Northern TRIBS Swimming (NTS)

CLUB CODE

 

 

April 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 

 

Why Swim?.............................................................................................................   3

United States Swimming………………………………………………………….   5

Practice Attendance Policies……………………………………………………...   7

Illness and Injury………………………………………………………………….   8

Swimmers Training Responsibilities……………………………………………..     8

Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………….   9

Fundraisers……………………………………………………………………….     9

Swim Meet Policy…………………………………………………………………   9

Refund Policy……………………………………………………………………..   10

Parents…………………………………………………………………………….   11

Problems with the Coach………………………………………………………….   12

Competitive Strokes……………………………………………………………….  12

Swim Seasons……………………………………………………………………..   12

NTS Programs……………………………………………………………………..   13

Levels of Achievement for USA Swimming………………………………………  13

Types or Levels of Swim Meets…………………………………………………...  14

Philosophy of Competition………………………………………………………… 15

APPENDIX A………………………………………………………………………            16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Head Coach:                                        Jessica Jock

Coach:                                                   Joshua Jock

 

 

Contact:                                                PO Box 222

                                                                Massena, NY 13662

                                                                www.goTRIBS.org website

                                                                northernTRIBSswimming@yahoo.com e-mail

                                                                315-842-2540  (Club cell)

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHY SWIM?                                      The United States Swimming (USS) age group swimming program is America's largest program of guided fitness activity for children. Age group swimming builds a strong foundation for a lifetime of good health, by teaching healthy fitness habits. 

 

Physical Development                      Swimming is considered the ideal activity for developing muscular and skeletal growth by many physicians and pediatrici­ans. Why do doctors like it so much?

 

·         Swimming develops high quality aerobic endurance, the most important key to physical fitness. In other sports an hour of practice may yield as little as 10 minutes of meaningful exercise. Age group swim­ming teams use every precious minute of practice time developing fitness and teaching skills.

·         Swimming does a better job in proportional muscular development by using all the body's major muscle groups. No other sport does this as well.

·         Swimming enhances children's natural flexibility (at a time when they ordinarily begin to lose it) by exercising all of their major joints through a full range of motion.

·         Swimming helps develop superior coordination because it requires combinations of complex movements of all parts of the body, enhancing harmonious muscle func­tion, grace, and fluidity of movement.

·         Swimming is the most injury-free of all children's sports.

·         Swimming is a sport that will bring kids fitness and enjoyment for life.  Participants in Master's Swimming programs are still training and racing well into their 80's.

 

Intellectual Competence                   In addition to physical development, children can develop greater intellectual competence by participating in a guided program of physical activity. Learning and using swimming skills engages the thinking processes. As they learn new techniques, children must develop and plan movement sequences. They improve by exploring new ideas. They learn that greater progress results from using their creative talents. Self-expression can be just as much physical as intellectual. Finally their accomplishments in learning and using new skills contribute to a stronger self image.

 

"Preparation for Life"

by Phil Hansel,

Reprinted from:

Swimming World magazine

February 1988

                                                                Not everything we do in life is a pleasant experience. Not everything we do is beneficial. Not everything is productive. Not everything is a nurturing, loving experience. Life is full of negative, destructive experiences. Rejection, defeat and failure surround all of us. The trick is to be prepared to deal with this side of life and learn to overcome discouragement.

 

                                                                I have always felt that the great value of swimming as a sport is that it prepares one for life. The total swimming experience is made up of people, attitudes, beliefs, work habits, fitness, health, winning and losing, and so much more. Swimming is a cross section of lifetime experiences. It can provide so many learning situations. A swimmer learns to deal with pressure and stress, sometimes self-imposed, sometimes applied by others. One learns to deal with success and failure. One learns teamwork and discipline.

 

                                                                Swimming becomes a self-achievement activity. There is only one person in the water in a given lane in any race. The responsibility for performance ultimately lies with the individual. How well the individual has prepared physically and mentally to a large degree will determine the perfor­mance level.

 

                                                                Many swimming experiences can be of the disruptive, discouraging type. But at least a young swimmer learns that this is part of life, and the swimmer must learn to cope.

 

                                                                By learning how to handle frustration and disappointment, the young swimmer gains confidence. The swimmer learns dedication and commit­ment. Through perseverance, a swimmer learns to overcome adversity. All of these experienc­es tend to develop an individual who is better able to handle life's hardships and face problems.

 

                                                                As coaches and parents, we tend to preach that hard work will lead to victory. We preach that clean living and proper training such as diet, sleep and regular attendance at workouts will lead to winning. Though in the long run for a productive successful life, these are probably truthful con­cepts that don't always work in short term situations.

 

                                                                We have all been in situations where a bigger, more gifted person with poor work habits is the victor in race after race. Or we've known others who never seem to study, yet get good grades. We've known business people who never seem to lift a finger, yet for one reason or another, they close deal after deal.

 

                                                                These things just are not fair. Yet this is one of the valuable lessons that swimmers learn: "Life is not fair." We don't all start out in life with the same physical, mental, emotional and financial resources. In that respect, "Life is not fair."

 

                                                                A swimmer must learn what is fair for one is not necessarily fair for another. A swimmer learns we are all different and each individual controls his or her own destiny. A swimmer learns to emphasize given talents and skills. A swimmer learns to improve on a regular basis. By not setting limits and restrictions, this improvement will surely lead to success. A swimmer learns if he or she does their best, then there are no failures. A swimmer learns to set realistic goals. Once a goal is reached, then new goals must be established. A swimmer learns that effort becomes an individual crusade. If the ultimate goal is an Olympic gold medal, then with the proper talent, dedication, belief and support, all swimmers believe it can be done.

 

                                                                This is the positive achievement side of swimming that I like so much. Through experience in swimming, our young people learn attitudes and habits that will remain with them throughout the rest of their life. Most swimmers learn to be "can do" people.

 

                                                                Generally, these positive attitudes, belief in self and solid work habits will produce a terrific adult. Our society and our world is enriched by these former swimmers as they become adults. Because of their training, they handle life with a smile. They contribute time and energy to others in every way imaginable.

 

                                                                We can be proud of what swimming contributes to this world. Though "life is not fair," a swimmer knows how to deal with that and can achieve a balance. For the most part, former swimmers grow up to be ordinary people, but they always have that extra plus from the swimming experience.

 

                                                                We are different and can be proud of it. It's a pity and truly "unfair" that thousands and thousands of young people are missing the swimming experience. We must open our programs to everyone. We must find ways to share our fantastic sport.

 

 

UNITED STATES SWIMMING    Parts reprinted from "A Tradition of Excellence" by United States Swimming.  United States Swimming (USS) is the National Governing Body for amateur competitive swimming in the United States. At its headquarters office, located at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USS staff interact with 59 Local Swimming Committees (LSC's), athletes, coaches and volunteers at all levels to provide a variety of services to 220,000 registered athletes, 20,000 non-athletes and 2,500 swim clubs. 

 

                                                                USS was conceived in 1978 with the passage of the Amateur Sports Act which decreed that all Olympic sports would be administered indepen­dently. Prior to this Act, USS was the Competitive Swimming Committee of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) located in Indianapolis, Indiana. USS headquarters were moved to Colorado Springs in 1981.

 

                                                                Today, with its headquarters at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. Swimming is a Group A member of the United States Olympic Committee. Independent and a model for all amateur sport national governing bodies, U.S. Swimming is in the vanguard of the Olympic movement around the world.

 

                                                                As the National Governing Body for the sport, USS is charged with the responsibility to formulate rules, conduct national champion­ships, disseminate safety and sports medicine information, select competitors to represent this country in international competition, insure the development of its' member clubs and age group swimmers.

 

                                                                USS hosts three major swimming meets each year--the Phillips 66/USS Spring and Summer National Championships, and the US Open, sponsored by Speedo America. Additionally, USS holds four Speedo/Junior National Championship meets each year--two long course (50 meter pools) and two short course (25 yard pools).

 

                                                                Sixty-six percent (66%) of the revenues of the USS budget come from registration dues from athletes and membership fees from non-athletes and clubs. Without the support of its membership, USS could not offer quality programs to its members. The remaining revenues are generated through corporate sponsorship, United States Olympic Committee development funds, event income, publications and promo­tional merchandise.

 

                                                                Year-round athletes pay an annual registration fee of $59.00. Athletes receive a membership card (held by the NTS registration person) and have both liability and secondary medical insurance coverage.

 

                                                                NTS is a club member of USS by paying the national fee of $100.00. Membership benefits include USS Rules and Regulations, membership certificate and certificate of insurance. Clubs joining USS have liability insurance cover­age for approved insured activities.

 

                                                                USS is the ruling body of sanctioned swimming meets in the United States. USS meets are designed to protect the swim­mer, provide fair and equitable conditions of competition, and promote uniformity in the sport so that no swimmer shall obtain an unfair advantage over another.

 

 

                                                                Obviously, the "wet" side of the sport receives a tremendous amount of money and attention, but the "dry" side of the sport receives considerable study as well.

 

                                                                Coaches and athletes education play an important role in USS. Programs such as the successful Coaches College, presenting the most current coaching and scientific literature, assist coaches in their efforts to provide optimal training conditions for their athletes.

 

                                                                USS National Headquarters strives to educate and inform its' membership through continued communication. Once a year USS publishes an updated version of the USS Rules and Regulations, the final word in technical swimming rules.

 

                                                                The USS Headquarters provides a variety of services and programs for its membership. Some of the additional services provided by USS are fund-raising activities, sports medicine programs, video resources and general information about swimming related activities. USS staff are available to assist in answering questions or providing addition­al information about United States Swimming. For infor­mation or assistance, contact:

 

                                                                USS National Headquarters

                                                                One Olympic Plaza

                                                                Colorado Springs, CO 80909-5770

                                                                (719) 578-4578

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRACTICE AND ATTENDANCE POLICIES

 

 

                                                                The following guidelines are to inform parents and swimmers of the coaches policies regarding practice.  These policies have been developed over many years and are designed to provide the best possible practice environment for all.

 

1.     Each training group has specific attendance requirements appropriate for the objectives of that group or Session.  This requirement will be outline in Registration Information prior to start of Session (i.e. # of practices to attend/week) to provide training guidelines and expectations of swimmers. As a general rule, the least possible interruption in the training schedule will produce the greatest amount of success. The club does, however, encourage younger swimmers to partici­pate in other activities in addition to swimming. The expectation level of the coaches for swimmers to attend practices, increases as swimmers move to higher groups.

 

2.     For the swimmers protection, they should arrive on the school grounds no earlier than 15 minutes prior to their workout time.  They should also be picked up no later than 15 minutes after their practice is over. Swimmers should be ready to swim five minutes prior to the start of their practice.

 

3.     In case a youngster is late for practice, it is our hope that the parents will send a note with the child explaining the reason for tardiness.

 

4.     Plan to stay the entire practice. The last part of practice is very often the most important. Usually, there are also announcements made at the end of each practice. In the event that your child needs to be dismissed early from practice, a note or early notification from the parent for each dismissal is required.

 

5.     Occasionally, most of a practice group may be attending a meet, in which case you will be notified of a practice change or cancellation.

 

6.     Swimmers are to enter the building and go directly to the pool area. A swimmer found in any other part of the building could damage our relationship with the Host School.

 

7.     While on school grounds, the swimmers are the responsi­bility of the coaching staff. 

        A.    During practice sessions, swimmers are never to leave the          pool area without coach's permission.

        B.    If any swimmer needs to complete homework before practice                 or leave practice early to do homework, he/she must do their    homework on the pool deck so the coaches will know where             he/she is located unless parent pick-up.

 

8.     The club has an obligation to act as guests while in the high school (both swimmers and parents). Every member of the club needs to do everything possible to respect this privilege. Any damages to school property may result in financial liability of the swimmers parents. Any damage may also result in the swimmer being asked to leave the team permanently.

 

9.     Parents are not allowed on the pool deck during practice unless it is an emergency.  Seating is typically available if necessary on bleachers for commuters.

 

10. It is up to the swimmer and/or parent to arrange necessary transportation or car pools to meet practice attendance, and Meets.  Car Pools are highly encouraged to facilitate transportation costs and share parents’ time in travel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ILLNESS AND INJURY                   Whenever possible, the coach should be informed in advance of an illness or injury. Regardless of how serious or trivial it may be, it will almost always be possible to find a physician (or parent) who will recommend abstaining from training and one who will recommend a modified approach. For this reason, the coach must be the one to determine if the absence is excusable (especially for the advanced swimmers). It is helpful to find a family physician who appreciate the importance of participation and who understands the repercussions associated with missed meets and training sessions.

 

        If your swimmer will be out of the water over a long period of time with an injury or illness, please notify the Northern TRIBS Swimming Head Coach so the coaching staff is aware of the problem.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SWIMMERS TRAINING

 RESPONSIBILITIES                      As a swimmer's level of swimming ability increases so does his/her responsibility.  The program is designed to encourage all swimmers to be Senior Swimming bound.  As swimmers improve this is a deep commitment that requires great effort on all parts. A swimmer has responsibilities to the team, the coach, his/her parents, and most importantly to themselves. Swimmers need to prepare themselves for a 100% effort each time they come to practice.

 

        Swimmers will be required to bring specified training accessories (i.e., goggles, sneakers, shorts, etc.) to workouts. It is the swimmer's responsibility to make sure these items are properly adjusted and that spares are readily available. Equipment adjustment and repair will not be accepted as excuse to miss part of a training session.

 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT                      1.     Any swimmer who is known to use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco          is subject to suspension from the team.

 

2.     Never interfere with the progress of another swimmer, during practice or otherwise. 

 

3.     At all club functions, whether practice, meets, or social gatherings, we expect each swimmer to behave in such a way that their actions reflect positively on the team and exemplify respectful mannerism to self, team, coach, officials, parents, and others.

 

4.     All members of the club, whether parents or swimmers, continue to protect and improve the excellent reputation the club has throughout the County, State and Country.

 

5.       All Northern TRIBS Swimming team members and parents will be required to sign the "Honor Code". A copy of this is given in Appendix A.

 

 

 

 

FUNDRAISERS:                 Fundraising will be pertinent to the long-term success of our Swim Club Program.  Fundraisers will assist in payment of pool use fees, lifeguard fees, gear/apparel purchases, equipment purchases, meet expenses, Coaches training,  etc.   It will be vital for all parents/swimmers to participate and meet Club’s minimum requirement fundraising goals each year to maintain a functionable Club. NTS is still working on developing a “Booster Club” to assist in all Club Fundraising Events.  Some expected yearly fundraisers will include: Swim-a-thon ®, Raffles, Business Sponsors, etc. 

 

 

 

 

 

SWIM MEET

POLICY                     1.       USA Swim meets are encouraged to attend to measure a swimmers progress and to “broaden the swimmers competitive experience”.  Coaching staff are fully aware of the additional expenses related to travel/hotel for USA Swim Meets (typically held 3 hrs. or more away) and will make every attempt to select meets to attend based on cost considerations and swimming events offered. NTS Winter and Summer Sessions are designed to train up to the “Championship” event.

                                               

2.       USA Swim Meets are not currently required as “mandatory” from NTS, but are highly recommended for those who desire to increase their competitive edge!

3.       Parents may be needed at Swim Meets to volunteer.  Please be prepared to assist NTS when attending meets if parent volunteers are needed (i.e. assigned lane timers, lap counters, etc.) 

4.       Dual Meets with local teams or Intersquad Meets may be labeled as “Mandatory” to ensure all swimmers get an opportunity to race during the NTS Sessions.  Please make every effort to attend. 

 

 

 

 

REFUND POLICY

1.       When Registering with Northern TRIBS Swimming, it is expected that both parents and swimmers are well aware of the level of commitment necessary to participate.  Should the parent or swimmer choose to quit after the start of the “Session”, the following refunds may be available (assuming a 50% payment at registration):

a.       Registration Fee that covers the cost of USA Registration and additional club costs is non-refundable.

b.       If the athlete is a NEW Northern TRIBS Swimming Registrant, we will allow a 1 week trial period to determine if Club is a fit for swimmer based on commitment requirements.  If during this week the swimmer decides they no longer want to continue the amount of down payment made during registration minus the Registration Fees will be available for refund.

c.        If the NEW Registrant decides after Week 2 of the Session that they can no longer meet the commitment, and they have paid the 50% Registration costs, no refund is available.  If Total Session Costs have been paid in full, then 50% of the Club Fees is available for refund (i.e. if Total Cost was $150 Club Fees + $85 Registration Fees for a total of $235, and $235 was paid in full, $75.00 will be available for refund).

d.       Anything after week 2 is non-refundable to New Registrants.

e.        Any previous (RENEW)  Northern TRIBS Swimmer who chooses to quit after initiation of Session  is not applicable to the above considerations.  Reasoning: A previous Northern TRIBS Swimmer should be fully aware of commitment expectation regarding practice attendance and practice intensity prior to registration, therefore, the decision to quit is at the expense of the parent and/or swimmer.

f.        Two Week Sessions Programs (i.e. Age Group, Summer Session II) are not applicable to the refund policy. No refunds will be allowed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CREDIT POLICY:            Should a swimmer not be able to complete the “Session” for a Medical reason,  supported by a Doctors note, a pro-rated amount of registration already paid  may be applied to the immediate following next session. (assuming recovery). A swimmer may not attempt to use credit towards a session more than one session later unless recovery from illness takes that long (supportive documentation required).

 

 

 

 

 

**If a swimmer consistently abuses the Attendance Policy and/or chooses to quit a “Session”, the Coach has the right to deny future Registration of Athlete.