CAC Handbook Updated 8 23 17 - TeamUnify Handbook Updated … · winter season recognition banquet and purchase awards for swimmers. Board meetings are held ... in slide show at team

Columbus

Aquatic Club

Competitive Swim Program Handbook

This handbook is designed to answer some of the more frequently asked questions that parents have about our program and

swimming in general.

Columbus Aquatic Club – updated 8/23/17

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MISSION STATEMENT ………………………………………… Page 3 ABOUT THE TEAM ………………………………………… Page 3 COACHES ………………………………………… Page 4 BOARD MEMBERS ………………………………………… Page 4 VOLUNTEERING ………………………………………… Page 5 FUNDRAISING ………………………………………… Page 6 COMMUNICATION ………………………………………… Page 6 TEAMUNIFY WEBSITE ………………………………………… Page 6 TRAVEL ………………………………………… Page 7 TEAM GEAR ………………………………………… Page 7 FEES ………………………………………… Page 7 SEASONAL TEAM FEES ………………………………………… Page 7 USA SWIMMING ………………………………………… Page 9 POST-SEASON POLICY ………………………………………… Page 10 TRAINING GROUPS ………………………………………… Page 12 TRAINING SCHEDULE ………………………………………… Page 13 PRACTICE RULES & REGS ………………………………………… Page 14 TRAINING EQUIPMENT ………………………………………… Page 14 SWIM MEETS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS ………………………………………… Page 18 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ………………………………………… Page 18 INVITATIONAL MEETS ………………………………………… Page 18 WHAT TO PACK ………………………………………… Page 18 SWIMMER CODE OF CONDUCT ………………………………………… Page 19 PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT ………………………………………… Page 20 MEET LOCATIONS ………………………………………… Page 21 SWIM VOCABULARY ………………………………………… Page 22


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MISSION STATEMENT "I think the hardest thing to do is reach your full potential. It's nearly impossible. So all I want to

do is have the satisfaction that I gave everything I possibly could." - Erik Vendt

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." Our mission is to develop the leaders of tomorrow through competitive swimming. We believe that swimming is a medium through which discipline, leadership, responsibility, teamwork, determination and sportsmanship are developed and learned. Our goal is that these developed characteristics transcend the pool. We provide each member of our team with the opportunities, the purpose, the process and passion to achieve excellence in competitive swimming and therefore in life. VISION Our vision is to be a model age group program in this country. That we will, in 3 - 5 years take steps to: Take this team to new heights by creating a culture of EXCELLENCE within our athletes, families, coaches, and team. This will be achieved by instilling values of: Self-Discipline, Work Ethic, Responsibility, and Commitment to a Goal. We will distinguish ourselves as a team through, our professional appearance (both athletes and staff), through our participation numbers, and through our athletic performances and achievements. EXCELLENCE is a way of life. We strive to be the best in everything that we do: life, work, school, relationships, and of course sports. We will hold our athletes, families, and staff to very high standards. ABOUT THE TEAM We are a year-round USA Swimming team that competes in both the short course and long course seasons. The short course season starts with training in August. Throughout the course of the season, we compete in a variety of different meets: Dual Meets, Mini Meets, Invitational meets, USA Championship Meets, Qualifying Meets and National Meets. The CAC team has been host to numerous state champions and nationally ranked athletes. We are a team comprised of roughly 200 athletes ranging from the ages of 4 – 19. During the summer months we host college age athletes who continue training with CAC during their months away from school. We offer a Masters Program geared towards adults looking to better their swimming skills and fitness levels for Triathlons, Masters Swimming or anyone just looking to be apart of a swimming team and train for their own health and well-being. We offer a learn-to-swim-competitive program in the summer for 6 weeks starting in June called Tiger Sharks. This program is geared towards swimmers of any age who are new to competitive swimming. The year is broken up into two seasons and meets are offered respectively each season: Short Course Season: Late August / September through March / April Long Course Season: April through August


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COACHES Dan Ohm Head Coach Andrew Beggs Associate Head Coach Kayla Mumpower Age Group Coach Leah Gingrich Developmental Coach CAC BOARD The Board is responsible for:

• Supplying officials, timers, and other volunteers as required by USA Swimming for all home and away meets.

• Coordinating social and fundraising activities for the team. • Providing information and support to the coaching staff.

Funds raised by the Board allow the swim team to purchase and maintain equipment, sponsor a winter season recognition banquet and purchase awards for swimmers. Board meetings are held monthly during the season and all parents are invited to attend. All parents of team members are voting members of the Board and the Board is composed of the following parent volunteers: President: Steve Swinehart Vice President: Jeff Battles Treasurer: Donna Skeen Secretary: Judi Livingston Program Director: Cheri Mattson Membership Director: Erin Tyler Team Admin: Kathy Gramling Additionally, the following volunteer positions are offered as we are always looking for additional help. Meet Director: Kathy Gramling Spirit Wear Chair: Banquet Chair: Fundraising Chair: Volunteers Chair: Social Chair: Swim Sibs Chair: Nationals Chair: Deck Manager: Statistics: Photographer: Snack Bar: Coordinator:


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VOLUNTEERING Parent volunteers are critical to an efficient, well-run swim meet and we need the assistance of every swim family! Volunteer sign-ups are done electronically via the TeamUnify website and will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis. All families will have a minimum volunteer requirement.

Volunteer Positions and Responsibilities:

Timers: Time each heat in a specific lane using stopwatches that are provided by the host team. This job is very easy and keeps you right next to the action. No prior experience is necessary and officials will provide training prior to start of meet.

Officials: These include the starter, referee, administrator, and stroke and turn judges. They conduct the meet and address rule infractions; training is necessary (through USA depending on the meet.) There is always a demand for these volunteers. Training is technical but not lengthy or difficult. Columbus Aquatic Club offers at least one training per year.

Runners: Runners assist the scoring table by posting results in the lobby as they are printed and obtaining information from timers to assist in scoring. No prior experience is necessary.

Scorers: This person inputs data during meets (times, relay names, etc.) and generates results from the system. Training on specific Meet Manager software is needed.

Console Operator: This person runs the timing console in conjunction with the Meet Manager software. Training provided.

Announcer: This volunteer has the charge of announcing the events and swimmers’ names prior to the swimmers entering the water.

Set-Up/Clean-Up: Before a meet can begin and after a meet ends, parents are expected to help set up the pool for the meet and to return the pool to its normal condition after the meet.

Hospitality Donations: At every swim meet we will provide concessions for our guests. This is an

easy volunteer area for any parent.

Deck Security: Assists with directing parents and swimmers to the appropriate areas of the event.

Photographer: Photographs meets and shares photos with Board to be used on website and in slide show at team banquet.

Security: This volunteer assists at the pool door located directly by the scorer’s table and restricts access to the deck to volunteers only.


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FUNDRAISING While a portion of each swimmer’s registration fee and monthly fee is earmarked for team activities, equipment and maintenance, the team may also be invited to participate in other fundraisers. These events will be voluntary and are intended to be simple and fun ways to support the program and build team camaraderie. COMMUNICATION Website: http://www.swimhurricanes.com

Please check our website frequently! This is the best source for accurate and updated information regarding meets, account balances, invoices, payments, meet results, record breakers, newsletters, etc.

Twitter: Follow us @Swim_Hurricanes - Meet results, updates, team news, last minute cancellations due to weather will be posted on our twitter account which is also on our website homepage. This is strictly used for team purposes.

Facebook: Columbus Hurricanes USA Swimming Team – This is our fun and informal

method of communication. The FaceBook page is used to share photos, cheer on teammates, report lost & found items and share other information in a fun, fast medium.

Family Folders: More information to come… Newsletters: The Board vice-president also emails a monthly newsletter during the short

course season to keep the team updated on meet entries, registration deadlines, team activities and other items that require attention. Newsletters will be distributed via email and available on the website.

Parent Meetings: Will be held periodically throughout the year. These meetings provide an

opportunity to get some face-to-face info right from the source, get updates on team activities and information and serve as a place to ask questions.

TEAM UNIFY As mentioned above, our website is the best way to get the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you are new to the team, you will receive an email with log-in instructions – returning family log-in information remains the same as last season. On our website you will find the Team Handbook, schedule, event sign-up, qualifying times, personal account balances, invoices and many other links to important information.


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TRAVEL There will be meets throughout the course of the year, which will require significant travel. In an effort to keep these meets as “team” oriented as possible, we book a block of rooms for each travel meet. Blocked rooms often run at a lower fee due to the number of rooms that are booked. We will communicate booking information as the specific travel meets approach. TEAM GEAR Uniforms: Each swimmer is required to wear the official team suit for all meets unless

otherwise specified. Swimmers who wear swim caps are also required to wear the official team cap, which can be ordered through Spirit Wear, see below. Non-personalized caps are also available for purchase. Please note, the official team suits are intended for competition and should not be worn for practice.

Spirit Wear: A selection of CAC spirit wear and other accessories will be available for purchase

via the team website. Details will be provided at the beginning of the season. PROGRAM FEES Swimmers may join The Columbus Aquatic Club at any time of the year. Registration can only be done after your child has been evaluated by Coach Kayla. Evaluations are done by appointment only. "See Join CAC Tab" for evaluation information. Registration covers your child's yearly USA Swimming and GA Swimming registration, Cap, 2 T-shirts, and yearly banquet fee. Category 1 $60 Category 2 $70 Category 3 $85 Category 4 $105 Category 5 $120 Senior Prep $90 Senior $155 Masters $50 **All charges are monthly** There is a 20% discount on the second child and a 50% discount on the third child, 4th child is free. There is a 5% discount on paying for the whole year before September 10th. More expensive groups are always the first swimmer followed by the next in line when determining billing. Registration fee is $140. Registration covers USA swimming fee/cap/shirt 11-month payment schedule (August off).


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IMPORTANT NOTES: ***This year we will require automatic draft either with a credit card or ACH*** (THIS IS REQUIRED) You can set this up through your team unify account. Information is below: *** Monthly payments are due by the 1st of each month. If dues aren't paid by the 10th of each month, then a $25 assessment fee will be accessed. If paying by check (there maybe events that call for this), please make check payable to Columbus Aquatic Club and mail to the following address: P.O. BOX 7163 Columbus, GA 31908 **In cases of financial hardship, please contact Board President Steven Swinehart directly.** CAC Board handles all remaining season charges. These additional charges may include, but are not limited to: Socials, meet fees, swim caps, spirit wear, etc. A current standing of your account can be found on the TeamUnify website and each family will receive a monthly invoice via email. You can access your account at www.swimhurricanes.com– sign in and choose “My Account” and then “$My Invoice/Payment”. You can check your balance, see what you have been invoiced for, etc. Please note: If your account is more than 30 days past due, you will be automatically blocked from entering any meets or ordering any spirit wear until your account is paid in full. We offer two options for paying your CAC account balance:

1.) Checks - Make checks payable to Columbus Aquatic Club and indicate in the memo what the check is for (e.g., meet name, tshirt, etc.) You may include more than one amount in your check (e.g., swim reg fee + tshirt) but please indicate how much you would like applied to each category. You do not have to put your check in an envelope unless you prefer or need the writing space. We will accept cash but cannot accept responsibility if it is lost or misplaced.

2.) Electronic payment – Detailed instruction for the two types of e-payments are below. The monthly fee for the electronic processing will be paid by CAC.

Monthly Auto Payment This option will automatically draft your payments for you on the first of every month from either a credit card or bank account.

• Go to www.swimhurricanes.com • Sign in • Go to My Account > Setup Auto Pay • Click the "Current Payment Method" drop down and select either Automatically

charge BANK ACCOUNT below or Automatically charge CREDIT CARD below


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• Click the Edit link to the right of the "Bank Account on File" or "Credit Card on File" field

• Fill in the bank account or credit card details • Click Save Changes

Account On Demand Payment This option gives you the ability to make a payment at any time you choose via a credit card. Go to www.swimhurricanes.com

• Sign in • Go to My Account > Setup Auto Pay • Go to $My Invoice/Payment • Click on the gray tab Make Payment • Enter your payment amount • Click Make Payment

USA SWIMMING MEMBERSHIP (included in registration fee): Benefits of USA Swimming USA Swimming Members enjoy a multitude of benefits. From our extensive Times database, to top tips and training advice, to the opportunity to enter the nation's most prestigious events, USA Swimming membership is a must for any competitive swimmer or coach. Along with all the above, members receive:

• Six issues of USA Swimming's award-winning Splash Magazine • Opportunity to qualify for and compete in USA Swimming sanctioned meets- Zones

to Olympic Trials! • New member welcome kit • Eligibility to participate in local and national swimming camps. • Ability to track your times and improvement through our extensive times database • Excess accident and liability insurance • Motivational programs such as Age Group Top 10, Scholastic All-America and more

USA SWIMMING SAFE SPORT PROGRAMMING USA Swimming is committed to fostering a fun, healthy, and safe environment for all of its members. For that reason, we have in place a detailed Code of Conduct. Safe Sport also provides policies, education, a reporting structure, and tools that are intended to serve our members as we work together to maintain this environment.


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POST-SEASON POLICY: The CAC Board is committed to fostering the growth and success of its post-season qualifying swimmers. “Post Season” refers to all Georgia State, USA Championship and USA National competitions and/or any other “championship” outlined and scheduled by the coaching staff and this policy concerns all swimmers who qualify.

1. Post Season Eligibility: In order to qualify for each of these competitions, swimmers must meet the minimum qualifying time standard.

2. Post Season Expense Funding:

a. States – No expense funding is available for these meets and qualifying swimmers are responsible for their own expenses.

b. Nationals – Funding for expenses incurred in attending National competition may be available through the Nationals Fund. These expenses may include but are not limited to: apparel, transportation, lodging and meals associated with the period of time during which a swimmer attends a USA National competition while traveling as a part of the CAC team and under the supervision of a CAC coach.

3. Nationals Fund:

Winter and Summer Nationals are typically held at locations which require significant travel as well as extended stays. The Nationals Fund exists to help defray these expenses as outlined above. The fund relies on volunteer fundraising efforts which shall be designed to help foster a sense of responsibility in the National qualifiers and support for the National team in all swim team members.

4. National Fund Eligibility:

In order to receive support for the Nationals Fund, the following requirements must be met: a. The qualifier must fully participate in at least one fundraising activity during the

current season. b. All CAC team volunteer requirements must be met (i.e., a minimum of one volunteer

shift at an CAC dual meet or Invitational during the season preceding the National meet.)

c. Qualifier’s account must have a “zero balance” prior to registering for National competition.

d. A deposit of a specified amount, less any fundraising credits earned, may be required prior to registration.

Swimmers who are close to or who anticipate achieving a National qualifying times should consider participating in fundraising activities so that should they make the cut, they will be eligible to receive support from the Fund. Nationals Fundraising: The Board will designate a Nationals Fundraising Chair to organize and implement fundraising activities. This position shall also be responsible for all accounting associated with the National Fund and reporting of this information to the Board. All Fundraising will be coordinated and approved by the Board.


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Division of Funds: a. 20% of the fund shall be “rolled over” for use in future competition and/or to offset

any expenses incurred in future activities designed to grow the Fund. b. 80% of the fund shall be designated for use in offsetting expenses of qualified

swimmers. Gear (including but not limited to Nationals Team shirts and associated printing and embroidery) shall be purchased and the remaining balance shall be distributed evenly to the qualifiers and made available through a credit in their TeamUnify account as long as the qualifier meets the Fund eligibility requirements outlined above and is attending the competition.

c. Reimbursement will not exceed actual costs incurred. Prior to Registration for any National competition, the Nationals Chair shall disclose to Board the amount of money in the fund and the equal division of assets to qualifiers based upon each qualifier’s participation in fundraising activities. This information shall be communicated to qualifier(s) and their family as expediently as possible.


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TRAINING GROUPS: Category 1 For those swimmers who have completed all phases of a swimming lesson program and can complete 25 yards of continuous freestyle and backstroke. Category 2 Swimmers can compete 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke good stroke mechanics. Body position and head position are key for entrance into this group. Swimmers received detailed instruction on starts, turns, the four competitive strokes and other competitive elements. Most of the swimming is drill based with a minor emphasis on aerobic training. Category 3 Prior competitive experience encouraged. Swimmers can complete 50 yards of each stroke with proper stroke mechanics. Proficiency in all four competitive strokes is required. Swimmers will receive challenging technical workouts with an increasingly more aerobic workload than prior training group. Category 4 Prior competitive experience encouraged. Swimmer can complete 200 yards of continuous freestyle and IM. Proficiency in all four strokes is required. Swimmers receive challenging technical drills with a large emphasis on aerobic swimming. Category 5 Prior competitive experience required. Proficiency in all four competitive strokes is required. Prepares swimmers for Senior training group. Practice is more rigorous as it prepares swimmers for high levels of competition both in State and Nationally. Seniors Prior competitive swimming is required. Proficiency in all four strokes is required. Swimmers receive the most up-to-date training and technical work. These swimmers are truly dedicated to the sport and are dedicated to reaching the highest achievements in this sport.


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TRAINING SCHEDULE: In case of inclement weather, you will be notified via email of closings and/or changes to schedule. Updates will also be available via our Twitter feed and Facebook group.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Category 1 6:00-6:45 (Group A) PM - Leah 6:00-6:45 (Group B) PM - Leah 6:00-6:45 (Group A) PM - Leah 6:00-6:45 (Group B) PM - Leah OFF 10:15-11:00 (Group A & B) AM - Leah Category 2 4:45-5:45 PM - Andrew 4:45-5:45 PM - Andrew OFF 4:45-5:45 PM - Andrew OFF 10:00-11:00 AM - Andrew Category 3 6:10-7:25 PM - Dan 6:10-7:25 PM - Dan OFF 6:10-7:25 PM - Dan OFF 9:45-11:00 AM - Dan/KaylaCaterory 4 6:00-7:30 PM -Kayla 6:00-7:30 PM -Kayla 4:30-6:00 PM -Kayla 6:00-7:30 PM -Kayla ALT TIME - 4:30-6:00 PM 8:00-9:45 AM - KaylaCategory 5 6:00-7:45 PM - Andrew/Kayla 6:00-7:45 PM - Andrew/Kayla 5:00-6:45 PM - Andrew/Kayla 6:00-7:45 PM - Andrew/Kayla 4:00-6:00 PM - Andrew/Kayla 8:00-10:00 AM - Andrew/KaylaSeniors 4:00-6:00 PM - Dan 4:00-6:00 PM - Dan 4:00-6:00 PM - Dan 4:00-6:00 PM - Dan 4:00-6:30 PM - Dan 8:00-10:30 AM - Dan Senior Prep 4:00-5:30 PM - Leah 4:00-5:30 PM - Leah OFF 4:00-5:30 PM - Leah 4:00-5:30 PM - Dan/Leah 8:00-9:30 AM - Leah Masters 6:00-7:15 AM - Andrew 6:00-7:15 AM - Andrew 11:30 AM-12:30 PM - Dan 6:00-7:15 AM - Andrew 11:30 AM-12:30 PM - Dan 8:00-9:15 AM - Written WorkoutUncommon Athlete Cat 4 & 5 - 4:45-5:45PM @ CAC Cat 4 & 5 - 4:45-5:45PM @ CAC Cat 4 & 5 - 10:30-11:30AM @ UA

Seniors - 6:30-7:30PM @ UA Seniors - 6:30-7:30PM @ UA Seniors - 11:00AM-12:00PM @ UA


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PRACTICE RULES AND REGULATIONS:

• Arrive at practice with enough time to change, gather equipment and be in the water by the group’s designated start time.

• Swimmers must have an additional pair of goggles in their equipment bags. • Only jammers, speedos or one piece training suits that are well-fitted and not overly worn

(see-through suits) may be worn. Failure to have an appropriate training suit will result in being asked to leave practice.

• When bringing a snack for practice (or meets) note that the pool deck is a nut-free area. • Code of conduct will be enforced at all practices and meets (see page 15.)

TRAINING EQUIPMENT:

Category 1 • Fins/flippers • Kickboard • Racing goggles • Mini Paddles (strokemaker only) • One piece training suit • Mesh equipment bag

Category 2 • Fins • Racing goggles • Mini Paddles • One piece training suit • Mini paddles (strokemaker only)

• Kickboard • Mesh equipment bag

Category 3 | Senior Prep

• Fins • Racing goggles • Paddles • Pull buoy • Drag suit

• Swimmer snorkel • Mesh bag • Sports drink • Carb/protein Snack

Category 4 & 5 • Fins • Racing goggles • Drag suit • Paddles • Pull buoy • Swimmers snorkel

• Mesh bag • Foam roller • Sports drink • Carb/protein Snack

Seniors • Fins • Racing goggles • Drag suit • Paddles • Pull buoy • Swimmer snorkel

• Mesh bag • Foam roller • Sports drink • Carb/protein Snack

Please label equipment to avoid loss and confusion with other swimmers!


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TRAINING EQUIPMENT, continued: Strokemaker Paddles ***this brand is encouraged***

FINS Any brand will do.

HR Monitor (OPTIONAL) Any brand will do - Here is a link for other HR monitors for swimmers http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/heart-swim.html

Foam Roller Any brand will do, either long or short ones will work)

Swimmer Snorkel Any brand.


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TRAINING EQUIPMENT, continued: Pull Buoy Any brand. Only Junior sizes for all ages.

“The Stick” Muscle Roller Any brand - sold at Dick’s Sporting Goods but you can find them anywhere online

Mesh Equipment Bag Any brand - regular mesh bag large enough to hold all equipment and kick board

Kickboard We have plenty at the pool, but if you would like to have your own you are welcome to purchase. Junior size is preferred.

Appropriate boys’ training suit Either a Jammer or a Speedo. No board shorts, loose-fitting or see-through suits


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TRAINING EQUIPMENT, continued: Appropriate girls’ training suit One piece training suit, any brand. No loose-fitting or see-through suits

Drag Suit Suit is worn over training suit to create resistance/drag while swimming.

Goggles Speedo Vanquisher Goggle is the most popular racing goggle out there, and for good reason. Any goggle brand will do as long as they are competitive racing goggles. Foam seals are not as good as rubber seals around the eyes.


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DUAL/TRI/QUAD MEET INFORMATION: Throughout the season we may compete with other teams directly where there may be only 2, 3 or 4 teams in attendance. These meets are referred to as dual, tri and quad meets respectively. These meets are more rare but provide a great team atmosphere! STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (STATES:) In order to participate in this meet, swimmers will need to achieve a qualifying standard that is specific to their age and/or age group. The time standards can be found on our website as well as gaswim.org. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Participation in these meets is my qualification only. Swimmers will need to achieve a time standard specific to their age and/or age group. National championship meets most times require significant travel. Please refer to National Fund for more information regarding these meets and travel expenses. INVITATIONAL MEETS: Each season the Coaches will select several invitational meets to attend as a team. There is an additional fee for each entry in these meets. Often times, Invitational meets offer heat sheets/programs for purchase. Additionally, the Meet Mobile app can be downloaded to any smart device and can sometimes be used to follow meet results in real-time. WHAT TO PACK FOR MEETS: The following is a suggested list of “essentials” for any meet:

• 2 towels (minimum) • 2 pair of goggles • 2 suits (team suit and a back-up) • Something for swimmer to sit on (mat, blanket, etc., - no chairs unless specifically stated

that they are allowed) • Water, Gatorade, etc., • Healthy Snack (no nuts) • Cash – At every meet there is generally a snack bar. At Invitational Meets there may also

be t-shirts, programs and there is sometimes a spectator entry fee.


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SWIMMER RESPONSIBILITIES AND CODE OF CONDUCT: Columbus Aquatic Club swimmers strive to be positive team members in and out of the pool. Most importantly, swimmers should always remember that they represent the Columbus Aquatic Club. Their words and actions reflect not only upon themselves but also on their teammates, parents, coaches, and the CAC. With the guidance of coaches and parents, swimmers are expected to demonstrate character development traits of respect, responsibility, integrity, and sportsmanship. Swimmers must agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct at all times: It is understood that violating any of these criteria will put me at mercy of reprimand from the CAC and coaching staff. Violation may cause me to be sent home at the expense of my parents and may warrant immediate dismissal from the team.

1. Offer congratulations to my opponents, win or lose, and cheer on my teammates. 2. Conduct myself with dignity and show respect for others (coaches, teammates, officials,

volunteers, etc.,) as well as the property of others. 3. Promote good sportsmanship while striving for positive team spirit. 4. Deal justly, kindly, impartially and honestly with all my fellow team members.

While involved in any functions of those sponsored by the CAC, I will not:

1. Cause or threaten physical or verbal harm to another swimmer, coach, official or parent. 2. Possess, use or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemicals or illegal drugs. 3. Behave in a manner that in the opinion of the coaches is harmful to the reputation of the

program or the individual. 4. Behave in a manner that in the opinion of the coaches is detrimental to another swimmer.

Because our groups are large and the safety of our swimmers is our top priority, I understand that the following disciplinary actions will be enforced at all practices, meets, and team events:

1. First Offense: Verbal Warning 2. Second Offense: Dismissal from Practice/Meet/Event 3. Third Offense: Ineligibility for next meet


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PARENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT: It is understood that Parents of CAC swimmers will abide by the following Code of Conduct:

1. Allow the coaches to instruct the team and swimmers at practice and meets. Parents are NOT to be on deck during any scheduled practice time.

2. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by conducting myself in a manner that earns the respect of my child, other swimmers, parents, officials and the coaches at meets and practices.

3. Maintain self-control at all times. Allow swimmers to swim, coaches to coach, officials to officiate and parents to parent.

4. Understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward the coaches, officials and/or any participating swimmer or parent will not be permitted or tolerated, and may result in being asked to leave the program.

5. Direct all questions or concerns regarding decisions made by meet officials to a member of our coaching staff. (Parents may not address officials.)

6. Understand that for safety reasons, parents who are not serving as volunteers are not permitted on the pool deck during meets.

7. Should I conduct myself in such a way that brings discredit or discord, I voluntarily subject myself to disciplinary action. CAC maintains the right to terminate any membership in the interest or our vision, mission and objectives.

I hereby certify that I have read and agree to abide by the Swimmer Responsibilities and Codes of Conduct as outlined above. ___________________________________________ _____________ Swimmer’s Signature Date ___________________________________________ _____________ Swimmer’s Signature Date ___________________________________________ _____________ Swimmer’s Signature Date ___________________________________________ _____________ Parent’s Signature


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SWIM VOCABULARY: Age Group Most meets group swimmers as follows:

• 8 & Under • 9 – 10 • 11 – 12 • 13 – 14 • 15 – 18

Some meets will also have an “Open” age group for swimmers 11 or 12 & Over. USA Swimming competition uses the swimmers age as of the first day of the meet. Colorado System / Daktronics Timing System / Timing Console Electronic timing system that automatically gives a swimmer’s time and place on the score board when the touch pad (or push buttons) is activated at the completion of a race. Competitive Strokes The four competitive strokes are Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.

Freestyle: In freestyle events, the competitor may swim any stroke. The stroke most commonly used is sometimes called the crawl, which is characterized by the alternate stroking of the arms over the surface of the water surface and an alternating (up-and-down) flutter kick. Backstroke: Backstroke consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a flut-ter kick while on the back. On turns, swimmers may rotate to the stomach and perform a flip turn and some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. The swimmer must finish on the back. Breaststroke: The breaststroke requires simultaneous movements of the arms on the same horizontal plane. The hands are pressed out from in front of the breast in a heart shaped pattern and recovered under or on the surface of the water. The kick is a simultaneous somewhat circular motion similar to the action of a frog. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously, and without overlapping, at, above or below the water surface. Butterfly: Butterfly features simultaneous recovery of the arms over the water combined with an undulating dolphin kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs together and may not flutter, scissors or use the breaststroke kick. Both hands must touch the wall simultaneously on the turns and the finish.

DQ – Disqualification This occurs when a swimmer has committed an infraction of a rule; for example a one-handed touch in butterfly or breaststroke. A “DQ’d” swimmer is not eligible to receive an award nor is the time considered official.


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SWIM VOCABULARY, continued: Entry Fee The money paid by the parent or club for a swimmer to compete in an invitational meet. Your account will be charged for additional entry fees for any meet in which you choose to participate. Exhibition When a swimmer participates in a race but does not receive points. The time IS considered an official time. False Start A swimmer leaves the block early or moves before the starter’s signal which usually results in disqualification. Eight & Unders are allowed one false start. Flip Turn Somersault type turn used in freestyle & backstroke. Free Relay A relay race (100, 200, 400 or 800 yards or meters) in which all four swimmers swim freestyle. Heat The grouping of swimmers in an event according to time. IM – Individual Medley An event (100, 200 or 400 yards or meters) where a swimmer swims one quarter of the race using each of the competitive strokes in the following order: butterfly, back, breast and free. League Meet A dual meet between league members for the purpose of team competition. Live Heat The heat of an event that is used for scoring. Medley Relay A relay race (100, 200 or 400 yards or meters) in which each of four swimmers swim one of the competitive strokes in the following order: back, breast, butterfly and free. Official An individual with certifications which allow him/her to participate in running a swim meet.


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SWIM VOCABULARY, continued: Qualifying Times (QT) Minimum (and sometimes maximum) time standards required for participation in certain meets. Referee Head official whose has ultimate authority at a swimming meet. Seeding To rank swimmers according to time in heats. Starter A certified official who has control over the swimmers once they are called to the starting blocks. It is the starters’ responsibility to do his/her best to ensure a fair start. Stroke & Turn Judge A certified official whose responsibility it is to watch for infractions and impose a disqualification penalty if required. Swimming Courses There are three competitive swimming courses:

• Long Course Meters – A 50 meter pool. Most big national and international competitions, such as the Olympics, take place in this course.

• Short Course Meters – A 25 meter pool. • Short Course Yards – A 25 yard pool. Most high school and college competitions as well as

the majority of Fall/Winter competitions will be in short course yards. Timer A person who works in a particular lane to manually record a swimmers’ time. USA Meet Meets sanctioned by USA Swimming.

Documents

CAC Handbook Updated 8 23 17 - TeamUnify Handbook Updated … · winter season recognition banquet and purchase awards for swimmers. Board meetings are held ... in slide show at team