-COACHES-        -PRACTICE-         -COMPETITIVE PROGRAM-          -TERMINOLOGY-
-ANATOMY OF A SWIM MEET-         -PARENTS' ASSOCIATION-         -MISCELLANEOUS-
-PARENT PARTICIPATION-          -WAYS TO HELP YOUR SWIMMER-

Welcome!

On behalf of the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County and The Sharks Swim Team, I'd like to welcome you!  Now entering our 20th + year here at the YWCA, the Sharks have continued to grow both in size and experience.  The goals of the Sharks are as follows: sportsmanship, teamwork, fellowship, and fun!

Our coaching staff is both experienced and knowledgeable. We strive to make swimming a large part of Adams County and the surrounding areas!

We look forward to working and getting to know all of you better during this exciting season.

Megan Maslowski, Aquatic Director & Sharks Coach

~COACHING STAFF~
   Megan Maslowski, Head Coach

I have been here for about 4 years with the Sharks. I was a swimmer for the Sharks and competed for the G-Burg High School Team and at Shippensburg University. I am currently the Aquatic Director at the YWCA. I work mainly with the Level II/III swimmers, but will work with everyone. I am also in charge of all aspects of the team.

  Matt Teeter, Assistant Coach

Matt now has 1+ years under his belt. He also is a former Sharks and Gettysburg High School Swimmer. Matt swam competitively for Penn State University. He is currently a lawyer in town with his family.

   Carrie Maslowski, Assistant Coach

Carrie has been with the Sharks for a number of years. Carrie was also a swimmer for both the Sharks and the Gettysburg High School Swim Team. She works primarily with the Level I swimmers.

 Neil Beck, Assistant Coach

Neil has coached the Sharks in the past. His two children were both members of the Sharks, and he has come back for more! He is currently a pilot and will work with all levels.

~PRACTICE~

Practice is according to age and ability to provide the most effective use of the pool and coaching time.

All swimmers should arrive early enough to be ready to swim at the stated time. This will provide time for a smooth progression from warm-up to instruction and practice, and discourage disruption. There is no set rule concerning the number of days a swimmer must be at practice. The coaches recommend at least 2 practices per week to start. The amount of practice should match the swimmer's expectations of success. Although we support the concept of self-motivation, parental encouragement may be needed from time to time. Please keep in mind; forcing a swimmer to come to practice may result in resentment.

What to bring to practice:

What Parents should do during practice:

What to take away from practice:

***Swimmers should attend practices and promptly inform their parents of information. Please remember that neither the YWCA, nor the coaches are responsible for the kids when they leave the pool. The parents are responsible for their own children. Children over the age must use the same sex locker rooms. (the special needs locker room is available for use for mothers/sons or fathers/daughters.

EVERY SWIMMER should check his/her file folder in the hallway every day!

We ask that each team member practice for and participate in all league meets. Special exceptions will be made, as the coaches deem necessary.

Practice Schedule (may change depending on season)

LEVEL I (8 & under or as needed)

Monday/Wednesday 6-6:45 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 5:45-6:30p.m.

LEVEL II (intermediate swimmers)

Monday/Wednesday 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 6:30- 7:45 p.m., Friday 5:30-6:30 p.m.

LEVEL III (advanced/HS swimmers)

Monday/Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 6:30-8:00 p.m., Friday 5:30-6:30 p.m.


~COMPETITIVE PROGRAM~

DUAL MEETS

The Sharks compete in two leagues: the Central Penn Aquatic League (CPAL) in the winter season, and the Capital Area Swim League (CASL) in the summer season. A dual meet is competition between two teams. The team with the most dual meet wins determines the league champion in their respective division. Meets are held at either our home pool (YWCA) or the opposing team's pool. Swimmers are placed in events by the coaches for the maximum benefit to the team. The coaches also try to place swimmers in events they enjoy.

CPAL and CASL rules limit all swimmers to a maximum of four events per meet, one of which must be a relay. (8 & under's may only swim three total events in the summer).

Signing up for league meets- Sheets will be passed out during the beginning of the season, please fill out and return by the appropriate date. Swimmers are STRONGLY encouraged to attend all dual meets! We need everyone to participate to be a strong team!

Swimmers are responsible to make sure they are on deck for their events. They are not to wander around the building. They must also remember that they are young ladies and gentleman and that there IS NO EXCUSE FOR BAD MANNERS!

INVITATIONAL MEETS

Several invitational meets are held during both seasons. The host team invites many teams to send swimmers to participate. The large number of participants usually provides very challenging competition. Swimmers sign-up in advance for the events in which they wish to compete. A small fee is charged for each event entered, and the host team decides the rules governing the meet. These meets are optional, but strongly recommended. The YWCA Sharks have hosted two different types of invitational meets in the past. The Blue & Gray Pentathlon and the Autumn Aquafest. Team members are STRONGLY encouraged to participate in events held by our team, as they are major fund-raisers.

DIVISIONALS

At the conclusion of the dual meet season, all teams in each division compete in a meet called Divisionals. Each swimmer must have participated in at least three dual meets to qualify for Divisionals. The swimmers and coaches choose the events in which they will compete and are seeded according to event, age, and time. Swimmers' times at Divisionals determine whether they qualify to swim at All Stars.

ALL STARS

The top 8-12 finishers in the combined Divisional meets results qualify. (There are four divisional meets held the same day). This meet is typically held the day after Divisionals.

MID-CAPS

The top 4-6 finishers from each of two All Star meets (East and West shores) advance to the Mid-Cap Meet. Summer only. This meet is typically held the Saturday after Divisionals and All Stars.


~TERMINOLOGY~

- Timing System- Electronic timing system that automatically gives the swimmer's time and place on the board when the touch pad is activated at the end of the race.

- Conversion Chart- Used to translate times for similar distances between a meter (ours) and yard (most other pools) pool.

- D.Q.- Disqualification- Swimmers can be disqualified for doing an illegal stroke, kick, turn, or touch during a race. The swimmer is not able to receive an award, nor can the time be used as an "official" time. These should be taken as a learning experience, not as a bad experience. It happens to the best of us!

- Entry Fees- Money paid by the parent or club for a swimmer to participate in an invitational, or championship meet.

- Exhibition- Swimming an event for a time, but not to earn points. If there is an abundance of an age group, the coach must put swimmers in Exhibition heats.

- False Start- A race start that is considered invalid, usually because of a swimmer moving in a forward motion before the starting sound. With the exception of 8 & under swimmers, who are allowed one false start, a swimmer is disqualified from a race if he/she commits a false start. The official may still allow them to swim, however this will not count for team points or awards.

- Flip Turn- A somersault type of turn used in the freestyle and backstroke.

-Heats- Only 3 swimmers per event are eligible to gain points for the team. If other swimmers swim in these events, they will be placed in exhibition heats. This is organized by time.

- Individual Medley (IM)- Swimmer is required to swim each of the four strokes in the following order (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle). Fly, Back, Breast, Free- I'll beat your team just wait and see!

- League Meet- A dual meet between league members for the purpose of team competition.

- Meters vs. Yards- a meter = 39.37 inches, and a yard = 36 inches. This causes the times swum in a meter pool (like the Y) to be slower than in a yard pool. The computer program we use to keep statistics uses a fairly accurate conversion factor to convert times.

-Scratched- When a swimmer withdraws from a race, due to illness, etc.

- Seeding- To rank swimmers according to times and placed in heats.

-Splits- Time for the individual legs of a relay, or leg of an individual swimmer's race.

-Taper- A training process used at the end of a season of hard work to help the swimmers rest and prepare for their most important meets of the season.

-Warm-Up- Laps swum at the beginning of practice to loosen up and gradually increase the heart rate. Very important not to rush into a hard practice. Please be on time, as not to miss warm-ups.

-Cool- Down- Laps swum slowly at the end of practice to relax muscles and decrease heart rate. Again, very important.

~ANATOMY OF A SWIM MEET~

Age Levels (for boys and girls)

8 & under

9-10

11-12

13-14

15-18

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Butterfly, Backstroke, Breastroke, Freestyle, and Individual Medley (IM).

Each event proceeds from youngest to oldest. Distances are measured in yards or meters, depending upon the pool and varying by age group.

RELAYS

Each of four swimmers swims an equal distance of the event. Usually done in a freestyle or IM format. (IM- Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle- different order for Medley Relays and the Individual Medley).

SCORING

Individual events: (6 lane pool)

1st place 6 points

2nd place 4 points

3rd place 3 points

4th place 2 points

5th place 1 point

Relays

1st place 8 points

2nd place 4 points

3rd place 2 points

One team may not earn points for more than two relay places in one event.

~PARENTS' ASSOCIATION~
2006

President:  Amanda Hartel & Clare O'Brien
Vice President:  Christine Hoy
Secretary:  Corrie Ondrizek
Treasurer:  Lisa Tully
Team Representative:  
Assistant Team Rep:  

COMMITTEES
All committees have a chairperson, get involved!
Invitationals
Merchandising
Nominating
Publicity
Hospitality
Statistics
USS Swimming
Awards
Ways & Means

YWCA:  334-9171
Head Coach:  Megan Maslowski (ext. 129)
Aquatic Director:  Megan Maslowski (ext. 129)
Executive Director:  Cynthia Reimel (ext. 115)

*PARENTS' ASSOCIATION MEETINGS*

Meetings are held a couple of times each season at the YWCA. Attendance at these meetings will keep you informed of team and league happenings. You will also become involved in decisions that affect the team's operation. Days and times will be announced.

Email is also a very important communication tool!

FEES

Team fees vary from winter to summer. Check YWCA publications for exact costs, or call the YWCA at:

717-334-9171  Megan Maslowski ext. 129

EQUIPMENT

Official team caps with last names on are required for all swimmers on the team who wear caps in competition, as are goggles. Team suits are highly recommended for those swimmers who are in their second season and beyond. Each swimmer will need a pair of fins. Sweats, baseball caps, swim bags, shorts, T-shirts, and jackets may be purchased through the merchandise committee. Although these items are not required, they make great gifts.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
If you have questions or concerns about your swimmer that relate to coaching, please contact the coach. That can be done in the following ways:

Leave a note in the coach's folder in the hallway.
Call the YWCA during the day. If the coach is not available, leave a message.
Megan's extension is 129.
Email!

The coaches are always willing to talk to parents, but ask that practices and meets not be interrupted.
Parents are asked not to call the coaches at home unless it is an emergency, such as illness before a meet.

~PARENT PARTICIPATION~

As in any youth sport, the success of the team depends not only on its participants and coaching staff, but also on parent participation. Parents are the backbone of our team. Without their support and help, our team could not hold meets.

Parents run swim meets. They are needed to officiate, time, to be runners, operate the computer, the timing system and operate the snack bar. Even if your background in swimming is limited, there are plenty of experienced parents to show you the ropes. It is our hope that when you are asked for help, you will be willing to give some of your time.

The snack bar is one of our major sources of income. Each swim team family is asked to contribute "goodies". The snack bar usually operates in shifts. If your child is swimming during your shift, please leave to watch and then return. All money from the snack bar goes to the Swim Team Fund. This helps to purchase awards, equipment, etc.

MEETS: Parent volunteers serve in many capacities at both home and away meets: timers, scorers, announcers, referee/starter, finish and place judges, stroke and turn judges, and ribbon writers. Experience is not necessary for many of these positions. Meets cannot take place without parent volunteers.

RECORDS/AWARDS:  The team statistician keeps records of all times swum by each member of the team and team records. Awards are presented in each age group at the end of each season.

PUBLICITY:  One or more individuals submit information regarding meets and activities to the local newspapers.

COMMUNICATION:  Please remember that communication is very important to be informed on events, etc. Please check your family's mailbox on a daily basis. Email is an extremely important tool to be informed. You may also check out the Sharks website at www.swimgburg.org and most importantly be involved in the Parent's Association!

~HOME MEET PREPARATIONS~
Parent volunteers are needed to help set up and tear down the timing system, scorer's tables, snack bar, and recall line before meets. Swimmers will be assigned clean up duties at each meet. Parents are asked to make sure their swimmer(s) does his/her job before leaving the YWCA.

FOOD CONCESSIONS

Food donations are needed for each event, as selling food is an important part of the team's fund-raising efforts. Volunteers are needed to work the food stand before, during, and at the end of all home meets.

OFFICALS

Officials are needed at every meet. Yearly training clinics are offered by the league and United States Swimming. While we need more officials at home meets, we are also required to supply officials for all away meets and championship meets.

WAYS TO HELP YOUR SWIMMER
Attend all meets to encourage your child's efforts and to cheer on the Sharks.

Maintain a swimmer's record book to chart your child's individual progress. Swimming is more than a team sport--it stresses individual improvement and goal setting. Competition is between the swimmer and the clock, as well as between swimmers.

Make sure your swimmer is properly equipped for each meet. Check bags for suits, caps, goggles, and towels. Pack snacks, or send money for them. It is also a good idea to send money for emergency replacement of goggles. Bring a sleeping bag or blanket and a cooler of goodies for invitational meets, Divisionals, and All Stars. At big meets, the team sets up camp away from the pool area, and spends much time awaiting turns to swim. Lawn chairs are helpful at outdoor meets. Families with tents and/or tarps often bring them to away meets to keep the swimmers out of the sun or rain. Help in putting up and taking down these items is greatly appreciated.

You may want your own stopwatch to enjoy the excitement of timing your child at meets.

Prepare nourishing meals that are high in carbohydrates (spaghetti, pancakes) the night before a meet. If preparing for a big meet (Nationals, JO's, Divisionals, etc.) Feed your child lots of carbohydrates the entire week before the meet. Food should be consumed sparingly during the meets. Water and light healthy snacks are best. Make sure your swimmer gets plenty of rest throughout the season, especially before a meet.

Actively participate as a volunteer in as many capacities as possible.

Subscribe to a swimming magazine, view video tapes about swimming, and watch swimming on TV. Take time to talk to your child about it!

We would like to welcome you to the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County Sharks Swimming Family!
There are many good times to be had by all.