PDC398112_parent_handbook_COVER_- 3/16/12 2:46 PM Page 1 PARENT HANDBOOK 2012 PIEDMONT DRIVING CLUB SEAHORSES Swim Team Directory PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Mission Statement and Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Communication with Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Swim Team Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 New Parent Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Junior Seahorse Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Swim Team Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Practice Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Swim Meet Guidelines for Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 - 10 Parent Volunteers/Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 2012 Parent Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Swim Team Staff & Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Bullpen Moms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Swimsuits and Other Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Important Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Special Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-19 Order of Meet Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Directions to Georgia Tech and Other Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Group Swim Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Weekly Clinics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Private Swim Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lesson Cancellation Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 2 -2- PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 3 Welcome Letter 2012 2012 will be a summer of celebration and sadness for the Bassetts. We have our first senior Seahorse this summer. It’s hard to believe that ten years ago, Julie and I had a five year old jumping in the pool for the first time as a 6 & under. This summer we will engage in the same ritual many of our friends and many more parents of the Club have over the years: watching proudly as Emily competes as a Seahorse for the final time and swims a slow, final lap in the pool on Senior night. Emily will no longer be a Seahorse competing in the pool, but she will forever be a Seahorse with wonderful memories made during these summers. We will have our memories and friendships made during those “early years” to cherish forever. I hope your Seahorses will stay with the program to graduate as a senior Seahorse and experience the same memories and friendships we have over the years. Of course, we have several years left with the Seahorses; Cecie has another three years to make more memories and friends. Knowing how quickly these years will pass, we look forward to having you join us for a new summer in Seahorse Country. I am excited to be part of the 2012 season with Seahorse Moms, Caroline Vroon and Nancy Hatcher. We celebrate Jan Allen’s 16 years of coaching the Seahorses, and welcome back some familiar faces from last year, along with several new faces who will bring smiles to the faces of our kids as they learn the joy of swimming. We know you and your family will create lasting memories this summer. This year officially starts with a celebration of swimming at the pool on May 14. We hope you will join us in kicking off an exciting summer. To launch the opening of Seahorse Country in 2012, we are inviting all of our Seahorses, young and old, back to the pool to celebrate. We look forward to seeing all of our Seahorses to share their memories from years gone by and to renew old friendships. We look forward to seeing you in Seahorse Country this summer - where the sun is plentiful, the water is refreshing, and the friendships and memories last forever. Sincerely, Randy Bassett Swim Team Dad 2012 -3-3- PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 4 MISSION STATEMENT AND GOALS The mission of the Piedmont Driving Club Swim Team is to develop well-rounded swimmers in a community of fellowship and fun, that encourages family involvement. In order to achieve this mission, we will focus on the following goals during the 2012 swim season: O N E TEACH SWIMMING, A LIFETIME SKILL FOR SPORT OR EXERCISE, IN A POSITIVE AND FUN ENVIRONMENT. T W O MAINTAIN A STRONG JUNIOR SEAHORSE PROGRAM, AND A WELCOMING AND ENCOURAGING PLACE FOR OUR YOUNGEST SWIMMERS. T H R E E PROMOTE TEAM SPIRIT AND CAMARADERIE ACROSS A BROAD RANGE OF AGES. F O U R SET AN EXAMPLE OF SPORTSMANSHIP IN COMPETITION. F I V E WORK ALWAYS TO BE COMPETITIVE BECAUSE WINNING IS FUN. We welcome all children ages 4 - 14, but in fairness to those wishing to receive equal coaching time, we have devised the following criteria for those wishing to join the swim team: ALL children must be able to swim or make a courageous attempt at swimming a lap unassisted after the first week of regular practice. Juniors, all first year swimmers 5 years and younger, should be able to jump in off the side of the pool and swim 5 yards unassisted. If a child is unable to reach either of these goals, we will be happy to get them into private or group swimming lessons until they can join the team in a practice setting. -4- PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 5 COMMUNICATION First and foremost, this handbook provides the answers to almost every question you may encounter. Please keep it handy and give your best effort to review the table of contents at least, if not the entire manual. Over the last 8 years, e-mail has proven to be successful in delivering and collecting needed information through the volunteer Parent Leaders, the Bullpen Moms, the Coaches, the Swim Team Coordinator and Swim Team Administrator. Spam filters have made e-mail communication more challenging; therefore, please make sure you have the following addresses as approved senders in your e-mail system: • [email protected] • [email protected] • All the parent leaders’ addresses located in this handbook. • Your specific Bullpen Mom’s address, also located in this handbook. Most communication will be between you and your Bullpen Mom. You will receive at least one weekly Seahorse e-news from the Swim Team Administrator and one or more e-mails from Bullpen Moms and/or Parent Leaders. Please be respectful of any and all deadlines as the season runs more smoothly with your help and cooperation! COMMUNICATION WITH COACHES Coaches will be coaching or providing lessons all day every day during the season, making communication challenging. The most effective way to communicate with coaches about your swimmer is to e-mail them at: [email protected] If something goes awry at the last minute when you have a lesson, please call the pool deck at 404.870.3298 or 404.870.3299, or call the main PDC number at 404.875.2565 and ask to be connected to the pool deck. The lifeguard can get a message to the coach if she/he cannot come to the phone. SWIM TEAM DIRECTORY The 2012 swim team directory will be available on or about May 29. -5- PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 6 NEW PARENT ORIENTATION Orientation for new swim team parents will be held Monday, May 14 at 4:00, during Junior practice. This informal new parent orientation is intended for the parents of Juniors and firsttime swim team members/parents to clarify the program and to answer any questions. A reminder e-mail with location (somewhere on the pool deck) will be sent to you. JUNIOR SEAHORSE PROGRAM (First year swimmers five years and younger) The PDC Juniors are all first-year swimmers 5 years and younger who are able to jump in the pool and swim 5 yards unassisted. They work with the coaching staff for approximately 1 hour a day for swim instruction on stroke technique and practice. The goal is to have these young swimmers ready to participate in meets by the end of the season, so they can successfully graduate to full meet participation for the following season. Some Juniors may graduate before the end of the season. Your 2012 Junior Seahorse Volunteer Mom is Wendy Hines. Her e-mail is [email protected] and her phone number is 404.932.4849. Your primary coach for the Junior Seahorses is Jessica Gaudiosi. She can be reached by e-mailing [email protected]. Juniors do not participate in Time Trials, and they do not have afternoon (except the 2 weeks of spring practice) or Saturday practice. If your Junior graduates to 6 & under status, he/she is eligible for afternoon and Saturday practices but will incur the regular season fee. Juniors will have a photo taken at the Junior IntraClub meet on Saturday, June 23. There will also be a league wide meet exclusively for Juniors. Participation in the league-wide Junior meet is optional; Junior parents will be notified by e-mail with details. -6- PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 7 SWIM TEAM SCHEDULE MEET WARM-UPS - HOME 4:30 - 5:00 PM AWAY 5:00 - 5:30 PM PLEASE ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO WARM-UPS. MEETS BEGIN AT 5:30. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED April 30 Early Registration Ends April 30 through May 3 Afternoon Practice at Ga Tech May 7 through 10 Afternoon Practice at Ga Tech May 14 - 17, 21, 23, 24 Afternoon Practice at PDC May 14 Season Kick-off Celebration following practice May 24 Time Trials warm-ups at 4, start at 4:30 May 29 Regular Morning Practice Begins May 29 Ansley at Home; rain-out May 30 at 5:30 June 4 at Capital City; rain-out June 6 at 5:30 June 9 Kids for Kids Meet at Marist June 11 at Druid Hills; rain-out June 12 at 5:30 June 18 Cherokee at Home; rain-out June 19 at 9:30 June 19 Swim-a-Thon to benefit United Methodist Children’s Home (during morning & afternoon practice times) June 23 Junior Meet, 11:00 a.m. June 25 Atlanta Athletic at Home; rain-out June 26 at 5:30 June 28 Awards Banquet, 6:00 p.m. in the Ballroom July 2 Championship Meet at GA Tech Aquatic Center, 6:00 p.m. RAIN-OUT DATES/TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. We understand that swimmers may miss practices due to camp, vacation, or other commitments. It is extremely important to make every effort to be at each swim meet. Swimmers unable to swim in a meet are required to notify their respective Bullpen Mom in advance. In the event of last minute changes, please notify your Bullpen Mom for line-up changes. -7- PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 8 PRACTICE SCHEDULE *SPRING PRACTICE AT GA TECH April 30 to May 3 and May 7 to 10 - Monday through Thursday 4:00 to 4:30 - 6 & Unders 4:30 to 5:15 - 7 & 8’s 5:15 to 6:00 - 9 to 14 SPRING AFTERNOON PRACTICE AT PDC May 14 - Season Kick-Off Celebration, 5:00 to 6:30 pm May 14 - 17, May 21, 23 and 24 no practice on the 22nd due to the Annual Meeting 4:00 to 4:45 - Juniors, 6 & Unders, 7 & 8’s 4:45 to 5:45 - 9 to 14’s TIME TRIALS May 24 - warm-ups at 4:00, start time 4:30 REGULAR MORNING PRACTICE AT PDC Regular practice is Monday through Friday mornings during regular season (except Memorial Day and Independence Day) Last regular morning practice is June 26 (day after last meet) 10:15 to 11:15 - Juniors 9:15 to 10:15 - 6 & Unders 10:15 to 11:15 - 7 & 8’s 11:15 to 12:15 - 9 to 14’s NO PRACTICE ON JULY 4TH *AFTERNOON MAKE-UP PRACTICE AT PDC (JUNIORS DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN AFTERNOON PRACTICE) For swimmers unable to attend morning sessions due to prior commitments such as camp. Held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during regular season 4:00 to 4:45 - 6 & Unders, 7 & 8’s 4:45 to 5:45 - 9 to 14’s Final afternoon make-up practice is June 26th (day after last meet) *SATURDAY PRACTICES (JUNIORS DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN SATURDAY PRACTICES) June 2, 16 and 23 9:00 to 10:00 - 6 & Unders, 7 & 8’s 10:00 to 11:00 - 9 to 14’s *JUNIORS DO NOT PRACTICE AT GEORGIA TECH, ON SATURDAYS, OR IN THE AFTERNOON MAKE-UP PRACTICES. PRACTICES ARE NEVER CANCELLED. -8- PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 9 SWIM MEET GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS WHEN TO ARRIVE • Swimmers need to check-in with their respective Bullpen Leaders by 4:15 pm on the night of a home meet, 4:30 for away meets. Swimmers who are not checked in by this time could be replaced with another swimmer in their events. If you are not going to be at a meet, please let your Bullpen Mom know by noon the preceding Thursday. When a swimmer fails to show for a meet, the entire team suffers. We may lose valuable points due to an empty lane for that event or another swimmer could miss out on another event they could have participated in. Missed events by any swimmer bring tears and disappointment - don’t let it happen! HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY CHILD IS SWIMMING? • A line-up will be posted at the meet. It looks like this: NAME EVENT 14:25 FREE HEAT LANE Billy Moore 2 6 Tommy Hill 1 4 Doug Cole EVENT 24:25 BACK HEAT LANE 4 2 3 2 For example, in Event #14, the 25 free, Tommy will swim in the first heat of swimmers in lane 4 and Billy will swim in the following heat in lane 6. Doug will be swimming in event #24, the 25 back, in heat 3, lane 2, with Billy in the next heat, same lane. The event order is listed on the next page. BEFORE THE MEET • The PDC Seahorses warm-up together prior to the start of a meet. For home meets, our warm-up time is 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm and 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm for away meets. 6 & under swim the first 5 - 8 minutes, then the 7 & 8 year olds swim for about 8 - 10 minutes and the 9 & ups finish off the last half of our session. Please make sure your children are on time to warm-up with their proper group. TOWELS • Most of the Clubs do not provide towels for the meets. We suggest being prepared by bringing your personal towel(s) from home. -9- PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 10 DURING THE MEET • It is extremely important that swimmers stay in their bullpens at all times. Children should eat before the meet. Parents may bring food to the bullpen, but swimmers should not leave. Swimmers must tell their bullpen leader if they need to go to the restroom. Swimmers MUST stay in their respective bullpen areas with their bullpen parent. The leaders are responsible for gathering swimmers together for each event and putting them into the proper lanes in a timely manner. If one child is missing when an event is lined up, the entire line up could be negatively affected. Before the meet, swimmers can write their event, heat and lane assignments on their hands in order to remember when they are swimming. It looks like a grid: EVENT HEAT LANE 1 1 5 - 4th* 11 4 3 21 4 1 For example, this 6 & under girl is swimming the free relay in heat 1 lane 5, the 25 free in heat 4 lane 3, and the 25 back in heat 2 lane 1. *Relay swimmers should put their position (or stroke if it is the Medley Relay) beside that event. Swimmers may also want to write out the stroke for each event as well. There will be an event counter at each meet. Swimmers should be ready 2 events prior to their race as the meets tend to run quickly. AFTER THE MEET • Swimmers may leave after they swim their last event (All 6 & under are finished after events 13 and 14). Ribbons are handed out at practice the next morning during game day. The team and coaches generally go to Mellow Mushroom on Peachtree for pizza after each meet. An away meet spot is determined during the meet that night. All families and friends are welcome to join us! Cost is $10 per person to cover food, drinks and tip. Children should be accompanied by an adult. - 10 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 11 PARENT VOLUNTEERS/LEADERS For a swim meet to run smoothly, briskly, and efficiently, we depend on a strong parental volunteer staff. We need parents to work in a multitude of positions. If you have not yet specified which area you would like to help out in, please contact our Team Dad, Randy Bassett at 404.572.3514 or [email protected], or our Team Moms, Caroline Vroon, [email protected], 404.367.0702 and Nancy Hatcher, [email protected], 404.547.9572. Volunteers are needed in the following areas: BULLPEN ASSISTANTS • Each Bullpen Assistant will help the Bullpen Leaders at the meet. Bullpen Assistants are responsible for helping identify absent swimmers, keeping swimmers in the bullpen, and making sure swimmers are in the correct lane in time for their events. TIMING • Timers play an important role in our system. We need 9 parents to time our lanes. We use these times to keep track of team and league records as well as individual personal best. Volunteers need to be attentive during their timing shift in order to get the most accurate times. RIBBONS • All swimmers receive a ribbon for every event they swim. The ribbon clerk must stick a label on each ribbon and then place it in the appropriate folder. This is quite a task and takes several diligent volunteers to work half a meet each. - 11 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 12 2012 PARENT LEADERS TEAM DAD Randy Bassett [email protected] 404.605.0282 TEAM MOM Caroline Vroon [email protected] 404.367.0702 TEAM MOM 2013 Nancy Hatcher [email protected] 404.547.9572 RIBBONS Jan Caffey Holly Leeson Julie Bassett Cameron Ide [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 404.495.1770 404.350.7255 404.605.0282 404.452.6983 STAR BOARD Anna McGarrity Kim Nagy [email protected] [email protected] 404.816.6449 404.355.7424 SWIM-A-THON Tisa Pearce Kimberly Rimmer [email protected] [email protected] 404.350.9326 404.256.1200 SWIMSUITS Kathy Bird [email protected] 404.388.7971 JUNIOR SEAHORSES Wendy Hines [email protected] 404.932.4849 SPRING PRACTICE Brenda Strickland Jamie Massey [email protected] [email protected] 404.874.9341 404.873.5613 PHOTO/VIDEO Ed Pearce [email protected] 404.350.9326 HEAT WINNER RIBBONS/BEADS Lydia Hansen [email protected] 770.434.6797 SENIORS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Susan Woolcott [email protected] Caroline Leake [email protected] 404.406.3168 404.355.4895 - 12 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 13 SWIM TEAM STAFF & COACHES KAREN ALEXANDER, Administrator JAN ALLEN, Coordinator and Head Coach BULLPEN MOMS 6 & UNDER GIRLS Margaret Motley Ashley Bollwerk Sarah Watt 404.261.5075 404.846.9535 404.840.1558 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 6 & UNDER BOYS Kathleen Carr Lane Courts Jane Hight Margaret Lesley 404.351.4419 404.593.7949 404.593.5603 404.455.6893 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 7 & 8 GIRLS Deborah Miller Lori Tippins Becca Newton 404.514.0504 404.441.6668 404.630.7883 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 7 & 8 BOYS Julie Grigsby Parker Jones Mary Ayres Griggs 404.351.0894 404.841.2303 404.593.6242 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 9 & 10 GIRLS Maggie Staton Wellons Moog Mace Hall 678.777.7707 404.351.7571 404.355.2477 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 9 & 10 BOYS Christy Payne Jen Stribling Melissa Walden 404.350.9369 770.444.3757 404.771.0230 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 11 & 12 GIRLS Emily Jordan Michelle Jones Jenny Wamsley 404.816.5019 404.355.5060 404.352.5854 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 11 & 12 BOYS Lesee Googe Paige Merkle 404.556.0585 770.433.2793 [email protected] [email protected] 13 & 14 GIRLS Kim Grady 404.352.7320 [email protected] 13 & 14 BOYS Tisa Pearce Laurie Wilcoxon 404.350.9326 770.444.9930 [email protected] [email protected] CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK Kimberly Rimmer Mary Stone 404.256.1200 404.459.6752 [email protected] [email protected] - 13 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 14 SWIMSUITS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES SWIMSUITS • The custom-designed and legendary Seahorse swimsuits will be available for “cash & carry” at Kick-Off on Monday, May 14 during the practice. Suits and other accessories will be available for purchase in the Pro Shop during the week of regular practice. You will be reminded by e-mail. IMPORTANT EVENTS TIME TRIALS • Time Trials are held on Thursday, May 24 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm for all swimmers except Juniors. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in Time Trials, as they will be able to learn how meets are run and what to expect. This is also extremely important because the coaches will use these times to determine meet line-ups. We will be passing out T-shirts. Please let your bullpen Mom know in advance if you cannot attend this important event. AWARDS BANQUET • The annual awards extravaganza will take place on Thursday, June 28 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Club*. Every year this banquet gets more exciting, including the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the annual slide show. Dinner will be served along with a healthy dose of ribbons, medals and trophies for all. Dinner is complimentary for PDC swim team swimmers. *DINNER AND SOCIAL IS FROM 5:30 TO 6:00 PM. PROGRAM STARTS PROMPTLY AT 6:00 PM. PDC HALL OF FAME • PDC recognizes exceptional past Seahorse swimmers. Each year up to five past Seahorses are recognized with a plaque at the Awards Banquet. An additional matching board is displayed with their names. The 2011 inductees include Rhett Alby, Spencer Allen, Susan Holmes, Caroline Midis and McClain Newton. Nomination criteria may include, but are not limited to, the following: Individual or Relay, club or league record; Major award winner (MVP or PDC Award); completed eligibility (swam through age 14). Nomination forms may be requested from Marty Hutchinson at 404.870.3290. Additional information can be found on page 18 of this handbook. CHAMPIONSHIP MEET • The 2012 Championship Meet will be held at GA Tech on Monday, July 2. Swimmers for this meet are chosen according to the fastest times of the season in each event. Please make every effort to be available for this meet. Feel free to talk to coaches if you have questions. The coaches will post a roster on Tuesday, June 26 at 1:00 pm. All swimmers are encouraged to attend the Championships to cheer on the Seahorses! - 14 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 15 SPECIAL ACTIVITIES SWIM - A - THON • June 19 (during regular practice times) • Each year, the PDC Swim Team participates in a fundraiser for a Piedmont Driving Club-sponsored charitable organization. Each year the PDC staff collaboratively contributes to The United Methodist Children’s Home located in Decatur, Georgia. The Children’s Home is a private, non-profit agency serving children and families in need without regard to race, religion, national origin or financial circumstance. Just a few of their services include foster family and child care; emergency family housing, financial aid, food and clothing; independent and transitional living for older youth and young adults; counseling for children and families; parenting classes and aftercare. The Children’s Home is near and dear to the staff at the Piedmont Driving Club and we are excited to have the Swim Team participate in helping to support such an openhanded organization. In 2010, our seahorses raised almost $8000 for the UMCH. More information will be available prior to this event. SENIOR GROUP INTER-CLUB DANCE • PDC set the standard for the other clubs to follow by creating the Country Club League Senior Dance. All swimmers ages 11 - 14 are invited to the League Dance. This is a wonderful way to meet and socialize with swimmers from other clubs. Don’t miss this fun time! Details will be provided via e-mail later in the season. KIDS FOR KIDS SWIM MEET • League swim teams from all over Atlanta participate in this annual event. Last year our participating swimmers earned a trophy for their team effort. We would love to see a repeat of that award this season. On Saturday, June 9, we travel to Marist School on Ashford Dunwoody Road for this meet. The cost is $25 per swimmer, which includes a T-shirt, 2 individual events and 2 relay events. Also, surprise guests will be there. Anyone is allowed to compete, including parents and coaches! Let’s have a good showing for the Seahorses! Look for the sign up sheet on the bulletin board. JUNIOR SEAHORSE MEET • On Saturday, June 23 following regular practice, our senior swimmers will assist in our Junior Seahorse swim meet. Each swimmer will swim the 25 freestyle and the 25 backstroke events. This is a low-key but exciting event not to be missed! All parents are encouraged to attend with cameras in hand, cheering on our Juniors! After the meet, ribbons and candy are passed out to our youngest athletes. Prior to the meet a Junior Seahorse team photo will be taken by our house photographer. JUNIOR LEAGUE MEET • On Thursday, June 21, Capital City will host a special league meet exclusively for junior swimmers in the morning. More information will be posted and e-mailed. Participation is optional. - 15 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 16 AWARDS The following awards are presented to every Seahorse: RIBBONS • Meet ribbons are awarded to each Seahorse for every event completed, places first through sixth for each heat. Ribbons are presented to the swimmers during “Game Day,” the day after each dual meet. Any ribbons not picked up will be distributed after the Award Banquet. Junior Seahorses also receive ribbons for every event completed. PARTICIPATION TROPHY • Every Seahorse receives a PDC Seahorse participation trophy. Junior Seahorses receive a special Junior trophy. The following awards are presented to every Seahorse who qualifies: STAR BOARD: • The Star Board is a great tradition at PDC that encourages participation in the Seahorse program and rewards hard work. All Star Board Awards are presented at the Award Banquet. Swimmers earn stars in several ways: • One star per week of practice at GA Tech. • One star for each day of attending practice at PDC. • One star per meet for setting a personal best time. • Two stars for each PDC or league record broken, individual or relay. • One star for participating in Time Trials. • Bonus stars for special challenges presented by the coaches throughout the season. • Parents can earn up to two stars per meet per child for volunteering. Swimmers who earn: • 25 stars for 2011 (60% of target stars) will receive a movie pass. • 34 stars for 2011 (80% of target stars) but cannot attend all 5 meets will receive 2 movie passes. • 34 stars for 2011 (80% of target stars) and swim in all 5 dual meets will get the secret Star Board prize. THE 5 MEET AWARD • All swimmers who swim in all five dual meets receive this special prize at the Award Banquet. THE SWAM-UP AWARD • Any swimmer who swims “up” in an older age group receives this special recognition at the Award Banquet. RECORD BREAKER AWARDS • Engraved medals are awarded to swimmers who break PDC Club records and plaques are awarded to those swimmers who break Country Club Swim League records. - 16 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 17 SWIM-A-THON • At the Award Banquet, special recognition goes to the Seahorse that raises the most money and swims the most laps at our annual charitable fund-raiser. POSTER CONTEST WINNER • All swimmers are encouraged to make spirit posters for each swim meet. The winner(s) is/are selected based on creativity and originality and receive special recognition during the season. SWIMMER OF THE WEEK • After each swim meet, the coaches will select a boy and a girl who best embodied team spirit, sportsmanship, good attendance, and an exemplary attitude to be the swimmers of the week and receive a special prize. Winner photographs will be displayed for the season. The following awards are presented to a boy and girl from each age group: THE MOST VALUABLE SWIMMER AWARD goes to the individual who scores the most cumulative individual event points for PDC in the five regular-season dual meets. THE MOST IMPROVED SWIMMER AWARD goes to the swimmer who drops the most time over the course of the season, and demonstrates improvement in general swimming skills and technique. The time is calculated by summing the time difference between the individual’s initial current-season time and subsequent fastest time in each individual event. The following awards are presented to an individual Seahorse as determined by the coaching staff: THE HARDEST WORKER AWARD goes to the swimmer who attends practice, works hard, listens to the coaches and follows instructions on a daily basis, constantly striving to improve. Traits for this swimmer include focus, determination, and tenacity. THE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD goes to the swimmer that demonstrates good sportsmanship and a graceful attitude whether winning or finishing last. In practice and meets, this swimmer supports fellow teammates and is polite to fellow competitors. THE PDC AWARD is our highest honor for the current season. It is determined solely by the coaches after the completion of the championship meet. The coaches are encouraged to first consider swimmers who qualify for the League Championship Team, the Top Star Award, and participate enthusiastically in other team events, but have discretion in the final selection. The PDC Award goes to the swimmer who best embodies the PDC Seahorse ideal for the current season. This Seahorse combines the greatest elements of - 17 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 18 sportsmanship, hard work, spirit, leadership and performance. This athlete will have traits including enthusiasm, coachability, and a “team above self” attitude. This leader will serve as a positive role model by demonstrating grace and humility in personal achievements and celebrating those of others. This swimmer’s overall commitment and contribution to the PDC program over his/her entire participation may also be considered. THE SPIRIT STICK goes to the Seahorse who displays the most team spirit throughout the season and does the most to encourage others to do their best. The following award is presented by the Swimming Hall of Fame Selection Committee: PIEDMONT DRIVING CLUB SWIMMING HALL OF FAME Purpose To honor those individuals who have made significant personal and team contributions to the Piedmont Driving Club Swim Program: Eligibility Any swimmer who had been an outstanding member of the swim team and has participated throughout their eligibility may be considered. The following criteria may be used in evaluating nominees: 1. Individual club and/or Country Club Swim League records 2 Relay Club and/or Country Club Swim League records 3 Major award recipient 4. Has graduated from team eligibility at least one year 5. Any other appropriate criteria such as team spirit, enthusiasm and commitment. Nominations Any member of the club entitled to privileges may make nominations for consideration. Nomination forms may be obtained from and submitted to the Athletic Director. NUMBER OF INDUCTEES A maximum of five (5) inductees may be selected for induction each year. Induction A. Inductees will be notified by subsequent letter and invited to the induction ceremonies which will be held in conjunction with the swim team banquet. B. Inductees shall receive an appropriate citation and/or plaque in their honor and will have their name inscribed on an appropriate plaque that shall be on permanent display within the Athletic Facilities. - 18 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 19 Selection Committee A. There will be a minimum of five and no more than seven voting members represented on the selection committee. B. The selection committee shall be comprised of the following individuals: 1. The current Swim Team Chairman 2. The immediate past Swim Team Chairman (serves as Selection Chairman) 3. Any previous serving Swim Team Chairman 4. The current year Swim Team Mother 5. The immediate past Swim Team Mother C. The advisory committee may consist of the Athletic Director, Swim Team Administrator, Head Swim Team Coach, and Assistant Coaches. Selection Procedure The vote for successful selection to the Hall of Fame shall be by majority vote of the voting members. Record Keeping It shall be the responsibility of the Head Swim Coach to maintain records of all swim team participants along with any individual accomplishments listed by individual and year of accomplishment. All records are to be kept on the PDC property by the Swim Team Director. Changes and Modifications This document may be changed or amended by a majority vote of the selection committee. - 19 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 20 ORDER OF MEET EVENTS 1. 6 & under girls free relay 31. 9 & 10 girls IM 2. 6 & under boys free relay 32. 9 & 10 boys IM 3. 7 & 8 girls free relay 33. 11 & 12 girls IM 4. 7 & 8 boys free relay 34. 11 & 12 boys IM 5. 9 & 10 girls free relay 35. 13 & 14 girls IM 6. 9 & 10 boys free relay 36. 13 & 14 boys IM 7. 11 & 12 girls free relay 37. 7 & 8 girls breaststroke 8. 11 & 12 boys free relay 38. 7 & 8 boys breaststroke 9. 13 & 14 girls free relay 39. 9 & 10 girls breaststroke 10. 13 & 14 boys free relay 40. 9 & 10 boys breaststroke 11. 6 & under girls freestyle 41. 11 & 12 girls breaststroke 12. 6 & under boys freestyle 42. 11 & 12 boys breaststroke 13. 6 & under girls backstroke 43. 13 & 14 girls breaststroke 14. 6 & under boys backstroke 44. 13 & 14 boys breaststroke 15. 7 & 8 girls freestyle 45. 7 & 8 girls butterfly 16. 7 & 8 boys freestyle 46. 7 & 8 boys butterfly 17. 9 & 10 girls freestyle 47. 9 & 10 girls butterfly 18. 9 & 10 boys freestyle 48. 9 & 10 boys butterfly 19. 11 & 12 girls freestyle 49. 11 & 12 girls butterfly 20. 11 & 12 boys freestyle 50. 11 & 12 boys butterfly 21. 13 & 14 girls freestyle 51. 13 & 14 girls butterfly 22. 13 & 14 boys freestyle 52. 13 & 14 boys butterfly 23. 7 & 8 girls backstroke 53. 7 & 8 girls medley relay 24. 7 & 8 boys backstroke 54. 7 & 8 boys medley relay 25. 9 & 10 girls backstroke 55. 9 & 10 girls medley relay 26. 9 & 10 boys backstroke 56. 9 & 10 boys medley relay 27. 11 & 12 girls backstroke 57. 11 & 12 girls medley relay 28. 11 & 12 boys backstroke 58. 11 & 12 boys medley relay 29. 13 & 14 girls backstroke 59. 13 & 14 girls medley relay 30. 13 & 14 boys backstroke 60. 13 & 14 boys medley relay 10 & UNDER SWIM 100-YARD RELAYS AND 25-YARD STROKE EVENTS. 11 & UP SWIM 200-YARD RELAYS AND 50-YARD STROKE EVENTS. ALL IM’S (9 & UP) ARE 100 YARDS.* - 20 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 21 DEFINITION OF TERMS FREESTYLE (FREE) • Also known as the Crawl stroke. Swimmer is face down in the water. Arms have a windmill motion with the feet kicking up and down. Breathing is done by turning the head to the side. BACKSTROKE (BACK) • Swimmers must stay on their back. Arms have a reverse windmill motion with the feet kicking up and down. Swimmers must touch the wall on their back. BREASTSTROKE (BREAST) • Swimmers are on their stomach. Arms move in a circular motion in front of the face, staying under water. The legs kick in a frog-like motion behind the body. Breathing is done by lifting the head up. Both hands must touch the wall at the same time. BUTTERFLY (FLY) • Swimmers are on their stomach. Both arms pull together in a circular motion over and under the water. Both legs kick together up and down (dolphin kick). Breathing is done by lifting the head up. Both hands must touch the wall at the same time and on the same level. INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY (IM) • A swimmer swims each stroke in this order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle. RELAY • Four swimmers take turns swimming. 10 & under swim one lap each and 11 & ups swim two each. In the freestyle relay, all four swimmers swim freestyle. The order for the Medley Relay is Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Freestyle. Each swimmer must touch the wall before the next swimmer starts. 25/50/100/200 • The length of a competitive pool is 25 yards. A race is called by its yardage and stroke. For example - event #11 is 6 & under girls 25 Free. All of the girls in that age group who are assigned this event will swim one lap of freestyle. 10 & under swim 25-yard individual events and 100-yard relays. 11 & ups swim 50-yard individual events and 200-yard relays. 9 & ups also swim 100 yard IM’s. - 21 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 22 DIRECTIONS TO CLUBS AND GEORGIA TECH GEORGIA TECH AQUATIC CENTER 404.385.7529 From PDC, go west on 14th street and turn left onto Peachtree. Turn right onto 10th Street. Turn left onto Hemphill and continue until it dead-ends. Turn right onto Ferst Drive, the Center is on the right. Please observe parking restrictions - you can always park in the pay lot across the street. http://gtalumni.org/campusmap ANSLEY GOLF CLUB 404.875.1687 From PDC, take a right onto Piedmont Avenue. Go down the hill about 1 mile and take a left onto Monroe Drive. Go about ¾ mile and turn left onto Montgomery Ferry Road. Ansley will be on your right after you cross over the bridge. The pool is in the back. Parking is limited - use the streets. www.ansleygolfclub.org ATLANTA ATHLETIC CLUB 770.448.2166 Take Peachtree Industrial Boulevard North outside I-285. At the split, take the left fork to go to 141 North. Stay on 141 and cross over the Chattahoochee River bridge. Atlanta Athletic Club will be on your right. The pool is to the front left of the clubhouse. Ample parking is available. www.atlantaathleticclub.org CAPITAL CITY CLUB 404.233.2121 Take Peachtree Street North past Lenox Mall into Brookhaven. Take a left onto Club Drive (light after BP station). Take the second right onto Capital City Lane, which dead-ends into their entrance. The pool is behind the clubhouse. www.capitalcityclub.org CHEROKEE TOWN CLUB 404.365.1200 Turn right out of PDC and go north on Piedmont Avenue. Go about 4 miles and turn left onto East Paces Ferry. Cross over Peachtree Street and Cherokee will be about 1 mile on your right. The pool is in back of the clubhouse. www.cherokeetcc.org DRUID HILLS GOLF CLUB 404.377.1766 From PDC, take a left out of the club and an immediate right onto 14th Street. Turn left at the light onto Juniper. Go about 2½ miles to Ponce de Leon Avenue and take a left. Go about 5 miles to Clifton Road and turn left. Druid Hills is immediately on your left. The pool is to the right of the clubhouse, out front. Parking may be directed across the street to Fernbank. www.druidhillsgolfclub.com PLEASE DO NOT CALL A CLUB TO ASK IF A MEET HAS BEEN CANCELLED - IT HASN’T. MEETS ARE NOT CANCELLED PRIOR TO START TIME. GO REGARDLESS OF WEATHER! SWIMMERS MUST SHOW UP TO SCHEDULED EVENTS. - 22 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 23 GROUP SWIM LESSONS GROUP SWIM LESSONS Group lessons are offered through Jessica Gaudiosi on a first-come, first served basis. Please contact the Athletic Services Desk to register. [email protected], 404-870-3271. SESSION I - Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks Beginner (2 3/4 yrs and up) 5:45 pm - 6:15 pm May 14 - 17 and 21 - 24 Make-ups on Fridays May 18, 25 SESSION II - Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks Infant / Toddler (6 months - 3 years) 8:30 am - 9:00 am June 4 - 7 and 11 - 14 Make-ups on Fridays June 8, 15 SESSION III - Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks Infant / Toddler 9:00 am - 9:30 am June 4 - 7 and 11 - 14 Make-ups on Fridays June 8, 15 SESSION IV - Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks Beginner 9:30 am - 10:00 am June 4 - 7 and 11 - 14 Make-ups on Fridays June 8, 15 SESSION V - Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks Beginner 5:45 pm - 6:15 pm June 4 - 7 and 11 - 14 Make-ups on Fridays June 8, 15 SESSION VI - Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks Beginner 8:30 am - 9:00 am June 18 - 21* and 25 - 28 *lesson on the 21 will be moved to Friday the 22 because of the Junior meet Make-up on Friday June 29 SESSION VII - Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks Infant / Toddler 9:00 am - 9:30 am June 18 - 21* and 25 - 28 *lesson on the 21 will be moved to Friday the 22 because of the Junior meet Make-up on Friday June 29 SESSION VIII - Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks Beginner 9:30 am - 10:00 am June 18 - 21* and 25 - 28 *lesson on the 21st will be moved to Friday the 22 because of the Junior meet Make-up on Friday June 29 - 23 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 24 WEEKLY CLINICS Clinics will be offered on Sunday afternoons for specific swim team related skills such as flip turns, diving off blocks, relays, etc. Parents will be notified by e-mail of clinic opportunities and details. The cost is $10 per swimmer per clinic and sign-ups are in the lesson book at the lifeguard station. PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS Most, if not all, of the swim team coaches provide private swim lessons. These lessons typically begin around the end of May/first of June, at the arrangement between you and the coach. There are 2 ways to reserve private lessons: 1. E-mail the coaches at [email protected] or 2. Register in the sign-up book located on the lifeguards’ or coaches’ table on the pool deck (beginning the first week of regular practice). Private lessons are $35 per half hour and semi-private are $50 per half hour. COMMUNICATION WITH COACHES Coaches will be coaching or providing lessons all day every day during the season, making communication challenging. The most effective way to communicate with coaches about your swimmer is to e-mail them at: [email protected] If something goes awry at the last minute when you have a lesson, please call the pool deck at 404.870.3298 or 404.870.3299, or call the main PDC number at 404.875.2565 and ask to be connected to the pool deck. The lifeguard can get a message to the coach if she/he cannot come to the phone. GROUP AND PRIVATE LESSON CANCELLATION POLICY We fully realize certain situations and emergencies are unavoidable; however, please notify your coach/instructor 24 hours in advance, or at least the day before, if you are unable to honor your scheduled lesson. Make-up lessons are available for groups as listed. All no-shows will incur the lesson fee. - 24 - PDC398112_parent_handbook_INSIDE_- 3/23/12 2:39 PM Page 25 - 25 -