SARG Handbook

Welcome to Southridge Aquatic Raider Gators!

The SARG Swim Team of Huntingburg, IN is dedicated to fostering an environment that inspires swimmers to achieve excellence in all aspects of life through the sport of

swimming. SARG allows each swimmer to develop as far as their dreams and talents will take them while working to improve as individuals and as a team.  Team, hard work and

dedication symbolize the SARG mission.

1

SARG Handbook

Section 1

The Organization

2

SARG Handbook

Welcome letter!

Welcome to the SARG Swim Club and the exciting world of competitive swimming. We are a member of USA Swimming; one of the country’s largest and most organized youth sports organization.

This handbook will give you a good working knowledge of the sport and of the SARG Swim Club, and will answer some basic questions about both. Keep in mind that this information is just an introduction. Please feel free to contact the Head Coach or one of the SARG Board members for additional information.

The sport of swimming has many benefits, including the people you and your child will meet. The camaraderie among swimmers is unique; many swimming buddies become lifelong friends. Swimming provides one of the most beneficial forms of exercise for cardiovascular and overall fitness. This exercise can be enjoyed throughout one’s entire life. For example, there are now swimmers in their nineties setting “masters” world records.

Possibly the greatest benefits of participating in an organized swimming program are the life skills your child will develop. These skills include time management, self-discipline and sportsmanship. Your child will reap the benefits of swimming long after his or her participation ends. Most swimmers go on to be very successful and productive adults largely due to what they gain from swimming.

Age group swimming can be fun, exciting and rewarding. Many children improve rapidly during the early developmental stages due the growth and improved technique. It is difficult to avoid the tendency to push young athletes at this stage. We recommend the training schedule for developmental swimmers (Predators and PG1) be flexible enough to provide time to participate in other activities. SARG currently practices Monday through Friday evenings, with the recommendation that your child try to attend at least 3 practices a week to get the most benefit while still leaving time for other activities and school work. Since many swimmers train for ten years or more, swimming at the youngest levels needs to be fun and pressure free.

Remember not every swimmer becomes a world record holder, but everyone gains from their swimming experience. Supporting your child in swimming can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You may soon find yourself cheering at competitions, timing during meets, or even going on to become a USA Swimming certified official. Whatever you role, your child’s experience in swimming has much to do with your positive support.

The purpose of this handbook is two-fold: to explain to new members just what the SARG team is and to outline various policies that affect all swimmers, year after year. Please keep this handbook handy as a reference. From time to time SARG will provide you with updated material to include in it. It will be a convenient place to keep calendars, meet schedules and other timely information about the current swim season with SARG. Please ask questions if you do not find the answer here. You can reach the head coach before and after practice or via email. We all have the same goal; to provide your child with the best possible experience in swimming

3

SARG Handbook

SARG PEOPLE

SARG Board MembersMike Hentrup President mbhentrup@psci.netLisa Biehl Treasurer leeserr@yahoo.comKim Weiss Secretary kweiss03@psci.netRachel Berg thebergs@psci.netGreg Jochem gkjochem@fullnet.comLisa Fleck lisa.fleck@kimball.comTrista Rothgerber trothgerber@comloginc.comLarry Fuesler larry.fuesler@gmail.com

SARG CoachesLogan Schaefer schaeferlogan@yahoo.com

(812) 630-2881

COACHING STAFF

Nothing has a greater influence on the quality of children’s sports than the excellence of the coach. The SARG staff consists of a professionally trained coach. He, as a member coaches in the American Swimming Coaches Association, have access to the most comprehensive training and certification program for youth coaches of any sport in the United States. Certified Coaches in the U.S. swimming programs possess training and experience in the physiology and psychology of adolescent development. Our coaching staff provides the assurance that the time your children spend in swimming will be quality time.

Full Time Coach

Logan E. Schaefer

Logan Schaefer is the Head Coach of the entire team. The coaching philosophy of the team comes under Logan’s direction and he is instrumental in determining the philosophy of the entire team. He also serves as the Southridge High School women’s and men’s coach. Logan has coached a number of NCAA All-Americans and several current USA National Members. Coach Logan has over 15 years of competitive swimming experience, both as a swimmer and a coach. Coach Logan has previously served as a personal coach of the USA National Team representing swimmers that have participate in numerous international competitions representing team USA. These swimmers have participated in LCM World Championships, SCM World Championships, World University Games, Pan American Games, and several FINA World Cup meets.

The board has a variety of duties from hiring and supervising the coaching staff, to organizing swim meets, financing the organization and setting the overall policy for the team. Any questions regarding matters such as billing, team suits, working at swim meets, etc. should be directed to the board.

4

SARG Handbook

“Preparation for Life” by Phil Hansel (Reprinted from: Swimming World magazine February 1988)

Not everything we do in life is a pleasant experience. Not everything we do is beneficial. Not everything we do is productive. Not everything is a nurturing, loving experience. Life is full of negative, destructive experiences. Rejection, defeat and failure surround all of us. The trick is to be prepared to deal with this side of life and learn to overcome discouragement.

I have always felt that the great value of swimming as a sport is that is prepares one for life. The total swimming experience is made up of people, attitudes, beliefs, work habits, fitness, health, winning and losing, and so much more. Swimming is a cross section of lifetime experiences. It can provide so many learning situations. A swimmer learns to deal with pressure and stress, sometimes self-imposed, sometimes applied by

others. One learns to deal with success and failure. One learns teamwork and discipline.

Swimming becomes a self-achievement activity. There is only one person in the water in a given lane in any race. The responsibility for performance ultimately lies with the individual. How well the individual has prepared physically and mentally to a large degree will determine the performance level.

Many swimming experiences can be of the disruptive, discouraging type. But at least a young swimmer learns that this is part of life, and the swimmer must learn to cope.

By learning how to handle frustration and disappointment, the young swimmer gains confidence. The swimmer learns dedication and commitment. Through perseverance, a swimmer learns to overcome adversity. All of these experiences tend to develop an individual who is better able to handle life’s hardships and face problems.

As coaches and parents, we tend to preach that hard work will lead to victory. We preach that clean living and proper training such as diet, sleep and regular attendance at workouts will lead to winning. Though in the long run for a productive successful life, these are probably truthful concepts that don’t always work in short term situations.

We have all been in situations where a bigger, more gifted person with poor work habits is the victor in race after race. Or we’ve known others who never seem to study, yet get good grades. We’ve known business

5

SARG Handbook

people who never seem to lift a finger, yet for one reason or another, they close deal after deal.

These things just are not fair. Yet this is one of the valuable lessons that swimmers learn: “Life is not fair.” We don’t all start out in life with the same physical, mental, emotional and financial resources. In that respect, “Life is not fair.”

A swimmer must learn what is fair for one is not necessarily fair for another. A swimmer learns we are all different and each individual controls his or her own destiny. A swimmer learns to emphasize given talents and skills. A swimmer learns to improve on a regular basis. By not setting limits and restrictions, this improvement will surely lead to success. A swimmer learns if he or she does their best, then there are no failures. A swimmer learns to set realistic goals. Once a goal is reached, then new goals must be established. A swimmer learns that effort becomes an individual crusade. If the ultimate goal is an Olympic gold medal, then with the proper talent, dedication, belief and support, all swimmers believe it can be done.

This is the positive achievement side of swimming that I like so much. Through experience in swimming, our young people learn attitudes and habits that will remain with them throughout the rest of their life. Most swimmers learn to be “can do” people.

Generally, these positive attitudes, belief in self and solid work habits will produce a terrific adult. Our society and our world are enriched by these former swimmers as they become adults. Because of their training, they handle life with a smile. They contribute time and energy to others in every way imaginable.

We can be proud of what swimming contributes to this world. Though “life is not fair,” a swimmer knows how to deal with that and can achieve a balance. For the most part, former swimmers grow up to be ordinary people, but they always have that extra plus from the swimming experience. We are different and can be proud of it. It's a pity and truly "unfair" that thousands and thousands of young people are missing the swimming experience. We must open our programs to everyone. We must find ways to share our fantastic sport."

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVE

The SARG swim team, founded in 1995, is known throughout the state as a first-class, year-round swim program. We offer a guided age-group youth program for children age 4 and up, from the beginning swimmer to the most competitive and skilled swimmer

6

SARG Handbook

When a young person becomes a member of the SARG team he/she learns the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. Swimming, through the SARG team, provides physical, emotional and intellectual skills that will last a lifetime.

The mission of the SARG team is:

The SARG Swim Team of Huntingburg, IN is dedicated to fostering an environment that inspires swimmers to achieve excellence in all aspects of life through the sport of

swimming. SARG allows each swimmer to develop as far as their dreams and talents will take them while working to improve as individuals and as a team.  Team, hard work and

dedication symbolize the SARG mission.

SEASONAL PROGRESSION

Early in the season our first goal is to set up an effective training group for all levels of our team. There may be moves up or down depending on group size and talent of the groups. “Be Patient” grouping adjustments take place the first month of the season. Almost all new students and age groups are initially placed in beginners however your status will change according to your skill level.

During the middle of the season, we will start to introduce more intense practices and start to focus on racing and achieving time standards. Dual meets and invitational swims will be more important along with practice habits.

Our goals at the end of the season are focused on our championship series and making cuts for the state meet tournaments. The faster you swim the more meets you can swim. Our last team effort is the age-group state meet. Individual events and relays are scored and we will be placed in the final results against all other teams in our state.

What is USA Swimming?

www.usaswimming.org

Mission Statement

7

SARG Handbook

USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming. We administer competitive swimming in accordance with the Amateur Sports Act. We provide programs and services for our members, supporters, affiliates and the interested public. We value these members of the swimming community, and the staff and volunteers who serve them. We are committed to excellence and the improvement of our sport.

Vision Statement

To inspire and enable our members to achieve excellence in the sport of swimming and in life.

Core Objectives

USA Swimming has adopted three core objectives. These core objectives establish the foundation of the strategic business plan for our sport. USA Swimming encourages all members to participate in the local, regional and national efforts to ensure that these objectives are accomplished.

Build the Base

We seek to expand our membership in order to share our sport with as many other people as possible. We are especially committed to sharing the values of our sport with young people who may discover that swimming is an activity they can enjoy for their entire life.

Promote the Sport

We want swimming to receive as much publicity as possible because we believe that the more people learn about our sport the more inclined they will be to join the ranks of our membership. We are proud of our sport and we seek to celebrate it whenever possible.

Achieve Competitive Success

USA Swimming has been ranked as the number one swimming nation in the world for more than 40 years. We seek to continue this tradition of competitive excellence. When our elite athletes are successful in fulfilling their Olympic dreams our society benefits from the inspiration these athletes give us.

USA Swimming (USA-S) decides all rules and regulations for stroke technique and swimming safety. SARG Swim Club is an affiliated member with USA-S. There also is an organization, Indiana Swimming, which has state rules and regulations. Coaches, officials, timers, scorers and judges abide by these regulations. All swimmers must have a USS number. This number is the member’s date of birth (mmddyy), the first 3 letters of LEGAL first name, the first letter of middle name, and the first four letters of last name. If first or last names don’t have enough letters (or you don’t have a middle name), an * will be used to fill in the blanks. Here are some examples:

8

SARG Handbook

Rose A. Buchman, born 05/16/76 051676ROSABUCH

Thomas O’Neal, born 9/12/65 091265THO*ONEA

Ty H. Ng, born 04/05/80 040580TY*HNG**

Your USS number should never change. Your number is unique across the entire USA Swimming membership.

A “D.Q.” is a disqualified swim due to not performing a stroke, turn or start in accordance with USS rules. Don’t worry if your swimmer is “DQed”. Swimmers of all levels get disqualified. The official will tell the child what they did incorrectly. This will help your child learn rules and techniques.

What is Indiana Swimming?

www.INswimming.org

As one of 59 Local Swim Committees (LSC) of USA Swimming, Indiana Swimming is the administrative organization responsible for competitive swimming in Indiana. We are proud that we are the 4th largest LSC in the United States with over 115 swim clubs and 10,500 competitive swimmers here in the Hoosier state ranging from ages 3-30. Additionally, our coaches and officials enrollment consistently rank in the Top 3 in the country.

From Angola to Mt. Vernon and from Batesville to Chesterton, we have clubs from very small communities as well as numerous club options in the larger cities. In the greater Indianapolis area, we have 18 clubs alone. Our clubs offer more than just a competitive team; many also offer lesson programs. Swimming is a life long activity!

Our Indiana Swimming clubs, not only compete against each other from the dual meet level to invitational’s, but many have individuals who qualify to compete at state championships, zone championships, sectionals, the US Open, National Championships, Olympic Trials, and even the Olympics! We are beaming with pride to claim past Olympians Lindsay Benko of Elkhart (2000 Sydney & 2004 Athens), Pat Calhoun of Seymour (2004 Sydney) and Bryce Hunt of Newburgh (2004 Athens), as “homegrown” Indiana Swimming alums!

As conditions of membership, all of our clubs and coaches must adhere to the guidelines including safety certifications, which USA Swimming and Indiana Swimming set forth. Our clubs and coaches are also encouraged to explore opportunities to extend their education and knowledge by attending workshops/ the year.

9

SARG Handbook

Without the athletes, there would be no coaches, and without the great officials, we’d have no meets. All of our 650+ officials are VOLUNTEERS, most being parents who put in countless hours to allow our swimmers the thrill and excitement of competition. Many continue to volunteer even when their swimmer retires! We are grateful for their love and dedication to our sport and state.

Indiana Swimming is governed by volunteers who serve on its Board of Directors. We are also fortunate enough to have and Executive Director and a Sport Development Director at a permanent office in downtown Indianapolis. Their expertise enhances the communication and education our members.

Our mission: Indiana Swimming provides progressive, innovative programs that inspire excellence.

10

SARG Handbook

Section 2

Policies and Procedures

11

SARG Handbook

SARG SWIM CLUBOur Mission

The SARG Swim Team of Huntingburg, IN is dedicated to fostering an environment that inspires swimmers to achieve excellence in all aspects of life through the sport of swimming. SARG allows each swimmer to develop as far as their dreams and talents will take them while working to improve as individuals and as a team.  Team, hard work and dedication symbolize the SARG mission.

Our Vision

A community focused club building champions in and out of the pool.

Swimming is one of the few sports, which can be judged objectively. True improvement comes fast. Not only is swimming practically injury free, but also one of the best cardiovascular efficient sports.

Many times children are reluctant to try out for the Club because they feel they aren’t good enough. Size, strength, and swimming ability are not so important if a child has a desire to improve. The SARG Program provides training and competition at all levels from beginners through Olympic Trial qualifiers. Everyone gets a chance to swim. We encourage anyone who likes to swim to give it a try.

E-mail

One of the most cost-effective and efficient means of communication is via e-mail. Please make sure the club website has your up-to-date e-mail address. All swimmers should be registered through the club website, to ensure they are receiving all important club news and notices.

SARG Website (www.swimsarg.org)

All Club information will be posted on the SARG website. We encourage parents to check the site regularly. Newsletters, club calendars, meet schedules, meet entries; meet results and a lot more are available on the website.

Mail Boxes

12

SARG Handbook

Every SARG family will be assigned a mailbox. All club correspondence will take place through your mailbox, club’s website and via email. It is a goal of SARG to keep all of our families informed of new and up-to-date information. The mailboxes are to be checked by parents only. Please do not let your swimmer check your mailbox for you. We want to ensure that you are receiving all the essential information.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Have your swimmer at the pool 10-15 minutes before their scheduled practice time. Park only in permitted areas of the parking lot. Parents must pick up their swimmer(s) promptly at the end of practice. Consequently, parents should arrive at the pool at least ten (10) minutes before the scheduled end of practice. Transportation to an away meet is the parent’s responsibility.

Attention: When bringing your swimmer(s) to practice, please be sure that a member of the Coaching Staff is present before you leave. Do not leave your child unattended. When picking your swimmer(s) up, please come into the pool area to get them. Children will not be permitted to leave the pool area unattended. These rules are for the safety of all our swimmers.

New parents can become more involved by watching your child and learning what they are learning. Ask questions. Keep track of their times and be encouraging about them. Check your mailbox for practice changes, meetings, swim suit sales, etc. We always need new parents to become officials as kids move on to the senior program.

*Please see SWIM MEET CONTRACT on page 35 of the Handbook to see information about our volunteer participation at our home meets.

SWIMMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Swimmers are expected to take responsibility and maintain discipline before, during and after all team-sponsored events. Remember you are a reflection of our CLUB and Organization in the community. Your actions, words and behaviors are a direct reflection of the programs past and future. Athletes are encouraged to behave in a responsible manner, even when not at club events.

We recommend and encourage swimmers to arrive 15 minutes prior to their designated times at both meets and practices. No swimmer is allowed in the water before the Coaches’ instructions. There is to be no running on deck, obscene language, or horseplay permitted. Any misconduct, fighting, vandalism, stealing, or destruction of school property can lead to dismissal from the Club, with no refund of fees.

13

SARG Handbook

If discipline becomes a problem during practice, a parent will be asked to attend the entire practice. If a child’s behavior warrants they will remain in the pool area until a parent comes to pick up the child. If discipline problems become consistent, the coach will recommend a meeting with the parents.

It is expected that the swimmers attend practice with a serious attitude towards swimming and to be attentive and cooperative with their Coaches. Disruption of practice due to misbehavior or rule violation will not be tolerated. If the Coaches feel that the swimmer has a negative attitude towards competitive swimming, the parents will be contacted. All swimmers are required to stay in the pool or on the deck area until practice is over. Everyone will be dismissed to the locker room at that time. Leaving the pool area during practice without knowledge and permission of the Coaching Staff is forbidden. SARG will not be liable for anyone in an undesignated area.

Swimmers are expected to conduct themselves in a responsible manner both in and out of the pool. Locker rooms are to be kept neat and orderly, and all rules of conduct apply to the locker rooms as well.

COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES

The coaches’ job is to supervise the entire competitive swim program. The SARG coaching staff is dedicated to providing a program for youngsters that will enable them to learn the value of striving to improve oneself – “to be the best you can be.” Therefore, the coaches must be in total control in matters affecting training and competition.

1. The coaches are responsible for placing athletes in practice groups. This is based on the age and ability level of each individual. When it is in the best interest of a swimmer, he/she will be placed in a more challenging training group by the coach.

2. Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and the training regimen rests with the SARG coaching staff. Each group’s practices are based on sound scientific principles and are geared to the specific goals of that group.

3. The coaching staff will make the final decision concerning which meets SARG swimmers may attend. The coaching staff will also make the final decisions which events a swimmer is entered into.

4. At meets, the coaching staff will conduct and supervise warm-up procedures for the team. After each race, the coaches will offer constructive criticism regarding the swimmers performance. (It is the parent’s job to offer love and understanding regardless of their athlete’s performance.)

5. The building of a relay team is the sole responsibility of the coaching staff.

The coaching staff is constantly updating and improving the SARG program. It is the swimmers and parents’ responsibility to make the most out of the excellent opportunity this program provides for success in swimming.

14

SARG Handbook

When possible, it is desired that the Head SARG coach also serve as the Head Southridge High School Coach to ensure continuity for swimmers in our program and to ensure a continued strong working relationship with the school corporation.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Most behavior problems can be addressed during practice with verbal warnings, or a swimmer may be given a time-out to think about their behavior and how it is disruptive to team goals. If, however, the swimmer does not respond to these measures, and it becomes necessary to implement further action, the following policy will be implemented:

First Formal Warning: The swimmer will be warned about the inappropriate behavior and that it will not be tolerated. The swimmer's parents will be notified of the problem in a prompt manner. The swimmer will be encouraged to evaluate his or her commitment to the team. Warning will be documented with date and incident.

Second Formal Warning: The swimmer will be warned about the problem behavior and incident, and a meeting will be arranged with the swimmer, the parents, the Coach, a Board member and others who may have valuable input into the situation. Communication will focus on limit setting and what can be done to help the swimmer improve behavior. Warning will be documented with the date and incident. The swimmer and family will be informed that a third warning will constitute a dismissal from the team without a refund.

Third Formal Warning: This constitutes a dismissal from the team. The swimmer will be told, and the parent will be contacted immediately. The incident will be documented with the date and action taken. If a swimmer exhibits behavior that is dangerous and poses a threat to his or her own safety or the safety of another swimmer, the swimmer may be immediately dismissed without formal warnings and with no refund.

Any unruly or unsportsmanlike conduct by a SPECTATOR, PARENT, or PARTICIPANT that disrupts any practice or meet, or diminishes the reputation of the SARG Swim Club, can result in immediate dismissal of the swimmer from the SARG Swim Club without any reimbursement for the remainder of the season. Any spectator, parent, or member can be banned from future practices and/or competitions associated with the SARG Swim Club.

Attendance Policy

1. Swimmers do not need to attend every practice. However, the more practices your swimmer attends, the more improvement they will see.

2. Swimmers are encouraged to attend all scheduled practices.

15

SARG Handbook

3. Families planning vacations during the season are asked to notify the Coaching Staff prior to the vacation or a planned absence. This is for the benefit of the swimmer and their seasonal plan.

4. Swimmers who have any medical condition are required to notify the coaching staff ASAP. If certain medications, i.e., inhalers are required, a written note from the doctor along with usage directions is required to be given to the Head Coach.

Equipment

Each swimmer is responsible for providing his or her own equipment necessary for practice and competitions. Each swimmer must have:

Proper swimsuit (see explanation below) GogglesSwim cap (for swimmers with long hair) Towel

Advise your swimmer to carefully check to make sure he or she has all of his or her belongings after practice. Do not bring valuable items to practice or competitions as they can easily be lost or stolen. Parents are also advised to check your swimmer’s bag before leaving practice to make sure he or she has all of his or her belongings.

Swimmers may wear any swimsuit for practice; except, girls must wear a one- piece swimsuit. Two-piece swimsuits or bikinis are not appropriate for practice.

All SARG swimmers will have free access to gear and equipment as is available. There is no guarantee that the training items will always be available. SARG recommends the purchase of fins, paddles, snorkel and kickboard by each swimmer. Please visit www.swimoutlet.com/SARG for a great selection of swim gear.

Official Uniform for Team Competition Team red and black suitsTeam cap (for swimmers with long hair) Team shirt

All swimmers are “highly encouraged” to wear the team outfit at all competitions. Wearing the uniform displays pride in the program and promotes each individual who participates in the program. Wearing the team uniform enhances "team spirit" and has an effect on the competition. It is a privilege to wear the SARG Swim Club uniform.

Spectators

Divisional and State Caps are available for purchase by those swimmers who have met the required time standard to attend said meets. We offer a black cap for Divisional swimmers and a red for State swimmers. If a swimmer wears a cap at either of these championship meets it is required to be a black cap for our Divisional meet and a red cap for the State meet.

Divisional and State Caps are available for purchase by those swimmers who have met the required time standard to attend said meets. We offer a black cap for Divisional swimmers and a red for State swimmers. If a swimmer wears a cap at either of these championship meets it is required to be a black cap for our Divisional meet and a red cap for the State meet.

Divisional and State Caps are available for purchase by those swimmers who have met the required time standard to attend said meets. We offer a black cap for Divisional swimmers and a red for State swimmers. If a swimmer wears a cap at either of these championship meets it is required to be a black cap for our Divisional meet and a red cap for the State meet.

16

SARG Handbook

Parents and children are allowed to observe practice, provided they remain quietly in the bleachers. Unless approved by SARG and the Head Coach, parents are not permitted on the deck area at any time during practice. This is a distraction to the Coaches and swimmers and also violates our insurance policy.

Non-swimmers (siblings or friends of swimmers) may not be left unattended at the pool during practice.

FUNDRAISING:

SARG’s income is dependent on fundraising, community grants, and corporate donations, but fundraising is our primary source of income. SARG expenses include coach salaries, team meet entry fees (separate from swimmer’s entry fee), administrative expenses, supplies, pool rental, equipment updates, awards, etc.

Each swim family will be responsible for $250 of annual SARG team fundraising. This can be achieved by cash donations, fundraiser participation, or cash buy-out. SARG will offer fundraising opportunities throughout the year. If your fundraising obligation is not met, a semi-annual assessment will be billed on August 1st ($80) and on April 1st ($170), minus any fundraiser credits your family has achieved. If you have been a member for four months or less, your fundraising requirement is $20 per month. SARG will offer several fundraising opportunities to its members.

Home swim meetsEach year SARG hosts one or more swim meets per season. In the past, we have hosted our short course meets in October and our long course meet in June. All SARG parents are required to work meets. We also ask that you donate items to be sold in the concessions stand. SARG has a very good reputation for hosting smoothly run meets. Without all the parent support, this would not be possible. As we get closer to our meet dates, we will have extra meetings to organize and post sign up sheets for workstations.Home swim meets are mandatory fundraising activities for all families. Swim meets will not be used as credit toward your fundraising responsibilities. This is our number one fundraising activity, with out swim meets, dues, would drastically increase.

Previous Fundraisers: Ferdinand Folk Festival (prep work, set-up, booth work, tear-down) - $10 for every hour Huntingburg Herbsfest (prep work, set-up, booth work, tear-down) - $10 for every hour Lap-A-Thon – money collected will count toward the fundraising credit Schwan’s Fundraiser – Club profit that you earn will count toward the fundraising credit IGA coupon books – Club profit that you earn will count toward the fundraising credit3 Donating food items to a Club sponsored meet

And please remember to support our two-affiliate programs:AMAZON http://smile.amazon.com/ch/35-2013120

17

SARG Handbook

SWIM OUTLET http://www.swimoutlet.com/SARG

MEET EXPENSE FEE:All swimmers will be billed for their applicable entry fees for their participation in meets. The amount will vary slightly from meet to meet as established by the host team. If a swimmer scratches out (does not compete) in a meet that they signed up for, the family is still responsible for the fees, unless the host team reimburses the fees. Each competing swimmer’s family will be billed a SARG Team Travel Expense Fee of $5.00 for each meet entered. This fee will help offset the cost of travel for our coaching staff.

Practices

Practices will be at the Southridge High School pool on Monday through Saturday unless otherwise noted. Please refer to the SARG website, monthly calendar and monthly newsletters for practice times and assignments.

Locker Room Policy 1. The use of the school’s locker rooms is a privilege. 2. Locker Room privileges may be revoked at anytime for any reason.3. Locker Rooms are to be used for showering and changing only. There is to be NO

LOITERING in the locker rooms. Once an athlete is dressed, they need to exit the locker room immediately; this pertains to before/after and during practices.

4. Food/Eating in the locker room is prohibited.5. Swimmers are to enter and exit the Locker Rooms from the pool area ONLY. School

hallways and other areas of the building are off limits and are NOT to be accessed by SARG Swimmers or Parents.

6. Horseplay and misbehavior in the locker rooms will not be tolerated.7. Theft or vandalism will result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the team.

Swimmers are encouraged NOT to leave items/bags in the locker rooms during practice hours. SARG Swim Club will not be held responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items left in the locker rooms or in the bleachers.

8. Cell phones and other forms of wireless communication devices are PROHIBITED in the locker rooms.

9. Taunting, Bullying or Harassment of ANY nature will not be tolerated in the locker rooms.

10. Coaches have the right to restrict/limit and deny locker room privileges for any individual and/or groups of individuals if locker room privileges are abused or disciplinary problems persist.

Meets1. The meet schedule has been established with the development of the swimmers in

mind. It is not mandatory to attend meets but meets provide opportunities for

18

SARG Handbook

swimmers to take positive developmental steps mentally, physically, and emotionally as athletes and people. We do not schedule meets unless we feel it is important to participate. One can also choose to enter only one day of a two or three day meet.

2. On an average, we want all team members to compete once every three or four weeks. The meet schedule is established with this philosophy in mind. In some cases, meets of a similar classification are scheduled as close as two weeks apart or as far as one month apart. This happens when the meets that the coaching staff chooses from offer no other alternative.

3. The coaching staff reserves the right to make the final decision concerning meets SARG swimmers may attend.

Some swim meets set certain qualification standards. In order to swim in a certain classification, a swimmer must have achieved the qualifying time for that particular classification.

TYPES OR LEVELS OF SWIM MEETS1. Developmental Meets -These meets generally do not have any qualification time

standards. Most of the time these meets offer each one of the competitive strokes in the two distances offered for each group. Each swimmer is usually allowed to enter from 3-5 events per day.

2. Qualification Meets -These meets have some type of qualification time standard(s) that a swimmer must meet in order to enter the meet. Our state swimming body, Indiana Swimming, Inc., sponsors these meets and sets the standards prior to the beginning of the season.

3. State Championships -At the end of each short course (winter) and long course (summer) season, a State Championship meet is sanctioned by Indiana Swimming, the governing body of swimming in the state of Indiana. Indiana swimming sets the qualifying time standards for these championships meets. Generally, the standards fall between the national "A" and "AA" time standards. There are two championships held each season: the Age Group Championship for swimmers 14 and under and the Senior Championship open to any swimmer in the state who has met the qualifying standards regardless of age.

4. Zone Championships - After the state championships are held in the summer, a swimmer may qualify to participate in the Central Zone Championships by swimming a national "AAA” time. This is an all-star meet where swimmers compete as a member of the Indiana Zone team competing against other states from the Midwest.

5. Speedo/USA Swimming Junior National Championships -One of the highest levels of achievement SARG swimmers strive for is the participation in the Junior National Championships. USA Swimming sponsors an eastern U.S. Junior National meet and a western U.S. Junior National meet each season. SARG swimmers meeting qualifying time standards for this meet travel to different locations throughout the eastern half of the United States to compete against the best 18-Under swimmers in the nation .

6. Phillips 66/USA Swimming National Championships {Senior Nationals )-Other than the Olympic Trials and the World Championship Trials, each of which is held every

19

SARG Handbook

four years, the highest level of competition for our senior swimmers is the USA Swimming National Championships. As with the Junior Nationals, SARG swimmers meeting the national qualifying time standards travel to various cities throughout the U.S. to compete against America's best swimmers. Swimmers can qualify for national teams that represent the U.S. in international competition by their performances at Senior Nationals.

Swim Meet Policy

All swimmers who are entered in a given meet are required to participate in warm- up. Swimmers should arrive at the meet location 15 minute prior to their scheduled warm-up time and are expected to be dressed, stretched and ready to get into the water at the start of their warm-up session. Warm-ups are very important for increasing the chances for success.

All swimmers are expected to swim the events in which they are entered. A note from a parent before the start of the meet regarding a medical reason is the only exception. Swimmers may not request changes. If you would like to swim other events, discuss with your Coach via e-mail to schedule a meeting.All swimmers are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. Displays of temper and self-indulgences are unacceptable and could lead to a disqualification by officials.

All relay assignments will be accepted with grace and courtesy. Complaining about a relay assignment or another relay member is unsportsmanlike and will be addressed accordingly.

Swimmers are not allowed in the unused area of the pool. This is for safety reasons. Address questions or concerns about a swim meet to the Head Coach after the meet is over or via e-mail.

We are a swim team! Remember, there is no “I” in T-E-A-M. The Coaches have many decisions to make regarding whom will swim in each event. In order for us to be successful as a team, we must have swimmers in as many events as possible. This means that you may be entered in an event you do not like or an event at which you feel you are not particularly good. Remember that each swimmer has different abilities and talents. No one has the right to make another swimmer feel bad by complaining that he or she is not "good enough" to swim on a relay or in a particular event. If you want to talk to the Head Coach about this, please e-mail him to discuss or schedule a meeting.

Team Organization

Each group is designed to have a progression for the start of one level and ascend to the next level. However, each group level is a very big step up in intensity and language. Therefore the coaching staff will ALWAYS make the decisions when an athlete is really ready to move groups. Not only the time is longer but the yardage and intensity are greater in the higher group.

Predator Group

20

SARG Handbook

This group is designed for swimmers who are not quite ready for regular competition, but have progressed to a stage in their swimming development to be a regular member of a swimming program working to become a regular competitor. Kicking and body position in backstroke and freestyle are emphasized, but FUN is the main focus for this group. Basic skills and SARG rules are stressed. This group will not have a required meet, but competition will be available when the coach determines each swimmers readiness.

Pre-Gator 1 Group

This group is designed for swimmers who are ready for more competition. In this level, the focus is placed on proper technique. The swimmer should be able to swim the four basic strokes, freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breastroke, and be competent in the turns for freestyle and backstroke, before advancing to the Pre-Gator 2 group. Basic rules of competition are introduced along with fundamental dryland skills. FUN and learning are still the main focus for this training group.

Pre-Gator 2 Group

This group is for swimmers who have mastered the basics of the four competitive strokes and are ready to begin a more structured training group. In the Pre-Gator 2 group swimmers will refine all four strokes, starts, turns, and finishes. Swimmers in this group will also begin learning the training terms that will be used in the Gator group. Swimmers in the Pre-Gator 2 group should be able to keep accurate pace with the pace clock and have shown dedication to training and personal achievement in the classroom and pool before they advance to the Gator Group. Rules and regulations of competitive swimming are enforced. Aerobic training, more advanced dryland training, pace clock management and race strategies are introduced.

Gator Group

Gators is an intense cardiovascular training group with daily goals of completing posted yardage and maintaining proper technique throughout practice. Dryland training, race strategies and advanced training philosophies are expanded. Swimmers in this group should be willing to dedicate more of their time to swimming. Workouts will be developed to produce efficient swimmers and regular practice attendance is a must. Swimmers in this group should be willing to commit to 90% practice attendance to reach their potential and receive the most effective training possible.

As a swimmer’s level of swimming ability increases so does his/her responsibility. The program is designed to encourage all swimmers to be Senior Swimming bound. As swimmers improve there is a deep commitment that requires great effort on all parts. A swimmer has responsibilities to the team, the coach, his/her parents, and most importantly to themselves. Swimmers need to prepare themselves for a 100% effort each time they come to practice.

Masters

21

SARG Handbook

When lane space is available, SARG will offer a Masters group for swimmers over 18 looking for a competitive experience. This would be for Adults wanting to swim for fitness under group organization to promote a feeling of unity in daily fitness routines.

Section 3

Competitions

22

SARG Handbook

Running a Meet

For any swim club to be successful, parents need to take an active role in running the organizational part of the program. For SARG, this includes invitationals, community service projects and our dual meets.

Staffing our home meets takes a lot of manpower. The more parent volunteers we have, the less time each person has to work. Some of the jobs are:

Timers: Two timers per lane (12 total at middle school and 12 at high school), one with a stop watch and one working the electronic button, sit at the end of each lane. Timers start their watches at the starter’s signal and stop their watches when any part of the swimmers body touches the wall. The watch time is then recorded and used as a back-up time.

Head Timer: The head timer starts a watch on every race and acts as a back-up timer if a timer’s watch fails. They are also responsible for the training of lane timers before the meet.

Awards: This area requires 2 to 3 people to attach labels to the appropriate ribbons earned by the swimmers

Deck Chaperones: Parents are needed to pass out the seed cards and get the swimmers ready for their events and help maintain order on the pool deck

Announcer: The announcer has the important role of maintaining interest throughout the swim meet. They work in coordination with the starter to keep the meet moving in a timely fashion. Some duties are to announce warm-ups, call for volunteers, and announce the events and any other pertinent information.

Meet Administrators: Requires 2-3 volunteers. These individuals are responsible for running the computer and timing systems.

Deck Marshals: One of the most important responsibilities of the meet, Safety Enforcement, is the job of the marshals. This includes controlling swimmers behavior in and out of the pool and maintaining order on the pool deck, in the locker rooms, and the hallways.

Concession Stand: Parents organize, prepare, and sell food and beverages during the meet.

Set-up and Clean-up: This crew of parents is responsible for setting up the equipment in the pool and the tables and chairs needed in the pool and the concession area. After the meet, everything needs to be put away and the pool deck, bleachers, locker rooms, and concession area needs to be cleaned.

Hospitality: Parents organize and prepare food at meets for coaches and officials.

23

SARG Handbook

The Basics

Skills

The five competitive swimming events are freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley.

Competition

Each swim meet offers a variety of events and distances, depending on the age group and classification. Each swimmer will have a limit to the number of events he or she may swim each day, depending on the meet rules.

In freestyle events, the competitor may swim any stroke. The stroke most commonly used is sometimes called the crawl, which is characterized by the alternate stroking of the arms over the water surface and an alternating (up and down) flutter kick. On turns and finishes, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. Most swimmers do a flip turn.

Backstroke consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a flut•ter kick while on the back. On turns, swimmers may rotate to the stomach and perform a flip turn and some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. The swimmer must finish on the back.

The breaststroke, which is the oldest stroke dating back hundreds of years, requires simultaneous movements of the arms on the same horizontal plane. The hands are pressed out from in front of the breast in a heart shaped pattern and recovered under or on the surface of the water. The kick is a simultaneous somewhat circular motion similar to the action of a frog. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously at, above or below the water surface.

Some consider the butterfly to be the most beautiful of the strokes. It features a simultaneous recovery of the arms over the water combined with an undulating dolphin kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs together and may not flutter, scissors, or use the breaststroke kick. Both hands must touch the wall simultaneously on the turns and the finish. (The butterfly is the newest stroke and was developed in the early 1950s as a variation of the breaststroke. It became an Olympic stroke in 1956 in Melbourne.)

The individual medley, commonly referred to as the I.M., features all four strokes. In the IM, the swimmer begins with the butterfly, then changes after one fourth of the race to backstroke, then breaststroke and finally freestyle.

In the medley relay, all four strokes are swum. The first swimmer swims backstroke, the second breaststroke, the third butterfly, and the final swimmer anchors the relay with freestyle.

The freestyle relay events consist of four freestyles, each swimming one quarter of the total distance of the event.

24

SARG Handbook

Starts

In the start, the swimmer is called to the starting position by the starter who visually checks that all swimmers are motionless. When all swimmers are set, the starting horn is sounded to start the race. If the starter feels that one of the swimmers has moved, left early or gotten an unfair advantage, the guilty swimmer may be disqualified after the race for a false start. Under USA Swimming rules, one false start disqualifies the swimmer.

Rules

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. Read more...

The Course

Competition pools may be short course (25 yards or 25 meters), or long course (50 meters). The international standard (as used in the Olympics) is 50 meters. World records are accomplished in 25 and 50 meter pools. USA Swimming maintains records for 25 yard, 25 meter and 50 meter pools.

Teams

USA Swimming is made up of approximately 2,800 teams from all over the country. Of these clubs, nearly half have 80 swimmers or less, and a handful of teams have over 500 swimmers. A team may be comprised of any number of swimmers, parents, and coaches.

Participants compete in different age groups and meets depending on their achievement level and how old they are on the first day of the meet. Traditionally recognized age groups are 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18. Many local meets feature 8 and under, single age groups, or senior events. Team practice groups are usually determined by age and/or ability.

Officials

Officials are present at all competitions to enforce the technical rules of swimming so the competition is fair and equitable. Officials attend clinics, pass a written test and work meets before being certified. All parents are encouraged to get involved with some form of officiating. If you would like more information on becoming an official, contact a Board Member.

25

SARG Handbook

Becoming an Official

As the parent of a USA Swimmer, you have the opportunity to become involved with your child and their sport. One way of contributing to the success of your club is by volunteering your time and effort as an Official. There are many levels of officiating that require different degreed of involvement and time, one which just might be right for you.

Officials attend a clinic, pass a written test, and work at meets with an experienced official before being certified. Officials are present at all competitions, to implement the technical rules of swimming and to ensure that the competition is fair and equitable to each stroke.

Turn Judges: Observe the swimmer from each end of the pool and ensure that the turns and finishes comply with the rules applicable to each stroke.

Stroke Judges: Observe the swimmers from both sides of the pool, walking abreast of the swimmers, to ensure that the rules relating to each stroke are being followed. The positions of Stroke Judge and Turn Judge may be combined into one position called the Stroke & Turn Judge.

Relay Takeoff Judges: Stand beside the starting blocks to observe the relay exchange, ensuring that the feet of the departing swimmer have not lost contact with the block before the incoming swimmer touches the end of the pool.

Starter: Assumes control of the swimmers from the Referee, direct them to "take you mark" and sees that no swimmer is in motion prior to giving the start signal.

Referee: Has overall authority and control of the competition, ensuring that all rules are followed; assigns and instructs all officials, and decides all questions relating to the conduct of the meet.

A Clinics schedule will be post throughout the season when the information becomes available.

All SARG parents are encouraged to look into the Officials Program. It will allow you to help you club in a very valuable area, as well as helping you learn more about the sport that your child is involved in.

l

26

SARG Handbook

l

27

SARG Handbook

Section 4

Parents

l

28

SARG Handbook

"10 Commandments for Swimming Parents" by Rose Snyder

I. Thou shall not impose thy ambitions on thy child.

Remember that swimming is your child's activity. Improvements and progress occur at different rates for each individual. Don't judge your child's progress based on the performance of other athletes and don't push him based on what you think he should be doing. The nice thing about swimming is every person can strive to do his personal best and benefit from the process of competitive swimming.

II. Thou shall be supportive no matter what.

There is only one question to ask your child after a practice or a competition - "Did you have fun?" If meets and practices are not fun, your child should not be forced to participate.

III. Thou shall not coach thy child.

You are involved in one of the few youth sports programs that offer professional coaching. Do not undermine the professional coach by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to provide love and support.

The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy. Never pay your child for a performance. This will only serve to confuse your child concerning the reasons to strive for excellence and weaken the swimmer/coach bond.

IV. Thou shall only have positive things to say at a swimming meet.

You should be encouraging and never criticize your child or the coach. Both of them know when mistakes have been made. Remember “yelling at” is not the same as “cheering for.”

V. Thou shall acknowledge thy child's fears.

New experiences can be stressful situations. It is totally appropriate for your child to be scared. Don't yell or belittle, just assure your child that the coach would not have suggested

l

29

SARG Handbook

the event or meet if your child was not ready. Remember your job is to love and support your child through all of the swimming experience.

VI. Thou shall not criticize the officials.

Please don't criticize those who are doing the best they can in purely voluntary positions.

VII. Honor thy child's coach.

The bond between coach and swimmer is special. It contributes to your child's success as well as fun. Do not criticize the coach in the presence of your child.

VIII. Thou shall be loyal and supportive of thy team

It is not wise for parents to take swimmers and to jump from team to team. The water isn't necessarily bluer in another team's pool. Every team has its own internal problems, even teams that build champions. Children who switch from team to team find that it can be a difficult emotional experience. Often swimmers who do switch teams don't do better than they did before they sought the bluer water.

IX. Thy child shall have goals besides winning.

Most successful swimmers have learned to focus on the process and not the outcome. Giving an honest effort regardless of what the outcome is is much more important than winning. One Olympian said, "My goal was to set a world record. Well, I did that, but someone else did it too, just a little faster than I did. I achieved my goal and I lost. Does this make me a failure? No, in fact I am very proud of that swim." What a tremendous outlook to carry on through life.

X. Thou shall not expect thy child to become an Olympian.

There are 250,000 athletes in USA Swimming. There are only 52 spots available for the Olympic Team every four years. Your child's odds of becoming an Olympian are about 0.0002%.

Sticking With Sw imming….What Can a Parent Do?

l

30

SARG Handbook

The Unfortunate Path that Many Swimmers Follow:

The swimmer’s career often starts with 8/under success and high parental enthusiasm. The child is encouraged by parents and others to excel and a big deal is made out of every accomplishment. As the child changes age groups and moves into the 9/10 group, even the most successful child may struggle because he or she has a harder time finding success against 10 year olds. What successes are achieved may not be as noticeable. Unfortunately, as much as one-third of the young swimmers and their families do not make it past this point.

By the time swimmers are10 or 11 years old they (or their parents) may realize that twice a week practices or summer only swimming is not enough to compete with others who are practicing more frequently. Physical ability and natural coordination can still help athlete to stay competitive and have success but it is getting harder to stay on top. More big changes and rude awakenings are lurking in the future.

The first Big Change: From 10 & under to 11 - 12

Events become longer going from 25’s and 50's to 50's and 100's and even some 200's and distance freestyle events.

Competition changes from sprint competition to race/pace/competition. In some programs, one half of the athletes and their families do not make

this change. They never give the coaches or the program a chance to help the athlete adapt to the changing nature of swimming competition.

The second Big Change: From age 12 to 13&14/Senior swimming.

Events change again. Now it is all 100's & 200's along with 400/500 and 1000/1650.

The athlete must develop a work ethic and intensify the training aspect of swimming.

Physical changes affect both male and female athletes. Athletes get bigger and stronger, but many, especially the girls, may struggle to cope with their “new bodies.”

This can one of the most rewarding phases of an athlete’s career, yet many will give up.

l

31

SARG Handbook

The third Big Change: A focus on college swimming

Swimmers who remain in the sport start to look at the possibility of swimming in college.

Questions arise concerning the choice of colleges, the level of swimming, the possibilities of scholarships, and the willingness to compete and train for another four years.

Let’s put these changes into “real” numbers: Suppose a team has 12 Novice swimmers.

Only 8 will remain in swimming past the first Big Change Only 4 will remain in swimming past the second Big Change. Only 2 will remain in swimming past the third Big Change.

The Role of the Parent in Navigating the Big Changes:

Sometimes, unfortunately, it is the parents who are responsible for their child leaving the sport. For example:

o Parents who are former athletes, especially former swimmers, may have unreasonably high expectations.

o Parents believe that they are in charge of the athlete’s happiness and that only “winning” can bring happiness.

o Parents believe that early success equates with long term success. The 8/under star will, of course, become an Olympian.

o Parents may not understand the need for technical and skill development before “swimming fast.”

Parents must examine their own motives. Form a philosophy that emphasizes the process, not the outcome. Be the guides on the “fun path” not the “victory path.” When parents use these words, their emphasis is misplaced:

We - Beat - Win - Fast - Lost - Try - Only – My What Can Parents Do to Reverse the Trend?

l

32

SARG Handbook

Parents must develop progress and grow the just as athletes do. Experience is the key and communication is the mode. Swimmers already have coaches, friends, and teammates. They need a parent to fill the parental role. “Coaches coach children, parents raise children. “

Here are some of the benefits your child will garner if he or she sticks with swimming:

Life Lessons: Only one swimmer can win the race. Does this mean everyone else is a loser? Of course not! Swimmers need to constantly be reminded that a top-notch effort on their part will result in personal satisfaction and a contribution to their team. Most USA Swimming clubs design a program of competitive training and competition for our younger swimmers based on long term development. Therefore, we may not stress early competitive success with a great deal of fanfare. Remember that swimmers under the age of 12 are very inconsistent which can be frustrating to a parent or to the swimmers themselves. Fun and patience are the keys here.

Leadership: In many cases, our team leaders and successful senior swimmers were not outstanding age group swimmers. Those, who “stick with it” often develop into outstanding leaders, having learned patience, dedication, and commitment. Steady progress and understanding the meaning of various accomplishments will make a motivated, well-adjusted senior swimmer.

USA Swimming clubs go to great lengths to provide opportunities for all swimmers equally, although sometimes it may seem that more emphasis and time is spent on senior swimming. An 8/under will swim no more than 45 minutes two or three times a week, while a Senior swimmer may be in the water 18 hours per week! Both swimmers are having their needs met as part of a long-term progression. Understanding the long-term benefits and the long term progression will help parents navigate the waters of a swimmer’s career. If you associate “time” with “attention,” the longer a swimmer stays with swimming the more attention he or she will get.

NUTRITION

Reprinted from:

"Training Agenda", a USA Swimming Sports Medicine and Science Series

l

33

SARG Handbook

Everything you do influences your performance, but your food choices have the most effect due to the long term and short term benefits . A proper diet, including proper selection of foods, will help your training and performance while also achieving a healthy lifestyle once you stop competing.

To help ensure a balanced diet, remember that there are no magical nutrition remedies. So forget the fads and eat a variety of wholesome foods from the four food groups--milk, meat, fruits & vegetables, and grains. Foods in these groups provide protein, fat carbohydrate, fiber and all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Your ideal diet should include the following percentage of calories:

Carbohydrate 50-60%Fat 20-30%Protein 14-18%

This nutrition series is designed to help you better understand good nutrition and to provide guidelines for ideal food choices. Within sports, there are four major periods that nutrition will impact:

During Training

1. Training represents the period in which athletes spend most of their time. Therefore, this category represents the most critical period. During this time, a diet high in carbohydrates is important. This is important since it is not uncommon for athletes training 4-6 hours a day to burn 2500 to 4000 calories a day. The best way to replenish these calories is with a high carbohydrate diet. By being conscious of this and by taking high carbohydrate foods or drink in the first 30 minutes following a workout, you can minimize depletion of energy stores.

Pre-event Nutrition

l

34

SARG Handbook

2. The major purpose of the pre-event diet is to ensure sufficient energy and fluid for the athlete. Two to three days before competition, a high carbohydrate diet with plenty of fluids should be emphasized. The pre-event meal should include a light, high carbohydrate meal three to four hours before the event.

Nutrition during Competition

3. Provided that good nutrition practices were followed during training, middle distance and sprint events will not be limited by nutrition-related factors. During a three to four day competition, make sure you consume plenty of fluids and each meal should include high carbohydrate, low fat selections

Nutrition after Competition

4. High intensity work will deplete the muscle's energy supplies. Therefore, carbohydrates play an important role after competition to make sure energy stores are maintained.

8 NUTRITIONAL RECCOMENDATIONS FOR SWIMMERS

Reprinted from: SwimSwam: “8 Nutritional recommendations for Swimmers” Courtesy of Aaron Schwartz M.S., R.D., L.D.Printed: January 5, 2015

Nutrition is the one part of most athletes’ training that gets neglected. I have studied nutrition for seven years and have plenty of experience working with people that struggle with nutrition. Why is that? For one, most athletes don’t consider nutrition as training. Like just about anything, nutrition requires consistency to see results. Sure, you can get by with your training without even thinking about nutrition; a proper diet isn’t necessary if you’re

l

35

SARG Handbook

looking to just “get by”. Our bodies are pretty efficient and can turn whatever junk food we throw at it into a usable fuel. However, I would argue that in order to maximize your workouts, truly see your full potential, nutrition should be viewed not only as part of your training but the most important part. If you consistently invest in your health through nutrition, I guarantee that over time you will feel and perform better. It’s easy to get discouraged when the quick fixes and miracles diets that the world we live in promises fail to yield results. I encourage you to ignore what this world says and start investing in your health through a consistently healthful diet, simply by eating real food. Here are some tips to get the athlete started:

1. Make the majority of your carbohydrates complex outside of workouts.Carbohydrates have taken a beating lately from the most recent fad diets to the popularity of both the Atkin’s and Paleo diet. No, carbohydrates are not inherently bad for you but I will agree the Western Diet consists of entirely too many carbohydrates. With that being said, carbohydrates are, or should be, an aerobic athlete’s best friend. The literature is riddled with study after study demonstrating the benefit and importance of a high carbohydrate diet for athletes, particularly aerobic athletes. Simply put, carbohydrates are the body’s fuel currency. No other nutrient burns as efficiently as the carbohydrate does. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American College of Sports Medicine and the Dietitians of Canada all agree that carbohydrates should make up the majority of calories in your diet. Want numbers? A range, albeit large, of 6 to 10 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight is recommended. Swimmers and other mostly aerobic athletes will need closer to 8-10 g/kg.1 For a 160 pound person, this turns into 580-720 grams of carbohydrates. Outside of the actual workout itself, the carbohydrates that you want to focus on are complex carbohydrates. Examples include: Legumes (lentils, beans and peas), Whole Grains (oats, brown rice, and whole grain breads), Fruits and Vegetables.

2. Simple carbs directly before, during and directly after workouts.It may come as a surprise to you that simple carbohydrates (or simple sugars) are not always bad, especially for athletes. Simple sugars are digested very quickly (thus the name simple) and will result in a rapid rise in our body’s blood sugar. This is typically unwarranted because if that blood sugar is not utilized, say, through exercise for example, then it will be stored in a fat cell. However, the up-side to simple sugars is that it provides a quick, easy-to-burn fuel for our muscles. Sports drinks are an excellent example of this. The carbohydrates in sports drinks are simple sugar which makes it a great, ready-to-burn fuel source during a workout. Simple sugars are important directly after a workout due to the insulin response which will be discussed shortly. Other examples include pretzels, honey and fruits.

l

36

SARG Handbook

3. A little protein before a workout goes a long way.Protein before a workout may sound counterintuitive. However, a small dose of protein can prime your muscles for recovery even before you start your workout. In fact, The ISSN recommends consuming 0.15-0.25 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight an hour or so before a workout (about 15 grams for a 160 lb. person). The reason? Protein before a workout helps establish a positive nitrogen balance thus improving the uptake of protein into the muscle, preventing the breakdown of muscle tissue and delays gastric (fancy word for stomach) emptying which in turn increases satiety and prevents hunger during training.

4. Strive for a 3-4:1 Carb-to-Protein ratio after a workout.It’s no secret that protein is beneficial after your workout. In fact, protein is not only critical for muscle building but also for effective recovery. However, you may not know that consuming carbohydrates with that protein post workout is just as important. The carbs not only replenish glycogen stores but also stimulates a greater insulin response. Insulin drives sugar along with amino acids (the building blocks of protein) into cells, including muscle cells, for more efficient use of the protein we consume. The goal is to strive for a 3-4:1 ratio. That is, 3-4 grams of carbohydrates for every 1 gram of protein. Chocolate milk is a great example.

5. Protein: Quality over Quantity.Try not to get too caught up with consuming loads of protein. A recent journal article that came from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics showed little difference in protein absorption and synthesis when comparing a 30 gram protein dose with a 90 gram protein dose. What happens to all of that extra protein that doesn’t get synthesized in our muscle? Most of it will be stored in fat cells. What’s more important is the quality of protein. The buzz word dietitian’s like to throw out is “high-biological value” (HBV) protein. That’s a fancy way of describing how usable the protein is. A HBV protein is one in which contains all of the essential amino acids that are required by humans and will thus vastly improve muscle repair after a workout. Whole eggs, milk, fish, beef and soybeans are among the proteins with the highest biological value. Vegetarian? That’s okay, be sure to mix and match your plant proteins to meet all of your essential amino acids.

6. Balance is key.I’m sure you’re tired of hearing “strive for a well-balanced diet”. Well, I’m sorry to say but that statement still holds true. The main reason why a well-balanced diet is essential is to ensure that you meet your body’s necessary vitamin and mineral requirements. These

l

37

SARG Handbook

micronutrients may be small but carry an important weight for performance and overall health. For example, phosphorous is an essential mineral and key component to our body’s unit of energy, ATP. Calcium is not only important for our bone health but also aids our muscles ability to contract. Vitamin B1, Thiamin, is essential for carbohydrate metabolism. Other vitamins and minerals are responsible for red blood cell synthesis, amino acid synthesis, energy production and anti-oxidant function, all of which serve critical roles in maximizing performance. A well-balanced diet should consist of complex carbohydrates, lean meats, dairy and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The more color, the better.

7. Vitamin D for building muscle?Among those micronutrients, vitamin D is gaining popularity in the realm of sport performance. Along with its role in bone health, vitamin D is now being studied for its role in muscle health and strength as well. It turns out that vitamin D has an important role in muscle synthesis and muscle contraction. Additionally, muscle weakness is a noticeable feature of people who have a vitamin D deficiency. There are few food sources of vitamin D however fifteen solid minutes of sunlight exposure will provide you with your required daily dose. This can pose a problem during winter months and especially for swimmers who train strictly indoors. In fact, vitamin D deficiency seems to be common among swimmers. Food sources include fatty fish (tuna, salmon and mackerel), cheese, egg yolks and fortified milk. It’s important to note that one study showed that supplementing with 4000 IU (100 mg) of vitamin D in NCAA swimmers and divers was effective in maintaining vitamin D status.7 Speak with your physician first prior to supplementing.

8. HydrationOne of my favorite questions to ask athletes is, “what is the single most influential nutrient for sports performance?” Would you guess water? In fact it is and I would argue that it is also the most overlooked and taken-for-granted nutrient by athletes as well. Dehydration can reduce the body’s capacity to do work by about 30%. This effect is further exacerbated in aerobic athletes when as little as 2.5% body weight loss due to dehydration turns into a 45% decrease in exercise performance. Being adequately hydrated can easily be the difference between first and second place. The most accurate assessment for hydration status is the color of your urine. Weight change after a workout should be used to replenish what was lost. Strive for consistent pale yellow urine and replace each pound of weight loss after a workout with 16-24 ounces of fluid

l

38

SARG Handbook

SWIM MEET CONTRACT

As one of the families that will enjoy the benefits of belonging to SARG, the following facts concerning the financial significance of well-run swim meets are worthy of your recognition:

I. SARG funds its activities from two main sources. The first source is the yearly registration and monthly dues you have agreed to pay. The second source is the hosting of swim meets each year. Generally, one to two of these meets are held at the Southridge High School Pool and one at the Huntingburg City Pool where each meet will generate $5,000 to $8,500 in net revenue for the club.

II. It takes several people to run EACH SESSION of every meet we host!! The presence and participation of EACH ONE of these people is ALL THAT ASSURES CONTINUANCE OF SUCCESSFUL RESULTS.

III. The club membership has indicated a strong preference to the board for hosting swim meets versus alternative fund raising methods.

IV. SARG has the reputation of hosting the best meets in the southern half of the state of Indiana.

The following conditions are part of your agreement to be a member of the SARG:

1. The board of directors will communicate with the membership the required number of people needed to work each meet.

EACH FAMILY WILL NEED TO PROVIDE WORKERS TO SATISFY THE MEET SESSION REQUIREMENTS AS SET FORTH BY THE BOARD/MEET DIRECTOR/'S

2. Every year SARG hosts at least two to three swim meets. This year's meets are on the following weekends:

October at the Southridge High School Pool with 2-4 Sessions

January at the Southridge High School Pool with 3-5 Sessions June at the Huntingburg City Pool with 3-6 Sessions

3. If a family cannot attend any one of the above meets, IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS AHEAD OF TIME WITH THE MEET DIRECTOR TO HELP WITH A JOB PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE ACTUAL MEET.

At each meet there will be a registration table for you to "sign in" when you arrive at the pool. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have signed in properly

The submission of your child's registration material is proof of your agreement to follow the above policies.

39

SARG Handbook

Annual Member - Short & Long Course Seasons (August 2015 – July 2016)

Group Lump SumMonthly Contract Dormant Fee

Flat Monthly Rate

Predator $ 500.00 12 x $45 = $540 $ 15.00 $ 55.00Pre-Gator I $ 550.00 12 x $50 = $600 $ 15.00 $ 60.00Pre-Gator II $ 660.00 12 x $60 = $720 $ 15.00 $ 70.00Gator $ 710.00 12 x $65 = $780 $ 15.00 $ 75.00

Short Course Season Only (August 2015 - March 2016)Group Monthly Contract Dormant Fee Flat Monthly RatePredator 8 x $45 = $360 $ 15.00 $ 55.00Pre-Gator I 8 x $55 = $440 $ 15.00 $ 60.00Pre-Gator II 8 x $65 = $520 $ 15.00 $ 70.00Gator 8 x $70 = $560 $ 15.00 $ 75.00

Long Course Season Only (April 2016 – July 2016)

Group Monthly Contract Dormant FeeFlat Monthly Rate

Predator 4 x $45 = $180 $ 15.00 $ 55.00

Pre-Gator I 4 x $55 = $220 $ 15.00 $ 60.00

Pre-Gator II 4 x $65 = $260 $ 15.00 $ 70.00

Gator 4 x $70 = $280 $ 15.00 $ 75.00

NOTES ON MEMBERSHIP FEES:SARG members who wish to terminate their membership prior to its scheduled completion may either choose to pay the dormant fee ($15) or pay the flat monthly rate for only the months with active membership. Dormant members will still continue to receive team emails, but cannot participate in any team activities or competitions.

SARG swimmers must register with the team for Short Course Season by October 15 th to be eligible for our “Monthly Contract” rates. SARG swimmers must register with the team for Long Course Season by May 1st to be eligible for our “Monthly Contract” rates.Swimmers can enroll at any time and choose the “Lump Sum” payment option.

SARG families who recruit a NEW swimmer to the team (recruit must pay dues for a minimum of 3 months) will receive either a credit equal to one month’s dues (at the monthly contract rate of the recruited swimmer) or a fundraising credit (your choice).

40

SARG Handbook

KEEP THIS SHEET FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

2015-2016 SARG Swim Season – Financial Agreement SARG SWIM TEAM / INDIANA SWIMMING / USA SWIMMING

REGISTRATIONEach SARG team member must be registered with the SARG team, Indiana Swimming and USA Swimming, Inc. in order to participate. This registration includes a secondary insurance policy for each swimmer. Information on this policy can be obtained by visiting the USA Swimming website at www.usaswimming.org. This fee is non-refundable and is due with the registration form for both new and returning swimmers.$ 61.00 Annual Fee (Short and Long Course)$ 35.50 Summer Fee (Long Course only)$ 5.00 Transfer Fee (when transferring from another USA Swim Club)

DUESEach SARG member will be charged dues relative to his/her group placement and choice of seasonal plan. SARG invoices will be sent via email at the beginning of each month. SARG will assess a late fee of $15 per month for delinquent accounts (60+ days overdue) and can refuse swimmers with delinquent accounts access to all team functions, including practices and meets. All fees are to be paid by personal check (no cash will be accepted) and either placed in the SARG payment box at the pool or mailed to SARG at PO Box 247, Huntingburg, IN 47542-0247. If your swimmer is promoted to the next swim group during the season, you will be billed at the new rate for that group (unless you pay as an annual member in lump sum).

Annual Member - Short & Long Course Seasons (August 2015 – July 2016)Group Lump Sum Monthly Contract Dormant Fee Flat Monthly RatePredator $ 500.00 12 x $45 = $540 $ 15.00 $ 55.00Pre-Gator I $ 550.00 12 x $50 = $600 $ 15.00 $ 60.00Pre-Gator II $ 660.00 12 x $60 = $720 $ 15.00 $ 70.00Gator $ 710.00 12 x $65 = $780 $ 15.00 $ 75.00

Short Course Season Only (August 2015 - March 2016)Group Monthly Contract Dormant Fee Flat Monthly RatePredator 8 x $45 = $360 $ 15.00 $ 55.00Pre-Gator I 8 x $55 = $440 $ 15.00 $ 60.00Pre-Gator II 8 x $65 = $520 $ 15.00 $ 70.00Gator 8 x $70 = $560 $ 15.00 $ 75.00

Long Course Season Only (April 2016 – July 2016)

Step 1 – Select membership Annual / Short Course / Long Course

Step 2 – Select Group Predator / Pre-Gator I / Pre-Gator II / Gator

Step 3 – Select payment plan option Lump Sum / Monthly Contract / Flat Monthly Rate

*PLEASE COMPLETE ONE FORM PER SWIMMER

*SUBMIT THIS FORM TO THE SARG TREASURER

41

Group Monthly Contract Dormant Fee Flat Monthly RatePredator 4 x $45 = $180 $ 15.00 $ 55.00Pre-Gator I 4 x $55 = $220 $ 15.00 $ 60.00Pre-Gator II 4 x $65 = $260 $ 15.00 $ 70.00Gator 4 x $70 = $280 $ 15.00 $ 75.00

SARG Handbook

Full Name of Swimmer ______________________________________

Parent / Guardian Signature: ______________________________________ Date _______________

SARG Information Form - PLEASE COMPLETE ONE FORM PER FAMILY

Southridge Aquatic Raider GatorsP.O. Box 247 ~ Huntingburg, IN 47542-0247

www.swimsarg.org

Welcome to the Southridge Aquatic Raider Gators (SARG) Swim Team! By signing this agreement, you agree to comply with the rules, regulations and policies of the SARG Swim Team, including, but not limited to, honoring all SARG fundraising requirements and member fees. In becoming a SARG member, you must choose one of the seasonal payment options outlined on the fee schedule for each of your athletes listed below. This agreement can be mutually terminated, with proper written notice given to the SARG Treasurer (Lisa Biehl - leeserr@yahoo.com).

Athlete Information: Birth Date First Name Middle Initial Last Name Swim Group (circle one)

____/_____/_____ ________________ _____ ________________________ Predator / Pre-Gator I / Pre-Gator II / Gator

____/_____/_____ ________________ _____ ________________________ Predator / Pre-Gator I / Pre-Gator II / Gator

____/_____/_____ ________________ _____ ________________________ Predator / Pre-Gator I / Pre-Gator II / Gator

Primary Contact (Responsible Party): Father / Guardian Last Name:____________________First Name:__________________Cell Phone:_____________ Mother / Guardian Last Name:____________________First Name:__________________Cell Phone:_____________

This information is for billing purposes:

Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________________, _____ ______________(city) (state) (zip code)

Phone Number: _________________ (home) ________________ (cell)

Email Address: _________________________________________

Parent / Guardian Signature: ______________________________________ Date ________________

42

SARG Handbook

How did you hear about the SARG swim team (referred by whom)? ___________________________

43