| BARRACUDAS
SWIM TEAM INTRODUCTION Purpose
- The purpose of this handbook is to provide information and guidance on the various
policies and procedures related to the Clippard Family YMCA Swim Team. All team
members and their families are encouraged to read it and become familiar with
the important facts and rules of the team. Participation - The
Clippard Barracudas Swim Team is a year-round program offered by the Clippard
Family YMCA that provides competitive swimming opportunities to athletes 5 to
18 years old. YMCA Mission Statement - To put Christian principles
into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for
all. ELIGIBILITY At the Clippard
Family YMCA we encourage all interested swimmers ages 5-18 years of age to join
the swim team. The only requirement is that all swimmers exhibit competency in
swimming 25 yards. This program is open to all Clippard Family YMCA members. Members
- A member of the Clippard Barracudas Swim Team is considered an active member
of the Clippard Family YMCA. A member of the program will be eligible to swim
in both the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati League and any YMCA sanctioned swim meets.
In order to swim in a YMCA sanctioned meet you must be a member of the YMCA you
are representing for 30 days prior to the start of the meet. All swimmers must
swim in 3 YMCA sanctioned meets in order to be eligible for Zones and Championships.
SWIMMER PRACTICE LEVELS The Clippard
Barracudas Swim Team uses a "progressive" age group program designed
to develop the child physically, mentally and emotionally in a systematic fashion.
A well-defined, long-term approach of gradually increasing degrees of commitment
is essential to reach peak performance levels during a swimmer's physiological
prime. The emphasis in the early stages of participation must be placed on developing
technical skills and a love for the sport. In the later years, a more demanding
physical and psychological challenge must be introduced to the training program.
In addition to emphasizing long-term rather than short-term results, it is also
important that we establish training groups of swimmers who are compatible in
respect to abilities, commitment levels and goals. At each level, the
goals and objectives are specific and directed toward meeting the needs of the
swimmer. The long-term goal of total excellence is always in mind. As each child
is different, he/she will progress at his/her own rate. The coaching staff recognizes
this fact by making team assignments based on a swimmer's physical, mental and
emotional level of development. PRACTICES Practice
schedules may change depending on the time of year. The current schedule will
be: Monday - Friday 4:30-6:00 p.m. Sunday
3:00-5:00 p.m.
**Each swimmer is asked to attend at least
three times per week** **Swimmers will be placed into levels and practice times
will vary** TEAM FEES The Clippard
Barracudas Swim Team is solely supported by the collection of dues from its members
and various fundraisers. Team expenses involve staff expenses, equipment, league
fees, and various other team related obligations. Every effort is made to keep
costs as low as possible. Fee Schedule for 2007-2008
September 10th thru Championships (March) Members: $250/1st Child,
$200/Each additional child **Membership is required: Family $76/month
, Teen $18.63/month (12-17 years age) Joiners Fee Waived for Swim Team ADDITIONAL
EXPENSES YMCA sanctioned meets and invitationals require a cost
per event per swimmers. This cost usually fluctuates between $2-$4 per event.
All meets have a maximum of 4 events per swimmers. All costs for the Novice League
meets are included in the registration fee. EQUIPMENT
Swim Caps - Team caps must be worn at all YMCA sanctioned meets. For more
information on team caps please contact the Head Coach. Team Suit
- We do not require that all participants purchase a team suit, however we do
strongly encourage it. Practice Equipment - Swimmers will need
practice suits, goggles, caps and towels. It is recommended that swimmers have
at least two pairs of goggles at all times in case one pair were to break. The
Clippard Family YMCA aquatic department will provide all other additional practice
materials. SWIM MEETS Seasons
- The Clippard Family Barracudas Swim Team seasons are broken out into 2 sessions.
1st session (Short Course Season) runs from September through March. 2nd Session
(Summer Session) runs from May through July. Scheduling - The
Clippard Family YMCA Swim Team typically participates in 2 meets per month. During
scheduled meets, at least one coach will be available for all swimmers. The competition
at these meets ranges from novice to state/national levels. The Head Coach will
inform all participants of what meets they will be swimming in and what events.
There are no refunds for meets you cannot attend after the meet entry deadline
date. This includes relays. Meet Entries - All meet entries are
made through the Head Coach and the Meet Coordinator. Deadlines for all meets
will be posted on the information board on the website. COMMUNICATION Effective
communication is essential to a successful team! The Clippard Family YMCA Swim
Team strives to create an open and informative environment for communication among
swimmers, parents, and coaching staff. There are several channels of communication
available: Team Mailbox - The team mailbox will be located in the
YMCA business office. This will be in effective form of communication in terms
of YMCA management, coaches and parent board members. Website -
The Clippard Family website is www.myy.org/locations/clippard/barracudas/ Our
website will have timely information on practice schedules, meet schedules, parent
information, important announcements, glossary of terms, nutrition, top times,
directions to meets and links to other important sites. Coaches
- When contacting the coaches, please be considerate. During practice times the
coaches are focused on running the workout. The best time to speak to a coach
is after practice. All coaches have email addresses posted on the website or you
can send a note with your swimmer(s) or leave one in his/her box. Please note,
parents are not allowed on the pool deck during practice but are welcome to watch
through the windows anytime. Sometimes parents feel more comfortable discussing
a coaching issue with other parents rather than with the coach. This approach
rarely clarifies the issue and can lead to problems. The following are some guidelines
for communicating with a coach: - Please
remember that you and the coach have your child's best interest at heart. Trusting
that a coach's goals coincide with yours even though the approach may be different
will lead to a positive dialogue.
- Coaches
must balance your perspective of what is best for your child with the needs of
the whole team and/or training group. 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.
- If
your child swims for an assistant coach always discuss the matter first with that
coach. If necessary, you may then ask the head coach to join in the discussion
as a third party.
- If
another parent uses you as a sounding board, listen but encourage him/her to speak
with a coach.
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