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Are you ready to make a splash and add some FUN to your summer? Harbour Seals is a summer recreational swim team located in the Harbour at the Pointe neighborhood in Mooresville, North Carolina. With professional and hands-on coaching, the goal of our team is to provide every child an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability while having FUN! We have proudly been teaching children how to swim and have safe fun in the water since 1998 and we welcome children ages 4-18 of all skill levels from beginners to competitive swimmers. Children have the opportunity to practice daily swimming fundamentals and techniques, compete in weekly meets, learn a lifelong skill, and build amazing friendships!

The Harbour Seals Swim Team is a member of the Lake Norman Swim League which is comprised of five Mooresville neighborhoods. Our league season runs from mid-May to early July with online registration for Harbour Seals Swim Team opening in March. For more information, explore our website or email [email protected]. 

ABOUT HARBOUR SWIM GROUPS & MEETS

 

Who can join the Harbour Seals Swim Team?

Any child ages 4-18 in the local Mooresville area. Swimmers do not have to live in the Harbour at the Pointe neighborhood to join the team.  However, Harbour residents do receive a discounted registration rate.

 

How well does my child have to swim to be on the team?

The Harbour Seals is perfect for any child who loves to swim, whether he/she can only “doggie paddle” or is a year-round competitive swimmer! During the first week of practice, the Harbour coaches will perform skill assessments to determine which group is best for your child based on his/her swimming level.  The swimmers are placed in the following three groups: Seals, Jr. Seals, Seal Pups.

 

What are the requirements for each swim group?

SEALS

This swimmer is typically above age 7 and must be able to swim freestyle the distance of the pool, be able to float on his/her back, and swim backstroke for 1/2 the distance of the pool. He/she will be expected to swim 10-15 laps in the pool during each swim team practice. These laps will consist of a variety of drills using kick boards and unassisted freestyle and backstroke. As swimmers progress, the breaststroke and butterfly stroke techniques will be introduced. Seals will compete in weekly swim meets. Parents of Seals are expected to sign up for at least three volunteer slots at swim meets throughout the season.

SEAL PUPS

Swimmers must be able to safely swim about 1/2 the length of the pool unassisted.  Pups must  keep themselves afloat (front float) with head in water for 3-5 seconds, and they should not be afraid to put his/her face in the water to blow bubbles. Coaches will be in the water to work hands-on with these swimmers to help develop technique with freestyle and backstroke.   These swimmers may be moved to Jr. Seals at the coach's discretion. The goal for these swimmers is to be able to safely complete the distance of the pool by the end of the swim season! These swimmers generally will not participate in the Monday swim meets. Please note: if your swimmer is placed in Seal Pups, there is an additional $50 fee. The additional fee is due to the increased coach-to-swimmer ratio and the more individualized instruction required per swimmer. Team coaches will speak with you prior to placement in this group if you do not select during registration.

 

What happens at a swim meet?

The Harbour Seals are part of the Lake Norman Swim League which is comprised of six neighborhood teams.  Each team participates in four weekly swim meets during the season. The weekly swim meets are one team vs. one team and are held on Monday evenings (weather permitting) at the neighborhood pools. 

Unlike at practice, the swimmers compete according to their age and gender rather than skill. 

·     10&Under swimmers will swim only 25 yards (one length of the pool) for each stroke

·     11 & Up swimmers will swim 50 yards (down and back in the pool) for each stroke

·     The 100 IM is the 100 Yard Individual Medley.  Swimmers who swim this event will swim one length of the pool of each stroke in the following order:  butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle

·     The relays for summer swim team have four swimmers on a relay. The distance is a 100 Freestyle relay for 10 & Under (so each swimmer will swim one length of the pool doing freestyle stroke) and a 200 Freestyle relay for the 11 & Up (so each swimmer will swim freestyle stroke down and back in the pool).

 

How many events will my child swim in a swim meet?

Swimmers may ONLY swim up to three individual stroke events at a swim meet and one 100 IM. Swimmers may also swim in up to two relays. (Coaches often will ask more advanced swimmers to compete in an older age relay to help complete the foursome.)  The head coach will determine in what events your swimmer will compete.

Often times, younger swimmers or beginner swimmers will only swim in the relays, freestyle, and backstroke events so they are welcome to leave at the conclusion of their events in the first half of the meet.

The head coach will email the team prior to the meet to let swimmers know which events they are swimming.

 

What is E/H/L?

After the swimmers receive their meet events from the head coach, swimmers will mark on their arms with Sharpie their E/H/L (Event/Heat/Lane) before each meet.  This is so the swimmers and their coaches know what, when, and where they will swim. 

Event = which stroke will they swim… Relay, Freestyle, Backstroke, 100 IM, Breaststroke, Butterfly

Heat = which race for that event.  Each event is typically swum slowest to fastest with 5-8 swimmers in each race or "heat".

Lane = which lane in the pool will they swim.  The lanes are numbered on the diving block.  If there are no blocks, the lane closest to the announcer is usually lane 1.

 

Does my child have to wear a swim cap?

All swimmers must wear their Harbour Seals team caps at meets unless there are special circumstances (i.e. sensory issues). No high school or club team caps are permitted at any LNSL meets.

 

Does my child have to dive off the starting blocks?

No. Not all neighborhood pools even have starting blocks.  (The Harbour does not have blocks.)  As a member of the Harbour Seals, swimmers will learn to properly and safely dive into the pool as they progress.  Dives into the pool will only happen at pools with starting blocks.  However, if a swimmer is not comfortable diving or the coaches deem a swimmer not ready to safely dive, they may start in the water for the event. 

 

Are Harbour meets officiated?

Yes, there are officials at summer swim meets. (Note to year-round swimmers: summer meets are not USA swimming sanctioned.) The officials do disqualify swimmers for illegal stroke techniques when warranted. However, please know the officials are very lenient with the younger and beginner swimmers… we want the meets to be fun and we want the kids to be proud of their swimming improvement and accomplishments!

 

Are there awards?

Yes.  Each heat winner will receive a ribbon at the meet as soon as he/she gets out of the pool.

The top 6 winners of each event (out of ALL of the heats for that event) will receive place ribbons. The place ribbons will be available for pick up at practice the next day.

The Harbour Seals also give additional awards at the End of Season celebration party.

 

What is the Championship Meet?

At the conclusion of the four weekly meets, the Lake Norman Swim League Championship meet is held at the Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatic Center when all six teams compete against each other for the League title.  Only the top 4 swimmers in each event from each team qualify to compete in the Championship meet.  However, even if your swimmer is not a top for individual event swimmer, the Harbour uses lots of swimmers for our Championship relay teams. The Harbour Seals are the undefeated Lake Norman Swim League Champions since 2013!

 

How long does a swim meet last?

Typically, a summer swim meet takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.  The order of events for the 2020 Season at each meet is:

1. Mixed 6 & Under 100 Freestyle Relay

2. Girls 7-8 100 Freestyle Relay

3. Boys 7-8 100 Freestyle Relay

4. Girls 9-10 100 Freestyle Relay

5. Boys 9-10 100 Freestyle Relay

6. Girls 11-12 200 Freestyle Relay

7. Boys 11-12 200 Freestyle Relay

8. Girls 13-14 200 Freestyle Relay

9. Boys 13-14 200 Freestyle Relay

10. Girls 15-18 200 Freestyle Relay

11. Boys 15-18 200 Freestyle Relay

12. Girls 6 & Under 25 Freestyle

13. Boys 6 & Under 25 Freestyle

14. Girls 7-8 25 Freestyle

15. Boys 7-8 25 Freestyle

16. Girls 9-10 25 Freestyle

17. Boys 9-10 25 Freestyle

18. Girls 11-12 50 Freestyle

19. Boys 11-12 50 Freestyle

20. Girls 13-14 50 Freestyle

21. Boys 13-14 50 Freestyle

22. Girls 15-18 50 Freestyle

23. Boys 15-18 50 Freestyle

24. Girls 6 & Under Backstroke

25. Boys 6& Under Backstroke 

26. Girls 7-8 25 Backstroke

27. Boys 7-8 25 Backstroke

28. Girls 9-10 25 Backstroke

29. Boys 9-10 25 Backstroke

30. Girls 11-12 50 Backstroke

31. Boys 11-12 50 Backstroke

32. Girls 13-14 50 Backstroke

33. Boys 13-14 50 Backstroke

34. Girls 15-18 50 Backstroke

35. Boys 15-18 50 Backstroke

36. Girls 8 & Under 25 Breaststroke

37. Boys 8 & Under 25 Breaststroke

38. Girls 9-10 25 Breaststroke

39. Boys 9-10 25 Breaststroke

40. Girls 11-12 50 Breaststroke

41. Boys 11-12 50 Breaststroke

42. Girls 13-14 50 Breaststroke

43. Boys 13-14 50 Breaststroke

44. Girls 15-18 50 Breaststroke

45. Boys 15-18 50 Breaststroke

46. Girls 8 & Under 25 Butterfly

47. Boys 8 & Under 25 Butterfly

48. Girls 9-10 25 Butterfly

49. Boys 9-10 25 Butterfly

50. Girls 11-12 50 Butterfly

51. Boys 11-12 50 Butterfly

52. Girls 13-14 50 Butterfly

53. Boys 13-14 50 Butterfly

54. Girls 15-18 50 Butterfly

55. Boys 15-18 50 Butterfly

56. Girls 10 & Under 100 IM

57. Boys 10 & Under 100 IM

58. Girls 11-12 100 IM

59. Boys 11-12 100 IM

60. Girls 13-14 100 IM

61. Boys 13-14 100 IM

62. Girls 15-18 100 IM

63. Boys 15-18 100 IM

 

              

 

HARBOUR SWIM TEAM

PARENT INFORMATION

 

DIRECTORS & COACHES 

Director

Becky Rinn [email protected] 

Point of contact for Registration, team merchandise, and general team questions.

 

Treasurer
Danielle Frissora [email protected]

Point of contact for billing questions.

 

Head Coach
Tammie Filiault [email protected]
Point of contact for all SEALS, meet entries, practice, meet, and all general pool-related questions.

Head Assistant Coach
Bridgett Respess [email protected]
Point of contact for all PUPS and volunteer assignments.

 

EXPECTATIONS 

  • Number ONE Goal is to IMPROVE – the swimmer and the program.
  • OUR NUMBER ONE RULE IS TO HAVE FUN! 
  • Proper technique is the main focus.

PRACTICE POLICY/ ATTENDANCE

  • Please make sure your child knows and understands the pool rules. 
  • Proper swimsuits, caps, and goggles are necessary equipment for swimmers to learn the correct technique, improve in the water and safely swim in a team setting.  
  • SWIMSUITS - ALL swimmers should be prepared for practice with the appropriate swimsuit.  
  • Recommended - For girls, one-piece suits, and for boys, jammer, brief or shorts that fit snugly or tie.  Swimmers do not need to wear “competition style” suits, but the suit worn should allow the swimmer to properly participate in laps, dives and learn proper technique.  
  • GOGGLES - ALL swimmers must have goggles.  Swimmers need to SEE where they are going to learn proper technique and move up and down the pool safely.  
  • CAPS – A swimmer MUST wear a cap if their hair is long enough to prevent them from seeing clearly.  We strongly encourage swimmers to wear caps vs. a hair tie alone - especially our SEALS.  
  • All children must be supervised by an adult prior to and following their assigned practice.  Siblings around the pool must be supervised by an adult.  
  • Parents of SEAL PUPS MUST remain on deck during practice or have an adult that is responsible for their child. 
  • Coaches can not assist swimmers in the restroom.  
  • Swimmers are encouraged to attend at least 2-3 practices per week. 
  • Repetition is essential, and all swimmers will be taught fundamental skills and correct technique.  Swimming laps and focusing on an aerobic workout is not the focus of this program – proper technique is.  
  • Parents do not need to communicate absences on a daily basis.  

 

SWIM PRACTICE 

  • PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE TEAM SCHEDULE ON OUR TEAM WEBSITE.  PLEASE have swimmers at the pool 5-10 minutes before their scheduled practice time so they are ready to begin with the group.  
  • Parents are asked not to engage swimmers or coaches during practice.  If you should have questions or concerns, please one of our lead coaches after practice (when all swimmers have safely exited the pool) or contact Coach Tammie via email or phone.  Safety is our number one concern, and coaches are focused on the swimmers in the water.  

 

TEAM UNIFY WEBSITE 

  • Email is the primary source of contact for our team.  Please check your email frequently especially if the weather is in question. 
  • TEAM UNIFY is our MAIN source of communication.  Email, text, meet availability, meet entries, calendars, schedules, event announcements and more are all managed through this website.  
  • Please be sure to check your account and swimmers information to be sure everything is correct.  This includes T-shirt size for your swimmer.  

 

WEATHER CANCELATIONS AND DELAYS

  • The pool will be closed in the event of thunder or lightning.  The pool will remain closed 30 minutes following the last rumble or visible lightning strike.  
  • Please pay close attention to your email if the weather looks questionable for the day.  Know that we will carefully assess the conditions and email you as soon as possible to make any adjustments or cancellations.  
  • Always assume that a practice or a meet is on as scheduled unless you receive an email saying otherwise.  In some situations we may send an additional text message to all verified cell numbers on your Team Unify Account.  

 

SWIM MEETS

  • Swimmers are encouraged to participate in meets.  
  • YOUR CHILD WILL ONLY BE ENTERED IN A MEET IF THEY ARE “COMMITTED” TO THAT MEET ON TEAM UNIFY.  
  • If you have multiple children you must “commit” each swimmer individually.  
  • PLEASE LOG IN TO TEAM UNIFY AND SELECT EACH MEET INDIVIDUALLY TO DECLARE YOUR AVAILABILITY BY SELECTING ATTEND OR DECLINE.  
  • There is an entry deadline listed for each meet.  At midnight of the listed date, registration for that meet will close and the system will not allow you to “edit your commitment.”  If this deadline has passed and a child is sick or an emergency arises, you must contact Coach Tammie ASAP.  Once entries are done, it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to enter a swimmer into a meet.  
  • Team suits are not required for swim meets but TEAM CAPS are.  Harbour caps can be purchased for $6.00 (latex) or $18 (silicone).  Please see Jan Claborn, Coach Bridgett or Coach Tammie if you need to purchase team caps.  

 

SEAL PUPS 

  • Coach Bridgett will have individual discussions with parents of Seal Pups when the time is right to enter a swim meet.  
  • If your swimmer is participating in a swim meet, please fulfill the volunteer requirement listed below.  If you have a Seal Pup not entered in the meets, you are not expected to volunteer. 

 

PARENT PARTICIPATION/VOLUNTEERING

  • Swim meets require the effort of many volunteers to run successfully.  Please see the list of needs for each meet under “Job Sign Ups.”   
  • We cannot run a swim meet without parent volunteers!  Each family is expected to volunteer for “half” of 2 swim meets or 1 full swim meet.
  • If for any reason you cannot fulfill your responsibility or what you signed up for, please find a replacement.   
  • If a family chooses to not volunteer, they can write the Harbour Swim Team a check for $100 so we can hire help for the meet.
  • Please login to your Team Unify account and look for the “Job Sign up” for each meet. 

 

GOAL SETTING

  • Each swimmer is encouraged to set goals for the season.
  • They may set a specific time they want to reach, to take a certain number of seconds off a particular event, to win a heat, to learn a new stroke, etc… they will be working towards improving and reaching their goals throughout the season.  

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

  • Good sportsmanship is a requirement not an option.
  • Coaches will teach good sportsmanship by leading through example.