PART ONE: INTRODUCTION

 

The St. Clair Current Team is a swim team that accommodates swimmers of all ages and has a long history. The Sarnia Y Octopi was the original name of the team that began in the early ‘80’s.  Coach Sue A joined the program in 1987 when her daughter wanted to learn how to swim better and faster. She began as a parent volunteer with the team, and in 1990 became a YMCA Program Volunteer. From 1992 to 1997 Sue worked as an Assistant Coach with the team mentoring under Margee Orr. The Sarnia Y Octopi originated in the old YMCA building on Mitton Street which was a five lane, 25 yard pool. In September of 1997 the ‘Y’ moved into the new building on Finch Drive and Sue took over as the Head Coach.

 

Over the years, the numbers on the team have been consistently 50+ swimmers and the team has maintained a strong commitment and involvement to the SEAL League (St Clair Erie Aquatic League).  All basic coaching ethics have been incorporated to grow and maintain the team. It has always been a developmental program, appealing to children of all ages and abilities. In 2010, the team name was changed to Sarnia Y Rapids. In Spring 2019, the YMCA decided to eliminate the Swim Team from their program schedule, leaving 65+ swimmers no place to go.

 

In February 2020, the Parent Group began discussions with the Coordinator of Community Programs at the Mooretown Sport Complex regarding setting up a new competitive swim team program. In the past, the Complex was home to the Bluewater Otters which is where the Y Team actually began. We have come full circle, a new team with a qualified coach with 25+ years of experience and a pool facility trying to reach out to the rural community to fulfill a basic need for competitive swimming. A new Team is Born – St. Clair Current (STCC)

 

The team policies and training requirements are spelled out for you in this handbook. All swimmers and all parents of those swimmers in good standing are considered members of the club. Team members will be considered in good standing upon registration and payment of dues.  All members are responsible for knowing and following club policies. Please, spend time reading all parts of this handbook. The team policies were made with the following thoughts in mind:  

We are a collective group of swimmers, parents, and coaches who have found swimming to be an excellent venue for teaching important life skills and core values.  These skills and values will help our swimmers become positive and productive members of the community. The goal of our program is to have our athletes reach their full potential as swimmers. 

 

HEAD COACH:  Sue Athanasopoulos

 

Club email:  [email protected]

 

 

REGISTRATION FEES

 

The fees cover all registration charges from the period October through May, with the exception of the optional regional or invitational meets (not SEAL).   In the event of missed fees, the swimmer may not be allowed to continue participating with the team until the funds have been recovered.  Please speak to us about monthly payment options and etransfers.

 

 

PARENT REQUIREMENTS

 

In the event that swim meets are permitted, each member family is required to volunteer for the whole day at our host meet and 1 session at an offsite meet.  Failure to compete your commitment will result in your child not swimming at the next meet until you have completed your volunteer session. 

 

You must trust that you are entering your child in a professionally run team - coached by a dedicated and able coaching staff.   All swimming related decisions are made by the coach.  Those include – but are not limited to – practice group placement, events at meets and the handling of disciplinary issues.  

 

Parents parent and Coaches coach. You want your child to be successful.  We want your child to be successful.  Coaching and motivating your child is the job of the Head Coach.  Please refrain from coaching your child.  Keep in mind that this lifestyle is a marathon.  The current coach has worked with hundreds of swimmers and their families.  If everyone understands their role, we can have a team of happy swimmers who want to continue in their development for many year to come – through high school, college and beyond.

 

TEAM UNIFORM POLICY

 

Uniform at Practice:

All STCC swimmers are expected to come to practices with the following:

• Bathing suit, goggles, and swim cap

 

PART TWO:   TRAINING PROGRAM

 

We are a developmental program – from top to bottom.    

Our program is based on the long-term benefit to the athletes.   

We will not specialize in strokes or distances.  All swimmers going through the program are swimmers – not backstrokers, flyers, or sprinters.  We work on technique and drills for all strokes in order to benefit from the understanding of each skill.  

 

ST. CLAIR CURRENT CODE OF CONDUCT 

 

Outlined below is the St. Clair Current Team Code of Conduct.  The purpose is to ensure that all swimmers are treated with respect and that we project a positive image. Swimmers and parents associated with STCC, represent the team, the sport of swimming and the community. Swimmers are expected to adhere to these rules while participating in any team sponsored function including meets, practices, travel to swim meets and social activities.  Both swimmers and parents must be committed and behave in a way that reflects the team’s mission. Therefore, all swimmers and parents are expected to abide by the following Code of Conduct in all related team activities. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

 

General Conduct:

• To respect the rights, dignity and worth of all persons.
• To be fair, equitable, considerate and honest in all dealing with others.

 

Swimmer Specific Conduct:

• To demonstrate exemplary behaviour at all times when with or when representing STCC. Orderly and reasonably quiet behaviour is expected on the pool deck, and all other public areas. When behaviour is deemed unacceptable by the coaching staff, the swimmer may be removed from any practice, scratched from competition and /or sent home at the expense of the family. Failure to comply with rules set out by the coaches will not be tolerated.
• To show consideration and respect for members of the public, other team members as well as STCC coaching staff, its volunteers and other teams.
• To abide by the rules of the sport and respect the decisions of officials.
• To attend practice regularly for the full time scheduled knowing I cannot leave practice or a meet without notifying the coach.
• To make the commitment and not let your team or coach down by quitting part way through the season.
• To give your best effort at all times, both as an individual and a team member.
• To follow the team’s “dress code” when participating in competitions and when representing STCC.
• To abstain from interfering with the progress of another swimmer, during practice or otherwise.
• To abstain from the use of offensive language, including any derogatory reference to any person’s ability, gender, place of origin, colour, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs or economic status.
• To abstain from the display or use of aggressive behaviour or intentional contact. Bullying will not be tolerated in any form.
• To abstain from drinking or carry alcoholic beverages if under age, nor use drugs other than those prescribed by a physician. Illegal and performance enhancing drugs and substances are strictly forbidden.
• To abstain from smoking or chewing tobacco.

 

Swimmers have the right to:

• Be treated with respect and consideration. Practice/compete in a safe non-threatening environment.
• A high quality swim program which supports their development in and out of the pool. Express their ideas and opinions respectfully.
• Have positive role models in their coaches and other STCC members.

 

Parent/Guardian Specific Conduct:

• To serve as positive role models and as such earn the respect of their child(ren), other swimmers, parents/guardians, officials and the coaching staff.
• To treat all members of STCC with respect within the context of the activity, regardless of ability, gender, place of origin, colour, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs or economic status.
• To respect their child(ren)’s coach and support his/her efforts and abstain from coaching or instructing the team or any swimmer at a practice, or interfering with coaches on the pool deck.
• To schedule meetings with the coaches outside of practice hours, not on deck during practice.
• To support their child(ren)’s participation in the sport, including financial obligations, regular and punctual attendance at practices and swim meets, and club volunteerism.
• To report any perceived misconduct by coach, swimmer, parent or official so it can be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
• To enjoy involvement with STCC by supporting the club, its swimmers, coaches and other parents with positive communication and actions.

 

Parents have the right to:

• Be treated with respect and consideration.
• Be informed of their child’s progress and be notified of any behaviour concerns.
• Have their child swim in a safe, friendly environment which builds self-esteem and a sense of belonging. To enjoy their child(ren)’s opportunity to experience the benefits of competitive swimming.

 

Internet Web sites and social media, such as, but not limited to, Facebook.com and Twitter, on which people socialize and exchange information, shall not be used to post remarks or pictures that can be considered inflammatory, degrading, or in poor taste toward any other student athlete (St. Clair Current or otherwise), coach, or volunteer. 

 

I recognize my responsibility to abide by STCC’s Code of Conduct and I acknowledge that I have received and read such.  – to be signed by both parent and swimmer.

 

 

PRACTICE GROUPS

 

The following is a brief overview of the group structure.  The guidelines are general descriptions.  Like all swimming related decisions, the coach makes group placement decisions.  Placement decisions are made in the best interest of the individual swimmer and his/her long-term development.  

 

The starting point for new swimmers are the four competitive strokes with basic start and turn techniques incorporated into practice sessions.  Elementary stroke drills are introduced at this level.  We teach that technique comes first.  Speed comes later.  The ability to swim correctly will pay big dividends in the athlete’s competitive future. Building self-confidence and self- esteem is also an important aspect of early swim development.

 

It is never too early to learn that teammates are teammates – not competitors.

 

Swimmers who have demonstrated an ability to do all four competitive strokes legally, can maintain their stroke for 50 -100 metres, and have listening and learning skills necessary for a more structured environment will begin to compete in more events.  These swimmers are ready to learn slightly more advanced stroke drills.    

 

Swimmers will then begin to work on endurance and basic interval training.  The emphasis in this area begins to lean toward aerobic conditioning.  We do start thinking about working on speed and endurance, but not at the expense of stroke technique.  

 

PRACTICE ATTENDANCE

 

1. Swimmers need to be on deck at least 15 minutes before the start of practice in order to participate in the Teams’ Activation Program prior to entering the water. We want to start on schedule and make efficient use of the allotted pool time.
2. Plan to stay for the entire practice.  The last part of practice is often the most important part involving a proper warm down and then usually there are team announcements.  In the event that your child needs to be dismissed early from practice, please ensure the coach is advised at the beginning of practice.  Parents should not interrupt or talk to coach on deck during practice.

 

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

 

Our practice schedule is as follows:

 

Tuesday & Thursday evenings 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

Saturday morning 8:00 am - 9:00 am & 8:30 am - 9:30 am

 

Some of these practice sessions are specific to ability. The Coach will ensure that you are aware what practices are designed for your athlete.

 

PRACTICE BEHAVIOUR

 

1. Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition.  Working together as a unit for the benefit of all individuals in the group is an important part of the swim spirit. 
2. Swimmers are expected at all times to follow the verbal directions of the coaching staff.  At no time will disrespectful attitudes be tolerated from any swimmer.
3. Abusive language, lying, stealing, and/or vandalism are intolerable.  These behaviours are directly contrary to the objectives of the St Clair Current Team and are detrimental enough to the group to warrant strict disciplinary action.
4. Swimmers may leave practice only with the coach’s permission.
5. Remember, we are guests at the Mooretown Sports Complex.   We must do everything possible to make our hosts happy that we are there.

 

 

PART THREE:  PARENTS’ ROLE IN THE ST. CLAIR CURRENT SWIM TEAM PROGRAM

 

To have a successful program, there must be complete understanding and co-operation among parents, swimmers, and Coaches.  It is with this in mind that we ask you to consider this section carefully as you join the St. Clair Current Swim Team.

 

PARENTS’ GUIDELINES

 

Every individual learns at a different rate and responds differently to the various methods of presenting skills. 

 

When an athlete first comes out for the team and starts practicing, it is possible for his/her swim times to worsen rather than to improve.  In the case of younger team members, this is likely due to the emphasis placed on stroke technique in these groups.  It takes a great deal of the swimmer’s attention to master these skills. These new sets of habits are the basis for later improvement. 

 

Plateaus can occur at one time or another in every swimmer’s career.  Plateaus can be both in competition and in training. It is important to explain to the athlete that plateaus occur in all fields of physical learning.  The more successful athletes are those who work through this temporary delay in improvement and go on to achieve greater performance and approach their personal potential.

 

It is the coaches’ job to offer constructive criticism and positive feedback of a swimmer’s performance.  It is the parent’s job to supply love, recognition, and encouragement necessary to help the young athletes feel good about themselves.

 

Parents’ attitudes and behaviours often dictate those of their children.  A child might not be consciously aware of what is taking place while subconsciously absorbing powerful messages about their parents’ desires.  For example, be enthusiastic about taking your child to practices and meets, volunteering, meetings, etc. 

 

No parent should behave in such a way as to bring discredit to the child, the team, or competitive swimming.  Any disagreement with a meet official should be brought to the attention of the coach, and handled by the coach.

 

The communication between coach and swimmer is very important.  A two-way relationship must exist daily at practice.  It is imperative that the coach has the swimmer’s full attention at these times. It is imperative that parents refrain from making stroke corrections or trying to coach their swimmer.  When parents interfere with opinions as to how the swimmer should swim, it causes considerable, and often times, insurmountable confusion as to which the swimmer should listen to and respect. Your child’s coach is the expert, so please let her do her job.  

 

 

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

 

St. Clair Current Swim Team Hosted Swim Meet (when permitted outside of Covid)

 

The major volunteer activity for the club is the home meet that we host every December. To ensure the smooth operation of the meet we will need the participation of all parents.  Each member family is required to volunteer for the day.

 

Not only is this competition a significant source of revenue for the Team, but more importantly, it is essential to the success of our FITNESS swimmer’s experience as they enjoy the thrill of racing.  It takes a large number of volunteers to hold a successful meet.  There are at least 3 timers per lane, along with referees, starters, strokes & turns judges, electronic experts, safety marshals and so on.  Given the support required, we need ‘all hands-on deck’ to be successful.

 

If you have high school age children who would like to earn volunteer hours for high school graduation, working the meets is a great way to complete the required 40 hours.  Contact the Meet Manager or Coach Sue.

 

The SEAL meets and dates will be posted on the bulletin board, and communicated via email.  Please note that dates sometimes have to be adjusted, and therefore the number of meets and the dates may change.

Should we host a SEAL meet, we expect 100% participation from all families.  Every family is expected to participate as an official or help in running the meet.  A list of volunteer and official positions will be posted a month before the meet.  Sign up early. Families will also be asked to provide food donations (e.g., baked goods, water, pop, fruit, etc.) for the bake sale or officials lunch at our host meet.  Details and sign-up sheets will be provided in advance.

 

At out of town SEAL meets, the STCC team must still provide volunteer officials. Volunteering is a responsibility to be shared by all parents.  Every family is expected to volunteer as an official for at least one out of town session. Families will be expected to sign-up for officiating jobs at the beginning of the swim season. If you cannot keep your commitment, please notify the Chair of Officials as soon as possible.

 

OFFICIATING

 

Every swim meet must be officiated by parent volunteers.  Officiating is a task that requires training and certification in advance.  Officials are trained, certified and coordinated by Swim Ontario officials. Officiating fulfills a parent’s responsibility to work at meets.  In house clinics for Timer, Stroke & Turn and Clerk of Course will be offered early in the season and parent participation is mandatory. All officials must pay a small registration fee, sign a Privacy Information form and a Code of Conduct. The Chair of Officials will register each volunteer into the National database. We need an Official Development Plan (ODP) to maintain our status with Swim Ontario. 

 

COMMUNICATION

 

Communication between swimmer, coaches, parents, and executive board is essential for the smooth functioning of the team.  Please make note of the following:

 

Bulletin Board: The bulletin board is located in the pool area.  Meet attendance sheets, work assignment signup sheets, training session sign up sheets and other general information will be posted here.  DO NOT remove postings from the bulletin board.  The bulletin board should be checked frequently.

 

St. Clair Current Board of Directors:  Board members welcome questions and suggestions.  Please see contact information located on page 4 of this handbook.

 

NOTE:  For best communication, it is recommended that the parent enter the pool area & check the bulletin board as often as possible.  Meet information & other items are subject to last minute changes.  

 

 

PART FOUR:  SWIM MEET INFORMATION (when permitted outside of Covid)

 

ENTERING MEETS

 

1. All swimmers will receive a meet schedule.
2. Swimmers must attend the required number of SEAL meets (minimum 4) throughout the season in order to compete in the year end SEAL championship.
3. The Coach will enter the swimmer in the SEAL meets and have the final say on the events entered for the athletes.
4. Relay decisions are made solely by the Coach.
5. If you have any questions about a meet, always confer with your Coach. Entry fees to meets are paid in advance by the team so if you are not attending be sure to indicate this on the sheet.

 

SWIM MEET PROCEDURES

 

1. Arrive on deck ready to swim 15 minutes before the meet warm-up begins.
2. Obtain a program (not the Coach’s) to check if you are properly entered in the events. If there is a mistake, discuss it with your Coach so this can be corrected.
3. Warm-ups are always conducted by a member of the Current Coaching Staff or senior swimmers. All Current swimmers entered in the meet are required to warm-up with the team.
4.  All STCC swimmers are required to wear the team suit, team cap, and team t-shirt to all SEAL swim meets. Other team apparel is optional; however, wearing STCC apparel helps promote team unity and also aids in spectator recognition.
5. If possible before reporting to the blocks, a swimmer should confer with the Coach to review race strategy and goals.
6. At the conclusion of each race, swimmers should immediately speak to the Coach. This gives the Coach an opportunity to the discuss the races with the swimmer and critique times, technique, and race strategy.
7. In between races, swimmers are asked to rest and stay warm. All energy is to be stored to be used during competition. Having something warm and dry to wear on your body and feet is very recommended. When hungry, a light, nutritious snack is recommended. Hydration is also important and should be done throughout the swim meet.
8. It is very important that parents have their child check with the Coach prior to leaving the swim meet, making certain their child has not been entered into a relay.

 

Always check with your Coach before leaving, prior to meet conclusion.

 

WHAT TO BRING TO SWIM MEETS

 

1. STCC t-shirt, swimsuit, and swim cap
2. 2 pairs of goggles (adjust these beforehand)
3. 2 towels minimum
4. Old blanket or sleeping bag to sit on
5. Activity to do in between races ex. Books, cards, games, etc.
6. Water bottle
7. Nutritious food
8. Money for a meet program ($3-$5)
9. Extra clothes to stay warm in between races ex. Sweatshirts, pants
10. Sandals to wear on deck

 

For the parents

1. Highlighter to mark the program
2. Sharpie to write events on swimmer’s arm
3. White t-shirt, black shorts/pants, sandals or inside shoes (if officiating)
4. Chairs (there is limited seating at some pools)

 

BEHAVIOUR AT SWIM MEETS

 

1. All STCC swimmers should remember their actions reflect the team they represent, and should behave accordingly. Let your actions reflect the pride you have in the St. Clair Current Swim Team and the Mooretown Sports Complex.
2. Parents should stay off the deck and competition venue (unless they are officiating).
3. All questions swimmers or parents have concerning meet results, or an officiating call, or any other issues should be referred to Coach ONLY. They will pursue the matter further.
4. As a matter of pride, leave the rest area and the pool in a neat and clean condition at the conclusion of each session of the meet.
5. The Coach has the final word with regards to events a swimmer competes in. STCC members are never to scratch or enter an event late without consulting the Coach and gaining permission to do so.
6. Warm-ups will be done as a team. Arrive at the pool 15 minutes beforehand to stretch and put on suit, cap, and goggles prior to the warm-up starting. Stretching is done before and after warm-ups.

 

PART FIVE:  REFERENCES

 

Useful Websites: