2017-2018

Parent Handbook

September 10, 2017

Hello Team,

Welcome to YBCC Phoenix Swimming, they say the third time is a charm, so in our third year we are hopeful and expecting the best year ever for your swimmer’s and our team. We appreciate all of our returning families and welcome all of our new families for the 2017 – 2018season. We had a successful campaign in our sophomore year and are determinedto make this year even better for all. We hope that this handbook can help you navigate the swim year and allow us to communicate with you better and faster. As always, we are here to help you in any way we can and we want you to feel comfortable reaching out to us.

Mission Statement
We strive for the best and most successful experience for every swimmer and their families. We recognize that each individual has different goals and aspirations. We will create a path to the achievement and success of those individual goals. We will encourage the development of the characteristics exemplified in being a great teammate and we also will abide in living the YMCA core values.
Caring: To show a sincere concern for others, for their needs and well-being.
Honesty: To be truthful in what you say and do.
Respect: To follow the golden rule.
Responsibility: To do what is right, be accountable for your promises and actions.

The Goals of YBCC Swimming

We begin with the end in mind, knowing that swimming is a journey and an ever evolving process. At the end of their journey with us, we want each swimmer to be at their best: physically, mentally, and technically. Therefore, our program will be built on fundamentals and a commitment to great technique. Starting with the youngest swimmers, we will emphasize the basics of swimming and the development of skills. As the swimmer matures we will focus on specific higher level skills and finer points of precise technique. Physical training will be done at each level, with emphasis on more aerobic conditioning as the swimmer matures. Mental training will also be included as part of the journey to help develop confident, self-reliant, and resilient athletes.

What are practice and meet requirements?

We realize that everyone leads very busy lives and that having specific commitments to practices and meets can add a lot of stress to children and parents who are coping with many things. Therefore, we do not have any specific practice or meet requirements, you do not need to make x number of workouts to stay in any group, nor attend any specific meet.

Granted the better attendance a swimmer has at training, the probability that they will get better increases. We feel it is our job to create environments that produce a sense of commitment, and have swimmers wanting to come to practice instead of feeling like they have to.

Where meets are concerned we have guidelines per group as the schedule indicates, and we hope that swimmers will go to meets because they want to see their improvement, but there are no meets that are “mandatory” for YBCC Phoenix.However, the YMCA does have a requirement if you want to swim in the YMCA championships, (Bronze, Silver, State, Nationals). The swimmer must swim in at least three YMCA Closed meets. Which means they have to swim in meets where there are only YMCA teams. YMCA closed meets are noted on the schedule

COMMUNICATION:

Almost all communication between the team and parent’s will be via email. Email’s will come out regarding Meets, practices, and team events at different times, please take the time to read them as I do try and keep them short and to the point. Also our coaches are available by email below is a list, or you can go to the homepage and in the upper left hand corner access the coaches button to get an email to them.

One of the best tools at our disposal is the mobile application that goes along with our software platform. OnDeck Parent allows you to do almost everything you can do in the Team Unify system plus it has enhanced communication tools. We recommend that you sign up and install the app through either Itunes or Google Play. Please note that in order to get instant updates regarding closures or unexpected issues you must put in your mobile number and carrier via the Desk Top version of TeamUnify. All of you do have an account, so please log in and check that all important email addresses, (you can have up to three), and mobile numbers are, (you can have two, are in the system. I have enclosed some step by step instructions at the end of this handbook.

Team Unify offers tips and video tutorials via the Desk Top version, to view the quick start guide, please go to:

We have the best coaches in South Jersey. I am extremely proud of this staff and the job they have done the last two years and will continue to do this year. Below is a list of Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches by group, as well as their emails.

I ask that you do not try to contact the coaches either before or during training time as it will not allow them to concentrate on their swimmer’s. Feel free to speak to any coach after practice or email them with any questions or concerns.

YBCC COACHING STAFF 2017-2018

Chris Brookover / Head Coach / SR I /
Rob Wilson / Assistant Coach / SR I / Robwilson312@gmailcom
Sarah Morris / Associate Head Coach / SR II / AG ML /
Amy Schurer / Associate Head Coach / SR II SR I /
Jamie Platt / Head Coach / Junior /
Rory Watkins / Associate Head Coach / Junior /
Matthew Acciani / Head Coach / AG ML /
Ryan Fish / Head Coach / Mini /
Matthew Soult / Assistant Coach / Mini

FUND RAISING:

We intend to have a few different fund raising activities during the year, but by far our largest fund raiser will be our Swim–A-Thon. The Swim-A-Thon is set for Saturday September 30. We will have three different sessions divided up by group for the swimmers to participate. Our Goal as a Team is $10.000.00, last year we raised over $9,000.00 in our first year, thus I would like to shoot a little higher. This breaks down to a little over $50.00 per swimmer, and each participant in the Swim-A-Thon will receive a gift similar to last year where we gave away hats and scarfs to all participants. This is an easy fundraiser as yourswimmers can send out emails to potential sponsors and the sponsors log into the system and pledge and pay right away. We feel that this is a great way to help the team and the YMCA and we thank all of you for participating.

The one thing about fundraisers is the question of where does the money go. This is a very fair and valid question and below are our answers:

August 2015 – Installation of New filtration system and Ultra Violet System.

August 2016 – Re-surfacing of Mount Laurel Pool.

August 2017 – Purchase and Installation of New Starting Blocks.

These enhancements to the pool well exceed any of the fundraising we have done to date. The money we raise has a direct correlation to what we need. The YMCA values YBCC Phoenix and providing the team with the upgrades year.

VOLUNTEERING:

Every team needs help in many different areas to be successful, to that end we ask that you get involved and be ready to volunteer for the many positions and jobs that come available during the year.

Each family is required to volunteer for at least 10 hours of service to the team. The service can come in many forms as you can see below, or if you would rather not your account will be billed $50.00 on June 1st if you have not fulfilled your service.

We are in need of more YMCA and USA Swimming officials. Please sign up on the list and we will get the schedule of trainings out to you, if we have over 8 YMCA volunteers, we can host a training here at Mount Laurel. The training time will count toward service hours.

We also need timers for almost every meet. I understand, we pay to have our kids swim in the meets, why do we need to time as well? I don’t know the answer but I do know that being on deck and timing makes the meet go very fast and you get the best seat in the house. Most of the time you will be able to sign up for timing via our software system, however if you can’t you can always email Sarah Morris who will credit you for the hours worked, ()

We are asking that each group have two adults as representatives who we can help us communicate and lead on special projects and be liaisons for the parent’s and coaches.

There are other jobs that we will need filled, and when we host our Sunday meets it is all hands on deck to get us through, we ask that everyone sacrifice a little time so that everyone can enjoy their experience.

Entering Meets:

For each meet that your swimmer might be eligible for you will receive and email such as the one below:

Dear<NAME>,
Theregistration deadlinefor theMEET NAME HEREswim meet is just around the corner and we are asking that you login to declare whether or not you're going to the meet. If you are going, you will need to declare by theregistration deadline, REIGSTRATION DEADLINE HERE VERY IMPORTANT.
For more information about this event click here
The process is simple. Click the following link and once you have signed in, you will be brought to a webpage on our team website that will allow youto commitornot commityour child to the meet. If you have more than one child swimming you will see them listed on this page.

Here are the steps if youARE NOT GOING:

Click on the Member Names [they default to Not Committed]

  • Then click on the Signup Record pull-down and selectNo
  • If No, just click on the [Save Changes] button to save the changes
  • If you have more than one child, repeat the same task as listed above

Here are the steps if youARE GOING:

  • Click on the Signup Record pull-down andselect Yes
  • Once yes is selected, you will see the events your childMAYbe eligible to swim
  • You will also see the best times inserted into the Entry Time field and highlighted in yellow
  • Check the Checkbox to the left of the name for those events you would like to swim
  • Please take careful notice of the time standards that must be met in the right-side columns
  • Once you have finished, click on the Save Changes Button in the lower right
  • Repeat the process for additional swimmers
  • You will notice that Coach Approval column will indicate Pending after you submit
  • Please pay careful attention to:
    - Maximum Event Entry Limitations IF PRESENT. Click on the >View if present.
    - Add any notes that you want the Coach or Administrator to see

Your coach or team administrator will review your declaration and APPROVE or REJECT your request and once they submit the final choices you will be able to review by signing in and clicking on the Attend This Event button for any events listed on our team website.Look at the Coach Approval column for the events that you have been confirmed to swim.

It is best to use this email to sign up for the meet and it is also in your best interest to sign up or decline, within 24 hours of receiving the email. Research has shown that if you postpone it any longer the chances of you remembering to sign up are significantly lower, and it is almost impossible to get late entries in for any meet.

If you do postpone in signing up you can go to the home page, look to the middle of the page under Events…and click on the button: Edit Commitment. It will then take you to the event screen where you can pick your child’s events.

Event choices are left to the swimmer and parents; however, coaches may offer suggestions on events they believe the swimmer should compete in.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Age Group ML (AG ML)– All practices at Mount Laurel YMCA
Monday 7:00 – 8:00
Tuesday 6:00 – 7:00
Thursday 7:00 – 8:30
Friday 7:00 – 8:00
Sunday 5:00 - 6:15
Coaches: Matthew Acciani / Sarah Morris
Mini– All practices at Mount Laurel YMCA
Monday 7:00 – 8:00
Wednesday 6:00 – 7:00
Friday 7:00 – 8:00
Sunday 5:00pm - 6:15pm
Coaches: Ryan Fish \ Matthew Soult
Junior (JR) - All practices at Mount Laurel YMCA
Monday 3:30 – 5:00
Tuesday 3:30 – 5:00
Wednesday 3:30 – 6:00 (Dryland5:00 - 6:00)
Thursday 3:30 – 5:00
Friday 5:30 – 8:00 (Dryland7:00 - 8:00)
Sunday 8:00am – 11:00am (Dryland10:00 - 11:00)
Coaches: Jamie Cooper / Rory Watkins
Senior II (SR II) - All practices at Mount Laurel YMCA
Monday 7:00 - 9:15(Dryland 7:00 - 8:00)
Tuesday 7:30 – 9:00
Wednesday 7:30 – 9:00
Thursday 7:30– 9:30 (Dryland7:30 - 8:30)
Sunday 6:15pm – 7:30pm
Coaches: Amy Schurer / Sarah Morris
Senior I (SR I) Monday-Thursday=Boys and Girls Club Friday and Sunday=Mt Laurel YMCA
Monday 4:00 - 6:45
Tuesday 4:00 - 6:45
Wednesday 4:00 - 6:45
Thursday 4:00 - 6:45
Friday 4:00 - 7:15 (Dryland6:00 - 7:15)
Sunday 6:00am - 9:15 am (Dryland8:00 am- 9:00 am)
Coaches: Chris Brookover / Rob Wilson / Amy Schurer
2017-2018YBCCPhoenix Meet Schedule
MEET / TYPE / DATE(S) / LOCATION / GROUPS / ENTRY DEADLINE
YBCCSwim-A-Thon / Fundraiser / Sept. 30 / Mount Laurel, NJ / ALL PHOENIX SWIMMERS / 10/15/2017
GPAC-Oktoberfest / USA / Oct. 7-8 / Sewell, NJ / Mini 9&Up, AG ML & RF, Junior,SR II / 8/30/17
UDAC-Rocktoberfest / USA / Oct. 13-15 / Upper Dublin, PA / SR I / 9/17/17
TWAC- Monster & Madness / USA / Oct. 28 / WestDeptford, NJ / Mini - 8 & Under / 10/1/17
OCY - Dual 13 & Over / Closed YMCA / Oct. 29 / Toms River, NJ / All 13 & Over / 10/22/17
OCY - Dual 12 & Under / Closed YMCA / Nov. 12 / Toms River, NJ / All 12 & Under / 11/6/17
Wahoos Thanksgiving / USA / Nov. 18-19 / Sewell,NJ / Mini 9&Up, AG ML & RF, Junior,SR II, SR I / 9/27/17
YOTA- Capital Classic / Closed YMCA / Dec.2-4 / Raleigh, NC / 13 & OVER Qualifiers / 11/1/2017
SJACWinter Classic / USA / Dec. 2-4 / Voorhees, NJ / Mini 9&Up, AG ML & RF, Junior,SR II, SR I -Non-YOTA / 11/1/2017
Wahoos - Developmental / USA / Dec. 3 / Mt. Laurel, NJ / Mini - AG ML & RF 10 & Under / 10/29/17
Vineland Dual / Closed Y / Dec. 10 / Mt. Laurel Y / All Swimmers / 12/8/2017
Red vs Black Phoenix/Tornado / Closed Y / Dec. 17 / Mt. Laurel Y / All Swimmers / 12/11/2017
Winter Break / Dec.15-26 / All Locations / All Swimmers, Parents, Coaches / Enjoy!!
TWAC-ArticBlast / Mini - USA / Jan. 6 / WestDeptford, NJ / 8 & Under / TBA
Winterfest / Closed Y / Jan.13-15 / College Park, MD / Qualifiers / TBA
GPACNew Year’s A/BB/C / USA / Jan. 20-21 / Sewell, NJ / Mini 9 & UP, AG ML, AG RF, Junior , SR II, SR I / 10/30/2017
YMCA 8 & Under Championships / Closed Y / Feb. 3-4 / RaritanValley CC / 8 & Under Qualifiers / TBA
OCY Dual / Closed Y / Feb. 4 / OCY - TomsRiver, NJ / 9 and Over / 1/30/2018
YMCA - Silver Championships / Closed Y / Feb.16-18 / Sewell,NJ / 9 & Over, Qualifiers / TBA
YMCA - 12 & Under State Championships / Closed Y / Feb.22-25 / Toms River, NJ / 12 & Under Qualifiers / TBA
YMCA 13 & Over State Championships / Closed Y / March 8-11 / Lancaster,PA / 13 & Over Qualifiers / TBA
Middle Atlantic - Silver Championships / USA / March 23-25 / Newark, DE / Mini 9&Up, AG ML & RF, Junior,SR II, SR I / 3/1/18
Spring Break / March 30 - April 8 / All Locations / Swimmers,Parent,Coaches
YMCA National Championships / Closed YMCA / April 2-6 / Greensboro, NC / Qualifiers / 2/14/18
SJACInvitational / Closed USA / May 6-7 / Voorhees, NJ / Mini 9&Up, AG ML & RF, Junior,SR II, SR I / 4/1/2018
YMCA Long Course Cup Championships / Closed YMCA / June 9-11 / Princeton, NJ / Senior I / 4/24/18
MA Senior Champs / USA / July 11-16 / TBA / Qualifiers / 6/1/2018
Meet schedule is tentative and may change either at the discretion of the coaching staff or if we are refused entry to any of the meets listed above

SUMMARY:

Our team is not the largest around and that is by design, we believe that every swimmer is important regardless of their skill or ability. Every swimmer deserves attention and instruction and we strive to make sure that everyone is given as much coaching as possible. So it is with our parents, we may not have the most but we do have a lot of very nice people who care about the quality of their children’s experience and are willing to help where they can to make it great.

We look forward to a great year with your help.

Coach Chris and Staff

YBCC PHOENIX CODE OF CONDUCT:

OUR CODE OF CONDUCT IS BASED ON THE CORE PRINCIPALS OF THE YMCA.

CARING: To show a sincere concern for others, for their needs and well-being.

  • I will practice and exhibit good sportsmanship toward all competitor’s.
  • I will practice and promote a positive attitude and be a force for good morale.
  • I will serve as a role model to the younger members of YBCC Phoenix.

HONESTY: To be truthful in what you say and do.

  • I will respect the property of the YMCA and the property of others.
  • I will strive to give my best effort at every practice and competition.
  • I will deal with all coaches, parents, and teammates by stating the truth.

RESPECT: To follow the golden rule.

  • I will conduct myself and behave with dignity and respect for others.
  • I will show respect toward all coaches, officials, administrators, and parents.
  • I will not be negative or disrespectful of any coach, teammate, parent, or any other individual involved in the sport of swimming via social media.

RESPONSIBILITY: To do what is right, be accountable for your promises and actions.

  • I will conduct myself and behave in a manner that is consistent with the character, welfare, best interests, and policies of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties.
  • I understand that my efforts in training have a direct effect on my performance at meets.
  • I understand that the amount of sleep, the things I eat, will have a direct effect on my performance at meets.

______

Parent/GuardianMember YBCC Phoenix

YMCA OF BURLINGTON AND CAMDEN COUNTIES PHOTO RELASE

Consent to Release of Claims

For the purpose of supporting and enhancing the marketing and fundraising efforts of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, we are kindly asking you to give us your permission to use your (and/or your child’s) image, voice, first and last name, and municipality of residence in our promotional efforts for our Y. Our experience is that nothing promotes the Y more than the sights, sounds, stories and testimonials of the children, parents, members and employees of our Y. Your support is an important part of our efforts to sustain and grow our Y for years to come.