Team Handbook
Introduction
WHO ARE WE?
The SouthPark Dolphins Swim Team belongs to the Rocky Mountain Swim League (RMSL), which consists of 19 teams. There are four divisions referred to A, B, C and D divisions. We are in the C Division this season along with four other teams.
RMSL is governed by a set of by-laws. The Board of Directors at RMSL establishes these by-laws in conjunction with the United States Swimming (USS) rules. Each team is expected to function within these by-laws to ensure fairness to all those who participate.
Parent representatives represent each team at the RMSL meetings. The league meets several times throughout the year and is responsible for all decisions regarding the summer program. Objectives of the RMSL are:
1.To provide an opportunity for young people to develop swimming skills and gain a positive competitive swimming experience.
2.To provide an organized framework within which coaches, competitors, parents and league officials can operate with courtesy, good will and sportsmanship.
EVENTS: Swimmers are divided into age groups for practices and swim meets. The age group divisions are:
6&U
8&U
9-10
11-12
13-14
15-18
PRACTICES: Please refer to the calendar for practice dates and times. Under certain circumstances, coaches may work with a family to move a swimmer to a different practice time. Additionally, we may have swimmers who have summer jobs and are not available to attend their appointed practice time. If this is the case with your swimmer, please let us know and we will make every effort to accommodate these situations. RMSL requires that each swimmer attend a minimum of 10 practices and 2 meets to be able to swim in Prelims and Finals. Our SouthPark coaches keep track of attendance at practice and at meets to ensure we meet the RMSL requirements. Practices are sometimes cancelled due to inclement weather. Please check the SP Dolphins website spdolphins.swimtopia.com after 7:00 am to confirm there is a practice.
MEETS: Our meets are held on Saturday mornings. Coaches will inform swimmers during the week as to what time they will need to be at the host pool for warm-ups. Meets begin at 8:00 A.M., so you can anticipate warm-ups to be around 6:45 A.M. for meets held at SouthPark and 7:15 for meets held elsewhere. At each meet each swimmer is eligible to swim in three individual events plus two relays. However, if we do not have enough swimmers in an age group to field a relay team a swimmer may swim in two additional events, although these additional events may not be used to score points for the team. Swimmers might be asked to "swim up" an age group to participate in a relay.
COACHES: The parent representatives along with a hiring committee interview and select the coaches each year. They look at many qualifications before hiring a coach. Our coaches have the following responsibilities:
PARENT/SWIMMER MAILBOXES: Each swimmer will have a file in a box on the pool deck. This is where news and information will be placed about upcoming events and meets. Please try to check your box daily. In addition, we will utilize the website and email to communicate changes to meets, stroke clinics, social functions, etc. The team email address is [email protected]
COACH EMAIL: Our coaches communicate via email. Please plan to communicate scheduled absences from meets or practices, event preferences or any other items to the head coach.
See the Contacts page on this website for contact information.
WEBSITE: The SP Dolphins' website has all the information you will need throughout the season including swim meet schedules and results, pool locations, practice updates, and upcoming social events. Our website address is spdolphins.swimtopia.com. This year you will also be able to use the website to notify the coaches of swimmer absences, to purchase apparel, to sign-up and pay for stroke clinics, and to keep track of your volunteer shifts.
REGISTRATION: Swimmers on the SouthPark Swim Team need to register through the SP Dolphins on-line registration process. The registration will take place on our website spdolphins.swimtopia.com The registration fee goes to pay costs such as League registration fees, coach salaries, swimmer insurance, pool maintenance and Prelims/Finals entry fees.
SWIMMER HEALTH: Chronic health problems should be noted on the registration forms so that we can alert the coaches of any possible issues.
AGING UP: The swimmer’s age on June 1st will determine the age group in which the swimmer will compete in both Prelims and Finals. Swimmers have the opportunity to swim up one age group in individual and relay events during dual meets, prelims, and finals as long as the swimmer does not repeat the same event in two age groups. Swimming up is a strategic decision that coaches will make to benefit the individual swimmer and the team.
QUESTIONS/PROBLEMS: Should you have questions, concern or problems regarding our coaches, we ask that you please contact the Parent Reps at [email protected] who will work with you and the coach to resolve any issues.
MISSING MEETS: If your swimmer is not able to participate in a meet, you must notify the coaches on the team website on or before the Wednesday prior to the meet. It is very difficult and time consuming for the coaches and the heating committee to make last-minute changes to our roster when a swimmer is a no-show on meet day. Please show our coaches and committee members courtesy when you know your swimmer will not be at the meet on a Saturday. SHOULD YOUR SWIMMER BECOME ILL THE NIGHT BEFORE OR THE MORNING OF A MEET, PLEASE email the Parent Reps at [email protected] EITHER FRIDAY NIGHT OR EARLY SATURDAY MORNING.
PRELIMS AND FINALS: The week of prelims and finals is the last hurrah to a successful swim season. It also determines the final team standings in the RMSL. Prelims are scheduled one age group per day and usually last for several hours if not the entire day. Swimmers may swim three individual events and two relays. Swimmers placing in the top 8 will compete for the top eight places at finals. Those who finish 9th – 16th will compete in the consolation heat at finals. Medals are awarded to those swimmers competing in finals and are distributed at the end of the season Awards Banquet.
WHAT IS A DQ? DQ is short for disqualification. When a swimmer makes an error in their turn, touch, or stroke and a stroke judge calls that error, the swimmer is disqualified. A DQ means the child or relay team is ineligible to receive any ribbons or to score points for that event. Additionally, their time does not count. The stoke judge will usually give feedback to the swimmer once they leave the pool. The feedback consists of why the DQ occurred. This may be a traumatic experience for a swimmer. However, it is a valuable experience and the child will become much more interested in proper technique. The coaches work very hard with the swimmers to help them understand all the possible disqualifications. It is very important that if you disagree with the disqualification that you let the issue be resolved through the coaches. It is their responsibility.
RECORD BOARD: Look for the SouthPark Dolphins Swim Team record board located in the pool area. Records are posted by event per age group with the swimmer’s name, time and year. Since SouthPark is a 25-meter pool, only times in a meter pool will be considered for records. Times earned during prelims and finals are eligible for records.
SWIMMER OF THE WEEK: Weekly award given out by coaches each Monday morning and returned the following Monday morning. One trophy is given per gender and age group. The purpose is to recognize hard work, team spirit, being to practice on time, and practicing 4-5 days per week.
END OF THE YEAR BANQUET: Our banquet is at the end of the season, the evening of the finals meet. The year-end banquet provides an opportunity for everyone to congratulate swimmers and volunteers for a season of hard work and lots of fun. The coaching staff presents awards during the banquet, and a video slide show is usually shown afterwards, as soon as it is dark enough.
SPECTATOR POLICY: It is important to remember that this is to be fun for everyone involved. It is great fun to cheer for your swimmer but not at the expense of others. Remember swimming is about racing the clock. Any inappropriate behavior by a swimmer or parent may result in your swimmers inability to be a part of the South Park Dolphins Swim Team. Additionally, please remember to watch your other children. Any interference by a child or their toys will result in a disqualification of our team. Summer swim team is designed to be the “hook” into swimming. Your swimmer will not make the Olympic team by only swimming with a summer club. Please keep your perspective, have fun, cheer loudly, support your child as well as other swimmers. MAKE YOUR CHILD PROUD THAT YOU ARE THEIR BIGGEST FAN.
WAIVERS: All Waivers MUST be completed and signed during the registration process. No swimmers may enter the pool without a completed Waiver.
All swimmers must be registered, have a signed waiver, paid their fees, and have a family member signed up for volunteer jobs before they can swim in a meet. Your child will not be allowed to swim unless all four of these requirements are met.
Expectations of Parents
I will positively support the efforts of all our team members.
I will be a parent and leave the coaching to our coaches.
I will positively accept the volunteer positions each season.
I will communicate my concerns to the Team Representatives, not the coaches.
I will register my child, pay my Fees, sign the required waivers and volunteer where necessary before my child can participate in a swim meet.
I will assist our swimmers to eat and sleep correctly, and to be on time to practice, meets and events at the meets.
I will help clean up at swim meets.
I will inform the coaches as soon as possible when my swimmers will be absent from swim meets.
VOLUNTEERING
We are asking each family to sign up for a committee during the swim season. Some committees are meet day committees, while others are non-meet day committees. THANK YOU for your help as our team is a parent-run volunteer swim team and we could not do it without you!
Expectations of Swimmers
I will be on time for all practices, swim meets and events.
I will be mentally and physically prepared to give 100%.
I will eat and sleep the right way.
I will respond positively to all my coach’s requests.
I will assist and mentor the younger members of my team.
I will help clean up at practices and meets.
I will act in a courteous and polite manner at all times.
I will bring the clothes, money and food needed.
I will come willing to swim whatever events my coaches ask, even though they might not be my favorites.
Team Parents
Parent Representatives
Team Email Address: [email protected]
The Parent Representatives are responsible for the overall functioning of the swim team. They coordinate funds, ensure that volunteer positions are filled, and they assist in running the meets.
Team Apparel
Team suits are worn for two years, generally changing in odd years. It is strongly recommended that your child try on the suit to get the appropriate size. A team suit is not required to participate on the SouthPark swim team.
Other (optional) team items are that are available are:
Flannel pants
Sweats/Hoodies
Shorts
All of these items are available at:
Out of Breath Sports
42 E. Arapahoe Rd. 303-798-5037 (SE corner of Arapahoe & Broadway)
Swim caps with the team logo are available from the Team Parent Representatives.
Practice Schedule
A swimmer must come to at least one practice the week prior to a meet to swim in a meet unless they have obtained special permission from the coaches.
It is a league requirement that a swimmer attend two (2) meets to participate in Prelims and Finals.
If you are unable to make the practice time for your age group, see your coach about a workout during a different time.
SWIM MEETS
Meets are Saturdays, with warm-ups starting at approximately 6:45am. Meets start at 8:00am, and they usually ending by noon.
Swimmers must participate in at least two (2) meets to be eligible for Prelims and Finals.
Swimmers must notify the coaches VIA THE WEBSITE BY WEDNESDAY before the meet if they will not be attending. Please email the Parent Reps ([email protected]) if a last minute emergency will keep you from attending the meet.
Meets consist of a series of events, which are defined by the age group, gender, distance and stroke, (i.e. 8&U Boys 25M Butterfly). Each event may have multiple groups of swimmers. Each group is called a Heat.
There are two types of events: individual and relay. Relay events have teams of four swimmers.
Parents of 8 & under swimmers must help swimmers get to their events on time. No parents are allowed in the heating area or behind the starting blocks! Older kids may need help from parents, too. Before swimming in an event, a swimmer goes to the heating area. The heating area is essentially a holding area for upcoming events. The events being heated are generally posted just outside of the heating area. The purpose of heating is to make sure that all the swimmers for an event are in one place at one time BEFORE they are up, ensuring timely completion of the meet.
The roped off areas around the pool are specifically for the coaches and officials (timers, stroke judges, runners, etc). Parents, and swimmers not in the event, should cheer on their family and friends from BEHIND the rope. This allows the officials to do their job with a minimum of confusion.
In a dual meet, the top six finishers in each event will receive first through sixth place ribbons. The ribbons can be found in the swimmers mailbox at practice during the week following the meet.
The winner of a dual meet is determined by which team has accrued the most points during the meet. Points are accrued by a team’s swimmers placing first, second or third in an individual event or relay.
Meets can be cancelled for lightning in the area and/or severe weather. Per league policy, meet cancellation can only be called by the Team Representatives of both teams at 8:00 AM the morning of the meet or later during the meet if safety issues warrant.
Meet results and other league information are posted on the RMSL website at: www.rmsl.org.
Some practical tips:
Bring:
VOLUNTEER DUTIES
Each parent must volunteer for a committee. We need help from every family. It is a great way to meet other parents and to support our swimmers. A description of the Meet-Day Jobs and Non-Meet-Day Jobs are as follows:
MEET DAY VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES / JOBS:
Timing:
Two Timers are required on 3 lanes for every event at each meet. Timers are usually assigned a two-hour shift for 3 - 4 meets. Timers may also be asked to work at Prelims and/or Finals.
Heating:
Responsibilities include getting the swimmers to the heating area, organized into the right heats and lanes and on the blocks at the appropriate time. Members are usually assigned a two-hour shift for 3 - 4 meets. One benefit is interacting with the kids.
Meet Manager:
Responsible for running the Meet Manager software package for home meets. Requires 2 – 3 hours on Thursday or Friday before the home meet to set up the meet.
Scoring/Ribbons/Runners:
After each page of events, the Runner picks up timing sheets from Timers. They then organize them in lane order and take them to the scoring desk in the Clubhouse. Scorers review the event cards and enter meet results into the Meet Manager computer software. After each meet has been scored, the ribbon labels are printed from the software and placed on the appropriate ribbons for each swimmer (unless a swimmer was disqualified). After the home meets, members create meet results reports on the computer and distribute the meet result reports to the teams – typically via Email. Members may work up to a two-hour shift at 3 – 4 meets. Members may also be asked to work at Prelims and/or Finals.
Set Up/Clean Up:
Set up the pool for each home meet. Ensure that starting blocks, lane ropes, flags, heating area, sound system, etc., are set up prior to the teams arriving for warm-ups. After the meet, remove and stow the lane ropes, flags and other swim team items and clean up the pool area. Members work approximately two hours at each home meet.
Stroke Judging:
Judge swimmers during each meet to assure execution of strokes and turns are in compliance with the league rules. All stroke judges must attend the RMSL stroke-judge clinic annually. Judges are usually assigned a two-hour shift for 3 - 4 meets. Judges will also be asked to work at Prelims and/or Finals.
Concessions:
This committee is responsible for the acquisition and sale of snacks and drinks during home meets. All profits are given to the team. Members may work up to a two-hour shift at each home meet. Also requires purchasing items prior to meets, setting up the concession stand and cleaning up after the meet. On away meets we are asking members of this committee to volunteer to time.
Tent:
The tent committee brings the tent to each meet and sets it up before swimmers arrive for warm-ups. After the meet, takes the tent down. Coordinates and delegates responsibility for getting the tent to and set up at each Prelim meet and at Finals.
Starter/Referee/Announcer:
Starts each race and acts as the final judge for any conflicts. Must attend RMSL starter/referee clinic each year and be a qualified stroke judge. Members work one-half of each home meet.
NON-MEET DAY COMMITTEES
Trophies:
Researches trophy and certificate options. Discusses budget for trophies and coaches gifts with parent coordinators. Acquires SouthPark swimmer trophies for distribution at the awards ceremony and final banquet.
Newsletter:
Prepares weekly newsletter, SouthPark Dolphin News, which includes writing, typing and posting the newsletter on the Dolphins website. Provides pictures to Slide Show Chairperson for the Slide Show at the Banquet.
Prelims:
Assists coaches in the placement of swimmers in prelim events. Solicits input from each swimmer regarding their preferred events. Organizes the Prelims meeting for the coaches and team coordinators. Produces, copies and distributes prelim information to each family. Sets up prelim dinners.
Record Board:
Review meet results for new SouthPark records and ensure the record board is updated at the end of each season. Maintain the physical and social aspect of the board throughout the season, including the non-record portions of the board.
Slide Show:
Takes digital pictures at meets, practices and events throughout the year. Recruit other parents to take digital picture also. Ideally, all swimmers and parents are included in the array of pictures. Prepare digital presentation with music, for the final banquet show.
Spirit Committee:
Organize volunteers to make and deliver encouraging posters to hang on swimmers’ front doors during Prelims week. Coordinate the social events for the swim season: hotdog social, pancake breakfast, Jump Street or bowling and final awards ceremony and banquet. Also organizes team building activities during the season such as Friday practice treats and the buddy program.
Team Pictures:
Find photographer, coordinates date, and assists in getting all pictures taken, collecting money, and distributing pictures to swimmers.
Fundraising:
Responsible for coordinating and executing 2-3 fundraising events per season. Examples of fundraising events are restaurant nights, pool night BBQ, etc.
Preliminaries and Finals
It is a league requirement that a swimmer swim in at least 10 practices and swim in at least two meets to participate in Prelims and Finals.
Preliminaries are DAYLONG events. Each age group has one day of preliminaries during prelim week. There is morning practice on the days the age groups are not in prelims.
Warm-up usually begins at 6:30-7:00 a.m. and the events usually last until early afternoon, although details will be distributed the week before Prelims and League Finals.
Bring any items you would normally bring to a meet.
The host team will provide a concession stand.
Each swimmer will receive written notification of which Prelim events he/she is entered in (with his/her qualifying time) and the site of Prelims.
The team counts on all the swimmers to be there for the events for which they are registered. Swimmers may not leave the pool unless they inform one of the coaches.
Other specifics regarding Prelims are posted on the bulletin board at SouthPark Pool 1-2 days prior to each Prelim meet.
Only the swimmers and relays finishing in the top 16 places at the Prelim meet for each age group will be qualified to swim in the League Finals. Please note that two alternates (places 17 and 18) in each event should also attend finals and be prepared to swim if one the swimmers misses their event.
FOR THE FULL SWIM TEAM SEASON SCHEDULE AND POOL LOCATIONS, VIEW THE SWIM MEET TAB.
