2023 PMP Piranhas
Introduction
The purpose of this handbook is two-fold: to explain to new members just what the Swim Team is and to outline various policies that affect all swimmers, year after year. It should be read by all families so that they may become familiar with important facts and rules of the team and league. The Swim Team is a parent volunteer-run organization. Without the help of every parent, the team will not run efficiently and meets absolutely will not happen. Please remember that if your swimmer wants to have a fun and effective season you must contribute to the success of the team by volunteering.
We are a non-profit, parent run organization. Our team is a member of Swim Association Invitational League (SAIL). Our team has been serving the neighborhood and its surrounding communities as a SAIL member for many years. The Swim Team is pleased to provide a summer swim program for its athletes.
Mission Statement
The Swim Team aims to create an environment where children of our Pool members and associate teams, can experience the enjoyment of, and can reach personal excellence in, the sport of swimming.
Vision
Our vision is to develop and maintain a program that will produce swimmers, who will represent our community in all levels of swim competition.
Philosophy
Teamwork: Our Swim team is a team that is built upon the commitment, support, and participation of the Board, coaches, swimmers, parents/guardians, and the community at large. We believe that its success in achieving the team’s goals is dependent upon the cooperation of all members.
Coaching: Our Coaches are committed to providing comprehensive, expert swim/stroke training by an experienced coaching staff. In addition to swim training, They promote the practice of healthy lifestyle habits, such as good nutrition and sleep. Our head coach is a certified lifeguard and holds a current First Aid and CPR Training for the Professional Rescuer certification.
The Swimmer: We believe that each swimmer is an individual with different backgrounds, needs, and goals. The team focuses on the development of positive self-esteem and individual goal setting. We believe that all members should model team spirit and sportsmanship.
General Notes for Parents:
Bring your swimmer to practice five minutes early and arrive at meet locations 15 minutes before warm ups.
Swimmers must know that while practice is fun, it is not a social event. If they are at the pool during practice time, they must practice. Please do not bring your swimmer during practice if they aren’t going to join with the team. This sets a good example for other swimmers in showing them your swimmer’s commitment to our team.
Have all equipment on hand for swimmer (Goggles and Caps for practice and team suit, team cap and goggles for meets).
Encourage! Encourage! Encourage! Teach your swimmer to focus on stroke technique and improving on individual times, NOT on getting ribbons.
Have patience with your swimmer. It takes time to develop each stroke. Bringing your child to as many practices as possible will further their stroke development and help to build confidence as they prepare for meets. Remember that morning practice time is closed to the general pool membership, so morning practice lends itself to more time in the pool and better, more focused practice. Please try to attend morning practice. Swimmers may attend one or both practices each day.
As stated in the first bullet: every family must commit to working each meet. Some parents may be required to work both halves if needed. All Parents are required to take the timers and runner test online. We may not use you the entire meet but we require you to be available. Parents are also required to help set up and tear down for home meets and fill worker positions for away meets.
If you will be out of town, or your swimmer will not be swimming a particular meet, you need to let us know by the Sunday prior to the meet. If something does come up, it is YOUR responsibility to find a replacement and communicate the change to one of your SAIL reps.
Registration
All families are responsible for enrolling their kids through the team website (your swimtopia page). If there are issues with registration, please contact a board member for help.
Dues include up to 7 practices per week (except for noted holidays), SAIL dues and insurance, team t-shirt, team photo, and ribbons. Registration fees must be paid online at the time of registration.
Registration for swimmers is due by May 1st, 2023.
Suspension
If registration fees are not received in full by May 15, a notice of delinquency will be e-mailed.
If the Parent/Guardian fails to pay any delinquent registration fees, within 7 days from the date of such notice of delinquency, the Swimmer shall be suspended from further participation in all activities, including, but not limited to, practices and meets.
Awards
Participation ribbons for swimmers will be given out after each meet and individual awards will be given out at the end of the season banquet in July.
Fun Fridays
Ribbons will be awarded for all individual and relay events at swim meets at 9am on the Friday morning following the meet (except when variations are noted). They will be handed out by the Coaches. This is a great opportunity for swimmers to get feedback on strokes and times along with encouragement from team mates and coaches. Swimmers of the week (one male and one female) will also be announced each week and featured on our website.
Head Coach’s Role
Conducts all swim practices, time trials, and attends all swim meets.
Is responsible for correcting errant swimmers at swim team practices, meets, and time trials.
Contacts parents in the event a behavior problem should occur and reports the issue to the SAIL Rep(s) of the swim team.
To the best of their ability, the coach will be responsible for enhancing swim team members’ ability to perform the various strokes used in swim meets, in such a manner as to encourage and enhance self-improvement.
Acts as a leader in promoting team spirit and demonstrate a positive attitude.
Assistant Coach’s Role
Assists the head coach in the responsibilities noted for the head coach.
Acts as a leader in promoting team spirit and demonstrate a positive attitude.
May be required to perform additional duties, as needed, at the direction of the head coach.
Parent/Guardian’s Role
Provides a caring, supporting environment.
Encourages swimmers to feel good about his or her interest in competitive swimming.
Shows support by ensuring swimmer attendance at practices and swim meets.
Strives to be a positive role model.
Most important, show good sportsmanship at all times toward coaches, officials and other teams.
Know your job assignment for meets and be at assigned position prior to the start of the meet or half you are working.
Parent Code of Conduct
As a Parent of a swimmer, I will abide by the following code of conduct:
Practice teamwork with all parents, swimmers & coaches by supporting the values of discipline, loyalty, commitment & hard work.
As a parent, I will not coach or instruct the team or any swimmer at a practice or meets (from the stands or any other area) or interfere with coaches on the pool deck. Any communication with the coaching staff will occur either prior to the start of a practice or meet or after the conclusion of a practice or meet.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship by conducting myself in a manner that earns the respect of my child, other swimmers, parents, officials & the coaches at meets & practices.
Maintain self-control at all times & know my role: Swimmers – swim, Coaches – coach, Officials – officiate, and Parents – parent.
Enjoy involvement with the Swim Team by supporting the swimmers, coaches & other parents with positive communications & actions.
During competitions, questions or concerns regarding decisions made by meet officials are directed to a member of our coaching staff only.
As a parent, I understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward the coaches, officials, &/or any participating swimmer will not be permitted or tolerated.
Swimmer Code of Conduct
All swimmers will abide by the following code of conduct:
I will conduct myself with dignity and respect for others and for the property of others.
I will be on time for practice and meets.
I will comply with all team rules.
As a matter of team pride & courtesy to meet hosts, pool facility operators, lifeguards, and swimmers, I will leave the team area in a neat & clean condition at the conclusion of each practice session. I understand this also applies to pool rest rooms and pool decks, etc.
I will practice and teach good sportsmanship.
I will promote positive team spirit and morale.
I will offer congratulations and encouragement to other swimmers including those on the other team.
I will support my teammates at practice and at competition. Working together as a unit will benefit each team member and is an important part of our team spirit.
I will follow verbal directions of the coaching staff. At no time will disrespectful attitudes or abusive language by any swimmer be tolerated.
I will respect the rights and space requirements of other groups using the swimming facility.
I will follow the Code of Conduct at home and away meets.
Prohibited Behavior
I understand that at no times will the following be accepted:
Use or possession of any illegal substance (i.e. alcohol, drugs, tobacco).
Destructive behavior.
Inappropriate or unruly behavior, including fighting or striking another athlete.
Inappropriate language (swearing or derogatory comments) or lying.
Stealing and vandalism
Bullying or isolating another swimmer.
Interference with the progress of another swimmer during practice or at any other time.
Consequences for Violation of the Code of Conduct
This code shall be in force for all swimmers during practice, during swim meets, and at events sponsored by, or in which, the Swim Team is represented. Disciplinary actions can range from, but are not limited to; reprimands, repetitions of a drill, push ups, etc., being sent home from practice or meets, expulsion from the team, being barred from competition, or receiving any other disciplinary action that the Board deems necessary if a member fails to adhere to the Code in part or in whole.
Suspension
Coaches may suspend a swimmer from practice for disciplinary reason for a maximum of three days. Coaches may also recommend to the Board that a swimmer be expelled from the club if in their judgment, the swimmer is unable to conform to the disciplinary guidelines established for swim practice and team participation.
10 & Under
Eligibility: Swimmers must be able to swim unassisted across the pool (25 meter).
Goal(s): To swim 25 meters of each stroke to SAIL Swimming standards and compete in SAIL’s Divisionals, ultimately qualifying to swim SAIL Championships & Classics.
Focus : All four strokes will continued to be developed plus the 100 IM.
11 & Over
Eligibility: Swimmers must be able to swim unassisted across the pool (25 meter).
Goal(s): To swim 25 meters of each stroke to SAIL Swimming standards and compete in SAIL’s Divisionals, ultimately qualifying to swim SAIL Championships & Classics.
Focus : All four strokes will continued to be developed plus the 100 IM.
On-deck Volunteering
The following roles are considered on-deck volunteering and need to be supplied by our team to efficiently run a swim meet:
Home Meets (per half unless otherwise noted):
1-Referee – works entire meet (Classroom Training & Online Test Required)
1-Starter – works entire meet (Classroom Training & Online Test Required)
6-Stroke & Turn Judge (Classroom Training & Online Test Required)
1-Head Clerk of Course – works entire meet (Classroom Training & Online Test Required)
2-Clerk of Course (Classroom Training & Online Test Required)
1-Computer – works entire meet (Classroom Training & Online Test Required)
2-Runner (Online Test Required)
1-Chief Timer – works entire meet (Online Test Required)
14-Timer (Online Test Required)
2-Records (Online Test Required)
2-Ribbons (Online Test Required)
Home Meet Volunteering
It is a requirement that every family commit to work at every meet. Requirements are: one meet half per parent (a single parent family must commit to one half per meet, a two parent family must commit to two halves – one parent may work both halves or each parent may work one half each).Parents are required to time, score, and officiate swim meets. We may not use you the entire meet but we require you to be available. If this requirement doesn’t work for you, you may need to look at joining a different swim team. Parents are also required assist with set up and tear down for home meets and fill worker positions for away meets.
In addition to the On-deck volunteering roles, a home meet will require the following volunteers:
6-Tent Parents
6-Concessions
Away Meet Volunteering
In addition to the On-deck volunteering roles, an AWAY meet will require the following volunteers:
6-Tent Parents
Season
The SAIL season will start Monday, May 8th (first practice) until July 16 (SAIL Classics Meet).
Communication
The team will primarily use Swimtopia for communication. Weekly newsletters will be sent through Swimtopia email. Alerts with immediate changes to practice times, as in the case of inclement weather, will also be sent through Swimtopia. Please be patient with anyone who attempts to notify you of schedule changes as they are only trying to help you and your swimmer have a positive experience.
Website
Our primary methods of communication are e-mail and the team website. The website includes news, events, swimmer sign-up, and volunteer job sign-ups. The site is updated regularly. Please check for new and updated information.
You may also access your swimmer’s best times on this web site. Once logging on, Go to My Account and then click on your child’s name to see their Best times. Click on the event to see their history. Click the following link to review all SAIL results at :https://greenvillejournal.com/sail/
E-mails will be sent to inform parents/guardians and swimmers of upcoming events, such as swim meets, team social events, volunteer events, etc. Be sure to keep your e-mail address current on the website. If you need help updating it, please see the Contact Us link on the website.
Text Messaging
You will be asked to provide a cell phone number(s) that may be used for team notifications that are time sensitive (i.e., weather delays at meets and practice cancellations due to weather), in the event of an emergency, or due to behavior or disciplinary issues.
Parent Kick-off Meeting
At the beginning of the season the team holds a Parent Kick-off Meeting to welcome everyone and give details about the upcoming season.
This short meeting will include a short introduction by the SAIL Reps, a few words from the Head Coach and swim team Board, and a brief question and answer session.
Concerns
If you have a concern about administration of the team, coaching, finances, other swimmers' behavior, other parents/guardians' behavior, or other related matters, please contact the SAIL Representative. Your concern will be taken to the following board meeting and mediated. The SAIL Representative will follow up with you.
Swim Meets
By its very name, the purpose of the SAIL summer swimming is to compete and that means attending swim meets! We are a recreational summer team.
Since SAIL’s beginning in 1964, they have worked hard in the community to embrace and encourage all levels of swimming. Having fun as a team has been at the center of our activities.
For many new swimmers, taking the first step and going to their first competitive meet is a big undertaking. Our coaches understand this and are happy to share information about each meet.
Schedule
The 2023 SAIL schedule has been finalized.
Please see schedule on the homepage.
Divisionals July 7-8
Championship July 15
Classics July 16
Historical Results
Swim results from past seasons can be found on the www.swimsail.org, under Activities, Meet Results and clicking View Results. This will take you to the Greenville News site with all of the results from 2016 and prior.
Results from 2018 and on can be found at https://greenvillejournal.com/sail/
Procedures
As a summer recreational swim team, we encourage all of our swimmers to attend swim meets and compete in events of their choice. Swim meets provide an opportunity for the swimmers to measure the progress of their training and practice. Swim meets are also a social time, which enables the swimmers to build friendships with fellow teammates.
All swimmers who commit to a meet should strive to participate in the events they signed up for. If they are unable to make a meet or event, they need to inform the coach who can scratch them or find a replacement before the meet starts.
Swimmers must remain in the tent area during the meet. If they leave the tent area they must notify the head tent parent. Swimmers should remain aware of the current event lining up so that restroom and concession breaks can be planned accordingly.
Swimmer Events
SAIL Swim Meets are divided into (80) Events and are listed below. Each event contains one or more heats. Most of the pools participating the SAIL league are (6) lanes. If there are more than (6) entrants for an event, it is necessary to conduct multiple heats within that event.
Some helpful tips about the SAIL meets:
Female athletes will always compete in ODD numbered events.
Male athletes will always compete in EVEN numbered events.
Events for 10-year old females will always end in “3”. For example, 3, 13, 23, 33, etc.
Events for 12-year old males will always end in “6”. For example, 6, 16, 26, 36, etc.
Heat Sheets
Each swim meet will have a heat sheet that will provide information such as event, heat, swimmer, lane, and any previous swim times. The head Tent Parents should have these details and heat sheets are available for purchase at concessions.
For parents who would like to follow the action, check around on the pool deck if the Home Team has these available for sale. It is encouraged for you to print your own Heat Sheet prior to the meet.
Timeline for the Swim Meet
Swim meet software provides a timeline for the swim meet based on swimmer times. The timeline will show the estimated time for each event, which will allow you to better plan your evening. If the heat sheets has this data, do not use this timeline to determine your arrival time at the meet. Your swimmers’ coach will tell them when to arrive for warm-up.
First Swim Meet Guide
The most important items after the events have been selected and the volunteer roles have been chosen, is to arrive on-time (warm-ups and events) and have your athlete record their event details on them.
Each swimmer must have their events written on their arm with permanent Sharpie marker. Do this at home, before sunscreen is applied and the swimmer warms up (oily or wet arms are difficult to write on). Please mark the child with event number and name (i.e., #12 Short Fr). If your swimmer is 8&under, please write his/her name on the left shoulder to help Tent Parents and Clerk of Course line them up correctly.
Make sure your athletes learn who the Tent Parents are. They can make sure swimmers get to the correct location in time for their events.
Closing
We hope this Handbook was helpful for you and we welcome suggestions to keep this a dynamic document to help parents and swimmers for years to come.
