The competitive swimming program has levels of practice, which are offered with the instruction available in the four competitive strokes. Emphasis is placed on competition; however, swimmers are encouraged to be concerned with their own accomplishments and are urged to improve their technique and times.
Practices are mandatory! However, we realize that situations may arise that might conflict with practices. All that we ask is that a parent or guardian notify us, preferably with a note (so that we remember later) when and why the swimmer is absent. If there is a conflict with a meet, we need to know at least 4 days in advance so that we can prepare with this in mind. Conflicts with baseball and summer school classes will also be under this guideline. Please plan ahead for the entire season. Practices may be added before conference and will be announced. Attendance is strongly encouraged because this can affect the swimmer’s performance at conference.
Swim Meet Warm-ups:
You may be convinced your child will have no energy left for his/her race. Warm-ups are vigorous and last about a half-hour. However, appearances are deceiving. When arriving at the pool for warm-ups, athletes should go to the coaches and follow the instructions they receive.
Meets:
The dual meets are used to prepare and evaluate the swimmers, their races, their conditioning, and our practices. The dual meets help to determine in which events swimmers should be entered as well as what their strengths and weaknesses are in the competitive situation. Wins and losses are not everything, but how well we as a team are improving is of concern and does affect the placement of swimmers in certain events. Consequently, swimmers may not always swim the same event or their favorite events at meets. Swimmers must participate in two (2) dual meets in order to swim at conference.
Conference:
The Conference Meet is a little different. Our focus becomes much more competitive as we put together our finest line-up in order to be competitive and score as many points as possible. Some swimmers might be able to only swim one event due to the numbers, but we must put together the best line-up for this meet. A swim off may be necessary to determine entries (only three per event) or relay spots. Since entries are due at least one week before the meet, and entries are difficult to put together, we need to be notified if anyone will be absent from this meet. Swimmers might be put into none, one, two, three, or four events – whatever will score the most points for the team overall.