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Calverton Chargers 2003

Swim Team Handbook

to have fun…improve our strokes…

learn about ourselves and others…

compete at all levels in MCSL…

do our best in and out of the water

From Our Head Coach...

Dear Member,

Welcome to the Calverton Swim Team! The Chargers are approximately 150 swimmers at all levels, from beginners to junior national qualifiers. Our goal for the team is to provide a fun, competitive, and memorable season for all swimmers. Each swimmer, regardless of age or ability, is an equal member of this team.

There are opportunities for all swimmers to compete, whether it is in a “B” meet, an “A” meet, or our annual “mini meet.” Aside from competition, the team provides social activities for your children. We have picnics, breakfasts, dinners, movie days, pep rallies, and bowling days. Here is a great opportunity for your children to begin some lasting friendships. We try to make practices and meets as much FUN as possible for swimmers.

This season, returning swimmers will have the opportunity to welcome two new Assistant Coaches. Sara Berberich, a graduating senior on this year’s team, will be a role model for her teammates and can share what she’s learned in her years of swimming. Dan Ryan is a long-time Charger who graduated from the team after a very successful season last year. I’m sure you will agree that each of our coaches has something special to offer. Returning Assistant Coach Mary Alice Hewitt gained valuable experience last year and established a special rapport with many of our swimmers. Last but not least (because this is truly the future of our team), Meagan Stobie will be back in her third season as Pre-Team Coach.

As for me, I grew up swimming for Calverton, from the time I was 5 years old until my last year of eligibility at 18. I coach both a USA Swimming club team year-round and a high school swim team because I enjoy coaching—but I have stayed here at Calverton because I love the team. I have taken a great deal from my own experience as a Charger, and this is a way to give something back. Swim team is a great way for children to experience a real team effort and learn good sportsmanship. It's one of the few sports that provide an opportunity for siblings to be on the same team.

If you have questions about the team, you can e-mail me at murells@hotmail.com or the swim team representatives—Ellen Carroll and Robert Davis—at CAswim2000@aol.com.

Yours truly,

Tony Murray

Welcome

Welcome to the Calverton Swim Team Summer 2003 season. This handbook contains valuable information about our activities, policies, and other things you and your children need to know.

Swimming is a family sport and each family’s support is needed to have a successful season. You may show your support by working at swim meets as a Deck Official, Timer, Computer Operator, Announcer, or Clerk of Course. You can work at the Snack Bar or as a member of the Bulkhead Gang. There are also opportunities for you to help at the various social activities we have planned.

By being involved you are providing a positive example for your children and making our team strong.

Team Registration and Fees

All members of the Calverton Swim Club between the ages 5-18 as of June 1 are eligible to swim with the team. Swimmers must register and be entered on the team roster before they will be allowed to participate.

The Calverton Swim Team will again offer its successful Pre-Team Program for children who have earned a pool patch but are not ready to swim 25-meter lengths at a regular team practice.

The registration fee for the 2003 season will be $30 per swimmer with a family cap of $90, if paid before Time Trials on June 14, 2003. An additional fee of $10 per swimmer will be charged for late registration; please see one of the Team Reps. Team fees are used to buy awards, equipment, and other items needed to run this program, and are non-refundable.

General Policies

Coaches are responsible for the team at practices and meets. Their full attention is required to conduct effective practices and to provide a safe environment for our swimmers.

By registering for the Swim Team, swimmers and parents agree to accept the authority of League Officials, Meet Managers, Coaches, or other designated adults. Swimmers unaccompanied by parents at any swim team event will be under the supervision of these persons.

Regular participation in practice sessions is expected, to be eligible for meets. Exceptional circumstances (work, school, vacation, etc.) should be discussed with the Head Coach.

Every swimmer will be given the opportunity to compete. Seedings are based on times recorded at Time Trials, meets, or practice. The Head Coach will determine what is best for the team when deciding strokes and events for individual swimmers.

Meets are seeded days ahead, and entries will be posted at the pool on the Thursday before each “A” meet and the Monday before each “B” meet. If you cannot attend a meet, please inform the Head Coach as far in advance as possible. In the event of last-minute illness or other situation please contact the Head Coach or one of the Team Reps.

Practices

Parents are encouraged to observe practices from the upper deck/patio. The pool deck is for swimmers and coaches only. We are not permitted on the grass areas, playgrounds, or volleyball courts. The pool is NOT “open” during morning practices. These areas are off-limits to all swimmers and their families until 11am. Coaches are available after practice during the day for any questions you may have about your swimmer. Other concerns should be addressed to your Team Reps.

Schedule (Monday-Friday):

Tuesday, May 27 - Friday, June 20 5:30-6:45pm All team swimmers

except Pre-Team

Monday, June 23 – Friday, July 18 8:00-9:15am 10 & Under

9:30-11:00am 11 & Over

9:30-10:15am Pre-Team

The Practice Schedule is subject to change as necessary.

Swim Meets

Calverton (CA) competes in B Division of the Montgomery County Swim League. All swimmers, parents, and guests represent our team and swim club. We will observe all rules of the League and host pool. We will be respectful of the efforts of other swimmers and remain quiet for the start of events. ALL team members and families are encouraged to attend ALL swim meets.

All team members will stay in our team area where we will cheer for our teammates and show good sportsmanship toward our competitors. Parent cheerleaders will remain in the spectator area during meets.

DUAL MEETS

The five dual MCSL meets form the major competitive program for the team. The order in which we swim against the other teams in the division, as well as whether we are the home team, is determined in advance by seeding within the division. Seeding is based on a computerized swim-off between all teams in the league. The average times for the top three finishers in each event (from the previous season) are used in this "swim-off".

Dual meets consist of 50 events. There are 40 individual events in the four strokes, 4 relays, and 6 individual medleys. Individual events are arranged by age and gender, with swimmers competing at 8 and under (8&U), 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15-18. Age is determined by swimmer's age on June 1. Ribbons for individual events are awarded for first through sixth places. Team points are awarded as follows: first, 6 points; second, 4; third, 3; fourth, 2; fifth, 1.

"B" MEETS

The one-heat rule in effect for most age groups in MCSL makes "B" meets a necessity for large teams such as Calverton's. Eligibility restrictions agreed upon with the opposing team ensure the competitive balance of “B” events.

RELAY CARNIVAL

All six teams compete in the relay carnival, a relatively short meet with 20 events. Relay carnival points count toward the calculation of the division champion, and help determine participants in the MCSL Relay All-Stars. Parents who wish to participate in the Parents Relay event should contact Mary Blanken in advance.

8 & UNDER “MINI” MEET

The Calverton Chargers recently started a new team tradition, hosting an annual “mini” meet for swimmers aged 8 & under from several MCSL teams. Some of the swimmers here have participated in meets during the summer, but for many

Pre-Teamers this is their first opportunity to compete, and to show their families and friends what they have learned. All swimmers get ribbons in every event.

DIVISIONALS

A two-heat per event meet, following the same order of events used for dual meets. Each team provides two swimmers per event. Medals are awarded for first (gold), second (silver), and third (bronze) places and ribbons for fourth through sixth places.

COACHES' LONG COURSE MEET

This meet is held the fifth week of the season (July 15, 2002). The MCSL's top 8 swimmers in each event (based on the first 3 meets of the season) plus 2 alternates comprise the entry list. Events are the same as the non-relay events with double distances (held in the 50-meter pool at Rockville Municipal Swim Center).

ALL-STARS

These are the major league-wide swim meets for individuals and for relay teams. Individuals are considered for this meet if they obtain an all-star qualifying time during a dual or divisional meet, but the number of competitors is limited to the 16 swimmers with the fastest times in each event. Relay teams finishing first in their divisional relay meet and several additional teams with the fastest times are entered in the Relay All-Star Meet.

Awards Night 2003 Saturday, July 26, 6pm

Every swimmer will be recognized

After each Saturday home meet our swim team will have a pot luck picnic. ALL team members, not just Saturday swimmers, are encouraged to attend along with their families. Bring your specialty in a non-breakable container to show off! After away/evening meets the team will generally meet at a fast-food restaurant.

This year, team pictures will be taken on Tuesday, July 1 at 5:30pm. Individual photographs of your swimmers may be taken also. We combine the photo session with our Annual Pasta Dinner. This is our most popular social event of the season. Be there!

These weekday events are a great opportunity for all team members to get together and have some air-conditioned fun away from the pool! Parents serve as chaperones and drivers. This year, we will bowl on Friday, June 27 at noon. We’ll go to the movies on Friday, July 18; watch the team bulletin board for film titles and showtimes. Generally, we choose two appropriate films -- one for younger children and another for the older kids.

Our swimmers work hard at practice, and one morning each summer we reward them with a good hot breakfast at the pool! This year, the team breakfast will follow our individual practice sessions on Friday, July 11. A sign-up sheet will be posted outside the pool office so we can have plenty of everything for all our swimmers.

At each home meet our swim team operates a snack bar which provides important revenue for the Chargers. Nancy Grinberg and Judith Lawhorn will coordinate the details and place posters for sign-up to contribute homemade or store-bought items. Contributions for the snack bar, picnics, and other functions are an important part of the social life of the team for you and your children, and are greatly appreciated!

The swim team will sell ice cream sundaes at Float Night on Monday, June 9. The. Bring your raft and a dollar! Have a good time while showing your support for the Chargers.

TEAM APPAREL

Team Suits and swim caps (strongly encouraged but not required for meets), tee shirts and tank tops, shorts, sweats, and swim bags imprinted with the Chargers logo all are available, so swimmers can show their team spirit at meets and all year long. For parents, there are embroidered men’s and women’s sport shirts and sweatshirts too. Wear them proudly!

After the two suit fittings (April 26 and May 26 this year) and team orders, everything except swim caps, tees, and tank shirts may be purchased by parents directly from our supplier, SWIM PRO (Glenn Dale Plaza, 10831 Lanham Severn Rd., Glen Dale, 301-464-6923). Sandra Glasser (301-586-1513) has a limited supply of tees and tank tops, and lots of swim caps on hand. Caps and goggles will be available at every meet. Please note: The Chargers do not profit from team apparel sales.

BULKHEAD

To be able to host MCSL meets the swim team must install the bulkhead across the pool. This is a big job, requiring a lot of manual labor. The Bulkhead Gang will accept any help -- no experience necessary! The bulkhead is installed on Friday evening at 7pm for Saturday meets and at 4pm for Wednesday evening meets; it must be removed immediately after each meet.

Our awards night is scheduled for the evening of the Divisional Championship Meet, July 26, 2002. Planning for this event will begin at the start of the season. Invitations are cordially extended to all swimmers, Charger alumni, and their families. Awards are presented in each age group by gender for High Point achievement and Outstanding Swimmer (second-highest point total). A number of swimmers are presented with Most Improved or Hardest Worker awards.

Since 1984 the Team Spirit Award has been given in honor of John Landicho, a Calverton Team Rep and longtime Starter. In 1985 the Hardest Worker Award was named for Jerry Wrenn, one of our first coaches. An award for family service was instituted in 1987 in honor of the Kammel family. And in 2001, the Most Improved Award was named for the Ryland family, in memory of Barbara Ryland.

There will be four clinics. All areas of instruction will be offered at the first three clinics, while stroke and turn judging only will be offered at the fourth. This last clinic will be scheduled after the first dual meet. Any changes in USA Swimming Rules, Starting Procedures, Stroke & Turn rules, and MCSL rule changes will be covered.

At the first three clinics: Instruction will be offered in timer/head timer/relay takeoff judge, stroke & turn judge, starter, referee. At the end of some sessions, there will be a presentation and discussion of relevant technical and procedural details (for example, general concepts of starting will be presented first, followed by an optional session on techniques, the use of electronic starting equipment, etc.). The instructional sessions will be presented simultaneously and it will be possible to attend only one per clinic, but all sessions will be given at each of the first three clinics. There will be an introduction for all attendees and pertinent rule changes will be presented. “Handouts” will be available, and attendance will be recorded as part of the certification process.

At the fourth clinic (TBD): There will be a brief introduction on general aspects of officiating, then instruction on stroke & turn judging only.

IN ADDITION: On Thursday, May 29, 7:00pm, at Olney Indoor Swim Center, there will be an advanced “recertification” clinic for certified referees only. Consult the Team Reps or Officials Chair for more details.

Clinics are free of charge. Instruction will be provided by MCSL Board members and invited instructors.

Sunday, June 8, 8:00am Olney Indoor Swim Center

Olney Indoor Swim Center: Go to Georgia Ave via Norbeck Rd (Rte 28) or I-495. Approximately 1 mile north of Norbeck Rd, Olney Manor Park is on the right. Enter at the stop light on Georgia Ave and Emory Lane.

Automation Training

Sunday May 18, Tuesday June 10, Tuesday June 17<o:p></o:p>

At Montgomery Aquatic Center Classroom 5/18 is from 10am–1pm

At Martin Luther King, Jr. Swim Center 6/10 & 6/17 are from 7pm-10pm<o:p></o:p>

Calverton Charger parents, coaches, or others who wish to attend are encouraged to do so!

All sessions will consist of 3 parts: <o:p></o:p>

<![if !supportLists]>1) <![endif]>Handing out Meet Manager, Commlink, Templates and instructional materials.<o:p></o:p>

<![if !supportLists]>2) <![endif]>Instruction on Windows Team Manager from Hy-Tek.<o:p></o:p>

<![if !supportLists]>3) <![endif]>Instruction on Meet Manager for DOS for those who are new on it or need a refresher.<o:p></o:p>

<![if !supportLists]>4) <![endif]>If appropriate, there will be a brief discussion of the responsibilities of the Division Automation Liaisons after the meetings.<o:p></o:p>

DIRECTIONS TO MONTGOMERY AQUATIC CENTER: From Capital Beltway, go to exit for Old Georgetown Pike (MD 187) Go North on Old Georgetown Pike to Nicholson Lane. Turn right, go one block and turn left onto Executive Drive. Pool is one block ahead on left.

TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. SWIM CENTER: From Rt. 29, turn onto New Hampshire Ave. N. Proceed for a half mile and at the light, make a right turn at White Oak Middle School onto Jackson Rd. Pool is about one-quarter mile ahead.
Order of Events (Dual and Individual Championship Meets)

EVENT DISTANCE

Boys Graduated Freestyle 175M

(Event 49 in dual meets)

Girls Graduated Freestyle 175M

(Event 50 in dual meets)

15-18 Mixed Freestyle 200M

13-14 Mixed Freestyle 200M

8&U Mixed Freestyle 100M

9-10 Mixed Freestyle 200M

11-12 Mixed Freestyle 200M

Boys Open Age Medley 200M

(Event 3 in dual meets)

Girls Open Age Medley 200M

(Event 4 in dual meets)

14 & Under Boys Graduated Medley 100M

(One swimmer from each of the age groups, 8&U, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, swims one 25M length of back, breast, fly, or free. Any age group may swim any stroke.)

14 & Under Girls Graduated Medley 100M

(One swimmer from each of the age groups, 8&U, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, swims one 25M length of back, breast, fly, or free. Any age group may swim any stroke.)

Ten Minute Break

9-10 Boys Medley 100M

9-10 Girls Medley 100M

13-14 Boys Medley 200M

13-14 Girls Medley 200M

15-18 Mixed Medley 200M

8&U Boys Medley 100M

8&U Girls Medley 100M

11-12 Boys Medley 200M

11-12 Girls Medley 200M

Ten Minute Break

Boys Freestyle Crescendo 250M

(1 length 8&U, 2 lengths 11-12, 4 lengths 15-18, 2 lengths 13-14, 1 length 9-10)

Girls Freestyle Crescendo 250M

(1 length 8&U, 2 lengths 11-12, 4 lengths 15-18, 2 lengths 13-14, 1 length 9-10)

Sat. Jun. 21 9am “A” Meet, Quince Orchard v. Calverton (Home) theme: Fun in the Sun

Wed. Jun. 25 6pm “B” Meet, Calverton v. Robin Hood (Away) theme: Fun in the Sun

Sat. Jun. 28 9am “A” Meet, Olney Mill v. Calverton (Home) theme: Red, White, & Blue

Wed. Jul. 2 6pm “B” Meet, Calverton v. Damascus (Away) theme: Red, White, & Blue

Sat. Jul. 5 9am “A” Meet, Calverton v. Upper County (Away) theme: Xmas in July

Sun. Jul. 6 8am “A” Relay Carnival at Upper County (Away) wear your team gear!

Wed. Jul. 9 6pm “B” Meet, Flower Valley v. Calverton (Home) theme: Xmas in July

Thu. July 10 6pm “B” Relay Carnival at Calverton (Home) wear your team gear!

Sat. Jul. 12 9am “A” Meet, Calverton v. Cedarbrook (Away) theme: Crazy Hats & Sox

Wed. Jul. 16 6pm “B” Meet, Robin Hood v. Calverton (Home) theme: Crazy Hats & Sox

Sat. Jul. 19 9am “A” Meet, Darnestown v. Calverton (Home) theme: Grads/Colleges

Schedule is subject to change—check the Team Board at the pool for up-to-date info!
Directions to “Away” Meets

From Rt. 29 South, take the Beltway west to Connecticut Ave. (Exit 33). Keep right at the fork in the ramp and follow Connecticut for ~ 1 mile to a left on Dresden St.; continue for ~ 1/4 mile to a right onto Summit Ave.

From New Hampshire Ave. North, turn left onto Norwood Rd; cross Layhill/Ednor and turn left onto Rt. 108. Continue on 108 all the way to Damascus, turning left on Rt. 124 (Woodfield Rd.). Go one block, past Bethesda Church Rd. Pass the entrance to the townhouse development and pool entrance (Damascus Recreation Association) is the first right, at the bottom of the hill.

From I-270 North, take Exit 10 (Rt. 117 W -Clopper Rd); proceed to second light. Turn left onto Rt. 124 Quince Orchard Rd. Go ~ 3 miles and turn right onto Rt. 28 West. Go ~ 5 miles and turn left onto Spring Meadow Dr. Pool entrance is ~ 2 miles down on right.

From Columbia Pike (Rt. 29) to Randolph Rd. West on Randolph (cross New Hampshire) to right turn on Locksley Ln. First right turn on Banbury to first left on Tamworth. First left on Mowbray; pool is on the left.

I-270 to Exit 6 (Rt. 28); west on 28 to first left on Manakee Dr, approx 0.5mi to left on Martins Lane. Access to Swim Center via two driveways on the right.

From our pool, make a left onto Fairland Rd., followed by a right at Brahms (lg. sign Tanglewood); at the stop sign make a left onto Schubert; pool is on the right.

From I-270 north, take Shady Grove Rd. east (Exit 8). Turn left onto MIDCOUNTY HWY. After ~ a mile, make a right onto Rt. 124 (Washington Grove Ln.). Turn left onto Emory Grove Rd. at the light. Pool is on the right, next to the Upper County Community Center.