West Howard Wahoo Swim Team

2008 Schedule

 

REGISTRATION:

 

Friday, May 9^th- 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 17^th - 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Cy's will be there both days to help with new team suits.

 

PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

 

Before school is dismissed for the summer:

Practice: May 27, 28, 29 June 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. - ages 13 and over

4:30 - 5:00 p.m. - ages 8 and under

5:00 - 5:45 p.m. - ages 9-10

5:45 - 6:30 p.m. - ages 11-12

 

Last three half days of school: (June 12, 13, 16):

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - ages 13 and over

1:30 - 2:15 p.m. - ages 11-12

2:15 - 3:00 p.m. - ages 9-10

3:00 - 3:30 p.m. - ages 8 - under

 

Monday through Friday mornings when school is dismissed:

(These times and/or assignment of age-groups may change after registration is completed and the size of each age-group is known)

 

8:30 - 9:30a.m. - ages 13 and over

9:30 - 10:15 a.m. - ages 11-12

10:15 - 11:00 a.m. - ages 9-10

11:00 - 11:45 a.m. - 8 - unders and Stroke Clinic**

 

**Stroke Clinic is an optional opportunity for extended practice. It is strongly recommended for beginning swimmers in order to improve their four basic strokes, starts and turns through small

group instruction and individual feedback from the coaches.

 

MEET SCHEDULE:

 

Saturday, June 14^th - 8:00 warm ups - Time Trials @ West Howard

Saturday, June 21st - 8:00 warm ups - Away vs. Springlake

Saturday, June 28th - 7:30 warm ups - Home vs. Westminster Swim Team

Saturday, July 5th - 7:30 warm ups - Home vs. Andover

Saturday, July 12^th -8:00 warm-ups - Away vs. North Saint Johns

Saturday, July 19th - 7:30 warm-ups - Home vs. Dulaney

Wednesday, July 23^rd - Straehle Invitational @ Four Seasons Swim Club

Saturday, July 26^th - Division II Championships @ Andover

(other meets, including Novice meet to be announced)

Check the Swim Team bulletin board and/or website

(www.westhowardswimclub.com)

for schedule changes.

West Howard Swim Club Phone: 410-489-7350

 

EVENTS:

 

Sunday, June 1st - 8:30 a.m. - CMSL Clinic @ Padonia Park

(For table workers, coaches, stroke and turn officials)

Friday, June 20th - First Meet Pasta Dinner/Pep Rally 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Friday, June 20^th - Swim Team Pictures @ 6:00 p.m.

TBD - Hershey Park Trip

Friday, June 27^th - Ice Cream Social/Pep Rally 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Friday, July 4^th - Fun Games/Celebration 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Friday, July 20th - Fiesta Night/Pep Rally 6:00-8:00 p.m.

TBD - End of Season Swim Party/Celebration

 

Watch the Swim Team Bulletin Board for More information regarding these events.

 

WEST HOWARD COACHING STAFF:

 

Position Name Telephone E-Mail

Head Coach Jill Springer 410-442-2968 springerjc@comcast.net

Assistant Coach Mary Beth Kasda

Assistant Coach Samantha Snoots

Assistant Coach Amy Fisher

 

SWIM TEAM COMMITTEE:

 

Position Name Telephone E-Mail

League Representative Mary Pat Jordan 301-854-5587 marypatjordan@aol.com

Asst. League Rep Lynda Pelkey 410-442-2563 kpelkey@erols.com

Concessions Manager Debbie O’Byrne 410-489-2626 DebbieO2004@comcast.net

Team Apparel Kristie Baldwin 301-703-4018 shop@baldwinhome.net

Meet Volunteer Coordinator Kay Browning 410-489-4936 C2swim@verizon.net

Table workers Kathy Kasda 410-442-1342 klk1031@comcast.net

Team Data Management Glenn Byrd 410-442-8225 byrd-home@msn.com

 

WEST HOWARD SWIM TEAM OVERVIEW:

 

For those new to competitive swimming the West Howard Swim Team (WHST) participates in the

Central Maryland Swim League (CMSL) in Division II. This organization provides us with competition structured by age categories in boys’ and girls’ events, including both individual and relay events.

The meets are operated according to CMSL rules.

§         CMSL meets are customarily held on Saturday mornings in June and July.

§         The Novice Meet is a meet in which beginning swimmers compete against other beginning swimmers in the CMSL. Look for information on the bulletin board about this meet.

 

§         The Relay Meet is a fun meet with relays to which all swimmers are invited.

Information about this meet will be posted on the swim team bulletin board.

 

§         The Straehle Invitational Meet is held the Wednesday before Divisional Championships. Swimmer participation in this meet is limited to swimmers who achieve league-established qualifying times in events during the regular meet season.

 

§         The Divisional Championship Meet is the last meet of the regular season. Swimmer participation in this meet is restricted to the three swimmers with the best times in each event (at each age group) that are available to swim on that date.

 

PRACTICES:

 

Practices are held on selected early evenings (see p. 1 of this handbook) when school is in session and when school is over, practices are held each weekday morning. There are three separate practice sessions for swimmers, depending on their age and the number of swimmers in each age group. Regular practice is an extremely important part of building a successful team, and all swim team members are encouraged to practice regularly with the team.

 

The team is supported by several resources including the West Howard Swim Club, annual fees, swim meet concession stand profits, and most importantly by member volunteers. The active involvement of the coaching staff, all West Howard Wahoo team members and their families is essential because swimming is a “people-intensive” sport - it requires all the people listed above to work together to result in a team that functions in a sportsmanlike and competitive manner.

 

This handbook addresses questions that parents and swimmers may have about meets, line-ups, practices, etc.

 

SWIM TEAM PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

 

The main objective of the West Howard Swim Team is to sponsor a swim team to participate in the Central Maryland Swim League for competitive and recreational purposes. Other important objectives of the West Howard Swim Team are to encourage good sportsmanship and team spirit, and to provide an environment that supports the emotional and physical well being of all swimmers in a setting of family participation, encouragement, and support.

WAHOO EXPLAINED:

 

At West Howard, “wahoo” means more than having fun. Our team mascot is the wahoo, which is a long fish related to the king mackerel. These fish are very fast swimmers and are known for their sudden bursts of speed. These fish chop their prey into pieces in a second with their sharp, efficient teeth. The wahoo can attain speeds of 60 MPH and is reputed to be one of the fastest fish in the sea.

 

SWIM TEAM FEES:

 

Swimmers will be ineligible to attend any swim team practice or function until all fees have been paid. Fees for this season are:

 

§         $70.00 for each swimmer (including swim team t-shirt), $60.00 if you sign up for both Swim and Dive team.

 

These fees are not pro-rated when joining the team after the swim season begins.

 

REFUNDS:

 

Upon registration, a swimmer has committed to team participation. If a registered swimmer elects to leave the team prior to June 16^th, a partial refund of $40.00 may be obtained (minus the cost of AAU insurance registration/swim team t-shirt). No refunds will be administered after June 16^th, 2008. There are no exceptions. Mary Pat Jordan (Swim Team Representative) should be contacted at 301-854-5587, marypatjordan@aol.com or Lynda Pelkey at 410-442-2563, kpelkey@erols.com to initiate the refund process.

 

SWIM TEAM ELIGIBILITY:

 

Any family that is currently a member in good standing of the West Howard Swim Club is eligible to have their children join the West Howard Swim Team. Swimmers on the team must not be older than 18 years on May 30, 2008 and must be able to swim one length of the entire pool unassisted in order to qualify for the team. Swim team age groups include 6 and under girls, 6 and under boys, 7-8 girls, 7-8 boys, 9-10 girls, 9-10 boys, 11-12 girls, 11-12 boys, 13-14 girls, 13-14 boys, 15-18 girls, 15-18 boys.

 

SWIM TEAM APPAREL:

 

All members of the team are expected to purchase and wear the established swim team suit and cap at all swim meets. Wearing a team suit is very important for team morale. The team changes the team suit every other year (in even year, i.e. 2008). This swim season, swimmers will be wearing a new team suit. Each swimmer who registers prior to the beginning of practices will receive a swim team t-shirt.  All swimmers are expected to wear these shirts to swim meets. Swimmers new to the team will receive a latex West Howard swim cap when they register. Returning swimmers may purchase a new swim cap for $3.00 each.

SWIM TEAM SPIRIT WEAR:

 

At registration, additional swim team apparel will be on display.  Items that can be purchased will include:  sweatshirts, sweat pants, shorts, men's polo shirts, women's sleeveless polo shirts, tank tops, towels and silicone West Howard swim team cap.  The first order will be sent on Monday, May 19, 2008, to ensure delivery by the first meet.  Additional orders can be made throughout the season, if there is enough interest.  Please refer questions to Kristie Baldwin 301-703-4018, shop@baldwinhome.net.

 

COMMUNICATION:

 

The following methods are used to communicate upcoming events, news, and general announcements to the West Howard Swim Team members:

 

SWIM TEAM BULLETIN BOARD AND SWIM CLUB WEBSITE:

 

*For Saturday Meets, please refer to the bulletin board for the volunteer positions you were assigned by the volunteer coordinator Kay Browning. Volunteer sign up sheets for swim team social events will be posted several days prior to the scheduled event.

*Schedule changes, announcements, and upcoming events will be posted on the Swim Team Bulletin Board and/or the Website. IT IS NECESSARY TO CHECK THESE IMPORTANT SOURCES OF INFORMATION SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK DURING THE SWIM TEAM SEASON!

 

RIBBON BOXES:

 

File boxes contain a folder for each team family. Ribbons from meets and other information will be placed in these boxes. The boxes will be brought out for each practice and stored under the pavilion on the far side of the pool. Please make sure to check your folder regularly.

 

COACHES:

 

Coaches will make announcements at practices regarding any changes with respect to the meet schedule, line-ups, meet times, etc. ASK YOUR SWIMMER AFTER EACH PRACTICE FOR ANY NEW INFORMATION.

 

POSTED MEET LINE-UPS:

 

Typically swimmers will be told what events they will be swimming at an upcoming meet at practice two days before the meet (Thursday). Line -ups are posted the morning of the meet on the shed for a Home Meet and at a pre-designated area for away meets.

OBLIGATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES OF SWIMMERS:

 

Swimmers have responsibilities to the West Howard Swim Team and their teammates.

 

• Swimmers should make every effort to attend swim practice daily, and should arrive 10 minutes early for their scheduled practice so they are on deck and ready to swim at their scheduled practice time.
• Swimmers are responsible for reporting the information they receive from the coaches at practices to their parents.
• Swimmers are responsible for checking the Bulletin Board for changes and for new information regarding the West Howard Swim Team events.
• Swimmers should get plenty of rest before a meet.
• Once entered in a meet, a swimmer must swim in all events he/she is entered in unless unable to do so for medical or other emergency reasons.
• During meets, swimmers are expected to stay in the designated West Howard Swim Team area.
• Swimmers are expected to know their event numbers and be ready to report to the Clerk of Course when their events are called.
• Swimmers will display courteous and sportsmanlike behavior at all practices, meets, and other team events.
• Swimmers are encouraged to show good team spirit by encouraging and cheering on teammates during their individual events and during relays.
• Each swimmer is responsible for respecting the property of other swimmers on their team and on opposing teams.
• At all meets and practices, swimmers will leave the West Howard Swim Team area in the same condition in which they found it.
• Swimmers should take the initial responsibility to discuss with the coaching staff questions they have about meet line-ups or other team and practice activities.
• Swimmers will not use any controlled substances, including alcohol or tobacco at any team activities.
• Swimmers will not wait for parents/guardians in the pool parking lot when the pool is not open for general use (before 12:00 noon).
• All swimmers are expected to respect ALL COACHES during practice, meets and swim team functions. A swimmer, at the coaches’ discretion, will be removed from practice or a meet when the swimmer is disruptive. The coach may notify the parent/guardian if this action was necessary.

 

OBLIGATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS:

 

General

• Parents will demonstrate good sportsmanship and direct their children to behave in the same way.
• Parents are strongly encouraged to make a deliberate effort to schedule summer vacations outside of the 5 week summer swim team season.
• Parents will provide the Head Coach with written notification as far in advance if possible if a swimmer will be absent from practices and or meets or if the swimmer needs to leave a meet early. Written notification should be given to the coach at least 1 week before a meet if a swimmer is going to miss a meet in order to permit the Head Coach adequate time to prepare the meet line up.
• Parents will direct all concerns to the West Howard Swim Team Representative (Mary Pat Jordan) and will maintain a courteous manner toward the coaching staff and team representatives at all times.
• Parents will refrain from approaching coaches during practices and during meets so the coaches may perform their duties during these times. During swim practices, parents are asked to remain in the pavilion areas.
• Parents are expected to assist in the operation of meets when called upon, to attend meets, and to provide support and encouragement to all swimmers on the team.
• Parents are responsible for ensuring that their swimmers respect all coaches and understand the discipline policy.
• Parents are responsible for informing the West Howard Swim Team Representative promptly if their swimmer(s) wish to quit the team.

 

Volunteer Reponsibilities

• Each swimmer is required to provide one adult for volunteer duties for one of the three away meets. For home meets, one adult per family is expected to assume volunteer duties that take place either the evening before the meet, during the meet, or immediately after the meet. (See below for a list and brief description of these duties). The Meet Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for assigning these duties.
• If you cannot make it to the volunteer assignment you have been assigned, you are responsible for finding and posting a replacement, and for indicating it on the appropriate assignment sheet and/or by notifying Kay Browning, c2swim@aol.com
• These volunteer responsibilities are intended for adults. Please do not volunteer any children to fulfill adult responsibilities. All families are expected to provide at least one parent volunteer for the Divisional Championship meet.
• Parents who are assigned duties that take place during the meet (except for timers) will have the opportunity to leave their work post in order to watch their child swim, and are expected to promptly return to their duty between their child’s scheduled events. All parents are expected to report on time for their assigned duties as listed on sign-up sheets.

 

Concession Responsibilities

• Each family is required to provide a case of 24 cans of soft drink prior to the first meet as a drink contribution. See SNACK BAR section below for more details.
• Each family is required to provide assigned food contribution for each home meet whether or not their child is swimming in the meet. Note: Check bulletin board for your assigned contribution. See SNACK BAR section below for more details
• Concessions profits are used to fund new equipment, awards, trophies, and other fun events for the swimmers that take place over the swim season.

 

RUNNING MEETS:

 

Approximately 50 adult volunteers are needed to run a given meet. These duties are usually split between the teams (there are more duties for a home meet) and parent participation is necessary.

SNACK BAR:

 

The swim team is responsible for running a snack bar at all home meets. It is the responsibility of each family to contribute food items for sale each week. Some items for sale are purchased by the swim team; however, the bulk of the food is donated. If the swim team has to only purchase a small number of items to stock the snack bar, the snack bar is more profitable. Overall swim team fees are reduced by running a profitable snack bar.

 

Each family is responsible for donating the following:

 

• 1 case (24 cans) of soda or the equivalent in sports drinks or water. All drink donations are collected prior to the first meet for the entire swim season and kept in the storage room. These drinks are sold at the meet and used for swim team parties during and at the conclusion of the season. A list is posted on the Swim Team Bulletin Board the week prior to the 1^st meet outlining the specific drink each family is to bring for a donation.

 

• One food item per home meet (whether or not your child is swimming in the meet). If your child is not swimming in the meet, it is recommended that you sign up to bring non-perishable items that may be left with the concessions manager prior to the meet. This item is to be brought to the snack bar the morning of the meet during warm-ups. Non-perishable items may be brought prior to the meet and placed in the storage room (in the black plastic bins). A sheet is posted the week prior to the 1^st home meet. Each family is assigned a specific item to bring, which changes from meet to meet. Snack bar staff will record that you brought your food contribution to each meet.

 

Since the snack bar requires much assistance in order to run smoothly, any help is appreciated. A helping hand (even from adults who are not signed up for concessions) is extremely helpful while the snack bar is being set up (prior to the meet) and during clean-up (at the conclusion of the meet).

 

VOLUNTEER ROLES - ALL MEETS:

 

• Seeder - determine the number of heats and places the cards in order.
• Clerk of Course - hands out cards to swimmers and assists swimmers to the appropriate lanes for all events.
• Table Workers - (5 per team) record times, places, and write ribbons.
• Stroke & Turn Judges (2 per team) requires training from the league.
• Timers - (9-12 per meet, depending if pool has 6 or 8 lanes). Time swimmers from end of lane; record and post times.
• Concession - 25 workers per home meet.

VOLUNTEER ROLES - HOME MEETS:

 

• Meet Set-up - 6 volunteers to arrange spectator chairs and meet equipment (flags, ropes, tables for clerk of course and concessions, etc.), confirm completion with team rep.
• Announcer - 1 volunteer to set up and take down the PA system and make meet and event announcements.
• Runners - 2 volunteers to pick up cards from timers after each race and take to the table workers.
• 50/50 Raffle - 1 volunteer to sell tickets for the raffle which is conducted near the conclusion of the meet.
• Head Timer - 2 volunteers to supervise and work with timers during the meet
• Relief Timers - 2 volunteers to relieve times assigned to lanes a necessary, distribute heat ribbons, run drinks to timers/officials/table workers periodically, as needed.
• Coordinator of Pool Clean Up - Returning chairs and equipment to appropriate places. Clean up of entire pool area, confirm completion with team rep.
• Concessions Manager - Food purchasing for the stand, organizing volunteers for set-up, operation, and clean-up.
• Concessions Stand Workers - Assisting the Concessions manager with the above duties. There are two shifts for concessions stand workers (the first shift is responsible for set-up before the meet and operation of the concessions stand during the first half of the meet, and the second shift is responsible for operation of the concessions stand during the second half of the meet and for clean-up after the meet. Grill workers are needed to cook hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. on the second shift.

 

AWAY MEETS:

 

• 1 Seeder
• 5 Table Workers
• 2 Clerk of Course
• 2 Stroke and Turn Judges
• 8 Timers and Head Timer

 

WHAT SWIMMERS NEED FOR PRACTICE:

 

• Swimmers should be appropriately dressed by the practice start time. This means swimmers should have their suits on and practice equipment ready for use.
• Sweatshirts and pants, especially at the beginning of the season (it can get cold, especially for smaller swimmers).
• Towel(s).
• Swim cap.
• Sunscreen (applied before beginning of practice).
• Goggles.
• Drink bottle with water, sports drink, or fruit juice (optional).

WHAT SWIMMERS MAY NEED FOR MEETS:

 

• Swim Team Swim Suit
• At least one towel. Many swimmers like a towel to sit on and one in which to wrap themselves.
• Swim cap.
• Goggles.
• Sunscreen.
• Sweatshirt and sweatpants.
• Drink: Water, sports drink or fruit juice.
• Snacks: AVOID JUNK FOOD (i.e. candy, soda, chips, etc.) Suggestions: fruit, granola type bars, trail mix, muffins, and bagels.
• Playing cards, small games (travel type games work well), books, and personal CD players for older swimmers. Meets can take awhile and swimmers need thing to amuse and distract themselves in between events.
• Team Spirit, Cheers and Good Sportsmanship.
• Families may wish to bring lawn chairs and coolers with food and drink although all swim meets will have a concessions stand set up.

 

SELECTION OF SWIMMERS FOR MEETS:

 

The coach normally will select swimmers for a particular event from all eligible swimmers in order of best times (fastest times for each event). The objective of the coach is to put together the team with the best possible chance of scoring points. (The team that scores the most total points at the conclusion of the meet wins the meet). The coach may use her discretion in deleting a top swimmer from an event to strategically score more points for the team in another event.

 

Swimmers’ scheduled events will be announced at swim team practice two days before the meet. The coach may select swimmers to compete in a particular event on a basis of the fastest best times when a situation or strategic considerations arise. Final decisions regarding the meet line-up are totally within the coaches’ discretion.

 

*New swimmers whose parents think may need assistance to get to the Clerk of Course at the proper time may ask the Team Representative or the Head Coach to have an older, experienced swimmer assigned to assist their new swimmer at the first few meets.

 

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET QUALIFICATION:

 

Swimmers must qualify in order to compete in both the Straehle Invitational Meet and Divisional Championships. Qualification for the Straehle Meet is determined by time standards set by the CMSL. Qualification for the Divisional Championships is determined by the three fastest swimmers in each event who are available to participate in the meet. Generally, relays that qualify for the Straehle Invitational will consist of the four fastest freestyle swimmers in each age group. However, relay selection for Divisionals will be based not only on times, but also on other important factors, including the swimmer’s level of sportsmanship, commitment, and participation during the season.

COMPLEMENT OF EVENTS:

 

Under CMSL Division II rules, swimmers may compete in up to three events per meet, including relays.

 

AWARDS:

 

Ribbons are awarded for places 1 through 8 in each individual event and places 1 through 3 for relays for Home Meets. The West Howard Swim Team also provides heat ribbons and/or treats for winners of individual heats. Best time ribbons are awarded to swimmers who improve their times during the swim season. At away meets, it is up to the hosting team to determine what place ribbons are awarded to and whether heat winner ribbons will be awarded.

 

West Howard Swim Team swimmers receive their earned ribbons during the regular season at a gathering with the coach immediately after each swim meet is concluded. After the meet, coaches will place all ribbons into the Ribbon Box.

ADDRESSES AND DIRECTIONS TO AWAY MEETS:

(Directions came from their Websites using Mapquest)

 

Springlake Swim Club(Dual meet - June 21, 2008)

228 Fallsbrook Rd.
Timonium, Md 21093

Office Phone: 410-560-0171

 

I-70E towards Baltimore

Merge onto 695N Baltimore Beltway inner loop via EXIT 91B toward I-95N/New York/Towson

Merge onto I-83N via EXIT 24 toward Timonium/York PA

Take the PADONIA RD EAST exit, EXIT 17, toward DEERECO Road

Turn Slight RIGHT onto W PADONIA ROAD

Turn RIGHT onto HARTFELL ROAD
Turn LEFT onto FALLSBROOK ROAD

End at 228 Fallsbrook Road.

Est. Time: 42 minutes

 

North Saint Johns Swim Club (Dual meet - July12, 2008)

9290 Marydell Road

Ellicott City, MD 21042

 

I-70E towards Baltimore

Merge onto US-29 S/Columbia Pike via EXIT 87A towards Columbia/Washington

Merge onto Baltimore National Pike/US-40 W via EXIT 24B

Turn RIGHT onto ST JOHNS LANE

Turn RIGHT onto MARYDELL ROAD
End at 9290 Marydell Rd

Est. Time: 21 minutes

 

Wynnewood (Novice Meet - Date TBD)

5825 & 5827 Oakland Rd at Heron Dr.

Baltimore, MD. 21227

(410) 242-3632

 

Visiting team parking lot entrance is located between 5825 & 5827 Oakland Road Halethorpe, MD 21227

 

From Points North use 695 South:
695 South to exit 12A, turn RIGHT onto Ramp towards US-1 / Southwestern Boulevard. Keep LEFT on ramp to stay on Ramp towards US-1 (Southwestern Blvd).  Follow Southwestern Blvd .7 miles and turn right on Tom Day Blvd.  At the end of Tom Day Blvd, make left on Carville Ave.  Make a right on Francis Ave, go .2 miles and make left on Oakland Rd.  Follow Oakland Rd .3 miles and make left into pool at the intersection of Heron Dr. and Oakland Rd.

From Points South use 695 West towards Towson:
695 West to exit 10 (US-1).  Turn left on Washington Blvd(US-1).  Travel 1.8 miles and turn right on Clark Blvd.  Go 1.3 miles and turn left on Oakland Rd.  Follow Oakland Rd .3 miles pool entrance will be on the right at the intersection of Heron Dr. and Oakland Rd.