TEAM PHILOSOPHY

The Delta Barracuda Swim Team provides for young people a competitive learning environment with adult supervision and an opportunity to learn about self-discipline, sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and personal growth – all with an emphasis on fun!

Any swimmer who works hard and tries his/her best is a winner…no matter what place he or she finishes.

2007 Head Coach

Our Head Coach, Linda Hollingshead, is a long-time swimmer. She has been swimming since high school. She swam on the Western State College team for four years and officiated the boy's swimming. She has been a swim instructor for 30+ years and an adaptive swim instructor for 16 years. She is a special education teacher for students with severe needs at the Olathe Elementary School. She coached with the Montrose Marlins for 8 years and with the Delta Barracudas for the past 9 years. She also has experience coaching volleyball, Special Olympics (skiing, swimming and bowling), gymnastics and track and field. She is a Girl Scout of 30 years and a member of 4-H for 15 years. She has been teaching First Aid, CPR and various other classes for the American Red Cross for the past 30 years. We welcome Linda back for what always proves to be an exciting year – never a dull moment!

COACH ' S EXPECTATIONS – by Head Coach Linda Hollingshead

Swimming is an exact sport. My expectations are high in the area of technique. With good technique comes fast times and consistent swims. Swimming requires the swimmer to be in shape, conscious of body placement in the water and knowledge of body toning and what the body needs for survival. I expect the swimmers to put their best foot forward at all times and represent the team, pool and their community to the best of their abilities. When you join a swim team you join a special family that is yours for life. All swimmers need to work on all strokes to become the best that they can become.

The coaching staff we currently have has excellent ideas and abilities to strengthen our team. We have the instructor to help the new ones learn the strokes and we have the drill instructor to help with the endurance and style of the strokes that the swimmers already know. All are certified in First Aid, CPR, and Coaching Safety. The new coaches have also passed a special test that the swimming association has assigned to new coaches. This sport requires more training than any other sport in the nation – and Delta has the best of the best. Our goal is to train your children to develop into athletes and they in turn will become outstanding adults within our community who know what it is like to strive for and obtain a goal. Please feel free to talk to any of the coaching staff during the assigned talk times and remember that swimming is FUN – let it be. Swimming is SUCCESSFUL – let it be. And, swimming is growth in personal potential and attitude – let it be. See you during the season and out of the season. Swim well, swim for fun and swim because.

ABOUT THE REC CENTER

As a Barracuda Swim Team Member, you have the privilege of being able to practice and have a swim meet in the newest recreation facility in Colorado. Our center is named in honor of Bill Heddles, who understood the importance of creative interaction and recreation. He gave many long hours as a city council member with a dream. We hope you take pride in this wonderful facility and help to set an example for others!

IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! … ..

Rec Center Rules:

•  Team members must sign the daily practice roster kept at the front desk each and every practice they attend.

•  There will be no “ open swim ” after practice. Team members will be required to leave the Aquatic Complex after practice. Swimmers with Full Membership passes may stay at the Rec Center for other activities after checking in at the Front Desk. Swimmers with Swim Passes only will need to make transportation arrangements or pay for further use of the facility.

•  General pool rules will be the same during swim practices:

•  No running in the facility.

•  Rough horseplay and “ chicken fights ” are prohibited.

•  Food, drinks and glass are not permitted in the Aquatic Complex or the locker rooms.

•  You must provide your own lock for the lockers.

•  Locks that are left will be cut off by the Rec. Center that evening

Report problems or damage anywhere in the Rec Center to the front desk.

REC CENTER STAFF

Director:

Aquatics Director: Amanda Hatch

Phone: 874-0923

Dues & Fees

-See Team Fees and Dues

-Swim meets fees (varies with teams)- payable at sign up

- Team Dues and CSI registration are non-refundable

-Summer Club Season lasts - April 1st through Summerclub Championship/Jo's
for swimmers who achive a qualifying time
all others last day of practice will be the Thursday after the last chance meet

- swim team technique lessons $6.00 ½ hr $12.00 1 hr. (after regular practice)

SWIMMING: THE SPORT

The Skills: The four competitive strokes are freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

The Competition: Each swim meet offers a variety of events and distances, depending on the age group and classification. Each swimmer may enter up to five individual events per day in a timed finals meet, or up to three events at a prelims and finals meet. Twelve and under swimmers who have not achieved national “A” times participate in meets in which the sessions are four hours or less.

In Freestyle events, the competitor may swim any stroke he/she wishes. The stroke used is the crawl, which is characterized by the alternate overhand motion of the arms and an alternating up-and-down flutter kick.

In the Backstroke, the stroke consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a flutter kick. On turns, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall.

The Breaststroke requires simultaneous movements of the arms on the same horizontal plane. The hands are pulled from the breast in a heart shaped pattern and recovered under or over the surface of the water. The kick is a simultaneous somewhat circular motion similar to the action of a frog. No flutter, scissors or dolphin kick is permitted. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously, with shoulders in line with the surface of the water.

The Butterfly is the most beautiful of the strokes. It features a simultaneous overhand stroke of the arms combined with an undulating dolphin kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs together and may not flutter, scissor or use the breaststroke kick. The butterfly was developed in the early 1950's as a variation of the breaststroke. It became an Olympic stroke in 1956 in Melbourne.

One on One Swim Technique lessons

This year we are offering swim lessons after regular swim practice. Lessons need to be payed for prior to the lesson to the team. Lessons will be given after swim team practice at the Delta Pool. The lesson will be taught by Samantha Peel, Linda's daughter. She will be teaching one on one, concentrating on competitive stroke technique. Sam will be available for lesson registration every Wednesday.

The cost will be $6.00 for ½ hr. and $12.00 for 1hr.

WHAT TO BRING TO A SWIM MEET

Swim meets are a fun time for the whole team, but there is always time to sit and wait. Here is a list of things that might come in handy:

Jacket or Sweats Snack Foods

Sunscreen Lawn Chair

Hat Sleeping Bag

Extra Towels Games & Books

Pillow & Blanket and something to keep it all in!

Transportation to meets can be shared with other members. Meets that last two or three days may involve an overnight in a motel. Camping is often an option which is usually free in a nearby park. It is also possible for a swimmer to limit his events to only one day.

SUN SAFETY TIPS

•  Try to avoid the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the sun ' s rays are the strongest.

•  Apply a broad spectrum sun screen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.

•  Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days.

•  Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, such as long-sleeved shirt and pants.

•  Wear a 4-inch wide broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses, even when walking short distances.

•  Stay in the shade whenever possible.

•  Avoid reflective surfaces, that can reflect up to 85% of the sun ' s damaging rays.

•  Protect children by keeping them out of the sun, minimizing sun exposure and applying sunscreens beginning at six months of age.

MEET EXPENSES

Costs involved per meet vary from $2.50 to $4.00 per event. Pool fees @ 5.00. These fees are expected at the time of the meet registration. Souvenirs, such as T-shirts and sweat shirts are available at most meets.

CARE OF YOUR SWIM SUIT

Mildew, moss and fungus can cause thin spots in your new suit

because lycra suits contain lycra and spandex. Spandex is highly

resistant to chlorine and is used by all major manufacturers of

competitive swim wear. However, it does have one weakness, if

allowed to remain damp for long periods of time it can be consumed

by fungi such as mold and mildew.

It takes only 24 hours, sometimes less, of the proper conditions of dampness, fungi spores and temperature to produce the type of thin spots you see as lycra degradation. Any swimmer who wants to take advantage of this low drag fabric must remain conscientious about it ' s care and remember to:

•  ALWAYS rinse your suit in fresh water and air dry IMMEDIATELY after each use.

•  DO NOT leave your suit to dry in areas such as bags, lockers, damp basements, closed bathrooms or wrapped up in towels.

Energy Foods For Young Athletes

For athletic performance and general good health, a diet which is high in carbohydrates is recommended.

CARBOHYDRATES such as bread, popcorn, crackers,

cereal and granola give the swimmer energy over the long haul. Concentrated sugars, like a candy bar, will stimulate the body for a short time span and then cause low blood sugar leaving the body feeling non-energetic.

PROTEINS are important daily requirements during the whole summer of heavy training and high level activities. Meats, low-fat cheese and milk are needed to sustain a body working harder than normal.

Foods containing a lot of FATS are not needed by the swimmer. Fried foods don't digest easily and can cause nausea during a meet when coupled with the anticipation and stress of an event.

The best rule to follow is a well rounded diet from the four food groups every day and to eat light before early morning practices and then a second breakfast after practices. On meet days try to eat about two hours prior to your first event. Don ' t overeat!

WATER – swimmers need to stay hydrated. Keep a filled water bottle with you at practice and meets AND DRINK, DRINK, DRINK! Carbonated beverages, such as soda, don't work – they only dehydrate you. WATER IS BEST!

Meet Registration

Registration deadline for a meet is usually 2 weeks prior to the meet. Sign up papers are made available to the swimmer and parents several days prior to the deadline, at the pool, during team practice. At the beginning of the season and toward the end there will be sign ups due back to back, so please pay attention and stay in communication with the team. We will post deadlines throughout the season in the Barracuda News Letter. This newsletter will be available at the pool during training sessions or e-mailed to you. There will be a designated parent at the pool during training sessions to accept the meet entry and money. If you are unable to get to the pool, you need to make arrangements with Sue Barnosky,856-7267 our meet registrar. If you miss the deadline, and late entries are allowed, it will be your responsibility to contact the other team to sign up your swimmer. Please make every effort, when dropping of the kids for practice, to come in and get the information you need.

END OF SEASON AWARDS

Every year all swim team members earn various special awards,

which are presented at the end of the season Pot Luck.

The awards are as follows:

Participation Awards: Given to each swimmer not receiving any other special award.

Outstanding Swimmer Award: Given to each swimmer earning at least 65 points in non-championship meets. To be eligible, a swimmer must compete in at least 5 meets.

Pool Record Awards: Given to each swimmer breaking an existing pool record at any regular season or post season swim meet.

State Qualifier Awards: Given to swimmers that qualify for any of the state swim meets including Senior, 14 & Under, 8 & Under, Silver State Championships and Summer Club. The does not include the Western Slope Championship Meet.

Most Improved New Swimmers Short Distance: Given to the first year boy and girl whose times improve the most during the entire season. To be eligible, a swimmer must compete in at least 5 meets and improve in at least 3 events.

Most Improved New Swimmers Long Distance: Given to the first year boy and girl whose times improve the most during the entire season. To be eligible, a swimmer must compete in at least 5 meets and improve in at least 3 events.

Most Improved Veteran Swimmers Short Distance : Given to the boy and girl who have been on the team in a previous season and show the most improved total times for all events during the entire season. To be eligible, a swimmer must compete in at least 5 meets and improve in at least 3 events.

Most Improved Veteran Swimmers Long Distance : Given to the boy and girl who have been on the team in a previous season and show the most improved total times for all events during the entire season. To be eligible, a swimmer must compete in at least 5 meets and improve in at least 3 events.

High Point Awards: Given to the boy and girl in each age group (8&Under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and seniors) who have earned the highest total points in their respective age groups in non-championship meets. To be eligible, a swimmer must compete in at least 5 meets. Age as of 1 st meet of the season.

Sportsmanship Award: Given to the swimmer who demonstrates the qualities of sportsmanship on a consistent basis: attends practice regularly, shows eagerness to learn and improve, is supportive of other team members, and represents the Delta Barracudas in a positive manner at all times. This award is voted on by the swimmers, the final decision as to who the recipient is made by the coaching staff. To be eligible, a swimmer must compete in at least 5 meets.

Parent Award: Given to the parent who demonstrates the qualities of sportsmanship on a consistent basis: is supportive of not only his/her own children, but of all swimmers, parents and coaches on the team with a positive attitude and willingness to get involved and help out. To be eligible, a parent must compete in at least 5 meets.

Coach's Award: Given to the best all-around boy and girl who have demonstrated exceptional swimming ability, attitude and sportsmanship. To be eligible, a swimmer must compete in at least 5 meets.

Begin Setting Your Goals Now

VERY IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW & REMEMBER

We know some of these things seem obvious, but to ensure that we have another great season and avoid problems, we would like each parent and swimmer to please read through the following:

At Practice :

•  Be on time for practice

•  Sign in at front desk for every practice

•  Be courteous to Rec Center staff

•  Follow pool rules ALWAYS – we are guests here

•  Pay attention to coaching staff at all times and follow their instruction

•  Don ' t monopolize the coaching staff ' s attention – they have a whole team to coach

•  Be courteous to fellow team members both in and out of the water – every swimmer, regardless of ability is an equal member of the team

•  While practicing do not hinder or block another swimmer in your lane

In the Locker Room remember there is ABSOLUTELY NO:

•  Running

•  Shoving

•  Yelling

•  Throwing of items – ANY KIND

•  Hiding of another swimmer ' s belongings

•  Borrowing of another swimmer ' s belongings without that person ' s permission

•  Swirlies

Remember to stay on your side of the locker room – the WET SIDE

Continued failure to abide by the locker room rules will result in:

•  Requiring of the offending swimmer ' s parent or guardian to be present at all times the swimmer is in the locker room.

•  Suspension or expulsion from the Rec Center

At Meets :

•  Get to meets on time – at least 10 minutes prior to session warm up

•  Come prepared to swim – have all your ‘ stuff ' , i.e. suit, goggles, cap, towel, food food, food, etc.

•  Check in with coaches as soon as you arrive

•  Never get into the water without your coach ' s permission

•  Always let the coaches know when you will not be attending a meet you have previously signed up for – when you don ' t it wreaks havoc with the relays

•  Be courteous to other team ' s parents, swimmers and coaches – YOU are representing the Delta Barracudas

•  Know what your event numbers are – pay attention to first and last calls – know when your event is coming up

•  After each swim ALWAYS get your time from the timers and go see your coach IMMEDIATELY

•  Be prepared to help out if needed at other team ' s meets, i.e., timing

•  NEVER, NEVER, NEVER argue with an official ' s decision – that ' s the coach ' s job – they ' ve been at it longer!

•  Obey the rules of the pool where the meet is being held … .. you are an invited

guest

•  Support your team members … .. everyone needs encouragement

Parents & Guardians :

•  Support your swimmer(s) in a positive manner, always encourage and NEVER criticize

•  Support your coaches in a positive manner by supporting training and discipline techniques – if you have questions about either of these discuss it with the Head Coach at an appropriate and set time

•  Encourage your swimmer to always talk to the coach before and after competition events.

•  If you have questions about the club please feel free to discuss it with a board member

•  Get your swimmers to practice on time

•  Turn in meet entries by deadline with money, if non-compliant we will not send in your swimmers registration for any meet until payment is made, or arrangements are made with the treasurer or Delta Barracuda Parent Board.

•  We will not accept swimmers with outstanding fees/dues from the past season until payment is made.

•  Team Dues and CSI registration are non-refundable

•  Meet entries are not refundable, if you sign up and can not make it and the team paid for you, you are still responsible for the amount that was send in for you. (see # 6 above)

•  If you missed a meet entry deadline, you will be responsible to contact the host team and sing up your swimmer