1. sports
2. swimming

1
New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Thank you for your interest in Viper Aquatics’ 2013-2014 season. This packet contains information for families and
swimmers that are new to Viper Aquatics.
Important information to check out in this packet:
--How to Register for the Team (p. 1)
--Important Dates (p. 1)
--Fees (p. 2)
--Team Suit Requirement (p. 3)
--Practice and Meet Schedules (p. 4-6)
--Payment Plan Descriptions (p. 7-8)
-- Volunteering/Meet Hosting (p. 9)
--Your Viper Commitment Summary—Very Important Information (p. 10)
--The New Parent Checklist—A Good Checklist to Make Sure Your Swimmer is Ready for the Season (p. 11)
--General Information about Viper Aquatics/Swimming/Swim Meets (p. 12-14)
How to Register for the Team:
To register your swimmer(s), please go to: www.viperaquatics.org. You will find a menu on the left side of the page, click
on “Registration” and follow the directions in order to register.
--Registration for new members* may be completed at any time on or after September 1st, 2013.
*If you have been a member of a Westfield club swimming team at any point, please contact our team registrar at
[email protected] before registering as a “new” member.
Important Dates for the Winter Season—Please Mark Your Calendars:
08/28/13 (Wed); 08/29/13 (Thur)
New Swimmer Evaluations
6-7pm @ WHS
09/3/13 (Tues)
09/09/13 (Mon)
First Practice—King Cobras
First Practice—Sea Snakes, Rattlers, Copperheads (1 & 2), Diamondbacks
10/4-6/13 (Fri, Sat, Sun)
VIPER/Noblesville October Invitational @ Noblesville High School
--Note: We are co-hosting this meet with Noblesville. All families are required
to work at least three sessions.
Welcome to a new season. Thank you for choosing to be a part of our great
community.
Together we can accomplish great things!
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Fees: There are 4 types of expenses you will typically incur as a swim parent—here is a brief explanation of
each type.
Registration Fees: $145 for each swimmer.
--Included in this fee:
--$57 USA Swimming Registration which includes secondary accident insurance, eligibility to
enter swim meets, eligibility to enter swim meets, bi-monthly issues of Splash magazine,
eligibility to participate in USA Swimming and Indiana Swimming programs such as camps.
--$10 towards your first Viper Aquatics team shirt and cap.
--The remainder is applied to Westfield Washington Schools’ facility usage fees.
Training/Practice Fees: These fees vary by group, and can be paid either in monthly installments or as a onetime payment each season. Your child will be placed in the group our coaches feel best suits
their ability.
Meet Entry Fees: Swimmers are responsible for paying entry fees to all competitions in which they are
entered. These fees vary depending on type of competition and the number of events entered
and generally range from $20-$40 per meet. Meet entry fees are calculated by Viper Aquatics,
and are automatically applied to your monthly bill.
Apparel Costs: Viper Aquatics requires all swimmers to compete in Viper competitive gear. This includes a
Viper suit and cap for all competitors, male and female. Our team provider typically does one
on-deck fitting per season; please take advantage of this opportunity and save yourself a trip to
the swim shop. Please see the following page for more information on our apparel
expectations.
Multi-swimmer Discounts and Scholarship Opportunities: We strive to make this an enjoyable, and
affordable, experience for your family.
Discounts: Sibling Discounts:
Viper applies a 15% discount in training fees for the second swimmer in a family.
Viper applies a 30% discount in training fees for the third swimmer in a family.
Viper applies a 100% discount in training fees for the fourth (and 5th, 6th, etc.) swimmer in a
family.
Discounts are applied from the highest-fee group to the lowest-fee-group. Discounts are not
applied to registration fees and/or meet fees.
Scholarship Program: Viper Aquatics offers a scholarship program with reduced fees for families that qualify
financially. Please see the “More Information” section on our website for information about
this program.
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Apparel expectations:
At Practice: Swimmers may practice in any practice suit they choose, however if a swimmer wears a
cap in practice, it must be a Viper cap. Any variation in this policy must come from the head coach.
At Meets: We expect Viper athletes to compete in Viper competitive gear. This includes a Viper suit
and Viper cap for all competitors, male and female. During the regular, non-championship, season
there will be few (if any) exceptions to this rule; we compete as a team! If a swimmer wishes to wear
any suit other than a Viper suit, they must first have the permission of their coach. During
championship meets, swimmers may wear competition suits other than their Viper suits—but only
after having discussed it with their coach. Wearing the same suit and cap serves two purposes: it
furthers team unity, and it helps coaches and parents easily identify Viper swimmers on deck.
Other Apparel Requirements and Options:
Viper T-shirt: All swimmers are expected to have a Viper t-shirt (team logo on the front, “Tenacity—
Integrity” on the back). All new swimmers receive this t-shirt as part of the registration process.
Additional t-shirts are available through the Apparel Committee.
Viper Swim Cap: All swimmers are expected to wear a Viper cap during competitions and at practice
when a swim cap is worn. New swimmers receive a Viper cap at registration. Additional caps are
available from Coach Jim or Coach Kyle.
All Viper swimmers are expected to wear a Viper shirt when they show up on deck at a swim meet.
We also have other great apparel options that are encouraged, but not mandatory—please feel free to
contact our Apparel Committee for further information.
Equipment: Viper Aquatics provides paddles, kickboards, and pull buoys to swimmers.
The Copperhead, Diamondback, and Cobra groups have a list of recommended additional equipment
found on our team page at www.circlecityswimwear.com.
Copperhead & Diamondback Groups: Fins and Mesh Bag
Cobra Group: Tempo trainer, fins, mesh bag, and snorkel. All WHS swimmers will be
required to have this equipment during the high school season as well.
Apparel and equipment expectations are taken seriously. They are an outward reflection of the order and class
of our team. Team members are expected to understand and follow this policy.
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Viper Winter 2013-2014 Practice Schedule (This is a good page to print out!)
All practices will take place at either Westfield High School (WHS) or Westfield Middle School (WMS).
Sea Snakes
Monday: 5:45-6:45pm, WHS
Wednesday: 5:45-6:45pm, WHS
Friday: 5:30-6:30pm, WMS
Rattlers
Monday: 5:45-7:00pm, WMS
Wednesday: 5:45-7:00pm, WMS
Friday: 5:30-6:45pm, WHS
Copperhead 1
Monday: 6:45-8:30pm, WHS
Wednesday: 6:45-8:30pm, WHS
Friday: 6:30-8:15pm, WMS
Saturday: 9:00-11:00am, WHS (intend as make-up or additional practice opportunity)
(10am-12pm during the WHS high school season)
Copperhead 2
Monday: 6:45-8:30pm, WHS
Tuesday: 6:00-8:00pm, WHS
Thursday: 6:00-8:00pm, WHS
Friday: 6:30-8:15pm, WMS
Saturday: 9:00-11:00am, WHS (intend as make-up or additional practice opportunity)
(10am-12pm during the WHS high school season)
Diamondbacks
Monday: 6:30-8:30pm, WMS
Wednesday: 6:30-8:30pm, WMS
Friday: 6:15-8:15pm, WHS
Tuesday: 6:00-8:00pm, WHS
Thursday: 6:00-8:00pm, WHS
Saturday: 9:00-11:00am, WHS
(10am-12pm during the WHS season)
King Cobras (before and after high school season)—All practices are at WHS.
Monday: 3:15-5:45pm
Tuesday: 5:30-6:45am (WHS off-season); 3:15-5:45pm
Wednesday: 3:15-5:45pm
Thursday: 5:30-6:45am (WHS o.s.); 3:15-5:45pm
Friday: 3:15-5:45pm
Saturday: 7:00-9:00am
PRACTICE SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!
Please check for updates through your email and our website: www.viperaquatics.org
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Winter 2013-2014 Meet Schedule:
Oct 4-6, 2013: Hamilton County Classic
Noblesville High School (Noblesville, IN)
(Timed Finals)
Decline Deadline: 9/13/13
Notes for the Hamilton County Classic: We are co-hosting this meet with the Noblesville Swim Club. All families are
required to work in some capacity for 3 sessions of the meet, and all swimmers who are ready to compete will be
automatically signed up for all applicable sessions. If there is a conflict in your schedule, please let us know through our
online meet sign-up systems by 9/13/13 at midnight.
Oct 18, 2013: Viper Friday Night Time Trial
Westfield High School (Westfield, IN)
(Timed Finals)
Entry Deadline: 10/14/2013
Notes for the Viper Friday Night Time Trial: This is a time trial meet we are hosting at WHS on a Friday night. Any swimmer
who normally practices on Friday night is encouraged to attend. These meets are a great opportunity for our younger
swimmers to get experience, or for our more experienced swimmers to try out some new events. We will not hold regular
practices on this night—we will only hold the time trial meet. During this meet, swimmers will be allowed to swim up to 3
individual events. We will need parent volunteer help; if your swimmer is participating in the meet, please volunteer.
Nov 8-10, 2013: Noblesville Icebreaker Invite
Noblesville High School (Noblesville, IN)
(Timed Finals)
Entry Deadline: 9/30/13
Notes for the Noblesville Icebreaker Invite: All members are encouraged to attend. This will be the last meet for high
school swimmers that doesn’t require an IHSAA waiver.
A note on our December meets: We only intend for any swimmer to attend one of the following meets. Due to our high school
schedule, the FAST Santa Claus Classic does not fit very well for our Cobra swimmers. So, we are offering a second meet in
December for Cobra swimmers to better fit their needs. We recommend that our younger swimmers (Sea Snakes, Rattlers,
Copperheads, and Diamondbacks) all swim at the FAST meet. We would like our Cobra (high school aged) swimmers to compete at
the Warren meet the following weekend. To avoid splitting up your family between the two meets, if you have a high school
swimmer as well as younger swimmers, please take them all to the Warren meet. If you have questions regarding this—please don’t
hesitate to contact your child’s coach to work out the best meet schedule for your children.
Dec 6-8, 2013: FAST Santa Claus Classic
Fishers High School (Fishers, IN)
(Prelims/Finals)
Entry Deadline: 10/27/13
Notes for the FAST Santa Claus Classic: This is typically a big meet. Fishers will run two pools during prelims, and one pool
during finals. All swimmers in the Sea Snakes, Rattlers, Copperheads, and Diamondbacks are encouraged to attend.
Dec 13-15, 2013: Warren Winter Wipeout
Warren Central High School (Indianapolis, IN)
(Timed Finals)
Entry Deadline: 10/27/13
Notes for the Warren Winter Wipeout: This event is for high-school-aged swimmers and their siblings—this meet is a good
opportunity to use a waiver and will be swum in a timed finals format. This will be an early-winter focus meet for our older
swimmers.
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Winter 2013-2014 Meet Schedule, continued:
Jan 3, 2014: Viper Friday Night Time Trial
Westfield High School (Westfield, IN)
(Timed Finals)
Entry Deadline: 12/20/2013
Notes for the Viper Friday Night Time Trial: This meet will follow the same format at our 10/18/13 time trial.
Jan 17-19, 2014, Zionsville Z-Freeze Invite
Zionsville High School (Zionsville, IN)
(Timed Finals)
Entry Deadline: 12/20/2013
Notes for the Z-Freeze: This meet is a closed invite (5 teams total). Any swimmer that practices in the evening groups is
encouraged to attend.
Feb 14-16, 2014, Avon Aquasprints
Avon High School (Avon, IN)
(Timed Finals)
Entry Deadline: 12/20/2013
Notes for the Aquasprints: All evening practice groups are encouraged to attend this meet; attendance at this meet is
strongly suggested for those competing in championship meets in March.
Mar 2, 2014: FAST 10&U Invite and Time Trials
Fishers High School (Fishers, IN)
(Timed Finals)
Entry Deadline: 2/1/2014
Notes for the FAST 10&U Invite and Time Trial: For all 10&U swimmers with no championship cuts—this will be your last
meet of the season. All 11&Over swimmers still seeking cuts are encouraged to participate in the time trial right after the
meet. Swimmers with Age Group State Cuts—this would be a great opportunity to stay “tuned up” for your championship
meet.
Mar 7-9, 2014: Divisional Championships
North Central High School (Indianapolis, IN)
(Prelims/Finals)
Entry Deadline: This meet has qualification standards; all qualified swimmers will be signed up for their events.
Mar 14-16, 2014: Age Group State Champs.
IU Natatorium (Indianapolis, IN)
(Prelims/Finals)
Entry Deadline: This meet has qualification standards; all qualified swimmers will be signed up for their events.
Mar 21-23, 2014: Senior State Championships
Crawfordsville High School (Crawfordsville, IN)
(Prelims/Finals)
Entry Deadline: This meet has qualification standards; all qualified swimmers will be signed up for their events. Some
Senior State qualifiers will skip this meet and attend the Sectional Championship meet instead—this will be decided on a
case-by-case basis.
Mar 27-30, 2014: Sectional Championships
IU Natatorium (Indianapolis, IN)
(Prelims/Finals)
Entry Deadline: This meet has qualification standards; all qualified swimmers will be signed up for their events. This meet
will be swum in Long Course Meters.
Please see our team website, www.viperaquatics.org, for the most up-to-date information throughout the
season regarding our meet schedule.
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Training Fee Payment Schedule
We have two payment options (see schedules on the following pages):
Monthly Payment Plan:
Viper Aquatics has two seasons each year: Short Course (Winter) and Long Course (Summer).
--When you join in the fall (Winter Season/Short Course Season), you are committing to paying all
training fees through March 1, 2014. In addition to the registration fee, all groups (except King Cobra)
pay training fees on the first of October, November, December, January and February. In addition to
the registration fee, the King Cobra Group pays training fees on the first of October, November and
March.
--At the conclusion of the Winter Season, you will have the option to continue your membership
through the Summer Season. You will not pay registration fees again at that time.
Monthly Training Fee Payment Schedule—Winter 2013/2014
Training
REG.*
First Swimmer
Full Price
Sea Snakes
Rattlers
Copperhead 1
Copperhead 2
Diamondbacks
King Cobra
Second Swimmer
15% Discount
Sea Snakes
Rattlers
Copperhead 1
Copperhead 2
Diamondbacks
King Cobra
Third Swimmer
30% Discount
Sea Snakes
Rattlers
Copperhead 1
Copperhead 2
Diamondbacks
King Cobra
SEPT.
OCT.
NOV.
145
145
145
145
145
145
90
112
124
136
148
166
90
112
124
136
148
166
REG.*
SEPT.
OCT.
NOV.
145
145
145
145
145
145
77
95
105
116
126
141
77
95
105
116
126
141
REG.*
SEPT.
OCT.
NOV.
145
145
145
145
145
145
63
78
87
95
104
116
63
78
87
95
104
116
DEC.
90
112
124
136
148
Fees
JAN.
90
112
124
136
148
FEB.
MARCH
Totals
166
595
705
765
825
885
643
MARCH
Totals
141
530
620
670
725
775
568
MARCH
Totals
116
460
535
580
620
665
493
90
112
124
136
148
Training
DEC.
Fees
JAN.
FEB.
77
95
105
116
126
77
95
105
116
126
77
95
105
116
126
Training
DEC.
Fees
JAN.
FEB.
63
78
87
95
104
63
78
87
95
104
63
78
87
95
104
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
One-Time Payment Plan:
Members may opt to pay their training fees in a one-time payment for the season. Payments are due
October 1, 2013 for the short course season and are processed via our online payment system.
Members who choose this plan receive a 10% discount on training fees. Members on this plan are still
considered “Seasonal,” and must declare their intent to swim each season by re-registering. Choose
“One-Time” for your “Location” when you register to pay in this manner.
One-Time Training Fee Payment Schedule—Winter 2013/2014
Reg Fees Due Oct 1, for Swimmer #:
Group:
Sept. 1
1st
2nd
3rd
4th+
Sea Snakes
145
405
347
284
0
Rattlers
145
504
428
351
0
Copperhead 1
145
558
473
392
0
Copperhead 2
145
613
522
428
0
Diamondbacks
145
665
567
468
0
King Cobra
145
448
381
313
0
Joining After the Start of the Season:
New members joining on or before October 31, 2013 may choose either of the following options:
Monthly--You will pay your registration fees at sign-up (online), and your remaining training fees as they come
due on the first of each month.
One-Time Payment--You will pay your registration fees at sign-up (online), and pro-rated training fees, which
will be applied automatically to your Viper account on the next first of the month after your sign-up.
New members joining on or after November 1, 2013 must pay a one-time pro-rated sum for training fees.
Online Payment: Automated Payment Processing
Viper families must pay all training fees and charges online with a VISA or Mastercard or Discover, or
through Automated Bank Withdrawal. When you register you have the option to set this up, or you
can set this up through your online Viper website account (once you log in, click “Set up Auto Pay” on
the left-hand side of the screen). All meet and training fees (as well as incidentals or fines, if
necessary) will be run through our website. Please see a Viper Board Member if you have questions
regarding this policy.
Summer 2014 Training Fees
At the end of March 2014, all current members will be given the opportunity to declare their intent to remain
active members through the Summer Season. At that time, you will commit to either (1) three monthly
payments in the months of May, June, and July, or (2) a one-time payment equivalent to the amount of the
monthly payment plan at a 10% discount, due May 1, 2014. You may choose either payment option
regardless of your previous payment option.
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Viper Aquatics Hosted Meets Volunteer Policy
Viper Aquatics normally hosts one meet per season. Our 2013-2014 short course season meet is
scheduled for October 4-6th, 2013. The meets provide quality competitive opportunities for our
swimmers and opportunities for parents to become involved in our organization and support
their children, and to promote and build the Viper community. The hosted meets are a
significant source of revenue for the club, enabling us to maintain a reasonable fee structure
while providing the highest quality program possible. By joining our team each family is
committing to volunteer for 3 working sessions per team member at each VIPER-hosted
meet. This responsibility is yours even if your child does not compete in the meet. Sign-up
sheets for specific jobs and times will be available online in the month preceding the meet. If
you know ahead of time that you will be unable to participate or volunteer in a meet, please
contact the Meet Director at least one month before the meet, as there are usually ways to
fulfill your requirement ahead of time. Families who are unable or unwilling to honor this
commitment will be assessed a $35.00 financial penalty per family per session to ensure that
we can provide adequate staffing at the meets and achieve our budget.
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
A Quick Commitment Summary
Viper Aquatics makes important decisions based on your commitment, including the recruitment, hiring and
scheduling of coaches, the allotment of pool time for each group, and the reservation of and payment for pool
time. When you join Viper Aquatics, please keep in mind that you are committing to the following for the
season:
(1) Timely payment of your dues through our automatic payment system. All members must pay their
registration and training fees, as well as incidental costs (such as meet fees or apparel) incurred during
the season, in this manner. Your child may not participate in any Viper practices until you have
entered this information into our website. If, for some reason (such as an expired credit card or
inaccurate payment information), payment is not made on the first of the month in which it is due,
your child may not participate in Viper practices until a check for the amount due is received at the
pool office.
(2) Full payment of your Viper fees according to the amounts set forth in this packet. We offer two
payment schedules as a convenience to our members—but your completed registration through our
team website is your indication that you intend to pay your dues in full. There are two exceptions to
this rule:
New members: New members are granted a two-week trial period. If at the end of the trial period
you would like to terminate your relationship with Viper Aquatics, you may do so by contacting the
Head Coach with a formal request via email. Viper Aquatics will keep your registration fees, and you
will be released from all further financial obligations.
Injury/Illness:
“Should a member swimmer suffer an injury or illness that prevents him/her from practicing, the Club
will refund a pro-rated portion of the season (100% of the weeks missed swimming) minus the $50
handling fee. This amount will be issued in the form of a refund to the family unless otherwise
determined by the Viper Board.
Further requirements are:
1. A refund requires a doctor’s note.
2. The swimmer must miss more than ½ of the season to qualify for any refund.
3. At a minimum, Viper keeps the normal withdrawal-handling fee.
4. The request must be made before the season in question is over.”
(3) Purchase of appropriate apparel and equipment for your child’s group. All Viper swimmers must have
a fitting ‘Tenacity and Integrity’ t-shirt as well a Viper team suit and cap. Any exceptions to this rule
must come from your child’s coach. Some of our higher groups have equipment expectations, and for
your child to fully participate in their group’s workouts, they should have the proper equipment with
them at all practices.
(4) Volunteering at least three sessions of the Hamilton County Classic Invitational and at other Viper
hosted meets is mandatory. This obligation is your family’s whether or not your child is participating in
the meet.
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
The New Parent Checklist!
Please use this list to help ensure that you get your child ready for the season.
Before your child’s first practice, please make sure to do the following:
(1) Register online at www.viperaquatics.org. On the left-hand side of the page, click “Start Registration,” and
follow the online instructions. Please be sure to use a contact email for your account that you check often.
Done!
☐
(2) Set up some form of automatic payment through our team website. This will allow us to consistently and
accurately bill your account on the first of each month. You may use a credit card or bank account for this secure
payment system.
Done!
☐
(3) Submit the IN Swimming Registration Form. The form is available in electronic format on our website under
the “Winter 2013” menu tab, and it is available in hard copy format at our WHS pool office. Once your have filled out
the form, please drop it off in the black and gold mailbox in the WHS pool office. (A couple of useful pieces of
information as you fill out the form: our team code is “VIPR”; also, please be sure to sign the form.)
Done!
☐
(4) If you are transferring from another USA Swimming team, please submit the IN Swimming Transfer
Form. The form is available in electronic format on our website under the “Winter 2013” menu tab, and it is available in
hard copy format at our WHS pool office. Once your have filled out the form, please drop it off in the black and gold
mailbox in the WHS pool office. If you are unsure when your child’s last meets were with their previous team—we can
help you with that information!
Done!
☐
By the end of your child’s second week at practice, please make sure to do the following:
(1) Submit a proof of identification/age for your child. Information regarding acceptable forms is available in
electronic format on our website under the “Winter 2013” menu tab, and it is available in hard copy format at our WHS
pool office. Please photocopy the relevant information (usually a birth certificate, passport, or driver’s license), and
either drop of the copy in the black and gold mailbox in the WHS pool office or email the scanned copy to
[email protected].
Done!
☐
(2) Order your child’s team suit. You can order online (http://www.circlecityswimwear.com) or over the phone (317
849-0900) with Circle City Swimwear, or take advantage of our on-deck fitting on Monday, September 16th, 2013.
Done!
☐
(3) Order the equipment needed for your child’s practice group. You can order online
(http://www.circlecityswimwear.com) or over the phone (317 849-0900) with Circle City Swimwear, or take advantage
of our on-deck visit from the shop on Monday, September 16th, 2013. If you order ahead, they can bring your order to
WHS for pick-up on 9/16/13.
Done!
☐
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Viper Aquatics Club Information
Where do we train?
Viper Aquatics trains at Westfield High School and Westfield Middle School. Each of these facilities contains a
six-lane, 25-yard pool. At either facility, please enter the building through Door #13.
Practice Group Levels
Viper Aquatics uses a progressive multi-level team structure designed to challenge each swimmer’s
development physically and mentally. At each level all swimmers are encouraged to achieve the objectives
and goals set out by the swimmer and coach. This structure promotes long-term success and enjoyment of
the sport of swimming. The coaching staff realizes each child is different and progresses at their own
individual rate. All team assignments are made by the coaches and are based on a new swimmer tryout and
the physical and emotional development of the swimmer.
Sea Snakes: Three 1-hour practices per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings.
Rattlers: Three 1.25 hour practices per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings.
Copperhead 1: Three 1.75 hour practices per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. There is a
Saturday practice for this group from 9-11am that is intended as a “make-up” practice or an
additional practice opportunity for those getting ready to move up to the next practice group level. As
determined by their coach, practices will have regular dryland.
Copperhead 2: Four 1.75—2 hour practices per week, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
evenings. There is a Saturday practice for this group from 9-11am that is intended as a “makeup” practice or an additional practice opportunity for those getting ready to move up to the next
practice group level. As determined by their coach, practices will have regular dryland.
Diamondbacks: Six 2 hour practices per week, Monday-Saturday. As determined by their coach, practices will
have regular dryland.
King Cobras: Eight 2-2.5 hour practices per week, Monday-Saturday. As determined by their coach, practices
will have regular dryland. WHS’s off-season schedule will be incorporated into this group.
Group Structuring
We want to enable all the swimmers to realize their potential and to be in a group that best matches their
abilities and goals. Our physical and mental training programs are geared to bring about individual
improvement in several areas. The harder and more consistently a swimmer trains in each of these areas, the
better they will condition themselves for peak performance. Through that development process, the
swimmer will change their body and swim faster. The degree a swimmer is “conditioned” depends on the
type, amount, and quality of the training that he/she may have done. Each time stress is placed on the body,
the body attempts to adapt to this stress by changing itself.
Improvement Areas
1. Water Conditioning (Speed/Endurance)
2. Mental Training And Race Preparation
3. Stroke, Turn and Start Technique
4. Strength Development
5. Flexibility
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New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
All team members must realize that the body changes and adapts to changes in direct correlation to the effort
and consistency put into the training. These changes most commonly come very slowly, and there are no
short cuts. This is true for all athletes, regardless of age. Many times the younger swimmer is learning to
focus on perfecting strokes and becoming comfortable with the sport. Alternatively, the older more
experienced swimmer focuses on a more physically demanding training schedule. Both ages, however, will
find that their success is directly related to a consistent and focused approach to their sport.
Expectations
1. Always be punctual. This is rule #1 for a reason. Time is the most important resource any of us have!
Honor your time and the time of your family and coaches, and show respect through being punctual.
2. Train to your limits. Give 100% each day--there is no such thing as 110% one day to make up for
lackadaisical effort another day. Make everything you do count.
3. Use the pace clock. Don’t guess how fast you are swimming—know how fast you are swimming.
4. Start and finish every swim at the wall.
5. Listen – No talking when directions are being given.
6. Perform every set and drill exactly as stated. 100% right is 100% right; 99% right is 100% wrong.
7. Do every stroke and turn legally.
8. Learn to enjoy a hard challenging practice since this is what helps you reach your potential.
9. Always have the necessary equipment including an extra cap and goggles.
10. Have fun!
11. You may review additional code of conduct policies required of all USA Swimming members at
www.usaswimming.org.
Policies Regarding Practice
**Viper Aquatics does not have a set attendance policy. As with most athletic activities, competition will
improve as practice time increases. Your coaching staff spends a great deal of time preparing a practice
schedule that caters to the variety of ages and ability levels. The coaching staff will take attendance on a daily
basis so that the progress of each athlete can be tracked.
**Swimmers should arrive at the pool practice facility no earlier than 15 minutes prior to their workout time
and should be picked up no later than 15 minutes after practice time is over. This is for their safety.
**In order to continue the good relationship that we currently have with the Westfield Washington Schools,
no swimmers are allowed in any areas of the schools other than the workout facilities and the halls that lead
to them. It is also extremely important for siblings of swimmers, as well as any other young children involved
with the team, to be under constant adult supervision.
**While at practice, swimmers are the responsibility of the coaching staff. During workouts, swimmers are
not to leave the pool area without the coach’s permission.
**Viper Aquatics is the guest of the Westfield Washington School District, and it is our responsibility to respect
this privilege. Any damage to school property may result in the financial liability of the swimmer’s family. Any
damage may also result in the swimmer being asked to leave the team permanently.
**Viper practices are extremely important. Therefore if the parent needs to speak to a coach, please plan to
do so before or after the practice, do not interrupt the coach during a practice. The coach’s responsibility is to
the swimmer. When the attention is taken away from the swimmer the coach is not able to do their job.
**Promptness is a must for practices to be worthwhile.
14
New Member Short Course 13/14 Season Information Packet
Swimmer Code of Conduct
**Smoking, the use of alcoholic beverages and drugs are not conducive to good swimming performance and
will not be tolerated. Any swimmer who is known to use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco is subject to suspension
from the team.
**Unsportsmanlike, indiscreet, or destructive behavior and the use of obscene language will not be tolerated.
**Never interfere with the progress of another swimmer.
**At all club activities, swimmers are expected to behave in a manner that will reflect positively on the entire
team. Always behave in a way that would make your parents proud—and your coach feel like everything is
business as usual.
**At away meets (senior swimmers), curfews and travel rules will be obeyed unless a swimmer has received
permission from the coach for an extension or special exemption.
**Never show disrespect to people working or officiating at a meet. Always be polite and let the coach handle
any problems.
**Lastly, and most importantly, remember that you are the member of a TEAM that is referred to as Viper
Aquatics. Our success depends on the unity and dedication we have to not only becoming better ourselves,
but helping our teammates become better as well. The friendships and camaraderie of our teammates is
priceless, and nothing should be done to harm this bond.
Website
Please check www.viperaquatics.org for the current important club information. Your coach can answer
questions regarding meet requirements.
Our club website also has current board members, the club by-laws, coaches bios, email & contact
information, photo galleries, and all other information to keep you up to date on Viper Aquatics. Check it
often to stay informed!