2025-2026 STJ Swim Team Welcome Packet
Welcome all STJ 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 if you didn’t sign and submit one with registration.
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 Competitive Team practice? - No worries! We have Saturday practice options available for missed practices or you can makeup during the week with advance notice to coach Jessie.
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What happens if I miss a Junior Team practice? - No worries! You can make up the missed practice within the session with advance notice to coach Jessie.
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Where do I get the team gear? - https://teams.tyr.com/teams/stj/?_ga=2.89655068.666495084.1638200975-1662059986.1604426990#team-store
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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 COMPETITIVE TEAM 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 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 for Competitive team athletes! 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 - Caroline Kulp- [email protected]
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Any other questions - Bailey Fouse - [email protected]
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HEAD COACH – Dr. Jessie Bricker, PT, DPT
13-18 Group Competitive Team
Jessie Bricker is the Head Coach for the St James Swim Team and will primarily coach the 15-18 year old 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 was also the Head Coach for the Hunt Valley Stingrays from 2021-2023.
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 a Doctor of Physical Therapy. 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 - Chris Stankiewicz
13-18 Group Competitive Team
9-10 Group Competitive Team
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. He recently completed his pool operator certification, and his first year as Head Coach at Hunt Valley Swim Club, an NVSL division two program in Springfield, VA.
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 grow and achieve their dreams.
AGE GROUP COACH - Cosmo DiFazio
12+Under Group Competitive Team
Hello! My name is Cosmo DiFazio, and I am a software developer and swim coach from Charlottesville, Virginia. With over 10 years of competitive swimming experience and another 10 years of coaching experience, I feel like I practically live on the pool deck in the best possible way!
I have swam and coached multiple swim leagues, including USA Swimming, the Jefferson Swim League, and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association. Most of my coaching experience comes from VISAA, where I have been leading my former high school swim team since 2018. I am proud to have led that team to win two state championships and seven conference championships in that time.
My coaching philosophy is to try to be intentional about everything and ensure stroke technique is sound before worrying too much about speed. My practices tend to favor drill work over raw yardage because I believe that taking the time to establish a solid foundation in each stroke will serve the athlete better in the long run. I believe this approach helps to avoid injury due to over training and also makes my practices accessible to more athletes regardless of skill level.
I am very excited to be a coach at STJ again this season! I have been here since last season and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know all the swimmers and coaches. I especially enjoyed running the afternoon practices this past long course season, and I am looking forward to picking up where we left off in the fall! I hope each swimmer enjoys their time swimming with me as their coach and I hope I can help them achieve their goals!
AGE GROUP COACH - Michelle Poole
12+Under Group Competitive Team
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 - Meghan Curley
13-18 Morning Group Competitive Team
Meghan Curley has been a dedicated coach since 2017, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role at The St. James. A versatile athlete in high school, Coach Curley excelled in varsity swimming and participated in a range of sports including basketball, softball, golf, rugby, lacrosse, and field hockey.
Her deep passion for swimming led her to pursue a career as an instructor and coach. Meghan is a USA Swimming-certified coach, a former ARC lifeguard trainer, and former stroke and turn official for local teams through the Virginia High School League (VHSL). She also served as the Director of Aquatics at Life Time Athletic.
Throughout her career, Coach Curley has had the privilege of coaching athletes ranging in age from 4 months to 84 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from George Mason University, which provides her with a comprehensive understanding of athletes throughout their lifespan.
Coach Curley is committed to teaching water safety, perfecting all four strokes, and instilling a lasting love for the sport in her athletes.
AGE GROUP COACH - Tala Alkhateeb
14+Under Competitive Team
Competitive Swim Team: Short Course Season (Sep 8 - May 22)
8+Under: Swims 2-4 times / week
9-10: Swims 2-4 times / week
11-12: Swims 3-5 times / week
13-14: Swims 3-5 times / week
15-18: Swims 3-5 times / week
*Optional Strength + Conditioning 1-2 times / week*
Competitive Swim Team: Practice Days
2x Practice / Week (AM or PM flexibility)
Mon/Wed
Tues/Thu
3x Practice / Week (AM or PM flexibility)
Mon/Wed/Fri
Mon/Tues/Thu
Tues/Wed/Fri
4x Practice / Week (AM or PM flexibility)
Mon-Thu
Tues-Fri
5x Practice / Week (AM or PM flexibility)
Mon-Sat
*Optional Saturday Makeup practice, when available*
Competitive Swim Team: Practice Times
8+Unders
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Monday - Friday 6-7PM
9-10 yr olds
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Monday/Wednesday/Friday 6:30-7:30AM
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Saturday 7-9AM (Optional makeup)
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Monday - Friday 6-7PM
11-12 yr olds
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Monday/Wednesday/Friday 6:30-7:30AM
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Saturday 7-9AM (Optional makeup)
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Monday - Friday 4:30-6PM
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Monday-Friday 6-7PM
13-18 yr olds
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Monday - Thursday 5-6:30AM
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Saturday 7-9AM (Optional makeup)
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Tuesday - Friday 4:30-6PM
Strength + Conditioning
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Monday 5-6PM and Thursday 6-7PM
All Swim Team info. can be found on our TeamUnify account under “Competitive Team Info..”
Junior Swim Team:
Fall Session (Sep 15 - Dec 5)
Winter Session (Jan 5 - Mar 27)
8+Under: Swims 2-3 times / week
9-10: Swims 2-3 times / week
11-12: Swims 2-3 times / week
13-14: Swims 2-3 times / week
15-18: Swims 2-3 times / week
Junior Swim Team: Practice Days
2x Practice / Week
Mon/Wed
Tues/Thu
3x Practice / Week
Mon/Wed/Fri
Tues/Thu/Fri
Junior Swim Team: Practice Times
8+Unders
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Monday - Friday 6-7PM
9-12 yr olds
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Monday - Friday 6-7PM
13-18 yr olds
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Monday - Friday 4:30-6PM
All Swim Team info. can be found on our Swimming Website under “Junior Team Info..”
Tentative Competitive Team Meet Dates
Date Location Eligible Meet
Swimmers
Sep. 27-28 GMU FULL TEAM MAKO Fall Invitational
Sep. 27-28 STJ 9 + Older Athletes Machine Distance Run
Oct. 18-19 STJ FULL TEAM NCAP Autumn Kingfish
Nov. 21-23 Freedom Center 8 + Unders Athletes OCCS Fall Festivus
Nov. 21-23 Oak Marr Rec 9 + Older Athletes SDS Swim and Rock
Dec. 4-7 GMU SELECT SWIMMERS ONLY PM Winter Classic
Dec. 12-14 STJ FULL TEAM MAKO Holiday Invite
Jan. 23-25 UMD 9-14 Year Old QUALIFIERS PM IMX Challenge
*Requires minimum IMX challenge score of 1800 points on USAS and entry into all events*
Jan. 24-25 South Run FULL TEAM SDS Polar Bear
Feb. 13-15 Freedom Center FULL TEAM President’s Day Classic
**Mar. 5-8 UMD QUALIFIERS ONLY Junior Championships
**Mar. 5-8 UMD QUALIFIERS ONLY Senior Championships
**Mar. 12-15 UMD QUALIFIERS ONLY 14&U Championships
Mar. 20-22 STJ FULL TEAM MAKO Spring Fling
**Mar. 26-29 Richmond SELECT SWIMMERS ONLY Shamrock Showdown
*This is a travel Championship meet*
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 8 - PRACTICE BEGINS (Competitive Team)
September 15 - PRACTICE BEGINS (Junior Team)
September 27 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
October 11 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
October 13 - NO SWIM DATE (Both Teams)
October 18 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
*Breast Cancer Swimathon fundraiser* DATE TBD - NO SWIM DATE (Both Teams)
*Pumpkin Plunge* DATE TBD - NO SWIM DATE (Both Teams)
November 8 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
November 15 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
November 21 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
November 22 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
November 26-29 - Thanksgiving Break *some optional practices may be offered* (Both Teams)
December 5 - LAST PRACTICE OF FALL SESSION (Junior Team)
December 5 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
December 6 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
December 12 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
December 13 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
*In House Swim Meet* - DATE TBD - NO SWIM DATE (Both Teams)
December 22-January 3 - Winter Break *some optional practices may be offered* (Competitive Team)
January 5 - WINTER SESSION PRACTICES BEGIN (Junior Team)
January 16 - NO PM SWIM (Both Teams)
January 23 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
January 24 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
February 13 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
February 14 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
February 16 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
February 20 - NO PM SWIM (Both Teams)
February 21 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
February 16 - NO SWIM DATE (Both Teams)
March 13 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
March 14 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
March 20 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
March 21 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
March 27 - LAST PRACTICE WINTER SESSION (Junior Team)
March 30 - April 6 NO SWIM DATE (Spring Break - Competitive Team)
April 7 - Spring Junior Team Session Begins
April 11 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
April 18 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
April 24 - NO SWIM DATE (Both Teams)
April 25 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
May 8 - NO SWIM DATE (Both Teams)
May 9 - NO SWIM DATE (Competitive Team)
May 22 - LAST DAY of Spring Junior Team and Competitive Team
Additional events with dates TBD
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 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
Certified Officials and Volunteer Positions
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 provide a discount on registration fees for any certified officials associated with our team. Please reach out for more information.
When we go to swim meets our team will be required to provide a certain number of volunteer positions including timers, marshals, etc.. Volunteer links will be sent out before the meet starts.
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
Swim Team 10 + Under
Required:
Fins – TYR short blade fins are recommended
Goggles – 1 racing pair and 1 practice pair
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 11+Older - https://teams.tyr.com/teams/stj/#team-store
Required:
Fins – TYR short blade fins are recommended
Paddles – TYR Catalyst Stroke Training Paddle is recommended
Snorkel – TYR Ultralite Swim Snorkel 2.0 is recommended
Goggles – 1 racing pair and 1 practice pair
Kickboard
Pull Buoy
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: __________________________
