Team Information & Conduct Book
TEAM WEBSITE
The Triumph team website is the centerpiece of our team communication plan. We encourage all families to visit the site frequently to stay informed on all the latest news and information about the team. Please take the time to surf the site to familiarize yourself with the different sections and what they include.
The Meets & Events page of the website is of utmost importance. This is where all swim meet-related information will be posted throughout the year. It will include meet signup instructions and deadlines, meet schedules/results, meet information documents, meet lineups, maps to the pools, and an archive of past meet results.
PAYMENT
Registration fee for each group is $100. This takes into account several factors such as facility costs, provided equipment, administration fees, and USA Swimming registration fees.
Payments for the swim team & masters will be through the SportsEngine Motion system. No checks are accepted. Accounts will be automatically billed monthly on the 1st of the month. It is the members responsibility to make sure that they have a valid card or ACH on file.
Full payment is due on the first day of each month and is considered delinquent (late) after the 20th of the month. After the 20th a late fee of $20 per account will be assessed. Fees will not be prorated except for when a membership starts halfway through the month. Planned team breaks are not prorated. There are no refunds under any circumstances.
While practicing as much as we do, it is important for our swimmers to take breaks for their physical and mental health. We have breaks scheduled at various times throughout the year. We will take one week off for spring break, two weeks off in August, and two weeks off during Christmas time. We are informing you of these breaks now so that when the time comes, you are not taken off guard.
We also reserve the right to make adjustments to the cost of billing as we see fit within reason.
Email is used to communicate with the membership regularly. Each website membership account has an email address attached to it that is used for login and communication purposes. Please make sure that you keep your current email address, SMS #, and service carrier up to date within our system. We use our website to send out group emails and texts to the membership, or in some cases, to groups within the membership (practice groups, parents, etc...).
A few examples of information we send via email or text would be meet information changes, meet entry deadline reminders, emergency practice cancellations, and notifications about team events.
FACILITY
Team Triumph currently operates out of Olympus Pool. Olympus is a 50-meter, 5-lane, heated pool. This facility was originally owned by Joanne Macher and operated under the name Macher Aquatic Center. Now, the facility is owned by Bobby Campbell and operates under the name we all know – Olympus Pool. Bobby saw the massive potential in the old facility, due to it being one of only a few 50-meter pools in the area. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Bobby gave the facility a completely new face-lift and remodeling. One of the largest renovations Bobby made was the addition of a super dome that is added in the winter season to convert Olympus into an indoor, heated facility.
PRACTICE CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS
Scheduled Practice Changes/Cancellations
Being that we operate out of Olympus Pool, there will be cancellations from time to time. The staff at Team Triumph is always watching the weather throughout the day, and we reserve the right to cancel a practice session at our discretion if we deem that there are unsafe conditions or unforeseen circumstances. It is each member's responsibility to stay informed of these changes once they are posted online.
Unscheduled or Emergency Practice Changes/Cancellations
Unfortunately, there will be cancellations that may be last-second or even mid-practice. The staff at Team Triumph is always watching the weather throughout the day, and we reserve the right to cancel a practice session at our discretion if we deem that there are unsafe conditions or unforeseen circumstances. It is each member's responsibility to stay informed of these changes once they are posted online. In the event of an unscheduled or emergency practice cancellation, Triumph will send out an email to the membership. If practice must be canceled during a session, all participants present will be notified verbally.
Weather-Related Cancellations
Each group in the Triumph group structure has a primary coach who is a certified lifeguard. Primary coaches have full authority to cancel practice due to inclement weather. Their judgment is final and should be respected by all members. We will do our best to not cancel practice shortly before the designated start time, but it cannot be guaranteed. Thunderstorms are a good example of when a late cancellation might take place and that information will be emailed to the membership once a decision is made. Extreme heat and winter weather are examples of when an earlier cancellation might need to be made, but it cannot be guaranteed.
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD'S COACH
Each group has a primary coach that you should consider your contact for all swimming-related questions regarding your child. The primary coaches are responsible for all training plans, meet entries, and group placement decisions for the swimmers in the group. Primary coaches and their emails are listed under the coaches’ tab of the TeamUnify website.
During practice is not the appropriate time to ask questions or discuss your child with their coach. If the coach is not available after practice time, an appointment can be scheduled by email.
ISSUES/CONCERNS WITH THE COACHING STAFF
If you ever have any issues or concerns regarding the Triumph coaching staff, please address the matter using the following steps (in order) until the matter is resolved.
Please understand that our coaches are trained to be professional in the field of coaching swimming and training athletes. However, everyone can make mistakes/misjudgments, and deserves understanding when this occurs. Our coaches should be respected and treated kindly by every member. Any dispute or
concern must be handled appropriately by all parties. Situations in which a member escalates hostility between themselves, and a coach will not be tolerated.
1. Speak with your child's primary coach directly. You should not speak with the coach about an issue during the practice session. Each coach will be happy to speak with you after the practice session. If circumstances do not allow for a meeting after practice time, an appointment will be scheduled.
2. Contact the Head Coach in person or by email regarding the matter. He/She will listen to your issue/concern and then schedule a time to connect with you after speaking to the Primary coach about the matter. A parent/coach meeting may be necessary to resolve the matter.
PRACTICE GROUPS & PROCEDURES
Swim Team
Our swim club consists of 4 separate groups: Vikings, Gladiators, Spartans, and Warriors. Each new member will be evaluated and placed into the group that fits them best. Evaluation is strictly up to the discretion of the coaching staff. We ask that all members respect the final decision on group selection. Coaches reserve the ability to move a swimmer to another group if they feel necessary. This is a common occurrence and can be essential for the growth of our athletes. If a parent or member has an issue, please speak directly with the primary coach for the corresponding group.
● Vikings - ($100 Month) - The Vikings group focuses on forming a good emotional relationship with training, developing stroke technique, learning new strokes, and advancing muscle memory. It is common for our private lesson attendees to join this group following the conclusion of private sessions.
● Gladiators - ($100 Month) - Our Gladiators focus on refining stroke technique and developing a solid aerobic training base for each stroke. Flip turns, competition starts, and breath-holding techniques are also the main component of this group along with an introduction to building strength and power. This group is made to prepare our athletes for higher competition and training levels.
● Spartans - ($130 Month) - The Spartans group focuses on forming good training habits and begins training at a high difficulty level. Swimmers in this group will undergo a more rigorous training program and be expected to attend a majority of the practices offered during the week. Swimmers in this group will work on maintaining race pace, aerobic practices, and building mental & physical strength.
● Warriors - ($130 Month) - The Warriors group focuses on reaching an elite level of swimming and is our most advanced group. Swimmers in this group will undergo a more rigorous training program and be expected to attend all practices offered during the week to get the most out of their training. Swimmers in this group will continue to work on maintaining race pace, aerobic practices, and building mental & physical strength.
Masters - ($50 Month) - Our master’s group is for any members looking to lap swim recreationally, stay in shape, or gain supplemental training and insight from our coaches. Members of this group can bring their workouts or utilize workouts from the coach that attends each session. Our coaches are always happy to provide any tips and advice on stroke technique that is needed during these sessions.
Group Placement
Each new swimmer is placed into a practice group by the coaching staff when they join the team. The group placement decision will take into consideration a variety of objective and subjective factors such as age, physical maturity, social and emotional maturity, skill/technique development, level of aerobic conditioning, experience in the sport, and the level of commitment necessary for success at the level of the program under consideration.
The Triumph coaching staff uses experience and consideration of all factors making these decisions and you can rest assured that the group placement decision is made with care and concern for your child’s long-term development as a competitive swimmer.
Group Progression Summary
We believe in developing age group swimmers who can compete successfully in all four competitive strokes and a complete range of racing distances. It is for this reason that we prioritize swimming correctly from a technique perspective at each level of the program. Once a strong technical foundation has been developed, a swimmer will be moved to a training group that is appropriate for their age, skill, and level of commitment (practice and swim meet attendance).
The training groups will continue to focus on the technical side of the sport. However, the focus on the aerobic development of the athlete will begin to increase in importance. Swimming correctly over longer distances at faster aerobic paces will take years to develop and the training progressions are designed with this important aspect of long-term development as a priority. As the swimmer progresses through the training group structure, they will also be introduced to the appropriate levels of anaerobic training. The focus of competition at the training group level will involve correctly executing racing strategies and approaching the swim meet environment with a clear and goal-driven purpose.
Group Advancement Protocols
Group advancement should always be initiated by the swimmer’s primary coach. The primary coach reports to the Head Coach about the progress of the individual swimmers in his/her group. When the primary coach believes the athlete is ready for a group change, he/she will approach the head coach for approval and then approach the family to discuss the change if the group change is approved.
If a group change is made, the team administrator will contact you regarding any changes to your training fees.
Tips and Advice for Parents when Discussing Group Advancement with your Child or Primary Coach
1. Encourage your child to ask their primary coach any questions that may arise about their group placement whether regarding their current group placement or criteria for advancement to a different group.
2. Do not view or allow your child to view group advancement as a primary goal for the season. Group advancement will take place when they are ready, and your child’s focus should be on mastering the skills necessary to improve as a swimmer in the group they are currently placed in.
3. Kids develop and mature at different rates and group advancement will not be rushed to keep your child with a friend, peer group, or carpool.
4. One of the first things a primary coach looks at when considering a group advancement is the commitment level of the swimmer (swim meet and practice attendance). If the swimmer is not displaying the necessary commitment to be successful at the next level, they should not expect to be considered for group advancement.
5. There is no strict linear progression from group to group in our program. Many factors go into group placement as mentioned above. While the more advanced groups are typically linked to the higher commitment levels, there are multiple paths a swimmer can take to advance through the program.
6. Email is not the best forum for questions regarding your child’s group placement or status. Please take the time to set up an appointment with your child’s primary coach to discuss questions of this nature.
7. Be patient. The happiest and most successful swimmers and parents understand that developing as a swimmer will take years and not a single season. There is no need to rush through a program, and premature advancement will only stall the developmental process. Trust the professional coaches you have hired to guide your child through this exciting journey!
CODE OF CONDUCT
The mission of the Team Triumph Swim Team is to have a nationally recognized aquatics program that emphasizes good sportsmanship, team unity, family participation and individual excellence of swimmers at all levels. The Triumph experience will provide opportunities for social, emotional and educational development of swimmers, empowering them to face challenges in and out of the water throughout their lifetime.
The Team Triumph vision is to excel as a member of USA Swimming, organizationally with the Club Recognition program, and competitively with the Club Excellence program.
In accordance with our mission and vision, all members of Team Triumph are not only expected to comply with USA Swimming- mandated policies, but to promote Team Triumph values when interacting with other Team Triumph members, coaches, staff, volunteers, facilities, and other teams. The Team Triumph coaching staff are committed to provide a safe, positive environment for our athletes to be able to succeed in and out of the pool and to grow into healthy, responsible adults.
With this in mind, these values will be reinforced throughout the year by the coaching staff in practices, electronic communication and at parent meetings. Members not upholding our tradition of positive behavior in or out of the pool will be given guidance on how to model their personal behavior. There is a wide gap between not meeting your best potential and acting willfully against the team’s mission. In instances where personal behavior is threatening to others, facilities, the reputation of Team Triumph or in violation of local laws, timely and appropriate punishment may be given to the individual(s) in violation of Team Triumph policies up to, and including loss of membership privileges. The Team Triumph Head Coach will evaluate issues of athlete or coach conduct.
The following areas of concern are specific and the most common areas everyone needs to be aware of. However, this should by no means be considered a complete list. Below is considered to be the Team Triumph Code of Conduct:
General Conduct
1. All members – swimmers, parents, volunteers, coaches – are to treat each other with respect. All other members or nonmembers of USA Swimming should be treated with the same respect. Team Triumph is always trying to build positive relationships. Members who exhibit sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.
a. If an athlete has a disagreement with an official, the athlete will talk to a coach about the concern and not the respective official.
b. Athletes will obey the USA Swimming rules and code of conduct.
2. Team Triumph wants to leave a positive impression within our membership and toward others. The Team Triumph coaching staff will determine guidelines for every situation to promote the best possible impression of our team as well as ensure the safety of all participants. It is important to respect all facilities and property associated with membership at Team Triumph. This includes, but is not limited to, Olympus Pool, other competition pools, and hotels.
3. On deck talk should be appropriate for a youth athletic environment. A good general rule is to ask “would I say this in front of my own child/parent” and “would I say this to my coach (child’s coach)”. If the answer is “no” to either of those questions, it doesn’t need to be discussed on deck.
a. Parents will be a good example for their children by being respectful, demonstrating good sportsmanship, and common courtesy toward coaches, officials, athletes, and other parents.
b. Parents will not coach their children from the stands at practice and at meets.
c. Parents will not disrupt coaches during practice times.
d. Parents will never communicate directly with meet officials. If there is a concern about anything related to a meet, the parent will communicate with the coaching staff.
e. Parents should never demonstrate any inappropriate behavior toward coaches, officials, athletes, or other parents.
4. Swimmers should arrive within 15-minutes of practice and meets with the appropriate equipment/uniform to be prepared to swim. Swimmers should not arrive earlier unless supervised by a parent or guardian. Swimmers should be picked up within 15-minutes of practice or meets ending. If swimmers are not driving themselves, the responsible driver should drop-off and/or pick-up the swimmers from the deck.
a. Swimmers are prohibited from exiting the Olympus Pool deck without supervision.
5. Use, sale, possession or distribution of any drugs that are illegal, according to local law, or banned as per USA Swimming’s Performance Enhancing Drug policy (other than for medical condition) is prohibited for any athlete or employee of Team Triumph. More detailed and current information on banned substances can be found at USADA.org
Locker Room Conduct
1. The locker room at all practice and meet facilities is for athletes to change clothes, use the restroom, and shower. Deck changing is prohibited. Loitering in locker rooms is not allowed.
2. Swimmers should not leave any items in a locker room, as this creates a liability for athletes to have items stolen or broken. Unless there is an official agreement between Team Triumph and the facility, no items should be left in the locker room.
3. Parents and siblings of athletes are encouraged to use a separate bathroom from the locker room. If there is no other bathroom available at a practice facility, parents and siblings may use the locker room with the following guidelines:
a. Siblings must be supervised by parents and may not use the restroom at the beginning or end of practice when team members are changing
b. Siblings over the age of 4 years old must use the locker room of their gender regardless of which parent is supervising them.
4.Team members should report conditions immediately inconsistent with a safe locker room environment to coaches. This includes
a. pooling of water, clogged toilets, flooding, or any other hazard that requires the attention of facility maintenance staff
b. behavior in the locker room that is in conflict with any section of this code of conduct
c. if at a Team Triumph practice, anyone in the locker room that is not associated with Team Triumph
5. Cell phones are not to be used in any way in the locker room. Photography and video recording in a locker room is prohibited by USA Swimming and local law. Phone calls and texts can be handled outside of the locker room. Playing music in the locker room is prohibited. This is separate from the issue of Electronic Communication conduct.
Electronic Communication Conduct
1. Email
a. Our staff strives to respond to all emails within twenty-four hours from when the email was received. b. Athletes are encouraged to handle athlete/coach communication on the pool deck, but if they feel they need to contact the coach via email, they should copy their parent(s) on the correspondence.
2. Text Messaging
a. Texting between coach and athlete is discouraged. If text communication is used, it must include the parent(s) involved. Subject matter should be directed in a general format appropriate for all athletes.
i. Subject matter should not involve anything other than swimming.
ii. If there is an important issue that requires the coaches attention, then the text could include a request for a meeting at a later time.
b. Texting between athletes should conform to the same rules that apply when swimmers are together in the same room.
c. If there is ever an allegation regarding the content of a text message, the coaches will judge it as if it were said out loud in front of an all-team meeting.
3. Team Triumph will use social media as a tool for communication to families regarding the Team Triumph schedule and accomplishments. As an organization, we want to put our best foot forward and leave a positive footprint in cyberspace. Forwarding or posting inflammatory messages to social media by our members undermines our mission and vision.
a. Coaches and other Team Triumph employees over the age of 18 may have their own social media accounts, but are forbidden from “following” the account of any current athlete (regardless of age) or former athlete under the age of 18 (with or without that parent(s) consent). Coaches may establish separate social media accounts for team business ONLY.
b. Athletes under the age of 18 are not to request to “friend” or “follow” the private account of any coach or employee over the age of 18.
c. As social media can be forwarded and/or recorded for all time, athletes and parents are asked to consider what the effect would be if comments or pictures that are posted to social media would have if they were posted on the wall of the pool area before posting. If there is ever an allegation regarding the content of a social media post, the coaches will judge it as if it were posted to the wall of the pool area.
If any associated member of Team Triumph (swimmer, parent, sibling, coach, guest, etc.) is found breaking any of the above listed rules, they will be subject to disciplinary action including removal from the facility and suspension and/or termination from Team Triumph. In accordance with our mission and vision, Team Triumph does not tolerate disrespectful behavior.
