HEATHERFIELD HURRICANES SWIM TEAM REGISTRATION 2017
Dear Swimmers and Parents,
Another summer swim season is almost upon us – and this year marks the 33rd season of Heatherfield Swimming! Included in this packet you will find all of the Heatherfield Swim Team registration info and paperwork for 2017. We encourage families to register online, but you may also register by mail. Once again we will offer a discount on registrations paid on or before May 15.
I’m excited to be back for another season at Heatherfield - my 31st season overall and 19th year as head coach! We will also once again have a large and strong group of assistant coaches, giving us small coach to swimmer ratios and personalized instruction. Almost all of last year’s assistant coaches will be returning, and we have several new coaches that I’m excited to add as well! We are planning some great new features this summer – more dry-land workouts, more team building activities, and some fun new training and teaching aides at practices.
2016 was another outstanding season with several team milestones. We once again finished 2nd in A Division (after Hershey), marking the 7th time since we moved up to “A” Division in 2005 that we accomplished that feat, and for the second straight year we earned 2nd place team scores at both All-Stars (14 teams) and Mid-Caps (37 teams).Other 2016highlights included 12 new team records,88 swimmers at All-Stars (team record) and 10 1st place finishes, and 49 swimmers at Mid-Caps and 4 first place finishes there, as well as another 1st place team finish at the Relay meet. With continued hard work, the team will surely have another successful season collectively and individuallythis summer.
What is it that makes Heatherfield such a special team? The answer is YOU! The families who have been with the team for many years know that the friendly, family atmosphere is a big reason why they come back every summer. And each year, as new families join, the team only gets better. Competitive swimming at Heatherfield is a great way to make new friends, improve technique, endurance, and speed, and build confidence. We compete at the highest level of the MPSL and push swimmers to improve and maximize their potential without losing sight of another important goal: having fun! We strive to ensure that each swimmer, young or "old," expert or beginner, has a positive experience.
Please visit our website ( regularly for more information and updates. We will once again be using email extensively for team announcements, so please be certain to keep us up to date with your current email address and check your email often.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me anytime. See the next page for more details and benefits of Heatherfield swimming.
I hope to see all of you back again this summer! We’re always looking to add new swimmers as well, so tell your friends about the fun and benefits of Heatherfield swimming and feel free to pass along this registration info to them. Let’s make our 33rd season another great one! Thanks and I’ll see you at the pool!
Sincerely,
Justin Spitzer, Head Coach
517-256-6365 (cell)
WHY HEATHERFIELD??
1. Close-knit team, great family atmosphere
*We aren’t just a swim team, we’re a big family! Swimmers return year after year and continue to grow and improve……and many of our coaches are former Heatherfield swimmers, most of them for 10+ years.
* Heatherfield is a very supportive, family-oriented program with great team spirit and sportsmanship
2. Individual attention
* We have 4 different practice levels (each with their own practice time) based on age/ability, and within each level we separate swimmers further into 3 or more groups.
* Minimal lane crowding and higher quality practices
* Large coaching staff(10+ assistants)allows for small group and individual instruction.
* Younger swimmers usually have 1 coach per lane, often with the coach in the water with them
* We regularly work on starts and turns - at least twice a week on average.
* Again in small groups and often using video.
* All swimmers are valued and receive coaching attention
3. Challenging, but balanced, practices
* Pool practices include both technique instruction and endurance/speed workouts
* Small practice groups allows us to have workouts that are "just-right" for each level, and avoid the crowded lap swimming that can result if there are too many kids per lane.
* Dry-land workouts for levels 3 and 4
* We work hard, but have a lot of fun too;one of greatest strengths is striking a good balance.
4. Technology
* Video recordingof swimmers, plus showing instructional videos
* We have a small room right at the pool where we can do that before/during/after practices
* Underwater camera for a unique perspective
* Digital pace clock - Easier for swimmers to see/read during workouts and track their times & intervals
* Electronic start platform - Straps to top of blocks and connects to start system and digital pace clock
- digitally measures swimmer reaction time from "beep" until swimmer leaves the block
- great for improving reaction time and also lots of fun!
* Relay Exchanges - using platform and clock mentioned above, plus touchpad
- measures time between one relay swimmer hitting wall and next swimmer leaving block
- here's a link to a video demo:
*Timed Turns - using touchpad and clock, records time from first impact with wall (hands or feet) and feet pushing off
-video demo:
HEATHERFIELD HURRICANESSWIM TEAM REGISTRATION2017
Please see next page for registration fees
Requirements for new swimmers:
Ages 11 and older: Able to swim 2 lengths of the pool (50 meters).
Ages 9-10: Able to swim 1 length of the pool (25 meters) unassisted.
Ages 8 & under: Able to swim ½ the length of the pool (12 meters) unassisted.
(To participate in meets, Swimmers 9 and older must be able to swim 2 lengths (50 meters) and Swimmers 8 and younger must be able to swim 1 length (25 meters)
New swimmers to Heatherfield may be asked to demonstrate this the 1st week of practice. Swimmers who do not meet this requirement will be given a full refund and encouraged to return next year. If you have questions or concerns about this, please contact Head Coach Justin Spitzer (see contact info below). Justin can also give you info on local swim lesson options to help prepare new/young swimmers before our season starts.
Registration Options:
1. Registration Online
We encourage families to register and pay online by Visa/Mastercard. For details and a link to the secure registration site, go to
2. By Mail: send completed forms and check to:
Suzy Posavec
Heatherfield Swim Team
1039 Custan Dr
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Questions about registration? Contact:
Head Coach: Justin Spitzer - or (517) 256-6365 (cell)
Team President:Dan Corbett - , 877-7890 (cell)
Treasurer: Suzy Posavec – , 574-6733 (cell)
2017 Heatherfield Registration Fees (same as 2016)
Once again this year our fee structure providesa discount for earlier registration and payment. If families register/pay earlier, that makes it much easier for us to know how many swimmers we’ll have and plan for the season.
1. Swimmer Registration Rates
Heatherfield Residents Non-Residents
Swimmer #1 - $70.00 Swimmer #1 - $95.00
Swimmer #2 - $65.00 Swimmer #2 - $90.00
Swimmer #3 - $45.00 Swimmer #3 - $45.00
Swimmer #4 - $45.00 Swimmer #4 - $45.00
Per-swimmer rates will be the same regardless of when you register/pay
Team Fee-(this will vary depending on when you register & pay)
2. Team Fee: $70per family if paid by May 15
$95per family if paidMay 16 or later
This fee replaces mandatory fundraisers. We will still hold optional fundraisers which are highly encouraged and helpful to the team.
We highly encourage families to register and pay online at
Team Suits, Caps, and Spiritwear
* Info on ordering team suits and spiritwear will be sent out and posted online soon
* You will be able to pay for personalized team caps online when you register –CapOrderDeadline –May 15
* See last page for more info on caps
Heatherfield Swim Team Refund Policy
We sincerely hope that each swimmer who registers for the Heatherfield Swim Team will find it to be an enjoyable experience. It is so exciting to see swimmers returning year after year, as well as new swimmers eager to “give it a try”. We have worked very hard to organize a program that will meet the needs of all who register with us. Although new swimmers may struggle at first, those who stick with it usually improve significantly by the end of the season.
At the same time, we realize that swimming may not be for everyone. With that in mind, we have developed a refund policy that we feel is fair to the swimmers and the organization.
Our policy is as follows*:
- Swimmers are encouraged to give the team a try the first week. If they choose to withdraw before June 4, they receive a full refund.
- 75% of the fee will be refunded to the swimmer’s family for those withdrawing from the program between June 5 and June 18. (The first meet is likely June 17)
- We apologize, but we are unable to give a refund to those who leave after that date.
- If you are considering leaving the team, please speak to head Coach Justin Spitzer first (, 517-256-6365). We will try very hard to work with you - we want to do everything we can to keep each and every swimmer happy.
* Should it be decided in the first 2 weeks by Heatherfield Swim Team coaches that a swimmer is not ready for a swim team, the swimmer’s family will receive aFULL REFUND
Media Use Policy (NEW)
Photos, videos, and/or audio clips may be taken of Heatherfield swimmers during practices, meets, and other team activities. This media may be used for instructional purposes, in our team emails, website, end of year slide show, or in other promotional or informational materials.
The Heatherfield Swim Team pledges to not use any media that it deems inappropriate and agrees to use only media types that are in good taste and reflect the fun and wholesome sport of swimming. We request the right to use all photos, videos, and audio clips taken of Heatherfield swimmers.
By signing the appropriate line on the registration form, I confirm that I understand and agree to the above request and conditions, and grant my consent to allow the Heatherfield Swim Team to use photos, videos, and or audio clips that they have of my swimmer(s) participating in team activites.
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If your swimmer(s) has any physical or medical limitations that coaches should be aware of, please explain on the back of the registration form.
2017 HEATHERFIELD SWIM TEAM FEE FORM
Last Name ______
Father’s Name ______Mother’s Name ______
Address ______
Telephone (Home)______
Father’s Cell #______Mother’s Cell # ______
E-mail addresses ______
Swimmer #1 ______Date of Birth ______cell # ______
Swimmer #2 ______Date of Birth ______cell # ______
Swimmer #3 ______Date of Birth ______cell # ______
Swimmer #4 ______Date of Birth ______cell # ______
Heatherfield Community ResidentsSwimmer #1 – 70.00$______
Swimmer #2 – 65.00$______
Swimmer #3 – 45.00$______
Swimmer #4 – 45.00$______
Sub-Total $______ / Non-Resident Heatherfield Community
Swimmer #1 – 95.00$______
Swimmer #2 – 90.00$______
Swimmer #3 – 45.00$______
Swimmer #4 – 45.00$______
Sub-Total $______
Parent Volunteers
Please indicate which jobs you’d
be willing to help with at meets
___ Timer
___ Concessions
___ Runner
___ Finish Judge
___ Computer/Ribbons
___ Deck Parent/Clerk of Course
___ Referee/Starter (Certification required)
___ Stroke/Turn Judge (Certification Training Offered) / Team Fee (per family)
$70 if paid by May 15
$95 if paid May 16 or later
TEAM FEE______
Custom Team Caps (2 for $26) ______
Cap order deadline is May 15 (optional)
GRAND TOTAL______
I have read and understand the refund policy. ______(sign) ______(date)
I have read and consent to the media use policy. ______
Register and pay online at
HEATHERFIELD WAIVER AND RELEASE FORM
The undersigned, being the parent or other legal guardian of the child whose name appears below, in consideration of the Heatherfield Community Association’s permission for the said child’s participation in the Heatherfield Swim Team and the use of the Heatherfield Community Association’s swimming pool and other facilities, and intending to be legally bound hereby, hereby release the Heatherfield Community Association, its successors, officers, directors, agents and employees, including all persons and/or entities or in privity thereto, and agree to protect, defend, indemnify and hold the Heatherfield Community Association, its successors, officers, directors, agents and employees, including all persons and/or entities in privity thereto, harmless from and against any and all suits, claims, losses, demands, damages, causes of action, actions, warranties, representations, liabilities and/or expenses, including attorney’s fees and court costs, whether such matters of claims are now known or unknown, and whether at any time existing in the past, present, or future, which may in any way arise out of, directly or indirectly, any accident or injury which any such child or children may sustain, suffer or incur while participation in any manner in the Heatherfield Swim Team or in the use of any Heatherfield Community Association swimming pool, grounds, or other facilities or property during the 2017 season.
The undersigned further warrant that each has read the terms of this Waiver and Release and that he or she fully understands these terms; and further warrants and understands that the undersigned, the child on whose behalf the undersigned is acting, and anyone acting on their behalf, will not be able to maintain any lawsuit or any other type of action or claim against the described above, for any accident or injury which the undersigned or any child may sustain while participating in any manner in the Heatherfield Swim Club/Team activities or while upon the Heatherfield Community Association property or during the use of Heatherfield Community Associations facilities during the 2017 season.
IN WITNESS of the foregoing, the undersigned, intending to be legally bound, have each signed this Waiver and Release on the date below – indicated.
Child’s Name (Please Print Legibly) Child’s Birth date
______
______
______
______
______
Parent/Guardian Name (please print)______
Parent/Guardian Signature ______Date ______
Parent/Guardian Address ______
______
Phone Number:______
FIRST PRACTICE - Tuesday, May 30
Weekday Evenings (Mon-Fri) Tues. May 30 – Thurs June 8
8 and under: 5:15pm - 6:00pm
Ages 9 - 12: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
13 and older: 7:00pm - 8:20pm
Mon – Fri Morning Practice Schedule - Starting Friday June 9
Level 1: 7:30am – 8:05am
Level 2: 8:00am – 9:00am
Level 4: 8:50am – 10:30am
Level 3: 10:20am – 11:45am
Approximate Level Breakdowns
Level 1:Most 8&Us, potentially a few beginner 9/10 year olds
Level 2:Advanced 8 year olds, most 9-12 year olds
Level 3:Advanced 9 - 12 year olds and many 13 - 14year olds
Level 4: Advanced 14 year olds and swimmers 15& up
However, this is just a rough guide. For swimmers on the border between levels (especially newer swimmers), it’s usually best to start at the lower level and then move up as they progress.
It is common for swimmers to want to swim with higher levels – but keep in mind that doing so is not always in the swimmers best interest. Lower levels generally provide more individual attention and help with stroke technique. Ultimately, the coaches decide which level is best for each swimmer.
If you have any questions regarding where your swimmer(s) fit best, or if schedule conflicts prevent you from attending the appropriate practice, please talk with the coaches.
Things to bring to Practices:
- Swim Suit
2. Goggles
3. Towel
4. Swim cap (for girls, and boys with long hair)
5. Running Shoes and clothes you can run/exercise in
6. Warm clothes to wear after practice
7. Water bottle
DIRECTIONS TO HEATHERFIELD POOL
Bristol Club – 308 Lopax Road, Harrisburg PA
From the intersection of Allentown Blvd (Route 22) and Mountain Rd (off exit 72 of I-81): Proceed south on Mountain Road (past Karns Grocery Store) to the light at Jonestown Rd. Turn left on Johnstown Rd and proceed for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn right on Lopax Rd and proceed for 0.5 miles. Pool is located on right side below Community building.
2017Heatherfield Swim Meet Schedule
Who we swim each week is still TBD, but these are almost certainly the dates of the meets
All swimmers compete at meets and attendance is very important. Please try to attend every meet – the team needs you!
June 17 -Hershey
June 24 -Palmyra
July 1–no “A” Division Meet. Possible crossover meet with “B” team or bye week.
July 8–Devon Crest
July 15– Willowood
Championship Meets
July 22: Divisionals
July 23: All-Starsat Annville (top 16 from entire league in indiv events and top 8 relays)
July 29: Mid-Caps (top 8 from all-stars in individual events and top 4 relays)
Heatherfield Swim Team - Important 2017 dates (more coming soon)
May 15 - Deadline for early registration discount and custom cap orders
May 30 - First practice and deadline for T-shirt orders
June 9 - Morning practice begins
June 17 - 1st dual meet
June 24 - 2nd dual meet
July 1 - 3rd dual meet??? Also possible open date
July 8 - 4th dual meet
July 15 - 5th dual meet
July 21 - Last practice for non-Mid-Cap swimmers - Donuts, Penny Dive
July 22 - Divisional meet
July 23 - All-Star meet at Annville
July 26 - Team Party/Awards - evening
July 28 - Last practice for Mid-Cap swimmers
July 29 - Mid-Caps(super all-star meet)
Heatherfield Spiritwear and Custom Cap Orders
Custom team caps can be paid for online (or via mail) when you register. T-shirts and other spiritwear will be sold separating this year, stay tuned for more details.
Cap Order deadline –May 15
Silicone Cap Prices
2 personalized team caps - $26