Elmwood Sharks Handbook Index
Welcome………………………………………………………….2
Mission……………………………………………………………2
Parents Handbook…………………………………………...…2
Contact Information………...……………………...………3
Coaching Staff…………..………………………………….3
Swim Groups………………….……………………………4
Benefits & Goals……………………………………………5
Membership Fees………………………………………….7
Communication Resources……………………………….8Responsibilities…………………………………………...9
Swimmer/Parent Handbook…………………………………12
Rules & Policies…………………………………………..12
Team Awards……………………………………………..14
Disciplinary Action……………………………………..…14
Athlete Code of Conduct…………………………………….15
Parent Code of Conduct……………………………………..16
Appendices…………………………………………………….17
- Swim Team Groups
Fitness and Technique...... ……………………………18
Novice………………………………………………….18
Purple...... 19
Yellow..………………………………………………...20
Green...……………………………………………...….21
Red…...…………………………………………………22
Orange.…………………………………………………24
Blue……………………………………………………..26
- Fall Practice Schedule…………………………………..28
Welcome to Elmwood Sharks Swim Team Program
The ESST coaching staff would like to welcome you to this outstanding swim team. The adventure and process of becoming a swimmer will prove to be an interesting and exciting journey. We aspire to give your child the best opportunity to fully develop his/her potential.
Aquatics Department Mission Statement
Our Mission is to provide the skills and motivation necessary for the achievement of every swimmer’s full potential, regardless of age or ability. Elmwood Fitness Center Aquatics “Inspires Confidence” through self motivation, goal setting, goal achievement, and the pursuit of excellence, while having fun in the process!
Our Vision is to provide swimmers of all ages and abilities the skills and motivation necessary for their continued growth and achievement in competitive swimming, as well as, a path for each child to develop his/her confidence, discipline, determination, and self-respect.
Parents’ Handbook
This handbook should be considered the “bible” of swimming for the Sharks Program. The manual contains a section for the parents and a section for the swimmers/parents to read. Our team success depends upon the commitment of the coaches, swimmers and parents. We ask that both the parents and the swimmers sign the Code of Conduct of the handbook acknowledging they have read through the manual and commit to play an active part in the Elmwood Sharks Team. If you have any questions, please contact the Head Coach or Christina Offutt.
General Information
Contact Information
All coaches maybe contacted through ElmwoodFitnessCenter’s Aquatics Office. If your coach is unavailable, please leave a message on voicemail and your message will be relayed to the appropriate coach.
Phone: (504) 333-5322 – Coach Dean, or (504) 736-4762 Christina Offutt
Fax: (504) 733-1684. Attention: Aquatics Office
Mailing Address:1200 South Clearview Parkway, Suite 1200,
Harahan, Louisiana70123
Email: Dean Reed (Head Coach)
Website:
Coaching Staff
The swim team coaching staff has been carefully selected to make sure your child learns from the best. All our coaches and instructors are CPR certified and have the level of expertise needed to help the swimmers excel.
Christina Offutt – Aquatics Director
Dean Reed – Head Coach
Patrick Merrell – Assistant Coach – All Groups
Melissa Oishi– Assistant Coach – Novice
Swim Team Groups
The team has 8 groups of different ability level to give the swimmers the best chance of reaching their potential. Swimmers will be placed in groups according to the Head Coaches’ discretion as to which group will allow the swimmer the best opportunity for progress.
Throughout the season, the Sharks Coaching Staff will evaluate swimmers. When a swimmer demonstrates the capability of performing at the next level, the swimmer’s parents will be contacted by the coach to discuss this opportunity. If a swimmer wishes to be considered for promotion/advancement to another Sharks Swim Program/Team, the swimmer MUST be able to demonstrate/perform the skills and/or drills listed in that particular group’s criteria, to the satisfaction of the Sharks Coaching Staff. The discretion of the Sharks Swim Team Head Coach will prevail in all promotion/advancement decisions.
A detailed description and requirements for each group are listed in Appendix A. These criteria may be adjusted to stay current with the latest swimming trends.
Fitness and Technique Group– This group is designed for those swimmers unable to fulfill the requirements of the competitive groups but still want to be a part of the team.
Novice Group – beginner level learning to compete in freestyle and backstroke
Purple Group – beginner level further development of freestyle and backstroke, introduction to butterfly and breaststroke
Yellow Group – beginner, further development of stroke technique of all four strokes
Green Group – intermediate, stroke technique and an increase in practice time and yardage.
Red Group – Intermediate/Advanced, stroke technique and an emphasis on aerobic training.
Orange Group – Advanced, emphasis on training aerobic, anaerobic and threshold, stroke technique less emphasized.
Blue Group - Advanced, Junior NationalsSenior Nationals
Benefits
With swimming having 90% less stress on the joints that other sports, here a just a few of the benefits it has to offer your child.
1
Physical
Kinesthetic Awareness
Balance
Coordination
Core Strength
Flexibility
Strength
Power
Cardiovascular Fitness
Mental/Social
Positive self image
Goal Setting
Time Management
Team Work
Courage
Adventure & Fun
Motivation
Tenacity
Patience
1
Strength Training
Along with the benefits of swimming, the extra level of intensity added by strength training will give your swimmer the extra edge. The repetitive forward motion of swimming needs to be balanced and adding strength training to the swim program will help keep your child fit, healthy and injury free.
Swimmers will start with age appropriate balance, coordination, core strength and flexibility exercises, progressing to body weight and light resistance activities.
Green and Red Groups will add fun fitness activities that will improve their cardiovascular fitness and body control. Orange & Blue Groups will perform balanced circuits that will include upper, lower, core and cardio stations using stability balls, medicine balls, dumbbells, resistance bands and plyometric boxes.
All athletes should be at least 9 years old and on the Green group or higher to participate in regularly scheduled dry-land training. The Head Coach may have a younger athlete participate in dry-land if they demonstrate the strength and maturity to make it productive for that athlete. *Does not apply to Developmental Group.
Program Goals
These goals are based upon the assumption that the swimmer will be a member of the Sharks Swimming Program for a minimum of two seasons (Fall, Spring, Summer).
Developmental/Instructional Swimming Programs
Each swimmer should be able to;
- perform ALL four of the competitive swimming strokes properly (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle)
- do a “competitive” forward racing dive from the starting blocks
- perform the proper start for all four of the competitive strokes.
- perform the proper turn for all four of the competitive strokes.
- learn how to utilize the pace clock correctly.
- learn how to utilize the swimming equipment correctly.
- participate in at least one Sharks Novice Swim Meet per swimming season.
Competitive Swimming Programs
Each swimmer should be able to;
- record “life best times” in every stroke and at every distance within their age group.
- compete in every stroke and every distance within their age group, including at least two (2) distance events.
Membership Fees
Swimmer Registration
All new swimmers must be registered with United States Swimming in order to participate on the swim team. This is an annual fee of $65 which provides insurance coverage for your child to participate in swim practice and swim meets. This fee will be charged yearly upon your child’s anniversary date. You may try our program for a week but must be registered by your 8th day.
Parents Association
The Sharks Swim Team Parent’s Board is a liaison for the parents/swimmers and reports to Elmwood management. It is elected annually and all parents are able to be considered for this board. The board helps in planning special events for the team and buying additional team supplies. There is a $100 annual fee per swimmer, that will be charged to your account upon the anniversary date of your child joining the swim team. Throughout the year, you will receive emails from the board regarding special events that need you to RSVP. Please take the time to respond to these emails which helps the board better prepare for the event.
Fee Summary:
All fees must be paid by October 29, 2013 otherwise your swimmer will be unable to participate.
Program Fee Pink Group……………………$60 members, $65 non-members
Program Fee Fitness and Technique…………...$60 members, $65 non-members
Program Fee Purple.……………………$65 members, $70 non-members
Program Fee Yellow……………………$70 members, $85 non-members
Program Fee Green/Red……….……….$75members, $90 non-members
USS Swimming Registration Fee (annual)………………………….....$65
Elmwood Sharks Parents Association (annual)………………………$100
Communication Resources
There are numerous way we communicate within the swim team. Our primary and fastest way of keeping you updated is through our text message system (sent directly to your phone) and email alerts. If you are not receiving these types of messages or any of the following forms of communication, please let your coach know so we can correct this.
1)Phone and Text Message
- Please do not hesitate to call/contact any member of the Sharks Coaching Staff to discuss your child’s or to just “talk” swimming
- Immediate notifications e.g. practice cancellations due to weather will be sent out by email.
2)Email
- Short reminders to check the website for new or important information will be sent out by email to parents on the Sharks Swim Team list. If you are not receiving emails from us please contact us so we can update the list.
3)Handouts
- Primarily given at the beginning of the season or to new members.
- Available at the Parents Meeting at the beginning of each season.
4)Website
- Our website is one of the most important resources to access information. We will post all schedule updates, meet entries, upcoming events, etc., on the team’s website at It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure they check the website regularly. WE WILL NO LONGER BE USING EMAIL FOR MEET ENTRIES!! THERE IS A PLACE TO SIGN UP FOR MEETS ON THE WEBSITE. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SIGN-UP FOR THE MEET BY THE DEADLINE.
5)Parents Meetings
- All meetings are open to swim team parents
- Meetings will be held at least once per quarter and will be announced on the team calendar on the website.
6)Swim Meet Information Forms
- Available for every swim meet(except the Sharks novice Meets)
- Contains information about the up-coming swim meet; location, directions, warm-up and meet starting times, the event numbers that each swimmer has been entered; list of events and their event numbers; a section for additional swim meeting information; motel information, and other important information.
- Posted on the website 3-7 days prior to the 1st day of the meet (both “home” and “away” meets).
8.) Bulletin Boards
- Used to acknowledge achievements by our swimmers.
Responsibilities
Parents are crucial part of the formula to help develop a healthy, successful swimmer. Your role is equally important as the coaches and every bit as challenging. We welcome you to attend practice and, of course, competition and we do want your input and support. Here are a few guidelines to assist us in our journey.
On the emotional side, provide unconditional love, encouragement, and support for your swimmer. Your love should never be based on your child’s performance. We focus on personal improvements and efforts as a measurement of success. While winning is not the most important thing, it is something we strive for.
In addition, it is very important to show good sportsmanship at all times towards coaches, teammates, officials and opponents. You are a role model.
Swimming must come second to school. There will be times when deadlines, important tests, and missed assignments will surface during the year. Please just inform us when they arise.
General
- Attend all parent meetings.
- Volunteer 10 or more hours throughout the year by timing, stroke judging etc. Please sign up for these on the website3-7 days before the meet.
- Communicate with your coach about your child’s meet entries or meet absences. Once the deadline notification has passed, meet entry fees will be charged to your account, even if your child does not attend the meet.
Practice
Updated practice schedules including changes and vacations, are regularly posted on the website. Please take a few minutes each week to check and see what changes may affect your swimmer.
- Please ensure swimmers arrive to practice 10 minutes early so they ready physically and mentally for their workout. Swimmers should have their cap and goggles on and equipment out and ready at the start time of practice.
- Please do not drop off young swimmers and let them get into the pool without supervision.
- Ensure that they have the necessary attire and equipment for swimming or strength training.
- Please do not coach your child at home or during practice. This behavior diminishes the coach/athlete relationship.
- You are encouraged to watch your child’s practice from one of our wooden decks or from the covered café seating area. You MUST stay off the immediate pool deck during practice. This allows the coach to devote all of their attention to the swimmers.
- If you have questions or concerns, talk to the coach before or after practice or schedule a 1-on-1 meeting.
- Please inform your coach if your child will miss practice due to vacations, illness, injury, or medication. If a child has an injury there maybe different options to help keep the child’s fitness conditioning, so please talk to your coach.
- Ensure your athlete stays hydrated, has great nutrition and rests well.
- Please pick up your child promptly at the end of practice, since coaches may have private lessons or other commitments.
Competition
If the practice/meet attendance goal is not met for your swimmer, the coaches reserve the right not to enter the swimmers in high competition meets.
- Please attend every competition to support your child and the team.
- Please make sure your swimmer is ready to go when they arrive at the competition. Once the swimmer gets into the pool, parental contact will cease to allow the swimmer time to focus. The swimmer will be allowed to visit with you after warm-ups, and their events.
- Please provide healthy snack, food and drink choices for your swimmer. Please avoid sugary and high fat content options.
- It is the parent’s responsibility to get their swimmers behind the block.
- Do not correct your child or others during the meet.
- Cheer but do so in a courteous manner so as not to adversely affect other swimmers or judges.
- If you have a genuine complaint, please inform your coaches only. Remember the coaches are knowledgeable professionals with many years of experience. If we feel a judgment was inappropriate we will inquire, no need to ask us to do so. Under no circumstances is a parent or swimmer ever to approach a meet official to inquire about a ruling during or after a competition.
- If you have concerns about the way your child performed in a competition, please talk to the coach in a 1-on-1 meeting after the meet concludes.
- If a parent is unable to attend a particular competition, please do not assume that another family will take care of your child. Take care of the following details before travel.
- Know the name of the host club and number in which the competition is being held.
-Communicate trip details clearly with your child and host family before their departure and provide them with an emergency contact number.
College Bound:
Coaches will assist athletes who are trying to obtain a scholarship by contacting any colleges they would like to attend. It is important to do well in school and on the SAT/ACT. We will be honest with families and colleges about our athletes’ performance in practice and competition. If we are dishonest to either, it may hinder our athletes opportunity in the future.
Attachment Policy
If a team member decides to “unattach” from the Elmwood Sharks she/he is no longer committed to scoring points for the team. It is, therefore, unfair for that swimmer to take team resources that could be used for a swimmer who is committed to the Sharks. If a swimmer “unattaches” she/he is effectively disenrolling from the swim team and will, therefore, not be allowed to practice with the team.
Swimmer and Parent Handbook
Respect for the Sport of Swimming
Your actions will dictate the level of respect you have for yourself, the team and Elmwood Sharks Swimming. The way we act at practice, competitions, team functions, and while traveling directly states how you represent yourself. Only high standards of behavior will be acceptable.