HAVA GROUP BREAKDOWN AND LEVEL UP REQUIREMENTS:

• Beginner Group Joining Requirements:
  • Must be able to swim 50 yards Freestyle and 50 yards Backstroke non-stop.

• Beginner Group Swim Practice:
  • Are issued white swim caps;
  • Mandatory static and dynamic stretching routine; 
  • Focus is on stroke development; endurance; and swimming terminology;
  • Character focus on supporting teammates; looking after borrowed gear; perseverance; positive attitude; and increase confidence;
  • Not required to compete. (But if the swimmer does compete the distances will not exceed 100 yards);
  • Not required to have their own equipment;
  • Yardage is between 500 - 2,000 yards.

• Intermediate Group Joining Requirements:
  • Know legally all 4 strokes;
  • Can perform flip turns for Freestyle and Backstroke;
  • Can swim 100 IM;
  • Can swim 200 non-stop;
  • Can swim 2,000 yards in a 60 minute practice.

• Intermediate Group Swim Practice:
  • Are issued orange swim caps;
  • Mandatory static and dynamic stretching routine;
  • Focus on deeper understanding of all 4 strokes including IM's;
  • Character focus on all of beginner goals as well as: implementing and working towards small goals; dealing with setbacks; and improving body confidence;
  • Not required to compete but it helps in development;
  • Required to have their own basic equipment;
  • Yardage is between 2,500 - 3,500 yards.

• Advanced Group Joining Requirements:
  • Know legally all 4 strokes;
  • Can perform a bucket flip turn;
  • Can swim 200 IM;
  • Can swim 500 non-stop;
  • Can swim 4,000 yards in a 90 minute practice.

• Advanced Group Swim Practice:
  • Are issued black swim caps;
  • Mandatory static and dynamic stretching routine;
  • Focus on technical stroke adjustments; stamina; and strength training;
  • Character focus on all previous group goals as well as: self drive; leadership development; and improve communication skills;
  • Not required to compete but actively encouraged to;
  • Required to have a full set of training gear;
  • Yardage is between 4,000 - 6,000 yards.

SWIMMING EQUIPMENT LIST:

• Fins:
  • Designed to improve leg strength; encourage a short sharp kick; and to increase speed;
  • Come in a variety of designs and length;
  • To encourage a short sharp kick focus on fins that are "short blades";
    • Note that some fins float and some do not;
  • There are also "monofins" which are used for dolphin kick (the most powerful kick); (not required).
• Goggles:
  • For indoor pools focus on lens that are: clear; yellow tinted; pink tinted; orange tinted; and light blue tinted;
  • For outdoors pools focus on lens that are: mirrored; smoke; gray tinted; or dark blue tinted;
  • Head strap - does it have 1 head strap or 2? 2 straps allow for a better fit to the head; (some swimmer's switch out the straps for a bungee cord);
  • Nose piece - adjustable? Or does it come with different sized interchangeable nose pieces?
  • Material - no foam (breaks down too quickly); think silicone or a similar material;
  • Expect to replace goggles every 6 months;
  • Recommend having a spare pair or two.
• Hand Paddles:
  • Designed to develop strength in the upper body;
  • Come in a variety of sizes (the larger the size the harder it is);
  • Start off with hand paddles just bigger than your swimmer's hand size;
  • Recommend for beginners - hand paddles that have at least 2 rubber straps for better hand securement.
• Kickboard:
  • Allows the swimmer to just focus on their legs;
  • Come in a variety of colors, material and sizes;
  • Look for a board that is rigid to allow the swimmer to swim on top of the water. A smaller size allows the swimmer to work harder.
• Mesh Bag:
  • To store all of the swimmer's gear;
  • Needs to be big enough for all items;
  • Comes in a variety of colors, number of pockets and designs;
  • Recommend one with a place to put the swimmer's name on as well as a unique color for easy identification.
• Pull Buoy:
  • Designed to go between the upper thighs and worn in conjunction with the hand paddles. Allows the swimmer to swim without using their legs. Builds upper body and core strength;
  • Multiple options and colors;
  • Recommend to keep with the simple design shape and type of material (floats).
• Snorkel:
  • A swim snorkel is a snorkel that is worn at the front of the face (runs along the front of the nose);
  • Designed to make the swimmer swim straight (to not overcompensate in their legs and/or body wiggle); and to improve breath control by increasing their lung capacity;
  • Biggest difference is just before the mouthpiece - is the snorkel rigid or flexible? This can affect how the swimmer uses the snorkel;
    • Note some swimmer's require a nose plug when wearing a snorkel.

SWIM MEET EQUIPMENT LIST:

• When a swimmer is participating in a swim meet they are required to bring the following items:
  • Wear their HAVA approved attire (minimum t-shirt);
  • Swim suit;
  • Team issued HAVA swim cap;
  • Goggles (2 pairs);
  • Bag with multiple compartments (1 compartment for dry gear; 1 compartment for wet gear; 1 compartment for food/drinks);
  • Towels (at least 2);
  • Flip flops or crocs;
  • Comfortable gear to wear in between swimming events (it will get wet);
  • Snacks (e.g. granola bars; nuts; goldfish; cheese sticks);
  • Water Bottle;
  • Money for additional snacks and/or souvenirs;
  • Power pack for electronic devices;
  • Sharpie (for listing their events on their bodies);
  • Small easy and quiet games/activities to play (e.g. cards, uno, books, gaming console);
  • Masks (2);
  • Ziplock bag (to put the mask in when swimming);
  • No watches or jewelery can be worn during the swimming events.

SWIM MEET VOLUNTEER POSITIONS EXPLAINED:

Swimming meets are only successful because of the volunteers. There are multiple opportunities for you as parent(s)/guardian(s) of your swimmer to become more engaged and closer to the action. All volunteers are provided with free drinks and snacks provided by the hosting team. Before the swim meet starts there will be a briefing on every role. Here are some of the ways you can volunteer and become a part of the swimming community:

No Qualifications Required Volunteer Positions:

Volunteers in these positions are usually required 30 minutes before the swim meet starts.

• Timer:
  • This volunteer position is the one that needs to be filled first and is paramount to holding a swim meet. Without timers we cannot accurately record the swimmer's times which may cause their swimming times to not count. The timer's are the most important non-qualified volunteers. Usually works in pairs and each timer is responsible for a stopwatch and either recording the time, or by operating another timing device (e.g. Dolphin timing systems; or a button). You will get wet in this position. Periods of rest and action depending on the lane assigned (middle lanes more busier than the outer lanes).
• Head Timer:
  • The Head Timer is responsible for the: timers; collecting the lane sheets after the events; and being able to operate 2 stopwatches at one time (back ups in case a timer's stopwatch fails). Periods of rest and action. 
• Clerk of Course:
  • This volunteer is responsible for ensuring that the swimmer's are lined up in the correct formation before the swimmer's head to the starting blocks. This volunteer position is fast paced. 
• Meet Marshall:
  • Identified by their reflective vests the Meet Marshalls can be assigned many different roles. From welcoming staff and locker room attendant (ensuring that athletes and non-athletes are utilizing the correct facilities); to venue rule enforcers and helpful guides.
• Hospitality:
  • At every swim meet the hosting team will provide free food and drinks to all the volunteers, coaches and meet officials. Volunteers are needed for setting up and taking down of equipment; cleaning up; baking, cooking or collecting outside food; working the coffee machines; and periodically walking the deck distributing drinks and snacks to the other volunteers on deck.

Qualifications Required Volunteer Positions:

Volunteers in these positions are usually required 60 minutes before the swim meet starts.

For your swimmer's times to count the swim meet must be run in accordance with USA Swimming Rules and Regulations. There are a number of important volunteer positions that must be filled. All of the qualifications are free to take however, it does require some time commitment at the beginning to become qualified in your particular job. The qualified personnel wear white polo shirts, blue bottoms and white shoes to denote that they are qualified USA Swimming Officials. Listed are the 3 most needed volunteer positions:

• Stroke and Turn Judge (S&T):
  • Ever wondered why your swimmer has received a DQ? Do you know what to look for when your child is swimming to know if they are swimming the stroke correctly? Do you want to become more engaged and learn more about each stroke? The S&T Judge stands at the end of the lanes and is monitoring each swimmer to make sure that they are swimming the stroke correctly in accordance with the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations. Fast paced. Will be standing on deck for the entire time. Will get wet.
• Administrative Official (AO):
  • The AO is responsible for: setting up the meet events; sending the information out to all other coaches; inputting teams and athletes into the Meet Manager system; making changes including adding and removing swimmers; inputting DQ's; seeding the events; analyzing swimming times data and making final time changes (with Meet Referee approval); and submitting the times to USA Swimming. This is a fast paced job that is usually held by one person but with the support of the Meet Referee. Basic math may be needed. Will be required to stay behind after the swim meet to finish up the data analysis and data transfer (time depends on the swim meet format but usually no more than 30 minutes). Sitting down position. Sits next to the TEO Operator.
• Timing Equipment Operator (TEO):
  • The TEO ensures that: the timing system has been tested before the swim meet starts; the timing computer starts when the Starter is operated; the timing pads are being touched by the swimmer (and adjust the touchpad count as needed); the timer's are operating their secondary and/or tertiary timing devices; and transferring time's to the AO. One person is only required. Sitting down position. Sits next to the AO.

Further information can be found at: https://www.teamunify.com/team/va/page/officials/official-training