Severna Park Swim Association
SPY Swimming
Parent Handbook 2025-26
Table of Contents
1. Welcome to SPSA (SPY)
2. History of SPSA & SPY Swimming
3. SPSA Governance
4. SPY Philosophy
5. What is YMCA Swimming
6. What is USA Swimming
7. SPY Coaching
8. SPY Practice Groups
9. SPY Swim Team Fees
10. Methods of Communication
11.Communications
12. Codes of Conduct
13. Anti-Bullying Policy
14. Fundraising at SPY
15. Volunteer Requirements
16. Photography
17. Appendices & Links to Forms
1. Welcome to SPSA (SPY Swimming)
The Severna Park Swimming Association (SPSA) and SPY Swimming would like to welcome you as a member of our swim team organization. We are happy that you have joined us and hope that your experience with the SPY Swim Team will be rewarding.
Your swimmer’s experience and success as a member of our team is important.
But our team’s success also relies heavily on the involvement of our parents! Without parent involvement, SPY Swimming would not be able to provide our swimmers with the best possible swim team experience. To support you, we have prepared this handbook that contains valuable information about our SPSA policies and procedures, as well as our expectations.
The policies and procedures contained in this handbook may be modified,amended, deleted, or otherwise changed by the SPSA Board of Directors withor without notice. Any Substantial updates SPSA makes to this handbook will be brought to your attention. Your questions and suggestions are always welcome.
Please read this handbook to better understand your responsibilities as members of SPSA. Please complete the Google Documents (linked) to confirm you’ve read and will adhere to the Code of Conduct for Parents and Swimmers and the registration and fee policy. If you have questions, please feel free to contact any member of the SPSA Board of Directors.
Welcome to SPY Swim Team and see you on deck!
Brian Berning
President, SPSA
2. History of the SPSA & SPY Swimming
The Severna Park YMCA (SPY) swim team was formed in 1976 and quickly developed its reputation as a premier competitive swimming program. Successful performance at Dual meets and many District and Regional championships continue to support this well-earned reputation.
The SPSA was formed in 1993 by the parents of SPY swimmers after the YMCA left the area. Under its new name, the SPSA's parent-run board developed a professional program of aquatics and swim team management, leasing pool time from the Severna Park Community Center.
In 2013, the Y of Central Maryland bought the Big Vanilla facility in Arnold, now known as the Y in Arnold (Greater Annapolis). SPY swimming has continued our partnership to this day, and we currently lease pool time from them to support our needs and augment time at the Severna Park Community Center (SPCC).
The SPY Swim Team is unique. As a YMCA team, we participate in "Y" dual meets (2-teams), invitational meets (several teams), and both District and National championships for both short course (SC) and long course (LC) competition. In addition, SPY swimmers are registered as USA Swimming members and participate in USA- sanctioned invitational meets, Sectionals, Junior and Senior Championships for both short and long course formats that lead to the U.S. Open and Olympic Trials.
Each year, SPY coaches develop detailed training plans, tailored for each ability level of the swimmer. They also work with swimmers to set developmental goals, to promote upward mobility to the next level of competitive swimming. Every season SPY has swimmers that qualify for Regional, State and National meets. Our "Spies" group of swimmers is nationally known as an elite swim group, run by one of the most experienced and professional organizations in the region.
SPY believes that building strong competitors is only part of our mission. We also strive to have fun; and promote teamwork and positive relationships, strong character and respect for ourselves and others. We want everyone to enjoy their time with SPY and share in our Team’s success.
3. SPSA Governance
SPSA Mission Statement
To provide a high quality, competitive swimming program that offers an opportunity for all SPY swimmers to reach their highest personal potential both as a person and as an athlete. We are committed to helping children grow in character, physical development, and skill.
SPSA Board of Directors
The administration of all procedures and policies, and the supervision of the swim team coaching staff are the responsibility of the SPSA Board of Directors. The SPSA Board of Directors, elected at the May Annual Meeting of the association, is made up of SPY Swim Team parent volunteers.
The Board of Directors meets once/month. Minutes from each meeting are available upon request. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the BoD and are welcome to attend board meetings. If parents wish to meet with the Board, and discuss a specific topic, they must send a request to be added to the meeting agenda 10 days prior to the next scheduled meeting.
The SPSA Board of Directors works within the SPSA Bylaws, which are posted on the SPY TeamUnify website under the Resources. The SPY TeamUnify Web site is a secure, internet site only accessible to SPSA members. The site is managed by a trained Parent Volunteer, with oversight from the Board of Directors. For more information on the TeamUnify Web site, see Section 10 of this handbook.
4. SPY Philosophy
The SPY Swim Team’s success is built on a philosophy of achievement and fun for both our swimmers and our families.
Competitive swimming offers an exciting and valuable experience in a young person's life. This experience is beneficial and can be enjoyed by all, from beginners to the most elite athletes. As a sport, swimming's value goes far beyond that of just learning skills in the water and racing. Through a well organized series of developmental stages, every participant can gain from his or her experiences.
The SPY coaches believe that the focus of a developmental program is to instill a love of the sport in our young swimmers. The practice commitment for younger swimmers enables them to participate in other sports and activities, something that the SPY coaches encourage.
As swimmers develop, they may be encouraged to commit to a more rigorous practice schedule, but only when they are mature and ready to become a year-round competitive swimmer.
The unique structure of the SPY program enables our swimmers to represent the Team in YMCA or "Y" Competitions, as well as in many USA Swimming sanctioned events.
The SPY swim year is divided into two seasons:
- Short Course (SC, 25y pool), which starts in September and culminates with Short Course Nationals in March.
- Long Course (LC, 50m pool), which starts in April and culminates with Long Course Nationals at the end of July.
*To qualify for Y Championship-level meets, swimmers are required to attend three (3) dual meets.
5. What is YMCA Swimming?
SPY has been a member of the Chesapeake and Potomac (C&P) YMCA Swim League since 1976. The C&P League consists of approximately 19 teams, divided into 4 geographic divisions. Because SPY Swim Team started as a YMCA team, it has retained its membership in the league but is not governed by the YMCA of Central Maryland.
The website for the C&P League is http://www.cpsl.info/
The YMCA Short Course Season: September - March
Participation is based on the swimmer's age as of December 1, and events include:
➢ Dual Meets
➢ C&P League Championships, in which all swimmers can participate
➢ District Championship (MD, DE, NOVA), for which qualifying times apply.
➢ Invitational Meets and Open Competitions (like the Capital Classic in NC, and the Wilton Thanksgiving Invitational in CT)
➢ YMCA National Short Course Championship, for which rigorous qualifying times apply.
The YMCA Long Course Season: April - August
Participation is based on the swimmer's age as of May 1, and events include:
➢ 3 or 4 USA Swimming or YMCA Long Course Meets, both in- and out-of-state
➢YMCA National Championships in late July/early August, for which swimmers must have swum 2 or more Long Course meets; and rigorous qualifying times apply.
➢ There are no dual meets during LC season
6. What is USA Swimming?
USA Swimming is the national governing body for amateur competitive swimming. Its headquarters is in Colorado Springs, CO at the Olympic Training Center.
On the local level, administration of USA Swimming is divided into 59 Local Swim Committees (LSCs), each with its own by-laws, operations, and schedules adhering to the guidelines of USA Swimming. SPY complies with the Maryland LSC and enters meets within Maryland that conform to USA Swimming standards.
Maryland LSC offers a full schedule of meets to swimmers of all ability levels, with some open (no qualifying times required) and some qualifying. USA Swimming establishes time standards and classifications, and the Maryland LSC will apply these standards to various meets. These levels range from a beginning level of BB and go through level AAAA, with AAAA being the fastest age group level.
Sectionals are the first level of competition outside of age group swimming. Swimmers attaining a qualifying time at this level can begin attending meets at a national level, without regard to age. Nationals are the elite level competition for USA swimmers. The only step above this is qualification for the US Open, Olympic Trials and the Olympics themselves.
The websites for Maryland LSC and USA Swimming are:
http://www.mdswim.org/ and http://www.usaswimming.org
7. SPY Coaching
All coaches must maintain:
➢ CPR/AED Certification
➢ Safety Training for Swim Coaches
➢ Criminal Background Check
➢ US Swimming Membership
➢ Complete Athlete Protection Training (APT) Course
➢ Complete Foundations of Coaching 101
➢ Complete YMCA Principles Course
➢ American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) certification (part time coaches may be working towards this)
Head Coach: Crystee Ballard
Coach Crystee has been involved in competitive swimming and coaching for over 25 years. She has achieved recognition as a Level III ASCA certified coach. She has coached swimmers that have qualified for YMCA Nationals, USA Junior Nationals, USA Nationals, and USA Olympic Trials.
Crystee is a SPY alum and went on to swim for Towson State University. She spent one year working with the University of Maryland Swim Team while working on her master’s degree. She spent three summers at the University of Michigan working with their swim camps. Crystee has been coaching at SPY since 2002 and served as co-head coach from 2005-2014 and assumed the Head Coach Position in February of 2014.
Head Assistant Coach: Richard Heim
Richard has been involved in competitive swimming for over 25 years as both a swimmer and as a coach. Richard swam on SPY for 9 years until 2001 and has been coaching since 2002. He is currently certified as a Level III ASCA coach. Since 2006 he has been the head coach for Oakleigh Forest in the summer and has led them to 4 East Severna Park League Championships. He has also previously coached for Evergreen and Shipley’s Choice during the summer.
Laura Ainsworth – Assistant Coach/ Team Admin
Meghan Pappafotis- Assistant Coach
Cassie Mann - Assistant Coach
Katie Parker - Assistant Coach
Junior Coaches - HS Juniors and Seniors in the SPIES group
(Coach bios can be found on the TU website)
To learn more about ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) certification, visit http://www.swimmingcoach.org/
8. SPY Practice Groups
To assist our swimmers and their families in understanding the expectations of our athletes in the various practice group levels, SPY has developed guidelines that help determine the placement or advancement of our swimmers from group to group.
The SPY Swim Team is composed of six practice groups: Spies, Investigators, Sleuths, Detectives, Private Eyes and Gumshoes. Each group has its own qualifications and focus. Below is a description for each group. These guidelines help our swimmers and families in understanding specific group objectives and required responsibilities.
Gumshoes
Commitment: Gumshoes have practice 3 times a week. Each practice is 45 minutes long. Gumshoes practice seven months a year and all compete in the short course season. There is an optional spring and summer session which can extend the season and all athletes may participate in the long course season.
Qualifications: Gumshoes must be able to swim 3 legal strokes and can swim 100 yards. The ability to have a racing dive is also preferred.
Focus: The Gumshoes practice group is a developmental group for swimmers age 6 - 8. The primary focus of this group is instructional and centers on perfecting all four competitive strokes and using them in competition.
Private Eyes
Commitment: Private Eyes have practice 4 times a week. Each practice is 60-75 minutes long. Private Eyes practice seven months a year and all compete in the short course season. There is an optional spring and summer session which can extend the season and all athletes may participate in the long course season.
Qualifications: Private Eyes must be able to swim 4 competitive strokes as well as one or two fast strokes. Swimmers must have the ability to swim four 100-yard swims legally and with proper turns.
Focus: The P.E. practice group is a developmental and basic training group for swimmers ages 8-11. Training becomes more important, and swimmers work on increased distances, stroke mechanics and race strategy.
Detectives
Commitment: Detectives have practice 4 times a week. Each practice is 60-75 minutes long. Detectives practice seven months a year and all compete in the short course season. There is an optional spring and summer session which can extend the season and all athletes may participate in the long course season.
Qualifications: Detectives must be able to swim 4 legal strokes, as well as be able to swim 6 repeated 100-yard swims legally with proper turns and legal starts. Swimmers must have the ability to develop one or more strokes into a 200-yard racing event.
Focus: The Detectives group introduces competitive swimming for swimmers ages 10-12. Racing technique and mid-level training is the emphasis and an ability to listen and apply coaching direction is critical to swimmers in this practice group.
Sleuths
Commitment: Sleuths have 5 practices a week. Each practice is 60-90 minutes long. Sleuths train eleven months a year and compete in both a short course and a long course season.
Qualifications: Sleuths must be able to swim 4 legal strokes, as well as be able to race distances of up to 500 yards. Sleuths must have the ability to repeat five 200-yard swims and race each stroke at 100- yard distances. Swimmers are asked to work out with the club team year-round, although on a reduced schedule through the summer months to allow for participation on community swim teams.
Focus: The Sleuth group is the entry level to full-time swimming with the goal of eventually developing a swimmer into regional and national-level qualifiers. Generally, swimmers will be 11-14 years old. Training becomes more of the focus, although increasing refinement of stroke technique is done to promote the ability to train at a higher level and obtain racing speed.
Investigators
Commitment: Investigators have 6 practices a week. Each practice is 75-120 minutes long. Investigators train eleven months a year and compete in both a short course and long course season.
Qualifications: Swimmers must have the ability to train at a high level with a practice commitment of 70%. While high school or summer swimming is allowed in season, the expectation is that SPY is the primary training mechanism and the primary team identification. Investigators should have a minimum of District qualifying cuts in all events for which they train, and swimmers are expected to make a full year commitment to the program.
Focus: Investigators are preparing to train and swim at an elite level. Most athletes
will be 13 years of age and older, with the occasional 12-year-old. Training is multi-modal, including education, dry land training, and both short and long course training and competition.
Self-discipline and commitment are expected, and a certain level of independence in training and swimming while away from team practices is also expected. The Investigator group is a transitional level into our national program and represents the pinnacle for those swimmers who do not desire a full-time commitment to swimming at an elite level.
Spies
Commitment: Spies have 6 practices a week. Each practice is 75-120 minutes long. Spies train eleven months a year and compete in both a short course and long course season.
Qualifications: Swimmers are selected to this group by the coaching staff after showing exemplary attendance, performance, and commitment as an Investigator or coming from another club in similar circumstances. A minimum requirement for consideration is a qualifying time for either YMCA National Meet or major USA Swimming event, these requirements are subject to change to be determined by the coaching staff. While high school or summer swimming is allowed in season, the expectation is that SPY is the primary training mechanism and the primary team identification.
Focus: The Spies practice group primarily consists of national-level athletes and is performance-based. Swimmers may be moved out of the group at the discretion of the coaches for non-performance or for not meeting the expectations of the group. Spies & parents of Spies are asked to sign an attendance/commitment agreement with SPY coaches at the start of the season. Training is the primary focus, although technique and racing strategy are worked on during practice. Goal setting, team identity and independent participation are all characteristics of this group.
Practice Attendance Requirements for Elite Meet Participation (Pertains to year-round training practice groups*)
SPY Coaches have set attendance requirements for SPY swimmers who qualify for elite travel meets. These are established to ensure proper training and injury prevention, as well as build camaraderie with fellow teammates. If swimmers do not meet the minimum attendance, they will not be allowed to attend the meets. Coaches take attendance at all practices using the OnDeck Application. Swimmers can view their attendance through the OnDeck app.
Capital Classic- Raleigh N.C.:
Any SPY swimmer that qualifies for Capital Classic will be required to have a minimum cumulative attendance of 65% in order to attend the Capital Classic Swim Meet in North Carolina.
YMCA National Meets:
Any SPY swimmers who qualify for short course or long course YMCA National meets will be required to have a minimum cumulative attendance of 65% to participate.
Swimmers must participate in a minimum of 3 meets or they will be required to tryout again at the end of the season.
*For further questions about attendance expectations at all practice levels please speak with Coach Crystee or Coach Richard.
9. SPY Swim Team Fees*
Participation on the SPY Swim Team requires the following:
➢ SPY Family Registration Fee
➢ SPY Monthly Program Fees
➢ USA Swimming Membership Fee
➢ YMCA Membership Fee
SPY Family Registration Fee
The Family Registration Fee is $165.00 for the season. All accounts must be current and in good standing to register your swimmer for the next season. This $165 registration fee is assessed to your TeamUnify account on or about June 1 of each year.
SPY Monthly Program Fees
The monthly program fees vary based on roster/practice group. Payment is due on the first day of the month. Billing for Monthly Program Fees will begin with the September 1 billing cycle. All payments will be handled via electronic billing through your secure Team Unify account. A late fee of $25.00 is assessed for payments received on the 10th day of the month or later (please keep account information updated in Team Unify). Please see Appendix A for the current monthly fee schedule.
NOTE: Families wishing to disenroll must do so before June 1st. Otherwise, all registration and monthly program fees will still be required up front or through continued monthly payments. Fee insurance is available: http://spyswim.sportsfees.us/
USA Fees
In order to be a member of SPY Swimming and to participate in USA Swimming invitational meets, each swimmer must have a current annual USA Swimming membership.
For returning swimmers, these membership fees are billed directly to your TeamUnify account and then submitted by SPY to Maryland Swimming/USA Swimming on your behalf.
For new swimmers, registration for the 2025–2026 season opens on September 1, 2025. Please do not attempt to register before this date. Detailed instructions will be sent to new families in early September. All new swimmers must complete their USA Swimming registration no later than October 15, 2025, or before their first USA-sanctioned meet—whichever comes first.
If you have any questions about your billing or USA Swimming membership status, please don’t hesitate to contact the team administrator.
YMCA Membership
To participate in YMCA youth swimming, which includes both dual-meets and invitational meets, all SPY swimmers must have a Y Family membership. If you presently have a family-level membership at the Y in Arnold (Greater Annapolis) you do not have to pay any other fees to the Y. Memberships are available through and paid directly to the Y in Arnold. Registration information can be found on the Y of Central Maryland website.
*Please note: Please see Appendix A for the current fee schedule. All SPY fee amounts are subject to change.
Spring Training Option
A Spring Training season is optional and available to Detectives and Private Eyes (Gumshoes with coaches approval) after the March championship season. Training takes place in April and May. Current program fees for Spring Training are *$310 for Detectives and *$255 for Private Eyes/Gumshoes (*subject to change).
Summer Training Option
A Summer Training season is optional and available to Detectives and Private Eyes(Gumshoes with coaches approval) after the spring session. Training takes place in June and July. Current program fees for Summer Training are *$210.
(*subject to change).
Meet Fees
In addition to the three annual fees, parents must pay Meet Fees for every race that their child swims, including relays. Meet fee amounts may vary from meet to meet and are billed directly to your TeamUnify account after completion of meet. Please check your TeamUnify account monthly. If you are unsure if a fee was charged, please contact the Team Administrator.
10. Methods of Communication
SPY Website and Email
The team website: http://www.spyswimteam.org is the best place for parents and swimmers to find information about the team. Parents can get information about and sign-up for meets; sign up to volunteer at meets and pay their swim team bills - all through the website. The website also contains many useful links to YMCA, USA and Maryland Swimming.
The SPY Swim Team uses the TeamUnify platform to support the online management functions of the team. Swimmer attendance, practice support, running a meet and paying a bill are all done using Team Unify. When parents sign into the website, they can also locate their swimmer’s race results, both current and past. The primary method of communication for the SPY Swim Team is via email. Using our TeamUnify system, coaches can send ‘blast emails’ providing practice schedules, meet information, and any changes that occur to the program throughout the year.
Parents can also use On Deck Parent, a component of TeamUnify that allows parents to track their swimmer’s progress using their smartphone. After downloading a free app, parents can use their phones at meets to view their swimmer’s results at past meets and track their swimmer’s progress and goals against local and national time standards.
11. Communication
Feedback Procedure
Parents and swimmers are encouraged to communicate any feedback directly with the coaching staff. However, it is never acceptable to discuss negative feedback with a swimmer’s coach during practice, publicly in front of other swimmers or parents; or while on deck at meets, except if it is an immediate safety or health concern. If you have a concern or question for any SPY coaching staff, please contact SPY Head Coach Crystee Ballard. Crystee is best reached via email @ [email protected]
The SPSA has established a process for resolving complaints/concerns at all levels. This Complaint/Concern Procedure can be found on our SPY TeamUnify site, under the Resources tab/ Parent Policies, after you sign in. Please take time to read through this procedure.
Parents on Deck at Practices
As we all enjoy watching our children swim, it is discouraged for parents to provide “coaching” advice/feedback to their swimmers during practices. This is disruptive to other swimmers and confuses swimmers who are following our experienced SPY coach’s instruction. Please let the coaches COACH! We ask parents/guardians to only be on deck during practices during the first and last 5 minutes of a practice session. Dry land training will be taking place on the deck at SPCC, and bleachers may be used as part of the training sessions. The level of training intensity increases with each of these practice levels. Coaches need swimmer’s undivided attention to instruct swimmers to reach their goals.
12. Codes of Conduct
SPY Swimming strives to provide a positive, safe, and fun environment to everyone. To ensure this, SPY has established general codes of conduct for coaches, parents, and swimmers to provide clear expectations for behavior while participating in Team related activities and functions. Please see Appendices B-D for our Codes of Conduct.
13. SPY Swim Team Anti-Bullying Policy
Purpose
Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at SPY and will not be tolerated. Bullying is counterproductive to team spirit and can be devastating to a victim. SPY is committed to providing a safe, caring, and friendly environment for all our members. If bullying does occur, all swimmers and parents should know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell a coach or board member.
Objectives of SPY’s Bullying Policy and Action Plan:
- To disclose to all parents, swimmers, and coaching staff that a bullying policy and protocol exists
- To make it clear that SPY will not tolerate bullying in any form
- To provide board members, coaches, parents, and swimmers with a good understanding of the definition of bullying
- To have a clear and simple reporting process should bullying occur
- To make it known that SPY takes bullying seriously and that all swimmers and parents can be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported
What is Bullying?
The USA Swimming Code of Conduct prohibits bullying. Generally, bullying is the use of aggression, whether intentional or not, which hurts another person. Bullying results in pain and distress.
The USA Swimming Code of Conduct defines bullying in 304.3.7. Bullying is the severe or repeated use by one or more USA Swimming members of oral, written, electronic or other technological expression, image, sound, data, or intelligence of any nature (regardless of the method of transmission), or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at any other member that to a reasonably objective person has the effect of:
- Causing physical or emotional harm to the other member or damage to the other member’s property
- Placing the other member in reasonable fear of harm to himself/herself or of damage to his/her property
- Creating a hostile environment for the other member at any USA swimming activity
- Infringing on the rights of the other member at any USA swimming activity; or
- Materially and substantially disrupting the training process or the orderly operation of any USA Swimming activity (which for the purposes of this section shall include, without limitation, practices, workouts, and other events of a member club or LSC).
Reporting Procedure
A swimmer who feels that he or she has been bullied is asked to do one or more of the following things:
- Talk to your parents
- Talk to a club coach or board member
- Complete and submit a report to the club coach: SPY Bullying Report Form
- Email the club coach or board member(s)
- Make a report to the USA Swimming Safe Sport staff
There is no time limit for initiating a complaint under this procedure. However, every effort should be made to bring the complaint to the attention of the appropriate club leadership as soon as possible. This allows for early intervention to ensure that the behavior can be stopped as soon as possible, and interactions do not escalate.
How Bullying is Handled
If bullying occurs during team-related activities, the bullying will be stopped at the time of the incident by using the following steps:
- Separate the swimmers involved
- Make sure everyone is safe
- Meet any immediate medical or mental health needs
- Remain calm and reassure the swimmers involved, including those who are bystanders
- Model respectful behavior during any interventions
If bullying continues, the swimmer may be suspended from practices and meets while the coaches investigate further. Coaches may also involve the Board of Directors to support any further investigation into bullying. Together, the coaches and Board of Directors will determine the outcome up to and including the removal of a swimmer from SPY.
If physical bullying is involved and has been verified by coaches or other witnesses, the swimmer will be immediately suspended from all SPY activities and an investigation to determine the next steps will be launched. This does not include incidental or accidental contact but conscious efforts by the swimmer to intimidate and get a reaction.
14. Fundraising at SPY
SPY Hosted Events
The SPY Swim Team hosts three (3) major swimming events each year:
➢ Winterfest Invitational
➢ Emily Schindler Memorial Triathlon
➢ Anne Arundel County Swimming Championships
All three SPY hosted events require every SPY family to volunteer.
Winterfest Invitational Meet: (Currently Scheduled Jan 17-19, 2025)
Winterfest is a 3-day invitational meet hosted by SPY and held each January at the Eppley Recreation Center at the University of Maryland, College Park. The meet was held for the first time in 2000, and in 2019, more than 1400 swimmers participated from 46 different teams, hailing from Massachusetts to Virginia. This meet is the largest fundraising event of our season. This is an “all hands on deck” meet. All SPY parents are asked to volunteer to make this meet a success.
Emily Schindler Memorial Triathlon:
Emily Schindler was a SPY swimmer for 9 years. Emily died in a car accident in 2004 at the age of 18. The Schindler family established a memorial scholarship fund in Emily's name. Each year, a scholarship is awarded to a graduating SPY senior - current or former swimmer. In 2009, a second scholarship was established and is granted to a non-SPY swimmer annually at the Winterfest Swim Meet. To date, more than $30,000 in scholarship money has been given to 42 swimmers. The event is held each spring, and is comprised of an 800-yard swim, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3 mile run, beginning at the Severna Park Community Center.
Anne Arundel County Invitational Championship (AA County Meet):
The purpose of the annual Anne Arundel County Invitational Swimming Championships is to provide an opportunity for swimming competition among the county’s summer swim teams.
Normally the County Meet is held over three days in July, divided by age groups. Approximately 30 teams from all over Anne Arundel County participate and compete. This is also an “all hands on deck” meet for our membership. This is a great recruitment tool for our team as well.
Other SPY fundraising efforts:
Relay Carnival
SPY Swim Team hosts fun fundraisers like a Relay Carnival during the swim season to offset cost of equipment for the team. This is a fun event that builds team spirit and allows younger and older SPY swimmers to socialize. The funds raised are used to purchase needed team equipment. Examples of equipment from past years include new touchpads for the Colorado timing system, a new event/time board at SPCC.
Other fundraiser activities
In addition to these, the SPY Swim Team also brings in funds through concessions sales at home dual meets/County Meet and SPY spirit wear sales and local restaurant fundraisers.
Again, we would like to welcome you to another exciting year at SPY Swimming and wish you and your family a very successful season.
15. Volunteer Requirements
To help ensure a successful and well-run short course season, each member family is asked to contribute 15 volunteer hours. We are committed to offering a wide range of opportunities to get involved—including working at meets, helping with team events, joining committees, supporting social activities, or serving in a board position—so every family can find a way to contribute that fits their schedule and interests.
If a family is unable to complete the full 15 hours, a fee of $25 per unfulfilled hour will be applied to their account at the end of the short course season. You may check your account at any time to see how many volunteer hours you have fulfilled. Please note that this functionality is only available via TeamUnify through a web browser—it is not currently accessible through the SportsEngine Motion app.
During the long course season, volunteer opportunities are more limited. However, if your swimmer is participating in a long course meet and volunteer support is needed, we kindly expect families to assist when called upon. Your involvement ensures smooth and successful experiences for all athletes year-round, and we greatly appreciate your continued support.
Each summer, SPY proudly hosts the Anne Arundel County Championship Meet, a highlight of the local summer swim clubs and a major fundraiser for our team. This event requires the full support of our SPY swim families, and we rely on all hands on deck to make it a success. From setup and timing to concessions and cleanup, every role plays a vital part in ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for athletes and spectators alike
16. Photography
Please be aware that photographs and videos may be taken during swim meets for promotional and event purposes. If you do not wish for your child to be photographed, please inform the event organizers in advance.
Appendix A
Monthly Program Fee Schedule 2023-2024
If your swimmer changes from one roster group to another within a season, monthly program fees will be adjusted accordingly.
Non-Refundable Family Registration Fee: $165 (Billed on or about June 1)
Notes on Billing:
1. A 5% discount on program fees is available to any family paying their entire annual program fees by Sept. 1,2025.
2. A multi-swimmer discount is available to families with 3 or more swimmers. The discount offered is 25% off the lowest program fee for Swimmer #3 and a 50% discount off the lowest program fees for Swimmer #4 (in the same family). These discounts do not apply to the YMCA or USA Swimming registration fees. 5th Active Family Member is at no charge for all groups.
3. A late fee of $25.00 will be imposed if payment is received after the 10th of each month. If full payment of delinquencies (including late fees) is not made within 45 days of the due date, then the swimmer covered by that account will not be afforded the opportunity to participate in swim meets and may also be denied participation in practice. The ability to participate in meets and practices will be restored upon full payment of all delinquencies.
4. SPIES, Investigators and Sleuth program fees are for full year programs, September-August. For developmental swimmers: Detectives, Private Eyes, and Gumshoes, the program fees shown only include September to March.
5. A spring training season is optional and available to Detectives, Private Eyes and Gumshoes after the March championship season. Training takes place in April and May. The Program Fees for Spring Training are $295 for Detectives and $245 for Private Eyes and Gumshoes.
6. After June 1, SPY cannot discount or prorate any program fees due to injury or illness, or if a swimmer chooses to leave the team before the end of the season. By enrolling your swimmer in the SPY Swim Team, you agree to pay all applicable fees when they are due. You acknowledge that the registration fee is nonrefundable. You also understand that program fees are based upon the expenses that the entire team incurs and hence SPY is not able to issue refunds or prorate fees after June 1.
Appendix B
Severna Park Swim Association
SPY Swimming
Swimmer Code of Conduct
The purpose of a code of conduct for athletes is to establish a consistent
expectation for athletes' behavior. By signing this code of conduct, I agree to the
following statements:
➢ I will always respect and show courtesy to my teammates and coaches.
➢ I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices and meets.
➢ I will set a good example of behavior and work ethic for my younger teammates.
➢ I will be respectful of my teammates' feelings and personal space. Swimmers who exhibit sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be faced with consequences.
➢ I will attend all team meetings and training sessions unless I am excused by my coach.
➢ I will show respect for all facilities and other property (including locker rooms) used during practices, competitions, and team activities.
➢ I will refrain from foul language, violence, behavior deemed dishonest, offensive, or illegal.
➢ If I disagree with an official's call, I will talk with my coach and not approach the official directly.
➢ I will obey all of USA Swimming's rules and codes of conduct.
I understand that if I violate this code of conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action determined by my coaches and SPSA’s Board of Directors.
Appendix C
Severna Park Swim Association
SPY Swimming
Parent Code of Conduct
The purpose of a code of conduct for parents is to establish consistent expectations for behavior by parents. As a parent/guardian, I understand the important growth and developmental support that my child’s participation fosters. I also understand that it is essential to provide the coaching staff with respect and the authority to coach the team. I agree with the following statements:
➢ I will set the right example for our children by demonstrating sportsmanship and always showing respect and common courtesy to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents, and all facilities.
➢ I will get involved by volunteering, observing practices, cheering at meets, and talking with my child and their coach about their progress.
➢ I will refrain from coaching my child during practices or meets.
➢ I understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward coaches, officials, volunteers, and/or any participating swimmer will not be tolerated.
➢ I will respect the integrity of the officials.
➢ I will direct my concerns to first to my swimmer’s coach; then, if not satisfied, to the Head Coach.
Appendix D
Severna Park Swim Association
SPY Swimming
Coach Code of Conduct
The purpose of this code of conduct for coaches is to establish common expectations for all members of the coaching staff of the club. It is to be used as a guide to promote a positive team environment and good sportsmanship. I agree with the following statements:
➢ At all times, adhere to USA Swimming’s rules and code of conduct.
➢ Set a good example of respect and sportsmanship for participants and fans to follow.
➢ Act and dress with professionalism and dignity in a manner suitable to his/her profession.
➢ Respect officials and their judgment and abide by the rules of the event.
➢ Treat opposing coaches, participants, and spectators with respect.
➢ Instruct participants in sportsmanship and demand that they display good sportsmanship.
➢ Coach in a positive manner and do not use derogatory comments or abusive language.
➢ Win with humility and lose with dignity.
➢ Treat every athlete fairly, justly, impartially, intelligently, and with sensitivity.
➢ Always place the well-being, health, and safety of swimmers above all other considerations, including developing performance.
➢ Continue to seek and maintain their own professional development in all areas in relation to coaching and teaching children.
➢ Always maintain a professional separation between coach and athlete. Any complaints of a coach violating this code of conduct will be brought to the attention of his/her supervisor and/or the club's board of directors.
I understand the above expectations and that my failure to adhere to them may result
in disciplinary action.
