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How to use this handbook
This handbook will help familiarize you with all facets of the YMCA/USA Sharks Swim Team and competitive swimming in general. As you look through the following pages you will be introduced to our history, philosophy, team policies and basic information concerning your participation in the swim team program. From time to time it may become essential to change certain sections of this handbook. To facilitate this, we recommend that you place this handbook in a three ring binder. Please watch your registration materials and the file cabinet for updated pages. This handbook was developed by parents and it is our hope that it will help you better understand and enjoy the inner workings of the Sharks swim team and the world of competitive swimming.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Sherwood Eddy Memorial Jacksonville Sharks swim team is committed to providing the opportunity for Jacksonville area youth, ages 5-21, to learn and develop their ability to swim. We are also committed to provide the opportunity for a swimmer to compete on the state and national level. We believe that the values, knowledge and experiences gained through swimming within a fun, friendly, and competitive atmosphere will enhance the development of the whole person and build positive personal character.
TEAM STRUCTURE
In keeping with the philosophy of providing a quality competitive swimming program for young people of all ages, abilities and levels of interest, the Sharks swim team offers 3 levels of professional instruction and training. Each level has specific objectives and goals that follow a logical progression.
RED-This level is designed to introduce young swimmers into the sport of swimming while allowing maximum opportunity to participate in other activities. Emphasis is placed on teaching fundamentals of the four competitive strokes by means of drills and games that make swimming fun. Participation in meets is appropriate, but not required. Participation in two meets is required to be eligible for YMCA post season competition. Practice is offered five days per week; it is recommended that swimmers attend two or three. Swimmers may also be asked to continue with swim lessons at this level.
WHITE-This level is designed for young swimmers who can legally perform all four competitive strokes and are ready for more advanced stroke technique. Increased emphasis is placed on teaching competitive starts and turns. Attending monthly meets is encouraged at this level. Participation in other activities is actively encouraged. Practice is offered five days per week; it is recommended that swimmers attend three.
BLUE- At this level, proper stroke technique remains the emphasis. This is the top level of the developmental team. Athletes at this level will be introduced to the first basics of training. Swimmers will be taught pace clock management and how to understand and execute swimming sets. Participation in most meets is encouraged. Participation in other activities is actively encouraged. Practice is offered five days per week. It is recommended that swimmers attend a minimum of three practices per week.
PRACTICE INFORMATION
PRACTICE ATTENDANCE
1. Attend as many practices as you can. It is not uncommon for some swimmers to attend every day. While daily attendance is not encouraged for most younger swimmers, older swimmers definitely benefit from daily practice. Defining "younger" versus "older" is a perspective combination of chronological age, training group, personal judgment and goals for achievement.
2. Always be present at the pool at least ten minutes before the start of practice so practice can start on schedule and make efficient use of the allotted time. Swimmers should have cap, goggles and suit on. Swimmers should bring all equipment (i.e. fins, pull-buoy, paddles) to the pool side before practice starts. It is also recommended that swimmers purchase a “mesh bag” for storage and transportation of the equipment. Most equipment can be ordered through the YMCA or through links listed on the Sharks web site.
3. Plan to stay for the entire practice. The last part of practice is very often the most important, and usually there are announcements made at the end of each practice. Parents should not interrupt swimmers or talk to coaches on deck during practice.
4. If a swimmer has consistent conflicts and cannot attend the recommended number of practices for a prolonged period of time, please contact the swimmer's coach.
5. If your swimmer will be out of the water with a prolonged injury or illness please notify the coach.
6. If you are going out of town notify your coach as soon as possible.
7. Pay close attention to the monthly practice calendar that will be posted on the Sharks Web Site. Post it in a conspicuous area in your home.
PRACTICE EQUIPMENT
All practice groups are expected to be at their designated area with their equipment ready to start practice on time. Standard equipment for all groups is a swim suit, swim cap (optional), goggles, and towel. The following additional equipment is optional.
Water bottle, pull-buoy, hand paddles, & fins
It is also recommended that swimmers purchase a "mesh bag" for storage and transportation of the equipment listed above.
Most equipment can be ordered through the YMCA or through links listed on the Sharks web site.
PLEASE BE SURE TO WRITE YOUR NAME ON ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT WITH AN INDELIBLE MARKER.
TEAM APPAREL
The Sharks Swim Team has a variety of apparel items available to swimmers. We have an apparel position on our Board of Directors. That person has an apparel file in the file cabinet and any orders can be communicated in that way.
PRACTICE BEHAVIOR
1. Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition. Working together as a unit for the benefit of all individuals is an important part of "YMCA Spirit."
2. Sharks are expected at all times to follow the verbal instructions of the coaching staff. At no time will disrespectful attitudes be tolerated from any swimmer.
3. Abusive language, inappropriate behavior, lying, stealing or vandalism will not be tolerated. These behaviors are directly contrary to the values of the YMCA and warrant strict disciplinary action.
4. Swimmers may leave practice only with the coach's permission.
5. Swimmers are expected to follow the rules of the Sherwood Eddy Memorial YMCA.
6. Swimmers should be ready to begin practice at the scheduled time, caps on and goggles ready. All equipment should be brought to the pool deck.
7. Only proper and legal strokes, turns, and starts will be allowed at practice.
8. Swimmers must start and finish at the walls, using a proper push off and finish.
9. Swimmers must learn to read the pace clock and push off on time.
10. Never interfere with the progress of another swimmer during practice.
11. Swimmers and parents are responsible to find out about all handouts and announcements made at practice when swimmers are absent.
12. Swimmers will not be supervised by coaching staff after their practice session.
13. Any team or YMCA property or equipment damaged by a swimmer will be replaced by the swimmer.
14. Use of starting blocks is prohibited unless supervised by a coach.
15. All pool rules such as no running, pushing, etc. must be followed.
SWIM MEET INFORMATION
PHILOSOPHY OF COMPETITION
The Sharks swim team engages in a multi-level competition program with other YMCA & USA Swimming Teams. Like our training program, it attempts to schedule meets that are challenging, yet success oriented competitive situations for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The following policies outline our philosophy:
1. We emphasize competition with oneself. Winning ribbons, medals, or trophies is not our main goal. The individual's improvement is our primary objective.
2. Sportsmanlike behavior is of equal importance to improved performance. Respect for officials, congratulations to opponents and teammates, determined effort and a mature attitude are examples of behaviors praised and rewarded by the Shark’s coaching staff.
3. A swimmer is praised for improving his/her stroke or time. It is the coach's job to offer constructive critique, feedback, acknowledgement and/or praise of a swimmer's performance. It is the parent's responsibility to provide unconditional love, support and encouragement which bolster the swimmer's confidence. Mutually-supportive and well-defined roles for both coach and parent help send the most positive and consistent message to swimmers.
4. Swimmers are taught to set realistic, yet challenging goals for meets and to relate those goals to practice. This will help to direct and to make more meaningful their training time.
MEET SCHEDULE
The meet schedule is available on the website.
1. The number of meets a swimmer participates in should be based on the individual goals of that swimmer. If you have a question as to which meets would best benefit your child, please discuss it with the coach. Along with all dues and fees paid current and a valid YMCA & USA membership, a swimmer must compete in three YMCA meets during the season to be eligible for YMCA post season competition. A swimmer must achieve times established by USA Swimming/Illinois Swimming to be eligible for USA Post Season
2. The coaching staff reserves the right to make the final decision concerning which meets Sharks swimmers may attend and what events they will be entered in.
HOW TO ENTER MEETS
1. A printable, detailed information flyer will be available on the team website's "Meet Schedule" page, and will include specific instructions for entries and the deadline. A printed flyer will also be placed in all family flyers.
2. Email entries are encouraged, but hard copy entries are still accepted. Detailed instructions for email entries will be included on the flyer described above. If you wish to entry via hard copy, turn in the meet entry slip to the "Meet Entries" file in the cabinet.
3. Coaches keep track of swimmer's times using specialized, Hy-Tek brand software. Coaches are responsible for entering swimmers in meets and selecting individual events and relays. Meet sign-up information will include space to write individual event preferences, as the coaching staff will take into consideration those events that the swimmer wishes to enter. However, the coaching staff has the final authority to decide both individual events and relay events.
4. After coaches complete the entry process, entries will be put in the swimmers folder.
5. All individual event meet fees are due prior to the meet. Payments should be made to the YMCA staff at the front counter. Fees for relays will be billed later, as coach selections will not typically be determined in time to pay before a meet, or changes may be made on an ongoing basis during a meet.
SWIM MEET PROCEDURES
1. Meet information will be posted on the team website and a copy placed in the family folders.
2. Arrive at the pool ten minutes prior to the scheduled warm-up time. Report to your coach with your suit, cap and goggles, ready to go.
3. A member of the Sharks coaching staff always conducts warm ups. This is both an athletic need and a safety issue.
4. All Sharks swimmers are required to wear a team cap during competition. Other team related apparel will be available. Wearing the team gear promotes unity and pride and greatly aids in spectator recognition.
5. Each Shark swimmer is responsible for knowing which events he/she is swimming and for being present in the team area prior to each race.
6. At the conclusion of each race a swimmer must report to their coach to discuss the race.
7 At most meets, electronic timing is used. The official time is generally the one recorded in the computer by the swimmer touching the touch pad and appearing on the scoreboard. If a swimmer misses the touch pad or there is a mechanical failure, various back-up times will be used. The timing and scorekeeping personnel analyze all times to determine the official times that are then posted as final results.
8. In between races, swimmers are asked to rest and stay warm. All energy is to be stored up and used in competition, for swimming or supporting teammates.
9. It is very important that swimmers check in with coaches and request permission before leaving a meet. This is a safety and accountability policy.
10. Hunger and dehydration lead to poor performance. Drink and eat healthy throughout the meet.
11. What to bring to a meet:
a. Sharks team suit
b. Sharks swim caps
c. Two pair of goggles
d. Two towels
e. Old blanket or sleeping bag
f. Quiet games or books
g Water bottle and healthy snack
ENTRY FEES AND SURCHARGES
Each event that a swimmer enters in a meet carries an entry fee. Each host team sets the entry fees which vary based on the meet (usually $2-$3 per event). Relays are charged to the swimmers who participate in them. The cost of swimming a relay is usually the same as swimming an individual event.
BEHAVIOR AT MEETS
1. Whenever and wherever a Shark swimmer wears any item of the team uniform, the individual should remember that his/her actions and words reflect on the team. Let your actions reflect the pride you have in the YMCA Sharks.
2. As a matter of courtesy, all questions swimmers or parents may have concerning meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of a meet, should be referred to the coaching staff. They will pursue the matter through proper channels.
3. As a matter of pride, leave the Shark team area in a neat and clean condition at the conclusion of each session.
4. There is no "scratching" (not swimming) from events at meets without the permission of the coach.
PARENT ROLE IN THE SHARKS SWIMMING
PARENT-SWIMMER-COACH RELATIONSHIP
To have a successful program, there must be understanding and cooperation among parents, swimmers, and coaches. The progress your swimmer makes depends to a great extent on this triangular relationship. It is with this mutually-supportive relationship model in mind that we ask you to consider this section as you join the team.
We want your swimmer to relate to his or her coach as directly as possible concerning swimming matters. This professional relationship between coach and swimmer produces the best results. When parents interfere with the coach as to how the swimmer should swim or train, it causes considerable, and often times insurmountable confusion for the swimmer. They want to follow their coach's direction, but they also want approval and love from their parents. Negative talk or gossip around the pool about a coach, within earshot of swimmers or other parents, will create questions of confidence in the swimmer's mind. This can be extremely detrimental for to the swimmer's progress in the program. Avoid rumors and negative talk completely. If you have a problem, concern, or complaint, please contact the coach directly for answers. Open communication usually clears up most matters.
The coach's job is to motivate and constructively critique the swimmer's performance. It is the parent's job to supply love, recognition and encouragement, which in turn gives him/her the confidence to perform well in competition. It is important to remember that the parents' role is critical and should be supportive at all times to ensure a positive experience for your child. Listed below are some questions to determine if you are "pressuring". If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you may be in danger of pressuring.
1. Is winning more important to you than it is to your child?
2. When your child has a poor swim, are you disappointed and is your disappointment obvious?
3. Do you feel that you have to "psych" your child up before competition?
4. Do you feel that winning is the only way your child can enjoy the sport?
5. Do you conduct "post mortems" immediately after competition or practice?
6. Do you find yourself wanting to interfere during practice or competition, thinking that you could do better?
7. Do you find yourself disliking your child's opponents?
8. Are your child's goals more important to you than they are to your child?
You have done a great deal to raise your child. You create the environment in which they are growing up. Your child is a product of your values, the structure you have provided, and the model you have been. Human nature however, is such that a parent may lose some of his/her ability to remain detached and objective in matters concerning his/her children's athletics. The following guidelines will help you keep your child's development in the proper perspective and help your child reach his/her full potential as an athlete.
1. Every individual learns at a different rate and responds differently to the various methods of presenting skills. The slower learner obviously takes more time to learn and this requires more patience on the part of the parents and coaches, who must both remember that the child's ultimate swimming potential may be as great or greater than that of a fast learner.
2. When a young swimmer first joins the sharks swim team, there may be a brief period in which he/she appears to slow down. This is a result of the added concentration on stroke technique, but this will soon lead to much faster swims for the individual.
3. Plateaus can occur at one time or another in every swimmer's career. Plateaus occur in both competition and training. A plateau signifies that a swimmer has mastered lower-order skills, but is not ready to learn higher order skills. Through practice and repetition lower-order skills will become automatic. This leaves the athletes attention free to attack newer, higher-order skills. It is the role of the coach to help athletes understand that plateaus occur in all types of learning. The more successful athletes are those who work through this momentary delay in improvement and go on to achieve greater performance.
4. Ten and Unders are the most inconsistent swimmers and this can be frustrating for parents, coaches, and the swimmer alike! Parents and coaches must be patient and permit these youngsters to learn to love the sport.
5. Parents must realize that slow development of competitive drive at an early age is normal and perhaps more desirable than precocious or forced early development. It is important that everyone learn to compete and develop a competitive spirit. It is also important for children to learn to adapt to reasonable levels of emotional stress. The small disappointment they must learn to handle as youngsters prepares them for larger ones they are certain to experience as adults.
6. It is the coach's job to offer a professional assessment, constructive critique and praise of a swimmer's performance. It is the parent's job to supply unconditional love, recognition, and the encouragement necessary to help young athletes feel good about themselves, regardless of outcomes.
7. If a parent can offer insight on their child that will enable that child's coach to work more effectively with the child, please be sure to contact the coach.
8. If you have any questions about your child's training or team policies, contact your childs's coach directly. Criticizing the coach in front of others undermines the coach and breaks down the swimmer-coach relationship, which is necessary for the swimmer's success.
9. No parent should behave in such a way as to bring discredit to the child, the team or competitive swimming generally. Any disagreement with a meet official should be brought to the attention of the coach and handled by the coach.
10. Be sure that your child swims because he/she wants to. Self-motivation is the stimulus for all successful swimmers.
11. The etymology of the word "competition" goes back to two Latin words, "cam" and "petere", which mean "together to strive." Avoid playing your child against their nearest competitors, thereby creating vendettas within the team and swimming community. Close competition provides two great services for the athlete: it brings out the best in them and shows where improvement is needed.
12. The communication between coach and swimmer is very important. Just like all sports and activities, an open two-way relationship must exist daily at practice between the athlete and coach. It is imperative that the coach have the swimmer's full attention. It is for this reason that we ask parents to watch practice from above and avoid the temptation to "coach".
Particularly in the case of younger swimmers, the demeanor and behavior of parents has an important effect on the child. In swimming, as in life, nobody can succeed all the time. There will always be some disappointment. Every youngster can gain from the team experience, whether or not he/she ever wins a single race. The important thing is to keep on striving to do better next time. The objective is not to produce great swimmers, but rather to produce great young people who can swim.
COACH RESPONSIBILITIES
The coach's job is to prepare, implement and supervise the entire competitive swim program. The coaching staff is a highly dedicated and professional group of experts, charged with providing a program that will enable young people to learn the value of striving to improve oneself through the sport of swimming. In order to provide the staff with the tools necessary to present the program, the coaches will be in control in matters affecting training and competition.
1. The coaches are responsible for placing swimmers in appropriate practice groups. This is based primarily upon ability level, and secondarily to the age/peer group of each individual. When it is in the best interest of a swimmer, he/she will be placed in a more challenging training group by the coach.
2. Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and the training regimen rests with the coaching staff. Each group's practices are geared to the goals of that group.
3. The coaching staff will make the final decision concerning which meets Shark swimmers may attend. The coaching staff shall also make the final decision regarding individual and relay event entries (for individual events, the coaching staff will offer the swimmer an opportunity to express their preferences).
4. At meets, the coaching staff will conduct and supervise warm-up procedures. After each race, the coaches will offer constructive critique and praise regarding the swimmer's performance.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
An important link in the swimmer, coach, parent triangle is parent-coach communication. Parents are kept informed ofclub activities through a number of different sources.
File cabinets-The file cabinets located in the lobby of the YMCA is our main form of communication between parents and the staff. The cabinets contain a file or "mail box" for each family registered to swim with the team. Make sure to check your file every time you attend practice. The file drawer contains important information including a file for each coach, program director, STPO president, Apparel Orders, a Meet Entry file, and a file of extra handouts. Feel free to access and use these files when the need arises.
Bulletin board-The bulletin board located in the lobby of the YMCA is another source for information. It can be very useful for information that needs to be dealt with in a timely manner. Please check this board every time you are in the YMCA.
Website- Jacksonvillesharks.org is the address of our web page. This site has team records, meet information, monthly practice schedules and more. It is recommended that members attempt to access the website almost daily, as up-to-the-minute information is posted nearly every day.
Feel free to call or email any coach or program director regarding any concerns about your swimmer. It is very important to let us know if there is anything we can do to aid your swimmer in his/her full enjoyment of the sport. It is best to communicate with the coach most involved with your swimmer's program.
PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS PROCEDURE
All of your questions should be directed to the person who can answer or solve your problem. Follow the guidelines below to get answers and solve problems quickly. These guidelines promote open communication between parents, swimmers and coaches.
Problems or questions regarding practice, stroke instruction and meets should be directed to the head coach. Problems with personnel or program policies should be directed to the program director. If you are not satisfied with the solution, then contact the YMCA director. Please refrain from discussing such problems with coaches during designated practice times. Also remember that a coach may have another practice or duty immediately after your own child's practice. Contacting the coach using the
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email address is greatly appreciated. If you would like to speak to anyone in person, please arrange an appointment to meet with them at the YMCA.
VOLUNTEERISM
In addition to our professional coaching staff and YMCA staff, our club has been successful due to the support and dedication of our parents. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the volunteerism of all our families. The continued involvement of our families is vital to the future success of our team. There are many ways to get involved with the Sharks swim team.
1. Run for an elected position on the Board of Directors
2. Help in the organization and administration of Shark-hosted meets
3. Become a certified meet official
4. Help plan social activities
5. Serve on a board-created committee
6. Assist with advertising and/or merchandising
As always, any amount of time that you can devote to the team is appreciated. Your volunteerism will truly make a difference to our club and your swimmer.
FUNDRAISING
Our most important event of the year is the Pentathlon Swim Meet held in November. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and requires a large number of volunteers. All families will be expected to help. Volunteers are needed for everything from concessions and hospitality, to timing and officiating. The money earned from hosting these events will benefit all Shark swimmers.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS & CONSIDERATIONS
Payment Plans are offered to relieve some of the financial stress swim team dues can put on a family. The YMCA swim team continues to be one of the most cost effective athletic programs in the area and an extremely reasonable program for any swim team. A YMCA membership must also be kept current at all times. If your membership is not current, you may not be allowed to participate in a YMCA meet.
APPENDIX
"TEN COMMANDMENTS OF SWIMMING PARENTS"
I. Thou shall not impose your ambitions on your child (they must development ownership of their swimming to succeed long-term).
II. Thou shall be supportive no matter what (they will likely struggle occasionally; they will need assistance dealing with it).
III. Thou shall not coach your child (you have chosen to take your child to a professional; utilize and respect their services).
IV. Thou shall only say positive things at a meet (leave the constructive critiques to the coach; you have to live with your swimmer).
V. Thou shall acknowledge your child's fears (anything new can be frightful; swimmers will only be asked to swim those events they can handle).
VI. Thou shall not criticize the officials (in most cases they are volunteers; they are objective and doing their level best).
VII. Thou shall honor your child's coach (the swimmer-coach-parent relationship must be mutually-supportive to produce the best results).
VIII. Thou shall encourage your child to have goals besides winning (only one can win - but many can succeed).
IX. Thou shall not demand that your child be an Olympian (over 400,000 USA Swimmers with 52 spots on the Olympic Team).
X. Thou shall be positively involved with your child's club (volunteer, officiate, join a committee; it's all appreciated and ultimately helps your child).
GLOSSARY OF SWIMMING TERMS
ALTERNATE-In a prelim-final meet, after the finalists are decided the next two fastest swimmers (other than the finalists) are designated as "alternates". The faster of the two being "first" alternate and the next being the "second" alternate. If a finalist cannot participate, the alternates are offered an opportunity to take their place (often on a moment's notice).
Alternates are not required to swim if called upon, and may decline the offer.
CHLORINE-The chemical used by most pools to kill the bacteria in water and keep it clear and safe to swim in.
COURSE-Designated distance (length of pool) for swimming competition. Short Course 25 Yards.
DECK ENTRY-An entry accepted into the meet on the first day or later of the meet. Usually a higher fee is charged and it is up to the meet director whether or not to allow deck entries.
DISTRICTS-A post season meet held once a year. The coach will decide whether a swimmer will attend Districts or Jr. District.
DISQUALIFIED-A swimmer's performance is not counted because of a rule infraction. A disqualification is typically shown by an official raising one arm with open hand above their head. Its abbreviation, DQ, will appear next to the swimmer's name in the event result.
DUAL MEET-Type of meet where two teams compete against each other.
DRYLAND-Running, body weight exercises, and various strengthening programs swimmers do out of the water.
ELECTRONIC TIMING-Timing system that has touch pads in the water that stop the clock automatically as a swimmer finishes.
FALSE START-When a swimmer leaves the starting block before the horn, resulting in a disqualification.
FLIPPERS/FINS-Used during practice in certain sets. All groups will be using this piece of equipment. Helps in ankle flexibility and aids in keeping the body in proper alignment in the water.
GALLERY-The viewing area for spectators during swimming competitions.
HEATS-The division of an event in which swimmers are divided into groups of six or eight depending on the number of lanes in the pool. The fastest swimmers in each heat will be in the middle lanes.
HEAT SHEET-The printed listing of swimmers seed times and placement in various events at a swim meet. Also known as a "program". Heat sheets are usually sold at the admissions table near the entrance to the pool (for a nominal fee).
ILLINI DISTRICT-The swimming district in our State/Area that the Sherwood Eddy YMCA is a member of. For more information on our district, please check out www.ilswimy.org and click on the Iliini district.
INTERVAL-A span of time used in practice which determines how long the swimmer has to swim and rest, before the next swim.
INVITATIONAL-Meets by invitation only. The host club decides invitees.
JUNIOR DISTRICTS-An alternative post season meet for the swimmer that does compete at the District level.
LAP COUNTER-The numbered cards used during individual freestyle short course events of 500 yards and longer, or long course events 800 meters and longer. Counting is done from the end opposite the starting end.
MEDLEY-An individual or relay event using all four competitive strokes. The order of strokes must be butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle for individual events and backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle for relay events.
PADDLES-Colored plastic devices worn on the swimmers' hands during swim practice. Paddles help to create feel for the proper pulling patterns in each stroke as well as develop strength.
PRELIM-FINAL-A type of meet with two sessions. The preliminary heats are held in the morning with the top eight to twenty four qualifiers returning to compete in the finals at night. This format is typically used for championship meets.
PRE-SEEDED-A meet in which the swimmer knows which heat and lane they are in by looking at the heat sheets. Almost all meets are pre-seeded.
PULL BUOY-A flotation device used to keep the legs afloat during pulling sets.
REFEREE-The official in charge of all decisions made on deck with regard to the administration and effective running of the meet.
SCRATCH-To withdraw from an event after having declared an intention to participate. Some meets have scratch deadlines and specific scratch rules, that if not followed results in a penalty to the swimmer.
SEEDING-Creating heats for each event by determining each swimmers heat and lane.
SPLIT-A portion of a race that is timed to help in pacing.
STARTER-The official starts each race and insures that all swimmers have a fair takeoff.
STATE/AREA CHAMPIONSHIP-A meet held once a year. The qualification times to attend this meet must be swam at the district meet.STROKE JUDGE-The Swimming official positioned at the sides and end of the pool.
TAPER-The resting phase at the end of a season, before a championship meet. Tapering allows a swimmer's muscles to fully recover before racing.
TIMED FINALS-Competition in which there is only one session per age group and final places are determined by the times swum in heats.
TIMERS-The volunteers sitting behind the starting blocks or finish end of the pool who are responsible for getting watch times on each heat and activating the backup buttons for the timing system.
TIME TRIAL-Some meets will offer time trials, either at the end of the meet or the end of a session. Time trials are swum for an official time only, there are no places or awards given.
TOUCHPAD-The removable pad at the finish end of the pool that is connected to the electronic timing system. The swimmer must properly touch the pad to register a time.
COOL DOWN-A long slow swim, or series of swims, to loosen a swimmer after a race or practice.
WARM UP-The practice and loosening session a swimmer does at the beginning of a practice or meet.
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