Welcome to Lifetime Competitive Swimming!
We are so excited to have you join the swim team. This informational packet was created by the LTS coaching staff, as a guide to help you navigate through all of the things you'll need to know to get you and your swimmer(s) off to a great start!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact ANY of the Lifetime Coaching Staff.
Team Philosophy:
Each swimmer is encouraged to pursue their goals to the best of their ability. The sport of swimming is something that each person can take with them for the duration of their lifetime. We want each swimmer to learn qualities such as: Dedication, Determination, Pride, Time Management, Proper Goal Setting, Teamwork, Respect and Sportsmanship.
Team Mission:
Our mission is to provide Entertaining, Educational, Friendly & Inviting Experiences that empowers Everyone to live a happy and healthy life. To provide a quality training environment for all Swimmers, within a structured progression to ensure each swimmer reaches their individual potential.
Important Links:
LTS TeamUnify Site: www.lifetimeswimteamco.com
(Official LIFE Swim: Lifetime Colorado is proud to be a Swimmingly, Rise Aquatics & Speedo sponsored USA Swimming Club.)
Mobile Applications: On Deck Parent, Deck Pass, and Meet Mobile (mobile applications for tracking meet information real-time. Meet mobile requires a monthly fee.)
Colorado Swim: https://www.coloradoswimming.org
USA Swim- Team Link: Life Time Swim link
Sport of Swimming:
The four competitive strokes are butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. In addition to those events, there is the individual medley (IM) event, which features all four strokes in one race in the order previously listed. There are also relay events that consist of four swimmers. There are freestyle relays, where all four swimmers swim freestyle; and there are medley relays, where each of the four swimmers swim one of the four strokes in the order of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle. Our goal will be to give each swimmer a myriad of experience in all strokes and distances.
Our swimmers compete in different age groups and meets depending on their achievement level and how old they are on the FIRST DAY OF THE MEET. Nationally recognized age groups are: 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18 and Senior (or Open, which is open to any age swimmer usually 12 years or older). Local meets may also feature events for 8 and under swimmers.
Meets are conducted in one of the three “courses” (pool sizes). A short course pool is either 25 yards (SCY) or 25 meters (SCM). A long course pool is 50 meters (LCM). The short course season goes from September to March and the long course season goes from April through August. The international standard used in the Olympics is 50 meters (LCM). The NCAA College Championships are conducted in SCY. USA Swimming maintains records for 25 yards, 25 meters and 50 meters.
The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition and to promote uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that swimmers do not get an unfair competitive advantage over another swimmer. The technical rules for each stroke may be found in the publication “USA Swimming Rules and Regulations” on the USA Swimming website.
USA Swimming:
USA Swimming is the national governing body for swimming in the United States. It was founded in 1980 as a result of the 1978 Congressional Amateur Sports Act. Swimming is now governed by the USA Swimming rather than being one of the many sports under the AAU umbrella. USA Swimming is composed of 60 swimming associations (Local Swim Committees or LSC’s). Our local LSC is referred to as Colorado Swimming (CO) with more than 7,000 registered swimmers. As a USA registered athlete, swimmers will be given a unique identification number, which will follow them throughout their swimming career. This number is composed of the swimmer’s birth date, the 1st three letters of his/her 1st name, middle initial, and the 1st four letters for their last name. (For example, if Rachel Elizabeth Harden, born December 31, 1923, was a USA registered swimmer, her swimmer ID would be; 123123RACEHARD).
USA Swimming offers a variety of programs that are geared to all levels of swimmers, from youngsters learning to swim to world-class athletes. The USA Swimming Age Group program is designed to benefit younger athletes in the early stages of their competitive swimming careers while preparing them for Senior, College, National, and International Level swimming. Age Group Swimmers participate in local, Regional, and National level meets and various championships. Regionally, Zone Meets are held in four areas of the country at the end of each short course and long course season. The swimmers progress from local Age Group Championships, to Senior Championships, to Zone Championships and/or Sectional Championships, to Junior or Senior Nationals, and then on to various International Championship meets. The local championship meets begin to prepare our swimmers for the national championships and beyond. The Senior National Championships and specially conducted trials are used to select swimmers for the United States National team including the Pan-American, Pan Pacific, Olympic Games, World Championships, and other international competitions.
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Swim Level Information and Swimmer Progression Lifetime Swim Competitive Swimming:
As the adage goes, “the more you put into it the more you will get out of it.”
Group placements are at the Coaching Staff’s discretion.
Developmental:
The Developmental Group provides younger swimmers the opportunity to develop fundamental skills needed in racing, and practice skills necessary to advance with any swim program. This includes defining the four competitive strokes, correct arms & legs, and proper turns. Swimmers are introduced to Circle Swimming, Practice Etiquette, Circle Swimming, and Diving, amongst other skills. Swimmers should know how to swim Freestyle and Backstroke and, at a minimum, have the rudiments of Breaststroke and Butterfly.
We would like to see our Dev swimmers 1 - 2 times per week. Swimmers in the Dev Group are aged 5 - 9 yrs.
National Requirements: Desire to Learn, Competitive Spirit, Basic Knowledge of all 4 Strokes
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Bronze:
The Bronze Level provides younger swimmers the opportunity to develop fundamental skills in racing and learning practice skills necessary to advance in any swim program. This includes refining the four competitive strokes, correct starts, and proper turns. Swimmers are introduced to using the pace-clock and practice etiquette. Swimmers should know how to swim 50's Freestyle and Backstroke and, at a minimum, have the rudiments of Breaststroke and Butterfly.
We would like to see our Bronze swimmers 2 - 3 times per week. Swimmers in the Bronze Group are aged 6 - 10 yrs.
National Requirements:
3x 50’s Free @ 1:20
Nearly Legal Breaststroke
100 IM @ 2:30
3x 50’s Backstroke @ 1:40
Nearly Legal Butterfly
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Silver:
The Silver Level focuses on continued development in stroke technique and efficiency. Aerobic and IM based training will be introduced to this group. Swimmers must be able to do all 4 strokes and swim IM based sets during practice. Swimmers continue to learn practice etiquette and use of the pace-clock, in addition to the introduction of goal setting. Swimmers in this group are beginning to dedicate themselves to swimming and becoming committed to becoming the best they can be. This will happen through learning race strategies, understanding their strengths and weaknesses in stroke technique, starts, turns, break-outs, breathing patterns, and finishes.
We would like to see our Silver swimmers 3 - 4 times per week. Swimmers in the Silver Group are aged 9 -12 yrs.
National Requirements:
3x 100’s Free @ 1:50 -or- 5x 100’s @ 2:00
200 IM @ 4:15 -or- 3x 100 IM @ 2:10
100 Backstroke @ 2:10 -or- 2x 50’s @ 1:15
Dives off of the Blocks
Reads & Understands Pace Clock, Follows Proper Intervals
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Gold:
The Gold Level focuses on continued stroke development, aerobic training, race strategy, team building and sportsmanship. Swimmers in Gold will compete in all offered events for their age groups. They should participate in dry land to enhance their water practices, learn about proper nutrition and hydration.
We would like to see our Gold swimmers 4 - 5 times per week. Swimmers in the Gold Group are aged 12 & Over.
National Requirements:
100 Free @ 1:20
100 Back @ 1:45
100 Breaststroke @ 2:00
100 Butterfly @ 1:35
400 IM @ 8:00
Dives off of the Blocks
Reads & Understands Pace Clock, Follows Proper Intervals
Should be a Practice Leader
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Senior: (High School Aged Swimmers)
The Senior Level is the highest training level we offer. It is continued work from the previous levels. We will focus on swimmers achieving lofty goals, and at the highest levels of championship meets they can achieve. We will also aid any swimmers in the process of NCAA choices for any that want to continue their careers at the college level.
We would like to see our Senior swimmers 4 - 5 times per week. Swimmers in the Senior Group are aged 14 & Over.
Swimmers in this group are 13&O. We expect swimmers in this group to attend all practices. These swimmers are the leaders of the team and are expected to represent LTS in the most positive light possible. They are willing to come prepared and early to all practices, and are also encouraged to be ambassadors to the sport by taking roles that can help to develop the sport of swimming by either taking on mentoring roles to younger swimmers or by volunteering their time to represent the state of Colorado as an athlete representative to USA Swimming.
National Requirements:
100 Free @ 1:15
100 Back @ 1:30
100 Breaststroke @ 1:30
100 Butterfly @ 1:30
400 Free @ 6:00
400 IM @ 6:45
Follows Proper Intervals
Practice Leader
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Coaches’ Responsibilities:
The Coach's job is to supervise the entire competitive swim program. The LTS coaching staff is dedicated to providing a quality competitive program for each swimmer, at every skill level. Therefore, the coaches must retain control in matters relating to training and competition.
1. The Coaches are responsible for placing swimmers in practice groups.
This is based on age, demonstrated merit, and coaches’ recommendation. Coaches reserve the right to place a swimmer in a more challenging group when it is in the best interest of the swimmer.
2. Responsibility for stroke instruction and the training regimen rests with the LTS coaching staff. Each group’s practices are based on current techniques and coaching philosophy and are geared to the goals of that group.
3. The coaching staff will make decisions regarding which meets swimmers will attend and which events a swimmer will compete in.
4. At meets, the coaching staff will conduct and supervise warm-up procedures for the team. The coaches will be solely responsible for offering racing strategies, technical instruction, and constructive criticism regarding the swimmer’s performance. All relay teams will be determined by the coaches.
5. All team communication will come from the coaches via Team Unify.
Swimmers Behavior Expectations: We have three basic rules for each practice.
#1 Come to practice to practice.
#2 Do things correctly.
#3 Behave in a manner that allows your teammates to practice and your coaches to coach.
Practices:
1. Each training group has either specific attendance goals or a mandatory number of practices a swimmer must attend. It is the responsibility of the swimmers and parents to familiarize themselves with the attendance goals of their specific group.
Please arrive at each practice on time and ready to swim. Equipment should be ready to go before practice starts. Please ensure all swimmers have all gear required for their practice group.
2. Appropriate Practice Apparel: All swimmers should be wearing a swimming suit appropriate for training; no shorts or shirts are permitted during practice. (for younger swimmers in the cold pool a training type wetsuit is ok. But it should be cleared by the head site coach). Any caps worn must be appropriate and should not represent other teams we compete against.
3. Listen and follow the coaches’ instructions
4. Follow Pool Rules
Meets:
1. Be on deck and ready to get in the water at least 15 minutes prior to the start of assigned warm up time.
2. Team suits are required for meet participation as well as the team cap for those that choose to wear a cap. Team shirts should be worn on deck at meets. We are proud of all the things our swimmers do but when we are at a meet, we are Lifetime Colorado swimming and team attire is required.
3. Swimmers will remain in the team area with the team during meets.
Parent Expectations:
1. Parents are strongly encouraged to volunteer their time to help with the development of the team through swim meet assistance, setting up, safety chairman, referee, meet official, etc. end of season banquet, or other team activities that require planning, set up and clean up.
2. Parents are welcome to observe workouts; however, they are asked to stay in the designated seating areas at the pool and should not interfere with practices in any way. Please also do not interrupt or approach coaches while they are coaching. Parents that interfere during practice will be asked to leave the pool deck. Please do not approach your swimmers during practice. If you need to speak to the coaching staff do so before or after practice or email the coach and make an appointment.
3. Videotaping, pictures, or other distracting behaviors during practice is NOT permitted at any time. Video and pictures are allowed at swim meets as long as you disable your flash and do not stand in front of any coaches, safety marshals, timers, or officials during the meet. This is based on USA Swimming rules and regulations and MUST be adhered to at all times. Photos and videos may not be taken behind the starting blocks at any time.
4. Never approach meet management, officials, or safety marshals during a swim meet. Communicate all suggestions and questions to LTC swim coaches only.
5. Parents need to communicate in writing (30 day notice is required), of a voluntary resignation from LTC.
6. Parents need to show respect to all parents, coaches, swimmers/athletes, competitors, teams, officials, directors, board members, and patrons of Lifetime at all times.
7. Parents are not to "friend" any youth (Under age 18) swimmers on Facebook or Twitter as restricted by law. This does not include your own children. Privacy and safety is very important for all swimmers and needs to be respected through best practices. Please refer to our Safe Sport and MAAP handbook for further information.
8. Please talk with the coaches about any suggestions or concerns you have outside of swim meets and practice times. We encourage communication to create positive swimming experiences.
9. Parents must keep their accounts with USA Swimming and Lifetime in good standing. Please make payments on time each month and keep us informed of new addresses, phone numbers, email, etc.
Parent Cooperation and Communication:
Cooperation and communication between parents and coaches is a vital part of a successful swimmers and programs. If a parent disagrees with a coach, the problem must be resolved privately between the two. A parent’s critical comments directed at the coach in the presence of a swimmer may have a negative impact on the confidence the swimmer has in the coach. Once that confidence is lost, success is unlikely. Also, it should be emphasized that confusion will result if the swimmer has two “coaches” (Parent and Coach). The results are almost always better if parents restrict their input to support and encouragement, and let the coach provide technical instruction. It is our job to shove them and our parents' job to love them. Coaches always welcome input from parents and will make themselves available outside of workouts and competition. It is appreciated if parents would email coaches for appointments to discuss matters that are not urgent.
Training Equipment:
1. Swimmers are required to bring specific training equipment to each practice. It is the swimmer’s responsibility to make sure that equipment is present and ready for use at each practice.
2. Please refer to the Equipment List located on the LTS Colorado Swim Team website for specifics about the above equipment. All items can be purchased from the Lifeguard Store. A link is provided to our specific LTS team and you may order equipment directly from them.
Swim Meets:
Team Uniform Policy: Swimmers are required to wear approved Lifetime apparel to swim meets. If swimmers do not arrive with the proper apparel, they will not be allowed to compete.
Competitive Uniform Requirements: Team Cap, Team T-Shirt, and Team Suit . It is very important that each swimmer is a recognizable LIFE swimmer. Each swimmer should only be wearing team apparel. We strongly recommend wearing Black, Blue and White, as they are the team colors.
Meet Warmups: Swimmers need to arrive at the competition pool 15 minutes before the beginning of the warmup session. Warmups will always be conducted by the coaches. Parents should not be involved in the warmup process. Swimmers are expected to warm up with the team. It is important that swimmers and parents understand that warm up is an essential part of a successful performance.
Team Area: It is customary for us to have a “team area” and for swimmers to sit together as a group. This helps to foster team unity and create a team atmosphere. Also, it allows the coaches to help the younger swimmers be ready for their events on time.
Before and After Each Race: Swimmers are asked to come see coaches present before and immediately after each race. This allows the coach an opportunity to discuss the race, as well as offer constructive comments regarding splits, stroke technique, race strategy, etc. If a warm down area is available, swimmers should warm down after each race.
Parent Participation at Meets:
Timing is a great way to help the LTS community, and often at meets we are required to provide parents to time. This important part of each meet is actually quite easy and fun. Timers help run the meet. While helping, you get a lot of benefits. You get the best view of the swimmers, you will interact with parents of swimmers on other teams, and you will share the positive attitude towards swimming on the pool deck during the meets.
Parents must conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times during swim meets. As a courtesy to officials and the host team, parents must stay off the pool deck during a meet unless serving in an official capacity. Similarly, parents are asked to refer all questions and concerns regarding meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of a meet to the coach. The coach will pursue the concern through the appropriate channels.
Meet Fees:
Parents are responsible for paying for all swim meet fees that their swimmer incurs. This included event fees, facility/athlete surcharge and the Life Time surcharge for each meet. Parents forfeit any meet fees if a swimmer is scratched or does not show up for the meet in which they have already been committed and entries have been submitted to the hosting team. Once the team submits the payment all financial responsibilities are final.
Meet Sign-up:
The LTS coaching staff wants to ensure that the first meet you attend is a great experience for you and your swimmer. As a LTS team member, you should receive access to the Team Unify website to register your swimmer(s) in upcoming swim meets. The team website is: www.lifetimeswimteamco.com As swim meet registrations approach, you will receive an informational email requesting you to commit, or not commit your swimmer in the upcoming meet. Follow the directions as noted in the email and you should be set. You can go to the Events/Meets tab from the website to review upcoming meets at any time. Once your swimmer is committed to a meet and corresponding event, the coaching staff make decisions regarding swimmer events, all relays and approve meet entries. Coaches have final say on ALL meet entries.
Swim Meet Checklist: Below are some of the items you should bring with you to every meet.
1. 2 goggles (just in case a strap breaks)
2. 2-3 towels (you’ll want to keep your swimmer warm in-between events)
3. Spare swim team cap (Black LTS Cap if possible)
4. Sharpie, Pen/Pencil, and Highlighter (these are for the parents, to write events down)
5. $5 - $10 (for meet program, Check team site as well)
6. Change of clothes for after the meet (most venues provide showers for your swimmer(s))
7. Sweats/Towel-pants/Bathrobe (Swimmers need clothing to stay warm in between events)
8. Blanket (optional, to stay warm)
9. Chairs (some venues have limited bleacher space, so it is always a good idea to bring chairs)
10. Games or cards (some meets will have a large number of swimmers so keeping your swimmer occupied during down time is always a good idea)
Your swimmer(s) will burn a lot of energy throughout the day so bring snacks that will help them re-fuel. Below are a few suggestions:
1. Water, water, water
2. Fruit and or vegetables
3. Bagels, protein, sandwiches, crackers with some type of protein
4. Sports Drink with electrolytes
5. Nuts or trail mix Most venues provide a concession stand but it is always a good idea to bring snacks you know your swimmer(s) will actually eat.
Tracking Events:
On the TeamUnify website under the Events/Meet tab, you can pull up meet information and view the meet details such as location, warm-up times, etc. This is usually provided as a link within the Swim Meet summary.
To help you and your swimmer(s) remember what events they are swimming, when (heat) they are swimming, and where (lane) they are swimming, it is a good idea to write your swimmer’s information on their arm or leg with a Sharpie. This is something most kids look forward to – writing on themselves without getting into trouble.
Please also refer to our SafeSport and MAAP Handbook as well as our anti Bullying Policy and Covid Guidelines.
All parents will have to fill out an acknowledgement form for the team handbook, Safe Sport and MAAP, anti-bullying and Covid guidelines.
