Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to the Jennersville Barracudas Swim Team! The coaches, swimmers, and families of our team

are looking forward to meeting you and working with you throughout the swim season. Our program

is a competitive swim team that offers instruction, training and competition to swimmers of all abilities

between the ages of 5-21 years old. We are extremely proud of this organization and the contributions

that it makes to the lives of the swimmers, their families, and the community.

The coaching staff will strive to provide a variety of experiences in developing swimmer needs to

prepare him/her for competition. Education, motivation, determination, and team pride are some of

the cornerstones on which the JY Barracuda’s have built their success. We expect our swimmers to

make a commitment to helping the team by developing a good work ethic and making a positive

contribution in a manner consistent with the philosophies of the YMCA

This handbook will help to familiarize you with the Jennersville YMCA Swim Team and competitive

swimming in general. You will be introduced to our coaches, philosophy, team policies as well as gain

an understanding of the day-to-day activities in the JY program. It is our hope that this handbook will

help you better understand and enjoy the inner workings of the Jennersville YMCA Swim Team and

the world of amateur swimming.

Best wishes for a successful season,

Jennersville YMCA Barracuda Coaching Staff

Meet the JY Barracuda Coaching Staff

MaryAlice Miller – Head Coach

Assistant Coaches

● Ali Verbanas

● Noelle Topmiller

● Heather Giacometti

● Obie Biehn

● Lisa Maley

Jennersville YMCA Barracuda Philosophy

Philosophy

The Barracuda Swim Team strives to provide the opportunity for swimmers of all ages and abilities to

find a love for the sport and reach their highest potential.

Coaching Style

The Barracuda coaching staff works with each swimmer as an individual. We believe in teaching the

fundamentals and strengthening our youngest swimmers technique. As athletes grow with our

program we transition into an IM training program allowing swimmers to be more well-rounded and

to prepare them for swimming in high school and college. We also work with the athlete’s mental

fortitude; teaching goal setting, dedication, and work ethic.

Team Goals

- To promote physical fitness and encourage proper conditioning and health habits

- To provide opportunities for healthy social, emotional, and educational development

- To encourage peer and family participation

- To foster the development of high self-esteem and to help cultivate positive self-image.

- To create an environment in which the desire for self-improvement and goal achievement motivates

the individual to fully develop their natural abilities and to help others do likewise.

- To provide opportunities to learn the values of hard work, dedication, self-discipline, and

perseverance

- To promote the core values of caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty

- To create a sense of social responsibility within our team by looking outside our pool walls and

working to make a difference in our community

Jennersville YMCA Swim Team Policies

Overview – The coaching staff spends several days creating practice groups at the beginning of each

season. In order to ensure the best experience for the individual swimmer, careful consideration is

made to create groups based on ability, age, work ethic and practice habits. Please be assured that

each practice is designed to meet the needs of the swimmers in that practice group and the

development of the swimmer will not be adversely affected by whichever group they are placed in.

Practice Attendance

Regular attendance is part of the discipline of swimming and should be a routine. It is only through

practice that a swimmer can reach their goals. Each practice group has a different number of practices

per week based on the level of the swimmers in each group. It is recommended that you attend

practices for continued progression. Because each practice group has a specific number of swimmers

and has practices designed to best fit the needs of those swimmers, swimmers may only practice with

their designated practice group. Any swimmer coming to practice at a time outside of their assigned

group will not be allowed to swim.

Senior: 4 of 5 practices required

Level 1: 4 of 5 practices recommended

Level 2: 3 of 4 practices recommended

Level 3: 2 of 3 practices a recommended

Mini: 2 of 3 practices recommended

Swimmer Practice Requirements

· Be on the pool deck ready to swim five minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

· Swimmers may not enter the Main Pool prior to the start of practice; this includes the ramp and

public practice lane.

· Swimmers must rinse off prior to entering the pool.

· Swimmers should have all of their required equipment at every practice – links can be found on

Team Unify. In addition to a suit, cap (anyone with longer hair that will need to be pulled back) and

goggles. The following items are required for each practice group.

● Senior – fins, pull buoy, paddles and snorkel

● Level I – fins, pull buoy, paddles and snorkel

● Level II – fins and pull buoy

● Level III – fins

● Mini’s – fins

· All swimmers are expected to follow verbal directions of the coaching staff. When a coach signals

that he/she is ready to provide instruction, the swimmer should have their head out of the water with

their eyes on the coach.

· Swimmers may not leave practice without the coach’s permission.

· Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates and have fun. Working together as a unit

for the benefit of all individuals of the group is an important part of teambuilding and the JY spirit.

Parent Practice Requirements

· Have your swimmer arrive at the YMCA in plenty of time to be changed and on the pool deck

with all of their equipment 5 minutes before the start of practice (how long each swimmer takes to

get ready varies by child, but on average, leave at least 10 minutes to change and get out on the pool

deck)

During our covid procedures and Phase B of our reopening we will continue to have our swimmers

arrive no more than 5 minutes early. They will come in their suits and leave in their suits. All swimmers

should enter the pool deck with their masks on and go directly to their assigned lane. Parents with

swimmers 11 or under should be near, as the deck and mezzanine will remain closed at this time.

If your swimmer is 11 or under a parent/guardian must accompany their child into the scanning station

and be present at the Jennersville YMCA during the entire practice. If you choose to have your

underage swimmer participate in free swim in the lower pool before or after practice they MUST get

their green band from the front desk to swim. No swimmers are allowed to play in the upper pool prior

to practice.

Plan to have your child stay throughout the entire practice. The beginning of our practices are just as

important as the end and while we understand that at times other obligations may require a swimmer

to be late or leave early, these instances should be an exception and communicated to the coach prior

to the early dismissal. Please contact MaryAlice at mmiller@ymcagbw.org.

Swimmer’s Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is the standard of behavior that is expected of all JY swimmers. It is in effect

while you are on the team.

I will adhere to all rules and regulations and will refrain from illegal and inappropriate behavior that

would detract from a positive image of the JY Swim Team or be detrimental to its performance

objectives. This includes but is not limited to:

1. During all practices and meets swimmers will conduct themselves in a manner that enables and

promotes a learning atmosphere for everyone involved. Bullying, abusive language (swearing) and

behavior, or disrespectful acts toward teammates and coaches will not be tolerated.

2. Team members must refrain from any and all inappropriate/obscene conversations, language,

texts, pictures, or gestures, in written texts (including group chats) and on all forms of social media.

It is important to remember that even if you think something was private and meant for just a small

group, once it is published through texts, Snap Chat, Instagram, Face Book, Twitter or any other form

of media, it is no longer private and you will be held accountable if it is deemed to be incompatible to

the Jennersville YMCA’s Swimmer’s Code of Conduct.

3. Appropriate behavior is to be displayed in locker rooms and the entire facility before and after

practices and meets. Inappropriate behavior includes, throwing items, rude remarks, physical contact

and damage to the locker room area or any other area on the premises. This also includes offsite

meets at other facilities.

4. Sportsmanlike conduct is expected at all times. This includes showing respect for officials,

competitors, teammates, coaches and the public. As a swimmer on the Jennersville YMCA Swim you

are a representative of the Jennersville YMCA and your actions reflect on the Y.

5. The possession, sale, or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, non-prescription drugs,

and/or hazardous objects is prohibited at all times.

6. Stealing is NOT permitted. No forms of vandalism or damage to any facilities or equipment used

during a team function, whether at the Jennersville YMCA or other location will be tolerated.

7. No littering of any kind at practices or meets will not be excused. You are expected to clean the

team area after all team functions.

8. Cell phones are not allowed to be used in the locker room at any time. Please leave cell phones at

home, locked in a locker or in your bag once at the YMCA for practice. If there is any reason a team

member may need access to a phone during practice inform the coach prior to the start of practice.

Violations of this Code of Conduct will result in the following disciplinary action up to and including

immediate expulsion or non-retention to the following year as determined by the coaching staff and

the Aquatic Director.

· First Offense: Meeting with the parent and the swimmer

· Second Offense: Three Day suspension from the team

· Third Offense: Removal from the next YMCA/USA Swim Meet

· Fourth Offense: Removal from the JY Swim Team. Any expulsions from the team are non-

refundable.

Major infractions may result in a higher disciplinary action than listed above.

Swim Meets/Practices

Behavior at the Meets/Practices

1. Whenever and wherever a Jennersville YMCA swimmer wears any item of the team uniform, the

individual should remember that his/her actions and words reflect on the team they represent and

they should behave accordingly. Let your actions reflect the pride you have in the JY organization.

When swimmers attend practices and or meets swimmers should wear JY attire to all Jennersville

YMCA functions, this includes practices, dry-land activities and swim meets.

2. As a matter of courtesy to the officials and meet hosts, parents must stay off the deck of

competition venue unless they are competing or servicing in an official capacity (timer, place judge,

official, etc.).

3. 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. If appropriate, the coach will pursue

the matter through the proper channels.

4. As a matter of pride, leave the JY team area in a neat and clean condition at the conclusion of the

meet.

5. Swimmers should swim all events in which they are entered. A swimmer may not scratch

himself/herself from an event. Only the coach in charge of the meet may scratch a swimmer from

an event.

6. Swimmers will be expected to swim in ALL final sessions in which they qualify.

Receiving Awards in Public

Whenever there is a system of presenting awards at a meet, it is customary for swimmers to be prompt

and to cooperate fully with dignity and respect at the presentation. If a swimmer owns a full club

uniform, it should be worn when accepting an award otherwise a JY Team t-shirt should be worn. It

is also customary for our swimmers to be polite and modestly thankful for any awards they receive.

It is appropriate to congratulate other swimmers and to receive like congratulations with poise and a

“thank you.” Good sportsmanship is essential.

Out of Town Meets

Trips to meets in other cities become an important aspect of a swimmer’s journey while advancing

through your swimming career. JY has established the following policies for the safety of the swimmer

and peace-of-mind of his/her parents:

1. Parents are to be responsible for arranging transportation and lodging to away meets.

2. Parents are encouraged to attend out-of-town meets with their swimmers and to chaperon other

youngsters. These trips can be great fun for parents and swimmers alike and are rare opportunities

to participate in a special way in each young swimmer’s career.

3. Coaches cannot provide transportation or supervision for swimmers outside of the pool deck. Each

swimmer must go with a parent or designated guardian.

NEW POLICY:

All swimmers on the team MUST commit and swim in three dual meets in the winter season. Swimmers

are also expected to swim at Districts and States if they qualify for those meets. YMCA meets take

precedence over USA invitational & regional meets. All swimmers committed to the JY program may

only swim for the JY program excluding High school swim teams. Dual representation is against YMCA

of the USA policies.

Penn Del Swim League- The JY Barracudas will be swimming in the Penn Del Swim League. We

compete against other YMCAs in the area. These dual meets will either be held at the Jennersville

YMCA or at another participating pool. We encourage all swimmers to attend these dual meets. These

meets help promote team unity as all swimmers receive the opportunity to participate. The coaching

staff will choose the swimmer’s events for dual meets. Swimmers must swim in 2 dual meets in order

to swim at the League Championships.

Penn Del Swim League Championships– Swimmers who participate in a minimum of two dual

meets are eligible to swim in the league championships.

Charlie Hartley Silver Championships- Swimmers 9 and older not qualifying for Districts will be

offered the chance to attend this meet. This meet is a celebration for those swimmers 9 & older to

cap off their season and a last chance qualifying meet for Districts.

YMCA East District Championships– Swimmers (8 and older) meeting qualifying time standards

for this meet travel to La Salle University in Philadelphia to compete against the best swimmers in the

eastern part of Pennsylvania. Swimmers placing in the top 6 in individual events or top 6 in a relays

will qualify for the State Championships.

YMCA State Championships – One of the higher levels of achievement JY swimmers strive for is

participation in the State Championships. Held at Penn State University in McCoy Natatorium,

swimmers compete against the best YMCA swimmers in the state of Pennsylvania.

Relay Policy - There are several factors which are involved in the decision making process. Relays

will be subject to change meet to meet. Relays for YMCA League Championships, YMCA Eastern

Districts, YMCA East – West Championships, and YMCA Nationals will be decided by the following:

1. Individual times

2. Past performance in meets

3. Practice habits and positive attitude

4. The coaches’ decision is final

Relay Payment - All races at dual meets are part of the program and have no additional fee, including

the relays. However, in the event that your swimmer goes to a Championship meet or a USA

invitational there are associated fees.

1. Championship meets (Districts, States, Charlie Hartley, Winterfest, Nationals) will have any

relay fees paid for by the YMCA

2. USA meets and Invitational meets will have any relay fees paid by the families attending. Please

make the coach aware if your swimmer does not wish to swim a relay in these meets.

USA Swimming- Swimmers at the Jennersville YMCA also have the choice to join the USA

Swimming program. This extension to our Jennersville YMCA team offers a variety of meets

swimmers can attend. In order to swim in a certain classification (C/B/A/AA/AAA/AAAA), a swimmer

must have achieved the qualifying time for that particular age group. Time standards for each age

group are established and published each year by United States Swimming. This permits fair yet

challenging competition on all levels. USA Swimming competitions give the swimmers the

opportunity to choose their own events

1. NEW POLICY: There will be a $5/meet surcharge for USA meets above the two built into

each season. This helps offset the cost of travel for the coaching staff.

TEAMUNIFY: How to Enter Meets

All meets will be posted on Team Unify under the ‘Events’ tab. Once an event has been set, we will

send out an invitation email to each swimmer for that meet. Please commit or decline to each meet

for each of your swimmers. A reminder email will be sent out one week prior to the meet event

deadline. Coaches will pick events for swimmers at all dual meets. All invitational and USA meet

events will be picked by swimmers with coaches approval.

Payment for Invitational Meets

1. The Jennersville YMCA prepays all meet fees so JY Swimming can compete at

Invitational meets.

2. You must choose one of these options for payment this season:

A. Bank Account

B. Credit Card

3. Coach MaryAlice will send out a fee report for each invitational once we receive notification that

we have been accepted into the invitational.

A. Check payments for invitational meets must be received within seven (7) days after

Coach MaryAlice sends out the fee report.

B. If your family is paying electronically (option A or B) on the first day of each month

your outstanding balance will either be charged to your credit card or withdrawn from

your chosen bank account.

4. Failure to make timely payment (within seven (7) days of a meet fee report) will result in

swimmers not being able to enter into future invitational meets until their meet fees are up to date.

Meet Procedures

· Check ALL meet entry invitations as soon as you are notified through email. This ensures that

no opportunities to compete are missed.

· Plan your travel time to arrive at the pool at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled warm-up

time. It is important that the swimmer has appropriate time to warm-up and become accustomed to

the facility.

· Wear the proper team uniform. Swimmers MUST wear their team suit and JY cap to race. Latex

JY caps will be distributed to each swimmer at the beginning of the season. A JY team t-shirts

(distributed prior to the first meet) is also strongly encouraged.

· Both the swimmers and the parents are asked to review the line-up at the beginning of each

meet in order to be aware of what events are being swum.

· Each JY swimmer is responsible for knowing which events he/she is swimming and for being

present at the start of the event.

Before reporting to the blocks, a swimmer should talk with a member of the coaching staff to

review race strategy and goals.

· At the end of the race, the swimmer should ask the lane timers for their stop watch time. All

swimmers should then report immediately to the coaching staff. This gives the coaches an opportunity

to discuss the race with each swimmer and add positive comments concerning splits, stroke technique

and race strategy.

· At most meets electronic timing is used. The official time generally is the one on the scoreboard.

If a swimmer misses the touch pad or there is a mechanical failure various back-up times may be

used. The meet officials analyze all times to determine official times which are then posted in the final

results.

· Between races swimmers are asked to sit on deck (or in the team area) with the team, rest

and stay warm. Our goal is for all their energy to be stored and used in competition. If swimmers need

to eat during a meet, a light nutritious snack is recommended. Do not wander off and leave the team

area between races or sit in the stands with family members.

All swimmers are expected to stay until the end of all Dual swim meets. Even if it appears that the

swimmer has completed all of their events, there may have been some last minute relay changes that

would require them to stay. If there are extenuating circumstances that require a swimmer to leave

prior to end of a Dual meet, please contact the head coach prior to the end of the meet. When leaving

USA and Invitational meets it is also important to communicate with the coaching staff prior to leaving

Meets with Check In Rules / Preliminaries and Finals –

There are several USA swimming policies that govern swim meets with prelims and finals. Meets that

are set up in this manner are identified in the meet invitation as such. Please familiarize yourself with

the specifics prior to committing to one of these meets.

· Check In Events – Usually all distance events (400 IM, 500, 800, 1000, 1650 Free) are positive

check-in events. The coach has a set time that all swimmers must be checked in if they are going to

participate. If they have not checked in, they will not be permitted to swim. Once checked in , if a

swimmer misses that event he/she will automatically be scratched from his/her next event or from

the remainder of the meet.

· Relays – Relays are also check in events. Once a relay is checked in swimmers must swim that

event. The coaching staff will not know when each relay will swim until after the check in deadline.

Sometimes swimmers need to come back for finals to swim in these relays. Be sure you know if you

are in a relay and when it will be swum, either prelims or finals. Relays are a team effort where each

of the four swimmers relies on the other for the team’s success.

· Final Events – Before you leave a meet after a preliminary session double check with the

coaches and the results to confirm if you made finals. Even if you did not initially qualify, someone

ahead of you may have scratched and if you do not show up for a final event that you have qualified

for you may be removed from the rest of the meet.

· If you are swimming in the evening ask your coaches prior to leaving the morning session what

time you need to report back for warm-up.

Parent Role in JY Program

Parent / Swimmer / Coach Cooperation – To have a successful program, there must be an

understanding and cooperation among the parents, swimmers and coaches. The progress of your

swimmer depends on this triangular relationship. It is amazing how much a swimmer can progress in

one season; however, just like in life, there will be ups and downs. It is with this in mind that we ask

you to consider the following:

· Most important thing a parent can say to their swimmer? ‘I love to watch you swim!’

· Every individual learns at a different rate and responds differently to the various methods and

presenting skills. Some swimmers take more time to learn. They require more patience on the part of

the parents and the coaches.

· Plateaus can occur at one time or another in every swimmer’s career. Plateaus can come both in

competition and in training. A plateau signifies the swimmer has mastered lower-ordered skills, but

they are not yet sufficiently automatic to leave the attention free to attack newer, higher-order skills.

It is important to explain to the athlete that plateaus occur in all fields of physical learning. It is also

important to recognize that our swim team has swimmers that range in age from 5 to 21yrs. Every

child develops and grows at a different rate and where they are in their individual growth curve has a

direct effect on their swimming. Many younger swimmers get faster because they have grown bigger

and stronger. Once their physical growth has slowed down it is then when technique and practice take

over. Girls will tend to see their physical development change quickly prior to puberty while boys will

continue to grow physically stronger through their 20’s. This is an important factor to consider when

supporting your swimmer for the long term.

· Slow development of competitive drive at an early age is normal. It a goal of the coaching staff that

everyone learn to compete and develop some competitive spirit. It is also important for children to

learn to adapt at reasonable levels of emotional stress. The small disappointments they must learn to

handle as youngsters prepare them for the larger ones they are certain to experience as adults.

· It is the coach’s job to offer constructive criticism of a swimmer’s performance. It is the parent and

coach’s job to supply recognition and encouragement to help the young athletes feel good about

themselves. Be enthusiastic about taking your child to meets and practices.

· If parents can offer insight about their child that will enable the coaching staff to work more effectively

with that child, please contact the Head Coach. If you have any questions about your child’s training

or team practices, contact the Head Coach directly.

· Any disagreement with a meet official should be brought to the attention of the coaches and will be

handled by the coaches.

· People tend to resist anything they ‘have to do.’ Self-motivation is the stimulus of all successful

swimmers.

· We ask parents to watch practice from the mezzanine and not to interrupt the coaches and distract

their swimmers in any way. We ask that parents do not stay on deck but only to drop off or pick up

their swimmer. Any and all questions should be handled after practice has finished.

Parent Code of Conduct

Participation in the program indicates your agreement to abide by your respective code of conduct and

that violation of this code is adequate grounds for removal from the program.

1. I will place an emphasis on the fun of participation and keep the emotional and physical well-being

of all the children ahead of my personal desire to win

2. I will require my child to treat other swimmers, coaches, fans and officials with respect without

regard to gender, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation or ability.

3. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing

respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials and

spectators at every meet.

4. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach,

player, or parent such as booing, taunting, and refusing to shake hands, physical acts, profane language

or gestures.

5. I will support and assist the team by volunteering

6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health or well-being of the

athletes

7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or

violence

8. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will

never feel defeated by the outcome of a meet or his/her performance.

9. I will support coaches and officials by working with my child in order to encourage a positive and

enjoyable experience for all.

10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard.

11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake, losing a competition

or not swimming as fast as I think they should.

12. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs and I will

refrain from their use at all JY sporting events and practices.

13. I will remember that youth sports are for the kids and not for the adults and will do my very best

to make this experience fun for all of the children and parents involved.

14.I will respect the officials and their authority during meets and will never question, discuss, or

confront coaches at the meet and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and

place.

15. I will monitor the actions of our coaches and will bring any behavior that is inconsistent with the

Coach’s Code of Conduct to the attention of someone in authority at the YMCA.

16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other swimmers during meets and practices, unless I am a

hired coach or official.

17. I will pick up my child promptly after meets and practices so the coach is not left in a compromising

position with my child. Parents (or assigned guardian) of swimmers 12 and under must come into the

Y with their swimmers to scan them in and must remain in the facility while they are practicing.

18. I agree that if I fail to abide by this code, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include

but is not limited to:

· Verbal Warning by an official, head coach or other YMCA staff member

· Written Warning

· Parental meet suspension with written documentation kept on file at the YMCA and other involved

organizations

The coaching staff is constantly updating and improving the JY program. It is the child’s and parent’s

responsibility to make the most out of the excellent opportunity this program provides for success in

swimming.

Communication

An important link of the swimmer, coach, and parent triangle is the parent-coach communication line.

Parents are kept informed of club activities through email and Team Unify.

If any questions or problems should arise, the lines of communication between the coaches and

parents will always be open. Feel free to call or email the coaches about problems or suggestions

concerning your child. It is very important that you let us know if there is anything we can do to aid

your swimmer in his/her full enjoyment of the sport from which he/she will realize greater success.

Methods of communication are as follows:

Website (www.teamunify.com/ymca-5566) – The website provides information on upcoming events,

meets, philosophy, and changes in practice schedule.

Email – The coaching staff will periodically send out mass emails to all team members listed on our

Team Unify server. These emails will contain updates, reminders, or immediate changes not located

in your family file.

Swim Team Parent Committee (STPC)

The STPC will be made up of a cross representation of interested parents from the entire team. The

responsibility of the STAC will be assisting the JY Barracuda staff in making the competitive swim

program the best it can be.

The STPC is not a policymaking Board/Committee. All policy decisions related to any and all YMCA

programs are the responsibility of the Branch Board and/or the Board of Directors of The Greater

Brandywine Association.

Volunteers on the STPC will meet monthly from September to June. We ask that each parent sit on

the STPC for that entire time period. Head coach will set the Agenda for each monthly meeting and

run each meeting. After a STAC committee meeting, the approved minutes will be linked onto team

Unify for viewing.

VOLUNTEERING REQUIREMENTS

We cannot run swim meets without the help of our parents. Parents act as officials, timers, snack-bar

workers and more. Volunteers sign up on Team Unify. It is expected that at least one parent from

each family will volunteer at least three times during the winter swim program. In practice, we find

that once parents start volunteering and become familiar with their roles, they volunteer many times.

As well as being essential to running our competitions, volunteering is a great way to be involved in

your child’s activity and get to know coaches, swimmers and other parents. As our YMCA continues

to grow it is looked very highly upon to reach outside of the pool deck and volunteer our time. All

volunteers will be required to comply with the YMCA’s policies regarding volunteering and background

checks. Many parents will find these are already in place for volunteering in schools. Information

regarding the background checks will be sent out to the families once the coaching staff receives them

from the Association Office. If you are interested in becoming an official, please contact Keith Pfaff,

Head Official. For all other opportunities, your STAC committee will be happy to help with any

questions.

Swimmer’s Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct is the standard of behavior that is expected of all JY swimmers. It is in effect

while you are on the team.

I will adhere to all rules and regulations and will refrain from illegal and inappropriate behavior that

would detract from a positive image of the JY Swim Team or be detrimental to its performance

objectives. This includes but is not limited to:

1. During all practices and meets swimmers will conduct themselves in a manner that enables and

promotes a learning atmosphere for everyone involved. Bullying, abusive language (swearing) and

behavior, or disrespectful acts toward teammates and coaches will not be tolerated.

2. Team members must refrain from any and all inappropriate/obscene conversations, language,

texts, pictures, or gestures, in written texts (including group chats) and on all forms of social media.

It is important to remember that even if you think something was private and meant for just a small

group, once it is published through texts, Snap Chat, Instagram, Face Book, Twitter or any other

form of media, it is no longer private and you will be held accountable if it is deemed to be

incompatible to the Jennersville YMCA’s Swimmer’s Code of Conduct.

3. Appropriate behavior is to be displayed in locker rooms and the entire facility before and after

practices and meets. Inappropriate behavior includes, throwing items, rude remarks, physical

contact and damage to the locker room area or any other area on the premises.

4. Sportsmanlike conduct is expected at all times. This includes showing respect for officials,

competitors, teammates, coaches and the public. As a swimmer on the Jennersville YMCA Swim

Team you are a representative of the Jennersville YMCA and your actions reflect on the Y.

5. The possession, sale, or use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, non-prescription drugs,

and/or hazardous objects is prohibited at all times.

6. Stealing is NOT permitted. No forms of vandalism or damage to any facilities or equipment used

during a team function, whether at the Jennersville YMCA or other location will be tolerated.

7. NO littering of any kind at practices or meets will not be excused. You are expected to clean the

team area after all team functions.

8. Cell phones are not allowed to be used in the locker at any time. Please leave cell phones at

home, locked in a locker or in your bag once at the YMCA for practice. If there is any reason a team

member may need access to a phone during practice inform the coach prior to the start of practice.

Violations of this Code of Conduct will result in the following disciplinary action up to and including

immediate expulsion or non-retention to the following year as determined by the coaching staff and

the Aquatic Director.

· First Offense: Meeting with the parent and the swimmer

· Second Offense: Three Day suspension from the team

· Third Offense: Removal from the next YMCA/USA Swim Meet

· Fourth Offense: Removal from the JY Swim Team. Any expulsions from the team are non-

refundable.

Major infractions may result in a higher disciplinary action than listed above.

GLOSSARY OF SWIMMING TERMS

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 maximum use of pool space. Only used during practice swimming.

Code of Conduct – An agreement signed by a swimmer prior to travel or participation stating that

the swimmer will abide by certain behavioral guidelines.

Cut – Slang term for qualifying time. A time standard necessary to attend a particular meet or event.

Distance – Term used to refer to events 400 meters/500 yards or longer.

DQ or Disqualification – Occurs when an official observes a rule violation by the swimmer. A

disqualified swimmer cannot receive awards or use the result as an official time.

Drill – An exercise involving isolation of a portion or part of a stroke, used to improve technique.

Dry Land Training – Training done out of the water. Aids and enhances swimming performance.

Usually includes stretching, weight training, and/or calisthenics.

Entry Form – Form on which a swimmer enrolls in a competition. Usually includes name, age, sex,

event number, and seed time. For USA Swimming meets, usually includes USA Swimming number,

age, sex, event number, and seed time.

False Start – Occurs when a swimmer is moving at the starting signal. In a relay race, a false start

occurs when the swimmer on the block leaves before the swimmer in the water has touched the wall.

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 – Pennants strung across the pool 5 yards or meters from the end of the pool. They enable

backstrokers to execute a turn more efficiently by counting their strokes from the flags to the wall.

Goal Time – A specific time achievement a swimmer sets and strives for. Goals can be short-term or

long-term.

Gutter – The area along the edge of the pool in which water overflows during a race and recirculates

through the filtration system.

Heat Sheet – The listing of swimmers participating in a meet. Items are listed by event and by heat.

I.M. – Short for individual medley, an event in which one swimmer swims equal distances of each

stroke in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Lap Counter – A set of plastic display numbers used to keep track of laps during a race 500 yards or

longer. Also, the person who stands at the opposite end from the start and counts for the swimmer.

Long Course – A 50 meter pool. YMCA and USA Swimming conducts most summer swimming in long

course.

Meet – Competition designed to be a learning experience. By implementing what has been learned in

practice, swimmers test themselves against the clock to mark improvement.

Middle Distance – Term used to refer to events of 200 yards/meters to 500 yards/400 meters in

length.

National Age Group Top 16 Reportable Times – Time standards set for both short and long course

based on previous year’s achievements. Times meeting these standards are compiled to make a

national list of the fastest age group swimmers each year.

Negative Split – Swimming the second half of the race faster than the first half.

Official – A judge on the deck of the pool at a sanctioned competition who enforces YMCA and USA

Swimming rules. There are stroke and turn judges, administrative officials, starters, timers, and

referees.

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 be digital.

Preliminaries (Prelims) – Races in which swimmers qualify for the finals in the events.

Relay – An event in which four swimmers compete together as a team to achieve one time.

Scratch – To withdraw from an event in a competition. All scratches should be done by a member of

the coaching staff.

Short Course – A pool 25 yards or 25 meters long. YMCA Swimming conducts its winter competition

in short course. USA Swimming conducts most of its winter competition in short course.

Split – A swimmer’s intermediate time within a race. Splits are sometimes registered every 50 yards

or meters and are used to determine if a swimmer is on pace. Under certain conditions, splits may be

used as official times. In a relay, the time for one of the four individual swimmers.

Sprint – Term used to describe events of 50 yards/meters to 100 yards/meters in length.

Streamline – The position used to gain maximum distance during a start and/or push-off from the

wall in which the swimmer’s body is as tight and long as it can be.

Taper – The final preparation phase of a season. Prior to major competition, an older, more

experienced swimmer will ease yardage and allow the body to recover. Often during taper, a swimmer

will shave his/her entire body to reduce resistance, reduce the build-up of lactic acid, and heighten

sensation in the water.

Time Trial – A time-only swim which is not part of a regular meet event.

Touch Pad – A large sensitive board at the end of each lane where a swimmer’s touch is registered

and automatically sent to the timing system.

USA# - The personal registration number for each athlete member in United States Swimming. The

formula for deriving a USS# is:

Date of Birth, first three letter of the first name, middle initial, and first three letters of the last

name.

For example, John A. Doe was born September 1, 1959.

His USS# is 090159JOHADOE

Warm Up – Low intensity swimming used by a swimmer prior to a main practice set or race to get

muscles loose and warm, and gradually increase heart rate and respiration.

YMCA Swimming – Program that began in the early 1920’s designed for the beginner swimmer to

the most competitive and skilled swimmer. YMCA swimming helps train individuals of all ages to

compete in League, District, State, and National Championships. It is designed to encourage

maximum participation, provide an educational experience, and build strong kids, strong families, and

strong communities