2011-2012 Fleet Handbook

2011-2012 FLEET HANDBOOK

14654 Spring Cyupress Road 281-376-2372

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Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Why Swim?

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Physical Development

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HISTORY OF THE CYPRESS FAIRBANKS SWIM CLUB (CFSC)

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CLUB OBJECTIVES FINANCES

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FEES Monthly Fees

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Annual Fees

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LATE-PAYMENT FEE:

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CFSC FEE STRUCTURE AND REFUND POLICY

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LESSON POLICY

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RELAY RULES AND CONSIDERATIONS CFSC FUNDRAISING POLICY

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PROGRAM CHANGE

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DROPPING A PROGRAM

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PARENT PARTICIPATION

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FLEET VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT AND APPROVED ACTIVITIES

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VOLUNTEERING AT FLEET HOSTED MEETS

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LANE TIMING AT MEETS CFSC POLICY ON MEET FEES

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SWIM-A-THON

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PRE-PAID GROCERY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Board Of Directors

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ELECTRONIC ENTRY INTO MEETS

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COMMUNICATION WEB SITES YOU’LL WANT TO VISIT

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CY-FAIR SWIM CLUB MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION

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PURPOSE The Board Club Administration

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Coaches

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Parents FLEET GENERAL PROGRAM GUIDELINES.

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GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS

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Introduction Welcome to the Cypress-Fairbanks Swim Club (CFSC), otherwise known as FLEET Swimming. Whether you are joining our club for the first time or have been a member for several years, we hope you will take the time to become familiar with our club, its policies and our sport by reading this handbook.

Why Swim?

The USA Swimming program is America’s largest program of guided fitness activity for children. Children who progress through age group swimming build a strong foundation for good health because they learn the fundamentals of healthy fitness habits.

Physical Development Many physicians and pediatricians consider swimming the ideal activity for developing muscular and skeletal growth.

They consider swimming the perfect activity because:      

Swimming develops high quality aerobic endurance. Every moment of practice time is utilized to develop fitness and teach skills.

Swimming uses all of the body’s major muscle groups, which enhances proportional development of the muscular system.

Swimming enhances the flexibility of children by exercising all the major joints through a full range of motion.

Swimming develops greater coordination through complex movement of different combinations of various body parts. This creates harmonious muscle function, grace, and fluidity of movement.

Swimming is the most injury free sport for children.

Swimming is a life-long sport. Masters swimmers can swim well into their 80’s.

History Of The Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club – Fleet Swimming There always has been and continues to be a strong interest in competitive swimming in the Northwest Area of Harris County. Evidenced by the large number of swimmers in the ever-expanding summer league for subdivisions, it became apparent in 1975 that many of these swimmers wished to pursue swimming as their competitive sport, not just in the summer, but year-round.

A pilot program was initiated in the spring of 1975, using the Bleyl Junior High School facilities for training. This pilot program was well accepted, but the school district’s rapid growth made it impossible to conduct a twelve-month program. The school district then conducted a survey of swim programs in other areas and concluded that survey by making available the school’s facilities to a parent group; this parent group would continue to be responsible for establishing and maintaining a year-round program. The first group was formed in January 1976 under the name “Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club”.

Team practices commenced in February of 1976 and the first permanent coach was hired in April. In July the Club was accepted for membership in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the predecessor of USA Swimming. In the spring of 1977 a full-time assistant coach was hired—all of which is indicative of the “FLEET’s” growth and success. Today, in addition to the full-time Head Coach and the Head Age Group Coach, there are as many as seven coaches who contribute to the “FLEET’s” success. In June of 1999 the Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club proudly announced the opening of its own 50-meter facility in Northwest Houston, now the focal point of our program. The club continued its expansion in 2001 with the construction of the FLEET First learn-to-swim facility on our Spring Cypress Road property. The club then opened a 4700 square foot office and locker room facility during the summer of 2005.

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Club Objectives The Coaches, Staff and Board of Directors of the Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club strive to:    

Provide Northwest Houston area residents with a quality, competitive swimming program for all ages and levels of development.

Provide every swimmer/athlete with professional instruction that offers physical, athletic and personal growth.

Create and maintain a team and family atmosphere that encourages participation and contribution to the swimmer’s growth and success.

Promote awareness of FLEET Swimming in the Northwest Houston community.

Finances The Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club is a non-profit corporation that requires considerable capital to fund our continuing, year-round operations. In addition to coaches and staff salaries, insurance benefits, payroll taxes, and travel expenses, other organizational costs must be funded: these include facility maintenance and operations, custodial service, purchase and maintenance of club equipment, pool rental (satellite programs), meet supplies, office supplies, postage, printing, copying, telephone, electric, and gas.

There are several principal sources of income to the organization: Monthly & Annual Membership Fees – Revenues vary depending upon athlete enrollment and the programs in which they participate.

Fund Raising Events – Special activities, such as Swim-A-Thon, and the Golf Outing are held during the year to raise money for the club. The fund raising events may be held for a specific purpose or to support existing operations.

Several programs also exist to attract corporate sponsors.

Hosted Swim Meets – Each year our club hosts several swim meets. Swim meets provide a strong revenue stream as well as an opportunity to showcase our own pool and the collective volunteer talents of club members.

Pre-Paid Grocery Certificate Program- The club receives 2% of all Pre-paid grocery certificates purchased by club members; while the members receive monthly credit reducing their monthly program fees.

The Members have a financial requirement to help the club remain in operation by supporting the fundraising and service hour commitments at FLEET Hosted Meets. There is a FLEET Hosted MEET Volunteer Fee/Service Hour Requirement, a fundraising requirement, and opportunities to participate in fundraisers to fulfill your fundraising Commitment. Working at meets and on fundraisers for the club are ways to earn your Service Hour Requirements.

Below is a table of the Service Hours Requirements, Fundraising Requirement, and monthly dues that are required to be a part of the team.

Fees Monthly Statements 1. Program dues for your group. Gold, Junior, Senior and Elite levels receive charges twelve months of the year and are considered year round programs with the appropriate financial commitment.

2. Meet Entry fee charges apply if your swimmer has competed in a meet. Every members account will be debited upon a swimmers entry into a meet. Families will be billed after the meet which they participate in and will be due the next billing period.

3. Credits are earned by participation in the Pre-paid Grocery Certificate program.

Annual Fees 1. REGISTRATION FEE: Annual Registration fee of $144 that registers you as a member of Gulf Swimming, USA Swimming, and FLEET membership annually. This is paid by each individual and covers FLEET yearly registration

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from September to the following August. This fee must be paid yearly and is not pro-rated or refunded.

2. FUNDRAISING FEE: The annual FLEET fundraising requirement per family. The minimum fundraising contribution for swimmers in the Silver, Gold, Junior, Senior and Elite programs is $150 per family, $100 per family for swimmers in the Competitive Prep and High School Supplemental programs that compete in meets and $50 per family for swimmers in the Bronze program only. Families that have not met this commitment will have the full fundraising requirement or balance remaining but will have the ability to continue to raise funds and have it credited back to their account.

3. FLEET VOLUNTEER FEE: For the 2011 -2012 Registration, returning members who volunteered zero (0) hours at Fleet Hosted Members for the 2010-2011 year will be required to pay $300 for the 2012-2013 registration season.

Members who did volunteer at Fleet Hosted meets will be required to pay $150. All members are required to volunteer at least 24 hours at FLEET-hosted meets or other approved activities during the year if they want to receive the $150 (or $300) credited back to their account. Your account is credited after you have worked 24 hours at FLEET-hosted meets or other approved activities. The credit will show up on the next billing statement following completion of your worker commitment and after it has been reported to the Volunteer Hour Coordinator by the appropriate volunteer chairperson. High School Supplemental and Competitive Prep groups must pay this fee BEFORE they can enter any competitions.

Late-Payment Fee It is each member’s responsibility to ensure that payments are made on time. Statements are electronically mailed to all club members at the end of each month, and the payments are due by the 5th of the following month. Member families who have not paid their monthly bill by the 15th of the month will be assessed a $25 late payment fee. The athlete will also be subject to being denied participation in practices (including meet entries) from that point forward until the bill in paid. Members with past due balances will be required to pay their past due charges as well as all current charges to return their accounts to good standing and return to practice and/or competition.

CFSC Fee Structure and Refund Policy The Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club does not issue refunds for registration fees. Members register for a program that lasts an entire swim year. The club divides the program fees into monthly payments for the convenience of our members, much like balanced billing. The swim season runs from September through the following August each year and is divided into a Short Course portion, which runs from September through March and a Long Course portion that generally lasts from April through August.

Payments are due even if your swimmer has time off for vacations, holidays or other reasons. In addition, there may be times during the normal training schedule when one or more of the following could occur: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The number of practices is reduced at the CFSC Coach’s discretion.

The Coach specifies mandatory time off.

High school practices or meets limit your swimmer's attendance at CFSC workouts.

Limited access to Cy-Fair ISD facilities affects our practice scheduling.

The necessity to temporarily move a practice venue from one pool to another due to weather, unforeseen staffing conflicts or technical problems.

We will make every effort to ensure that each of the aforementioned items are handled consistently among the various programs and communicated as efficiently as possible.

The Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club does not issue refunds for registration or program fees in the event of a staff change. Designating a particular pool does not guarantee the member that a specific coach will be coaching that program.

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CFSC TEAM Fees: Training Fees are divided into monthly payments and based on the Training Group Training Group

Monthly Fee

Copper Bronze I and II Silver I Silver II Gold Competitive Prep

$63 per swimmer $78 per swimmer $105 per swimmer $125.00 $170 per swimmer $90 per swimmer

Fundraising Fee $0.00 $50.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00

Service Hours Fee $0.00 $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 $100.00 $150.00 (if competing)

Junior . Senior High School Supp

$185 per swimmer $185 per swimmer $95 per swimmer

$150.00 $150.00 $150.00

$150.00 $150.00 $150.00 (if competing)

Elite (9 month pay period for seniors)

$210 per swimmer

$150.00

$150.00

Lesson Policy Any member of the Club may sign up for a swim lesson with a coach of his/her choice. The front office will have a signup log for each coach listing the days and times that each coach is available. The parent or swimmer may either sign up for a lesson with a particular coach or they may call the Fleet office and schedule a lesson with a particular coach. Each coach sets his/her own rate for lessons; the charges will appear on the member’s next monthly bill. Coaches will not accept direct payment for lessons. If you are unable to attend your scheduled lesson, you must cancel your lesson 24 hours in advance or you will be billed a no-show fee at the coaches regular rate.

Relay Rules and Considerations 1. Relay team composition and order is at the COACH’S DISCRETION. 2. Any relay swimmer may voluntarily step aside either to allow another person to swim due to illness or for the benefit of the relay; for example, the swimmer may have just finished an individual event.

The Fleet Family Fundraising Policy Each family will have a fundraising requirement that is based on their specific competitive program ($150 per family for the Silver, Gold, Junior, Senior and Elite programs, $100 per family for Competitive Prep and High School Supplement swimmers who compete in meets and $50 per family for the Bronze program). The family level is determined by the group your highest level swimmer is in. Multiple swimmers per family have only one “family requirement”.

For 2011-12, Fleet is planning on doing the Swim-A-Thon and one other fundraising activity to give families opportunities to raise funds to credit against their fundraising fee. The second fundraiser has yet to be determined.

Families will be able to continue to raise additional funds during the remaining fundraising event(s) for the year and funds raised will be credited back to their accounts (similar to meet volunteer fees) on the month following the close of the fundraiser. **Family accounts will be credited 20% for every dollar that is raised over $500. This credit will be done after all fundraising information for the year has been turned into the Fleet office.

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For tax purposes always check with your tax professional or accountant on the tax impact of your annual contributions.

Program Changes The coaching staff assigns each swimmer to a competitive practice group based upon age and ability. Any advancement to a higher group can be made only through a recommendation by the coaching staff and approval by the Head Coach.

Occasionally a swimmer must advance to the next group due to no longer meeting age requirements of the particular groups. Once a swimmer is assigned to a particular satellite pool, changing pools is not permitted without the approval of the Head Coach.

Dropping a Program If a swimmer decides to leave the program, it is the family’s responsibility to notify the CFSC office in writing either by email to fleetoffice@fleetswimming.com or giving a written note to the Financial Director!! If your swimmer is dropping out of the program, you remain liable for all dues and assessments until the date such notification is received by the CFSC office. Notifications are effective as of the end of the month in which the notification is received.

Parent Participation There is opportunity and need for each parent to contribute their individual expertise to promote the continued improvement of the team’s goals and objectives. Our philosophy is: “If you have a swimmer that participates in team activities, you are expected to volunteer your time in assisting the team organization. Payment of dues and fees does not relieve you of this obligation – it merely gives you the privilege to participate in your child’s individual development and future. In fact, participation is great fun and rewarding.”

SERVICE HOURS REQUIREMENTS (Fleet Volunteer Fee Policy) 2011-2012 All FLEET families with a competitive USA swimmer are obligated to volunteer and subject to this policy; the only exceptions are: (1) families with Copper-Level swimmers only, and (2) families with Competitive Prep and/or High School Supplemental swimmers only, who are not participating in USA swim meets.

Each family is required to pay an annual volunteer fee of $150 in September, unless the family is a returning family that worked zero hours last year. Returning families that workless than a minimum of eight hours last year are required to pay $300 at registration for the 2012-2013 year. To be refunded their volunteer fees, families must volunteer a minimum of 24 hours over the course of the year, performing approved activities. The club’s goal is not to keep your money, but to gain your assistance. If a family volunteers less than eight hours this year, then the family’s fee next year will be $300. All families that work eight hours or more, this year, will be charged only $150 next year.

APPROVED ACTIVITIES: Work Areas For FLEET-Hosted Meets: Awards Chair-24 Hours Announcing Clerk of Course Concessions Chair- 24 Hours Computers Console Cooking Scoring Head Timers (lane timing does not count) Hospitality Chair- 24 Hours Volunteer Chairs for the year- 24 Hrs Retail

Non-Meet Approved Activities: Awards Banquet Chairperson(s)-24 Hours Swim-A-Thon Chairperson(s)-24 Hours (additional hours may be required for key volunteers at the discretion of the Committee and Hours Chair) Monogramming items for fundraisers- .5 Hours per item Other Fundraiser Chairperson(s)-24 Hours Registration Volunteers-Time worked during registration hours.

Grocery Card Program Administrator-24 Hours Team Travel Coordinator-24 Hours Facility Maintenance-Time worked by qualified volunteers on scheduled workdays.

Volunteer Hours Administrator-24 Hours

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Running & Posting Chair Ready Bench (Red, White & Blue only) Parking- 24 Hours Safety Marshal Chair-24 hours Set Up/Tear Down-24 hours Equipment Coordinator- 24 Hours

Auction Basket Coordinator-15 Hours

Lane Timer Volunteer- 2 hours per meet Meet Volunteer Coordinator- 24 Hours Meet Director- 24 Hours, Fundraising Commitment waived, and $100 Credit to account for each meet as Director

Anyone may work on a family’s behalf, provided he/she can responsibly perform the required job duties in a manner that is safe, efficient, and courteous.

Volunteering at “Fleet” Hosted Meets During the Short Course and Long Course seasons, CFSC will host several swim meets. You can either sign up online on the Fleet Web Site when you see the Job Sign-Up button displayed next to one of the Fleet Hosted Meets on Upcoming Events.

Lane Timing at Meets The Lane Timing Assignments will be posted online on the FLEET website the Wednesday prior to the meet. At that point, those that are participating in the meet may sign up for a lane assignment shift online. On Thursday evening, the Lane Timing Volunteer Coordinator will pre-assign the empty slot to families that are participating in that meet and that session. It is advised that you sign up prior to Thursday evening so that you will be able to choose your time and shift.

During the meet, if there is an empty chair during any of the shifts that are FLEET’s, the family that is assigned for that time shift will be fined $50.00. If your shift is over and the person that is scheduled to work the following shift, please feel free to leave so that the preceding family may experience the financial consequence. If you cannot work the shift assigned or your schedule changes where you cannot work when you signed up, it is your responsibility to find a substitute or exchange a shift with a fellow member attending the meet. Please remember, timing or officiating at a “Non-FLEET” hosted meet does not give you credit towards your FLEET Volunteer Fee. CFSC Policy on Meet Fees Members are responsible to CFSC for payment of meet entry fees even if a conflict prohibits them from attending the meet after they have been entered. CFSC pays the swimmers requested meet entries then debits the member’s meet entry account. On rare occasions inclement weather or problems with the pool facility may require rescheduling after entries have been submitted. The club can neither withdraw entries after they have been submitted nor give refunds for the entries of swimmers that cannot attend on the re-scheduled dates.

Swim-A-Thon Swim-A-Thon is one of the club’s major fund raising events each year. Funds raised through Swim-A-Thon pledges are used toward satisfying the FLEET fundraising commitment.

Swim-A-Thon is a fundraiser in which participants earn money for their team by swimming lengths of the pool.

Swimmers have a two-hour period to swim a maximum of 200 lengths. Participants may obtain pledges from businesses, family, neighbors and others. Swim-A-Thon is the only pledge for “length swimming” recognized by USA Swimming.

Pre-Paid Grocery Card Program CFSC provides a program where club members receive credits on their monthly bills through voluntary participation in the Pre-paid Grocery Card Program that includes Kroger, Randall’s and HEB supermarkets. Cards must be pre-ordered and pre-paid in increments of $50 and can be used in the participating stores for groceries, gas and pharmacy. As a non-profit organization, the club is able to purchase gift certificates from participating supermarkets at 95% of face value. These cards are available for pre-order at face value to club members. Club members receive 3% credit for grocery cards that they purchase through the Club and the Club receives the remaining 2%. Credits are calculated on the 20th of each month and are applied to the next month’s bill.

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Board of Directors: The Board of Directors works with a full time Financial Director and Head Coach to govern the activities of the club.

There are four officers, consisting of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer who are elected by the board.

The remaining five Directors will be involved with other areas of responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:  Communications  Finance  Fund Raising  Meet Administration  Membership  Programs  Social Activities  Registration  Facilities  Long Range Planning Current Board of Directors – elections take place in October of each year.

Clay Douglass President (current term expires 10/11) Joe Connelly Vice-President (current term expires 10/11) Letty Joyce Treasurer (current term expires 10/11) Karen Eckhart Secretary (current term expires 10/12) John Wood Director (current term expires 10/11) Mike Rhodes Director (current term expires 10/12) Kim Van Overdam Director (current term expires 10/12) Kyle Benson Director (current term expires 10/12) Suzanne Ellison Director (current term expires 10/12) Electronic Entry into meets: Parents or swimmers complete entries electronically for each meet entered. The entries for meets need to be submitted online by the published entry deadline on the website. (usually at least 2 ½ weeks prior to the meet. Entry deadlines are posted on the web site under “Meets”). Transfer athletes must have times achieved at competitions either sanctioned by Gulf or USA Swimming or meets that have been approved for qualifying times by these organizations are acceptable.

Communication Our primary means of communication with members is through electronic mail. The office maintains a distribution list and will email important information to each member when necessary. The club also distributes a electronic newsletter to the membership. Club members are urged to read the “FLEET NEWSLETTER” and News Updates on the Fleet Website for events, information and changes that take place within the club.

Our web page www.fleetswimming.com is an excellent source of communication that includes monthly calendars, meet information and entry deadlines, important announcements, contact information and schedule changes. Sometimes on very short notice, practices may be interrupted due to a change in schedule by CFISD, mechanical difficulties, water quality or weather. The club utilizes the Fleet website, emails and postings at the affected pool to announce a change in practice location or cancellation for these occasions. It is necessary for parents to take a proactive role in making sure they keep up with the latest news or schedule changes by checking the web site, e-mail, bulletin board and by reading the monthly newsletter. This is especially important for parents who only bring swimmers 2 or 3 days per week. Try to “buddy up” with someone who will be in attendance during your off days or better yet, participate directly on one of the communication committees.

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Web Sites you’ll want to Visit http://www.fleetswimming.com http://www.FleetFirstSwimSchool.com http://www.gulfswimming.org http://www.usaswimming.org http://www.usms.org http://www.gulfmastersswimming.org

Fleet Fleet FIRST Gulf Swimming USA Swimming United States Masters Swimming Gulf Masters Swimming

Cy-Fair Swim Club Management and Organization The Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club is a not-for-profit corporation. A nine-member Board of Directors, elected to two-year staggered terms, governs the activities of the club. The fiscal year commences September 1st and the Annual Meeting of the membership is held during October.

Purpose The Cy-Fair Swim Club’s primary aim is to develop the optimum physical, athletic and personal potential of each swimmer. The “Fleet Philosophy” results in the development of an excellent team while concurrently producing successful athletes. Successful athletes (be they swimmers, divers, or participants in any other sport) are measured by standards which include, but are not limited to, their individual times or successes.

The Board It is the Board’s charter to set policy and oversee all matters pertaining to the club and adherence to the goals and philosophy of the program. The Board oversees a program, managed daily by our professional staff and coaches that work to accomplish the mission of the program.

FLEET will provide to our coaches:    

Professional training.

Challenging and diverse coaching assignments.

Opportunities to learn from other professional sources, including academic classes and clinics.

A clear line of responsibility and authority.

FLEET’s responsibility to our parents includes:    

Informing and communicating USA Swimming and Gulf Swimming rules, regulations and team procedures.

Providing the opportunity to participate in club activities.

Providing the opportunity to train for USA/Gulf Certification as officials.

Providing a forum to communicate their interests, concerns, and contributions to the club and their swimmers.

FLEET’s responsibility to the athlete is to provide the opportunity to attain their fullest potential by: Providing professional coaching at various competitive levels.

Providing an environment for positive feedback and reinforcement.

Providing an environment in which the athlete may establish realistic goals and objectives and measure their progress against established standards.  Provide for team identification and socialization for the athlete by hosting award banquets, team trips and team parties.

Office Administration The FLEET office administration handles the day-to-day operation of the company. The office staff includes:   

Finance Director – The Financial Director is charged with the day-to-day financials of the Club and handles the day-today financial affairs such as member accounts, receivables and all billing of the FLEET competitive program in addition to financials related to the FLEET First program. The Financial Director reports to the Treasurer and the Board of Directors.

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Fleet First Aquatics Director – The Fleet First Director oversees the Club’s non-competitive learn-to-swim program (FLEET First), and is responsible for marketing, scheduling, hiring, training and supervising instructors and overseeing the registration process. The Fleet First Director will report to the Fleet First Committee and then to the Board of Directors.

Receptionist – The FLEET Receptionist is our primary contact for customer service and is usually the first person seen when entering our office. The receptionist is responsible for answering questions from the public, assisting with the registration process and answering phone related inquiries. The Receptionist reports to the Business Manager.

Coaches - The role of the coaching staff in the FLEET program is to assist individual athletes who desire to achieve their fullest potential physically, athletically, and personally while working within a team framework. The Coaches report to the Head Coach.

Head Coach – The Head Coach is charged with the day to day management of the coaching staff and all competitive training programs. He oversees the implementation and enforcement of the club’s program policies, the hiring and supervision of the coaching staff, and management of the facility. The Head Coach reports to the Board of Directors.

The coaches shall endeavor to provide the following to the athlete:    

A good role model for the purposes of goal setting, motivation, attitude, enthusiasm, morals and maturity.

An authority figure that exercises good judgment and accepts responsibility for swimmers before, during and after team activities.

A cohesive team entity that emphasizes the support of each swimmer by the team, family and community. Internal competition shall be used only as a positive training period.

Opportunities to set an athlete’s own realistic and measurable goals, analyze individual performance and establish a program for improvement.

The coaching staff’s responsibility to FLEET includes the following:     

Informing the membership of any pertinent information that may be applicable to club activities.

Planning and implementing major activities such as Swim-A-Thons and club events.

Fully utilizing available “water time” for practice and limiting conversations to those necessary while performing their coaching assignments. Conversations with parents will be acknowledged before or after practices.

Referring administrative questions to office staff when they cannot answer them.

Conducting a coach-parent/swimmer conference on an “as needed” basis. Conferences may be requested by any individual on an “as needed” basis.

In addition to the above, the Head Coach is responsible for:      

Attending all Board Meetings and reporting on programs, coaches, pools, activities, and problems as deemed appropriate.

Monitoring each “Fleet” program through coach communication and personal observation.

Developing standards of measurement for each program that assists a swimmer when establishing individual goals and objectives.

Assisting in the development and control of applicable budget line items.

Conducting coaches meeting on a regularly scheduled basis.

Preparing and presenting a written report to the Board for each long and short course season that provides an overall perspective of the team, coaching performance by various levels of competition, and planned goals and objectives for the next season.

Parents Parents are expected and encouraged to participate in all club activities. In addition, parents are responsible for:    

Getting athletes to practice on time.

Permitting each coach to do his/her job by not disturbing them during practice/meets.

Picking up your athlete promptly following practices or swim meets Providing or arranging for adequate adult supervision and accommodations for your athlete at meets.

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  

Maintaining a positive and open relationship with the coaching staff, FLEET management, Board members, other swimmers and their parents.

Promoting the team’s and the athlete’s goals and objectives.

Becoming familiar with the FLEET Swimming Handbook.

I. General Program Guidelines Introduction: The Cypress-Fairbanks Swim Club (CFSC) offers a variety of programs for all ages and ability groups. The programs provide professional training for athletes ranging from Learn-to-Swim to preparation for Olympic competition.

Organization of Program Guidelines Document: The General Program Guidelines governs all of the programs offered by the CFSC. The Specific Program Guidelines, included in Section II, outline the guidelines and evaluation criteria for each specific program. Section III includes USA Swimming “Levels of Development” and Section IV outlines a Glossary of Key Terms.

Guidelines Summary: The General and Specific Program Guidelines reflect the current recommendations of USA SWIMMING and over 30 years of CFSC experience regarding the training and evaluation of athletes. The Guidelines consider the athlete over a broad range of criteria and are not solely based on competitive performance. The Guidelines are not intended to be a checklist that once completed, results in the automatic advancement of an athlete. All aspects of an athlete’s development do not occur at the same time or at the same rate. It is possible for an athlete to achieve improvement in certain areas of development, but not in others. The primary goal of the CFSC coaching staff is to develop the long-term potential of each and every athlete. Consequently, the use of the Guidelines for athlete placement must be at the sole discretion of the coaching staff. Parents are encouraged to discuss all aspects of the Guidelines with their athlete’s coach.  The swimming year consists of two seasons: Short Course Season and Long Course Season. The Short Course Season begins at Fall Registration in September and continues through the Short Course Championship meets. The Long Course Season will begin immediately upon the conclusion of the Short Course Championship meets and will continue through the Long Course Championship meets (usually mid-August). 

The age of the athlete, for program qualification purposes, will be determined as of the athlete’s championship meet.



Athletes may train in only one program at a time. With advance permission from both an athlete’s coach and the coach of the next group down, an athlete may occasionally “swim down” a program level in order to make up a training session, but cannot “swim up”. A swimmer may not “swim down” when their practice has been cancelled due to inclement weather, when there are technical problems with the pool, or when no practice has been scheduled.



The maximum number of training sessions per week has been set by the coaching staff and the Board of Directors and cannot be exceeded. Depending on the time of year or the training schedule, an athlete’s coach may limit the number of training sessions the athlete may attend per week to less than the maximum.

“Move Up” to the next Program Coaching Staff Discretion: The discretion of the coaching staff will encompass all aspects of an athlete’s progression through each program. All potential “move ups” will first be discussed between the athlete, the athlete’s parents, the athlete’s coach and other appropriate members of the coaching staff. The following will be considered:   

Recommendation of the athlete’s coach Age of the athlete Ability of the athlete to meet the Standards of the next program

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The athlete will be notified of the move up decision in writing. All “move up” decisions must be accompanied by a progress report for record and billing purposes. The “Move Up” of athletes will be allowed on the following “Move Up” Dates: Move up will occur 3 times a year. After the winter championship meets in December, after the Short Course season (March) and after the Long Course Season (July).

Accelerated Move-Up Guidelines: The General and Specific Program Guidelines address the progression of a typical athlete and have been developed and refined by the Cypress-Fairbanks Swim Club for over 30 years. However, it is recognized that occasionally, exceptional athletes come along who exhibit personal dedication to the sport and training and competition performance levels that far exceed those given in the guidelines for a typical athlete of that age. In the event that such an athlete consistently performs at an exceptional level, emotionally, mentally and athletically, but does not meet the minimum age requirement of the next advanced program, he/she may be allowed to move-up provided the following conditions are met: 

The athlete is considered exceptional by National Reportable times and consistently demonstrates the ability to exceed the Standards of the advanced program.



The athlete’s current coach recommends to the Head Coach that the athlete is prepared to move-up to the advanced program.



The athlete and parent successfully complete a meeting with the Head Coach during which the implications of advancing too quickly, and the Standards of the advanced program are discussed in detail.



The Head Coach recommends to the Board of Directors that the athlete is prepared to move up to the advanced program.

The Board of Directors approves the Head Coach’s recommendation to move the athlete up to the advanced program.



If all of the above conditions are met, the exceptional athlete will be considered by the Head Coach for a move-up to the advanced program. The athlete will continue to train the same number of days as their previous program until the minimum age requirements of the advanced program are met.

“Transfer of group” Guidelines: The Head Coach reserves the right to move any athlete at such time that the athlete no longer meets the Standards (both competitive, and the standards outlined under the USA Swimming’s “Levels of Development”) for a specified groups.

Interpretations of the Guidelines: All decisions and coaching staff recommendations related to the interpretation of the Guidelines will require the approval of the Board of Directors.

Placement of Entry-Level and Transferring Athletes: Athletes new to USA Swimming will be placed in a developmental or entry-level program by the coaching staff until such time that they meet the Standards and are recommended for “move up” by their coach. An “observational swim” may be requested to confirm placement of athlete.

Transferring Athletes (Summer League): Athletes with a Summer League background will be placed in the appropriate program at the sole discretion of the coaching staff. The decision will be based on verifiable times and the coaching staff’s opinion regarding the athlete’s ability to meet the Standards of the program in which he/she is being placed. An “observational swim” may be requested to confirm placement of athlete.

Transferring Athletes (USA Swimming): Athletes transferring from other USA Swimming swim teams will be placed in the appropriate program, consistent with the Standards of that program, at the sole discretion of the Head Coach. The decision will be based on verifiable times

13

and the Head Coach’s opinion regarding the athlete’s ability to meet the Standards of the program in which he/she is being placed. The Head Coach reserves the right to move the athlete down in the event that the athlete no longer meets the Standards.

II. Specific Program Guidelines1 The following Program Guidelines outline the Standards for each Program and remain in effect for both the Short Course and Long Course Seasons. The Standards are based on the USA Swimming “Levels of Development” Evaluation Criteria indicated below:  Training Standards  Competitive Standards  Biomechanical Standards  Physiological Standards  Psychological Standards  Character Development and Life Skills Standards Selected components of the Training Standards and Competitive Standards are included in this Section for each Program.

The remaining USA Swimming “Levels of Development” Evaluation Criteria are included in Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development.

Head Start Program Standards Program Summary: Head Start is a program designed for the more competitive Summer League swimmers who have competed before in either USA Swimming swim meets or summer league competition. The Head Start Program emphasizes endurance and skill building and is designed to facilitate those summer league athletes who wish to enhance their summer league season. The swimmer registering for this program must be 7 years of age or older as defined by the NWAL cutoff date of May 31. 6-year olds will be accepted with Coach’s recommendation.

USA Swimming Levels of Development: USA Swimming Levels of Development does not apply.

Grocery Coupon Program and Hosted Meet Volunteer Commitment: Grocery coupon program and hosted meet volunteer obligations do not apply.

Program Training Expectation: Head Start is a seasonal program available from the end of March until the beginning of summer league practices, usually 4-6 weeks in duration.

Program Competition Expectation: Program Competition Expectation does not apply.

Program Training Standards: This program requires that the athlete be capable of swimming 25 yards freestyle and 25 yards backstroke “legally” and without stopping.

Fleet FIRST Standards Program Summary: The Fleet First Program teaches swimming skills for students from infant to adult.

1

Significant portions of this Section include direct excerpts from PROGRESSIONS FOR ATHLETE AND COACH DEVELOPMENT---Copyright © 1999 by USA Swimming.

14

USA Swimming Levels of Development: USA Swimming Levels of Development does not apply.

Grocery Coupon Program and Hosted Meet Volunteer Commitment: Grocery coupon program and hosted meet volunteer obligations do not apply.

Program Training Expectation: Beginner Classes: (Level 1-3) These classes focus on learning the fundamental skills necessary for water aclimation and body awaremness for the six basic strokes. Focus is also given to instill water safety knowledge/skills to develop a lifelong respect for activities and to remain safe in, on and around water.  Level 1 This beginner can be very fearful or a little afraid, but has no experience.  Level 2 Has no fear and no real skills but is ready to jump in (very dangerous level).  Level 3 Comfortable on their front or back and their face in the water. Will back float and swim Front Crawl (paddle) unassisted at least 5 feet.

Intermediate Classes: (Level 4-5) Advanced beginners are working on body coordination and breathing in Front Crawl and Back Crawl, with greater focus on proper positioning and body roll. To include correct arm placement and building a consistant kick. Focus is also given to greater understanding and stroke development of Breaststroke, Elementary Backstroke, Sidestroke and Butterfly.

Plus, some attention is given to the fundamentals of starts and finishes.  Level 4 Can swim Front Crawl (Freestyle) at least 3 body lengths with an above the water arm recovery (does not paddle) and ready to learn body roll and side breathing. An almost streamlined Backstroke with consistent leg kick and arm movement. Introduced to butterfly dolphin kicks and greater development of Breaststroke and Sidestroke.  Level 5 Can swim 15 yards with little hands on assistance. Backstroke and Freestyle techniques with greater focus on a consistent body roll and side breathing. Expansion upon the butterfly stroke with arms, plus correct timing and coordination for Breaststroke, Elementary Backstroke and Sidestroke.

Intermediate: (Level 6) Intermediate classes are for the swimmers who have a good working knowledge of Freestyle, Backstroke, Breastroke and Butterfly where the main focus is given to those strokes. Students are best classified depending on their skill improvement needed. If strokes are being introduced or coordination has been difficult; Group Classes are NOT recommended.  Level 6 Can swim Freestyle and Backstroke 25 yards with proper technique and will comfortably combine arms with kicks in Butterfly and Breaststroke.

Advanced: (Level 7) This class is for the swimmer who has learned all strokes and swims with sound technique. This swimmer is ready to learn more advanced skills, including: endurance drills, racing starts and turns, diving progression, circle swimming, using pace clock etc. The swimmer may wish to advance to a swim team (E.g. Copper), or may want to keep in shape for summer league.  Level 7 Can swim Freestyle and Backstroke 50 yards with correct technique and timing. Mastery of all strokes and learning advanced skills.

Program Competition Expectation: Program Competition Expectation does not apply.

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Copper Team Program Standards  Program Summary: The Copper Program is a developmental level competitive program for athletes ages 5-10. (Five-year olds can be accepted with Coach’s recommendation.) This program is tailored for athletes who are “legal” in three strokes and have knowledge of all four strokes. An “observational swim” may be requested to confirm placement of athlete in the Program. Copper Program athletes may participate in Summer League.

USA Swimming Levels of Development: Development Level 1 (Copper Program) Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below: The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of propelling in prone position for at least one length of the pool and be capable of completing progressions for freestyle and backstroke and attempting Butterfly, Breaststroke and Individual Medley progressions.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of counting up to five complete stroke cycles of freestyle.

Physiological-Physical Guidelines The athlete is expected to be capable of performing a continuous five-minute swim.

Psychological Guidelines The athlete is expected to understand and demonstrate the difference between tense and relaxed muscles and understand the difference between focusing on what is important and what is not.

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to understand the team rules and the consequences of breaking them and show respect for the facilities and the equipment.

Hosted Meet Copper Team Volunteer Commitment: Hosted meet volunteer obligations do not apply.

Program Training Expectation: A Copper Program athlete trains a maximum of two times a week for forty-five minutes per session.

Program Competition Expectation: A Copper Program athlete is encouraged to participate in CFSC sponsored swim meets during the season at the direction of his/her coach.

Training Guidelines: The Athlete should be capable of performing two strokes “legally”.

Competitive Guidelines: The athlete should have participated in Summer League or be recommended by the Learn-to-Swim coach.

Bronze I Program Guidelines  Program Summary: The Bronze Program is an entry-level competitive program for athletes ages 7-11. This program is tailored for athletes who are “legal” in three strokes and fairly proficient in two. These athletes want to continue their progress with more advanced stroke enhancement and skill development. The Bronze Program specifically targets young athletes who are

16

new to a USA Swimming program and want a fun avenue to enhance their abilities. An “observational swim” may be requested to confirm placement of athlete in the Program. Bronze Program athletes may participate in Summer League.

USA Swimming Levels of Development: Development Level 2 (Bronze Program).

Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below: The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of completing stroke progressions for butterfly and breaststroke and be capable of performing a start from the starting blocks.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of counting the number of stroke cycles for one length of the pool.

Physiological-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to demonstrate coordinated movement patterns and be capable of performing a 10-minute swim or other threshold set.

Physiological-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to demonstrate an acceptance of individual differences in physical size within an age group and demonstrate an understanding that energy for exercise is derived from nutrition.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to understand and describe the relationship between nervousness and performance and understands the role of failure and the importance of learning from one’s mistakes.

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to demonstrate an understanding of sportsmanship and understand the importance of hard work in the classroom and completes his/her homework on time Fleet Hosted Meet Volunteer Commitments: Hosted meet volunteer obligations apply. Family Fundraising Fee of $50.

Program Training Expectation: A Bronze Program athlete trains a maximum of four times a week for one-hour per session.

Program Competition Expectation: A Bronze Program athlete should enter appropriate swim meets during the season at the direction of his/her coach to help establish their progress.

Training Guidelines. Athletes are expected to be capable of consistently training throughout the season at these sets and/or intervals: 6 X 50 yard Freestyle 6 X 50 yard Backstroke 6 X 50 yard Breaststroke 8 X 25 yard Butterfly 100 Individual Medley Kick Set

17

Bronze II Standards- a Bronze II athlete must be a returning member or recommended by the coach. The Bronze II training standards are as follows:

Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Yards

6 X 100 Individual Medley

N/A

2:20

6 X 100 Kick

2:30.00

2:20.00

8 X 100 Freestyle

2:20.00

2:10.00

And any of the following: Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Yards

10 X 100 Freestyle

2:10.00

2:00.00

8 X50 Butterfly

1:30.00

1:20.00

6 X 100 Backstroke

2:30.00

2:15.00

8 X 50 Breaststroke

1:30.00

1:20.00

Program Competitive Standards: The athlete should have participated in one of the following:  Summer League.  Time Trials.  Other Entry Level Competitions.

Competitive Prep Standards: 

Program Summary: The Competitive Prep program is an entry-level competitive program for athletes ages 10-14. This program is tailored for athletes who have a working knowledge of all four strokes, are “legal” in three strokes and fairly proficient in two. These swimmers have either participated in summer league, or are preparing for the summer league season. These athletes want to continue their progress with more advanced stroke enhancement and skill development. The Competitive Prep program specifically targets young athletes who are both new to USA Swimming and/or returning to USA Swimming who want a fun avenue to enhance their abilities.



USA Levels of Development: Development Level 3 (Competitive Prep Program). Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below:

The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components:

18

Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to perform a legal 200 Individual Medley.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of completing one length of each stroke, holding the same time or faster and using less stroke cycles than the Development Level 2.

Physiological-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of coordinated movement patterns and be able to swim all four strokes with legal form and be capable of performing a T-30 set one time per year.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to Understands the relationship between relaxation and performance and be capable of accepting criticism from his/her coach.

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to attend the recommended meets and understand the importance of being on time for meet warm-ups and demonstrate the ability to balance school and outside activities.

Hosted Meet Volunteer Commitment: Hosted volunteer obligations apply for those competing in USA Swimming competitions. Family fundraising Fee of $100.00 applies only for those competing in USA meets.

Program Training Expectations: A Competitive Prep athlete trains a maximum of four times a week for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Program Competition Expectations: A Competitive Prep athlete should enter appropriate meets during the season at the direction of his/her coach to help establish their progress if they are competing in meets.

Program Competitive Standards: The Athlete should have participated in one of the following:  Summer League  Time Trials  Other Entry Level Competitions

Silver I Program Standards: Program Summary: The Silver Program is an intermediate level competitive program for athletes ages 9-12. This program is tailored for athletes who have achieved improved skills and an increased understanding of training requirements. The Silver Program specifically targets young athletes who have participated in competitive situations and are able to perform more difficult training sets during practice. Silver Program athletes may participate in Summer League.

USA Levels of Development: Development Level 3 (Silver Program).

Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below: The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to perform a legal 200 Individual Medley.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of completing one length of each stroke, holding the same time or faster and using

19

less stroke cycles than the Development Level 2.

Physiological-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of coordinated movement patterns and be able to swim all four strokes with legal form and be capable of performing a T-30 set one time per year.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to Understands the relationship between relaxation and performance.  Be capable of accepting criticism from his/her coach.

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to attend the recommended meets and understand the importance of being on time for meet warm-ups and demonstrate the ability to balance school and outside activities.

Fleet Hosted Meet Volunteer and Fundraising Commitment: Hosted meet volunteer obligations apply. Family Fundraising Fee of $150.00 Program Training Expectation: A Silver Program athlete trains a maximum of five times a week for one hour and thirty minutes per session.

Program Competition Expectation: A Silver Program athlete should enter swim meets during the season on a more frequent basis as his/her development dictates and at the direction of his/her coach.

Training Guidelines. Athletes are expected to be capable of consistently training throughout the season at these sets and/or intervals: Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Yards

Short Course Meters

4 X 200 Individual Medley

4:20.00

4:00.00

4:10.00

6 X 100 Kick

2:25.00

2:15.00

2:20.00

10 X 100 Freestyle

2:05.00

1:55.00

2:00.00

And any one of the following: Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Yards

Short Course Meters

16 X 100 Freestyle

1:55.00

1:45.00

1:50.00

12 X 50 Butterfly

1:30.00

1:15.00

1:20.00

8 X 100 Backstroke

2:10.00

2:00.00

2:05.00

12 X 50 Breaststroke

1:30.00

1:15.00

1:20.00

 Competitive Standards Minimum of three: “BB” Motivational Time Standards for 10 & Under Age Group

20

Silver II Program Standards Program Summary: The Silver Program is an intermediate level competitive program for athletes ages 9-12. This program is tailored for athletes who have achieved improved skills and an increased understanding of training requirements. The Silver II Program specifically targets young athletes who have participated in competitive situations and are able to perform more difficult training sets during practice. Silver II Program athletes may participate in Summer League.

USA Levels of Development: Development Level 3. Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below: Development Level 3 (Silver II Program) The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to perform a legal 200 Individual Medley.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected tobe capable of completing one length of each stroke, holding the same time or faster and using less stroke cycles than the Development Level 2.

Physiological-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of coordinated movement patterns and be able to swim all four strokes with legal form and be capable of performing a T-30 set one time per year.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to understands the relationship between relaxation and performance and be capable of accepting criticism from his/her coach..

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to attend the recommended meets and understand the importance of being on time for meet warm-up and demonstrate the ability to balance school and outside activities.

Fleet Hosted Meet Volunteer and Fundraising Commitment: Hosted meet volunteer obligations apply. Family Fundraising Fee of $150.00 Program Training Expectation: A Silver II Program athlete trains a maximum of five times a week for one hour and thirty minutes per session.  Program Competition Expectation: A Silver Program athlete should enter swim meets during the season on a more frequent basis as his/her development dictates and at the direction of his/her coach. 

Training Guidelines. Athletes are expected to be capable of consistently training throughout the season at these sets and/or intervals: Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Yards

Short Course Meters

4 X 200 Individual Medley

4:05.00

3:45.00

3:55.00

8 X 100 Kick

2:25.00

2:15.00

2:20.00

12 X 100 Freestyle

1:55.00

1:45.00

1:50.00

21

And any one of the following:



Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Yards

Short Course Meters

16 X 100 Freestyle

1:55.00

1:45.00

1:50.00

12 X 50 Butterfly

1:30.00

1:15.00

1:20.00

8 X 100 Backstroke

2:10.00

2:00.00

2:05.00

12 X 50 Breaststroke

1:30.00

1:15.00

1:20.00

Competitive Standards

Minimum of three: “A” Motivational Time Standards for 10 & Under Age Group one of which must be 200 yards or longer.

Gold Program Standards  Program Summary: The Gold Program is an advanced competitive program for athletes age 11-14. This program is tailored for athletes who have decided that competitive swimming is the sport at which they wish to excel. The Gold Program specifically targets athletes who have a working knowledge of training for swimming, are able to use more advanced training equipment, are capable of setting defined goals and are continuing to improve their technique in all four strokes. Gold Program Athletes may participate in Summer League. Athletes who are considering Summer League participation are encouraged to discuss the decision with their coach.

USA Swimming Levels of Development: Development Level 4 (Gold Program).

Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below.

The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to:  Maintain consistent stroke rates and times in training sets.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to:  

Understand the relationship between distance per stroke, stroke rate, and swimming speed.

Be capable of naming two methods to minimize resistance or drag while swimming.

Physiological-Physical Standards Be capable of consistent improvement in a T30 (timed 30 minute swim) or other “threshold” set 2-3 times per season.

Physiological-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to understand the concept of a balanced diet and basic fuels used during swimming training.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of performing progressive muscle relaxation and understand the principle of effective goal setting.

22

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to know the name of competitors and understand and take responsibility for attendance, performance and habits in practice.

Fleet Hosted Meet Volunteer Commitment: Hosted meet volunteer obligations apply. Family Fundraising of $150.00 Program Training Expectation: A Gold Program athlete may train up to six times a week for one hour and forty-five minutes per session. Summer League athletes are expected to attend all scheduled Gold Program training sessions while competing in Summer League during the NWAL season.

Program Competition Expectation: Except during the NWAL season, a Gold Program athlete should compete in USA Swimming swim meets for which he/she qualifies at the direction of his/her coach. A Gold Program athlete that participates in Summer League may only compete in Summer League swim meets during the NWAL season.

Training Guidelines. Athletes are expected to be capable of consistently training throughout the season at these sets and/or intervals: Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Yards

Short Course Meters

6 X 200 Individual Medley

4:00.00

3:30.00

3:45

10 X 100 Kick

2:15.00

2:05.00

2:10

16 X 100 Freestyle

1:50.00

1:40.00

1:45

Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Yards

Short Course Meters

20 X 100 Freestyle

1:45.00

1:35.00

16 X 100 Backstroke

1:55.00

1:45.00

12 X 100 Breast

2:10.00

2:00.00

12 X 100 Butterfly

2:10.00

2:00.00

And any one of the following:

1:40 1:50 2:05 2:05

Competitive Standards: Minimum of three current National Age Group Motivational “BB� Times for ages 11-12, with at least one for a 200 yard/meter event or

23

Junior Program Standards Program Summary:



The Junior Program is an advanced competitive program for athletes, ages 12-18. However, in order to move into this group at the age of 12, athlete MUST be turning 13 prior to the Champs Meet in that season of move into the group. This program is tailored for athletes who have dedicated themselves to the sport, are capable of performing difficult training sets and have continued to make the sacrifices necessary to enhance their career in competitive swimming. The Junior Program specifically targets the athletes that wish to continue their development toward qualifying for the Senior Program. Junior Program athletes may not participate in Summer League. Junior Athletes must have 80% attendance to be eligible to move to the Senior group.

USA Swimming Levels of Development: Development Level 5 (Junior Program). Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below: The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of completing a 400 Individual Medley swim with the correct transitions.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to be capable, with the assistance of a coach, of calculating swimming speed and distance per stroke during training and competition.

Physiological-Physical Standards  Muscular Strength and Endurance: Be capable of performing sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and chin-ups.  Aerobic Endurance: Be capable of consistent improvement in a T30 (timed 30 minute swim) or other “threshold” set 2-3 times per season.

Begins sprint capacity/CP System 3 times per season.



Physiological-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to: 

Demonstrate an understanding of the nutritional requirements of training and competition.



Demonstrate an understanding of maturation and its affect on competitive and training performance.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to:  Visualize a race from start to finish. 

Understand the effect of posture and actions on emotions.

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to accept responsibility for his/her performance and understand the relationship between his/her personal commitment level and results.

Fleet Hosted Meet Volunteer Commitment and Fundraising Commitments: Hosted meet volunteer obligations apply. Family Fundraising Fee $150.00 Program Training Expectation:

24

A Junior Program athlete trains a maximum of six times a week for two hours and fifteen minutes per session.

Participation in the “Off-Campus Physical Education” (OCPE) Program (described elsewhere herein) is encouraged. Junior Program athletes will maintain an 70% attendance rate throughout the season. Athletes, who are competing for their high school, will attend the high-school morning training sessions during the UIL competitive season.

Program Competition Expectation: A Junior Program Athlete competes at “target” meets during the year at the direction of his/her coach.

Training Guidelines. Athletes are expected to be capable of consistently train for up to at least forty minutes at a time throughout the season at these sets and/or intervals: Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Meters

6 X 200 Individual Medley

3:30.00

3:20.00

12 X 100 Kick

2:05.00

2:00.00

16 X 100 Freestyle

1:35.00

1:30.00

Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Meters

20 X 100 Freestyle

1:30.00

1:25.00

16 X 100 Backstroke

1:40.00

1:35.00

12 X 100 Breast

1:50.00

1:45.00

12 X 100 Butterfly

1:50.00

1:45.00

And any one of the following:

Competitive Standards Minimum of three current National Age Group Motivational “A” Times for ages 13-14, or 2 cuts in distance events 400 meter event or longer.

Senior Program Standards Program Summary: The Senior Program is an advanced competitive program for athletes, ages 12-18. In order to move into this group at 12, the athlete must be turning 13 prior to the Champs meet of that season of move in. This program is tailored for athletes who have dedicated themselves to the sport, are capable of performing difficult training sets and have continued to make the sacrifices necessary to enhance their career in competitive swimming. The Senior Program specifically targets the athletes that wish to continue their development toward qualifying for the Elite Program. Senior Program athletes may not participate in Summer League.

USA Swimming Levels of Development: Development Level 5 (Senior Program. Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below: The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of completing a 400 Individual Medley swim with the correct transitions.

25

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to be capable, with the assistance of a coach, of calculating swimming speed and distance per stroke during training and competition.

Physiological-Physical Standards Muscular Strength and Endurance:



Be capable of performing sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups and chin-ups.

Aerobic Endurance: Be capable of consistent improvement in a T30 (timed 30 minute swim) or other “threshold” set 2-3 times per season.

Begins sprint capacity/CP System 3 times per season.

  

Physiological-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to demonstrate an understanding of the nutritional requirements of training and competition and demonstrate an understanding of maturation and its affect on competitive and training performance.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to visualize a race from start to finish and understand the effect of posture and actions on emotions.

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to:  Accept responsibility for his/her performance. 

Understand the relationship between his/her personal commitment level and results.

Fleet Hosted Meet Volunteer Commitment: Hosted meet volunteer obligations apply. Family Fundraising of $150.00 Program Training Expectation: A Senior Program athlete trains a maximum of six times a week for two hours and fifteen minutes per session.

Participation in the “Off-Campus Physical Education” (OCPE) Program (described elsewhere herein) is encouraged. Senior Program athletes will maintain an 80% attendance rate throughout the season. Athletes, who are competing for their high school, will attend the high-school morning training sessions during the UIL competitive season.

Program Competition Expectation: A Senior Program Athlete competes at “target” meets during the year at the direction of his/her coach.

Training Guidelines: Athletes are expected to be capable of consistently train for up to at least fifty minutes at a time throughout the season at these sets and/or intervals: Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Meters

8 X 200 Individual Medley

3:20.00

3:10.00

16 X 100 Kick

2:00.00

1:55.00

20 X 100 Freestyle

1:30.00

1:25.00

26

And any one of the following: Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Meters

24 X 100 Freestyle

1:25.00

1:20.00

20 X 100 Backstroke

1:35.00

1:30.00

16 X 100 Breast

1:45.00

1:40.00

16 X 100 Butterfly

1:40.00

1:35.00

Competitive Standards Minimum of three different events of current National Age Group Motivational “AA” Times for ages 15-16, or two distance cuts of 400 yard/meter or longer.

Elite Program Standards 

Program Summary:

The Elite Program is the highest competitive program for athletes. The Elite program is designed with the intention of providing the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of Sectional, Collegiate, National, and International competition. The Elite swimmer is a positive, hard-working example not only for the FLEET program, but also for USA Swimming as a whole. The FLEET Elite athlete actions and goals reflect the mission statement of USA Swimming: to build, promote, and achieve competitive success.

USA Swimming Levels of Development: Development Level 6 (Elite Program). Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below: The underlined Evaluation Criteria are followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of swimming the 1650 Freestyle, 800 Freestyle, 1000 Freestyle and the 400 Individual Medley and be capable of decreasing the number of cycles per pool length during competition.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to:  Be capable of calculating swimming speed, distance per stroke and stroke rate.

Physiological-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to meet the following standards:  Aerobic Endurance: Perform a T30 or other threshold set three times per season with continuous improvement.  Lactate Tolerance: Perform a set of 12 x 100 (or until failure) on 2:30 holding current best 200 pace three times a season with continuous improvement.  Sprint Capacity/CP System: Perform 12 x 25 on 3:00 at maximum velocity.

27

Physiological-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the “energy system”. Demonstrate an understanding of Training Periodization. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the nutritional requirements of training and competition.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to utilize imagery skills to manage competitive stress and use ultimate goal in sport to maintain intensity and work ethic in practice.

Program Expectations: An Elite Program athlete trains a maximum of eight to eleven times a week for two hours and thirty minutes per session on average. Additional practices may be added at coach’s discretion. Additional practices do count towards attendance requirements. Coach retains discretion of accepting absences which do not count against the attendance figure.

2. The Elite Program athlete will commit to year-round training. Elite Program athletes will be expected to maintain an 85% attendance rate throughout the season. Failure to do so will result in a transfer of group as stated on page 18 of the handbook. Athletes, who are competing for their high school, will attend the high-school morning training sessions during the UIL competitive season. Limited interference from high school competitions. No interference from high school practices. .

3. Attend all competitions recommended by the Elite Coach.

1.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Parental involvement in swimming decisions at a minimum. a. Once swimmers achieve competency, the swimming relationship must be limited to coach/athlete for them to progress to their greatest capabilities while maintaining a certain level of sanity. Overbearing parents are a burden to the coach AND the ATHLETE Display history of above requirements BEFORE being allowed into the Elite group Ability to train at or above a level appropriate for current experience and speed.

Willingness to perform every event (every distance) prescribed by Elite coach.

Ultimately, the Elite coach has final say in group appointments

Goals and Expectations of the Elite Group:  Swimmers are expected to do everything within their power to reach their own personal potential.  Elite Swimmers will strive to place at Sectionals and prepare for National competition as well as strive to be appointed to the USA National Team.  Accept the responsibility of being a leader and/or role model.  Demonstrate commitment to his/her team by continued dedicated membership.

Fleet Hosted Meet Volunteer Commitment: Hosted meet volunteer obligations apply. Family Fundraising for Elite isf $150.00 Program Competition Expectation: Training Guidelines. The Athlete must consistently train at the below intervals for up to at least 60 minutes at a time.

Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Meters

10X 200 Individual Medley

3:10.00

3:00.00

20 X 100 Kick

1:55.00

1:50.00

20 X 100 Freestyle

1:25.00

1:20.00

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Must perform any one of these strokes and distance below during training.

Set

Long Course Meters

Short Course Meters

24 X 100 Freestyle

1:20.00

1:15.00

20 X 100 Backstroke

1:30.00

1:25.00

16 X 100 Breast

1:40.00

1:35.00

16 X 100 Butterfly

1:35.00

1:30.00

Competitive Standard 

Minimum of four different events with *Sectional times OR 2 Sectional times in the distance events (400 yard/meter or above). *Bonus Sectional standards apply for 2011-2012 SC and LC seasons beginning August 2011.

AM/Off Campus Physical Education (OCPE) Program 

Program Summary:

The AM/OCPE Program provides supplemental training for the Junior-level Programs and up. Gold-level athletes require coach’s approval. This program provides an athlete the opportunity to train with the Head Coach and enhance his/her technical development.  Program Training Expectation: An AM/OCPE Program athlete supplements his/her normal training one to three mornings a week for one hour and thirty minutes per session. 

Registration Requirements

Athletes currently enrolled in 9th through 12th grades and training with the Junior Program and up. These athletes train three mornings a week in the AM/OCPE Program. An athlete that competes for his/her high school team may not participate in the AM/OCPE Program until after the UIL competitive season is over.

Athletes currently enrolled in 7th or 8th grade and training with the Junior Program. These athletes train three mornings a week in the AM/OCPE Program. Eligible for OCPE credit.

If the athlete wishes to obtain OCPE credit, he/she must register with his/her school counselor in order to receive Physical Education credit. Registration with the school districts is typically required by November 1 for the spring semester and by May 1 for semester prior to the upcoming school year.

To receive proper Cypress-Fairbanks ISD credit, AM/OCPE athletes will be expected to meet the normal Training Expectations required by the Gold Program or Junior Program. The Head Coach will assign and provide grades to the athlete’s school.

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High School Supplemental Program Program Summary: The High School Supplemental Program provides supplemental training for athletes that compete for their high school team but do not participate in USA Swimming meets or do not meet the minimum Standards necessary to enter the Junior Program. This Program is open to all Junior Varsity and Varsity athletes that are working toward achieving UIL Regional or State Time Standards.

Program Training Expectation: A High School Supplemental Program athlete supplements his/her normal High School training four times a week for one hour and thirty minutes per session. The High School Supplement Program is only year-round.

Fleet Hosted Meet Volunteer and Fundraising commitments: Hosted volunteer obligations apply only for those competing in USA meets. Family Fundraising Fee for High School is $100 applies only for those competing in USA Meets.

USA Swimming Levels of Development: Development Level 4 (High School Program).

Refer to Section III/USA Swimming Levels of Development as stated below: The underlined Evaluation Criteria is followed by selected components: Bio-mechanical-Physical Standards The athlete is expected to maintain consistent stroke rates and times in training sets.

Bio-mechanical-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to understand the relationship between distance per stroke, stroke rate, and swimming speed and be capable of naming two methods to minimize resistance or drag while swimming.

Physiological-Physical Standards Be capable of consistent improvement in a T30 (timed 30 minute swim) or other “threshold� set 2-3 times per season.

Physiological-Cognitive Standards The athlete is expected to understand the concept of a balanced diet and basic fuels used during swimming training.

Psychological Standards The athlete is expected to be capable of performing progressive muscle relaxation and understand the principle of effective goal setting.

Character Development and Life Skills The athlete is expected to know the name of competitors and understand and take responsibility for attendance, performance and habits in practice.

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IV.

GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS

Championship Meet:

The championship meets occur at the end of the Short-Course (SC) and LongCourse (LC) seasons. These meets consist of A/BB Championships, B/Under Championships, T.A.G.S. (Texas Age-Group Swimming Championship), Junior Nationals and Senior Nationals.

CP System:

The metabolic pathway that uses creatine phosphate (CP) as a fuel. Creatine phosphate is stored in the muscle and provides a rapid, short-term energy source.

Exit Criteria:

Skills or knowledge within a progression area that the athlete should demonstrate successfully before moving on to the next level. Exit criteria might be in the form of physical ability or demonstrated knowledge.

Grocery Coupon Program:

The Grocery Coupon Program is a means to increase CFSC income without having to increase membership dues. The Grocery Coupon Program is explained in detail elsewhere in the Team Handbook.

Hosted Meet Volunteer:

One family member of each CFSC athlete must work at least three days at CFSC hosted meets to receive credit on their CFSC Volunteer Fee. The CFSC Hosted Swim Meet Fee Policy is explained in detail elsewhere in the Team Handbook.

Lactate Tolerance Sets:

A training method designed to subject the athlete to high levels of lactate acid in the blood.

Long-Course Meters (LCM):

50-meter pools, where one length of the pool is 50 meters.

Observational Swim:

Athletes new to USA Swimming may be asked by the coach to perform an “Observational Swim� in order to assist the coach in determining the appropriate placement of the athlete.

Short-Course Yards (SCY):

25-yard pools, where one length of the pool is 25 yards.

Summer League:

Summer time swimming league governed in the northwest Houston area by NWAL. The NWAL season typically runs from May 1st to the middle of July.

T30:

An endurance swim during which the athlete maintains the fastest average possible pace for a period of 30 minutes.

Training Periodization:

A method of training where the type and amount of training are broken into sections or periods. The training periods can last days or years.

USA Swimming: America UIL:

The national governing body of competitive swimming in the United States of

Verifiable Time:

University Interscholastic League -the governing body for high school athletics in the state of Texas Official print swim meet times.

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