2023-2024 STJ Swim Team Welcome Packet
Welcome all TSJ Swim Families!
Thank you so much for registering your athletes to swim at The St. James. We are so excited to have you here. This packet should include all the information you will need as we get started.
Inside this packet you will find short bios on our professional coaches, tentative calendar dates for team events and meets, information on ordering team gear and information on our Elite Team standards.
Please print out the Code of Conduct pages and have your athletes sign them prior to their first day of practice.
As we go through this season we will continue to grow and learn together. We look forward to getting to know each of your athletes, learning their goals and empowering them to become their best.
If you have questions throughout the season, please always feel free to reach out.
Coach Jessie & Team
FAQs:
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What happens if I miss a practice? - No worries! The beauty of this program is you can make up any of the practices within the 12-week time frame!
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Where do I get the team gear? - TEAMS.TYR.COM
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Access code: STJAMES25
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How do I register for USA Swimming? - PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR THIS INFORMATION. ALL FAMILIES WILL NEED TO REGISTER FOR USA SWIMMING VIA A LINK THAT WILL BE PROVIDED ON SEPTEMBER 1st.
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What do we need to get started? - Please look at the gear document for your respective group. This gear can be purchased on the team gear link from TYR.
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What is the team uniform? - For swim meets all athletes will be required to arrive in tan or khaki pants,short or skirt, and a STJ Swimming shirt/sweatshirt. All athletes will also be required to wear their STJ Swim Cap to all practices and meets.
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What is the deal with meets? - Meets are optional! All meets require the parent or guardian of the athlete to register their own athlete for the events they wish to swim. Events will be approved by coaches or recommendations for changes will be emailed out. Coaches WILL NOT register your athletes unless it is a championship meet with a very quick turn around. After the athlete completes the meet, your TeamUnify account will be charged accordingly.
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Can families watch practices? - The spectator seating is available for anyone who wants to watch practice. All spectators MUST be on the upper level of the pool house, and not on the pool deck.
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Who do I contact with other questions? -
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Lessons, tryouts, new interest - Bailey Fouse - [email protected]
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Swim team, team registration, meets, practices, USA Swimming registration - Jessie Bricker - [email protected]
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Team Outfitting - Joe Eiden - [email protected]
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Any other questions - Bailey Fouse - [email protected]
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Director of Swim – Ashley Fouse
Ashley Fouse is the Director of Swim for The St. James in Springfield, VA.
Fouse has been a USA Swimming certified coach for 12 years. Fouse is also a USA Triathlon Level 1 certified coach.
Ashley grew up in the Northern, VA area and was homeschooled up until attending Liberty University.
At Liberty University Ashley studied Sport Management and Athletic Training with a minor in Coaching and Sport Psychology. While she was there, she started competing with and coaching the LU Triathlon team and became the team captain during her senior year.
Immediately after graduating Ashley started working for NCAP as an Age Group coach. After two years of coaching she moved to start coaching for VLAC, another PVS team. Throughout these four years of age group and assistant coaching Ashley was able build her coaching philosophy around her experiences both as an athlete and a coach.
Additionally, after graduating, Fouse started working at Metro Swim Shop Fairfax. There she was trained in the newest swim technology, how to fit athletes in the proper fast skins and learned how to make sure athletes were given the right gear for their age and ability.
Fouse’s coaching philosophy is a hierarchy:
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Sportsmanship
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Having fun
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Swimming smart
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Working hard
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Winning (times)
Fouse explains that sportsmanship leads to athletes feeling like they are a part of something bigger than themselves. When athletes have that bond of being on a team, they are more excited to make friends and have fun. As an athlete begins to enjoy the process, they are more open to learning and wanting to get better, this results in swimming with their brains. When an athlete understands what they are doing and why they are doing it, they start to buy into the process and are willing to work hard in order to see results. Finally, when all the pieces are put together the athlete, as a whole, is in the best possible position to excel.
“EARN IT”
HEAD COACH - GOLD – Jessie Bricker
Jessie Bricker is the Head Coach for the St James Swim Team and will primarily coach the Gold group. She is a USA Swimming certified coach and has been coaching with the STJ swim team since 2019.
As the child of an Army Officer, Jessie grew up moving around the country but has lived in VA since 2011. She attended Marymount University and graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry in 2020. Bricker swam competitively for 16 years on club teams around the country and with the NVSL when located in VA. Her swimming experience also includes being on the Marymount women's swim team for four years and being a co-captain for her final season.
Jessie started coaching in 2014 as a lane coach for the MVP Gators. She fell in love with it and has continued in various capacities ever since. She has coached summer league, all age group levels, masters swimming, pro bono coaching, and private lessons. In addition to coaching at STJ she is also the Head Coach for the Hunt Valley Stingrays.
Jessie has a passion for swimming and sharing her love of the sport through coaching the next generation of swimmers. She believes in the quality over quantity philosophy and strives to recognize each athlete as a unique individual to best help them learn and grow, both as a swimmer and as an individual.
Jessie is also an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves, and is pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Marymount University. She is a travel enthusiast and proud dog mom to her puppy Theo.
“Success is not final; Failure is not fatal; It is the courage to continue that counts.”
- Winston Churchill
ASSISTANT HEAD COACH - Ryan Torgersen
Silver B
Bronze A
Ryan Torgersen has been coaching various NVSL Teams since 2016. He started swimming in 2010 for Canterbury Woods Swim Team and competed for Woodson High School. His primary events were the 200 breaststroke and the 50 freestyle.
ASSISTANT HEAD COACH - Chris Stankiewicz
Silver A
Bronze B
Christopher Stankiewicz graduated from George Mason University in 2020 with a B.A. in Government and International Politics, as well as minors in International Security, and Economics.
Stankiewicz has been a USA Swimming certified coach since 2018, and has worked with swimmers of all ages.
Stankiewicz competed for the George Mason University NCAA Division 1 Men’s Swim and Dive Team from 2016-2020, earning the A10 Conference Athlete of the Week award twice in his career as a Patriot. He helped the men’s team achieve its first ever Atlantic Ten Conference Team Championship in 2020, and is grateful for the camaraderie and life-long friendships made during his time at university.
Stankiewicz grew up swimming in the Northern Virginia Swim League (NVSL) and Potomac Valley Swimming (PVS), and has experience working as a private instructor and swim clinician since 2014. Chris is a self-proclaimed “swimming nerd,” and student of the sport. Swimming has been his life-long passion, and he is excited to share his love of the sport with the athletes. Chris is looking forward to using his experiences as an athlete and a coach to help swimmers achieve their dreams.
AGE GROUP COACH - DANIELLE GROBMYER THOMAS
Bronze B
Danielle Grobmyer Thomas begins her fourth season at St. James and brings a wealth of both club and college coaching experience. Prior to St. James, Thomas was on staff at Western Kentucky for four years where the Hilltoppers won a Sun Belt title on the women’s side in 2013 and back-to-back Conference USA crowns on the men’s side in 2014 and 2015. At WKU, Thomas was in charge of the backstroke group featuring NCAA qualifier Nadine Laemmler. She also worked with 2012 Olympic gold medalist Claire Donahue during her stint with the Hilltoppers.
Grobmyer-Thomas arrived at WKU after serving three years as a graduate assistant for the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Joining the Minutewomen in 2008, Grobmyer was responsible for assisting in all aspects of running a perennially successful Atlantic 10 program, Sixteen varsity records were set during her three-year stint as an assistant. During that time, Grobmyer spent summers serving as a coach at Longhorns Swim Camp at the University of Texas in Austin. Prior to joining UMass, Grobmyer competed for St. Bonaventure University and served as a two-year captain of the Bonnies. Grobmyer excelled academically for Bonaventure as well, being named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team and was a member of the Commissioner’s Honor Roll every semester of her collegiate career. Grobmyer graduated summa cum laude in 2007 from St. Bonaventure, earning a bachelor’s degree in history. She completed a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
She and her husband, Brian who currently serves as the Head Coach of George Washington Swimming and Diving have two sons, Boomer and Chip.
Age Group Coach - Sarah Mansfield
Silver C
Bronze A
HI! I’m Sarah and I’m super excited to be coaching for St. James this year. I swam for a local club in the area called VLAC and participated in the NVSL summer swim league.
I was blessed with the opportunity to have my dad has my head coach from 7-18. Because of this, coaching was a natural job for me to start. I have been coaching and teaching swim lessons since the summer of 2014 where I began at my summer pool. Since then I have coached for my club team, VLAC, as well as taught swim camps and lessons for the St. James.
I attended the University of Maine where I competed on their Division 1 swim team. I graduated with a degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education and hope to be able to get into Adapted Physical Education as a full time position.
I believe sports are a way to grow not only athletic ability but also good character qualities. As I coach, I am invested in not just how my athletes are doing in the water but also how they are doing out of the water. I believe swimming can teach life long skills like discipline, leadership, and sportsmanship. These are things I will focus on with your athletes while I foster a love for the sport of swimming.
AGE GROUP COACH - Michelle Poole
Bronze C
Hello! I'm Coach Poole and I've been immersed in the world of competitive swimming for as long as I can remember. My personal journey with swimming began as a child, where I committed to year-round training with elite swim clubs. This dedication saw me wake up every morning to be at the pool by 5am, and yes, that included those freezing spring mornings when our sessions were outdoors!
My passion for swimming is unwavering. To me, swimming is more than just a sport; it's a discipline that shapes character, fosters resilience, and brings joy. It has instilled in me the values of hard work, commitment, and the tenacity to push beyond my limits. These are the very same values I aim to impart to every swimmer I coach.
Outside of the pool, I am equally passionate about health and fitness. On any given day, if I'm not coaching, you'll find me pursuing some form of exercise. It's this holistic approach to wellness that I believe compliments my coaching philosophy beautifully.
I have had the privilege of coaching at St. James for academics, specifically the Splash and Stroke Academy, and have also been offering private lessons to aspiring swimmers. In addition to my coaching responsibilities, I wear the hat of a real estate agent and am a proud mom of two.
Speaking of which, my children are the apples of my eye, both of whom are incredibly talented swimmers. My son, Harrison, recently wrapped up his first year of swimming at St. James and has made us tremendously proud by emerging as an NVSL Divisional Champion for his local club team for the 2023 Season.
In every role I play, be it as a coach, a mother, or a real estate agent, my aim is to inspire, guide, and empower. I'm thrilled to be part of your swimming journey and look forward to making waves together!
AGE GROUP COACH - Lauryn Boucree
Silver C
Bronze C
Lauryn grew up in PG County, MD, but is now in Montgomery County, MD. She has been swimming competitively since 8 years old and has been teaching swim lessons for over 10 years. While growing up, Lauryn swam for PEAK Swimming, NCAP, and for her high school swim team. Lauryn went on to swim at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine while studying Psychology with two concentrations: Law & Society and Children, Adolescents, and School.
In addition to competitively swimming and teaching lessons over the years, Lauryn has been a lifeguard and she coached for her high school swim team. Through this, she has had the opportunity to work with a wide age range of swimmers.
Being raised in a household that promotes water safety, she believes everyone should know how to swim. With The St. James Swim Team, she is excited to share her passion for swimming while simultaneously fostering an environment that teaches perseverance, produces improvement, and still encourages the importance of having fun.
AGE GROUP COACH - Ashley Holcomb
Bronze AM
Ashley Holcomb is a Coach for the St James Swim Team and will primarily coach the Bronze level groups.
Ashley grew up in the Northern, VA area. She started swimming in 2008 for the Ravensworth Farm Swim Team and continued her swimming career on the Mason Makos Club Swim Team and her High School team as well.
Ashley has been coaching at the St James for 4 years now, and has worked with swimmers of all ages.
Ashley is currently coaching part time, as she is also a college student, pursuing her dreams to become a Labor and Delivery Nurse. She is attending Nursing School and plans to transfer to Liberty University in the future.
Swimming has always been a huge part of Ashley’s life and she is excited to share her love for the sport through coaching future swimmers and helping them achieve their goals.
Practice Times
All Swim Team info. can be found on our TeamUnify account under “Swim Team Info..”
Tentative Meet Dates
Date Location Eligible Meet
Swimmers
Sep. 30-Oct. 1 The St. James SILVER and GOLD Distance Run
Oct. 21-22 The St. James FULL TEAM Autumn Kingfish Splash
Nov. 11-12 GMU FULL TEAM MAKO Gobble Gobble
Nov. 30-Dec. 3 UMD 9 and older Turkey Claus Showdown
Dec. 2-3 Providence 8 and unders Reindeer Mini Meet
Dec. 7-10 GMU SELECT SWIMMERS ONLY Winter Classic
Jan. 6-7 The St. James FULL TEAM January Distance
Jan. 13-14 Occoquan FULL TEAM Winter Wonderland
Feb. 16-18 Freedom Center FULL TEAM President’s Day Classic
**Mar. 7-10 UMD QUALIFIERS Junior Championships
ONLY
**Mar. 7-10 UMD QUALIFIERS Senior Championships
ONLY
**Mar. 14-17 UMD QUALIFIERS 14&U Championships
ONLY
Mar. 15-17 The St. James FULL TEAM MAKO Spring Fling
**Mar. 21-24 Christensburg QUALIFIERS Sectionals
ONLY
Apr. 20-21 The St. James 14 and unders MAKO Sprint Spectacular
May 10-12 The St. James 9 and older VA State LC Championship
Jun. 23 various 9 and older LC Open 1
Jun. 30 various 9 and older LC Open 2
All meet dates are tentative and subject to change. All events will be posted on The St. James TeamUnify Events calendar.
**Qualifying Times are required
TEAM EVENTS AND NO SWIM DATES
September 30 - NO SWIM DATE
October 21 - NO SWIM DATE
October 28 - NO SWIM DATE
October 30 - NO PM PRACTICES
October 30 - Pumpkin Plunge - see TeamUnify calendar for details
October 31 - NO PM PRACTICES
November 22 - 25 - NO SWIM DATE (Thanksgiving break) - some selective practices may take place
November 29 - NO PM PRACTICES
December 1 and 2 - NO SWIM DATE
December 8 and 9 - NO SWIM DATE
December 18 - January 1 - NO SWIM DATE (Christmas break) - some selective practices may take place
January 6 - NO SWIM DATE
January 12 - NO PM PRACTICES
January 13 - NO SWIM DATE
January 20 - NO SWIM DATE
January 26 - NO PM PRACTICES
January 27 - NO SWIM DATE
February 3 - NO SWIM DATE
February 7 - NO PM PRACTICES
TEAM EVENTS AND NO SWIM DATES CONT.
February 16 - NO PM PRACTICES
February 23- NO PM PRACTICES
February 24 - NO SWIM DATE
March 15 - NO SWIM DATE
March 25-30 - NO SWIM DATE (Spring Break)
March 29-31 - NO SWIM DATE (Easter Break)
April 15 - START LC PRACTICES!
April 20 - NO SWIM DATE
May 10 - No PM PRACTICES
Additional events with dates TBD
The St. James Swim Camps - June and July
Fitter & Faster Swim Camps
Note* all team events will require parent volunteers. These positions can be filled in by using the google forms doc. That will be e-mailed to all families prior to the event.
TEAM RULES
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All athletes will arrive 5 minutes before their designated practice time, ready to swim. Athletes will not be permitted to wait on deck any earlier than 5 minutes before their practice.
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Parents and guardians are NOT allowed on the pool deck unless summoned by a coach. All questions, and conversations can be addressed at the end of practice.
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All athletes will use the non-member locker rooms before, during and after practices.
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All athletes will leave their electronics in their swim bags. There are no phones or electronic devices permitted in the locker rooms or on the pool deck.
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All athletes will bring their water bottles to every practice! (Coach Jessie recommends keeping an empty bottle in the gear bag and filling it up on deck before practice then emptying anything left over after practice.)
The St. James Elite Team
Objective:
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To help encourage athletes of all ages and abilities to experiment and get experience in multiple events.
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To give athletes incentive to create and reach goals.
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To challenge swimmers to participate in meets and reach out of their comfort zone.
Standards:
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The first goal is for each swimmer to complete their respective age-group goals. To do this they must swim and get legal and official times in ALL the events in their age-group’s required events. Each swimmer has the entire season from September 1st 2023 until August 2024 to complete the events in USA Swimming sanctioned swim meets (summer league not included). Once the swimmer completes ALL the events, they will earn their Elite Team Patch.
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The second goal is to earn National Age Group Time Standards (form attached). This can only be earned after earning the Elite Team Patch.
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B Star – awarded with the swimmer earns 7 B times
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BB Star – awarded when the swimmer earns 6 BB times
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A Star – awarded when the swimmer earns 5 A times
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AA Star – awarded when the swimmer earns 4 AA times
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AAA Star- awarded when the swimmer earns 3 AAA times
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AAAA Star – awarded when the swimmer earns 2 AAA times
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How To:
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In order to prove and receive the earned patches and stars the swimmer must fill out their respective form with the official USA Swimming times found from online meet results. Once the form is complete the athlete can turn the form into a coach and they will receive their earned award as soon as the form is checked and processed.
The St. James Swim Club
Elite Team
8 & Under
Name:______________________________________________________
Date of Birth:_____/_______/______
*Please fill in the best time column and then check respective boxes
Athlete’s Signature______________________________________________________
Coach’s Signature______________________________________________________
Date:____/____/_____
The St. James Swim Club
Elite Team
9-10
Name:______________________________________________________
Date of Birth:_____/_______/______
*Please fill in the best time column and then check respective boxes
Athlete’s Signature______________________________________________________
Coach’s Signature______________________________________________________
Date:____/____/_____
The St. James Swim Club
Elite Team
11-12
Name:______________________________________________________
Date of Birth:_____/_______/______
*Please fill in the best time column and then check respective boxes
Athlete’s Signature______________________________________________________
Coach’s Signature______________________________________________________
Date:____/____/_____
The St. James Swim Club
Elite Team
13-14
Name:______________________________________________________
Date of Birth:_____/_______/______
*Please fill in the best time column and then check respective boxes
Athlete’s Signature______________________________________________________
Coach’s Signature______________________________________________________
Date:____/____/____
The St. James Swim Club
Elite Team
15-18
Name:______________________________________________________
Date of Birth:_____/_______/______
*Please fill in the best time column and then check respective boxes
Athlete’s Signature______________________________________________________
Coach’s Signature______________________________________________________
Date:____/____/____
Parent Volunteers
Meets
As we all know, swimming tends to be a whole family event. When we go to swim meets our team will be required to provide at least 2 certified officials and a certain number of timers. If you are currently a PVS official, or if you have any interest in becoming a certified official, please e-mail Coach Ashley at [email protected]
Timers and other non-certified volunteers can be signed up for when registering for the swim meet.
Team Events
We are looking for 2 parent liaisons from each group (Silver, Bronze and Gold) to help delegate for team events. These volunteers will help coordinate team parties with other parents. If interested in this position, please email [email protected]
Certified Officials
As our team grows, we are required to host a certain number of certified officials on the team. If you are currently certified or would like to be certified, please reach out to:
We will take 20% off of your Fall or Winter 12 week team dues for one athelte for any certified officials associated with our team.
Head Team Official
We are looking for one volunteer to help the coaching staff manage our certified officials. If you have any interest in this position please let us know!
Social Media Links
@thestj_swimming
#stjswimming #welcometoyourbest
@The St. James Pool House
#stjswimming #welcometoyourbest
Contact Info.
TeamUnify Link
https://www.teamunify.com/team/usavatsj/page/home
USA Swimming Link
Potomac Valley Swimming Link
https://www.pvswim.org/index.html
USA SWIMMING ATHLETE TRANSFER LINK
TO BE UPDATED SOON
Swim Team Bronze -https://teams.tyr.com/teams/stj/#team-store
Required:
Fins – TYR short blade fins are recommended
Goggles – 1 racing pair and 1 practice pair
Kickboard - TYR Classic Kickboard
PRO TIP - Finis Alignment kickboard works as both a kickboard and pull buoy!
Caps – Will be provided!
Water Bottle – Any bottle that can be brought to the pool deck (no glass)
Recommended:
Practice Suit – Any practice suit works. No swim shirts or wet suits will be permitted. For boys, jammers or speedos are recommended, no board shorts.
Goggle Bungees – Any kind works, these fun colors help athletes remember which goggles are theirs. They also are easier to adjust and don’t break as easily.
Mesh Bag – Again, any kind works. These can be brought to the athlete’s lane and will keep all of their gear in one spot.
Examples
Fins
Goggle Bungee Mesh Bag Goggles
Kick Board
Swim Team Silver, HSP and GOLD - https://teams.tyr.com/teams/stj/#team-store
Required:
Fins – TYR short blade fins are recommended
Paddles – TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddle
Snorkel – TYR Ultralite Swim Snorkel 2.0
Goggles – 1 racing pair and 1 practice pair
TYR Classic Kickboard
TYR Pull Float
PRO TIP - Finis Alignment kickboard works as both a kickboard and pull buoy!
Caps – Will be provided!
Water Bottle – Any bottle that can be brought to the pool deck (no glass)
Recommended:
Practice Suit – Any practice suit works. No swim shirts or wet suits will be permitted. For boys, jammers or speedos are recommended, no board shorts.
Goggle Bungees – Any kind works, these fun colors help athletes remember which goggles are theirs. They also are easier to adjust and don’t break as easily.
Mesh Bag – Again, any kind works. These can be brought to the athlete’s lane and will keep all of their gear in one spot.
Examples
CODE OF CONDUCT
Mission Statement: The St. James Swim Program is dedicated to training champions both in athletics and in daily life with an emphasis on excellence in behavior, dedication to training, and team unity.
ATHLETES –
• Athletes are prohibited from the use of vulgar language or conversation during any STJ Swimming activity.
• Athletes must adhere to the swim meet dress code upon arrival to meet at any location.
• Athletes will not deck change at any point in time.
• Athletes will be respectful and courteous to all meet officials and volunteers.
• Athletes will be respectful towards all other members of the STJ team, including athletes, coaches, lifeguards.
• Athletes will not use cell phones while in locker rooms.
• Athletes will be respectful of all facility rules both at STJ and at any other location.
• Athletes realize, accept, and practice the principle that a team’s reputation is built not only on athlete ability, but also on the sportsmanship, courtesy and manners of each individual athlete.
GUARDIANS –
• Guardians will not interfere with practices unless in a case of an emergency.
• Guardians will not be on deck for any practice or meet unless volunteering, or under special circumstances.
• Guardians will not communicate with any coach between the hours of 8pm and 8am. Coaches will adhere to this same standard, unless in case of an emergency.
• Guardians will be respectful of facility rules and employees both on and off site.
• Guardians are prohibited from the use of cell phones while on deck for swim meets
. • Guardians will be positive role models for all athletes during any STJ Swimming activity.
All members of STJ Swimming will be held to the highest standard of team values, respectful behavior, and dedication to training.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________
Athlete Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: _____________________________
Permission To Use Photograph on Social Media Channels
In order to promote individual/team accomplishments, The St. James Swim Club social media team may use photos/videos of athlete/team gathered over the course of the season. This content will be used as related to swimming, The St. James, or other club related activities for the Instagram, Facebook, and club website’s page.
Subject: Swimming Social Media
I grant The St. James Swim Club, its representatives, and employees the right to take photographs of my son/daughter in connection with the above-identified subject. I authorize the St. James Swim Club, its assigns and transferees to copyright, use, and publish the same in print and/or electronically.
I agree that The St. James Swim Club may use such photographs of my son/daughter with or without his or her name and for any lawful purpose, including such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web Content.
I have read and understand the above:
Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________ Name: ________________________________________________
Date: __________________________
