Hannibal Hurricanes
Competitive Swim Team
Swimmer & Parent Handbook
2010-2011
“Being your best is not so much about
overcoming the barriers other people place
in front of you as it is about overcoming the
barriers we place in front of ourselves. It has
nothing to do with how many times you win
or lose. It has no relation to where you finish
in a race or whether you break world records.
But it does have everything to do with having
the vision to dream, the courage to recover
from adversity and the determination never
to be shifted from your goals.”
- Kieren Perkins
Australian Olympic gold-medal swimmer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
All About The Coaches ...............................................................................3-4
History of the Hannibal Hurricanes Swim Team ...................................... 4
Parent Meeting Schedule ............................................................................. 5
Who’s Who in 2010-2011 ........................................................................... 5
Team Affiliations ........................................................................................... 6
Goals of the Hannibal Hurricanes Swim Team ......................................... 7
Rules and Regulations ................................................................................. 7
USA Swimming ...........................................................................................8-9
USA Application ...........................................................................................10
Theory Behind Practice Groups ........................................................... 11-12
Team Practice Flights ........................................................................... 13-17
Hannibal Hurricane Team Records..................................................... 17-20
Team Membership ......................................................................................20
Fees ...............................................................................................................20
Mailbox/Bulletin Board/Email ..................................................................21
Practice ................................................................................................... 21-22
Practice Policy
Practice Schedule
Missed Practices
Meets....................................................................................................... 22-23
What To Bring To A Meet
Away Meets
Policies and Responsibilities ............................................................... 23-24
Equipment Policy
Proper Conduct Policy
Discipline Policy
Parental/Guardian Responsibilities
Are You A Pressure Parent ........................................................................24
Awards ..........................................................................................................25
Achievement Program.......................................................................... 25-26
Swimmer of the Week
Swimmer of the Month
Officials .........................................................................................................26
Benefits of Competitive Swimming ..........................................................26
Winning Ways ........................................................................................ 26-27
Terminology............................................................................................ 27-30
2
Coach Kara Viorel
begins her fifth season of
coaching. She is going on her fourth year as the Aquatics Director
and is excited about continuing her role at the YMCA. Kara has 14
years competitive swimming experience.
In May 2000, she
graduated from Lake Forest College where she was a 16-time
conference champion in Division III Women’s Varsity Swimming, 4time Division III National Qualifier, 2 year team captain, and school
record holder. She was an assistant coach in Deerfield, IL for 5 years
and has been a certified coach in USA Swimming for 11 years. Kara
has experience as an aquatics coordinator and is a certified personal
trainer. This is also the second season of Kara’s role of Head Men’s
and Women’s Swimming Coach for Hannibal-LaGrange College.
Hannibal is where Kara’s swimming career initiated and she enjoys
helping the sport of swimming grow in her hometown.
Assistant Coach Kris Kennedy is in her
third winter season with the Hurricanes. She is a YMCA certified
official and works with all groups on their swimming skills. She is also
a certified coach through USA Swimming. Her stroke expertise is very
helpful to the younger kids.
Assistant Coach Jessica Aggers
also
grew up swimming for the Hannibal Hurricanes and Hannibal High
School. This is the fourth season that Jessica has helped coach the
Hurricanes. Her main focus will be with the Bronze and Silver
Swimmers. She brings great experience in swimming and working
with the younger swim team member. The team has been very
pleased with Jessica’s coaching skills.
Assistant Coach Kristen Shores begins
her fourth winter season with the Hurricanes. She joined the team
during summer season of 2007. Kristen grew up swimming for the
Hannibal Hurricanes and the Hannibal Pirates. Look up at the record
board the see her name. She gives our swimmers something to look
up to. She will be working with the Silver group on their dry land
activities and also in the water skills. Like Kara, Kristen’s swimming
career initiated in Hannibal and she is glad to be working with her
hometown swimmers.
3
Assistant Rachael Brame
started with the
Hurricanes during the end of the winter season of 2010. She will be
working with the Bronze and Silver groups. Rachael swam in high
school where she grew up in Kansas City. She was also a national
swimmer for Hannibal-LaGrange College.
Assistant Sarah Burkholder started with
HHST for the spring clinic in 2010. She was a member of HannibalLaGrange College Swimming Team and brings great experience to the
team. She will be working mainly with the blue group on learning the
skills to advance on the team.
HHST PARENT ORGANIZATION
A group of interested parents, a supportive YMCA, and Spike Ehrhardt
of Hardees Family Restaurants founded our team in 1986. We have
continued to prosper due to the commitment of the parents. Parent
group committees organize and manage meets, fundraisers, and
decide the future of swimming activities in Hannibal. The program
thrives on teamwork and cooperation!
A positive parent/coach relationship is essential to a successful
swimming program. The failure of parents and coaches to work
together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration will
result in a less than ideal experience for the swimmer.
As parents, there will be times when you do not understand or you
question team policies or coaching decisions. This is natural and to be
expected; however, come to the coaches or the Aquatics Program
Director with your questions. There are usually reasonable answers.
The worst thing you can do for yourself, your swimmer, and our team,
is jump to conclusions and engage in petty and destructive side talk.
It is important that when resolving differences or misunderstanding,
the swimmer not be involved. In order for the swimmers to derive
maximum benefit from the swim team, they must have respect for
and a sense of loyalty to the team and coach. If a swimmer becomes
involved in a “tug of war” between coaches and parents, his or her
progress and enjoyment of the sport will be damaged.
The Key Word is TEAMWORK!
4
PARENT MEETING SCHEDULE
September 15, 2010
5:30 pm
January 12, 2011
5:30 pm
February 23, 2011
5:30 pm
WHO’S WHO IN 2010-2011
YMCA ORGANIZATION
Coach
Assistant Coach
Aquatics Director
YMCA Director
Kara Viorel .................................... 573-795-1009
Kara_esicar@msn.com
Kristen Shores…………………..573-795-0842
Jessica Aggers…….……………….573-795-1964
Rachael Brame……….…………..816-804-6601
Sarah Burkholder…………………618-550-5536
Kris Kennedy……………………..217-242-1426
Kara Viorel .................................... 573-221-0586
Kara.viorel@ymcaofhannibal.org
Pete Friesen ................................. 573-221-0586
Pete.freisen@ymcaofhannibal.org
PARENTS ORGANIZATION
Executive Committee
President
LaRhonda Behl ............................ 573-221-9251
larhonda@larhondabehl.com
Vice President
Terri Saywer…………………………..573-231-6676
tsawyer@wildblue.net
Secretary
Mindy Prenger .............................. 217-653-2990
mprenger@hannibal.k12.mo.us
Treasurer
Renee Bennett……………………… 573-231-0691
573-795-9586
Bennett6@adams.net
Michelle Lewton……………………573-822-3004
Lewtons5@yahoo.com
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WEBSITE
www.teamunify.com/ozshhst
TEAM AFFILIATIONS
ST. LOUIS YMCA SWIMMING DISTRICT
Our team is a member of the St. Louis YMCA Swimming District that
consists of thirteen teams and approximately 600 swimmers.
BOOY .............................................................................Boonslick Heartland YMCA
PO Box 104
Dickson Stauffer
Boonville, Missouri 65233
660-882-8500
CRCY ....................................................................... Centralia RecPlex//Mt. Vernon
115 East 2nd Street
Larry Jukes
Centralia, Illinois 62801
618-315-1475
EDWY ......................................................................................... Edwardsville YMCA
1200 Esic Drive
Bob Rettle
Edwardsville, Illinois 62025
618-656-0436
FRAY...........................................................................Four Rivers Area Family YMCA
400 Grand Ave.
Washington MO 63090
David Schneider
636-239-5513
HHST ................................................................................................ Hannibal YMCA
1 YMCA Drive
Kara Viorel
Hannibal, Missouri 63401
573-221-0586
JCAY ................................................................................. Jefferson City Area YMCA
424 Stadium Drive
Sherry Wittrock
Jefferson City, Missouri
573-761-9015
KWBY............................................................................... Kirkwood/Webster YMCA
226 East Lockwood
Kelly Lakebrink
St. Louis, Missouri 63119
314-686-3542
MEXY ................................................................................................... Mexico YMCA
1127 Adams St.
Matthias McManus
Mexico, Missouri 65265
573-581-1540
HTCY……………………………………………………………Monroe County YMCA-HTC Center
9514 Caring Way
Columbia, IL 62236
Jennifer Eggleston
618-281-9622 x17
RLAY…………………………………………………………………Rend Lake Aquatics YMCA
468 North Ken Gray Parkway
Laura Johnson
Ina, IL 62846
618-521-7112
SCCY ................................................................................. St. Charles County YMCA
3900 Ehlmann Road
Mary O’Mara
St. Peters, Missouri 63376
636-928-1928
TCAY .............................................................. Lewis and Clark Community College
5800 Godfrey Rd
Nancy Miller
Godfrey, Illinois 62035
618-466-7000
WCFY ............................................................................. West County Family YMCA
6
16464 Burkhardt
Rich Corning
Chesterfield, Missouri 63006
636-532-3100
WWFY ............................................... Wildwood Family YMCA of Greater St. Louis
2641 Hwy 9
Molly Metz
Wildwood, Missouri 63040
636-458-6636
YOCC ............................................................................... YMCA of Callaway County
1215 Wood St.
Sara Hatcher
Fulton, Missouri 65221
573-642-1065
YOSI .............................................................................. YMCA of Southwest Illinois
15 North 1st Street
Patrick Bever
Belleville, Illinois 62220
618-567-0023
MISSOURI/ILLINOIS YMCA CONFERENCE
Our district is one of five districts that make up the Illinois YMCA Swim
Conference, which consists of 54 teams and approximately 3,700
swimmers. A swimmer’s age for the entire season is defined as the age
the swimmer will be on December 1, 2009. This is also the day when
team rosters are due. Only swimmers submitted on this roster are eligible
to compete in Districts and State. To be on the roster, the swimmer must
be on the team and have all current fees paid to the YMCA by December
1, 2009.
Ages are divided into the following competitive groups:
6 and under for some meets (not districts/state)
8 and Under
9 and 10
11 and 12
13 and 14
15 to 21
GOALS OF THE HURRICANE SWIM TEAM
1. To have FUN!
2. To encourage swimmers of all abilities and ages to develop their full
potential.
3. To create a strong competitive team that strives for success within the
competitive arena.
4. To offer a healthy activity which fosters mental and physical discipline.
5. To encourage individual goal setting and personal pride.
6. To develop and promote a club social program to encourage
attendance, develop team unity, and build long-term friendships
between team members and club families.
7. To encourage and develop a supportive parent and administration
layer.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.
2.
When the coach is speaking, you are always listening.
Never say “I can’t”. Nothing is impossible, always try your hardest and
give 100% effort.
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3.
Always swim from wall to wall – No stopping or walking on the bottom of
the pool.
4. If you are going to be late or must leave early, please bring a note.
5. There is absolutely NO running on deck.
6. If you have a question, always ask your coach, and please raise your
hand.
7. When you are at the wall, keep your head above the water and your eyes
on the coach.
8. Stroke work is our main goal; you need to concentrate hard and work on
your strokes.
9. There will be no arguing with other teammates about the order of the
lane.
10. At meets you should always be at the team meeting prior to the start of
the meet and you should ALWAYS see your coach after each race.
USA SWIMMING
What is USA Swimming?
USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for competitive
swimming in the Unites States. USA Swimming formulates the rules,
implements the policies and procedures, conducts the national
championships, disseminates safety and sports medicine information
and selects athletes to represent the United States in international
competition.
How is USA Swimming Organized?
International – The international federation for the aquatic
sports is the Federation Internationle de Natation amateur (FINA).
USA is affiliated with this organization.
National – USA Swimming is a Group A member of the United States
Olympic Committee (USOC)
Zone – We are divided into four separate zones – Central, Eastern,
Southern and Western.
Local – Within the US, there are fifty-nine Local Swimming Committees
(LSCs).
What is our Local Swim Club (LSC)?
Our local LSC is Ozark
What are our USA swimming affiliations?
Centralia Recreation Complex (CRCY)
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Clayton Shaw Park (CSP)
Edwardsville YMCA (EDWY)
Flyers Aquatic Swim Team (FAST)
Gator Swim Team (GATR)
Heat Swimming (HEAT)
Parkway Swim Club (PKWY)
Rec-Plex Swim Team (RPLX)
What are the USA Swimming websites?
www.usaswimming.org
www.ozarkswimming.org
What are USA Swimming Time Qualifications?
These are the times needed to qualify for the Ozark Championships
(held in February and comparable to YMCA area championships)
This can be found on the “Qtime Sheet”
SCY – Short Course Yards
SCM – Short Course Meters
LCM – Long Course Meters
How do I apply for USA Swimming?
Complete application form turn into Coach Kara. All Platinum and
Gold HHST swimmers will also be USA certified. A card will be mailed
to the coach and then put into your mailbox. Your card will need to
be re-newed every year.
Club code – HHST
LSC – Ozark (OZ)
If you have a USA card from another team, you must wait 120 day
from the last meet swam, before you can hold a card with HHST. If
you want to continue to swim USA during that time frame you MUST
swim unattached (enter this as your club code). If you would swim for
another team during the HHST season, you would be ineligible to
participate in YMCA meets, including districts.
When transferring from another team, you must become HHST-OZ
attached after the 120 waiting period. If you swim USA and are not
attached to HHST, you will not be able to participate in sanctioned
9
YMCA meets with HHST. This includes Tom and Becky, districts, area,
and national competitions.
HHST fully believes in team unity. That is why we have made the
decision that the entire team becomes USA certified. We hope you
understand our newer policies.
10
THE THEORY BEHIND PRACTICE GROUPS
The structure of each practice group has been developed based on
several different qualifications. Listed below are some of the
considerations that have gone into our group designs.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Our program is designed based on the following coaching
philosophy which the HHST staff upholds. We will provide
athletes with the tools for a long-term swimming career and
in a greater context, character qualities that will be useful
throughout life. With these long-tem goals in mind, we will
beginning with their first day of practice. For example, we
are not thinking of how to produce an 8 & under event
winner but how to improve their skills in the water while
having fun! In addition, we have found that working towards
that big picture is usually accompanied with short-term
success (but not always).
All children at a given age have a specific range of motor
abilities and mental capacity. In order to create a positive
learning environment in a very challenging sport, we put
great effort in building that positive environment where we
are not asking too much of any athlete too early. Swimming
is a sport that demands a great deal mentally and
physically, so the coaches aim to provide our young
swimmers with the tools they need to pursue the sport of
swimming for the long term.
Children, particularly in the age range of 9-12, show a wide
variety in their growth rates and developmental processes.
With this in mind, no coach can not create a set in stone
plan for everyone and then expect it to work for each
individual. Our grouping allows for flexibility, taking into
account that one athlete may climb a different learning
curve than another – though they may eventually reach the
same place.
It may be possible to “move” a swimmer quickly from group
to group, but the swimmer takes the risk of missing crucial
steps in the fundamental building blocks the coaching staff
is trying to provide. The athlete may eventually recover the
missed steps but it may be too late, limiting their potential
success. It is much more effective to form good habits early
than to try and break bad habits later in the swimmers
career.
11
5.
Much of what an individual can achieve is determined by the
environment in which that individual is placed. For example,
placing a swimmer in an advanced group too early may
cause feelings of inadequacy and failure. The correct
grouping for swimmers is a very important process. A
motivated and positive group atmosphere can be an added
boost towards progress. The coaches will place the
swimmers in the correct climate based on their age and
ability. They will also determine when the correct time will
be for each swimmer to move from group to group. All
current swimmers will be assessed by the coaching staff
during the breaks in the fall and spring and will move groups
at that time. Moving a swimmer mid-season can also be
detrimental to their improvement and self-confidence. The
coaches have established criteria and the coaches reserve
the right to place swimmers in flights at their discretion.
The attendance policies should be used as a guideline to reflect this essential
foundation: swimming is a cycle sport that requires a great deal of planning
and long-term conditioning. Just as a performance in a marathon is linked to
many months of training; swimming performance is strongly linked to practice
attendance throughout the season. Swimming is not a sport of inconsistent
training, last minute shots that end in victory. It is a sport in which success is
determined by how much work has been put in. Each of our practice groups
have specific goals and training plans associated with them. Each training
plan has a definite beginning, middle, and end. The more the swimmer is a
part of the process and gives 100% during that process, the more solid
progression they will make. Missing parts of stretching, dry land, and
workouts will result in missing out on specific parts of the seasonal plan and
will in turn have a direct and definite impact on the swimmers performance.
The coaching staff strongly takes into consideration how difficult it can be for
our young ones to commit so much to just one thing. This is a time in their
lives when they should experience fun, quality family time, other team sports,
and to simply pursue other interests. We will gladly accommodate conflicts
but wanted to make the cost and benefits clear to all swimmers and their
families.
12
AGE GROUP PROGRAMS:
Blue Level (Beginners: 30 minutes practice time)
Ages:
10 & under
Practices Offered:
3-5 Per week
Practice Length:
30 mins – 1 hour
Blue is the first step as a member of the Hannibal Hurricane Swim Team and is
primarily for all 10 and under swimmers who can perform a 25 yards in Freestyle
with an idea of rotary breathing under 1:00 and also make 25 yards in Backstroke
under 1:00 without stopping. Refining the four strokes and having fun are the
main points of emphasis. Swimmers will also begin to focus more on proper turns
and starts. Participation at home swim meets is encouraged.
Note that practice time is scheduled to start 15 mins earlier to allow for stretching.
September – March:
Mon-Fridays 5:15pm – 6:00pm
$150/session or 6 payments of$30/month
June – July:
Mon/Wed/Fri: 2:45-4:00pm
$68 or 2 monthly payments of $40
Bronze Level (Intermediate Age Group: 1 hour practice time)
Ages:
9 to 12 years
Practices Offered:
5 per week
Practice Length:
45 mins -1 hour
Bronze is primarily for swimmers age nine through twelve years of age new to year
round swimming and not yet ready for the Silver Group. Swimmer must be able to
complete 50 Free with rotary breathing under 55 seconds to be in this group. They
must also have basic knowledge of the breaststroke and butterfly. Basic stroke
and skills instruction are still the main emphasis, with pace clock and training
knowledge introduced. Swimmers will learn how to complete training on specific
repetitions. Participation in swim meets is encouraged to members of this group.
Note that practice time is scheduled to start 15 mins earlier to allow for stretching.
September – March:
Mon-Fridays 3:45pm-5:00pm
$295/session or 6 payments of $50/month
June – July:
Mon – Fridays 3:45-5:00pm
$113 or 2 monthly payments of $64
13
Silver Level (Advanced Age Group: 1 hour practice time)
Ages:
9 and up
Practices Offered:
5 per week
Practice Length:
1 hour
Silver is primarily for 10 and under swimmers with multiple Area/State
Championship time standards and for rising 11 and older swimmers and 13 and
over swimmer who is still developing all four strokes. Swimmers must be able to
perform all four strokes legally for a 50 without stopping. This group focuses on
further refinement of technique and racing skills. Swimmers receive enhanced
swim training and are introduced to dry land at this level. Solid attendance is
expected as is attendance at all swim meets.
Must swim a legal IM, 50 Free under 37.99 seconds, and 6 x 50’s Freestyle on the
50 seconds.
Note that practice time is scheduled to start 15 mins earlier to allow for stretching.
September – March:
Mon-Fridays 4:45pm-6:00pm
$295/session or 6 payments of $50/month
**Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30 - 5pm Dryland**
June – July:
Mon – Fridays 3:45-5:00pm
$113 or 2 monthly payments of $64
SENIOR PROGRAMS:
Gold Group (Senior Group: 1 hour 30 minutes practice time)
Ages:
11 & up
Practices Offered:
Up to 6 per week
Practice Length:
1.5 hours
This group introduces swimmers to the senior level. Gold is primarily
for 11 and 12 swimmers with multiple Area/State Championship
qualifying times, and for serious swimmers 13 and up committed to
meet participation. It also fits those swimmers who do not yet meet
Platinum group placement criteria, do not swim year round, or had a
late start in swimming. Stroke technique is strongly emphasized.
Very high fitness levels are attained utilizing advanced pool and dry
land training sessions. This group also focuses on long-range goal
setting, training commitment, personal development and
responsibility. Gold prepares swimmers for the move to platinum
group. Strong commitment, attendance, and personal responsibility
14
are expected. Regular attendance is necessary, as is participation in
meets. Swimmers in this group are USA Swimming Members for
HHST-OZ. Gold team members must be able to complete 3,000 to
5,000 yard practices. They must also swim a 200 IM in 3:30, 50
freestyle under 32.99 seconds, and 6x100’s on the 1:45 seconds.
Note that practice time is scheduled to start 15 mins earlier to allow for stretching.
September – March:
Mon-Fridays 3:45 pm-5:30pm
$450/session or 6 payments of $78/month plus
Mon & Wed
5:45pm-6:30pm DRYLAND
$51 up front fee for USA swimming
June – July:
Mon - Fri 2:45-4:00pm
$123 or 2 monthly payments of $68
DRY LAND: Wed 4:00-5:00pm
Platinum Group (Senior Group: 2 hours practice time)
Ages:
13 & up
Practices Offered:
Up to 8 per week
Practice Length:
2 hours
Our most advanced instructional level where swimming must
be a top priority. Swimmers will continue to meet the highest
standards of effort, attendance, attitude and long-range goal
focus to remain in the platinum group. Emphasis is on
advanced technique, dry land, power and in-water training.
Swimmers in this group do maximum training to achieve
maximum results. Participation in at least 80 percent of
scheduled practices and at least 5 meets is required.
Swimmers in this group are also USA Swimming Members
under HHST-OZ. They must be able to complete 7,000 plus
yard practice with dry land training. They must also be able to
swim a 200 IM in 2:28.50, 50 Freestyle under 26.99, and
10x100’s on 1:20
Note that practice time is scheduled to start 15 mins earlier to allow for stretching.
September - March:
Mondays - Fridays 3:45-6:00pm
Mondays & Wednesdays Dryland 5:45pm-6:30p
15
$600/session or 6 payments of $100/month
plus $51 upfront fee for USA Swimming
June - July:
Mon/Wed/Fri 7:15am-9am
Monday & Wednesdays 3:45pm - 5:30pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00pm - 3:30pm swim
3:45pm - 4:45pm Dryland
$260 or 2 monthly payments of $135 (USA fee may apply if you were
not member in winter)
HHST GROUP ADVANCEMENT GUIDELINES:
At the end of the short course season and the end of
long course season, coaches promote a collection of
swimmers to new practice groups. During each
“advancement” period, there are swimmers and
parents of swimmers who struggle to understand the
decision process used in determining whether or not a
swimmer should be promoted. The following is a rough
outline of factors the coaches use when determining
practice group “advancement”
1. For a swimmer to advance to the next practice
group, there must be space available in the next
group. The current size of the team makes this
evaluation a harsh reality. There will be
swimmers who are ready to advance, but don’t
because there isn’t space for them. Be
assured, the coaches will make sure swimmers
are challenged regardless of their group
placement.
2. For swimmers eligible for a group promotion,
they must have been swimming on the team in
the two months prior to the evaluation period.
3. Lane Leadership experience in the current
practice group is a key consideration in group
promotion.
4. Swimmers attending the expected number of
practice sessions for their group will be
considered for promotion.
5. Swimmers consistently completing all practice
sets on the prescribed intervals will be
considered for promotion.
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6. A swimmer’s behavior at practice is considered
when determining advancement. Swimmers
listening to the coach’s instructions, not
disrupting practice, behaving maturely,
encouraging their teammates, and giving
appropriate effort during practice will be
considered for promotion.
7. A swimmer’s age will be considered. When
possible, an attempt will be made to keep
swimmers of similar ages in the same practice
groups.
8. A swimmer’s participation in HHST attended
meets will be considered.
9. A swimmer’s participation in qualifying meets
such as Districts, Area, Ozark Champs is
considered.
HANNIBAL HURRICANE RECORDS
6 and Under ___________________________________
25 Free
50 Free
25 Fly
25 Back
25 Breast
T. Taganeca-Ford
’07 16.92
C. Caleb Bieniek
’02 40.99
T. Taganeca-Ford
’07 19.43
T. Taganeca-Ford
’07 20.55
T. Taganeca-Ford
’07 24.18
Tessa Bieniek
‘02 18.77
Roberta Burns
‘02 43.35
Tessa Bieniek
‘02 21.02
Roberta Burns
‘02 21.95
Elizabeth Lay
‘02 25.05
8 and Under ___________________________________
25 Free
50 Free
25 Back
25 Breast
25 Fly
100 IM
100 Free Relay
Brian Scott
03/96 14.26
Brian Scott
03/96 31.64
D. Wood
‘89 17.32
‘Lliot Gieseke
‘07 20.88
Stewart Bush
03/00 16.08
Ian Tarvin
’10 1:30.08
Brice Scott
Brett Park
Corey Moon
Drew Ayers
‘98 1:04.78
Roberta Burns
‘04 14.47
Roberta Burns
‘04 32.75
Roberta Burns
‘04 18.64
R. Burns/E. Lay
‘ 20.29
Tessa Bieniek
‘04 16.20
Roberta Burns
‘04 1:26.31
Brooklyn Watson
Romaine Dyer
Taylor Bennett
Tessa Bieniek
‘04 1:07.39
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100 Medley Relay
Brice Scott
Drew Ayers
Corey Moon
Brett Park
‘98 1:14.46
Elizabeth Lay
Romaine Dyer
Taylor Bennett
Roberta Burns
‘04 1:15.45
9-10 _________________________________________
50 Free
100 Free
50 Back
50 Breast
50 Fly
100 IM
200 Free Relay
200 Medley Relay
Brian Scott
03/98 28.29
Brian Scott
03/98 1:01.80
George Walley
‘91 32.68
Brian Scott
02/98 37.30
Stewart Bush
‘02 31.74
Brian Scott
3/98 1:11.17
Dylan Behl
Austin Tarvin
Tyler Bush
‘Lliot Gieseke
’09 2:08.55
C. Herra
G. Ewert
D. Wood
George Walley
‘91 2:23.76
Rebekah Land
‘04 28.96
Rebekah Land
‘04 1:02.11
Rebekah Land
‘04 34.11
Samantha Cockrell
‘04 37.95
Rebekah Land
’04 30.04
Rebekah Land
’04 1:11.28
Rebekah Land
Kaylan Gieseke
Meredith Voss
Samantha Cockrell
‘03 2:08.67
Kaylan Gieseke
Samantha Cockrell
Rebekah Land
Meredith Voss
’04 2:19.06
11-12 ________________________________________
50 Free
100 Free
200 Free
50 Back
50 Breast
50 Fly
200 IM
200 Free Relay
200 Medley Relay
George Walley
‘93 24.20
George Walley
‘93 52.82
Caleb Land
’04 2:04.21
Caleb Land
‘04 29.15
George Walley
‘93 31.62
Stewart Bush
‘04 26.49
George Walley
‘93 2:09.02
M. Campbell
Brett Bozarth
T. Collins
T. Lindsey
‘96 1:51.41
Caleb Land
Stewart Bush
Chanson Burns
Evan Harder
’04 2:09.98
18
Rebekah Land
1/05 26.81
Rebekah Land
12/04 1:00.51
Kaylan Gieseke
03/07 2:08.15
Rebekah Land
1/05 30.55
Brooklyn Watson
’08 35.90
Tessa Bieniek
’08 28.61
Rebekah Land
1/05 2:25.32
A. Land
B. Watson
T. Bieniek
K. Gieseke
’07 1:52.25
Taylor Bennett
Romaine Dyer
Tessa Bieniek
Brooklyn Watson
‘08 2:08.54
13-14 _______________________________________
50 Free
100 Free
200 Free
500 Free
100 Back
100 Breast
100 Fly
200 IM
200 Free Relay
200 Medley Relay
George Walley
2/95 22.45
George Walley
2/95 50.44
Ryan Juliano
7/99 1:53.49
Ryan Juliano
3/00 5:08.87
Caleb Land
12/04 58.96
Ryan Juliano
3/00 1:05.71
Stewart Bush
‘06 54.88
Ryan Juliano
2/00 2:08.13
Ethan Burt
Stewart Bush
Corey Moon
Jacob Land
’03 1:45.47
Jacob Land
Corey Moon
Stewart Bush
Ethan Burt
‘03 1:56.73
Rebekah Land
’08 23.81
Kaylan Gieseke
’09 55.33
JaLynn Gieseke
’07 2:00.99
Rebekah Land
’08 5:22.50
Rebekah Land
’08 57.94
Rebekah Land
’08 1:12.69
Rebekah Land
’08 57.51
Rebekah Land
’08 2:14.41
Brooklyn Watson
Emily Wilcoxson
Taylor Bennett
Tessa Bieniek
’10 1:50.08
Taylor Bennett
Brooklyn Watson
Tessa Bieniek
Sydney Leahr
’10 2:03.10
15-21 __________________________________________
50 Free
100 Free
200 Free
500 Free
100 Fly
100 Back
100 Breast
200 IM
200 Free Relay
200 Medley Relay
George Walley
‘97 22.26
George Walley
’96 50.02
Ryan Juliano
’03 1:53.73
Ryan Juliano
‘02 5:09.68
Stewart Bush
’07 54.36
Stewart Bush
’07 56.28
Ryan Juliano
‘02 1:04.94
Stewart Bush
’07 2:04.20
Corey Moon
Caleb Land
Jacob Land
Stewart Bush
‘04 1:37.81
Caleb Land
Corey Moon
19
Rebekah Land
’08 23.83
Rebekah Land
’10 52.54
JaLynn Gieseke
“09 1:58.33
JaLynn Gieseke
’09 5:24.11
JaLynn Gieseke
’10 57.32
Rebekah Land
’10 56.62
Rebekah Land
’10 1:14.83
Rebekah Land
’10 2:10.90
JaLynn Gieseke
Meredith Voss
Kaylan Gieseke
Rebekah Land
’10 1:38.65
Rebekah Land
Kaylan Gieseke
Stewart Bush
Jacob Land
12/04 1:49.64
JaLynn Gieseke
Meredith Voss
’10 1:53.36
All records in bold italics are new records. *To break a record, the event MUST be
swum in the Age Group of the broken record and as a HANNIBAL HURRICANE. ie,
You are 13 and swim up to 15-18 and break the 15-18 record--the 15-18 record is
yours) ie. You are 6 and swim an event listed as 8 & Under and break the 8&U The
8&U record is yours, but not the 6 & Under record.
TEAM MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to any swimmer between 4 through 21 years of age.
Swimmers must meet the qualifications of Blue Flight in order to participate
on the swim team. Membership to the team is at the coach’s discretion no
matter what the age. Every swimmer must be a member of the YMCA of
Hannibal. This is a state and national requirement. Each swimmer must be a
registered YMCA member and Hannibal Hurricanes member in ”good
standing” as of December 1st in order to be eligible to swim at the District
Championships.
FEES
Swim fees are paid per season but may be broken into 6 payments throughout
the season. Fees are based on the flight your swimmer has qualified to swim
The fees are as follows:
 Platinum
$600 per season or $100 over 6 payments
Plus $51 upfront fee for USA Swimming
 Gold
$450 per season or $78 over 6 payments
Plus $51 upfront fee for USA Swimming
 Silver
$295 per season or $50 over 6 payments
$51 upfront optional fee for USA Swimming
 Bronze
$295 per season or $50 over 6 payments
$51 upfront optional fee for USA Swimming
 Blue
$150 per season or $30 over 6 payments
All fees are due on September 17, 2010. This will allow one week for
swimmers to be placed in the proper levels. If you choose to pay by the
payment plan, the plan is as follows:
First payment due September 17, 2010
Second payment due October 1, 2010
Third payment due November 1, 2010
Fourth payment due December 1, 2010
Fifth payment due January 1, 2011
Sixth payment due February 1, 2011
A $5 late fee will apply after the 5th of each month and after the 10th of each
month, the swimmer will not be allowed to participate.
There is a one-week trial period for NEW members. Fees are NOT pro-rated! If
you register in the middle of the month, your fees will be calculated for that
month forward. If a swimmer pays for the entire season, the money will only
be refunded (pro-rated) if the swimmer moves out of town or is injured and no
longer able to swim.
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MAILBOX /BULLETIN BOARD/EMAIL/WEBSITE
Ribbons, newsletters, and notices will be distributed in our portable file that
will be outside the Aquatics Office the front desk. Each family will have a file
using the SWIMMER’S LAST NAME. Please check the mailbox every practice
for important information. Team news and updates will also be posted on the
Hannibal Hurricanes Bulletin Board located in the lobby just outside the double
doors. We highly encourage everyone to provide an email address and check
regularly. WE encourage everyone to use the website. The website allows you
to sign up for meets, know the latest news, and check account balances.
Automatic updates are sent to your email via the website.
(www.teamunify.com/ozshhst)
Results of meets will be posted on the Bulletin Board, usually the Monday after
the meet. It is the parent and the swimmer’s responsibility to check these
places REGULARLY for necessary team information. The responsibility of the
coaches and the Parent Committee stops when the information is distributed.
PRACTICES
PRACTICE POLICY
Research has proven that there is a direct correlation between time-spent
training and success as a competitive swimmer. Swimmers who wish to be
successful competitors must train on a regular basis.
Five days of training is the ideal number. Anything less than four days on a
regular basis will prove to be ineffective as far as competitive swimming
stands.
It is important for swimmers to attend every practice possible, in order to
achieve their full potential. All Swimmers need to report to practice on time,
because without proper stretching warm-up time an injury may occur. If a
swimmer is going to be late for practice, Coaches Johnson or Esicar should be
notified in advance.
SCHEDULE
Practice times are Monday through Friday at the following times with the
addition of some Saturday practices (Flights Gold & Silver) and some morning
practices (Flight Gold swimmers). Some Friday practices will be cancelled due
to meets. Any Saturday practices and morning practices will be announced
after the season has started.
SESSION 1 (M-F):
Bronze
Blue
Platinum
Stretches
3:45-4:00pm
5:15pm-5:30pm
3:45-4:00pm
Pool Time
4:00–5:00pm
5:30pm-6:00pm
4:00-6:00pm
SESSION 2 (M-F):
Platinum
Stretches
3:45 – 4:00pm
4:45 – 5:00pm
3:45 – 4:00pm
Pool Time
4:00-6:00pm
Silver
Gold
5:00pm – 6:00pm
4:00pm -5:30pm
ILLNESSES, INJURIES, AND PRACTICES
Swimmers who are ill are asked to stay out of practice until they are better.
Please notify Coach Viorel of illnesses resulting in more than one missed
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practice. Swimmers with injuries (i.e.. Shoulder injury) must bring a physician
note to practice stating the nature of the injury, limitations, and the time
frame of the injury.
MEETS
WHAT TO BRING TO A MEET
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Snacks, such as cheese and crackers, water or fruit juice. No soda, candy
or gum - PLEASE
Spending money for food, snacks or emergency equipment.
Sleeping bags or blanket for relaxing between events.
Sweat suit or parka
TWO of each of the following::
 Towels
 Goggles
 Suits
 Caps
Quiet games, books or CD player with earphones
Parents – lawn chairs
HOME MEETS
Home meets are a large part of your commitment to the swim team. Home
meets provide for unity among swimmers and parents. Parent participation is
necessary for a successful swim team. It is very important to make every
effort to attend home swim meets.
AWAY MEETS
We realize the every family has different schedules, obligations, routines and
activities. Away meets demand more time, expense, and scheduling problems
than home meets, however, they are an important part of our season and our
commitment to the YMCA conference. We have an obligation to show up with
a reasonably sized team when we have an away meet just as we expect the
same when a visiting team comes to Hannibal.
Car-pooling of swimmers to away meets is very common, so please don’t be
shy to ask another family if your swimmer may ride along when needed.
At overnight Invitationals, the Parent’s Committee usually reserves a block of
room for the Hurricanes. See your Entry Packet for phone numbers and
deadlines to reserve these rooms. It makes for a lot of team spirit to have the
team at the same hotel.
Invitationals are usually one to three days of competition. Swimmers choose to
swim one or more days. Expect to pay an entry fee.
POLICIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
EQUIPMENT POLICY
Goggles:
Suits:
All swimmers must have two pairs of competitive goggles.
Goggles allow swimmers to see better and stop chemical
irritants from bothering their eyes.
Swimmers will need two swimsuits. To foster team spirit,
each swimmer should purchase a team suit. Female
swimmers can only train/race in one-piece suits.
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Water Bottle:
Swim Caps:
As there are no breaks during practice, it is useful for
swimmers to have a bottle of water by the side of the pool.
Restroom calls are permitted.
These protect the hair and keep the hair out of the eyes. The
cap can also reduce water resistance during a race. Caps
must be worn during competitive meets and are highly
encouraged during practices for females.
PROPER CONDUCT POLICY
All swimmers must abide by the following rules if the team is to succeed at a
competitive level:
GENERAL GUIDELINES
 When coaches or officials are talking, swimmers are listening.
 Swimmers will assist with setting up and taking down the pool deck and
putting away equipment in practice and meets.
 Swimmers will treat coaches/parents with courtesy and respect.
 Swimmers will treat other swimmers with courtesy and respect.
 Swimmers or parents will not tolerate foul language and abusive behavior.
Unsportsmanlike conduct or disruptive behavior will result in dismissal
from practice/meet.
 Swimmers must be ON TIME for every practice.
 The opposing team’s swimmers, parents and coaches are NOT THE
ENEMY! Many lasting friendships develop from meeting these people.
 Possession/use of illegal drugs/alcohol will result in immediate
permanent expulsion from the program.
 Horseplay in locker rooms/pool deck will not be tolerated.
CONDUCT AT MEETS
 Swimmers must remain in the pool area or team rest area. This is
especially true at our home meets.
 No food or drink allowed in the pool area.
 Swimmers must remain at the meet site for the entire event unless
excused by the coach with consent of the parent(s)/guardian.
 Horseplay in locker rooms/pool deck is not be tolerated.
 Immediately after getting out of the water, the swimmers should ask the
timers for their official time and then relay the time to the coaches.
 Swimmers should always cheer and support their teammates, as well as
show courtesy toward swimmers from other teams.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The following steps will be taken in dealing with discipline problems:
1st The swimmer will be warned that their behavior is inappropriate and they
should correct the behavior.
2nd Re-occurrence of the problem will result in the dismissal of the swimmer
for a specific time period. Parents/guardians will be notified.
3rd Continuous problems will result in a seasonal dismissal.
PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
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Provide emotional support at home, practice and meets.
Provide financial support.
Help the coach gain insights on the swimmer.
Help develop reasonable goals in both swimming and life.
Help swimmers keep the “winning & losing” in proper perspective.
Discipline.
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Communicate with the coach.
Provide the swimmer with a nourishing, well-balanced diet.
Make sure the swimmer has adequate rest.
Make sure the swimmer attends workouts and meets on time!
Help to conduct meets (timing, judging, concessions, etc…).
Check the swimmer/family mailbox at the end of every practice.
Notify the coach of any health problems the swimmer might currently have
or has been exposed to that may affect the swimmer/team.
Notify the coach if a swimmer cannot attend an upcoming meet at least a
week ahead of time if possible.
Help assist with swim practices (i.e. warm-ups, supervision).
Attend monthly parent meetings. Refer to calendar in this booklet
Notify coach is swimmer’s academic grades are not acceptable. Making
D’s and F’s are not acceptable to be a member of HHST. Team members
whose academics fail will be furrowed.
ARE YOU A PRESSURE PARENT?
It is important to remember that the parent’s role is critical and should be
supportive at all times to ensure a positive experience for your child. The
Amateur Swimming Association administered the following survey. If you
answer yes to two or more following questions, you may endanger your
swimmer’s success in the sport.
Do you want your child to win more than he/she does?
Do you show your disappointment if they have a poor result?
Do you feel you have to “psyche” your child up before competition?
Do you feel that your child can enjoy the sport only if they win?
Do you conduct “postmortems” immediately after competition or training?
Do you feel you have to force your child to go train?
Do you find yourself wanting to interfere during training or competition
thinking that you could do it better?
 Do you find yourself hating or disliking your child’s opponents?
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We say with experience that we have lost several talented swimmers over
the years due to extreme pressure to be perfect - number one swimmer
from Mom & Dad. The worst manifestation of this pressure comes when
fellow members of the team are the targets/enemies to be beaten as
opposed to the focus being improving one’s best performance. Success in
swimming is measured by an individual’s achievement of improvement of
one’s self and not merely the success over one’s opponents.
AWARDS
In addition to the fun and excitement of learning to swim competitively,
swimmers are also eligible for various awards, some of which are
presented after each meet, other which represent an achievement for the
entire season. During home dual meets, our team makes sure all
swimmers receive a ribbon for each event they swim unless they are
disqualified in an event. At away meets, host teams will typically give
ribbons awards to the first six places. This varies among teams, usually
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determined by the organization and commitment of the parent
organization.
ATTENDANCE AWARD:
Given to the swimmer who has the highest practice/meet attendance of
the season.
HIGH POINT BOY/GIRL:
Given to the swimmers with the highest meet point totals for the season.
EYE OF THE HURRICANE:
Given to the swimmer who best exemplifies the ideals of an exemplary
Hannibal Hurricane Swimmer.
ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
HHST has a team achievement program in which swimmers earn
achievement points. The swimmers have fall season to earn points, from
the first day of the fall season thru districts. Throughout the season we
award swimmers with prizes when they have attended 25, 50, 75 and
100 practices. Once a swimmer has earned 125 points, they will receive
a final prize. The 125-point prize is a one time only deal- once the
swimmer achieves the prize they are no longer eligible for that prize. The
reason for this program is to encourage the sport of swimming through
commitment to HHST. Attendance will be tracked by the coaches and
swimmers of the week and month will be chosen strictly by the coaches.
Ways to earn points:
Each practice attended = 1 point
Swimmer of the week = 5 points
(There will be one swimmer of the week for each session)
Swimmer of the month = 20 points
Each meet swam = 5 points
(Does not include USA meets)
Wear team suit in a meet = 1 point
Parents working home meets = 5 points per session
SWIMMER OF THE WEEK
This is given to swimmers who have worked very hard and tried their best
during all practices as well as displayed an outstanding attitude towards their
teammates and coaches. The coaches will make the selection and choose a
swimmer from each session. The swimmer will earn 5 points. We try to spread
out the recognition and give Swimmer of the Week to as many different
swimmers as possible.
SWIMMER OF THE MONTH
The swimmer selected must have given outstanding effort throughout the
month, shown leadership, demonstrated their ability to improve, and
maintained a good attitude towards their coach and teammates. The coach
makes the selection, and the swimmer will earn 20 points. The name and
profile of the swimmer of the Month will appear in the following month’s
newsletter (provided they have turned in a profile). We try to spread out the
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recognition and give Swimmer of the Month to as many different swimmers as
possible.
OFFICIALS
Officials are present at all competitions to implement the technical rules
of swimming and to ensure that the meet is fair and equitable to all
teams. Parents may become officials by passing an Officials Course and
then shadowing 5 sessions with an Official Judge. All parents are
encouraged to get involved in some form of officiating or meet
administration. Most of our parents haven’t any previous knowledge or
experience in competitive swimming before becoming involved. There are
discounts on fees for parents who officiate. (10% off Fees and $25 off
entry fees for every invite worked)
BENEFITS OF COMPETITIVE SWIMMING
Competitive swimming leads to…
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lasting friendships among many age groups
self-esteem though a sense of accomplishment and achievement
the learning of fair play, good sportsmanship and leadership
the ability to handle success as well as defeat
increased self discipline and self-motivation
development of safety skills
LOTS OF FUN
WINNING WAYS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Ask yourself: What can I do today to make myself better?
Train hard, work with focus and intensity.
No achievement without effort
No accolades without achievement.
National holidays mean two practices instead of one.
Be tough, be confident, be a winner.
Confidence if the building blocks of achievement.
Stretching+Training+Nutrition+Sleep = Good Performance
The more you relax, the more effective your mental rehearsal.
Focus on breathing – more breathing =slower swimming.
Rehearse in your mind what it takes to be a winner.
See yourself as the best and train for it.
As you reach one goal, set another.
Anything you do, do with all your might, things done by halves are never
done right.
We have loads of talent, and every one of us has awesome goals. We
represent the best there is!
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16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
I get many intangibles out of swimming – discipline, confidence, and
experience. Most of all, I think I learn to know myself and to test myself
against the best, whether I win or lose.
The main objective should always be to keep your body as linear as
possible, trying to simulate a long, and narrow boat hull.
Keep your weight as far forward as possible to aid you balance. Anchor
your leading forearm and vault your body over it.
Faster swimming is 70% stroke efficiency and 30% fitness.
Get fit and you will swim fast. Improve your technique and you will swim
faster.
SWIMMING TERMINOLOGY
Backstroke – The stroke consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a
flutter kick. The swimmer must remain on his/her back at all times except
during the turn at which time several methods of turning are legal.
Breaststroke – This is one of the most difficult strokes to master from a
technical and performance viewpoint. It requires simultaneous movements of
the arms on the same horizontal plane. The hands are pulled from the breast
in a heart-shaped pattern and recovered under or over the surface of the
water. The kick is a simultaneous circular motion, similar to the action of a
frog. On the turn, and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both
hands simultaneously, with the shoulders and hands in line with the surface of
the water. In general, there more disqualification’s in this stroke, particularly in
the younger age groups, than any other stroke. As in all strokes, but
particularly this one, the more perfect the stroke technique the faster the
swimmer, compared to just physical strength differences.
Butterfly – The stroke is the most difficult physical challenge, which often
results in a relatively high number of DQ’s in all age groups. The stroke
features a simultaneous overhand stroke of the arms combined with an
undulating dolphin kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs
together in the same relative plane and therefore may not flutter, scissors, or
use the breaststroke kick. As in breaststroke, the touch of both hands
simultaneously at the turn and the finish are required. Most DQ’s in this stroke
are fatigue related causing the swimmer to lose proper form in the legs and
arms before the finish of the race.
Bullpen -The area where the swimmers report for a race. In Dual meets it is
usually on the deck of the pool. At larger meets, it may be in a separate room.
Only swimmers called for a race should be in the area although a parent
should feel free to visit a swimmer if he/she is a novice and having difficulty
emotionally with the new experience. Host teams reserve the right to limit
parents in the bullpen. Under no circumstances may the parent accompany
the swimmer once headed for the starting blocks.
Clerk of the Course – (Bullpen) arranges the swimmers in proper heats/lanes
according to seed times and other rules.
DQ’s - Disqualification’s occur when the swimmer does not swim a stroke in
the prescribed manner. Swimmers never improve their technique if stroke
judges fail to do their jobs. The first DQ is usually traumatic. The judge usually
informs a swimmer as to what he/she did wrong immediately after getting out
of the water. If your swimmer receives a DQ, be supportive and move on! Do
not rationalize with the swimmer that it was a bad call! Most swimmers are
not surprised when they get called on a stroke infraction and most of the rime
they know they have gotten away with it many times before.
27
Freestyle
The swimmer turns too soon and misses touching the wall. This
is the only stroke where the swimmer may go back and touch
the wall.
Backstroke Turning the shoulder past vertical towards the stomach at any
time except to initiate a continuous motion turning action at the
wall; having your toes above water at start.
Butterfly
Underwater recover of the arms usually at the turn or finish; any
kick but a dolphin kick; touching the wall at the turn or finish
with one hand; arms must be simultaneous over and under the
water.
Breaststroke Illegal kick, arm motion sweeping below the hips; one handed
touch at turn or finish; taking two arm pulls or two kicks at the
start before the head breaks the surface of water.
Event - The stroke, distance and sex that will swim, i.e. “9/10 50 Free” means
– 50 yard Freestyle for swimmers in the 9 to 10 years of age grouping.
Officially all YMCA events and records are considered to be in a 25-yard pool;
however, some of the pools in our conference are meter pools. In meter pools
the times will be converted into yards afterwards.
Exhibition - The host team allows a swimmer from any team to a race just for
time/experience. This is sometimes necessary in age groups that have a large
number of swimmers that cannot swim the more demanding strokes. Also, an
accomplished swimmer may need an official time in an event in order to
qualify in an upcoming meet.
False Starts - A swimmer begins to move ANY part of their body before the gun
or horn goes off. All championship meets strictly comply with the “No False
Start” rule. In early season dual meets, we are lenient with nervous swimmers,
however, as the season progresses, strict compliance is necessary to prevent
swimmers form being tempted into anticipating and leaning into the start.
Freestyle – The swimmer may swim any stroke they wish. The stroke most
used is the front crawl, which is characterized by the alternate overhead
motion of the arms and an alternating up and down flutter kick. Only in this
stroke may a swimmer, who has missed touching the wall during a turn, go
back and touch the wall and continue to swimming. In addition, only in this
stroke may a swimmer stop, stand up and then continue to swim the event;
however, the swimmer may not walk forward or propel him/herself forward off
of the pool bottom.
Freestyle Relay – Each of the four swimmers swim ¼ of the race. The next
swimmer may be in motion before the touch as long as some part of the body
is still touching the starting block.
Head Timer – Organizes the timers and operates a backup stopwatch in the
event a stopwatch fails during an event.
Heat - An event having more swimmers than lanes will be divided into more
than one race. At home meets, we sort the results of all the heats in the event
and award points and places by overall time ranking.
Individual Medley (IM) – This event features all four strokes. The swimmer
begins with butterfly, then changes after ¼ of the race to backstroke, then
breast and finishes with freestyle. In the IM, the swimmer must finish each
stroke as he/she would finish an individual race, i.e. when switching from back
to breast, the swimmer may not do a flip turn, but instead must touch the wall
while remaining on his/her back.
Medley Relay – In the medley relay all four strokes are swum. The 1st swimmer
swims, backstroke, the 2nd swimmer swims breaststroke, the 3rd swimmer
swims butterfly and the 4th swimmer swims freestyle (in this instance freestyle
specifically means front crawl). The next swimmer may be in motion before
the touch as long as some part of the body is still touching the starting block.
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Referee – Is the final authority on all rule interpretations, often combines with
the starter job, he/she may also declare false starts.
Relay Takeoff Judges – Stand beside the starting blocks to ensure the relay
exchanges are properly executed.
Seeding – Swimmer are arranged in lanes/heats according to a number of
formulas that are very specific. Generally, the first hear is the slowest heat and
swimmers are arranged with the fastest swimmers in the center lanes and
teams alternating swimmers out to the side lanes. The exception to this is a
procedure used in districts and state championships known as circle seeding.
Circle seeding is a more complex formula that essentially places the top three
swimmers in the center lanes of the last three heats. The theory is the three
top swimmers will make it to finals regardless of who swims against them in
prelims. Having the top three swimmers in each of the fastest three heats
causes the other swimmers to achieve their best performances. All the heats
in an event are used to obtain overall ranking for award points and places.
Split Time – Time recorded for one or more lengths of an event within a longer
event. Split times are not normally recorded during a meet unless a
completely electronic timing and reporting system is in use. Parents are
encouraged to observe split times with their watches if possible.
Staging Area - Section of the bullpen where teams congregate during a meet
to place sleeping bags, belongings, chairs and to rest. The first families to
arrive will usually stake out an area for the team. Having a wall or corner is
usually considered a good location. Stay away from areas that look like they
will become walkways. Many away pools do not allow coolers to be brought
into the gym areas.
Starter – Assumes control of the timers from the referee. Race official that
instructs the swimmers and start all races by firing a special starter pistol or
triggering a horn. A starter may also declare a false start and recall the
swimmers in the absence of a referee.
Starting Block - The platform from which the swimmer starts the race. Starting
blocks are never to be used during warm-ups except when sprints are
announced and swimmers are swimming away from the blocks. Some pools
will start swimmers from the deck and a swimmer may request from the
starter to start from the deck. In the 8 and under age group, the 2 nd and 4th
swimmer in a relay must start in the water if the shallow end is less than 5
feet in depth.
Stroke Judge - The official that observes from the side of the pool for violations
of stroke technique, turns and finishes. Stroke judges are instructed to give the
swimmer the benefit of the doubt when they are uncertain. Parents are NEVER
permitted to question a stroke judge. Only a coach may contest the call with
the referee.
Timers – Operate stopwatches and record the official time for the swimmer in
their lane. They DO NOT make any stroke judging calls.
Touch Pads - Electronic timing devices. Swimmers must touch the pad at the
end of the race to register the time. Touch pads are required for championship
meets and are often seen at invitationals.
Turn Judge – Observe from each end of the pool to ensure that the turns and
finishes comply with the rules applicable to each stroke.
Whistles – Before the race, three short whistles are blown by the referee to get
the attention of the swimmers. This is followed by a long whistle which
designates the swimmer should step up onto the block.
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