Philosophy
The Westlake Waves Swim Club, is a year round, family and community based USA Swimming team for boys and girls ages 6 to 18. Our goal is to provide a friendly, challenging, engaging environment for all swimming abilities, from beginning racers to some of the best swimmers in the district. We practice at the Westlake Recreation Center, which was opened in 1998, in a 25 yard pool. Our team also practices triathlons to provide cross-training and other competition opportunities.
The Westlake Waves Swim Club was established to teach competitive swimming and help the swimmer to achieve the best of his or her abilities. Just as important, The Westlake Waves Swim Club seeks to promote the highest level of sportsmanship, integrity, self-discipline and social awareness so that the child is not only an excellent athlete, but a respected and respectful individual, and a caring, considerate teammate.
The Westlake Waves Swim Club is run by head coach and president John Bailey, with lots of help from the two other primary coaches Karla Bailey and Karen Smith. Operations of the club are reviewed and advised by a group of great parents, the Parent Advisory Board, that will meet about once a month to plan our meets, plan fundraising activities, review financials, review events policies, fees, grievances and programs.
WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM A WESTLAKE WAVES SWIM CLUB SWIMMER
We expect Westlake Waves swimmers to be the best examples of people their age. You should always be polite, courteous, respectful, thoughtful, hard-working and striving to be the best you can be.
1. "YA GOTTA WANNA" If you want to be successful and achieve all that you are capable of achieving as a swimmer, then you have to want to work hard. Only you can fulfill that desire to work hard, and only you control how successful you are. Swimming is a sport in the true sense of the word, because there is only one swimmer, the water, and the clock. There is a direct relationship between hard work and results. Just being tall, strong, or well-coordinated will not do it alone. In the end, the smaller swimmer who has the desire to work harder and swim better will outdo the others.
2. "NO PAIN, NO GAIN" This is not for wimps, You have to work harder than you ever have, if you want to be the best swimmer you can be. Welcome the opportunity to practice and compete, and work as hard as you can at each opportunity. Come a few minutes early to practice so that you are prepared to jump right in the pool and get to work. Don't skip any part of the workout, and complete every part of the workout to the best of your ability. If you are "not in the mood" to workout, leave your attitude at the front door and always do the best you can. That is all anyone can expect from you. Try it and you'll get in the habit of being excellent.
3. BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY OUTSTANDING IN YOUR FIELD. No other sport for kids requires as much training and hard work. When you swim a hard two-hour workout, you burn as much energy as if you had run a marathon. You need to take care of your body in order to swim hard and well. Smoking, drinking alcohol, narcotics, or taking illegal prescription drugs are all obviously forbidden for any swimmer. And a lot of junk food like candy and pop are not really useful for your body. Although it's fine to have sweets from time to time, your working body needs lots of good complex carbohydrates like fresh fruits, vegetables, grains cereals, and breads, lots of good lean protein like fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, and frequent hydration with water (8-10 glasses daily), fruit juices or athletic drinks. Finally, a good night's sleep is imperative. If you are good to your body, your body will work great for you. Try it, good care of your body will really make you feel better, look better, perform better, and help you enjoy your life better.
In addition to taking care of your body, you must take care of your mental and emotional well-being. If your mind is preoccupied with other things, like the homework that you put off, then you won' be able to fully concentrate on your swimming. Make sure you have time to take care of your other responsibilities, then you will focus on your training. Just as important is your emotional health. If you are weighed down by a bad attitude, anger towards others, or the hurtful words you said to a teammate, you won't have the heart to do a good job. Remember to treat others the way that you would like to be treated, both in and out of the pool. A good way to help yourself is to help others.
5. STRIVING TO WIN AS OPPOSED TO STRIVING NOT TO LOSE. Climb on the blocks with a positive, can-do attitude. If you have worked as hard as you can at practices, then you will do the best you can at that particular time. Strive to win, and winning can mean a small drop in your time, or a better stroke technique. Don't think in terms of losing. And when your swim is done, stay on to root for your teammates. Be a big-hearted generous winner in every way. Try it, only you can make you be happy. Always act like a winner, regardless of your finish. You are what you are, and you are a winner already.
6. TOGETHER EVERYONE ACHIEVES MORE Be a part of your team. Cheer, encourage, support, befriend, challenge, friendly competition, talk to all of your teammates, they are all great people with a lot in common with you. You want the swimmers in your age group to be really fast so they can help you win a relay. The best swimmers are challenged every day by their friends. When they get better, you get better. Find a friend to race, you both win. Wearing a team suit at meets are great, any green suit will fit just fine. The only team requirement we have is everyone with hair on their head must wear a Waves cap when competing at a meet. You look like your on the Waves, the coaches and your other fans can see you better, and it actually will help make you faster.
WHAT PARENTS CAN EXPECT FROM THE COACHING STAFF
The Westlake Waves Swim Club coaches will, at all times, strive to provide the best possible atmosphere for swimmers placed in their charge in the following ways:
1.
The coaches will give each swimmer as much attention and training as possible for a successful swimming experience during practices and meets.
2.The coaches will abide by all rules, remain current and well informed regarding any changes to USA Swimming rules, and maintain current registration with USA Swimming.
3.The coaches will make parents aware of all scheduled or rescheduled practices, meets, and other dates of note, in a timely manner, by email and through Westlake Waves Website.
4.The coaches will treat each swimmer and parent with respect, and maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy at meets and practices.
5.The coaches will make themselves available at all reasonable times (e.g., after practices or by appointment) to answer parent's questions or discuss issues with the swimmer and parents.
6.The coaches will be on time (with allowances for the elements and unusual circumstances) and be prepared for all scheduled practices and meets.
7.Communication and correspondence regarding any team news is emailed to all currently registered families. If you do not have Internet access please hook-up with another team member to make sure you get all the current information, schedules and updates.
8.The coaches will abide by all rules, remain current and well informed regarding any changes to USA Swimming rules, and maintain current registration with USA Swimming.
What is expected from a the Westlake Waves Swim Club parent
Swimming, above all, should be an exciting and rewarding learning experience for your child. It should be seen, for the most part, as a fun activity from which your child gains self-respect, self-discipline, good mental and physical health, companionship, good sportsmanship, and great memories. Toward these ends, the job of the coach is to coach and the job of the parent is to be a parent. Here are some guidelines for the swimming parent which our coaches have found most useful:
1. ALWAYS BE SUPPORTIVE, NO MATTER WHAT.
The coaches' job is to tell swimmers what they did wrong so that a correction can be made. It's the parents' job to give them love and support. Leave the criticism and correction to the coach, and leave the swimming at the pool.
2. ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO HAVE FUN.
Childhood only happens once, and swimming should be an enjoyable activity. If you literally have to drag your child to each practice and it causes more tears than cheers, perhaps you should set up an appointment with the coach and discuss the situation. There may be a way to solve the problem. There are always days when any child is going to need a parents influence to get to practice, be positive, be creative, be supportive, but be firm. It is helpful to have your child make out their own practice schedule days, then it is easier to hold them to it. If not, perhaps you should reevaluate the role of swimming in your child's activities. Swimming is not for everyone.
3. NEVER IMPOSE YOUR OWN AMBITIONS ON YOUR CHILD.
Remember that swimming is your child's activity. Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each child. Don't compare your child's progress to others, and don't push them based upon what you think they ought to be doing. Most importantly, don't base your own self-esteem upon your child's swimming.
4. DON'T COACH YOUR CHILD.
That's the job of the coaches, they spend thousands of hours trying to do it right. There is a great deal going on with your swimmer and their swimming beyond their arms and legs. Over the hundreds of hours of practice, meets, and activities that the coaches are working with your swimmer for certain goals and achievements. The coaches spend all that time getting them faster, more interested in the sport, and training all the many techniques necessary to improve. That is more than enough. Be supportive, be interested, but let the coaches do the coaching. If you have a concern, bring it up to the coaches and they will work with the swimmers in the context of everything that is going on in their swimming career.
5. NEVER CRITICIZE OTHER SWIMMERS, THE OFFICIALS OR THE COACH.
Another swimmer's progress or failures is none of your business. When you put another person's child down, that does not raise your own child up. Second, if you do not have the time or desire to volunteer as an official, don't criticize those who are giving their time and doing the best that they can. Lastly, by criticizing the coach in front of the child, you are only hurting your child's chances to improve. The child will either be confused by the criticism or will not listen to the coach after your criticism. If you have a problem with the coach, discuss it directly with him or her, or bring it up to the parent board. Remember that the coaches and the officials are there to work with your child, not take abuse from you.
6. NEVER HUMILIATE YOUR CHILD OVER A SWIM PERFORMANCE.
A child will derive no joy from swimming if his/her parent is denigrating him/her or yelling at him/her in front of others regularly. Just put yourself in the child's fins, how would you feel if someone did that to you? It is a rare child that purposefully will "tank" a race. Are you at your best everyday?
7. DON'T SPECULATE. ASK QUESTIONS.
Never hesitate to ask your child's coach any questions. Again, you are paying the team to provide coaching for your child, and you have a right to ask about your child's progress or direction. Don't sit in the stands and complain and sulk, communicate. Remember to choose times which do not interfere with the performance of the coach's job. The coaches like the input to be more responsive to each and every swimmer's needs.
8 GET INVOLVED.
Volunteer to help with a meet. Help organize a fund-raiser. Learn how to officiate, or just raise the spirits of the team in some way. By getting involved with your child's team, you meet a lot of other great people, and you show your child that you care about what she/he is doing.
9 STAY IN TOUCH--- KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON
The Waves send out lots of information in emails to keep everyone informed on an almost daily basis. Schedules, info, meets, entries, are all broadcast emailed to every email address you supplied on the registration form. Read them and take care of them as soon as possible (especially meet entries). Check the website for information also. www.westlakeswims.org If you have questions, etc the Waves email is westlakeswims@nccw.net
A FINAL NOTE: The effort of swimming of swimming is a fantastic reward in and of itself. Recognize that.
There are all kinds of achievement to gained that have nothing to do with winning.
There are around 225,000 athletes currently registered with United States Swimming. There are only about 52 spots available every four years for the Olympic Swim Team. Your child's odds of becoming an Olympic swimmer are very difficult, but our goal is to try. Keep that in mind when you are asking yourself: "What do I want my child to get out of US Swimming?" There are many other great benefits besides winning. The odds of them being a State Champion are much better, the odds of being a Conference champ in high school really improve, the odds of dropping time at the next meet are truly great, the odds of these swimmers becoming great people are downright fantastic.
HOW TO MAKE PRACTICE SUCCESSFUL
BE ON TIME
You should be on deck, ready to swim, a few minutes before practice. Swimming part of a practice is better than no practice, most of the time. If you are habitually inappropriately late you may need to do make-up work at the end of practice, miss fun activities, or other disciplinary action. Each practice has a beginning, and is an entire lesson, when you are late you miss the benefits of the entire workout. Being occasionally tardy because of other activities and/or scheduling is not a problem on a reasonable basis. The issue is just not moving fast enough to be where and when you are supposed to be as a habit. It can be very disruptive to practice for you and the team.
MORE PRACTICES ARE BETTER
What are you doing today to improve? Your competition is probably swimming. The older and faster you get the more you need to train to improve. Make up your own practice schedule and stick to it, if something comes up then make the practice up. When you come to practice don't waste your time. You are at practice, make it worth you time. WORK HARD ALL THE TIME, You will get better that way.
QUIET WHEN THE COACH IS TALKING
Listen, you might learn something, unless you are perfect all the time and know everything there is to know.
ALWAYS LISTEN CAREFULLY TO INSTRUCTIONS THE FIRST TIME.
DON'T INTERFERE WITH PRACTICE
Parents are welcome to watch any Westlake Waves Swim Club practice to see how his or her child is doing. The coaches only ask that you stay on the sidelines and do not interfere with your child's practice. You should not be accessible to your swimmer during practices as it can be very disruptive to the team in many different ways. Please try to remember that there are other children in the pool besides your child and that the coach is trying to watch and coach all of them. If you have any questions, feel free to discuss them with the coach before or after the practice. If a swimmer has separation anxiety, they may not be ready for a swim team.
MAKE SURE THAT YOUR SWIMMER IS PREPARED FOR PRACTICE.
Especially with younger swimmers, make sure that all of their equipment is in their bag. It is embarrassing for a child to be delayed in order to ask the coach for a pair of goggles or a swim cap, or to have to tell the coach that they forgot their equipment. Make sure they have everything they need suit, towel, 2 goggles, cap, clothes, water bottle. If you have any questions about the necessary equipment, ask a coach or a veteran parent. Your child may develop a preference in goggles, for example, and there are places where you can obtain these at a cheaper cost. It is not unusual for a swimmer to go through several swim caps and a few pair of goggles in one season. And one suit will not be enough. The chlorine will eat away at the lycra very quickly. Again, there are places where you can obtain practice suits at a lower cost. The swim club often will have arranged a deal with a sports equipment provider or a veteran parent can give you suggestions.
MAINTAIN THE EQUIPMENT.
The swimmer’s suit should be rinsed out in plain cold water only (no soap) after each practice and meet in order to extend the life of the suit. You can hand wash swimsuits in Woolite or something similar, but all that is really needed is a good soak in clear, COLD water. Then lay it out somewhere to dry. DO NOT put them in the washer or dryer. Caps need similar care, or they get sticky and thin. Rinse the caps in cool, clear water, and then allow them to dry. A quick dose of Talcum powder will keep it from deteriorating. The same can be done for the goggle strap, a bungee strap for the goggles is a great idea. A child should be responsible for maintaining the swim equipment, it means more that way. Have extras of things, they are always needed.
GETTING READY FOR THE MEETS
MEET ENTRY INFORMATION
The meet information sheets are emailed out weeks, even months ahead of time. It is important to act on them ASAP. If it is a meet you want to attend, fill out the entry and bring it to the next practice. High School Waves are expected to compete in at least 2 meets before high school season and in any of the championship meets after the high school season, if they qualify. The rest of the Westlake Waves swimmers are expected to compete in at least 1 meet per month and in any of the championship meets, if they qualify. Swimmers come to practice with a much better practice ethic when they are expected to compete, perform, and put their workout efforts to use.
You must get in the meet entries with payment by the due date on the meet information memo. There will be a folder at practice for the meet entries to be dropped off. You can fill out an entry sheet from our website, write the event on a blank envelope and put the check in, or just write the events on the memo line of the check. Always write on the check what it is for. When in doubt, Please ask the coaches about meet entries.
TRAVEL MEETS
The waves will try to schedule a few travel meets each season for various training purposes. These are a great deal of fun for the swimmers, and a chance to expand everyone's horizons with new pools, new swimmers, new places, some of the best meet the Waves team have ever done have been out on the road. The Waves will usually do a travel meet in the last half of November, sometime in mid-January, and maybe two during the summer season. We will get a block of rooms and try to get together for meals, etc.
CARPOOL OFTEN
There are lots of Waves people going to the meets, get together with them and share duties. This is what the swimmers want to do, but moms and dads have other things to do. The swimmers get to have a fun day and you get to do what you need to do, and then you take a group down next time.
BEFORE THE MEET PREPARATIONS.
ALWAYS check emails for up to date meet info, directions, etc. The coaches will communicate meet information on those emails. They will provide information about your child's entry, the location of the pool, warm-up times, motel reservation information, and more. If you are not sure about anything, ASK. It's better to ask questions than to have a child miss a warm-up or a meet.
If the meet is far away travel meet, the Waves will typically have made arrangements for a block of rooms at a nearby hotel. You are personally responsible for calling and confirming your room on YOUR personal credit card. The number to call will be emailed out as soon as it is available. Do that as soon as possible so that your rooms reserved. Also, there are usually maps available for each parent. Again, if you are not sure, ask. The coaches have been to many of these pools, and know how to get there. Give yourself plenty of time to get there for the warm-ups.
OUTDOOR MEETS.
The coaches have a pop-up/tent for shade, but you may wish to bring your own. Other musts: Money for heat sheets, pencils, highlighter pen, sunscreen, umbrella (for shade or rain), an old bedspread or blanket, cooler with ice, water and drinks, all swim equipment. Other ideas: Swimmers will usually need to snack the entire meet, cut-up fruit, bagels and creamed cheese, muffins, snacks, snacks, walkman or radio with headsets (to help the swimmer get his or her mind off of swimming for a while), pillow, books, games, snacks. Note that food is usually available for purchase at swim meets (along with T-shirts, goggles and suits), but you may wish to bring your own.
INDOOR MEETS.
Same as above. In addition: a stadium seat or chair pad for hours in uncomfortable bleachers, walking shoes for taking a stroll outside or around the halls. Keep in mind that it may be 20 below zero outside, the inside of the natatorium is warm and muggy, so it's best to wear short sleeve shirts or go sleeveless underneath your winter coat. The swimmers will typically set up down on the deck, and will use the bedspread or blanket for stretching out in between events.
WHERE TO SIT AND WHAT TO DO.
In the bleachers with friends or other team parents. Cheer for all of the kids on the team. Or find a quiet corner to read or do some office work in between events.
WHAT NOT TO DO.
Do not compare your child's time to any other swimmers. Do not complain about how poorly your child is doing. Do not gossip about other swimmers or parents. And if you do not see an event or get your child's time, do not panic. The times are always posted on a wall somewhere for everyone to see, and your child will always welcome a big hug and listening ear when she/he sees you, no matter what.
ORDER OF THINGS TO DO AT A MEET
1.Be on time
2.Bring everything you need and get ready to swim
3.Check in to all of your events ASAP, if required.
4.Check-in with your coach ASAP for warm-up instructions and start warm-ups promptly and completely
(20-30 min.)
5.Parents, stake out some territory in the stands for you and your team mates to relax, hang out and cheer.
6.Make sure you get to clerk of course or to your lane in plenty of time for your events, please pay
attention.
7.Always talk to your coach after every race, they will always have things to say to you in between the
action of the meet.
8.Always act like a winner, regardless of your finish. You are what you are, and you are a winner already.
9.Always check with the coaches before you leave to see if you are in a relay.
RELAYS
The coaches will enter the relays for the team based on the swimmers attending the meet. In general the coaches will try to put the best relay that they can determine in the water. This is primarily determined by best times, but the coaches may also take into account practice attendance, performance history, training objectives, events swam, behavior, and other sometime intangibles. The coaches try determine the best relays to represent the Waves, that have the best chance of the best finish, but sometimes it can be inexact. Please understand.
HEALTH CONCERNS AND ISSUES
1. MONITOR FOOD INTAKE.
Food is fuel for swimmers, no fuel and swimmers can run out of gas. Being hungry make swimmers grouchy, being full will make them sick when pushing hard in the water. Do not give your child a large meal right before practice. It's better to give them a small, high carbohydrate/protein snack about an hour or more before practice: a bagel with cream cheese, granola/snack/power type bars, muffins, nuts, cereal, or fruit. After practice the sooner they can eat the better to replenish the fuel tank. Studies have shown that the body cycles food better then and the body feels better. Even when the Waves have their later practices it is better to have a few snacks before practice and eat dinner after practice a little late. Some children will experience an increase in their appetites due to the amount of calories burned during a workout and some children will not. This depends upon each child, individually. Similarly, be sure your child is well-hydrated. Swimmers sweat more than most other athletes because the pool water keeps washing the sweat off as it is formed, and the body is trying to stay cool continually. It's a good idea to bring a water bottle to practice.
Hard working swimmers and their parents have different dietary needs. Diet stuff, nutrasweet, fat substitutes, etc, are not a good idea for swimmers or most other children. High caffeine/high sugar combo is a drug pushed on youths that can really mess up a swimmers behavior - Red Bull, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Coke, etc
2. SWIMMER’S EAR CARE. Care of David F. Bennhoff, M.D., F.A.C.S. – ENT Group of Cleveland, Inc.
Swim team members need ear care, probably more so than other people. Repeated episodes of water into the ear and onto the thin delicate skin of the ear canal outside the ear canal lead to puffiness of that skin and easy entry of bacteria, causing infection outside the eardrum known as Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa). This causes tenderness to touch, to manipulating the ear, to chewing, and can cause unrelenting pain, and even temporary hearing loss. For swim teams prevention of external otitis means drying the ears thoroughly after immersion in the pool: (Tilting your head and jumping on one foot; toweling the ear with your finger; and even twisting a “wick” of Kleenex tissue to use as a soft probe to absorb water deep in the ear up against the eardrum), then putting three drops of a non-prescription antiseptic eardrop (Swim-Ear, Auro-Dri, Aqua-Ear, etc) into each ear as a preventative against infection.
Also, try to keep shower water from the ears by facing away from the shower and by bending the face to the floor during a shampoo rinse. This keeps water out of the ears.
Ear wax may retain water in the ears and contribute to the chance of external otitis. Three drops of baby oil daily can soften wax, which can then be rinsed out with lukewarm water using a rubber ear syringe. Then dry the ear just as after swimming.
If external otitis is bad enough, complete water avoidance, the placement of prescription antibiotic eardrops, and perhaps placement of a medicated wick in the ear canal are needed.
On another front, avoiding people with coughs and colds will prevent transmission of viruses to the nose and throat, which can lead to mucous fluid inside the eardrum, which affects hearing. This fluid also attracts bacteria which causes infection inside the eardrum (Otitis Media) with definite but temporary hearing loss, and pain which can be very, very, severe, even without tugging or manipulating the ear or chewing. Antibiotic tablets and decongestant tablets are prescribed for this problem, and swimming should probably be avoided temporarily.
3. ACHES AND PAINS.
Your child's muscles will be tired and sore. That's normal for first time swimmers and experienced swimmers at their first few practices. A warm soak in the tub or a hot shower is typically the best solution. An over-the-counter pain medication may be useful as well, but, eventually, your child won't feel any lasting pains. Any severe or continuing pain, especially in the shoulder or knee region, should be brought to the coach’s attention as well as seeking your physician’s advice.
4. HAIR CARE.
There are several excellent products on the market for removing the damaging chloramines from swimmer's hair, if you want to spend the extra money. Any shampoo, however, is good enough to remove the chloramines and the dirt. The swimmers should wash their hair and rinse off the body after each practice, just to remove any chloramine residue. The pool at the Rec. Center is primarily sanitized with Bromine, which is much better for skin and hair. Bromine is more expensive but great for the Westlake Waves swimmers practice environment.
5. PUBERTY.
It happens. And when it does, your child's swimming performance will most likely change to adjust to the new body and mind that is developing. Patience and support are recommended. It is not uncommon for most girls to slow down considerably as a result of puberty due to the tremendous changes taking place and the enormous amount of energy being used in the process. On occasion, some girls may have diminished periods or skip them altogether when in training. If this is the case, please consult with your physician regarding your concerns on this issue. Each child is, again, unique.
SOME IMPORTANT TERMS TO KNOW
(a swimming glossary)
1. SHORT COURSE.
The winter season, competes in a 25 yard or "short course" pool. Our first practice usually begins in early September, the first meet is in mid October and the Championship Meets are in March.
2. LONG COURSE.
The summer season, competes in a 50 meter, or "long course" pool. The first practice begins in middle April with the Championship meets being in late July or early August. The meets, which often take place outdoors, are much more relaxed and less crowded. The big national/ Olympic meets are always in a long course pool
3. SUMMER LEAGUES.
We encourage the swimmers of the Westlake Waves Swim Club to participate in the summer recreation swim team or other local swim team. Just swimming in the Rec. meets alone are worth the cost and effort. It is all good swimming fun. These leagues are good swimming experience, but the workouts do not compare to the Waves. We suggest that most swimmers are able to belong to a summer rec. or country club team and still continue to swim the long course season with the Westlake Waves Swim Club. The practices other teams do are not comparable to what the Waves do. The Westlake Rec team is a great idea because they practice in a long course type pool. If you have any questions about this, discuss them with the coaches.
4. CLERK OF COURSE.
This is the person/workers/area who organizes the younger swimmers at a meet. Your child will be required to check in with the clerk's desk or tent, unless the coach indicates that she/he has already taken care of it. Your child will circle or check his or her name to indicate that they are in attendance and prepared to swim. The announcer will give instructions over the PA system, and again, you can always ask another parent or the coaches. Generally, the more experienced swimmers will help the less experienced swimmers.
5. THE DECK.
The roped off area around the pool, or the entire pool area. Parents are not allowed on deck, and a USA Swimming official can ask you to leave the deck or eject you from the meet. It is better to find a good spot in the stands with the other parents.
6. SCRATCH
To pull a child from an event. This should only be done for medical reasons after consulting with the coach. No parent should encourage a swimmer to scratch, and a swimmer should keep in mind that she/he may be needed for a relay entry.
7. EVENTS.
The following strokes are used in the events or races over various lengths.
Freestyle: The most common swimming stroke known as the front crawl stroke. It utilizes an alternating arm
stroke with a flutter kick, although a swimmer may use any stroke during a freestyle event.
Backstroke: An alternating arm stroke done on the back with a flutter kick.
Breaststroke: Simultaneous arm strokes from the breast with an underwater recovery and a "frog" kick.
Butterfly: Simultaneous arm strokes from the shoulder with an out of water recovery and "dolphin" kick.
Individual Medley(IM): A combination of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and Freestyle, in that order.
Medley Relay: Backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle, in that order.
Freestyle Relay: Each individual swimming freestyle in sequence.
These events are swam by four team mates for a combined finish. In either event coaches will typically (but not always) choose the fastest 4 swimmers in that meet to be the "A" relay, the next 4 fastest in the "B" relay, etc.
8. AGE GROUPS. 8 & Under , 9-10 or 10 & Under, 11-12, 12 & Under, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 15-18, 15 & Over, Open (any age) and Senior (12 & over). The swimmer's actual age on the first day of the meet determines placement.
9. DQ's. Disqualification's.
Every child is DQ'd at some point in their career. Keep in mind that there are specific rules governing each stroke that certified USA Swimming judges use in determining whether the stroke was "legal". You may think that the stroke looks great, but it may be in violation of USA Swimming rules. The official will tell your child or a Waves coach why she/he was DQ'd. If the swimmer does not understand what the official said, the swimmer should ask the coach ASAP so that the coach can talk with the official immediately following the call. A DQ should be looked upon as a necessary evil from which the swimmer can learn. Ask the coach if you don't understand why your child was DQ'd. NEVER question the official.
Common DQ's
General - false starts - late for start - not checking into event - stopping mid race - touching bottom of pool
Freestyle- not touching wall on turn
Back stroke - not swimming completely on back - non-continuous turn
Butterfly - Flutter kicking - non bilateral stroke - elbows not recovering out of water - one hand touch
Breaststroke - Flutter/fly kicking - non bilateral stroke - 2 stroke under water - one hand touch - stroking while
shoulders not parallel to surface - improper breathing - improper stroke rhythm.
Relays - False start/ relay leg leaving early - Stroke/ turn fault as described above
10. HEATS.
All of the swimmers can't swim at once, so the event is divided into heats in which all of the lanes are filled as much as possible. There will always be a minimum of three swimmers in each heat (except in pre-seeded events), and the heats run slowest to fastest.
11. HEAT SHEETS.
The official listing of events in the order that they are swum. The heat sheets are usually sold at the door for a few dollars.
12. SEEDING.
As mentioned under "HEATS", the slower swimmers in an event swim in the first heats, the fastest in the last heats. The swimmers are seeded by heat and within each heat according to their times so that each swimmer can, ideally, swim to the best of his or her ability. The fastest swimmer in each heat is seeded in the center lane (lane 3 in a 6 lane pool - lane 4 in a n 8 lane pool). There are different types of seeding, but generally, the fastest are in the last heat. Seeding cannot be changed at the meet and sometimes your swimmer will be seeded at an older slower time. That is because the coach had to send in the entries generally 3 to 4 weeks before the meet, thus your swimmer's better time had not yet been achieved.
13. CUTOFF TIMES.
You will hear swimmers talk about getting their "A" times. B, BB, A, AA, AAA (zone cut), AAAA, and Top 16 are various divisions in times for each event and age group, with B being the slowest. Some meets require swimmers to be faster than or slower than make cuts depending upon a swimmer's time. Always check with a coach, to see if you should enter a cut meet, the coaches want everyone to swim in as many meets as possible!
TEAM RULES AND DISAPLINARY ACTION PLAN
Your conduct at swimming and in the locker rooms should be the same “good behavior” rules you follow at school. The coaches are here to run a swim team for the benefit of all involved. Every child may have a rough day occasionally but repeat offenders can disrupt a team and seriously affect the team performance. Many of these are common sense and common courtesy. These are guidelines and may be changed and/or updated at any time.
--Always treat the Recreation Center and it’s equipment with the highest respect so
we will be able to use this facility for years to come. The same is true of any pool
or other facility with the Waves.
--No talking when the coach is talking.
--Keep your hands to yourself and don’t touch other people or their belongings
--Pay attention when being instructed by the coaches.
--Follow instructions the first time.
--Make sure you have all your belongings from the pool deck and locker rooms.
--We want you to have fun and enjoy what you are doing, but all behavior must be safe,
reasonable and not interfering with practice.
--All of your belongings should be in a locked locker or brought out to the deck during
practice. The only person responsible for your belongings is you.
--No diving into the pool at anytime unless directed by a coach. Be very careful
entering the water at all times.
--No climbing on the blocks unless directed by a coach.
--No hanging on the lane lines.
--No food, gum or glass in the pool area, except we recommend a (plastic) water
bottle.
--No running in the pool area.
--All swimmers are required to wear goggles. We suggest having extra goggles
available.
--Anyone with long hair must wear a cap. Again, we suggest you have extra caps.
--Everyone must wear a Westlake Waves swim cap at any of our meets.
You look like your proud of the Waves, the coaches and your other fans can see
you better, and it actually will help make you faster.
-- All swimmers are expected to participate in swim meets on a regular basis.
1 or 2 per month, and any qualifying Championship meets. High school Waves
must swim in 2 meets before high school and any qualifying Championship meets
after the high school season. Meets make swimmers focus at practice.
--Be a courteous swimmer, remember you are not the only one in the lane.
Most practices you will be circle swimming, let a faster swimmer pass.
--You may never interfere with another swimmer’s practice.
--You must stay in the lap pool area and in practice unless directed by a coach.
--Do not touch any equipment that is the Recreation Center’s property.
--You must always let a coach know when you leave the pool for any reason
(restrooms or leaving early, etc.)
--Swimmers should be ready to swim at the start of practice. Don't be a slow poke.
--If you’re at swim practice you are expected to swim and participate in all aspects of
practice unless you have a medical reason exempting you from part of practice.
--If you are not participating in swim practice, we ask that you leave the practice
area. Try not to schedule leisure time during our practice.
--If a coach is late to practice, sit down on a bench and wait for them.
Do not get in the water, do not swim before practice.
--Please inform a coach immediately of any injury or illness, etc.
--Please be prompt to be picked up after practice. The coaches do not leave until all
younger children are picked up.
--We must have a Medical form, Club and USA Registration and payment for a
swimmer to participate in practice.
Hard work always will make you a better swimmer and makes you feel better than not trying.
Disruptive behavior at practice or at the meets will not be tolerated. The Westlake Waves Swim Club will evaluate for disciplinary reasons or inappropriate behavior by the swimmer and/or parents, family and friends. This is defined above with the team rules and expectations. The discipline policy is as follows:
1.After the first incident the swimmer signs a written performance contract with the coach.
2.After the second incident, the swimmer receives a verbal warning and the parents are called. The parent must sign the swimmers' contract before the swimmer is allowed back in the pool.
3.Upon the 3rd incident, the swimmer is removed for the team for up to one week, and NO refunds will be issued. This suspension would include meets. The swimmer and parents may meet with the Parent Advisory Board to discuss options and solutions.
4.Upon the 4th incident, the swimmer is removed for the team, and NO refunds will be issued. This suspension would include meets and all team functions.
Westlake Waves Swim Club swimmers may not use, possess, sell or transfer alcohol, drugs or narcotics in any manner. Swimmers may not possesses or use tobacco in any form including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco. This includes abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, and/or prescription drugs.
This policy covers anytime, anywhere, as the possession, use, abuse of tobacco, illegal or prescription drugs and/or alcohol (anytime, anywhere) is not consistent with the goals of participating on the Westlake Waves Swim Club.
If there is any violation of this policy the swimmer is removed for the team, and NO refunds will be issued. This suspension would include meets and all team functions
If you are removed from school for any disciplinary reason, the swimmer is removed for the team, and NO refunds will be issued. This suspension would include meets and all team functions. This is intended to be a zero tolerance policy.
FUNDRAISING
We will be hosting a meet on January 30, 2005 and everyone's help is required. The other main fund raiser will be selling advertising and boosters for the heat sheet program . We need everyone help to make these events successful and worthwhile. These fund raiser are set up to require some of your time ahead of the meet and everyone’s help the day of the meet.
If you have interesting ideas for raising funds for the team or wish to help raise funds in an established fundraiser, please contact the head coach or Parent Advisory Board.
MISCELLANEOUS
FROM THE 2003-2004 SHORT COURSE REGISTRATION FORM
(FOR REFERENCE)
Agreement, Waiver and Release
All swimmers must have filled out a USA Swimming registration, this Westlake Waves Swim Club registration, and have a medical form on file or they may not participate with the Club. My child(ren) has(have) my permission to participate in the Westlake Waves Swim Club (West) a USA Swimming swim program, in consideration of acceptance of this entry, I waive any and all claims for myself, heirs, and assigns for damage which may result from my child(ren) participation in this club. The Westlake Waves Swim Club and their representatives will assume no obligation for injuries or damages that I or my child(ren) may incur in conjunction with this club. I agree to abide by all the policies of Westlake Waves Swim Club, USA Swimming, and the Westlake Recreation Center. I agree to pay all fees, dues, meet fees, etc promptly when due. I agree to the fund raising / meet help requirement listed below.
FUND RAISING / MEET HELP REQUIREMENT - The Westlake Waves Swim Club needs the support and involvement of all it's families to provide a great swimming environment for everyone, swimmers and families. During the year the Waves may host a meet, hold a fund raising event, or be required to provide helpers at a district meet, etc. It is a requirement to join the Waves that 100% of all families participate in these activities so everyone does a little and nobody has to do a lot and everything is done well. The Waves will have a "participation buy out fee" assigned to each of these events, if they occur, ranging from $5 to $50 per swimmer. Everyone is required to participate or pay the fee, but for those who can't or don't want to participate, this will provide them with another option to help out in their own way. We can not exist without everyone's assistance at these events, it is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Please feel free to help make these planning decisions with the participation in the parent board. Any and all help is encouraged and appreciated. All parents are expected to help in some way to benefit the operation of the club.
PAYMENT DIRECTIONS:1. All checks are to be made payable to: Westlake Waves Swim Club.
2. Mail the all payments to the club or drop at practice.
3. Always write what the check is for on the memo line.
4. All payments should be paid prior to swimming that session.
I understand that the coaches of Westlake Waves Swim Club can at any time remove my child from practice or from the team for disciplinary reasons or inappropriate behavior by the swimmer and/or parents. The coaches may also remove my child from practice due to health reasons. I understand that if my child is removed from practice or from the team I will receive no refund. I understand that the payment of fees specified above are based on participation for the entire season. I understand that I must have a medical release form on file or turn one in with this agreement or my child will be withheld from swimming. Any exceptions to the conditions of the above agreement are subject to the coach’s approval and must be presented in writing.
