Attendance:
a. A participant must be in attendance in at least three classes during the regular day in order to attend practice that same day.
b. A participant must be in attendance all day in order to participate in a game or contest that same day.
c. Truancy from school will result in suspension from participation in practice or a game that same day. Truancy is defined as a student being absent from a class without permission from the teacher or administrator or without prior arrangement with the school office.
Occasionally we have extenuating circumstances, such as doctor or dentist appointments. These should be arranged with the Athletic Director prior to the absences. A doctor’s note to the Athletic Director in these instances will be required.
Parkas!!!!
Parkas are issued to your swimmer at the beginning of the swim season. Swimmers are responsible to keep them in good condition and turn them in at the end of the season to the coaches!
Failure to turn in the swim parka will result in a $150 replacement fee!
Practice Schedule
All practices at the Manitou Pool:
The Manitou Springs High School Swim Team exists in order to provide a positive learning atmosphere for all participants. We seek to enhance all four competitive strokes, improve racing techniques, build self confidence, become good team members, and learn that winning and succeeding are not necessarily the same thing.
Becoming a good swimmer takes more than swimming back and forth. It is a result of physical, mental dedication, and learning proper technique. The Manitou (HS) Swim team hopes to provide motivation, instruction, and support for the minds and bodies of all participants.
We seek to build a program that gives everyone the opportunity to have a fun season. The fun results from being a member of a team, participating in activities, setting and attaining goals.
Academic Eligibility
Manitou has guidelines regarding academic eligibility and participation in CHSAA activities. You and your swimmer will be notified if eligibility problems occur. More information can be obtained from the Athletic Director.
Team Rules:
Attention Parents!!
NON-CERTIFIED COACHES, UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANTS
Rule 1620 in the CHSAA Handbook regarding the qualification of coaches. Do not allow your athletes to receive instruction from anyone who does not meet the requirements established in Rule 1620. Assistant volunteer coaches who are always under the direct supervision of a certified head coach must be under contract to the school district. To allow a "volunteer" who is not under contract to work with your athletes exposes the "volunteer,” the head coach, and the school to a great deal of liability.
PARENT COACHING
Please refrain from coaching your child or other swimmers on the team. This can lead to confusion if your advice conflicts with the team coaches.
Description of the Meets
IT IS EXPECTED THAT SWIMMERS ATTEND ALL
TEAM SWIM MEETS, IF QUALIFIED!
SWIMMERS' BEHAVIOR AT MEETS
We require every swimmer to participate fully in the swim meets. We would like to see everyone cheering for each other and supporting the team. We ask all swimmers to display sportsman-like attitudes. This includes not only swimming, but also cheering for one another and supporting the team. This means you also sit with the team and be a part of the team during the meet (friends and family can say “hi” but you need to let them know where spectator seating is, etc.) Swimming is not about winning and losing, it is about doing the best that each one of you can do. We would like to see each swimmer be on their best behavior, as everyone that attends the meets is a representative of Manitou Springs High School.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS
“Ten Commandants for Swimming Parents”
Thou shalt not impose your ambitions on they child. Remember that swimming is you 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 them based on what you think they should be doing. The nice thing about swimming is every person can strive to do his or her personal best.
Thou shalt be supportive no matter what. There is only one question to ask you child. “Did you have fun?” If meets and practice are not fun, your child should not be forced to participate.
Thou shalt not coach your child. You have taken your child to a professional coach—do not undermine that coach by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to support, love and hug your child no matter what. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy. That is not your area. This will only serve to confuse your child and prevent that swimmer/coach bond from forming.
Thou shalt only have positive things to say at a swimming meet. If you are going to show up at a swimming meet, you should cheer and applaud, but never criticize your child or the coach.
Thou shalt acknowledge thy child’s fears. A first swimming meet, 500 free, or 200IM can be a stressful situation. It is totally appropriate for you child to be scared. Don’t yell or belittle, just assure your child that the coach would not have suggested the event if your child was not ready to compete in it.
Thou shalt not criticize the officials. If you do not have the time or the desire to work as an official, don’t criticize those who are doing the best they can.
Honor they child’s coach. The bond between coach and swimmer is a special one, and one that contributes to your child’s success as well as fun. Do not criticize the coach in the presence of your child; it will only serve to hurt your child’s swimming.
Thou shalt not jump from team to team. The water isn’t necessarily bluer at the other team’s pool. Every team has its own internal problems, even teams that build champions. Children who switch from team to team are often ostracized for a long, long time by the teammates they leave behind. Often time’s swimmers who do switch teams never do better than they did before they sought the bluer water. (NOT REALLY A HIGH SCHOOL ISSUE BUT GOOD ADVICE ANYWAY)
Thy child shalt have goals besides winning. 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 that I did. I achieved my goal and I lost. This does not make me a failure, in fact, I am very proud of that swim.”
Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian.
Mom & Dad
Teach me to love and care for myself
Through your positive example.
I will learn much more from what you do, than from anything you could ever say.
There are 225,000 athletes in United States Swimming. There are only 52 spots available for the Olympic Team every four years. Your child’s odds of becoming an Olympian are 1 in about 4,300. Swimming is much more than just the Olympics. Swimming teaches self-discipline and sportsmanship; it builds self-esteem and fitness; it provides lifelong friendships and much more. Most Olympians will tell you that these intangibles far outweigh any medal they may have won. Swimming builds good people and you should be happy your child wants to participate.
Policies & Rules
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP LINE-UP CRITERIA
Each trip is designed with the safety of the athlete as the primary concern.
Athlete safety will never be compromised for the sake of competition.
Every participant on the MSHS trip, including coaches and athletes, are representing themselves, but also MSHS, and the sport of swimming in general. They should act in a manner that will reflect positively on themselves and on the team.
All athletes will sign this "Code of Conduct" form that will serve as a contract between the individual and the team. Athletes are to refrain from any immoral, inappropriate, or unacceptable behavior such as, but not limited to,
NON-CERTIFIED COACHES, UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANTS
Rule 1620 in the CHSAA Handbook regarding the qualification of coaches. Do not allow your athletes to receive instruction from anyone who does not meet the requirements established in Rule 1620. Assistant volunteer coaches who are always under the direct supervision of a certified head coach must be under contract to the school district. To allow a "volunteer" who is not under contract to work with your athletes exposes the "volunteer,” the head coach, and the school to a great deal of liability.
PARENT COACHING
Please refrain from coaching your child or other swimmers on the team. This can lead to confusion if your advice conflicts with the team coaches.
ATTENDANCE RULES:
You are part of a team and the expectation is that you attend every organized practice and participate in ALL team activities.
Missing two consecutive days or 5 days total without notifying the coaches of your situation may result in removal from the team.
Notification means a letter or email the day of the absence. Exceptions will be emergency situations.
UNIFORM RULES:
Only head coach approved attire or team uniforms (hoodies, shirts, etc.) will be worn at swimming and diving events.
Girl’s Swimming Lettering Requirements
Website updated rules supersedes rules posted in manual.
Required 100 Points
Gaining Points:
Losing Points:
Missing two consecutive days or 5 days total without notifying the coaches of your situation may result in removal from the team. Telling another teammate that you cannot make it to practice, while helpful, is NOT acceptable and you still must contact the coaches directly by email or phone ASAP. Missing a practice before a meet, may result in not swimming in that meet. Arriving late for a meet may result in removal from events in that meet unless excused by the head coach.
**Granting or withholding a letter due to unusual circumstances will be at the discretion of the head coach.
WINTER VACATION CONTACT PROHIBITION
Rule 2310.4 states:
“There shall be no school sponsored activity of any sort, including practices, camps, clinics, tournaments, etc. from and including December 24 through December 27 and New Year’s Day. Beginning December 28, winter sports programs may have voluntary practice (excluding Sundays), but may not compete in interscholastic scrimmages or competition.”
2310.41 “No faculty member or coach may have contact with any of his/her school’s athletes from December 24 through December 27 and New Year’s Day. Beginning December 28, winter sports programs may have practice (excluding Sundays), but may not compete in interscholastic scrimmages or competition.”
Glossary of Common Swimming Terms
a. A participant must be in attendance in at least three classes during the regular day in order to attend practice that same day.
b. A participant must be in attendance all day in order to participate in a game or contest that same day.
c. Truancy from school will result in suspension from participation in practice or a game that same day. Truancy is defined as a student being absent from a class without permission from the teacher or administrator or without prior arrangement with the school office.
Occasionally we have extenuating circumstances, such as doctor or dentist appointments. These should be arranged with the Athletic Director prior to the absences. A doctor’s note to the Athletic Director in these instances will be required.
Parkas!!!!
Parkas are issued to your swimmer at the beginning of the swim season. Swimmers are responsible to keep them in good condition and turn them in at the end of the season to the coaches!
Failure to turn in the swim parka will result in a $150 replacement fee!
Practice Schedule
All practices at the Manitou Pool:
- Swimming Monday through Friday 3:35pm-5:00pm
- Diving M/W/Th 7:00pm-8:30pm
The Manitou Springs High School Swim Team exists in order to provide a positive learning atmosphere for all participants. We seek to enhance all four competitive strokes, improve racing techniques, build self confidence, become good team members, and learn that winning and succeeding are not necessarily the same thing.
Becoming a good swimmer takes more than swimming back and forth. It is a result of physical, mental dedication, and learning proper technique. The Manitou (HS) Swim team hopes to provide motivation, instruction, and support for the minds and bodies of all participants.
We seek to build a program that gives everyone the opportunity to have a fun season. The fun results from being a member of a team, participating in activities, setting and attaining goals.
Academic Eligibility
Manitou has guidelines regarding academic eligibility and participation in CHSAA activities. You and your swimmer will be notified if eligibility problems occur. More information can be obtained from the Athletic Director.
Team Rules:
- Be on time! Swimmers must show up for dryland and practice at the appropriate time.
- Attendance: Attendance at practice and meets is required unless permission is granted from the coach (examples of acceptable reasons: work, family emergency, etc.). However, we would like to remind all swimmers that they could only be as good as they work to become. Swimming is a conditioning & technique sport, and those who follow our workout schedule will benefit greatly. Failing to attend practice severely limits the ability of the swimmer to improve and succeed and is not fair to your teammates.
- Locker Room: Profanity and horseplay will not be tolerated. These rules will be strictly enforced, and those who do not comply will be suspended from the team. Please take quick showers to save hot water for other patrons.
- Pool Rules: All swim team participants are required to follow every pool rule. Being on the swim team does not give anyone special privileges.
- Behavior at Meets: We encourage every swimmer and parents to participate fully in the swim meets and stay until the end. This includes not only swimming, but also cheering for one another and supporting the team. This means you also sit with the team and be a part of the team during the meet (friends and family can say “hi” but you need to let them know where spectator seating is, etc.) We ask all swimmers to display sportsman-like attitudes. We would like each swimmer to be on their best behavior. Remember¼everyone who attends the meets is a representative of Manitou Springs High School.
- .The following is a list of practice rules (maybe modified by a coach):
- No standing on the bottom of the pool while training
- Flip turns, two hand touches, etc. as applicable
- Finish sets strong
- Equipment should be ready to go (goggles already tightened, etc.)
- No horseplay
- Always circle swim unless otherwise directed
- No diving in water 5ft or less
- Weight room rules will be followed as posted. Any horseplay in the weightroom and the swimmer may lose the privilege to utilize this part of our program.
Attention Parents!!
NON-CERTIFIED COACHES, UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANTS
Rule 1620 in the CHSAA Handbook regarding the qualification of coaches. Do not allow your athletes to receive instruction from anyone who does not meet the requirements established in Rule 1620. Assistant volunteer coaches who are always under the direct supervision of a certified head coach must be under contract to the school district. To allow a "volunteer" who is not under contract to work with your athletes exposes the "volunteer,” the head coach, and the school to a great deal of liability.
PARENT COACHING
Please refrain from coaching your child or other swimmers on the team. This can lead to confusion if your advice conflicts with the team coaches.
- Parent Participation in Meets: As always, parent participation is needed. We encourage parents to attend as many meets as possible in order to show support for their swimmers and the team. There may be timing, announcing and computer positions that need to be filled for each meet!
- Nutrition: Nutrition throughout the year plays a significant role in swimmers achieving their potential. If a swimmer's diet is adequate in quality and quantity, better performance can be expected. Likewise eating before, during, and after the meet should be watched carefully. Here are some suggestions.
- Before - "Carbo-load" - pasta, cereal, bagels, fruits and vegetables are easily digested and absorbed.
- During - "Highcarbs" - fruit juices, bananas, crackers and plain toast. Limit food consumption.
- After-Rebuild, store, and refuel - Eat plenty of carbohydrates and drink water.
- Fatty foods such as potato chips, donuts, French fries, candy, cookies & soda pop etc. take longer to digest and provide little energy.
- Note: Milk and turkey will make you tired--please avoid consuming before or during competition!
- *To increase recuperation from workouts, complex carbohydrates & protein should be consumed immediately after practice.
- Determination of Relay Teams: All relay teams are made at the head coach’s discretion! The top 4 Swimmers/times will compromise the “A” relay. The second fastest group of 4 swimmers will compromise the “B” relay, etc. The only time that we might alter a relay is for behavior problems. If a swimmer has been entered into a relay and does not show up to the meet, he/she may not be included in any relays for the rest of the season. It is inconsiderate and unfair to prevent the other 3 relay members from swimming when 1 swimmer does not show up. If an extenuating circumstance should arise, we expect the parent or swimmer to inform one of the coaches that he/she will not be attending the meet as soon as possible.
Description of the Meets
IT IS EXPECTED THAT SWIMMERS ATTEND ALL
TEAM SWIM MEETS, IF QUALIFIED!
- Dual Meet: Dual meets are the most common type of swim meet that we will participate in this year. They involve two league swim teams in which swimmers may swim in both individual and relay events. Dual meets are an opportunity of swimmers to qualify for the state meet and to compete for awards with other swimmers in the league. Tri-meets, Quad-meets are handled the same but involve 3 or 4 teams.
- Invitational: Competition between more than two teams.
- League Championship: Swimmers will be chosen from times achieved throughout the season.
- State Championship: Swimmers must qualify for this meet.
SWIMMERS' BEHAVIOR AT MEETS
We require every swimmer to participate fully in the swim meets. We would like to see everyone cheering for each other and supporting the team. We ask all swimmers to display sportsman-like attitudes. This includes not only swimming, but also cheering for one another and supporting the team. This means you also sit with the team and be a part of the team during the meet (friends and family can say “hi” but you need to let them know where spectator seating is, etc.) Swimming is not about winning and losing, it is about doing the best that each one of you can do. We would like to see each swimmer be on their best behavior, as everyone that attends the meets is a representative of Manitou Springs High School.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS
- Parents are encouraged to attend as many meets as possible in order to show support for your young adult and the team.
- We would prefer you not to talk to swimmers or coaches during practice. We realize you want to be supportive and like to be involved with your child's swimming. If you have the desire to watch, you may observe from the sides of the pool. CHSAA regulations state that no one may be present on deck at practices other than team members and coaches.
- The coaching staff cannot answer questions during practice so that we can give the swimmers our undivided attention. We will be more than happy to answer questions immediately before or after practice.
“Ten Commandants for Swimming Parents”
Thou shalt not impose your ambitions on they child. Remember that swimming is you 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 them based on what you think they should be doing. The nice thing about swimming is every person can strive to do his or her personal best.
Thou shalt be supportive no matter what. There is only one question to ask you child. “Did you have fun?” If meets and practice are not fun, your child should not be forced to participate.
Thou shalt not coach your child. You have taken your child to a professional coach—do not undermine that coach by trying to coach your child on the side. Your job is to support, love and hug your child no matter what. The coach is responsible for the technical part of the job. You should not offer advice on technique or race strategy. That is not your area. This will only serve to confuse your child and prevent that swimmer/coach bond from forming.
Thou shalt only have positive things to say at a swimming meet. If you are going to show up at a swimming meet, you should cheer and applaud, but never criticize your child or the coach.
Thou shalt acknowledge thy child’s fears. A first swimming meet, 500 free, or 200IM can be a stressful situation. It is totally appropriate for you child to be scared. Don’t yell or belittle, just assure your child that the coach would not have suggested the event if your child was not ready to compete in it.
Thou shalt not criticize the officials. If you do not have the time or the desire to work as an official, don’t criticize those who are doing the best they can.
Honor they child’s coach. The bond between coach and swimmer is a special one, and one that contributes to your child’s success as well as fun. Do not criticize the coach in the presence of your child; it will only serve to hurt your child’s swimming.
Thou shalt not jump from team to team. The water isn’t necessarily bluer at the other team’s pool. Every team has its own internal problems, even teams that build champions. Children who switch from team to team are often ostracized for a long, long time by the teammates they leave behind. Often time’s swimmers who do switch teams never do better than they did before they sought the bluer water. (NOT REALLY A HIGH SCHOOL ISSUE BUT GOOD ADVICE ANYWAY)
Thy child shalt have goals besides winning. 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 that I did. I achieved my goal and I lost. This does not make me a failure, in fact, I am very proud of that swim.”
Thou shalt not expect thy child to become an Olympian.
Mom & Dad
Teach me to love and care for myself
Through your positive example.
I will learn much more from what you do, than from anything you could ever say.
There are 225,000 athletes in United States Swimming. There are only 52 spots available for the Olympic Team every four years. Your child’s odds of becoming an Olympian are 1 in about 4,300. Swimming is much more than just the Olympics. Swimming teaches self-discipline and sportsmanship; it builds self-esteem and fitness; it provides lifelong friendships and much more. Most Olympians will tell you that these intangibles far outweigh any medal they may have won. Swimming builds good people and you should be happy your child wants to participate.
Policies & Rules
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP LINE-UP CRITERIA
- Swimming Ability (Qualifying for state with a maximum of four per event by best times)
- Time qualifies as the top 4 relay alternates
- Commitment to the Program (You've been on the team for many years and have supported the team in a positive way)
- You are captain or spirit leader. (These individuals go up with a unifying/managerial role. They lead the charge in team events for the two days - like, painting toe nails, wearing hair in pigtails, tying towels the same way when you are marched out, etc....)
- Head Coach has final say on State line-up and will make decisions outside of this criteria for the best interest of the team
Each trip is designed with the safety of the athlete as the primary concern.
Athlete safety will never be compromised for the sake of competition.
Every participant on the MSHS trip, including coaches and athletes, are representing themselves, but also MSHS, and the sport of swimming in general. They should act in a manner that will reflect positively on themselves and on the team.
All athletes will sign this "Code of Conduct" form that will serve as a contract between the individual and the team. Athletes are to refrain from any immoral, inappropriate, or unacceptable behavior such as, but not limited to,
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Use of any drugs unless medically prescribed and declared prior to the trip
- Any illegal activities
- Abusive or inappropriate action towards another person
- Use of tobacco products
- Only head coach approved attire or team uniforms (hoodies, shirts, etc.) will be worn at swimming and diving events.
- Team social events are for swimmers and family members only.
- All athletes are expected to attend all team functions including meetings and meals.
- All athletes are expected to know team schedules and be on time to all locations and events.
- Head Coach or designated coach will have full authority over all trip participants. This individual will also handle any decisions required during the trip, as well as ensuring that the travel policy is enforced at all times during the trip.
- All athletes will remain with the team at all times. No athlete will be released to any person other than a parent or legal guardian unless the head coach has obtained parent/guardian approval.
- If arrangements have been made to have an athlete leave the trip the adult to whom the athlete is to be released must submit a signed letter of release from their parent/guardian.
- Swimmers will not be left alone, but may be left in groups with an operational form of communication (e.g., cell phone) between the head coach and the group of swimmers.
- Any athlete that is found to have violated any team rules will be subject to disciplinary action by the team and/or local authorities.
NON-CERTIFIED COACHES, UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANTS
Rule 1620 in the CHSAA Handbook regarding the qualification of coaches. Do not allow your athletes to receive instruction from anyone who does not meet the requirements established in Rule 1620. Assistant volunteer coaches who are always under the direct supervision of a certified head coach must be under contract to the school district. To allow a "volunteer" who is not under contract to work with your athletes exposes the "volunteer,” the head coach, and the school to a great deal of liability.
PARENT COACHING
Please refrain from coaching your child or other swimmers on the team. This can lead to confusion if your advice conflicts with the team coaches.
ATTENDANCE RULES:
You are part of a team and the expectation is that you attend every organized practice and participate in ALL team activities.
Missing two consecutive days or 5 days total without notifying the coaches of your situation may result in removal from the team.
Notification means a letter or email the day of the absence. Exceptions will be emergency situations.
UNIFORM RULES:
Only head coach approved attire or team uniforms (hoodies, shirts, etc.) will be worn at swimming and diving events.
Girl’s Swimming Lettering Requirements
Website updated rules supersedes rules posted in manual.
Required 100 Points
Gaining Points:
- Swimming : 1 point for each entire practice attended with a good attitude and performance
- Diving: 1, 2 ,3 points based on practice performance and attitude
- 1/2 POINT FOR LESS THAN FULL PRACTICE
- 3 points for each meet competed in (Invites count as 3pts for two days and 1pt for one day)
- Total of place points earned in a meet
- 5 points each season returning
- Participating in fund-raising event (regular practice points or +5 pts. for raising $30 or more)
- Bonus points maybe offered over the season (goal sheets, etc.)
Losing Points:
- Unexcused absence from practice (-10) -Illness, school events, academic issues can be excused with proper email notice. You will not be excused for activities that are not required by the school like outside school sports, concerts or other non-required activities.
- Unhealthy fitness/nutrition habits (-10)
- Missing your swimming event (-10 each)
- Wearing non-team attire at swimming or diving event (-10)
- Allowing non-team members in team areas or failing to stay with the team during swimming and diving events (-15)
- Failure to compete or participate in a scheduled meet, unless excused (-20)
- Continued academic failure (Coaches discretion)
- Poor sportsmanship or contributing to poor sportsmanship (Coaches discretion)
- Instigator at swim practice, meets and other swimming activities (Coaches discretion)
- Failure to participate in team activities (fundraisers, dinners, etc.) unless excused by the head coach (-20 each)
Missing two consecutive days or 5 days total without notifying the coaches of your situation may result in removal from the team. Telling another teammate that you cannot make it to practice, while helpful, is NOT acceptable and you still must contact the coaches directly by email or phone ASAP. Missing a practice before a meet, may result in not swimming in that meet. Arriving late for a meet may result in removal from events in that meet unless excused by the head coach.
**Granting or withholding a letter due to unusual circumstances will be at the discretion of the head coach.
WINTER VACATION CONTACT PROHIBITION
Rule 2310.4 states:
“There shall be no school sponsored activity of any sort, including practices, camps, clinics, tournaments, etc. from and including December 24 through December 27 and New Year’s Day. Beginning December 28, winter sports programs may have voluntary practice (excluding Sundays), but may not compete in interscholastic scrimmages or competition.”
2310.41 “No faculty member or coach may have contact with any of his/her school’s athletes from December 24 through December 27 and New Year’s Day. Beginning December 28, winter sports programs may have practice (excluding Sundays), but may not compete in interscholastic scrimmages or competition.”
Glossary of Common Swimming Terms
- Block - the starting platform
- Cap – latex or Lycra swim cap used during a race or work out to protect a swimmer’s hair from the effects of chlorine in the water as well as help cut down water resistance from the swimmer’s hair.
- Circle swimming – performed by staying to the right of the black lien when swimming in a lane to enable more swimmers to swim in each lane
- Drag Suit – a second loose fitting swimsuit worn by swimmers in workout and warn-up to add a certain amount of weight and resistance to the flow of the water around the swimmer. The concept is similar to a batter swinging two or three bats while on deck in a baseball game.
- DQ (disqualification)- A swimmer is disqualified from a race for performing an illegal stroke, entry, turn, or finish. Many different techniques can cause a DQ from a race. Illegal stroke technique, false start, illegal turn, and even bad conduct after a race or during a meet can result in a disqualification. When a swimmer is disqualified, the swim does not count, the time is not official, and no points or awards can be collected. Swimmers and parents need to understand that disqualifications are learning experiences and happen to all swimmers from time to time. Swimmers need to look at what actions caused their DQ and alternatives to avoid disqualifications in the future.
- Drill – an exercise involving a portion or part of a stroke, used to improve technique
- Dryland – cross-training done out of the water to improve cardiovascular, aerobic and flexibility conditioning. This may include jogging, stretch cords, push-ups, etc.
- False start – occurs when a swimmer leaves the starting block, or is moving on the block, before the starter officially starts the race.
- Goggles – eyewear worn by swimmers in the pool to protect the swimmers’ eyes from the effects of chlorine in the water
- Gutter – the area at the edges of the pool in which water overflows during a race and is circulated into the pool. Deep gutters catch surface wave and don’t allow them to wash back into the pool and affect the race.
- IM – slang for individual medley”, an event in which the swimmer uses all four competitive strokes in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.
- Hypoxic – term for sets done with reduced breathing in hopes of increasing lung capacity and oxygen intake efficiency
- Lane lines – the dividers used to delineate the individual lanes. These are made of individual finned disks strung on a cable, which rotate on the cable when hit by a wave. The rotating disks dissipate surface tension waves in a competitive pool.
- Long Course – a pool 50 meters in length. The outdoor pool that we train in during the summer is a long course, 50-meter pool. In addition, the majority of the State championship meets in Cortez will held in a 50-meter pool.
- Meet – competition designed to be a learning experience. By implementing what has been learned in practice, the swimmer tests himself/herself against the clock to see how he/she is improving.
- Negative split – a race or practice strategy in which a swimmer covers the second half of the race or distance faster than the first half.
- Official – a judge on the deck of the pool at a sanctioned competition who enforces USS rules. Various judges watch the swimmer’s strokes, turn, and finishes. They make final decisions on disqualifications.
- PLB – Posture, Line, & Balance – a swimming theory that builds swimmers from the inside out, focusing on how their body core moves through the water.
- Pace clock – during every practice, there will be the use of a pace clock on the side of the pool. The pace clock is used to do “interval sets” and to determine the pace and rest during sets. Each swimmer will be shown how to use the pace clock early in the season so that they can use it effectively during the entire season.
- Race Pace training also called USRPT. Developed by Dr. Rushall from San Diego State. Coach Chaney has been trained and guided by Dr. Rushall in use of proper USRPT.
- Relay exchange – the exchange between the swimmer in the water and the next swimmer on the relay team. A perfect exchange will simultaneously have the finishing swimmer’s hand on the touch pad and the starting swimmer’s feet just touching the starting block with the rest of the starting swimmer’s body extended over the water.
- Roll – to move on the starting blocks prior to the starting signal. A roll is usually caught by the starter and called as a false start, but swimmers will often try to guess the starter’s cadence and get a good start. Similar to illegal procedure in football.
- Shave – prior to a major competition a swimmer will shave his or her entire body. The removal of the hair provides less resistance between skin and water and heightens a swimmer’s sensation in the water.. SHAVING IS NEVER ALLOWED AT THE MEET AND MUST BE DONE PRIOR!
- Scratch – to withdrawal from an event in a competition.
- Short Course – a pool 25 yards or 25 meters in length. Our indoor pool is 25 yards in length. In addition, the majority of our meets will be swum in 25-yard pools.
- Split – a swimmer’s intermediate time in a race. Splits are registered every 25 to 50 yards and are used to determine if a swimmer is on record pace. Also, the time for one of the four individuals in a relay.
- Streamline – the position used by swimmers when starting or pushing off the walls designed to reduce water resistance.
- Taper – the resting process in training for swimming competition but is not done by us as we use USRPT. During the middle of the Swimming season, a swimmer may workout several thousand yards or meters each day. As major competition draws near, the swimmer will “taper “off the distances swum each day. A perfectly designed taper will enable the swimmer to compete at their peak capability. In USRPT we use more intensity but less yardage and swimmers peak for major competition by swimming faster and do less work.
- Teardown – portion of the swim season during which many, many yards are swum and cardiovascular conditioning occur’ this is the most fatiguing time of the season, but it pays off when a proper taper follows the teardown before competition. We do not do this using USRPT.
- Touch – the finish of the race.
- Touchpad – the area at the end of each lane in the pool where a swimmer’s time is registered and sent electronically to the timing system then the scoreboard (usually only seen in the City and State Championship Meets).
- Turnover – the number of times a swimmer’s arms turn over (cycle) in a given distance or time during a race.
- USS – United States Swimming, Inc., the national governing body for amateur competitive swimming in America.
- Warm down – low intensity swimming used by the swimmer to rid the body of excess lactic acid generated during practice or a race, and to gradually reduce heart rate and respiration.
- Warm-up – low intensity swimming used by the swimmer prior to a main practice set or race to get muscles loose and warm. Warm up gradually increases heart rate, respiration, and helps to prevent injury.