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LAKE CHAMPLAIN WAVES PARENT HANDBOOK

Lake Champlain Waves Parent Handbook


CONTENTS

  • Team History
  • Board of Directors and Mission Statement
  • Section 1: Coaching Staff and Team Structure
  • Section 2: Swimmer’s Responsibilities
  • Section 3: Parent’s Responsibilities
  • Section 4: Fee Structure and Fund Raising
  • Section 5: Swim Meets and Philosophy of Competition
  • Section 6: Understanding Swimming


Team History and Mission Statement


The History of the Lake Champlain Waves

In 1989 Dave and Brenda Chevalier took over the coaching duties of the Bay Club Waves, located in the Bay Club Athletic Complex on the shores of Lake Champlain. Ten years later in 1999 the swim team moved to the pool at SUNY Plattsburgh and changed their name to the Lake Champlain Waves. Swimming in the North Country of New York is indebted to both Dave and Brenda who through their expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment kept competitive swimming alive for over 17 years.


In 2006 the Lake Champlain Waves transitioned from being a coach run swimming team to a team overseen by a parent board of directors. With the support of Adirondack Swimming that transition has gone smoothly.


In 2018, with the closure of the pool at SUNY Plattsburgh, the Waves split their practices between two pools, Ausable Valley Central School, and Chazy Central Rural School. In 2022, the Waves began to also swim at the Stafford Middle School pool in Plattsburgh for split practices.


At present, the Waves is coached by a team of USA Swimming Certified coaching staff, who have taken the team from a successful swimming club to a competitive swim team that continues to produce high quality swimmers.


Board of Directors


The Board of Directors for the Lake Champlain Waves is a seven-member body elected by parents of the swimmers at the annual Board meeting in May of each year. The terms for the members of the Board are two years and are staggered so that four and three members are elected every other year. The Board of Directors makes all the critical decisions for the Lake Champlain Waves, including establishing the annual budget; hiring coaches and lifeguards; purchasing equipment; establishing registration fees; determining which swim meets the club would participate in; and establishing policies guiding the activities of the club.


Mission Statement


The mission of The Lake Champlain Waves is to develop swimmers who are a credit to their community. The Lake Champlain Waves’ swimming experience tends to shape and strengthen character, develop focus, and demonstrate the importance of personal commitment and discipline throughout one’s lifetime. While the Lake Champlain Waves strive to develop champion swimmers, the club measures success not only in ribbons and medals but also in the personal and athletic growth of each swimmer.


Section 1: Coaching Staff and Team Structure


All Waves coaches must meet the high criteria set forth by USA Swimming. Each coach, including our Junior Coaches, is a certified lifeguard and has first aid and CPR training for the professional rescuer. Coaches are also required to take a safety training class for swim coaches. All the above requirements must be kept up to date for a swim coach to remain in good standing with USA Swimming and the Lake Champlain Waves.


The number of coaches hired depends upon the number of registered swimmers and the relative level of swimming development of the swimmers. The Board strives to provide enough experienced coaches to guide the swimming development of all registered swimmers of the swim club. The coaching staff should be the primary contact for parents and swimmers that have questions about the swim team. If a parent is not satisfied after discussing an issue with the coaching staff, they are then encouraged to contact a Board member.


Coaching Goals


The coaching staff will work with the swimmers to accomplish the following goals:


1. Structure workouts/practices to enable the swimmers to increase their fitness level, increase speed, improve technique, and swim intelligently.

2. Assist and train swimmers to be able to swim multiple events in all four strokes.

3. Encourage swimmers to participate in swim meets and to embrace excellence.

4. Encourage and assist the swimmers to develop healthy habits, and good nutrition.

5. Encourage and assist swimmers to display good sportsmanship, become supportive teammates, and provide good role models for responsible behavior.


Team Structure


There are three levels of swimming skill recognized in the structure of the Lake Champlain Waves.


The first level, pre-team and developmental groups, is the transitional level from swim lessons to a more competitive program. At this level there is an emphasis on the basic competitive strokes and skills. Here the swimmers will learn proper body position, breathing and swimming related skills. It is the mission of the coaching staff to ensure each swimmer enjoys their introduction to the competitive program. Entry into timed competitions for this level swimmer should be planned through discussion with the coach. It needs to be emphasized that the Lake Champlain Waves does not accept individuals who are unable to swim. Prospective swimmers must demonstrate the ability to swim a length of the pool before they will be allowed to register with the club.


The second or modified level is the transitional level from pre-team/developmental to a more competitive program. At this level there is an emphasis on the basic competitive strokes and skills. Here the swimmers will learn proper body position, breathing and swimming related skills. It is the mission of the coaching staff to ensure each swimmer enjoys their introduction to the competitive program. Entry into timed competitions for this level swimmer should be planned through discussion with the coach.


The third or competitive level is the more advanced and demanding of the groupings. Swimmers at this level have usually chosen swimming as their primary athletic endeavor. At this level the swimmer continues to focus on perfecting skills while increasing their endurance capacity. It is expected that a gold level swimmer maintains a commitment to swimming and demonstrates it at practice daily. Personal goal setting is an integral part of the gold level swimmer’s development. Success at regional and national level competitions is the goal of this level group. Multiple plans are available to meet the needs of different swimmers.


Practice Schedule


The “home” pool for the Lake Champlain Waves is located between three locations, Stafford Middle School in Plattsburgh, Ausable Valley Central School, and Chazy Central Rural School. All practices are in one of these schools unless the pool is unavailable for any reason. If the pool is unavailable, the Board will obtain permission to use another pool until one of the pools is available again or cancel practices.


The Board strives to establish a consistent practice schedule throughout the year on weekdays at times that are after typical school and work schedules so that kids can attend, and parents are able to transport the swimmers to practices. Practice schedules may vary from time to time or season to season depending upon availability of the pool. Swimmers are encouraged to use the pool’s locker rooms, when available, to change but are asked to store their clothes and valuables in their own sport bags that are to be placed on the benches located next to the pool.


Accidents or Injuries


In the event of an accident or injury, no matter how minor, the injured swimmer is expected to contact one of the coaches and immediately fill out an accident report. All accidents are subsequently reported to USA Swimming. When a report is filed, you will receive a form from USA Swimming discussing USA Swimming secondary medical coverage. If you have concerns about safety in the swim club, please contact the head coach, and if still not satisfied, the Board of Directors. If a swimmer becomes injured during the season and is unable to attend practices for more than a month, Waves will apply a credit to that swimmer’s registration for the next swim session, equal to the number of practices paid for but not attended due to the injury. A doctor’s note will be required, and this only applies to practices missed due to injury or illness. The goal is to get the swimmer back in the pool as soon as they have sufficiently recovered from the injury or illness. No swimmer should begin practices until fully recovered.


Section 2: Swimmer’s Responsibilities


Club Communication and Notification


Each swimmer is responsible for communication regarding transportation, swimming meets, and changes in practice schedules. The primary means of communication shall be by email and/or messages posted on Facebook, SportsYou, and the Lake Champlain Waves Swim Team, Inc. website. It is important for parents and swimmers to regularly monitor the website, Facebook, SportsYou and email for the latest information on practice schedules, schedule changes, swimming meet announcements, newsletters, awards, maps, and other important information. If practice is cancelled it will be posted on the day of the cancellation on the website.


Equipment


In addition to a team suit for competitions, your swimmer will need at least one other practice suit. Goggles are needed for better visibility and protection against the irritation of pool water. Be sure the goggles you buy are comfortable and watertight. Also, a swim cap is required for hair below the neck.


WAVES swim caps must be worn at USA Swim meets. The Waves Swim Club requires the use of the official team suit and swim cap at all USA Swimming meets. It is recommended that the team suit be worn only for competition to avoid natural deterioration from exposure to pool water. Wearing the team uniform at swimming meets helps create a team atmosphere and enables coaches and spectators to readily identify and cheer our swimmers. If you need to order a competition suit or a practice suit you are encouraged to contact a coach to determine the company supplying the swimsuit and applicable ordering information. Some other equipment that swimmers have used at practices include fins, kickboards, and pull buoys.


Lost and Found


You are strongly encouraged to label all your swimmers’ equipment. Labeled equipment found at practice can easily be returned to the swimmer. Unlabeled equipment floats around the pool deck and pool office and generally disappears. Swimmers should keep all swim bags and personal belongings on the pool deck and not leave anything in the locker rooms during their practice session. The locker rooms may be used simultaneously by others. The club is not responsible for lost items.


Attendance at Practice


Swimmers should be present at the pool at least 5-10 minutes before the start of practice so we can start on time and make efficient use of our pool time. Swimmers should plan to stay the entire practice unless they have arranged with the coach an early departure. The last minutes of practice are often very important. Usually, announcements are made at the end of each practice. The club sets no requirement regarding a minimum number of practices, although coaches may suggest a practice guideline for individual swimmers. The Waves coaching staff recommends the following:


  • Pre-Team and Developmental swimmers are encouraged to practice 1 to 2 days a week
  • Modifed Junior Waves swimmers are encouraged to practice 2 to 4 days a week
  • Competitive Junior and Senior Waves swimmers are encouraged to practice 3 to 5 days a week


Practice Behavior


Swimmers should work with and always support their teammates at practice. We rely on each other to achieve team and individual goals. Be courteous to teammates and coaches. The board of directors and coaches want all Waves activities (practices and social activities) to be safe for swimmers, coaches, families, and spectators. To this end, we ask that all members follow the rules of the facility being used, listen to coaches, and follow directions.


Practice is not a time for fooling around. Swimming can be one of the safest sports available to youth. Yet just one incident can turn it into a dangerous or deadly activity. Swimmers must act responsibly for their own safety and for the safety of others. Disruptive behavior and not following protocol set forth by the coaches are detrimental to the swimmer and the team.


Coaches receive the support of the board of directors in benching swimmers during practice. If swimmers are benched for the evening, they are not allowed to leave practice early. They must participate in any cleanup of equipment their group is responsible for, and they must stay until their group is dismissed.


The Waves Board of Directors reserves the right to terminate the membership of any individual whose behavior places the Waves Swim Club in an unfavorable light, jeopardizes our participation in any pool use or sporting event, or is considered hurtful to fellow swimmers and competitors. All Waves swimmers are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and act as appropriate ambassadors for the club. They should act as role models for other swimmers when wearing the Waves logo.


Swimmers are expected to:

  • attend practices and arrive on time
  • be prepared (cap, goggles, water bottle)
  • be prepared to train
  • listen and do not talk when coaches are speaking
  • do not disrupt your teammates’ training
  • get your own equipment and put it away when finished
  • help put in and remove lane lines
  • treat teammates and coaches with respect


Parents, our practices are open for you to view. Please do not try to interact with your child or the coaches during practice (meet with coaches after or outside of practice). If this becomes a problem, we will have to close our practices to parents. If your child leaves practice early, parents are responsible for their swimmer’s behavior once they have left the pool.


Meet Behavior


The Waves are always striving to prepare our swimmers to challenge themselves both in practice and in competition situations. Respect and modesty in dealing with coaches, teammates, officials, parents, children, and other competitors are behaviors that are expected of all Waves members. Each team member is expected to support and encourage other team competitors.


It is not healthy or acceptable for an athlete to be upset at a teammate or competitor for having a better race or practice than them. If an athlete is unhappy with their result, they need to speak with a coach on how they may improve their performance.


It is the coaches’ job to offer constructive criticism regarding races and technique, not the job of parents or teammates.


Swimmers should and will be expected to swim in all events that the coach feels they are ready for. The coaches will determine which swimmers will participate in relay events. While a swimmer or parent may not agree with this decision, please know that the decision is made after careful consideration and in the best interest of all swimmers and the team. If a swimmer qualifies for consolations or finals, we expect that swimmer to compete in that event, unless excused by the coach.


Section 3: Parent’s Responsibilities


As parents, we must respect our swimmers. We cannot forget how hard our children are trying to do their best and accept that each swim will not result in a best time. We must congratulate them for each and every effort. As swimming parents, we must not forget to measure the true success of our children by the enjoyment, the teamwork, the commitment, and the discipline they are developing through their competitive swimming years. It will be these qualities that remain with them for the rest of their lives.


Parent Guidelines


The best way to help your child achieve goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one, remember that this is a learning experience. You and your child should learn to treat success and failure as learning experiences and not as life-changing situations. Encourage your child's efforts and point out the positive things. The coach is the one you have assigned to judge a swimmer's performance and technique. Please let the coach provide the coaching to your child. Your role is to provide love and support regardless of the outcome.


Parents should understand that individuals progress at different rates and to different levels of achievement. There will be times of accelerated improvement and there will be plateaus, where an athlete will go through (sometimes long) stretches without improvement.


Parents’ attitudes and models often dictate those of their children. For example, be enthusiastic about taking your child to practices and meets, fund-raising projects, meetings, etc.


In swimming, as in life, nobody can “win” or succeed all the time. There will always be some disappointment. Every youngster can gain from this experience whether they ever win a single race. The important thing is to keep on striving to do better next time. The secret is not only to produce great swimmers but also, great young people who swim.


Volunteering


All parents registering with the Waves Swim Club are required to participate in volunteer support services. Throughout the year we attend swimming meets where we are asked to be responsible for timing. We need every family’s involvement in this so the burden does not fall more heavily on certain parents. We also ask that you participate in fund-raising as it occurs. It is the volunteer efforts of individual parents that allow for the existence of the club.


Parent Meetings


Periodically, Parent Meetings shall be held to discuss a variety of matters, including: objectives for the swim season; information regarding practices and meets; importance of the swimmers establishing goals; importance of proper nutrition for the swimmers; and other items and concerns that may come before the club. Parent Meetings will typically be run by the coaching staff, however, on occasion the Board of Directors may attend or direct a meeting.


Section 4: Fee Structure and Fund Raising


In addition to membership dues, each athlete must be registered with USA Swimming. Registration is done through the WAVES USA Swim Registrar and needs to be done in October, November, and December for the following swim year or at the time of session registration for new swimmers and returning swimmers in the spring and summer. If a swimmer is not registered with USA Swimming, they may not swim with WAVES.


Family discounts are available to families with two or more swimmers registered per session. Those families will receive a discount off the registration fees for each swimmer younger than the eldest swimmer in the club. The discount does not apply to the USA registration fee.


Volunteer Board Members and Officials Discount is an additional 10% discount off the session registration fees for each registered swimmer of a Volunteer Board Member and Volunteer Official. The discount does not apply to the USA registration fee. This discount is in addition to the Family discount for multiple swimmers.


Fund Raising


Fundraising is an integral part of continuing and growing the Lake Champlain Waves Swim Team. All members are asked to actively participate in fund raising activities. Fundraising allows the Board of Directors to keep the cost of Waves participation at reasonable levels. It also allows us to adequately compensate our coaches.


Section 5: Swim Meets and Philosophy of Competition


By its very name, the purpose of competitive swimming is to compete and that means attending swim meets! Individuals seeking membership in the Waves should understand that besides having a developmental swim program we are a competitive team.


Swimmers should be willing to accept the responsibility of membership and participate in swimming meets. For many new swimmers, taking the first step and going to their first competitive meet is a big undertaking. Our coaches understand this and are happy to share information about each swim meet and what may be good for beginners. The coaches will also help each swimmer prepare for each race and discuss the performance of each swimmer upon conclusion of the race. When you are notified of meets, you should read the meet announcement carefully and ask your child’s coach whether that meet would be appropriate for your swimmer.


If a swimmer is attending a meet, that swimmer must have a parent or guardian in attendance; it is not acceptable to drop off a swimmer at a meet and leave him or her unsupervised.


The Waves participate in the following types of meets:

  • Developmental meets
  • Invitational meets
  • Championship meets
  • Eastern Zone meets


A developmental meet is a USA Swimming meet, following all rules and regulations set forth by the governing body. Fastest swimmers are generally excluded. Swimmers who swim faster than the established cutoff time are typically awarded a certificate announcing their achievement. At USA Swimming meets, the swimmers’ awards are given to the coach at the end of the meet, who shall distribute the awards to the swimmers.


An invitational meet is for any swimmer, unless cutoff times are listed in advance. Swimmers are placed in heats according to their seed times, swimming slowest to fastest. The swimmers with the fastest six or eight times, without regard to heat assignments, win awards.


At a championship meet, events are first swum as preliminary heats for ages 11and up. Heats are mixed, with the fastest swimmers in the same heats as the slower swimmers. The fastest six or eight from preliminaries will swim in a finals heat later in the day. Often, the next six or eight after those will swim in a consolation finals heat. Younger swimmers participate in an invitational meet.


Participation in a district championship meet is restricted to swimmers who are members of that district. Cutoff times are established for championship meets. Adirondack typically offers a Silver (developmental championship) meet and a Gold (Junior Olympic) championship meet at the conclusion of the short course season in March as well as a championship meet for all swimmers at the conclusion of the long course season in July.


The district championship meet decides which swimmers are eligible to go to the Eastern States Zone Championship Meet. USA Swimming divides areas of the country into small units for organizational purposes. The Waves Swim Club is a member of a Local Swimming Committee (LSC) known as Adirondack Swimming. The Adirondack swimming district is defined as that portion of New York State east and north of Oswego, Onondaga, Cortland, Broome, Sullivan, Orange, and Dutchess counties. The Adirondack district is one of 12 districts in the eastern zone. Each of the 12 districts conducts a championship meet at the end of the short course season. The fastest two swimmers in each age group, each sex, and each event from each district are chosen to compete against each other at a location within the zone for the Eastern States Zone Championship Meet. To be eligible for zones, it is necessary to sign up in advance and qualify for the team by meeting all the minimum criteria. In the past, some swimmers have been excluded because they, or their parents, underestimated their ability or rate of improvement. If you think that your swimmer may be close, it is always best to take a chance and apply.


Steps For Sign-Up


Notice for sign-up of meets, including a deadline for sign-up shall be posted on the website and by email when possible. If you plan on your child attending the swim meet, it is your responsibility to complete the registration on our website and pay the registration fees following the meet. The coach will take your choices under advisement but will ultimately pick the events each swimmer will swim at all meets. If you only wish to attend one day of a multiple day meet, indicate this by registering for the corresponding events through the online meet registration form.


Entry Time is used to seed the heats in that event. Each event must have a time to be seeded. Some meets may have a Minimum Qualifying Time such as Gold Championships and Developmental Meets may have a Maximum Qualifying Time such as Silver Championships for entries. After the meet entries are submitted, there will be no financial reimbursement available unless a swimmer is cut from an event by the host team due to oversubscription or the meet is cancelled. Please be sure to meet all deadlines. There is a lot of paperwork involved in swim meet entries and we also have deadlines. Late entries will not be accepted.


Stuff to Bring to the Meet (Experienced Waves recommend bringing the following)


Swimmers bring:

  • Team suit
  • Extra swim suits just in case
  • Goggles —well-adjusted and leakproof
  • Extra goggles just in case
  • Team swim cap — or two in case one rips
  • Sweatshirt and sweatpants — maybe two sets
  • Team jacket, if you have one
  • Towels — two or three are needed because the swimmer dries off after warm-ups, between events, and when changing to go home
  • Plastic water bottle and/or drinks in containers other than glass
  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow (optional)
  • Quiet activities: homework, books, Walkman, playing cards, and so on
  • Sharpie or Ballpoint pen to write on your swimmer’s hand
  • Food or money for food (almost all meets sell inexpensive concessions: coffee, juice, soda, hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, baked goods, and so on)
  • Good luck charms!!!


Parents bring:

  • Cell phone to access Meet Mobile app and/or Commit App
  • Folding lawn chairs, as some pools do not have bleachers or use a designated holding area for large swim meets
  • Highlighter to mark your swim program, if available
  • Cash and Credit/Debit Cards
  • ​Food and drinks (most meets have inexpensive concessions: coffee, juice, soda, hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, baked goods, etc.)
  • Swim Programs, if available ($3 to $10) — helpful, but you’re not obligated to buy them
  • Swim Meet Entrance fees ($5 to $15 per person) — sometimes required by the host team to cover meet costs
  • Swim equipment and swim merchandise, if available


Some of these items may seem unnecessary, but when you arrive at your first swim meet, you will soon understand the value of each and be glad you brought them.


Section 6: Understanding Swimming


The Swimming Strokes


There are specific standards set forth by USA Swimming for all strokes, starts, and turns. For details, refer to the publication “USA Swimming Rules.” Rules are modified from time to time, and coaches will keep swimmers informed.


In freestyle, the competitor may swim any stroke he or she wishes. The stroke most often seen in freestyle events is the front crawl stroke. The alternate over hand motion of the arms and alternating up-and-down flutter kick characterize this stroke. The forward start is used. Any type of turn is acceptable, but when turning, some part of the swimmer’s body must touch the wall. The swimmer finishes when some part of the body touches the solid wall or timing pad at the end of the pool. A common reason for disqualification is failure to touch the wall when turning.


In backstroke, the swimmer swims on the back using an alternating motion of the arms and a flutter kick. Some part of the swimmer’s body must touch the end of the pool on turns. The swimmer is not permitted to turn over onto the front during the race except when performing the backstroke front flip turn. The coach will teach this turn to your swimmer when he or she is ready. The coach will let the swimmer know when he or she is ready to use the turn in competition. The finishing of the backstroke occurs when some part of the swimmer touches the solid wall or timing pad at the end of the pool. A common reason for disqualification is failure to remain on the back.


In butterfly, the swimmer performs a simultaneous overhand stroke of the arms while doing an undulating dolphin kick with the legs. In the kick, the swimmer must move the legs together and may not use a flutter, scissors, or breaststroke kick. The swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously when turning and when finishing. Underwater recovery of the arms and one-hand touches on turns and finishes are common reasons for disqualification in both the butterfly and the breaststroke.


In breaststroke, the swimmer is required to move both arms under water simultaneously in the same horizontal plane. The kick is like the action of a frog. No flutter, scissors, or dolphin kick is permitted. Except on the pullout after the start and on each turn, the swimmer’s hands are not allowed to pull past the hip line. On the turn and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously with the shoulders in line with the surface of the water.


In the individual medley, the swimmer swims one, two, or four laps of each of the four strokes in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.


A Glossary of Swim Terms


Age Groups - In USA Swimming, competition is primarily broken into 2 yr. segments. Events are swum as 8 & under (or 10 & under), 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15 & Over. Some competitions may have SENIOR or OPEN levels where swimmers of any age who have met the time standard for a particular event may enter.


Attached - An athlete member who represents a particular USA club in competition. An "attached" swimmer may participate in relay competition for that club at USA Swim meets.


Circled Seeding - Where trials and finals are conducted, the trial heats are sorted by time, slowest to fastest EXCEPT for the last three heats. Swimmers who are placed in the last three heats are sorted by lane where the fastest three are assigned lane 3, the next three assigned lane 4, then 2,5,1,6 or in an eight-lane pool, 4,5,3,6,2,7,1,8 respectively.


Clerk of Course - The person who oversees the area where swimmers report prior to their event. They may simply receive an entry card to provide to the timer or be sorted by heat and lane and remain in that area until they are called to the starting blocks. This process is common for 8 & under competitors to insure no one misses their event.


Course - The length of the pool where the competition is being conducted. SHORT COURSE competitions are conducted in 25 yard or meter pools. This is the common course for High School or Collegiate competitions. LONG COURSE competitions are held in 50-meter pools. This is the common course for Olympic competition. In addition, most Short Course meets are conducted during the "Short Course" season (September to March) and Long Course meets during the "Long Course" season (May to August).


Dual Meet - A competition conducted between two teams. Age groups and events agreed to by both teams prior to the competition. There are many swim "leagues" where dual meets are the primary source of competition.


Event - A specific race at a given distance, stroke and age group.


Finals/Prelims - Where preliminary/trials are conducted for the purpose of determining the top swimmers in a race or series of races. These "finalists" compete again to determine the final placing in that event. The number of "finalists" chosen will be determined by the number of lanes and the host team. Normally, there are 6 or 12 finalists for meets conducted in a 6-lane pool and 8 or 16 finalists for meets conducted in an 8-lane facility.


Heats - The method used to sort swimmers within an event. The number of heats in each event is determined by the number of entrants and the lanes available for competition. Swimmers are grouped by times from slowest (first heat) to fastest (last heat). Where trials and finals are held, circle seeding is used (see Circle Seeding).


Heat Sheets/Program - Lists all events, heats, and lane assignments for the competition. In some cases, an estimated "timeline" will show the approximate time each heat will be swum. Competitors’ names, ages and club affiliations are provided as well.


L.S.C. - Local Swimming Committee is an administrative division of USA Swimming. This body is responsible for ensuring that the rules and regulations of USA Swimming are enforced throughout a geographical region of the United States. The LSC duties include governing over swim clubs, competitions, competitors, parent, and coach members.


Lycra Suit - This type of suit is usually reserved for competition. Close fitting, the fabric is not designed for wear and tear and will get stretched out if worn in practice sessions. Team suits should NOT be worn in practice sessions!! 


Negative Split - A swim where the intermediate times indicate that the swimmer is covering equal distance in less time as the swim progresses. Common example: the second half of the swim is faster than the first half. 


Nylon Suit - This type of suit is usually worn in practice. A more durable fabric than Lycra, it is heavier and fits more loosely. Swimmers sometimes wear multiple suits to increase drag for practice sessions.


Officials - Persons in charge of conducting a competition. Usually in white, they are positioned around the pool and are responsible for ensuring each race is conducted according to USA rules and regulations, and each swimmer is performing the start, stroke, turn and finish in accordance with the rules and guidelines established for that stroke. Parents who are interested in becoming an official should contact a board member.


Proof of Time - A requirement at most regional / national championship competitions to ensure that all swimmers have achieved the time standard in a sanctioned USA competition for a particular event. Should a swimmer or coach be asked to produce proof of time and cannot, the swimmer will be disqualified from competition.


Referee - The USA official in charge of all officials. The swim meet referee makes the final decision in all matters related to the competition.


Seed Time - or entry time, the time submitted by a swimmer for a particular event. The time will determine the swimmer's heat and lane assignment for that event. The time should reflect the swimmer's best time in that event at the time of submission. If a swimmer has not competed in the event (in most cases) submission of a no time "NT" is proper.


Split - The time of a particular segment of a race. Split times are used to help teach pace and race strategy. Example: For a 50-yard race, the swimmer's split time for the first 25 might be 17.85, and the final time 36.63. In a 100-yard event, the swimmer would have 4 split times.


Starter - The USA official who is responsible for starting each heat, ensuring all swimmers get an equal advantage at the start of the race and calling the next heat to the starting blocks. Stroke/Turn Judge - The U.S. A. official who is responsible for insuring swimmers adhere to stroke/turn rules governing that stroke/event.


Team Uniform - The designated apparel worn by all team members. Requirements may vary by club but at least every team member should wear the designated suit for all USA competitions.


Time Standards - Established by USA Swimming, these times help swimmers compare their ability to other swimmers across the country. Some meets will establish qualifying times which must be met to compete in that meet. These qualifying times are usually taken from these standards. The standards are broken down by age group beginning with 10 & under and are "B", "BB", "A", "AA", "AAA", "AAAA", from slowest to fastest.


Touch Pad- The part of the electronic timing system which rests in the water, against the wall where the race ends. A swimmer should be trained to "touch" the area of the pad (at the lip of the wall and below) to activate the system and insure the fastest race time.


Unattached - An athlete member who does not represent a club in USA competition. "Unattached" swimmers may not compete in relay competitions in USA Swimming meets. A swimmer must swim "unattached" for a period of 120 days when switching from one USA club to another. The swimmer must also present to the L.S.C. a signed document from their former club verifying they left that club in "good standing" prior to competing as an "Attached" swimmer for another club. See a club official for details.


USA Swimming - The national governing body for amateur swimming in the United States. Warm Down - A process where the swimmer recovers from a race. In this process, the swimmer breaks down lactic acid which builds in the muscles during the race, allowing the cardiovascular system to relax and recover, and reviews the race and critique given by the coach to begin to prepare for improvement in that event.


Warm Up - A process where swimmers prepare for a competition. Usually conducted as a team, each swimmer prepares their muscles, cardiovascular system as well as their minds (focus) for the upcoming challenge(s) of the day.


REFERENCES


Adirondack Swimming Main Page 

http://www.adirondackswimming.org


Eastern Zone Swimming Main Page

http://www.easternzoneswimming.org


USA Swimming Main Page

https://www.usaswimming.org 


Swimcloud - Provides Worldwide Swimming Results, Rankings, and Data

https://www.swimcloud.com


American Swim Coaches Assoc. Misc. Info

http://www.swimmingcoach.org

Updated Draft 10.16.2024