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.