swimmers meet entry form. Meet Coaching Fees: Coaching fees are $25 per meet. Late Fees: If a member s account is not paid by the 1 st of the current month, a late of $25 fee will be applied to the account. Insufficient Funds/Denied Debit Card: A fee of $25 will be applied to the account.

26 26 Billing Once a member is entered into the AquaClub system they are given an account with a log in name and password. This account gives a member access to their billing summaries, invoices, charges, and payments, as well as other valuable information on their swimmers progress. Members are expected to have a Debit Card on file that will automatically be processed for monthly fees and meet entry fees. This will occur on the first of each month. A member may choose to pay by credit card, but your monthly bill will include a 5% credit card fee. As long as an account remains in good standing, members may charge items sold in the Swim Office to their AquaClub account (Sweatshirts, t-shirts, caps, etc.) with the expectation that their account will be paid in full on the first of the following month. Deactivating In the event a swimmer or family chooses to deactivate their AquaClub account, the Swim Office MUST be notified by at least 30 days in advance to avoid being billed for the next month s dues. All outstanding fees and service hours must be cleared. Fee Structure PROGRAM AMOUNT Learn 2 Swim (6 Levels) $78 Pre-Team $90 Juniors (Level 1) $120 Group Private (1:4, 30 min) Private ( 1:1, 30 min) $25 per lesson $ Seniors (Level 2) $140 Additional Athlete 10% Discount

27 27 FEE AMOUNT DUE DATE Monthly Dues See above 1st of each month Annual Registration (per member) $ At registration or Dec.1st for renewal ADDITIONAL FEES AMOUNT Late Fee $25.00 Debit Card Denied/Expired $25.00 If you have any questions about billing or your AquaClub account, please contact your program director. USA Swimming, Inc. For more information about swimming in the governing body of swimming in the US. please feel free to visit PHILOSOPHY AND COMPETITION AquaClub engages in a multi-level competition programs in MI Swimming with USA Swimming, Inc. that, like our training program, attempts to provide challenging, yet successoriented competitive situations for swimmers of all ages and abilities. 1. We emphasize competition with oneself. Winning ribbons, medals, or trophies is not our main goal. Even if our swimmer finishes first, but has swum poorly in comparison to past performances, they are encouraged to do better. The individuals improvement is our primary objective. 2. Sportsmanship behavior is of equal importance to improved performance. Respect for officials, congratulations to competitors, encouragement to teammates, determined effort, and mature attitudes are examples of behavior praised and

28 28 rewarded by the AquaClub coaching staff. 3. Swimmers are taught to be realistic, yet set challenging goals for meets and to relate these goals to practice and direct their training efforts. 4. Swimmers are prepared and encouraged to compete in all swimming events, distances, and strokes. This policy promotes versatility and encourages the swimmer to explore their potential in the wide range of events in competitive swimming. Age Groups There are seven different age group classifications recognized by USA Swimming, Inc.: 8- Under, 10-Under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, and Senior. The Senior classification includes any age registered swimmer who has achieved a qualifying time for the event. Not all age group classifications are offered at every swim meet. The swimmer s age on the first day of the swim meet will govern the swimmer s age for the entire meet. Club Competition Objectives As stated in our Team Book welcome statement, AquaClub strives to become the BEST swim program in the Sate of Michigan as well as a leading club in the USA. As a team, our goal meet of the winter season will be the Junior Olympics. Obviously, we will strive to enlarge the number of swimmers who will make the States Championships cuts, Sectionals and Nationals for our swimmers. All swimmers who qualify for the J.O's and State meet MUST attend the JO s meet! Please make a note of this and make sure to attend. Swimmers who qualify for States or National Championships will attend J.O's as well, will swim off events and take part in team relays events. JO s will act as training meet for these swimmers and will be a great way to practice RACING and meet preparation, last rehearsal. Swim Meet Team TEST In order to swim in a outside meets you need to be able to complete a 50 yards in 1 min or faster. Need to know how to do proper turns & dives Need to know how to go to your heat & read heat sheets

29 29 Motivational Times Within each age-group there are different nationally recognized levels of achievement based on times. These times are designed to help age group swimmers to better understand their times and to set realistic goal times for the future. The classifications are C, B, BB, A, AA, AAA and AAAA. The times required for each ability level are calculated and published each year by USA Swimming, Inc. This permits fair, yet challenging, competition at all levels. In some cases, a swimmer may be at a different level in each stroke. An example: A swimmer may have a "C" 100 breaststroke time, a "B" 100 freestyle time, and an "AA 50 backstroke time. Some swim meets set certain qualification standards. In order to swim in a certain event, a swimmer must have achieved the qualifying time standard (cut) for that particular event. Types/Levels of Swim Meets Intrasquad Meets - A great way for our team to practice meet participation is to hold an intrasquad meet; a meet involving only members of the AquaClub team. Dual Meets - Occasionally, AquaClub will compete with one other team in a dual meet. These meets help promote team unity. They usually limit the number of events a swimmer may enter. Invitational Meets Most competitions AC participates in are invitational swim meets. These competitions may be open to any USA Swimming registered team from anywhere in the United States, while others may be limited to only teams that are specifically invited. These types of meets typically range from 1 to 3 days and can feature a prelim-final format or just timed finals. ABC Meets - These meets break swimmers up into A, B, and C levels, based on each swimmers fastest time in a particular event, according to the USA Swimming, Inc motivational time standards. Although swimmers race in events/heats will all swimmers in their age-group, awards are given based only on their ABC level. This type of meet allows swimmers to compete against swimmers of similar abilities and gives all swimmers a chance to place. Michigan District Championships (Q3) - Districts are held twice a year, at the end of the short course season (February) and at the end of the long course season (July). Swimmers who hold Q3 time standards may participate. Swimmers who make a higher level cut in a particular event (Q2) may not swim that event at Districts. The State of