2024 Waves SWIM TEAM PARENT HANDBOOK
COACHING STAFF
Swim Coaches
➢ Rachel King
➢ Mia Dircks
➢ Gretta Schultz
OFFICERS :
● Alicia Reynolds, President (618)210-1779
● Amy Simon, Vice-President
● Jeanine Sheppard, Treasurer
● Danita Duecker, Secretary
● Sheilah Morrison
Practices (Monday - Friday)
➢ 7:15-9:00am 11 and up
➢ 9:00-10:15am 10 under
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
➢ 9:15-10:15 6 and under
Participation in practice is the best way for a swimmer to improve their skills. While it is not mandatory to attend a specific number of practices, we encourage your swimmer to attend as often as possible. This will result in a strong team. Please bring a water bottle, towel, and goggles to each practice. Please put the swimmer’s name on EVERYTHING!
SWIMMER / PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
All swimmers and parents are expected to project a positive image reflecting team pride and acting in a mature and responsible manner. Expectations for proper conduct are based on reasonable and considerate swimmer behavior. These expectations are described below and all swimmers and their parents must read and agree to the Code of Conduct. A swimmer’s behavior will be monitored by parents, facility staff, coaches, volunteers, and peers. Concerns regarding swimmer behavior should be directed to the parent officers or coaching staff for review and action.
- Good behavior is expected at all times whether in a pool, change rooms, dryland training area, or anywhere in a facility used by the team. This expectation extends to team-related activities away from pools, on team travel, at swim meets, or outside of a facility while waiting for a ride.
- Pools and training facilities are public places that are to be respected, and all facility rules and applicable laws or by-laws must be followed. Running, horseplay, unnecessary loudness, misuse of or damage to property or foul language will not be tolerated.
- Swimmers and parents are to show respect for coaches, facility staff, officials, volunteers, parents, peers, and other people using the facilities.
- Verbal, physical, or sexual harassment WILL NOT BE TOLERATED under any circumstances.
- The use of tobacco, alcohol, or non-prescribed drugs during practices or at meets is forbidden.
- Illegal activity is forbidden.
- Swimmers are to attend practices with the intent of working. Disruption of practices is not acceptable.
Any infractions of the above-noted Code will be dealt with by coaching staff or parent officers in one or more of the following ways depending on the severity of the infraction:
A. Verbal warning
B. Removal from practice, meet, or function followed by parent involvement
C. Written notice of temporary expulsion from practices and/or meets
D. Written notice of permanent removal from the team by the parent officers
E. Any illegal or criminal activity will be reported to the police and be cause for immediate dismissal from the team
TEAM STRUCTURE
1) Description of Roles: Coaches and Parents
a) Coaches – The coaches are employees of the swim team. The coaches are responsible for the swimmers from the start of practice to the end of practice. For this reason, it is vital that parents have arrangements made to pick up their swimmers promptly after practice
b) Parents – Parents are a vital part of the swim team and the swim team would not function without them. The parents are responsible for fundraising activities and planning and operation of the swim meets. Fundraising is key to the swim team because there are many expenses that need to be paid during the season.
2) Fee Policy
For the 2024 season, the Freeburg Waves are requiring a registration fee of $130 per swimmer ($70 per swimmer for 6 and under) plus each swimmer will be required to either have a season pass to the Freeburg pool or purchase a Freeburg pool user pass for $50. These fees are non-refundable. Each family is required to pay a refundable volunteer fee of $150. We ask that this be paid by separate check at the time of registration. If a family volunteers the mandatory requirement, this check will be given back at the end of the swim season. There will be 2 officers at the swim meets please check in with them to get your credit for volunteering. It is each family’s responsibility to check in and be sure they have worked the requirement in order to have their volunteer fee refunded to them. We will have team suits which will be available at registration. The suits are not mandatory.
NO SWIMMER WILL BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE/COMPETE UNTIL ALL REGISTRATION FEES ARE PAID IN FULL.
*Although registration is open to children 5 and older, any child participating MUST be able to swim one length of the pool to be on the team. The safety of swimmers is a priority, and any child that cannot swim one pool length is considered to be in danger of drowning.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
- Refunds: 50% of the registration fees will be refunded to swimmers who leave the team by June 5, 2024. No refunds will be issued after June 5, 2024. Any request for a refund must be submitted in writing by June 5, 2024 to the Freeburg waves board.
Communication
1. Our Team Unify website, https://www.freeburgwaves.com, is where all swim meets and team events will be posted and where you will be declaring if your swimmer will be attending those meets.
2. We will send out e-mails when information is required to be given to the parents quickly. Parents should verify that the officers have an accurate e-mail address for them.
3. At least one officer will try and attend the morning practices to answer questions. The parent may contact an officer by e-mail or phone to have any questions answered.
4. If a parent has any issues/questions during a practice or swim meet, please notify/ask one of the officers first before asking a coach, lifeguard or the pool manager.
Types of Swim Meets
1) Dual Meets – There will be 7 dual league meets, the meets will be in a home and away format. Events include both individual events as well as relays. The maximum number of events a swimmer can compete in is 3 individual events and 2 relays. Swimmers earn ribbons for 1st-6th place in individual events and 1st - 2nd only for relays. Dual meets typically last around 4 hours. NOTE: Swimmers are encouraged to participate in all dual meets.
2) Conference Meet – To be eligible to participate in the conference league meet, a swimmer must participate in a minimum of 2 dual meets during the season. Participation at the conference meet is decided by the coach based on individual times throughout the season. Each team is allowed only four swimmers per age per event. Only the top four swimmers for each event will make it to the conference and it is strictly by time. The conference meet will take place on one day: Saturday, July 20th.
Swim Meet Participation
1. Meet Events
There are five basic individual events in every meet:
a) Freestyle
b) Backstroke
c) Butterfly
d) Breaststroke
e) Individual Medley (one leg of all 4 strokes)
There are two types of relays (4 swimmers/team)
a) Medley Relay – Each of the 4 swimmers will swim one of the 4 strokes as determined by his/her position on the relay team.
b) Freestyle Relay – Each of the 4 swimmers swim the freestyle stroke.
2. What is the order of dual meet events?
a) Medley Relay
b) Freestyle
c) Breaststroke
d) Individual Medley
e) Backstroke
f) Butterfly
g) Free Relay
3. How are swimmers assigned to events?
The coaches choose up to three individual events for each meet. The coach will assign swimmers for relays based on swimmers present at the meet.
4. What happens at a swim meet?
Swim meets bring together two teams for competition within the Midwest Swim League. Swimmers are grouped by age to participate in events (6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14,
and 15 and over).
Warm-ups
Each team is allowed a minimum of 10 minutes for warm-ups prior to the beginning of the swim meet.
5. How can parents help the swimmers?
a) Be on time
b) Help your swimmer keep track of their event numbers – It is important that swimmers pay attention to the announcer and check in with the clerk of the course when their event number has been called.
c) Be positive
6. How can I help?
There are many things a parent can volunteer to do to help run a swim meet. We need set-up helpers, timers, ribbon writers, scorers, clerks and stroke judges, and card runners. It takes over 25 volunteers to run a home meet and over 12 volunteers to help at an away meet! We have positions for a variety of skills. Don’t be just a spectator outside the fence – get involved!
7. What should swimmers bring to meets?
a) Positive attitude
b) Equipment/Comfort – team swimsuit, goggles, swim cap, shoes or flip-flops, multiple towels, sweats or flannel shorts/pants, shirts, blankets, sleeping bag, umbrella. Note – evening meets can get quite cool, so plan accordingly.
c) Food – the popular energy foods are bagels, pasta, cereal, crackers, plain toast, oatmeal, fruit juices, and Gatorade.
d) Entertainment – books, games, etc. Please remember to protect your valuables as the Freeburg Waves and/or the host team are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
8. Eligibility
Age groupings will be determined by age as of June 1. Swimmers may compete in the league the summer immediately following high school graduation.
9. What if I can’t make a meet I committed to?
It is very important that you contact the coach and/or Alicia Reynolds and let him/her know as soon as possible so another swimmer can participate in your place!
10. Other important terms
a) Lane Assignment – After all scratches have been made, the swimmers are all assigned to a lane. Each swimmer should make sure to look at the heat sheet to verify their lane assignments.
b) Officials – There are several officials at each meet. Each one has a job such as a referee, starter, and stroke judge.
c) Bullpen – At each meet there will be a designated area for our team to sit within the fence of the pool. This is used to ensure that swimmers get to their proper heat and event on time. In order for there to be sufficient room, you must watch from outside the fence unless you are a member of the swim team. Parents: Important!! If you take a swimmer out of the bullpen, please let the bullpen parent(s) know. Not knowing where swimmers are located can cause the swimmers to miss a race.
d) DQ – This is a term for disqualification based on an infraction of the rules spotted by one of the stroke judges.
What happens during a meet?
1. The meet will begin with the swim warm-ups (5:30 p.m. for Tuesday and Thursday meets)
2. A swimmer’s event number will be called over the loudspeaker, and the swimmer will be asked to report to the clerk of the course.
3. The swimmers will be lined up in the correct order to swim in the staging area behind the dive blocks.
4. The race will start with a loud tone and a strobe light.
5. The swimmer returns to the bullpen area and waits until the next event to compete.
6. Encourage other swimmers as they compete. Cheer for your team!
What happens after the meet?
1. All swimmers need to help clean up the bullpen area of any towels and trash.
2. The job of putting away lane lines, starting blocks, and concession items are made easier with many hands. We ask swimmers and parents to help after the completion of the meet.
3. Swimmers will receive ribbons at practice the week of the swim meet. If you have any questions or concerns, please call one of the coaches or officers.
STROKE OVERVIEW
FREESTYLE: Freestyle means that in an event so designated, the swimmer may swim any style – except in the Individual Medley or Medley Relay. In those two events, freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke, or butterfly.
Start: The swimmer should start from the block or starting end of the assigned lane. The swimmer does not HAVE to dive. If the swimmer chooses to jump, he or she cannot push off the bottom of the pool. The swimmer may swim underwater at the start of the race, but must surface before the 15-yard mark.
Turn: If the swimmer is doing a 50 or 100, they must perform either an “open” turn or “flip” turn. Whichever the swimmer chooses to do, they must touch the wall with ANY part of the body -–hand, foot, elbow . . . As with the start, the swimmer may swim underwater after the turn but must surface before the 15-yard mark.
Finish: As with the turn, the swimmer has to touch the wall at the end of the race. He or she can touch with ANY part of his or her body.
What is going to get me disqualified?
1. Pushing off the bottom of the pool or pulling on the lane lines.
2. Not touching the wall at the turn or finish.
3. Impeding the progress of another swimmer (by accidentally swimming in their lane) – It happens!
4. Swimming underwater for more than 15 yards at the start or turn without surfacing.
BACKSTROKE: The swimmer must swim while on his or her back throughout the race with the exception of a backstroke flip turn. The normal position on the back allows for a 90-degree “shoulder roll”.
Start: Swimmers must start the race in the water facing the starting end with both hands holding the starting “grips”. The feet, including the toes, must be UNDER the surface of the water. Standing in the gutter or gripping the gutter with the toes is prohibited. The swimmer may choose to remain underwater after the start of the race but must surface before the 15- yard mark.
Turn: This could be the most controversial thing you have to deal with in swimming. The swimmer may roll onto his or her stomach and proceed to do a regular “flip” turn. He or she is allowed one arm pull and then must (in a continuous motion) roll into the turn. The swimmer may kick if it is part of the continuous motion. The swimmer may push off submerged on his or her BACK, but must resurface before the 15-yard mark.
Finish: The swimmer must finish the race on his or her back. The swimmer must touch the wall with ANY part of his or her body.
What is going to get me disqualified?
1. Standing on the bottom of the pool or pulling on the lane lines.
2. Swimming on your stomach.
3. Taking more than one single arm or one double arm pull on a flip turn.
4. Not pushing off on your back following a turn.
5. Not finishing on your back.
6. Not surfacing from the start or turn before the 15-yard mark. 7. Impeding the progress of another swimmer.
BREASTSTROKE: All movements of the legs and arms must be simultaneous. The swimmer must alternate a pull then kick pattern. At no time is the swimmer allowed to be on his or her back. The hands push forward together on, over, or under the water as long as the elbows are under the water. The feet must be turned out during the propulsive part of the kick.
Start: The swimmer may start from the block or starting end of his or her assigned lane. The swimmer may take one arm stroke pulling completely back to the legs and one leg kick while wholly submerged. The head must break the surface of the water before the hands turn INWARD at the WIDEST part of the second stroke.
Turn: The swimmer MUST touch the wall at the turn with TWO hands at the same time. The swimmer must push off on his or her stomach.
Finish: The swimmer MUST finish the race on his or her stomach with a TWO HAND touch.
What is going to get me disqualified?
1. Taking more than one complete arm pull and kick underwater from the start or turn.
2. Not alternating an arm pull and a kick.
3. Bringing the elbows out of the water.
4. Kicking with your feet turned in or down.
5. Doing a “scissor” kick with one foot turned in.
6. Touching at the turn or finish with one hand.
7. Not surfacing off the start or turn before the 15-yard mark.
8. Impeding the progress of another swimmer.
BUTTERFLY: Both arms must be brought forward together over the surface of the water and brought backward simultaneously. The swimmer must be on his or her stomach the entire time. The feet must simultaneously move up and down.
Start: The swimmer may start from the block or the starting end of the assigned lane. He or she may not stand on the bottom of the pool or pull on the lane lines. The swimmer may remain underwater from the start but must surface before the 15-yard mark.
Turn: The swimmer must touch the wall at the turn with TWO HANDS.
Finish: The swimmer must finish the race on his or her stomach while touching with TWO HANDS.
What is going to get me disqualified?
1. Flutter, scissors, or doing breaststroke kick.
2. Not touching with two hands.
3. Not getting your arms out of the water.
4. Pushing off the bottom or pulling on the lane lines.
5. Staying submerged at the start or turning for more than 15 yards.
6. Impeding the progress of another swimmer.
