Wilchester Wahoos

What to Bring to Meets

Team swim suit

Team t-shirt (may want to write your swimmer’s name on tag)

Goggles (may want to bring an extra pair)

Swim cap (may want to bring an extra cap)

Towel

Healthy snacks

Quiet activities for your swimmer (only allow electronic devices that your swimmer will be responsible for handling safely and carefully)

Sunscreen

Folding chair(s) for swimmer and spectators

Cooler of drinks and snacks for spectators (swimmers sit separate)

Cash for concessions (remember this is a fundraiser for the swim teams!)

Your own printed heat sheet and highlighter to mark your swimmer

Patience and a positive attitude!

*It’s recommended to put your swimmer’s name on everything they bring!

Swimming Events

Due to the number of swimmers, not everyone can swim all events. Every swimmer does, however, swim free style individually and swim on a relay. We are then permitted to have 2 heats per age group, per gender for backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly and 1 heat of individual medley for ages 11 and up. The swimmers are placed based on their times and must have a legal stroke in order to swim in any backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly or individual medley event.At times, some swimmers may be asked to “swim up” which means swimming in the next higher age group from their own. These decisions are made by the coaches based on a variety of factors, but are largely tied to the number of swimmers we have available at the meet to compete. Questions regarding meet entries should be directed to the Head Coach via email.

Length of Meet

Meets will last approximately 3-4 hours. You and your swimmer should be prepared to stay for the entire meet with the exception of the 6 & under age group (this age group may leave as soon as their events have been completed). Remember – if you are a volunteer at the meet, however, you may not leave until your duties are complete. If you child finishes early, please plan accordingly.

Spectators & Parking

For fire safety, walk-ways must be left clear and free of trash. There will be assigned areas for spectators to sit and for each age group. Please remember that the pools where we compete are located in a neighborhood so we try to control the noise and do not allow cowbells, air horns etc. at swim meets.

Parking regulations vary amongst the pools where we swim so please follow the posted parking rules each meet and pay extra attention to the safety of the children. For all practices and home meets it is acceptable to park in the Wilchester Elementary parking lot or Westchester Academy’s parking lot. If you park on the street, remember to abide by the legal limits when parking near a stop sign (30ft), intersection (20fit), or fire hydrant (15ft).

Communication

• The team sends out regular email updates with details and information that every team member will need to know. Please ensure that you are on this distribution list by providing an email you check daily.
• Please add our email to your inbox by adding our address

  [email protected]

• Please check our website for additional information, including volunteer job descriptions and schedules: www.wilchesterwahoos.swimtopia.com
• For addition information about our swim conference, see www.msbsc.org
• Please like us on Facebook: Wilchester Wahoos

Parent & Swimmer Expectations

During practice, the coaches are responsible for the swimmers during their age group practice. Parents can watch, but should not interfere. The coaches are also responsible for the swimmers during the meets when they are preparing for their event. If a coach has an issue with a child’s behavior and actions during these times they may seek out the parent to discuss the situation. Parents are responsible for their swimmer at all other times. This includes before and after practice. Parents and swimmers are expected to treat all property with respect as well as all other swimmers, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and pool employees.

Parent Code of Conduct:

1. I will be a positive role model for my swimmer and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials, volunteers and other families at every practice, meet and function.
2. I will be an active member and fulfill my volunteer positions in order to allow the meets to run smoothly.
3. I will remember that swimming is for the children and not for the adults.
4. I understand that all members of our family must abide by the posted pool rules as well as the swim team rules.

Swimmer Responsibilities:

1. Practice time = swim time. Arrive on time for practices prepared to work hard.
2. Arrive on time for meets. Your relay is counting on you!
3. Stay with your age group at swim meets. Your age group parent is responsible for making sure you are in the right place at the right time, so they need to know where you are at all times. You may visit with your parents, but please let your age group parent know.
4. No HORSEPLAY. No running, jumping, climbing, hitting, fighting, throwing or playing on playground equipment. You job is to stay entertained without using up all your energy needed for swimming.
5. Respect all other swimmers, coaches, officials, parents/families and volunteers.
6. Foster team spirit by encouraging and cheering for your teammates and by respecting our opponents.
7. No bullying – zero tolerance.

Zero Tolerance

The Wilchester Wahoos strive to provide a family-friendly environment and has adopted a zero tolerance policy to help protect our swimmers from foul language, inappropriate behavior and incivility of any spectator or parent. Any parent or spectator who does not adhere to this code of conduct in either a swim meet or practice will be removed from the pool area. Anyone who is removed from the pool area will be suspended for the rest of the season.

Coaching Information

Coaching a swim team requires considerable concentration and effort, particularly during practice and a meet. Coaches are required to instruct proper swimming/diving techniques in group sessions so that the swimmer and the team can be competitive. There will be times when coaching decisions are made to benefit the team as a whole, not to please an individual swimmer. The coaches cannot effectively coach and answer questions, complaints, and suggestions at the same time. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the League representatives or email the Head Coach.