Summer 2014 Swim Team YMCA of Greater Hartford Mission Statement

Summer 2014 Swim Team YMCA of Greater Hartford Mission Statement The YMCA of Greater Hartford is an association, open to all and committed to helping people develop their God given potential in spirit, mind and body. Our commitment is based on the belief that the purpose of this three fold development is to better live out the values our Judeo/Christian heritage, including caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. 1

Welcome to 2014 Wheeler Regional Family YMCA Summer Swim Team! We are looking forward to a fun and successful summer season. In this packet, we hope to answer some of the questions you might have about the swim team. Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Amanda Robles, Aquatics Director, at 860-793-9631 x144 or amanda.robles@ghymca.org. The Summer Swim Team is designed for children with swimming experience. The purpose of this program is to improve swimming skills and endurance through attending 4 practices a week with our Swim Team Coaches. Skills include (but are not limited to) stroke technique, starts, and flip turns. There will be competitive meets during this summer season, which will give the swimmers a chance to swim more and be able to work with coaches on improving their individual skills. All Swimmers MUST: Be ages 7 18 years old (age 6 with coaches recommendation) Be able to pass the Flying Fish skill level or have a coach s recommendation. Register at the Wheeler YMCA for the Summer Swim Team. Complete a Swim Team informational form; one per swimmer; must be handed in at registration time. The Member Service Desk will this pass form onto the Aquatic Director. Swimmers must have their membership cards on them, present their card at Wheeler YMCA Member Service Desk Center to swipe their card when using the Wheeler YMCA Pool. Team Affiliation and Representation Policy We take pride in being and representing the Wheeler Tigersharks Swim Team. Any USA swimmer from another team MUST complete a transfer of registration form from that team prior to joining the Tigersharks. There will also be a 120 day standing policy where you will need to swim unattached before representing our team fully. You can only swim for 1 team. Inclement Weather/Pool Closure Policy At times during the season, we may have to close the pool or cancel practice/meets for various reasons. If we do not, please do your best to judge accordingly due to weather. The pool may be closed for thunder and lightning storms. The protocol is to close the pool for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Practice: If the pool is still closed down because it is still storming by a certain time for each group, we will dismiss swimmers at that time, so please plan to pick your swimmer up. Up until that time, we will aim to have dryland activities for the swimmers depending on the space at the Y that is available. 2

COACHING STAFF & CONTACT INFO HEAD COACH Rachel King wheelertigersharks@gmail.com Cell: 860-716-9183 ASSISTANT COACHES Nicholas Daddabbo nickdaddabbo@sbcglobal.net Audrey King Rebecca Exley (Additional Coaching Staff TBA) YMCA STAFF Main YMCA Number: 860-793-9631 Amanda Robles Aquatics Director amanda.robles@ghymca.org YMCA: 860-793-9631 Sally Miller Associate Executive Director sally.miller@ghymca.org Bob Nenna Executive Director bob.nenna@ghymca.org 3

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION We believe communication between our coaching staff, swimmers and parents is extremely important. If there is an issue that you would like to discuss with the head coach the best method of communication is to send an e-mail or phone call. All e-mails and phone calls will be responded to within 24 hours. If you would prefer to talk in person with a coach please do so before or after practice. In order to provide your swimmer with the most fulfilling practice, please do not attempt to interact with a coach while he or she is conducting a practice. Website http://www.teamunify.com/ctwryt Please check constantly for most recent news, meet information, practice updates, etc! Every member will have a log-in account to access certain swim team only information and will need access in order to sign up for meets. E-mail System When you register for the swim team, you are asked to supply an e-mail address. Blast e-mails from the head coach are sent regularly to parents with information on practices, meets, special events and weekly newsletters. E-mail will also be used to communicate urgent messages such as emergency facility closures or practice cancellations. Individual Family Folders In the wet hallway, there is a bin of manila folders where physical papers and items will be distributed. Each registered swimming family will be assigned a folder. Swimmers should check these folders after each practice. These folders will be used to distribute ribbons after each meet. Anything you want to give the coaches or drop off can be placed in the Coaches folder in the front of the bin. Team Bulletin Board The swim team maintains a bulletin board in the pool and wet hallway areas. Posted on the bulletin board you will find practice and meet announcements, schedules, special announcements, etc. 4

TEAM STRUCTURE Practice groups will be based on each swimmer s skill/ability level/time/attitude/number of swimmers registered. Coaches will assign these groups the first week of practice. Practice groups are subject to change and swimmers can move at any point in the season. Group 1 This group is designed to provide swimmers with the physical and technical skills necessary to compete in meets. Pool sessions will emphasize drills, starts, turns, endurance, as well as begin to introduce series of different workout sets. Dryland training will help build general strength, improve flexibility, and reduce injuries. Recommended Age Range: 7-12 Recommended Practices: All offered Recommended Meets: All meets Group 2 This group is designed to provide swimmers with an emphasis on drills, starts, turns, and endurance. Swimmers will also be introduced to different types of sets, race strategies, goal setting, nutrition, and mental preparation. Yardage and intensity will vary depending on time of season. Dryland training will help build general strength, improve flexibility, and reduce injuries. Recommended Age Range: 11 and up Recommended Practices: All offered Recommended Meets: All meets USA SWIMMING OPTION This program is for those swimmers that would like to broaden their experiences by participating in a program that provides more competitions and more opportunities to swim at invitational and championship meets throughout the season. In addition to regular YMCA meets, swimmers will participate in meets in various pools throughout CT. Swimmers that are participating must be serious about continuing their development as a swimmer. More info can be found at http://www.ctswim.org NOTE: USA Swimming will only carry on for those registered from the 2013-2014 Winter Season. Meet fees to USA meets will need to be applied. 5

PRACTICES Practices are designed by the coaches to teach and enhance swimming techniques, endurance, and speed. Training aids such as kick boards, pull buoys, hand paddles and fins may be used. Sets of drills that involve kicking, swimming, and pulling in all four strokes are taught. The coaches try to make each workout both interesting and challenging and they use every opportunity to respond to each individual's effort with reinforcement and praise. Practice Policies The following policies will be enforced on a regular basis. They are instituted in order to ensure the safety of all swimmers, maintain a quality program and establish a respect for the practice, of the coaching staff s time, and to eliminate disruptions to practice and/or meets. 1. All swimmers are expected to take a shower prior to entering the pool: by law for health reasons. 2. All swimmers are to arrive on deck ON TIME and prepared to swim with suit, goggles, cap and a bottle of water (no other beverages please). 3. Tardiness will not be tolerated, except for prior note or notification to a coach. Coaches will follow-up on written notes. 4. Please no parents on deck. Parents are welcome to stay in the wet hallway and observe during practices. 5. Parents are asked to limit conversations with members of the coaching staff to the time just prior to or following practice, NOT during practice. 6. After practice, swimmers are asked to keep their shower brief as we have a large team and we need to make sure everyone has a turn in a timely manner. Keep the floors dry. Please do not get dressed in the shower stalls so others can use the showers. Parents are asked to not hold showers while waiting for their swimmer to leave practice. 7. Swimmers are expected to utilize the Male Family and Female Family locker rooms only. 8. Please lock all valuables in locker room as we are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Equipment Needed For Practice: Swimsuit Goggles Towel Swim cap Water bottle Fins For dryland, swimmers need to have appropriate gym clothing and sneakers! For those that need swim equipment please visit our team store online: http://www.swimoutlet.com/wheelertigersharks A portion of all sales goes back to support the team! 6

PRACTICE SCHEDULE The season will run from May 5 July 24 and conclude with an end of the season BBQ celebration at the Y. Day Age/Ability Level Times Sunday Group 1 3:30 4:30 p.m. Monday (Dryland) Wednesday (Dryland) Group 2 Group 1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2 4:30 5:45 p.m. 5:30 6:45 p.m. 6:45 8:00 p.m. 5:30 6:45 p.m. 6:45 8:00 p.m. Thursday Group 1 Group 2 5:45 6:45 p.m. 6:45-8:00 p.m. *Practice Groups will be determined the first week of practices and are subject to change based on the distribution of those registered. *Dryland will be incorporated before and/or during practice start times and will be announced later. 7

MEET SCHEDULE There will be 3-4 seasonal meets held on Friday nights. The schedule will be determined and finalized during the League meetings. The meets use a 50 event format and last ~2.5 hours. There will be a Yankee Cluster League Championship for all teams held at the end of July Friday night and Saturday. Dates and more information about meets will be available during the beginning of the summer season. Date Team Location Saturday & USA Meet Wesleyan Sunday 5/31-6/1 Middletown, CT Friday 6/6 YMCA Away Meet Saturday & Sunday 6/14-6/15 Friday 6/20 Saturday & Sunday 6/21-6/22 USA Meet YMCA Away Meet vs. Waterbury (we will need level 2 officials) USA Meet Wesleyan Middletown, CT Waterbury YMCA UCONN Storrs, CT Friday 6/27 YMCA Away Meet Friday 7/11 Friday 7/18 & Saturday 7/19 YMCA Away Meet 13&OVERS CHAMPS 12&UNDERS CHAMPS TBA 7/20 USA Regionals Wesleyan Middletown, CT 7/24-7/27 USA Age Groups Wesleyan Middletown, CT 8

Meet Attendance/Policies It is very important that the head coach know how many swimmers will be attending each meet. While we understand that illness and other unexpected things arise from time to time, the commitment from our swimmers and parents to take ownership in their meet attendance is essential to our ability to run smooth and successful meets. In order to help the coaches create lineups for each meet the following guidelines should be followed. We would like every swimmer to attend all swim meets! Yankee Cluster Championships will be a required meet for EVERYONE unless given a sufficient reason that you are unable to attend. Each swimmer is required to respond via the website indicating what meets they will be participating in throughout the season. The coaches will create the lineups off this master attendance listing. Meet registration deadlines will be noted on the website under each individual meet and it is crucial that you sign up before the deadline in order to ensure your child will be able to swim. If you need to leave early/arrive late to a meet please make sure you make note of that when you sign up as well. We will not accept any late entries! If there is an unexpected absence (kids get sick, etc.) that impacts a swimmer s meet attendance please send an e-mail to the head coach or call/text. Swimmers may suggest what they would like to swim at meets, but the coaches will make the final decisions on event selections and relays based on practice attendance, effort, attitude, and ability. What To Bring To A Meet: Team suit Goggles (and an extra pair) Team cap Towel Warm-up suit or warm clothing Clothes to change into after meet Suitable swim bag to carry and protect all items Team T-shirt/apparel Snacks Water bottle/drinks *Please make sure to write your name on all belongings and bring a lock to lock your valuables in the locker rooms at meets. We cannot be held responsible for any lost or stolen items!* 9

Meet Reminders Entries are sent out prior to the meet, please write your child s events on their hand to save time for the coaches. 11 & overs should be able to read a heat sheet and write on their own hands if needed. Swimmers should wear team suits and team caps. If you do not have a team suit or cap, you must wear a plain solid bathing suit or swim cap. This goes with our team affiliation policy. 8 & unders can leave after their free relay. No glass is allowed on pool deck. Cheer for your teammates! Unless volunteering for timing, officiating or running the system, parents should remain in the stands. Pool area is for swimmers and coaches only. Swimmers need to clean up their own garbage. Swimmers need to let a coach know where they are at all times during a meet. We should not be looking for swimmers to line up and cannot be held responsible if a child misses his or her event. YMCA Yankee Cluster Championship The end of the dual meet season is marked with the Yankee Cluster Championships. This meet is scored, with awards going to the top teams. The Yankee Cluster Championship is very important because it determines our team s overall ranking in the league for the season. 10

REGISTRATION AND FEES FEES Tiger Shark Swim Club Fees* Member 7 18 years old $302.00 *All Tiger Shark swimmers must be current facility members of the Wheeler YMCA. Payment Options: 1. Full pay at time of registration 2. Credit/debit card draft: 1/2 of total paid at time of registration with 1/2 of total paid by credit/debit card draft on 5/1514. All credit/debit card draft information must be submitted at time of registration. The YMCA strives to serve all people, regardless of ability to pay. Financial Assistance information is available by contacting the Wheeler YMCA. REGISTRATION Current Swim Team Families Only: Registration starts Monday March 24 th. Open Registration: Starts Monday March 31 st. Registration may be done over the phone, or in person at the Wheeler YMCA. If done by phone, please bring registration forms to the Wheeler YMCA (attention Amanda Robles, Aquatics Director prior to the first practice). Any swimmer that does not have a current registration form on file will not be able to swim. Registration is open for 65 swimmers. 11

WHEELER SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION FORM (ONE PER SWIMMER) Swimmer s Name: Last: Middle Initial: First: DOB: / / Age as of 12/1/last year: M/F: Returning Swimmer: Address: Home Phone: Parent 1 Name: Cell Phone: Email: Parent 2 Name: Cell Phone: Email: In the space provided below, list any pertinent health or medical information and instructions or special problems (allergies, tetanus booster dates, drug allergies, asthma, prescriptions, etc.) Aside from yourselves, (the parents of the Swimmer), please indicate (in order), those individuals that you would like the coaches to contact should there be an emergency involving your child: Name: Name: Phone: Relation: Phone: Relation: Swimmer s Doctor: Phone: **************************************************************************************** In case of a minor emergency (cuts, scratches, headache, etc.), I (we) give permission to the coaches or chaperones to treat these as they deem necessary. In the event of a more serious emergency, I give permission for it to be handled in the best manner as determined by the chaperones or coaches of WRTS until I am able to be contacted. TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR HOSPITAL: Permission is hereby granted for you at the discretion of the coaches or chaperons of WRTS to perform whatever care is necessary for the welfare of my child until such time as you are able to reach me personally. INSURANCE INFORMATION (must be complete) Subscriber s Name: Insurance Company: ID # Group # Insurance Coverage (i.e. medical, dental): By signing below, I verify that I have received a copy of the 2014 Summer Packet and I understand that I am responsible for understanding and complying with the information it contains. Signature: Date: 12

WHEELER SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION FORM (ONE PER SWIMMER) Swimmer s Name: Last: Middle Initial: First: DOB: / / Age as of 12/1/last year: M/F: Returning Swimmer: Address: Home Phone: Parent 1 Name: Cell Phone: Email: Parent 2 Name: Cell Phone: Email: In the space provided below, list any pertinent health or medical information and instructions or special problems (allergies, tetanus booster dates, drug allergies, asthma, prescriptions, etc.) Aside from yourselves, (the parents of the Swimmer), please indicate (in order), those individuals that you would like the coaches to contact should there be an emergency involving your child: Name: Name: Phone: Relation: Phone: Relation: Swimmer s Doctor: Phone: **************************************************************************************** In case of a minor emergency (cuts, scratches, headache, etc.), I (we) give permission to the coaches or chaperones to treat these as they deem necessary. In the event of a more serious emergency, I give permission for it to be handled in the best manner as determined by the chaperones or coaches of WRTS until I am able to be contacted. TO THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN OR HOSPITAL: Permission is hereby granted for you at the discretion of the coaches or chaperons of WRTS to perform whatever care is necessary for the welfare of my child until such time as you are able to reach me personally. INSURANCE INFORMATION (must be complete) Subscriber s Name: Insurance Company: ID # Group # Insurance Coverage (i.e. medical, dental): By signing below, I verify that I have received a copy of the 2014 Summer Packet and I understand that I am responsible for understanding and complying with the information it contains. Signature: Date: 13

WHEELER YMCA TIGER SHARKS SWIM TEAM PAYMENT FORM Membership Type: Youth Family Team Fee Swimmer #1 (Name) 7-18 year old $302 TOTAL: Team Fee Swimmer #2 (Name) 7-18 year old $302 Sibling Discount (does not apply to USA fees) 10% TOTAL: Team Fee Swimmer #3 (Name) 7-18 year old $302 Sibling Discount (does not apply to USA fees) 10% TOTAL: FINAL TOTAL: PAYMENT INFORMATION Payment in Full 1 Payment at Registration & Credit/Debit Card Draft (1 balance due payment of will be drafted on 5/15/2014) Card Number: Exp Date: Card Type: VISA MC DISC AMEX I authorize the Wheeler YMCA to charge my credit card for the above scheduled payments. Signature: Date: 14

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