GRINNELL RECREATION DEPARTMENT

SHARKS SWIM TEAM

WINTER TEAM INFORMATION

2002 - 2003

Member Eligibility:

Current requirements for swim team members are ages 5-18 years of age. Swimmers should be able to swim one consecutive stroke for the length of the pool (25 yards). Swimmers are not required to live in or attend the Grinnell School District.

Practice Schedule:

Team practices will begin on Monday, November 4, 2002. Practices will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Practice will follow the same weather policy as the Grinnell Schools. If there is school, there will be practice. If school is cancelled, practice will be cancelled.

  • The less experienced swimmers working on their strokes and gaining confidence in themselves will be practicing on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.
  • The more experienced swimmers working on their technique and building up endurance will practice from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
  • The coaches will determine which practice time your child will attend based solely on their ability.

Practice Attendance:

Obviously practice attendance is directly linked with improvement. We realize that swimmers are also involved with other activities but one of the lessons learned from athletics is commitment. Therefore, swimmers are expected to attend at least two (2) practices per week unless excused. An excused absence is one for which coaches were notified in advance. Good communication is the key to a successful season.

Coaching Staff:

Head coach: Karen Robbins – will work with grades K - 8

Assistant coaches: Rebecca Merrill - will work with grades 9 - 12

Fees:

The fee for winter swim team is $65 for competitive swim instruction. For those wishing to participate in YMCA meets and attend the sectional meet there will be an additional YMCA membership fee of $25. Deadline for YMCA fees is November 15, 2002

Team Swim Suits:

Purchase of team suits is not required. We will be placing an order at the beginning of the season for those who wish to purchase one.

Swim Meets:

Swim meets will be held on Saturday mornings. All meets start at 9:00 a.m.

The Invitational meets will be optional to attend. Swimmers choosing to attend will be charged a small entry fee. In order to be eligible to swim in the sectional meet to qualify for state you must swim in at least three (3) meets and have a YMCA membership.

Transportation Policy:

Transportation to the meets will be provided by the swimmer’s parent(s). Car pooling is encouraged. Departure times will be under the discretion of the parents. Swimmers should be present at the meet at least one hour prior to the swim meet.

Swim Team Board Members:

Teresa Beal – secretary/ treasure, Bud Cox, Kelley Cox, Lori Francis and Karen Robbins. Anyone interested in joining the board is encouraged to attend the meetings.

Parental Involvement:

Being involved, active and enthusiastic about the swim team is the best way to keep your child interested. We will be hosting meets this winter and it is impossible for them to run smoothly without the help of parents. The meets will require timers, runners, ribbon writers, concession workers, parent supervisors and set-up and clean-up people. Meets can’t be run without your help. Please get involved.

Practice Rules:

There are not a lot of rules to adhere to. However, it is expected that all swimmers will show respect for themselves, other swimmers and their coaches at all times, in and out of the water. If a behavior problem continues, he/she will need to discuss the problem with parents and the coaches so an acceptable solution can be reached.

No parents will be allowed on deck during practice. If you need to talk to the coaches, that needs to be done before 6:30 p.m. or after 8:00 p.m.

Be sure to be on time to pick up your children after practice. The Recreation Department hours for the PEC are 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Our monitors are gone at 8:00 p.m. and it is not the responsibility of the college staff to watch your children.

Holiday Practice Schedule:

We will not practice on Thursday, November 28 for Thanksgiving, and December 23– January 1 while the kids are on winter break. January 2 - 17 we will be practicing from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. while the college is on break. We will resume normal practice times on Monday January 20 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.