Parent Handbook

 

Welcome to the Muirfield Marlins 2018 Swim Team. Thank you to all the swimmers, parents and volunteers for contributing to the team. Our season consists of 7 swim meets; including six (6) league swim meets (3 at home) plus the all-county meet held at the RecPlex on August 4, 2018.

 

To provide an organized family activity focused on the youth that promotes team spirit, sportsmanship, fun of competition, and development of swimming skills while enhancing the Muirfield community and neighbor relationships. Participants will be both encouraged and expected to maintain a team attitude and contribute to team goals through individual effort.

 

Practice will be held every week day throughout the season. The coaches encourage swimmers to make as many practices as possible. The league requires a minimum of two (2) practices a week (not including vacations) to remain eligible for meets. The coach will be recording attendance at each practice.

 

Swimmers may not be older than 18 as of June 1st of this year to be eligible to swim. All swimmers must be able to swim at least one length of the pool unassisted before swimming in any swim meets. Beginner swimmers will be allowed to work up to this requirement within the sole discretion of the head coach.

 

All seven (7) of the meet eligibility sheets will be available at practice. Any swimmer that cannot make a meet must inform the coaches as soon as possible because the meet events are assigned as much as a week in advance of meets. Unexpectedly absent swimmers create havoc and sometimes disappointment for other swimmers during meets.

 

Swimmers who have a request to swim a particular event also must inform the coach well in advance of the meet, but not all requests can be accommodated. Sometimes swimmers may be asked to swim events that they do not like for the good of the team.

 

Please be on time (30 minutes before the meet is set to begin) and keep track of your children. As soon as swimmers arrive, they need to check in with one of the coaches or coach helper. Look for the Marlin’s banner and the event card holder. This will be the team area for the meet. The event cards will be organized by the first letter of your last name or event number. After finding your event cards see a coach or coach helper and have your events marked on your hand. Swimmers may leave their cards in the holder until the event, or take them out and hold them. Remember the event card must go with the swimmer to the bullpen, unless it is a relay card. One member of the relay team or a coach, coach helper, or parent relay helper for the 6 & unders will give the relay card to the bullpen.

 

After swimmers’ hands are marked, swimmers should report to the pool for warm-ups. After warm-ups swimmers should stay in the team area. This is safer and it is much easier to find swimmers who should be in the bullpen.

 

Please, pick up all of your trash and any other trash you see.

 

- Arrive at the designated warm-up time

- Mark hands with event numbers

- Parent workers pick up their name tag with worker assignment off the Worker Assignment Board which will be hung near the event card holder

- Swimmers’ warm-up

- Get event cards as needed

- Report to the Bullpen when your number is called

- Swimmers swim your best and report to the coach after your race

- Parents look for ways to help, always be pleasant, and have fun

 

As most of you all know, we can’t have a swim meet unless we parents do all the work! That being said, every member of the team must have at least one parent to work at the meets. Most will be working at least half of every meet. For home meets we need about 23 people for each half and about 17 for each half at away meets. After the parent worker schedule is distributed, it will up to you to find a substitution. If you are substituting for another parent please pick up the parent’s name tag that you are substituting for at the beginning of the meet.

 

When you or your substitute arrives at a meet to work, pick up your name tag(s) from the Worker Assignment Board before the meet. If you or your substitute do not pick up your name tag and work as assigned, you will be counted as a “no-show.” The $70 check collected from each family with the registration forms will be cashed if a parent is scheduled to work and does not show and does not find a replacement to take their place. A second “no-show” from the same family will result in all swimmers from that family being excluded from meets for the remainder of the season. No refunds of registration fees will be given.

 

Parents will be assigned to work in one of the following roles:

- Concessions

- Setup & Tear-down

- Timer

- Runner

- Bullpen

- Ribbon Table Sorter

- Ribbon Table Score Keeper

- Ribbon Table Writer

- Announcer/Starter

- Stroke Judge

- Parent Relay Captain for 6 & unders

 

Concession stand workers set up food and candy. Workers must be at the booth at all times and follow sanitary guidelines for handling food. Workers prepare food or sell items and make change. You will also need to distribute water once each half for the meet workers. Never leave the booth unattended.

 

Although specific people may be assigned setup and tear-down duty, it is the responsibility of all parents to help set up before home meets and clean up afterward, even it you are not assigned this task as a parent worker. If you cannot stay until the end of the meet, at least make sure you do your part at the beginning. With everyone helping, setup and tear-down goes very quickly.

 

- Removing lounge chairs from the pool deck through the back gate.

- Two tables need to be moved to the corner near the deep end for the ribbon tables.

- The starter blocks must be carried from the storage room behind the bathrooms and put in place.

- Lane lines must be set and tightened.

- The announcer stand must be brought out from the same storage room as the blocks and set up at the corner of the deep end near the Ribbon Tables. The speaker system needs set-up and checked.

- The Bullpen benches must be set in place in the corner of the deep end nearest the parking lot. The benches are stored in the pump room.

- The backstroke poles must be positioned approximately 15 feet from the ends of the pool. The flags must be stretched between the poles across the pool. The poles are on the pool deck and flags will be in the swim team meet container in the cabana storage room.

- The lane markers must be placed at both ends of the pool and the bullpen event num- bers must be hung up in front of the bullpen.

- After the meet, everything must be put away.

 

There are three timers in each lane with at least one from the opposing team. First half Timers obtain a Muirfield stopwatch from the container sitting on a chair next to the Worker Assignment Board at the beginning of the meet. Second half Muirfield Timers be sure to switch and obtain a stop watch from a Muirfield parent NOT the opposing team.

Each timer in a lane times the swimmer in their assigned lane and all three times are written on the event card given by the swimmer to one designated writer/timer. The runners come by and get the cards after each event. Timers must work fast and be ready for the next heat. Always read the event card and double check swimmer’s name and distance of race as well as listen to the announcer.

 

Timers can put their hand on the wall to prevent a backstroker from hitting the wall with head but should not reach out to swimmers head. Be careful not to interfere with the swimmer.

 

Timers are not stroke judges and should not comment to swimmers, stroke judges or anyone else if they think a swimmer should be disqualified. Timers should say positive and encouraging things to swimmers and other parents or say nothing at all.

 

Two runners work each meet collecting the cards from the timers and taking them quickly to the ribbon table.

For 25 yard events, runners must take the cards from the swimmers and run them down to the timers at the other end of the pool.

 

Timers should alert the scoring table workers to any unusual issues with the cards, such as if the wrong colored card was used for a boy or girl or a late swimmer swam with another event number.

 

Bullpen workers are critical to the pace of the meet. Bullpen workers must communicate to the announcer what swimmers are needed in the bullpen, must display the bullpen event numbers for swimmers to see, and must seat swimmers in the bullpen according to their lane numbers and events, combining events when possible to fill all lanes to speed up the meet. Bullpen workers must write the lane numbers on each swimmers’ card and also write which heat of the event the swimmer is in, if there are multiple heats. For example, “Lane 2 Heat 1 of 3” or “Ln 2 1/3.” This

is very helpful to the ribbon table workers. Bullpen workers must communicate to the announcer what events are swimming next and whether the heat is combined to avoid confusion.

 

Do not make a swimmer swim alone. If there are seven swimmers, for instance, place 5 in heat one and two in the second heat trying to make sure each team is represented in each heat. Bullpen workers should also try to put swimmers from different teams next to each other. You can combine boys and girls in the same event in a heat if necessary to fill a heat and help speed up the meet.

 

For 25 yard relays, walk swimmers 2 and 4 to their lane at the other end of the pool. Give the card to the first swimmer in the relay.

 

The Ribbon Table Sorter is responsible for the following tasks:

1. Receives the event cards from the runners.

2. Sorts the cards by event number.

3. Circles the middle time or average two times if only two are recorded on the card. If there are three times and two are the same, the sorter uses the matching time.

4. Puts the cards for each event in order and label the places (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.)

5. In the event two swimmers have the exact same time, both are given the same place and the next place is skipped. For example, if two swimmers tie for 2nd, each is given 2nd place and the next fastest swimmer is given 4th place.

 

The Score Keeper is responsible for the following tasks:

1. Writing down the names of the first six (6) places of each event on the score sheet.

2. Scoring the points for the highest placing swimmer for each team according to the chart below.

3. If two swimmers in an event (one from each team) have the same time, each are awarded the same number of points, assuming they are the highest placing swimmer from their team in the event.

4. After entering the score you then pass the cards to the Ribbon Sorter to sort ribbons with the event card and place in the file for each event in each teams ribbon box.

5. Total cumulative scores at the bottom of each page and carry forward the score to the top of the next page.

6. Each score sheet is given to the Announcer to announce the score and the score sheets are then posted on the fence.

 

The Ribbon Table Writers are responsible for the following tasks:

1. After the event is written on the score sheet the cards are given to the Writers to complete the ribbons as needed. Muirfield does not write its ribbons at the meet. They are entered into the database and labels are printed by the coaches the next day.

3. Ribbons and cards are placed into each teams’ ribbon box by event number. Be sure to place the correct place ribbon with each Muirfield swimmer’s card.

 

The host team is responsible for providing the ribbons, with the exception of purple participation ribbons, and making sure the ribbons are distributed by the end of the meet.

 

The Announcer is responsible for running the meet and keeping it moving forward as quickly as possible. Announcers make announcements regarding worker assignments, which swimmers should be in the bullpen at the start of the meet, calling for the National Anthem at the beginning of the meet, etc.

 

It is important for the announcer to be in constant communication with the bullpen to understand and announce which swimmers are on the blocks, how many heats are in each event, and whether there are combined events. The announcer makes sure timers are ready before each event, tell the swimmers to take their marks, and blows the horn to start the event. The announcer blows the horn several times to stop the swimmers in the event of a false start.

 

The announcer also gives the timers directions on switching ends of the pool for 25 yard events. The announcer also calls the second half workers to report at mid-meet.

 

When not scheduled to work at one of the assigned tasks above, parents may be asked to help get the 6 & under swimmers in place at each end of the pool for relays. The duties of the relay captain are:

To identify each relay swimmer during warm up time to confirm they are in attendance.

If anyone is missing, immediately notify the coach because substitutions must be made.

When the bullpen is getting close to calling the relay event, gather all the kids on the re- lay. Have them hold hands and lead them to the bullpen. Do not approach the bullpen until all swimmers are present. If you cannot find someone, have an older swimmer help you.

Stay with the relay team in the bullpen, but stay out of the way of the bullpen workers.

 

Each team must provide two (2) Stroke Judges each half. Stroke Judges must be certified by having gone to a league training session. Each stroke judge is responsible for the observing the swimmers in his or her quarter of the pool (one half the width and one-half the length). The Stroke Judges communicate using headset radios.

 

To disqualify a swimmer, Stroke Judges should follow this procedure:

1. Only disqualify a swimmer when you have clearly observed a disqualifying stroke. If you did not see it clearly, it should not be a disqualification. When in doubt, side with the swimmer. Judge only your quadrant and do not point out a disqualifying stroke in another quadrant to another Stroke Judge. If a swimmer is swimming slowly and is at the end of the pack, do not disqualify them. Have mercy!

2. Raise your hand upon seeing the disqualifying stroke.

3. Communicate over the headset the lane number and the reason for the DQ. For example, say “DQ lane three scissor kick.”

4. The Stroke Judge positioned closest to the timers for the lane where the DQ’d swimmer is swimming marks the swimmer’s card with the DQ reason and initials the card.

5. The Stroke Judge closest to the swimmer should try to tell the swimmer why they were disqualified in a polite manner that will help the swimmer understand their mistake but not upset them if at all possible.

6. Know the stroke rules and have your booklet with you. If a league representative questions your decision, listen to what they say and check the rules. If you are wrong, you may change your ruling, but do not take offense. Only the stroke judge that made the ruling may change it. Most league rep’s just want to make sure you understand the swimming disqualification rules, not challenge what you saw.

Disqualification Reasons and Rules (not all-inclusive):

Consult www.usaswimming.org for additional information

 

The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition and to promote uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmer gets an unfair competitive advantage over another swimmer.

 

Trained officials observe the swimmers during each event to ensure compliance with these technical rules. If a swimmer commits an infraction of the rules that is observed by an official, a disqualification (DQ) will result. This means that the swimmer will not receive an official time and will not be eligible for an award in that event. A disqualification may result from actions such as not getting to the starting blocks on time, false starting, performing strokes in an illegal manner, or unsportsmanlike­like conduct.

 

DQs are also a result of technical rules violations. They include but are not limited to:

Freestyle: Walking on the bottom, pulling on the lane rope, not touching the wall on a turn, or not completing the distance.
Backstroke: Pulling or kicking into the wall once a swimmer has turned passed the vertical onto the breast. Turning onto the breast before touching the wall with the hand at the finish of the race.
Breaststroke: An illegal kick such as flutter (freestyle), dolphin (butterfly), or scissors (side stroke); not on the breast; alternating movements of the arms; taking two arm strokes or two leg kicks while the head is under water; touching with only one hand at the turns or finish.
Butterfly: Alternating movements of the arms or legs; pushing the arms forward under instead of over the water surface (underwater recovery); a breaststroke style of kick; touching with only one hand at the turns or finish.

 

For specific language on any technical rules consult the USA Swimming Rules and Regulations book. Violations of the rules are reported to the Referee. The rules require that every reasonable effort be made to notify the swimmer or his coach of the reason for the disqualification. If your child is disqualified in an event, be supportive rather than critical. For beginning swimmers, a disqualification should be treated as a learning experience, not as a punishment. A disqualification alerts the swimmer and coach to what portions of the swimmer's stroke need to be corrected. They should be considered in the same light as an incorrect answer in schoolwork-they point out areas that need further practice. Disqualifications are necessary to keep the competition fair and equitable for all competitors. A supportive attitude on the part of the official, coach, and parent can make a positive situation out of the disqualification.

 

2018 is the 2nd year for this 2 year suit. Suits are available at Johnny Mac's 5819 Suemandy Road, St. Peters, MO 63376 The phone number of store is 636-278-6300.

 

Parking for practice or meets is only permitted in the pool parking lot and the sidewalk side of Muirfield Drive. Please be considerate of our neighbors and do not block their driveways or drive on their grass! If you live in Muirfield, please walk or ride bikes to practices and meets. You will save money and get some exercise. Coaches and parents reserve the right to ruthlessly harass anyone who drives to the pool in inverse proportion to the distance from which said driver lives from the pool.