• Requirements for swim team (swimming ability and how to continue growth)
• What you need to participate in team (and where to get it)
• Practice expectations (both behavior and attendance)
• How swim meets work (what to bring and what to do)
• Volunteering (it takes lots of great parent volunteers to run a successful meet)
• All-City (all about end-of-season fun)
• Communication (what you can expect to hear along the way)
•  

SWIM ABILITY

Prior to joining our swim team, we do recommend that each swimmer can swim the length of the pool (26.5 meters at Seminole) with rhythmic breathing and without stopping, and has completed at least Level 3 of our Seminole Pool swim lessons. We recommend younger swimmers continue through lessons until they have completed Level 6. The role of our swim team coaches is to help swimmers refine their stroke and make improvements, but not to teach swimmers how to do a stroke - instead that is the purpose of lessons. Even some of the more experienced, younger swimmers continue lessons in order to get extra practice on their strokes.

 

DIVE ABILITY

Prior to joining dive team, a diver needs to have taken dive lessons and can complete 3 basic dives with an approach.  In addition, they need to be able to listen and follow directions. 

 

EQUIPMENT

Each spring we offer a team suit for purchase. Swimmers are not required to purchase the team suit, but many do. The team suit can be worn for practice and meets, although many swimmers like to wear other suits to practice as well. For girls, one-piece training suits are best for practice. For boys, jammers, box jammers or briefs are best.

 

Simply Swimming (6649 University Avenue, 608-836-6639, simplyswimming.net) is our official team store. Not only will they stock our team suit, you will get a team discount for your purchases at Simply Swimming. The staff is excellent at helping you get the right fit for suits, goggles and whatever else you might need. Mention that you are with the Seminole Swim & Dive Team for your discount. Order forms for team suits, caps and additional spirit wear will come out in the spring.

 

Swim caps are highly recommended for all swimmers. While they may be hard to get used to at first for new swimmers, they will provide comfort while swimming and will make a difference in your times. Swim caps also protect hair from the pool chemicals for our swimmers who are in the pool so much. Latex caps are provided by the Seminole Swim & Dive boosters to our team for no additional charge. Silicone caps are available for purchase. Silicone caps tend to be more comfortable and durable, and they can be personalized, making it easier to find your swimmer at a meet!

 

Swimmers will also need to have goggles (a backup pair is also recommended), a water bottle, and tennis shoes for dry land training and warm ups.

 

For the parents of young swimmers: please be sure to check your swimmer’s bag regularly to make sure they have their team suit and a pair of goggles in working order (no broken straps, etc.). Our coaches are happy to help out with lost suits and broken goggles during practice, but with so many young, energetic swimmers on deck, it’s helpful to everyone if you can monitor that for your child. Please note that you should also write your child’s name on their suit tag and on goggles if you can. 

 

PRACTICES

Daily practice is the best way to improve your swimming and be a strong team member. If your swimmer attends practice and works hard on a regular basis, you will be amazed at the progress they will make over the summer! Consistent practice also builds team unity, and strong bonds will develop between swim team friends. 

 

Please have your child to practice on time, with a positive attitude and ready to practice.

 

During practice, swimmers are expected to respect their teammates and their coaches. There is no tolerance for bullying or being disrespectful to teammates, either in the water or out. We encourage swimmers to talk to their coaches if there are concerns. If a child is causing problems for other swimmers and other measures are not working, they may be asked to sit out of practice or meets, or even leave the team. We also expect swimmers to respect their coaches at all times. While Seminole coaches are the funnest coaches around, they also have a job to do. Listening while coaches are talking and following directions in and out of the water are essential. Our coaches have full authority to remove any swimmers not behaving from practice activities. Coaches have the support of our Seminole Swim & Dive Boosters and the Seminole Pool Board to make appropriate discipline choices during practice and meets.

 

In order to retain a standard of commitment to the team and teammates, while also staying true to the more “relaxed” nature of summer swim team, swimmers are expected to attend three practices per week in order to compete in meets. There are exceptions to this, including those swimmers who are also practicing with a club, week-long summer commitments, etc. Arrangements can sometimes be made to have swimmers attending another practice time to offer some scheduling flexibility for a week at a time. For any of these needs, please talk to your coach.Coach approval is suggested for exceptions to the three-practices-a-week policy.

 

Parents are welcome to stay and watch swim team practice, but for swimmers and coaches to best maximize their time together, we ask that parents sit in the snack area so that kids stay focused on coaches and teammates. If you have questions for your child’s coach, please plan on talking to them before or after practice out of respect for our coaches and other swimmers. Note that dry land and warm up is considered practice time. Often our coaches will coach back-to-back groups, so feel free to contact them via email or phone to schedule a time to talk.

 

PRIVATE LESSONS

We believe our Seminole coaches are great coaches, and as such, your swimmer should be receiving excellent instruction during swim team practice. However, sometimes there are situations where a swimmer would like some more focused, individualized instruction. If this is something your swimmer would find beneficial, you can contact any one of our team coaches to schedule a lesson time. Each coach will set their own rates for private lessons.  For liability and insurance reasons, lessons must be paid through the Seminole payroll system.  Please write a check for your child’s lesson to “Seminole Pool”,  with the name of the coach and “private lesson” in the memo. Because lessons happen during open pool hours, coaches will schedule lessons on a master schedule to ensure that the general pool membership is not negatively impacted by several lessons occurring simultaneously during open swim.

 

MEETS

Meets are a chance for swimmers to see results from all of their hard work and practice, and to cheer on and support teammates. Swimmers have the opportunity to participate in both individual swim events as well as relays. Best times in each event are tracked and the goal is for swimmers to work to improve their times each week. For younger swimmers, best time pins are given out weekly for each event in which a swimmer has beaten their best time.

 

Information about each meet will be communicated by coaches, and swimmers (or parents) can sign up for a meet using our TeamUnify site. A message will come out when each meet sign up is open. In order to have enough planning time for the meets, swimmers will need to sign up by the posted deadline. After the deadline has passed, you will not be able to sign up unless you contact the coaches.

 

Individual events include the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and the Individual Medley (IM), which is a combination of the strokes. 8 & Under swimmers swim 25 meter (or yard) races, 9/10 and 11/12 swimmers swim 50 meter (or yard) races and 13 & Ups swim 100 meter (or up) races. Relays consist of four swimmers on a team. In a medley relay, one swimmer swims each of the strokes. In a freestyle relay, all swimmers swim freestyle.

 

Swimmers are welcome to choose the events in which they are most comfortable, but coaches can offer input on events for a swimmer as well. Swimmers can compete in up to two (2) individual events and two (2) relays, depending on the number of swimmers and coach input. All swimmers are encouraged to learn and compete in all strokes. 

 

If a swimmer does not want to be on a relay team, they should indicate that in the comments section of the meet sign up. In the absence of a comment, coaches will assume a swimmer is willing and able to be on a relay. Coaches will put together relay teams based on a number of factors. If you have questions about a relay, please ask the age group coach.

 

The meet schedule is posted on TeamUnify. Meets generally take place on Saturday mornings, but there is an occasional weekday evening meet. Most meets are dual (between two pools) meets, but occasionally there may be more teams involved. Warm ups are held before the meet starts and all swimmers participating in the meet are required to attend warm ups. Warm ups generally begin around 6:30 am with the designated age group. Meets generally end between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, depending on the size of the opposing team.

 

In some cases, a swimmer may not enjoy the competitive aspect of swimming and may choose only to attend practice for the conditioning that swimming provides. Coaches may encourage these swimmers to participate in a meet, but it is not required.

 

Swimmers must compete in at least three dual meets in order to be eligible to participate in the All-City meet at the end of the season.

 

What to Bring to a Meet

Warm ups for all age groups last about an hour total. The meet itself lasts about 3-5 hours, dependent largely on the size of the opposing team(s). It is important that swimmers eat healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the meet. Concessions are sold at the meets, or you may bring a cooler with snacks. 

 

Other items swimmers and families will want to bring to a meet include:

 

• water bottle
• sun screen
• umbrella or tent for shade
• team suit, team cap, two pair of goggles (in case one breaks)
• warm clothes for chilly mornings (sweat suit, blanket, robe, etc.)
• two towels
• small crafts or card games to play with teammates between races

 

Be sure to mark items with swimmer’s name so they can be returned if lost.

 

At the Meet

Arriving at the meet can be hectic. Your swimmer should find a place to set down their belongings and find their age-group coach. For younger swimmers, coaches will remind them (often with a notecard) which events and relays they are in. 

 

Coaches will direct warm-ups. Warms ups are mandatory unless excused by a coach. Warm up times for each age group will be sent out prior to each meet. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your warm up time so swimmers can be ready to get in the pool at their designated time.

 

Heat sheets are sold at each meet. Heat sheets generally cost between $2 and $3 and list all races for the day, including the name, age, seed time, event number, and heat and lane assignments for each swimmer. The seed time is the swimmer’s fastest time in the event. Earlier heats are made up of swimmers with no time (NT) or slower times and work their way up to the last heat, comprised of the fastest seed times. In a dual meet, the home team occupies the even lanes and the visiting team occupies the odd lanes. Per USA swimming standards, the lane numbering should begin with “Lane 1”  being on the swimmer’s right as they stand on the starting block. (Please note, however, that there are a couple of pools in our rec league that do not abide by this convention.) The fastest swimmers are in the middle lanes. There is also a heat sheet posted at each meet. 

 

For younger swimmers, it is often helpful to have an adult write their child’s events on their arm for a reminder. A small list that includes event number, heat and lane is helpful. This also helps coaches and volunteers at Clerk of Course and timers make sure swimmers are in the right place. A typical arm marking looks something like this:

 



 

Clerk of Course

The home team at a swim meet runs a staging area called Clerk of Course. The purpose of this is to organize swimmers prior to each event and keep the meet running efficiently. Most pools only stage, or clerk, kids who are 10 and under. Swimmers who are clerked need to report to this area prior to their race. There will be a sign or white board of some kind noting which event number is currently being clerked. There will also be announcements as the events are being clerked. Parent and swimmers should both pay attention to the event numbers in Clerk of Course. Coaches are not responsible for getting swimmers to clerk in time for their events, as they are watching and coaching the swimmers in the pool. However, coaches will help stage 8 & Under relay teams and get them to Clerk.

 

Older swimmers are expected to be behind the blocks and in place well ahead of their event.

 

After the Race

Swimmers should go talk to their coach immediately after each race to get constructive feedback.

 

Results Sheets

Results are posted as they become available at the meet. For dual meets, points are awarded for the first six places in individual events. No more than three individual scoring per team (regardless of points, ribbons are awarded). For relays in dual meets, points are awarded for the first three (3) places. Eight (8) points are awarded to the winning relay team; four (4) to the second place team, two (2) to the third place team with no more than two (2) relays scoring per team.

 

DQ means disqualification (see below) and NS means no-show for a swimmer who did not swim that event.

 

Awards

Swimmers in the 12 & Under age groups are awarded ribbons for 1st through 6th place in individual events and 1st through 3rd place for relay events. Heat winner ribbons or prizes are awarded to the winner of each heat and participation ribbons are given to all 12 & Under swimmers who participate in the meet.

 

Disqualification

Even though this is a recreational league, meets are officiated and swimmers need to swim legal strokes. All-City meets generally follow the USA Swimming rules. Many younger or inexperienced swimmers can get “disqualified” from an event if they don’t perform a stroke or turn “legally”. It may be helpful to remind swimmers that all great swimmers have been disqualified from time to time, especially if they are trying a new event.

 

If a swimmer has been disqualified, a meet official will communicate the reason for the disqualification (DQ) to the coach. A coach will then talk to the swimmer about this, which may be at the next regular practice.

 

Course Conversion

Some of the All-City League pools are 25 Meters and some are 25 Yards. Seminole is 26.5 Meters. Because of this, times may need to be converted to a different measurement for meets. Coaches will take care of this for meets, but if you are interested in converting your swimmers time, you can google “swim time conversion” and get a selection of conversion tools to help you.  Many variables go into a conversion including starts, type of stroke, turns, age, gender and fatigue. A conversion chart accounts for these factors. Below is a basic conversion chart that should help you get close to correct times.

   

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The All City League operations under the USA Swimming rules with a few exceptions. The rules can be found online at http://www.allcityswimdive.org/_uploads/forms/ahqaj-All%20City%20-%202014%20Rules%20(4-23-2014%20).pdf

 

VOLUNTEERING AT MEETS

We could not have this program if not for all of the hard work of our volunteers.  Volunteering is a great way to learn more about how meets work and to get to know other parents. Each family must volunteer four shifts during the season, but shifts can be combined into fewer meets so that they total the number of meets for the season. One shift is approximately 1/2 of a swim meet. Please read the job descriptions carefully because some jobs require that you work the entire meet, (Clerk of Course and Computer Scoring count as two shifts because you work the entire meet).  Note that Seminole is also required to provide a limited number of volunteers at the All-City Swim Meet each year.  Depending on our roster numbers and requirements, those volunteer shifts may apply to the four shift criteria.  The Volunteer coordinator for the team will clarify these details at the beginning of each season.

 

You do not have to be knowledgeable about swimming to volunteer, and when needed, training is provided. A volunteer sign up will be sent out to all swim team families prior to the first meet. At that time, you can sign up for all of your shifts for the season.

 

A $100 deposit is paid by each family at the beginning of the season. If all volunteer requirements are fulfilled, the deposit check is shredded and there is no charge. If the requirements are not fulfilled, families will be charged accordingly. It is an expectation that the entire shift needs to be completed in order to receive credit.  After you have completed all of your shifts, we will shred your volunteer check.

 

Volunteers are expected to show up on time for their shift as noted on the sign up. Arriving late puts a lot of extra pressure on our meet directors and volunteer coordinators. We understand that illness and emergencies can pop up unexpectedly. If this happens when you are scheduled to volunteer, it is your responsibility to find a replacement if you cannot work your shift. If nobody shows up for your shift, your volunteer check will be cashed.

 

In some instances, the Seminole Swim & Dive Boosters may seek the expertise of a swim and dive family member to help the team. In such instances, which must be approved by the Boosters, the volunteer requirements (and corresponding $100 deposit) may be waived for families who provide an outside service or expertise to our team. The Boosters will confirm the arrangement with these families on an individual basis.

 

Serving on the Seminole Swim & Dive Boosters is a year-round volunteer effort. Many members of the Boosters committee work at all home swim or dive meets, independent of volunteer sign up, to ensure that meets run smoothly. This would include the positions of meet directors, head of clerk of course, concessions coordinator, volunteer coordinator and dive rep (at dive meets). Booster members who are obligated by their positions to work at meets need not pay the $100 deposit, as their volunteer shifts at meets will be more than covered by their Boosters role. Other members of Boosters with positions not directly tied to meet day will still need to pay the $100 deposit and work the required number of volunteer shifts each season. This would include the position of swim & dive board rep, clothing, social events, all-city representative, treasurer, fundraising, swim buddies and dive rep (at swim meets, if applicable). Priority for job signup may be given to Boosters members as well as Seminole Pool and Tennis Board members. (Note that Booster families not obligated for additional shifts may still sign up for shifts if they choose).

 

ALL-CITY

Seminole Swim & Dive Team is part of the Madison All-City Swim and Dive League. The All-City League is made up of 13 area pools including Goodman, Hawks Landing, High Point, Hill Farm, Maple Bluff, Middleton, Monona, Nakoma, Parkcrest, Ridgewood, Seminole, Shorewood and Westside. The All-City league rules govern all All-City meets. (Occasionally there is the opportunity for a meet that falls outside of the All-City League schedule.) League information can be found here: http://www.allcityswimdive.org

 

At the end of the season, there is both an All-City Swim Meet and an All-City Dive Meet where all swimmers from all member pools are invited to compete. It is a huge meet and a very fun way to end the swim season. The only thing a swimmer needs to do to “qualify” to swim at All-City is to swim in three All-City dual meets. You do not need a specific time or other qualifications to enter. For many swimmers, All-City is their favorite time of year and best memory.

 

COMMUNICATION

Swim team information is sent out via email using the TeamUnify software.  A weekly email will be sent to families with overall team information. Age-group coaches will also send out weekly emails specific to each age group. Notifications for meet sign up, meet volunteer sign up, and more will also come through Team Unify. If you have any trouble with Team Unify or accessing information, please talk to a member of our Swim & Dive Boosters for assistance.

 

You can add email addresses to your Team Unify account, so if you would like to be sure your swimmer also receives the information directly, please be sure their email is entered.

 

Each swim family has a folder located in the filing cabinets in the Breezeway. You can find handouts, ribbons not picked up, and other information in these folders. Coaches also have folders if you need to leave a note.

 

Coaches appreciate hearing feedback from parents and swimmers so that they know how swimming is going for each athlete. However, it is very difficult for coaches to field questions and address concerns during practices and meets. Please try to arrange a time outside of practice or a meet to talk to your child’s coach.