Jackson Swim Team
2006 Team Handbook
Table of Contents
Coaches 1Swim Team Board 1Communication1Fees1Practice Times2Medical Attention 2Equipment 2Behavior Guidelines 2Meet Schedule 3Meet Information 3Requirements for Championship Meet 4Rewards4Timing 5Glossary of Terms6Purpose and By-Law 9Coaches
Head Coach Matt Younghouse 335-8166Assistant/Noon Coach Kelsey Gjerstad 243-1499
Kelsey Gjerstad 243-1499Swim Team Board
President Chris Feeney243-0611chrisbert92@netzero.com
Chris Feeney243-0611chrisbert92@netzero.com1st Vice-PresidentJoyce Johns 243-1400joycejohns@sbcglobal.net
Joyce Johns 243-1400joycejohns@sbcglobal.net2nd Vice-President Nancy Gillard243-6568gillard5@charter.net
Nancy Gillard243-6568gillard5@charter.netSecretary Karen Turner 243-5609kjturner@charter.net
Karen Turner 243-5609kjturner@charter.netAssistant SecretaryJim Turner 243-5609kjturner@charter.net
Jim Turner 243-5609kjturner@charter.netTreasurer Roberta Feeney 243-0611chrisbert92@netzero.com
Roberta Feeney 243-0611chrisbert92@netzero.comAssistant TreasurerChris Gibson 243-6250CGibson@sehosp.org
Chris Gibson 243-6250CGibson@sehosp.orgPublicity ChairpersonAngie Dittmer 450-1465acdittmer@yahoo.com
Angie Dittmer 450-1465acdittmer@yahoo.comCommunication
It is the goal of the board that each child grows and develops as an individual, as well as a team member through the experience offered by the Jackson Swim Team. This can only be accomplished through open communication between the coaches, parents, and swimmers. Please feel free to discuss any issues that you or your child may have with any member of the board at any time. There will be a file set up for each family and the coaches in the file box. Please be sure to check the file box each day for announcements and changes. There will be a weekly update newsletter sent home on Wednesday. The conference has a website that posts all meet results, national standard swim times, pool maps, calendars, and other swim conference information. Check it out at www.eteamz.active.com/swimsmsc/.
Fees
New Swimmer $85
$851st Swimmer$135
$1352nd Swimmer $110
3rd Swimmer$85
$85Registration fee includes instruction from certified swim coaches, use of pool and lifeguard, water park fun day, AAU membership, awards banquet, and T-shirt. The fees are based on the number of swimmers in your family and are non-refundable. Fundraising is necessary to minimize registration fees and for purchasing new team equipment such as, lane lines, kickboards, meet software, starting blocks, etc. The fundraisers planned for the 2006 season are Candy sales and Swim-A-Thon. Each swimmer is required to sell one box of candy and collect $20 from donors for Swim-A-Thon. If Home Tour is conducted, then $25 of the registration fee will include tickets. Swimmers may choose to pay higher fees if they do not wish participate in fundraisers. Fees may be reduced by selling more Candy boxes and/or acquiring sponsorship donations.
Practice Times
Monday-Friday 6:45am to 8:45 am
Noon Swim 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
The 1st day of practice will be May 22nd. All practices will be at the Jackson City Pool, rain or shine, only lightening will prevent us from entering the water. It will be the coaches’ decision if a swimmer is to attend morning or noon swim. When the water temperature is below 75 degrees practice will be held but it may include out of the water exercising and running. Parents will be asked to sign up as Deck Parents at the morning swim to assist coaches.
Medical Attention
If your swimmer might require any special medicines during practice (for breathing, bee stings, etc.) make sure that they are in the concession area of the pool where the deck parent and coaches have immediate access to them. Label the medicine with your child’s name and any necessary instructions. We take your child’s health very serious please make sure to completely fill out the medical information on the registration form as well.
Equipment
Swim equipment that should be provided by the parent of the swimmer is a swim suit, swim goggles, swim cap, towel, clothes, tennis shoes, and a tote bag. It is a good idea to label all equipment with the swimmer’s last name. It is important to wear tennis shoes everyday as the coach may do dry land exercises. Please do not bring toys, radios, or valuables to practice. We are not responsible for stolen, damaged, or broken items.
Behavior Guidelines
It is the intent that the Jackson Swim Team Club be a pleasant and safe experience for all participants. The coaches need to be respected and their instructions followed in order for this to occur. If there is a need for disciplinary action regarding the conduct of swimmers, the following guidelines have been adopted to address possible situations.
1.Swimmers will be warned about unacceptable behavior by the coach.
Swimmers will be warned about unacceptable behavior by the coach.2.It the problem persists, the coach will ask the swimmer to sit at the pool’s edge. An attempt will be make to inform the swimmer’s parents of the situation that same day. This will be done either by the coach or parent assigned to deck duty that day.
It the problem persists, the coach will ask the swimmer to sit at the pool’s edge. An attempt will be make to inform the swimmer’s parents of the situation that same day. This will be done either by the coach or parent assigned to deck duty that day.3.If the problem is still not corrected and the behavior persists, the swimmer will be asked to leave the pool area and the parents will be notified at this time to pick up the child.
If the problem is still not corrected and the behavior persists, the swimmer will be asked to leave the pool area and the parents will be notified at this time to pick up the child.4.Parents should bring any concerns regarding their swimmer to a Board Member.
Parents should bring any concerns regarding their swimmer to a Board Member.We have had very few disciplinary problems during past seasons and do not anticipate any in the future.
2006 Summer Meet Schedule
June 3rdPerryville
PerryvilleJune 10thKennett
KennettJune 17th Jackson
JacksonJune 24thJO Qualifiers-Poplar Bluff
JO Qualifiers-Poplar BluffJuly 8thJackson
JacksonJuly 15Farmington
FarmingtonJuly 22Championships at Cape
Championships at CapeMeet Information
Things to Bring:
Swim meets require a great deal of energy from the participants, therefore eating properly before and during the meets, proper rest, and lots of fluids are recommended. Also check this list for item you may want to bring to keep the children somewhat inactive during pre-swim periods:
• Wear your team shirt • Extra Towel
• Extra Towel• Lawn Chairs and Blankets • Puzzles
• Puzzles• Books, reading and coloring • Hand Held Games
• Hand Held Games• Board Games such as, checkers, and Monopoly • Trash Bags
• Trash Bags• Action Figures for the little people • Extra shirts, shoes, sweats
• Extra shirts, shoes, sweats• Snacks – healthy like veggies, fruits, and drinks NO GLASS CONTAINERS
The coach will inform the swimmers during practice when the meets begin. Please be on time for all meets. The swimmers need to warm-up and stretch before they begin competitive swimming. From time to time you will be asked to time the swimmers, don’t worry, it’s easy. Please stress fun and improvement to your swimmers, winning is the outcome that we get form lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement.
Home Meets:
We will be hosting a few meets this summer. Jackson is known for running very efficient and quick meets. The only way to accomplish this is with lots of parental help. Therefore you will be required to participate in the home meets in some capacity. The week of the meet you will receive instructions in the file box.
•The Night Before – All parents are asked to help set-up. It takes a few hours to prepare for the meet. Just bring yourself, all the direction will be provided.
The Night Before – All parents are asked to help set-up. It takes a few hours to prepare for the meet. Just bring yourself, all the direction will be provided.•The Day of the Meet – You will be asked to donate a food item for the concession stand. Please drop this off on your way into the meet. The Meet Director will have given you your job assignment in the file box so please report to your area on time.
The Day of the Meet – You will be asked to donate a food item for the concession stand. Please drop this off on your way into the meet. The Meet Director will have given you your job assignment in the file box so please report to your area on time.•After the Meet – We are responsible for tearing down all the equipment and returning the pool back to the city as quickly as possible. Again, this will take an hour or so.
After the Meet – We are responsible for tearing down all the equipment and returning the pool back to the city as quickly as possible. Again, this will take an hour or so.Requirements for Championships
•Participation in at least nine events, individual or relay and three SMSC meets
Participation in at least nine events, individual or relay and three SMSC meets•AAU Membership
AAU MembershipRewards
Ribbons – During the swim meets swimmers will be awarded ribbons for placing (1st thru 6th, 7th and 8th depending on the number of teams participating in the meet). These will be handed out by the coach or placed in the file for the next practice.
Point Patches – Points are accumulated at each meet by swimmers who place. The total points a swimmer earns for the team during the season will be given in the form of patches. Relay points will not be included.
Time Patches – Time patches are awarded according to national swimming times achieved (See Time Sheet Pages). These are earned in the following order: B, BB, A, AA, AAA, AAAA. These are awarded each time a new time level is achieved in short or long course.
Towel – At the end of the summer each new member will receive a white towel with Jackson Swim Team imprinted on it. This is a trophy towel for point patches. When a swimmer achieves her/his first B time, a large blue towel is awarded for point and time patches (see diagram below for suggested patch placement).
JACKSON SWIM TEAM
Category 10 and under, 11-12
Freestyle, AA, AAA, AAAA
Point Patches 5,10, 25
Timing
Throughout the swim season it will be required of all parents to time swimmers at meets. It is very easy and really a lot of fun. Here are a few guidelines from the USA Swimming Rulebook to follow when timing.
Head Lane Timer – Is basically the timer with the clipboard writing down the times. The Head Lane Timer shall:
1.Determine whether the swimmer or relay team is present and in the correct lane, heat and event, and that relay swimmers are swimming in the order listed.
Determine whether the swimmer or relay team is present and in the correct lane, heat and event, and that relay swimmers are swimming in the order listed.2.Determine and record manual watch times or the absence of a swimmer or the relay team seeded in that lane.
Determine and record manual watch times or the absence of a swimmer or the relay team seeded in that lane.3.Assign one timer to time relay splits and initial distance times if requested by the Chief Timer.
Assign one timer to time relay splits and initial distance times if requested by the Chief Timer.4.Report if the swimmer has delayed in touching or has missed the touch pad at the finish, or if there is reason to believe the semi-automatic or manual times may be inaccurate.
Report if the swimmer has delayed in touching or has missed the touch pad at the finish, or if there is reason to believe the semi-automatic or manual times may be inaccurate.Lane Timers – Officials assigned a Lane Timers may simultaneously operate two dissimilar devices (one watch and one button) but not two similar devices (two watches or two buttons). It is not within the Lane Timer’s jurisdiction to judge if the swimmer’s touch conforms to the applicable finish rules or if a relay take-off infraction has occurred unless assigned concurrent responsibility as a Lane Timer and Turn Judge or Relay Take-off Judge. Each timer shall:
1.Be in position at the start to have an unobstructed view and shall start the watch at the instant of observing the visual starting signal. If the visual starting signal is not observed, the watch shall be stared upon hearing the sound of the starting signal.
Be in position at the start to have an unobstructed view and shall start the watch at the instant of observing the visual starting signal. If the visual starting signal is not observed, the watch shall be stared upon hearing the sound of the starting signal.2.Stand directly over the assigned lane at the finish to observe a touch above, at, or below the surface of the water and stop the watch and/or push the semi-automatic system button when any part of the swimmer’s body touches the wall.
Stand directly over the assigned lane at the finish to observe a touch above, at, or below the surface of the water and stop the watch and/or push the semi-automatic system button when any part of the swimmer’s body touches the wall.3.Report the watch time to the Head Lane Timer or the designated recorder, report if a late or missed pad touch is observed; and, if requested, present the watch for inspection. Lane Timers shall not clear their watches until a command to “clear watches” is given or the Referee signals that the next heat is ready to start.
Report the watch time to the Head Lane Timer or the designated recorder, report if a late or missed pad touch is observed; and, if requested, present the watch for inspection. Lane Timers shall not clear their watches until a command to “clear watches” is given or the Referee signals that the next heat is ready to start.Glossary of Swimming Terms
Age Group Swimming - the program through which USAS provides fair and open
competition for its younger members. It is designed to encourage maximum
participation, provide an education experience, enhance physical and mental
conditioning, and develop a rich base of swimming talent. Nationally recognized age
groups are 10 and under, 11-12,13-14,15-16,17-18 and 15-18. Local meets may also
include events for 8 and under, and single age categories.
AAU - Amateur Athletic Union
Block - the starting platform.
Bulkhead - a wall constructed to divide a pool into different courses, such as a 50 meter
pool into two 25 yard courses.
Circle Swimming- performed by staying to the right of the black line when swimming in
a lane to enable more swimmers to swim in each lane.
Coach - a person who trains and teaches athletes in the sport of swimming.. .
Code of Conduct - an agreement signed by a swimmer/coach/parent stating that the
swimmer will abide by certain behavioral guidelines.
Cut - slang for qualifying time. A time standard necessary to attend a particular meet or
event.
Distance - term used to refer to events over 400 meters/500 vards. ~
DQ - disqualified. This occurs when a swimmer has committed an infraction of some
kind; e.g., freestyle kick in butterfly. A disqualified swimmer is not eligible to receive
awards, nor can the time be used as an official time. .
Drill - an exercise involving a portion or part of a stroke, used to improve technique.
Dryland Training - Training done out of the water that aids and enhances swimming
performance; usually include stretching, calisthenics and/or weight training.
Entry Form - form on which a swimmer enters a competition. Usually includes USAS
number, age, sex, event numbers and entry times.
False Start - Occurs when a swimmer is moving before the gun is sounded. In USAS.
false start will result in disqualification.
Final- the championship heat of an event in which the top swimmers from the
preliminaries compete.
Finish - The final phase of the race, the touch at the end of the race.
Flags - backstroke flags placed 5 yards (short course) or 5 meters (long course) from the
end of the pool. The flags enable backstrokers to execute a backstroke turn more
efficiently. .'
Goal- a specific time achievement a swimmer sets and strives for. Can be short or long term
Gutter- the area along the edge of the pool in which water overflows during a race and is
recirculated through the filtration system.
I.M – slang for Individual Medley, an event in which the swimmer uses all four strokes in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
Junior National - national level meets held in both short and long course seasons, one of
each in the Northeast, Southeast and West, limited to swimmers ages 19and under.
There are qualifying standards, and swimmers are limited to four individual events and three relays.
Lap Counter- a set of plastic display numbers used to keep track of laps during a
Distance race. (Also, the person who counts for the swimmer, stationed at the opposite end from the start.)
Long Course- a pool50 meters in length. USAS conducts most of its summer
competition in long course pools.
Long Distance- term used to refer to events of 800 meters/1000 yards. to
1500/meters/1650yards in length.
LSC - Local Swimming Committee. Governing body for swimming at the local level.
There are 59 LSC's in the country.
Meet - Competition designed to be a learning experience. By implementing what has
been learned in practice, the swimmer tests himself against the clock to see how he is. .
improving.
Middle Distance - Term used to refer to events of 200 yards/meters to 400 meters/500
yards in length.
Mississippi West Conference - A league member of AAU, Ozark Association.
Membership is made up of teams from Misssouri, Arkansas, Kentucky. Conference begins in June and ends in July.
National Age Group Time Standards - Time standards derived from the previous years'
results that are broken down by age and sex as well as B,BB,A,AA,AAA, and AAAA
divisions. These designations are NATIONAL and should be used as motivational times.
Many LSC,s have their own time standards.
National Reportable Times Top 16 - Time standards set for short and long course based
on previous years' achievement. Only times meeting these standards may be submitted
for consideration each year. The Top 16 submitted times in each event are recognized.
Negative Split - Swimming the second half of the race equal to or faster than the first half
Official- A judge on the deck of the pool at a sanctioned competition who enforces
USAS rules. There are stroke and turn judges, administrative officials, starter, timers, and referees.
Open Water Swims - Any freestyle event over 1500 meters, normally conducted in a
natural body of water, such as a lake, river or ocean.
Pace Clock - large clock with a large second hand and a smaller minute hand, used to
check pace or maintain intervals in practice; may also by digital.
Prelims - Slang for preliminaries, also called Heats or Trials. Those races in which
swimmers qualify for the championship and consolation finals in the event.
Q-Time - Qualifying time necessary to compete in a particular event and or competition.
Relay - An event in which 4 swimmers compete together as a team to achieve one time.
Safety - The condition of being safe. Safety procedures are designed to prevent
accidents.
Scratch - To withdraw from an event in a competition.
Short Course - A pool 25 yards or 25 meters in length. USAS conducts most of its
winter competition in short course yards.
Split - A time recorded from the official start to the completion of an initial distance
within a longer event. Also the time for one of the four individual in a relay. Under
certain conditions, splits may also be used as official times for example, the lead off swim in a relay, or the lead off portion of an event.
Sprint - Describes the shorter events (50 and 100). In training, to swim as fast as
possible for a short distance.
Streamline - The position used by swimmers when starting or pushing off the walls
designed to reduce water resistance.
Taper - The final preparation phase, sometimes referred to as “rest”. Prior to major
competitions, older, more experienced swimmers shave their entire bodies to reduce
resistance and heighten sensation in the water.
Time Trial – A time-only swim which is not part of a regular meet.
Touch Pad - A large sensitive board at the end of each lane where a swimmer's finish is
registered and sent electronically to the timing system.
USAS- United States of America Swimming,Inc. The national governing body for
amateur competitive swimming in the United States.
USAS Number - A number assigned to a swimmer upon joining United States
Swimming. The membership card with this number may be required at any given
competition. -
Warm Down - Low intensity swimming used by the swimmer after a race or main
practice set to rid the body of excess lactic acid, and to gradually reduce heart rate and
respiration.
Warm Up- Low intensity swimming used by the swimmer prior to a main practice set or
race to get muscles loose and warm. Warm up gradually increases heart rate, respiration
and helps to prevent injury.
Watches - Stopwatches used to time swimmers during a competition. When totally
automatic timing equipment is used, watches serve as a back-up method.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Jackson Swim Team Inc. Parents’ Club is to support the Jackson Swim Team both financially and physically. All parents of swimmers are automatically members of this organization. The organization promotes the team, raises funds to support the team, and provides the labor for hosting local meets.
BY-LAWS OF THE JACKSON SWIM TEAM INC. PARENTS’ CLUB
(Article I)
The principal place of meeting shall be in the city of Jackson, Missouri.
(Article II)
Section 1. Place of Meetings. Any annual or special meeting of the general membership shall be held at a place within the city of Jackson, Missouri as designated by the Executive Board or in a notice executed by all General Members entitled to vote at such meetings. If there is a failure to designate a place for such meetings, the principal place should be convenient to all members, such as Riverside Regional Library, or any other public place open for public meetings, or in a member’s home, if necessary.
Section 2. Meetings. The annual Fall meeting of the general membership shall be held during the month of October and the Spring during the month of May. The purpose of these meetings shall be electing officers and the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting. Special meetings of the General Membership may be called at any time by the President or the Executive Board.
Section 3. Voting Powers. Unless otherwise provided in the By-Laws, persons of the general membership represented at the annual meeting shall constitute a majority of the membership entitled to vote. Every decision of a simple majority of such General Membership shall be valid as an organization act.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings. Notice of each meeting of the general Membership stating the place, day, and the hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, the purpose of the meeting, shall be communicated under the direction of the President, or Secretary, or a officer calling the meeting by written notice to families via postcard.
Section 5. List of Voters. A complete list of all general members entitled to vote at any annual and special meeting shall be included in the Jackson Swim Team Inc. Booklet. This booklet shall be distributed to the general membership no later than the first meet of the season. Such list shall be compiled in alphabetical order with: parent name(s), address, telephone number, swimmer(s) name, birth date, and age.
Section 6. Power of the Executive Board. The Executive Board is empowered to take any action deemed necessary which cannot be tabled until the next meeting of the general membership.
Section 7. Committees. The General Membership or Executive Board by resolution may provide for such other committees as it deems necessary to serve at its pleasure and to have such powers and perform such functions as may be assigned to them. A chairperson and at least two other persons must comprise a committee. Each chairperson must report to the Executive Board.
(Article III)
Section 1. Officers and job descriptions.
President
1. Has overall responsibility for administering the activities of the parents’ club and all of the committees.
2. Presides at all meetings.
3. Serves as the representative in supervising all individuals employed by the Jackson Swim Team, Inc.
4. Attends annual meetings of the Mississippi West Swim Conference along with the Jackson Swim Team coach, or shall appoint an appropriate representative from the Parent’s Club.
5. Shall appoint a nomination committee of three (3) persons before the first Sunday in August. This committee shall submit a slate of officers to be considered and voted upon by the general membership at the Fall Meeting.
First Vice-President
1. Be responsible for recruitment, membership, and registration.
2. Be responsible for the preparation of the Jackson Swim Team Inc., Booklet.
3. Assists the President and presides at meetings in his or her absence.
Second Vice-President
1. Prepares and sends out the information and event sheets to invitational meets. Accepts entries and is responsible for preparation of heet sheets.
2. Serves as the Meet Director.
Secretary
1. Records the minutes for the Parents’ Club meetings.
2. Takes care of the necessary correspondence, including appreciation and acknowledgements.
3. Acquires participation certificates for all swimmers which are to be awarded at the Awards Picnic in August.
4. Acquires trophies or any equal recognition symbols to be awarded to deserving swimmers at the Awards Picnic.
Assistant Secretary
1. Be responsible for the weekly newsletter which will include general information pertaining to upcoming events and forms to be used when swimmers are to be absent from practice/meets.
Treasurer
1. Receives all money.
2. Maintains an account of the receipts and expenditures.
3. Pays all bills.
Assistant Treasurer
Coordinates all fundraising.
Publicity Chairperson
1. Be responsible for all publicity of the group.
2. Prepares articles for the local newspaper on any events relating to the Jackson Swim Team.
3. Reports results of meets and other news items to proper places: radio, television, and/or newspaper.
4. Helps Assistant Treasurer in getting proper media coverage on money-making projects.
(Article IV)
Section 1. Awards Picnic. The first Sunday in August immediately following the Conference Meet shall be designated as the permanent date for the Picnic.
Section 2. Christmas Home Tour. The decision of homes on the tour shall be approved by the Executive Board and the Co-chairpersons of the Home Tour.
SWIMMER INFORMATION AND CONSENT FORM
AgeName (As of 6/1/06) Birthdate M/F
(As of 6/1/06) Birthdate M/F Does any child have a blue swim team towel? ______
If yes, please list names
Mother’s Name Home Phone
Home Phone Address
Employer Work Phone
Work Phone Email Address Cell/Pager
Cell/Pager Father’s Name Home Phone
Home Phone Address
Employer Work Phone
Work Phone Email Address Cell/Pager
Cell/Pager Doctor’s Name Phone
Phone Hospital Preference
Dentist’s Name Phone
Phone List names and numbers to contact in case of an emergency.
NameNumberRelationship
NumberRelationshipPlease list any allergies, medications and dosage, or any other medical problems that we may need to be aware of.
Does your child know how to properly administer his/her own medicine when he/she needs it?YES or NO
YES or NOI HEREBY GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR __________________________ TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2006 Jackson Swim Team Program. A member of the coaching staff will always be present during practice, and will always try to provide each child with a safe practice environment. In case of an injury, I authorize the swim coaches to provide any medical treatment necessary. Any parent with a child participating in this program is welcome and encouraged to stay at each practice. I hereby give my permission to have another adult other than the coach to take my child to a Hospital and stay with him/her until I arrive. This permission is only granted if I am not present at practice. My child and I are aware that participating in a swim program could be a potentially hazardous activity. I assume all risk associated with participation in this sport, including but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, traffic and other risks that may occur in the water, on the pool deck, the locker room or in the parking lot. All such risks are known and understood by me.
Date: Signature of parent or guardian__________________
Signature of parent or guardian__________________ 