Season Guide

Transcription

1 WILLIAMSPORT AREA SWIM CLUB P.O. Box 1302 Williamsport, PA Season Guide Swim with the best join the area s only USA Swimming program TODAY! MISSSION & VISION The Williamsport Area Swim Club is a comprehensive swim program committed to advancing the discipline and sport of competitive swimming and empowering champions in and out of the water. Our vision is to be the premier aquatic club in the Susquehanna region offering a resource to children, adults, families and the greater community to foster recreation, health and water safety through the spirit and sport of competitive swimming. Continuing THIS YEAR! Starfish Program for Beginning Swimmers Program for Adult Swimmers BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chris DeVore President Sue Smith Katrina Sinclair Carol Bresticker Treasurer

2 COACHING STAFF Sue Smith, Head Coach - A USA Swimming certified coach and a member of the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA - level 2), Coach Sue Smith brings over 40 years of competitive swimming experience to the table. Sue is a founding member of the WASC, a former Assistant Coach for the Williamsport Area High School Swim Team, and has coached for the Williamsport YMCA Swim Team and various clubs in New Jersey. She holds a B.S. in Child Psychology and a M.A. in Elementary Education. Sue still competes in triathlons and competitive open water swims and enjoys helping train athletes for these events. Sue is married to Shaun and they have five children (all competitive swimmers) with three in college and the remaining two still involved in the WASC. Coach Smith is the lead for the, and programs. Katrina Sinclair, Assistant Coach - Coach Katrina Sinclair has been swimming competitively since the age of five and after graduating from the University at Buffalo continued her involvement in the sport through coaching and teaching swim lessons. She is certified with USA Swimming and ASCA (level 1.) She has worked as a coach and swim instructor in programs in Northern California, Western New York, and is proud to be part of the WASC coaching staff. Katrina has a doctoral degree in US History from the University at Buffalo. Her philosophy of coaching is based on the firm belief that every swimmer at every skill level can learn valuable life skills through the sport of swimming. Katrina is also a participant in the WASC master s team. She lives with her husband Craig and two dogs, the Cheat and Harry Truman. Coach Sinclair is responsible for the group. The coaching staff will evaluate swimmers and will assign a practice group base age and ability. Swimmers will be promoted when their coaches determine the be successful at the next level. Training Group Advanced and experienced swimmers. This i club s most competitive training group where committed swimmer expected to understand interval training, basics of dryland training and setting. High intensity practices focus on daily stroke technique, s endurance and dryland exercise instruction. Training will be geared to regional USA Swimming competitions. Swimmers This option allows swimmers wantin participate in a high school swim program full access to train wit WASC training group during the season, as well as the opportun participate in any USA sanctioned swim meets with the WASC team. Training Group - Experienced swimmers. This is a compe training group in which mid-intensity practices emphasize speed, endu and stroke refinement. Training Group Intermediate swimmers. This lower inten training group offers swimmers with considerable experience opportunity to progress from the pre-competitive level. Tra concentrates on building endurance and solidifying stroke developm Dryland instruction is also included. Pre-Competitive Developing swimmers divided by age (8+U; 9+). A way to introduce your swimmer to competitive swimming. This gro targeted for less experienced swimmers and is designed to bridge the between swimming lessons and competitive swimming. Swimmers mu able to complete 25 yard Freestyle with rotary breathing and 25 yar backstroke. Practices will focus on proper mechanic and repetitive instruction. Starfish Beginning Swimmers. Instruction is aimed at prov confidence in the water, basic water safety, an introduction to compe swim strokes, and most importantly -a fun and positive group experienc TRAINING GROUPS & ASSIGNMENTS The Williamsport Area Swim Club offers swimmers of all levels and abilities the opportunity to train in an environment to meet the unique and individual needs of each of our swimmers. Each group has different times, training requirements, goals, and training fees. All swimmers will learn and improve a life-long competitive skill, build confidence and self-esteem, and develop friendships within a team atmosphere. Adult swimmers (18+) of all levels. Varied coach dir workouts for all skill levels will help enhance technique and improve s & stamina. Triathlon training support is available, and there opportunities to participate in competitive meets and open water sw Participants can expect to develop team camaraderie and group sociabil TRAINING SESSIONS & SCHEDULE Our club is basically structured for training and competition based on the USA Swimming seasons: Short Course Season (September March) and Long Cours Season (April August). Separate registrations will be taken for each season. Training sessions are the most important aspect of competitive swimming. Consistent training is needed to progress through the classes of swimmers. There

3 it is important that each swimmer attends as many practices as possible in order to derive the full benefits of the program. ** Practice times are subject to change. Pool availability can be our most limiting factor. Don t waste it!** FALL SCHEDULE begins WAHS LEVEL ANNUAL COMMITMENT (reflects 12% discount for payment in full) SEASON FEES SHORT COURSE SEASON (Sept. 23 Mar. 30) LONG COURSE SEASON (Apr. 29 July) MONTHLY PAYME OPTION (Short/Long due a registration and 1 st of month) Pre-Comp. A/B Starfish (10/1 12/2) Pre-Comp. A/B Starfish (1/2 2/27) Pre-Comp. A & B Starfish 6:00 8:00 p.m./ M-F 6:00 7:30 p.m./ M-F 6:30 7:45 p.m./ M-TH 6:00 7:00 p.m./ M, W 5:15 6:00 p.m./ M, W 6:30 7:30 p.m./ M, W, TH same as above WINTER SCHEDULE WAHS 5:30 7:30 p.m./ M-F 5:30 7:00 p.m./ M-F 6:30 7:30 p.m./ M-TH 6:00 7:00 p.m./ M, W 5:15 6:00 p.m./ M, W 6:30 7:30 p.m./ M,W,TH same as above SUMMER SCHEDULE June Loyalsock Pool 7:00 9:00 a.m../ M-F 7:00 8:30 a.m../ M-F 8:00 9:00 a.m../ M-TH 8:15 9:00 a.m./ M, W 8:15 9:00 a.m./ M, W 6:30 7:30 a.m./ M-F $ $ $ $ (3) / $ ( $ $ $ $145.00(3) / $ ( $ $ $ $ (3) / $92.50 (2 Pre- Competitive $ $ $ $61.67 (3) / $72.50(2) Starfish $ $85.00 (10/1 12/2) & (1/2-2/27) $85.00 (1/2 2/27) $42.50 (2) / $42.50 (2) $ $ $ $90.00 (3) / $76.50 (2) Swimmers $ $ (Sept.- Nov. & Mar.) $ $75.00 (4) / $61.25 (4) USA Membership - Each WASC swimmer is required to be a member of UNIT STATES SWIMMING. The cost is $60.00 per year/ $37.00 for, payabl the time of registration. Multi-Swimmer Discount - Families with more than one child participating in t WASC shall receive a discount for the highest fee swimmer. 5% discount off the second swimmer or 10% discount of the third swimmer. Only one discount appl Late Fee Policy - Any payment not made by the 10 th of the month will result in $10 late fee. If not paid by the 20 th day an additional $20 late fee will be applied payment is not received by the 30 th day, the swimmer will be suspended from all swim activities including practices and meets until full payment is scheduled. Refunds, Prorates, and Financial Hardships - The WASC Board will make determinations of refunds, prorates and financial hardships on a case-by-case ba FINANCIAL OBLIGATION WASC FAQs

4 What is USA Swimming? USA Swimming (USA-S) is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States. It is a 300,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events and education. Membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. There are more than 2,800 USA Swimming clubs across the nation. USA-S is also responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games, and strives to serve the sport through its core objectives: Build the base, Promote the sport, Achieve competitive success. For more info visit: Where does the WASC fit into USA Swimming? The WASC is part of the Middle Atlantic Local Swimming Committee. A local swimming committee (or LSC) is an administrative arm of USA Swimming, which supervises competitive swimming within established geographic boundaries. There are 59 LSCs in the U.S. The Middle Atlantic LSC includes New Jersey south of Mercer and Monmouth counties: Delaware; and Pennsylvania east of and including Potter, Clinton, Centre, Huntingdon and Bedford counties. Middle Atlantic Swimming is part of the Eastern Zone of the U.S. which includes 11 other LSCs. All zones conduct All-Star competitions and sectional meets for teams within their zone. For more info visit: How is the WASC different from other local swimming programs? WASC attends USA-S sanctioned and approved meets which are attended by numerous teams. There is no dual meet season. WASC swimmers choose the meets they wish to attend and the events they wish to enter. Different levels of performance are established within each event and swimmers are recognized for their achievements, as they become faster swimmers. Because the Middle Atlantic region reaches beyond the borders of Pennsylvania, our swimmers see a broader competitive base. USA-S also holds meets at the zone and national levels for those who qualify. Along with standard meets, WASC swimmers also compete in open water swims and triathlons. How is the WASC governed? The WASC is overseen and directed by an elected board. Coaches, parents, and community volunteers that have a local connection to swimming hold board positions. What role does the Williamsport Area and school district play within our club? They provide the pool for our use. What kind of expenses can I expect when I become involved with the WASC? Team fees which vary by training group; equipment and team apparel (visit website for a complete list); meet entry fees (usually $5.00 per event) and related travel, food and lodging expenses which vary depending on the meet location. When are payments due? Is there a payment plan? What if I have difficulty playing? Fees may be paid: 1) as an annual paid-in-full commitment at registration at which time you will receive a 12% discount; 2) a one-time payment for a single season or; 3) through the monthly payment plan. Cash or checks are acceptable forms of payment. Meet entry fees are due when entries are submitted to the coa Financial assistance is available to qualifying families. No swimmer will be deni membership for financial reasons. How does the 2-week trial work? We want potential members to be able to experience our program without worrying about a long-term commitment in case swimming isn t right for them. There is a $25.00 non-refundable fee for the 2-w experience. We encourage swimmers to attend every practice scheduled for their level in order to get a true feel for the team before making a final decision. If the swimmer decides to join the WASC, the $25.00 will be applied to their team fee What is the fundraising/volunteer commitment? Since the club is self-suppor our income comes from payment of dues and fundraising. The success of any yo sports program is directly connected to the involvement and support of its paren volunteers. Annually, each family will be expected to volunteer on-sight, serve an organizing committee or bring in sponsorships or in-kind donations for the M Madness 5K (spring) and the Lumberjack Triathlon (summer). Registering for a participation in the 5K or triathlon is also an option towards the volunteer commitment. What elements make up a usual practice? All practices will include a warm-u training sets, technique instruction and a cool down. The distribution in each are will differ between training groups. When is the best time to discuss my child s development with the coaches? Speak with your respective coach to arrange a time. You may do this following practice or via to swimwasc@gmail.com. Is there an attendance policy? Swimmers are encouraged to attend as many practices as possible. and swimmers have a minimum practice attendance rule. Regular attendance at practices is part of the discipline of swimming, and should become routine. Only through practice can a swimmer ho to reach established goals. Just like the school of life, you get out of it what you into it! What if my child is involved in other sports or activities? While swimmers ar encouraged to attend practices and make swimming a priority, it is understood th young people need to experience many of the things that life has to offer. Parent swimmers need to set expectations accordingly. Swimming seems like a big time commitment. Will swimming hurt the acad success of my child? Are there any safeguards or team rules related to academics? The philosophy of the WASC is that academics come first! Is the WASC ultra-competitive? The WASC welcomes swimmers of all ages a abilities and we strive to provide valuable skills and development at every level. club is as competitive as you want it to be. We believe that success isn t always about winning. We work not only to develop good swimmers, but also good peo

5 What is the difference between the short course season and the long course season? The short course season runs from Sept. April and meets are held in either 25 yard or 25-meter pools. The long course season runs from May Aug. and meets are held in 50-meter pools. Are competitions mandatory? Meet attendance throughout the season is very important to the success and sense of accomplishment of each swimmer. Competition provides feedback, which is motivating to swimmers. It is the goal that all upper level team members should compete approximately once every four weeks. Any WASC hosted meets are mandatory. Where/when are the competitions held? The season s meet schedule will be posted on the WASC website in advance. We do not schedule any meets unless we feel it is important to participate and the WASC hosted meets are mandatory. It is the goal that all team members should compete approximately once every four weeks. Locations generally include State College, Mechanicsburg, York, West Chester, Philadelphia and New Jersey. There are sanctioned meets in our area that the team does not choose to attend. Swimmers may swim in these meets with the approval of the WASC coaching staff. How is event participation determined? In most cases each swimmer may choose the events he/she enters. Coaches often offer suggestions. In some cases, qualifying times determine which events a swimmer may enter. What are the types of USA Swimming Meets? Mini: Any USA registered swimmer who is age 8 or younger on the first day of the meet may enter. A/BB/C: Any USA registered swimmer who is at least 9 yrs. old by the first day of the meet may enter. Swimmers are entered as A, BB or C level according to entry time. Awards are presented in each level. Time standards may be accessed at click on the performance tab and choose MA Time Standards. Distance: Meets offering events such as the 400 yard IM, 500, 1000 or 1650 yard freestyle events open to USA registered swimmers. The age-groups are decided by the hosting teams. USA Swimming sponsored and Open Water Swims and Triathlons Closed Meets: Visiting teams may attend by invitation only. Senior Elite Meet: Any USA registered swimmer who meets the qualifying time standards. Junior Olympics (J.O.s): Any USA registered swimmer between the ages of 9-14 by the first day of the meet and who meets the qualifying time standards. Summer J.O.s include swimmers up up to age 19. Middle Atlantic Short Course Senior Championships: Any USA registered swimmer who meets the qualifying time standards. Regional Swimming Championships: A championship meet for those swimmers yet to achieve JO or Sr. Championship qualifying times. Middle Atlantic Elite Meet: USA registered swimmers in each event in each age group who meet the qualifying standards. Eastern Zone All-Stars: The top two Middle Atlantic swimmers in each event compete. Short Course Nationals: USA registered swimmers who meet the qualifyi time standards. NCSA Junior National Swimming Championships: USA registered swimm who meet the qualifying time standards. Speedo Short Course Yard Junior National Championships: USA register swimmers who meet the qualifying time standards. United States Olympic Trials: USA registered swimmers who meet the qualifying time standards. The Olympic Games: The two fastest finishers in each event at the Olymp Trials. How can parents become involved? Parents are encouraged to become active members of our club through volunteering, fundraising, serving in board capacit other committees, and/or participating in trainings to become officials. Can parents stay and watch practice? Yes. Parents may watch from the specta seating area. Parents are not allowed on the pool deck during practice. Are parents required to be at every meet and practice? No. We understand th swim schedule is rigorous and there may be conflicts with family schedules. Par are encouraged to car-pool whenever necessary. We look forward to getting to know you! Please visit for additional information or questions to swimwasc@gmail.com.