Practice and Attendance Policies
The following guidelines are to inform parents and swimmers of our team policies regarding practice. These have been developed in order to provide the best possible practice environment for everyone.
- Each swimmer is required to bring 2 pairs of goggles, 1 swim cap, Fins, Kickboard, hand paddles (13-over), Front Snorkel, a practice bathing suit (team suits should only be worn for competition) and water bottle. The 13 and over and the Elite training groups will be required to bring running sneakers and gym clothes (shorts, t-shirt, socks) as well. Be sure that all of your equipment is in proper working order and you have spares if needed. Equipment adjustment and repair will not be accepted as an excuse to miss part of a workout.
- Each training group has specific attendance requirements; the least possible interruption in this schedule will produce the greatest amount of success. We do, however, encourage younger swimmers to participate in other activities in addition to swimming. The expectation level of attendance increases as swimmers move to higher groups.
- Swimmers should arrive at the YMCA no earlier than 15 minutes prior to their practice time. They should also be picked up no later than 15 minutes after their practice is over. Swimmers should be ready to swim 5 minutes before the start of their workout. Proper warm-up is essential in order to prevent injury. Workouts can’t be adjusted to accommodate late swimmers without interrupting the entire group. *See Coach Randy for any Questions regarding this policy.
- Arrive on time and plan to stay the entire practice. The last part of practice is often the most important. IF a swimmer is late or in the event he/she needs to be dismissed early, a note from a parent may be requested.
- Occasionally, it may be necessary to change or cancel a practice. Parents and swimmers will be e-mailed these changes and the front office will have this information as well. Please be sure to check to see if your e-mail address is correct in the Registration Office.
- Swimmers are to enter the building through the front doors and check in at the front desk. Swimmers 15 & over may use the Women’s or Men’s locker room. All swimmers 14 & under are to use the Girl’s or Boy’s locker rooms. This is a YMCA rule and will be strictly enforced.
- Please keep social talking to a minimum during practice, all swimmers need to be able to know what’s going on at all times.
- Lane etiquette is very important. Leave enough room between yourself and the swimmer in front of you. If you need to pass a swimmer, gently tap on their feet, let them move to the right and continue. If your foot is tapped, move to the right, let the swimmer pass you and continue your swim.
- Disruptive behavior at practice will result in a verbal warning. If the behavior persists, the swimmer will be asked to leave the pool. Any swimmer who continues to be asked to leave the pool during practice could be suspended from the team at the cost of the swimmer and parent.
- Lap lanes are open to all swim team members during lap swimming. However, adult behavior is expected at all times and if there are any behavior problems, the privilege will be taken away from the team.
- Kickboards and pull buoys are available to all swimmers during practice time. Pull buoys, paddles and fins are also available in a limited number for swimmers as well. Snorkels and paddles are needed for some 13 & over practices, and are required for Elite practices. All of this equipment is available to purchase through Beach Party in Portsmouth at a team discount. Please call ahead for an appointment at: 401-683-0170. Their address: 3338 East Main Rd. Portsmouth RI 02871
12. Follow the pool rules of the Newport County YMCA and all other facilities at all times. Swimmers should be aware that they represent the YMCA at all times whether during training or at meets.
Illness and Injury
Parents and swimmers are responsible for communicating with the coaching staff if any swimmer is injured or ill. If your swimmer will be out of the water over a long period of time with an injury or illness, please notify the Head Coach through email or a phone call, so the coaching staff is aware of the problem.
If a swimmer stays home from school, then he/she is excused from practice. Swimmers should not come to practice if they feel ill. Illness belongs at home and should not be shared with the team. If a swimmer becomes ill during practice he/she will be dismissed from practice. Please keep your swimmers healthy and injury free during the season.
Team Uniform
The team colors are Navy Blue and Orange. One of the two required items to wear in any meet is a swim team cap. This helps coaches and parents to easily spot our swimmers at meets, every swimmer will receive a team cap a the start of the season, Please PUT YOUR NAME inside of the cap (if it isn’t printed on the outside) and keep it through the season. Additional caps may be purchased both at the beginning and throughout.
The team swimsuit is available for purchase through Beach Party Swimwear. There is a fitting at the YMCA prior to the start of the regular season. All team members must wear a team suit at all YMCA dual and invitational meets. Alternate racing suits may be worn at Championship meets. Write your swimmers name in all suits training and Team.
Optional items are available to order through the Team as well as Beach Party. Some examples are warm up jackets and pants, sweatshirts and pants, t-shirts, flip flops and mesh shorts. Beach party is a local company and will be at all of the meets throughout the season in order to place orders. Please be sure to write your swimmers name in any items you purchase.
