SouthBend Swim Team (SBST) Handbook

COACHES

Head Coach Nae Boersma 540-538-9593 [email protected]
Assistant Coach Jadyn Sears- morning practice 804-731-0503 [email protected]
Assistant Coach Mindy Vanderlinden 801-708-3092 [email protected]
Assistant Coach Russell "Rusty" Boersma    
Assistant Coach Llly Boersma    
Assistant Coach Morgan     

    SBST Board   

Parents/Guardians are needed to make decisions and to share the workload involved with running the team.  We must maintain a group of individuals that works together to improve and build the swim team.  If you are interested in being part of the Swim Team, please give us a call and volunteer to help. THANKS!

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this handbook is to provide the basic information about the current Southbend Swim Team season and to outline various policies that affect all swimmers. While the handbook is intended primarily for new swimmers and parents/guardians, all families should read it so that they are familiar with important facts and rules of the team.

REGISTRATION

Each parent/guardian will be required to submit an online registration listing each participating swimmer, emergency medical information, agree to code of conduct and volunteer. Appropriate fees, as determined below, will be submitted online at www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=recsslsst.  No swimmers may join team after the 2nd dual meet.  No refunds will be issued after the 2nd dual meet.

FEES

A late fee of $10 will assessed to each family signing up after the 1st scheduled swim meet. A $35 returned check fee will be assessed for any returned or stop payment notices.

CONDUCT

It is the responsibility of each swimmer, Coach, parent/guardian, and all Officials to conduct themselves in a safe and sportsmanlike manner at all meets and practices.  If anyone observes unacceptable behavior, it should be brought to the attention of the Referee.  The Meet Director or Referee of any dual or championship meet has the authority to remove any person who behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner.  Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct are profanity, lewd gestures, derogatory verbal exchanges, aggressive contact, inebriation and cheating.

Tobacco Products - smoking or use of tobacco products including electronic smoking devices is prohibited on the pool deck, in the locker rooms, in spectator seating or standing areas, and in all areas used by swimmers during the meet or during the warm-up periods in connections with the meet.

Alcoholic beverages – the sale and use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all areas of the venue, including, but not limited to, pool deck, locker rooms, spectator seating or standing areas, and in all areas used by the swimmers. Intoxication is prohibited as stated in the Southbend Swim Team Code of Conduct.

SAFETY

In the event of an accident at a swim meet, the host club Safety Chairperson shall investigate the accident as soon as possible.  The investigating Safety Chairperson shall complete an Accident Report and notify the president of the League as soon as possible.  A copy of the Accident Report shall be turned into the League Library within 72 hours of the accident.

The host team of the swim meet should provide a complete first aid kit.

During warm-ups, all swimmers must enter the pool feet first and from the deep end if possible.  The Coach may designate a portion of their warm-up period for “take-offs” under the direct supervision of the Coach.  The swimmers may dive at this time provided they swim one way.  There will be no running at any time during the swim meet or warm-ups. Swimmer are expected to stay in the SBST designated area to ensure all swimmer are present for events.

Glass containers will not be allowed on the pool deck during swim meets.

If inclement weather occurs during the course of a swim meet, the Referee shall suspend the swim meet and move all participants and spectators as far as possible from the pool area.  If the swim meet is suspended due to inclement weather, the Referee shall wait 30 minutes for no thunder and/or lightning before allowing the meet to commence.  If any delays accumulate to one hour, the meet will be postponed and rescheduled unless both teams agree to wait longer.   At least one attempt must be made to complete the meet.  If inclement weather delays the rescheduled meet, the two teams can agree to discontinue completion of the meet if mutually agreed upon at the on-set of inclement weather as long as all IM events have been completed.  The rescheduled meet will be held on the next weeknight (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday meets will be made up on Wednesday, Friday and Monday nights, respectively).  If there is a schedule conflict with the home pool that prevents the meet from being rescheduled to the following weeknight, then the meet will be rescheduled for the first available day except for Sunday.  If two clubs cannot agree on a start-time for the continuation of a postponed meet, the meet will begin at 6:30 p.m. with warm-ups from 5:45 – 6:15 p.m.  Under no circumstances will a continuation start later than the time the regular meet was postponed.

Coaches have the right to remove their respective teams from the pool for safety reasons.

The American Red Cross must certify at least one member of Coaching staff in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).  The SBST recommends that the certified member of the Coaching staff be present at all swim practices of their clubs.

EVENTS 

All swimmers registered with the League will be allowed to compete, regardless of their qualifications.  All relay events will be mixed relays.  The relay team MUST consist of both boys and girls with a minimum of 1 boy and 1 girl.  All relay takeoffs/starts will be called with dual confirmation.  Disqualification will be done by ballot.  For Dual meets:  Each swimmer may enter a maximum of 4 events consisting of any combination of individual and relay events. 

DUAL MEETS - SSL 

All meets are held on Thursday nights (unless otherwise announced).

Swim meets during the week are to start at 6:30 p.m. 

  • 5:45 – 6:00 p.m. - Host Team warm-ups
  • 6:00 – 6:15 p.m. - visiting team warm-ups

Swim meets scheduled for Saturday will start at 8:00 a.m.  

  • 7:15 – 7:30 a.m. - Host team warm-ups 
  • 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. - visiting team warm-ups

CHAMPIONSHIPS

The 11 and Over session

  • Starts Friday at 5:30 p.m. with the first warm-up at 4:30 p.m.

The 10 and Under session

  • Starts Saturday at 9:00 a.m. with the first warm-up at 8:00 a.m.

A swimmer must have competed in at least two League dual meets during the current year in order to be eligible to enter the Championship Meet.  Each swimmer may enter a maximum of 4 events, of which at least two (but no more than three) may be individual events.

 

AWARDS BANQUET

The end of season awards banquet will be held on the Monday following CHAMPS. SBST will supply pizza and awards/ certificates. Families are encouraged to bring a potluck dish to share. Swimmers will be recognized for participation. Graduating seniors will also be recognized. This is also the time for families who want to join in on celebrating our amazing coaches.

 

 

PRACTICE POLICIES

The following guidelines are to inform parents/guardians and swimmers of the team policies regarding practice. These policies are designed to provide the best possible practice environment for everyone.

  1. Attend practice as regularly as possible. As a general rule, the least possible interruption in the training schedule will produce the greatest amount of success.
  2. For the swimmers protection, they should arrive at the pool no earlier than 15 minutes prior to their workout time.  They should also be picked up no later than 15 minutes after their practice is over.  Swimmers should be ready to swim five minutes prior to the start of their practice. Parent must sign-in with a SBST representative for each practice. Please do not drop your swimmer off without first checking in.
  3. During practice, the coaching staff is responsible for the swimmers.  During that time the swimmers are never to leave the pool area without the coach’s permission.
  4. The pool is not closed during swim team practice. There are lifeguards on duty during practice. Only swim team members will be allowed to lap lanes during practice times. The diving well and adult pool are for community use. Parents/Guardians can leave their child (11 and older) unattended for their practice session only after checking in with SBST Rep.  Please do not leave your child unattended before or after their practice session.
  5. The swimmers are to act as guests while at practice.  Every member of the team needs to do everything possible to respect this privilege.  Any damages to the pool property may result in financial liability of the swimmers parents.  Any damage may also result in the swimmer being asked to leave the team permanently.
  6. Parents/Guardians are expected to observe practice from a distance.  Please be considerate and keep conversations at a low volume level.  Do not try to communicate with any swimmer during practice.  This is not only distracting to the swimmer, but can also be distracting to the entire team as well as the coach.
  7. Practice may be held even in the rain.  Practice will be canceled primarily for lightning or cold. If you aren’t sure if you should come, call the coach.  Practice may be stopped for thunderstorms or for other unforeseen reasons.  Be sure your swimmers know what procedures they need to follow: i.e., call a parent/guardian, ride with a friend, etc.  A coach will stay until all swimmers are picked up from practice. 
  8. All swim team parents/guardians and swimmers are reminded to keep Southbend clean. Please leave the pool grounds in the same condition as when you arrive. Please pick up all of your trash and put all chairs back where they belong.
     

 

BASIC STROKE RULES

Breaststroke

  • The body shall be kept on the breast.
  • The arms shall move simultaneously and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement.
  • The hands shall be pushed forward together from the breast (inside the shoulders).
  • The elbows shall be under the water, except for the last stroke at the finish.
  • The hands shall not be brought beyond the hipline, except during the first stroke after the start and
  • each turn.
  • The swimmer's head shall break the surface of the water at least once during each complete cycle.
  • A complete cycle is one arm stroke and one leg kick, in that order.
  • The swimmer is permitted to perform one complete cycle under water at the start and after each
  • turn.
  • At the start and at each turn, the head must break the surface of the water before the hands turn
  • inward at the widest part of the second stroke. Movements of the legs shall be simultaneous.
  • The feet must be turned outward during the propulsive part of the kick.
  • A scissors, flutter or downward butterfly kick is not permitted.
  • The touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously.
  • The shoulders must be past vertical toward the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall.
Backstroke
  • The feet, including the toes shall be placed under the surface of the water.
  • Standing in or on the gutter or curling the toes over the lip of the gutter is not permitted.
  • During a turn, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall.
  • During a turn, shoulders may be turned past the vertical toward the breast after which a continuous
  • single arm pull or continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn.
  • During a turn, there shall be no kick or arm pull that is independent of the continuous turning action.
  • The swimmer must be on the back upon leaving the wall. 
  • At the finish the swimmer must touch the wall on his back.

Butterfly

  • The swimmer is permitted one or more leg kicks.
  • Only one arm pull under water is permitted, which must bring the swimmer to the surface. 
  • Both arms must be brought forward over the water and pulled back simultaneously.
  • Movements of the legs and feet must be simultaneous.
  • The position of the legs or feet shall not alternate in relation to each other.
  • A flutter, scissors or breastroke kicking movement is not permitted.
  • The touch at the turn and finish shall be made with both hands simultaneously and the swimmer shall
  • be on the breast.
  • The shoulders must be at or past vertical towards the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall. 
  • The swimmer may be completely submerged for a distance or not more than 15 meters at the start
  • and at each turn.

Individual Medley (IM)

  • Intermediate turns within each stoke shall conform to the turn rules for that stroke.
  • The turns when changing from one stroke to another shall conform to the finish rules for the stroke
  • just completed.
  • Order of Strokes: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breast stroke, and Freestyle.
- General Disqualification Information -
Only the official within whose jurisdiction the infraction has been committed can make a disqualification.
  • Upon observing an infraction within his/her jurisdiction, the judge shall immediately raise one hand overhead with open palm.  If the official does not do so, there shall be no disqualification.  Exception:  Relay takeoffs using dual confirmation.
  • A swimmer must start and finish in the same lane.
  • During a freestyle race a swimmer may stand on the bottom of the pool, however the swimmer must not walk or spring from the bottom.
  • Standing on the bottom during any other stoke shall result in disqualification.
  • Grasping lane dividers to assist forward motion is not permitted.

It is very important for parents to understand the basic stroke rules. The details and technicalities will be cause for disqualification of our swimmers. If you know the rules, then you will understand the calls of the officials.  If you will not take time to learn the rules, then do not complain or argue a call made by a volunteer official doing their best to help.

 

BEFORE THE MEET

IT IS EACH SWIMMER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO LET THE COACH KNOW IF HE/SHE WILL MISS A MEET.

Fill out the “AWAY” book as soon as you know you cannot attend a meet. If a swimmer does not notify the coach of an absence, the coach will assume that you will be available to swim. The coaches need to plan and prepare for each meet. An event card will be prepared for you and the heats setup accordingly.  If a swimmer does not show up when his/her scheduled event and heat are announced, a delay may result while lanes and heats are adjusted. This unnecessarily adds to the length of the meet which usually runs several hours even when all goes smoothly.

Let the coach or team rep know if you will need transportation to a meet. We will try to work out a ride for you.

PREPARATION ON DAY OF MEET

On the day of the meet, stay out of the sun as much as possible.  Do not spend the day playing in the pool. Rest and/or take a nap.  Evening meets may last until around 11:00 pm. Eat high carbohydrates a couple of hours before the meet.  Pasta and fruit are good choices.  Avoid milk and carbonated drinks.  Go easy on the sweets.

 

WHAT TO BRING TO THE MEET

  • Folding chairs to home and away meets 
  • You may pack snacks and drinks (no glass allowed)
  • Swimmers must wear team logo swim caps. Swim caps keep hair out of the eyes and help to cut drag in the water.
  • Goggles are recommended but optional. Be sure they fit snugly and are properly broken in before the meet.
  • Take plenty of towels
  • Pack sweats (tops and bottoms) since it can get quite chilly for swimmers as the evening wears on.
  • Wear shoes when not swimming.
  • Label all belongings.
  • Also, remember that the pool decks will be wet.  Your clothes, towels and snacks will get wet unless protected by totes or containers.

ARRIVAL AT MEET

  1. Arrive at the pool no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins.  This time is noted on the meet schedule in this handbook.
  2. Upon arrival, find a place to put your blankets, swim bags, chairs, coolers, etc. The team usually sits in one place together so look for some familiar faces.
  3. Events will be emailed by 3:30 pm the day of the meet. Write each event-number on your swimmer's hand in ink. This helps the swimmer remember what events he/she is swimming and what event number to listen for.  Also, write your swimmers last name in sharpie on their right shoulder blade.
  4. Swimmers should be ready with caps and goggles and ready for warm-up instructions.  Swimmer’s bodies are just like cars on a cold day-he/she needs to get the engine going and warmed-up before he/she can go all out to prevent injury during an event.
  5. After warming-up, your swimmer will go back to the area where his/her towels are and sit there until their first event is called. This is a good time to make sure he/she goes to the bathroom if necessary, gets a drink, or just gets settled in.
  6. The meet will usually start about 10-15 minutes after warm-ups are over.

DURING THE MEET

It is important for each swimmer to know what event numbers he/she is swimming (again, why they should have the numbers on their hand). He/she may swim right away after warm-up or they may have to wait awhile.  A swimmer's event number will be called, usually over the loudspeaker, and he/she will be asked to

report to the "Clerk of Course'. Swimmers should report with his/her cap and goggles.  The people running the 'Clerk of Course" will have a card for each of the swimmers swimming that event. This card will tell each swimmer his/her heat and lane number.

For swimmers age 8 and under (Mites). All Mites shall report to the Mite Monitor at Clerk of Course where the monitor assigned will help to make sure they get to the correct lane.

For swimmers age 9 and over, the lane and heat sheets will be posted in a location for team to view to be determined by the coaches at the time of the meet and they are then  responsible to be in the correct lane on their own after reporting to staging at the  appropriate time.

*In between events is not a time for horseplay around the pool, this is usually how swimmers miss events. Parents/guardians should monitor swimmer behavior and can help listen for events as a best practice.

AFTER EACH EVENT

Generally, the coach follows these guidelines when discussing swims:

  • Positive comments or praise
  • Suggestions for improvement
  • Positive comments

Things you, as a parent, can do after each swim:

  • Tell him/her how great they did! The coaching staff will be sure to discuss stroke technique with
  • them. You need to tell him/her how proud you are and what a great job he/she did.
  • Take him/her back to the team area and relax.
  • This is another good time to check out the bathrooms, get a drink or something light to eat.
  • The swimmer now waits until his/her next event is called and starts the procedure again at the
  • "Clerk of Course'.

No swimmer is to miss an event without seeing the coach first.  If a swimmer becomes ill during a meet, see the coach.  If for any reason a swimmer must leave before the meet is over, see the coach first.  This is important.  Even if a swimmer has finished his/her scheduled events(s), we need to know when he/she leaves the event.  When a swimmer has completed all his/her events he/she and their parents/guardians can go home.

AFTER THE MEET

All parents and swimmers are asked to clean up and prepare the pool for the next day.​

Many hands do make light work, so please plan on helping with cleanup after the meet. Thanks.

SCORING / RIBBONS / AWARDS

Dual meet:  For all events, ribbons will be awarded for 1st through 6th place in each of the four tiers (gold, blue, red, and white).  Ribbons will be awarded for 1st through 3rd place for relays.  Heat winner ribbons will be awarded to all 10 and under heat winners as observed by the representative Scan Judges present.  No distinction will be made based on a swimmer disqualification for heat winner ribbons.

Scoring for individual events:      

  • Gold     1st  11              2nd  6                3rd  4
  • White 1st 52nd 33rd 1

Scoring for relays:                 

1st        27 points

2nd       15 points

3rd          9 points

Championships: A swimmer must swim in two dual meets to be eligible to swim the championship meet. A swimmer must have a qualified time in a meet to swim in a championship individual event. For all 11 and older events, medals will be awarded for 1st through 3rd place and ribbons for 4th through 8th place.  For all 10 and under events, medals will be awarded for 1st through 3rd place and ribbons 4th through 16th place.

Place               Gold                Blue                 Red                 White               Relays

1st                    16                    13                    10                    7                      39

2nd                  12                    10                    8                      5                      30

3rd                    9                      8                      7                      4                      24

4th                    7                      6                      5                      3                      18

5th                    5                      4                      3                      2                      12

6th                    4                      3                      2                      1                      9

7th                                                                                                                   6

8th                                                                                                                   3

Scoring for relay: double the individual events

DESCRIPTION OF VOLUNTEER POSITIONS (REQUIRED)- Please see meet worker tab on our website

NEW SWIMMER GUIDE

Supplies:

  • Goggles
  • Swim Cap (useful for those with long hair/bangs)
  • Competitive swim suit
  • Earplugs/Ear Dry Drops (for those that have ear troubles caused by water in ear canal)
  • No nose clips please (we will teach you or your child how to breathe properly – please ask a coach if you have any questions)

Why do we need these?

Goggles help:

  • Prevent eye irritation from chlorine
  • New swimmers to put their face in the water

Swim caps help:

  • Goggles to stay in place at the back of the head
  • Long hair or bangs stay out of the way (especially with girls)

Competitive Swim Suit

  • Helps prevent drag (avoid swim trunks, extra fabric will create drag)

Earplugs and Ear Dry Drops

  • If you have tubes in your ears, earplugs help keep the ear canal dry
  • Eardrops clear water caught in the ear (sounds like you are still under water)

What to buy and where to buy it?

Goggles

What brand: Speedo, TYR (avoid full face mask/nose cover or eye coverage that’s more for swim play)

Where: Target (provides size and usage guide to fit need of the swimmer), Dick’s Sporting Goods, Amazon, Swimoutlet.com

Age 3-6 (Size: Junior)                                  Age 7-older (size: Youth through Adult)

Young swimmers do best with                        Goggles for older swimmers come in

connected nose piece to goggles                   variety of sizes (double strap is helpful),       
(called flexframe)                                           adjustable nose attachment

Caps

 

What kind: Silicone or Lycra (best material – doesn’t pull hair, no tears from child new to caps, MUCH easier to put on than a latex cap, thicker material - doesn’t break like latex). Available for $12.00. See our Treasurer- Tracey.

Where: Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Amazon, Swimoutlet.com

  • A latex cap with the team logo will be provided for each swimmer

Competitive Swim Suit

What brand: Speedo, TYR, Dolphin

Exceptions: Girls can wear non-competitive suits for practice (avoid bikini style for girls, baggy trunks for boys)

Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Amazon, Swimoutlet.com

  • We will have a team suit for purchase with fitting event prior to first swim meet               

Earplugs/Ear Dry Drops (if needed):

  • If your child is prone to ear infections due to water in the ear canal, try earplugs or ear dry drops which will remove the water stuck in the ear canal

What kind/brand:

  • Earplugs - wax, silicone– allow you to mold and size to the ear (suggested brand: Mack’s)
  • Ear Dry Drops – Brand: Equate Ear Dry, Auro Dri (or look for drops that remove water from ear)

Where: CVS, Wal-Mart, Target, Swimoutlet.com