Table of Contents
General
Thank you for making the decision to join the Smyrna Sharks Swim Team! We hope you and your swimmers have a great season. Most of the information you will need to have a fun and successful swim team experience is included in this document and throughout the rest of the swim team website. Please refer to the team contacts if you have specific questions that are not addressed herein or in the rest of the website.
Communications from the swim team as well as updates to the team website will continue throughout the season. You are responsible for the information contained herein and on the rest of the website, as well as any changes or additional information that is communicated during the season. If there is anything we can do to make your swim team experience a better one, please do not hesitate to let us know!
The swim team is for children ages 5 to 18 (as of 5/31), or as young as 4 for the Rookie team. You do not have to know all the strokes, and you do not have to be a great swimmer. Practices and meets are a great deal of fun for swimmers and parents alike. You’ll probably find many of your neighbors in attendance! The swim team is open to residents of the City of Smyrna as well as non-residents. You must be a Cobb County Resident to swim on the swim team.
Pool Location and Season Schedule Overview
We practice at Tolleson Park pool on King Springs Road in Smyrna. We generally start practice in early May several evenings each week. Once school is out, we begin morning practices for swimmers ages 10 and under and evening practices for swimmers ages 11 to 18. There are generally five regular season meets on weeknights, mostly in June. After the regular swim season ends, any swimmer who is a resident of Cobb County, ages 7 and older may choose to participate in the GRPA District 5 State Qualifying Meet on a Saturday in early July. Those who qualify in the top 3 places advance to the GRPA State Meet two weeks after District in July.
Registration
We do usually fill up all of the spots on the swim team roster, so register promptly when online registration opens. Registration generally takes place in March. Beginning in early February, you may check the team website for specific information about the current year registration. If you miss registration, please send an email to registration@smyrnasharks.org with your name, swimmer’s name(s), swimmer’s age(s), and swimmer’s gender. Your e-mail address will be added to our list so you will receive notification next year when registration opens. Registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Swim Assessments
After registration, we will schedule several assessment days, before practice begins, at an indoor pool. Rookies from the previous season and all new swimmers must be assessed to determine whether or not they should be placed on the swim team or in the rookie program. These are not tryouts.
Team Size, Wait List, and USA Swimmers
Because swimming has grown in popularity in the Smyrna area, the Smyrna Sharks field two Cobb County Summer League teams: the Hammerheads and the Makos. New swimmers are assigned to a team based on which team has the greatest need for a swimmer of their specific age and gender. Siblings are placed on the same team. Swimmers from both teams practice together; however, a swimmer may only be assigned to and participate in meets for one team.
The Cobb County Swim League only allows each team to have 120 swimmers participate in a regular season meet. However, we can and do have more swimmers than that on the team. During the summer, many swimmers are not able to attend all of the meets. If more than 120 swimmers sign-up to participate in a swim meet, we may look at a number of different factors to determine who will swim in the meet such as registration order, gender/age needs for that specific meet, as well as fulfillment or progress towards meeting volunteer requirements. It is very unusual for more than 120 swimmers to sign-up for a meet; however, it is a possibility.
During registration, we also limit the number of swimmers who may sign up for each age/gender group. We may not be able to add someone to the roster for this reason, even though the total number of swimmers on the roster has not yet reached its maximum. The 7 to 12 year-olds tend to be the most popular age groups.
After certain age/gender groups are filled, you may register for the wait list. We may add swimmers to our roster from the wait list until mid-May. In the past, we have been able to add a number of swimmers from the wait list. We will issue full refunds to those on the wait list who do not get a spot on the team.
If you are on the wait list when we hold our swimsuit fittings, you may want to attend the fitting and determine your sizes for swimsuits and fins and only order the items that are returnable. Knowing your suit size will allow you to order on line if your swimmer is placed on a team.
The Cobb League rules limit us to having no more than 20 USA swimmers in any given regular season meet (see separate "USA Swimmers" section). The Cobb County Summer League Manual says: "If a swimmer is registered as a USA Swimmer (or registered with a USA team) at any time between (and including) August of the previous calendar year and July of the current swim season (whether or not they participate in USA practices and/or meets during that time period) they will be considered a USA Swimmer for the purposes of the current summer swim season. This definition includes home-school swim programs run by USA teams. Teams can have an unlimited number of USA registered swimmers but may only have 20 USA registered swimmers on their roster for each meet."
At times our teams may not have enough members in the older age groups (13 and above). We reserve the right in these instances to ask other children to swim at our meets only. They will not be allowed to practice with the team. They will simply help us by competing in meets. We will not ask any member of an established team in accordance with Cobb County League rules. We may not require these swimmers to pay a team fee as they will not be benefitting from our practices, our coaches expertise, or taking up lane space. We have asked them to help us so your swimmers get the chance to swim in relays. This will only be done after all registration is complete and we see the need for these swimmers in the older age groups.
Developmental "Rookie" Group
Any swimmer age 8 or younger who is willing and able to swim, but not yet close to being able to swim the length of the pool, is eligible to join our developmental "rookie" group. This group will generally practice at the same time as the 10 and under age groups. These swimmers will have their own "mini-meets," or "rookie races." Ribbons will be awarded to all swimmers. These swimmers are eligible to swim in the Georgia State Games if they are at least 6 (check the rules each summer to see what the minimum age is). The rookies generally practice in the morning once Cobb County Schools are released for the summer break.
Fees and Other Costs
The swim team registration fee is re-evaluated at the start of each new season. When registration opens for the upcoming season, you will be apprised of the current season’s registration fees. There is an additional charge of $5 per swimmer for non-Smyrna residents. Upon completion of registration, you will be provided with full details about how and when to request a refund. T-shirt refunds will only be issued if the t-shirt order has not yet been placed (probably late April).
Additional fees are usually charged on a per event basis for those swimmers who swim in the District or State meets. Swimmers who wish to enter the Georgia State Games may register on their own, and will need to pay those fees directly.
The $5 non-resident fee is forwarded directly to the City. Residency is subject to verification.
Other items that can or should be purchased are listed under the following two sections.
Team T-Shirts
Each swimmer receives a team t-shirt. Additional t-shirts for other family members may be purchased when you register your swimmer(s).
Swimsuits and Other Equipment Needed
Swimsuits: Each swimmer must wear an official team suit in order to swim at a meet. Team suits can be purchased during our suit sale in May. In addition, a prior season's team suit is acceptable. Please note, there are no exceptions to this rule. Your child can only swim at a meet if they are wearing a team suit. Rookies are not required to have a team suit. We generally switch to a new suit design every 2 years.
A competition suit is designed to fit snugly in the front and back so that the swimmer can be as sleek as she or he can be. Buying a suit so that the swimmer can wear it for more than a year is not recommended. Suits that are too large will gap and collect water when they swim and slow your child during competition. For girls, a suit should feature a high neckline and closed back. Straps should not pull up beyond the ears. For boys, the suit will be the knee length style ("jammers"). Board/baggy shorts are not recommended since they create too much drag. If that reasoning does not work, let your son go to practice in his shorts; eventually he will pick up the idea from his fellow teammates. No board shorts styles may be worn in a swim meet for any reason.
Note that swimmers and coaches may not wear USA Swimming or high school suits or caps at swim meets.
Swim Fins: Required for all swimmers, including rookies, for use at practice. Rubber training fins can be purchased at swim suit fittings, purchased at Kast-a-Way (online or at their store), or on Amazon. These are not the same as the recreational fins. Fins have proven to be a great tool in practice for conditioning as well as stroke work. Our rookies and swimmers with smaller feet will be able to find small-sized fins at Kast-a-Way or Amazon.
Swim Caps: A swim cap should be worn at practice as well as meets by girls as well as boys with longer hair. Once your cap is dry, a light dusting of baby powder will keep your latex cap from sticking to itself. Silicone or lycra caps are more expensive, but they are easier to put on and take off, they last longer, and they do not pull hair as much. If your swimmer wears a latex cap, be sure to keep a spare handy. You will have an opportunity to purchase a "Smyrna Sharks" swim cap when you register your swimmer. Note that swimmers and coaches may not wear USA Swimming or high school suits or caps at swim meets.
Goggles: Goggles are required for all swimmers. We do not recommend the goggles that are sold for recreational use. Goggles protect the eyes from chlorine and help your child see underwater. There are many types and styles. It tends to be a matter of personal choice. The longest lasting goggles are those with rubber-like gaskets. A good pair has soft gaskets that conform around the eye sockets. "Swedish" style goggles (a hard plastic goggle that sits inside the eye socket) are not recommended for beginners. For first time swimmers who have difficulty with rubber gaskets, a pair with foam gaskets might work. Anti-Fog goggles have a coating that reduces fogging. The coating degrades with time, but your child will have lost his goggles way before then. For those goggles without the coating try dipping them in water or applying a little saliva before putting them on. Please purchase competitition goggles and not larger diving type goggles. Consult a coach or coordinator with questions.
For new swimmers, goggles will also allow them to swim with their eyes open. This gives them greater confidence in the water. The coach will help them adjust the goggles and teach them how to dive so that their goggles stay in place.
Skills Development at Practice and Private Lessons
Ideally, a swimmer should be able to swim freestyle and backstroke. Breastroke and butterfly can be learned at practice and in independent lessons outside of practice.
Swimmers who are 10 and under must be able to swim the length of the pool (backstroke and freestyle) without stopping and without holding onto the rope before they will be able to swim in a meet. Swimmers who are 11 or older must be able to swim two lengths of the pool without stopping or holding onto the rope.
Swim team is primarily about conditioning, but also about technique (strokes, turns, starts, etc.) Conditioning works best in groups. General technique work will be done at practice. But, different swimmers have a wide difference in their techniques. Individualized technique instruction is often best handled one-on-one. Many swimmers take lessons outside of swim team practice to work on their techniques and strokes. Most of our coaches are available for private lessons outside of regular practices if you are interested in more individualized stroke work.
Any swimmer who has a specific question or concern about a stroke, start, or turn is welcome to approach one of the coaches about it before, during, or after practice.
Team Communications
Our most important source for relaying information will be through e-mail. You may give us as many e-mail addresses as you wish to include on our distribution list.
The team website (http://www.smyrnasharks.org/ ) is a valuable resource for information and we recommend that you check it regularly. You are responsible for the information contained therein.
Each swimmer will have his/her own folder that will be kept in a file box at the pool at all times. These folders are used for anything that is distributed "on pieces of paper." Ribbons won by swimmers will be placed in their folder for pick-up. Please check your swimmer’s folder regularly. During practices, the file box containing the folders will be near the concession stand.
You may also sign-up to receive text messages on the front page of our website. Text messages are sent when there is last minute information to relay and you may be at a swim meet or in route to a swim meet or swim practice.
Swimsuit Fittings
We will have a swimsuit and fin fitting at Tolleson Pool on one or more dates to be announced (generally in May after the start of practice).
Age Groups
Your child’s age as of 5/31 will determine the age group in which (s)he swims. There are separate age groups for girls and boys:
- 5-6
- 7-8
- 9-10
- 11-12
- 13-14
- 15-18
Most races are 25 yards long (1 lap) for ages 10 and under. The shortest races for those ages 11 and up are 50 yards (2 laps).
Smyrna Sharks Affiliations
The Smyrna Swim Team is an independent organization governed by an elected Board. The team was "spun off" from the City many years ago, but the City still provides us with the use of its pool and facilities at Tolleson Park. We operate under the terms of the City of Smyrna’s "Facilities Use Agreement," and under the authority of the City of Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department.
The Smyrna Swim Team is a member of the Cobb County Swim League, and competes with other teams in this league during the regular season (5 weekly dual meets, primarily in June). The swim team is governed by the Cobb County Summer League Rules as stated in its By-Laws and the Cobb County Summer Swim League Meet Manual during this part of the season.
The League is sponsored by Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department and has grown to include over 8500 swimmers each summer. The governing body of the Cobb County Summer Swim League is made up of a President and Secretary elected by the organization, a Representative from Cobb Co. Parks & Recreation, Division Representatives, and Team Coordinators.
The County is divided into 4 geographical zones: Northeast, Northwest, Central, and East. Each Zone contains three divisions. Each division is usually made up of six teams. Each team is led by a Coordinator, who represents his/her swim team at League-wide meetings. Each division elects one Team Coordinator to serve as its Division Representative. Each Division Representative serves on the Executive Council, which is comprised of the President and Secretary of the League, a Cobb County Representative, and the Division Representatives. This is the governing body of the Summer Swim League. The Division Representative is elected to a two-year term. All teams in a Division report their meet scores to their Division Representative, who, in turn, reports the Division's scores to the League Coordinator at the Mountain View Aquatic Center.
Teams move up and down between divisions each year based on their previous season's performance. Each division usually has six teams and they swim against each other once.
The Cobb Summer Swim League has its own rules for dual meets based primarily on USA Swimming rules. If you would like to read a copy of the "Meet Manual," you may find a copy here http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov/SummerSwimLeague.
The Sharks Swim Team represents the City of Smyrna at all GRPA sponsored meets (The "District" Meet and the "State" Meet.) These meets are conducted under USA Swimming Rules. GRPA divides the state into districts. Smyrna is in District 5 - Northwest Georgia.
In many sports, including swimming, each district in the state is separated into two groups, A or B. The larger cities and counties, including Smyrna, are included in Group A. The smaller cities are included in Group B. Separate District and State Meets are held in swimming each year for both groups.
The District 5 - Group A Meet is held every year two weeks before the GRPA State Meet. District Meet swimming site alternates every year. Past locations include Douglasville, Cartersville, Smyrna, and Dalton.
Currently, the State Meet is held the next-to-last weekend in July. Recent State Meets have been held in Marietta (Mountainview Aquatic Center), Augusta, and Carrollton.
Parental Guidelines
As in all youth sports, parents are expected to be examples of good sportsmanship during both practices and meets. Inappropriate behavior at any meet or practice may result in a parent being asked to leave the pool deck. The head coordinators and head coaches have the full approval of the board to ask any parent to leave the deck for any behavior they deem inappropriate. In addition, if a parent has any problem, concern, or complaint about the way practices are being handled or about practice issues specific to his/her child, that parent should not, under any circumstances, confront any of the coaches during practice. This undermines the coaches’ authority and disrupts the practice. We ask that you wait and discuss these issues with the coach at non-practice times or with the head coordinators.
The Cobb League Meet Manual states:
- "Any inappropriate behavior, poor sportsmanship ... during a meet by swimmers, coaches, coordinators, spectators, team ...will be addressed and investigated ..."
- "Coordinators, coaches and team parents set the tone for the attitude and behavior of their team. Common courtesy should always prevail."
- "Good Sportsmanship is the main objective of the Summer Swim League."
- "The coordinator is the only person on the team who should have any verbal contact with the referee. The referee will not respond to any complaints or issues from anyone else."
Behavior During Practice (Swimmers and Spectators)
The Tolleson lifeguard staff has asked us to remind those attending swim practices to observe all pool rules, especially regarding running on the pool deck. The lifeguards would prefer not to blow their whistles, as it would be an interruption and a distraction to practice. Swimmers should exit the pool when their practice is over. Siblings of swimmers my not be near the pool, sitting on the side or steps of the pool for any reason.
Junior Coaches
Junior coaches are swimmers 15 or older who are selected by the coach and coordinators and are paid to help coach the younger swimmers. If you are interested in swimming on the swim team and being a junior coach, please check the website for instructions about how to apply. The number of hours junior coaches will be scheduled will be at the discretion of the head coaches and the coordinators, and will depend on experience, availability, coaching ability, and other relevant factors.
Practice Times
See our calendar on the website for practice times and other important dates. Please be prompt for practice. We do not take attendance at practice.
We generally begin evening practices before school is out. After Cobb County Schools are released, we begin morning (younger swimmers and rookies) and evening (older swimmers) practices.
Please make sure that you are at the pool to pick up your swimmer(s) by the time practice ends.
Time Trials
Time trials serve many purposes. For example, they are a chance for new swimmers to experience something close to a meet-like setting. They give the coach a means of assessing new swimmers whose times we do not have from the previous year. It gives kids who have aged up to the 11-12 age group a chance to be timed in 50 yard events. Meets are seeded (the way in which the coach determines who swims which events and in which heats and lanes) based on historical times and other factors. Time trials give us a chance to "fill in the gaps" in our database of personal times in various events. Time trials also give our swimmers an opportunity to time themselves at the beginning of the season and set goals throughout the season to work on their "personal best" times. Time trials are scheduled before our first swim meet.
Meet Sign-up
All swimmers must sign up for each meet in which they are planning to participate by the deadline. Coaches will have the final word on the meet line-ups.
Your team coordinator will provide instructions at the beginning of the season about how to sign-up your swimmer for swim meets.
Swim Meets Arrival Time, Schedule, and Overview
There are usually 5 regular season meets. Each swimmer may swim in a maximum of 3 individual events and 2 relay events at each meet but is not guaranteed these amounts. Each swimmer is awarded a ribbon each time (s)he swims, unless that swimmer is disqualified.
The schedule for a regular season meet is as follows: (Parent volunteer check-in times vary by job and shift)
- 4:45 Swimmers should arrive at a home meet
- 5:00 Home team warms up
- 5:00 Swimmers should arrive at an away meet
- 5:30 Visiting team warms up
- 6:00 Meet Begins
- 8:00 Approximate time 6 & unders are finished
- 8:00 Approximate time of shift change for volunteers
- 9:30 – 10 pm Approximate time meets finish
Most meets offer a full range of concessions at reasonable prices. Concessions are the main source a swim team has for raising money for much needed equipment, coaches salaries etc. We urge all parents to support the concessions at both home and away meets.
A swimmer must be at least 5 years old to swim in any meet. Swimmers must be able to swim the length of the pool (25 yards) unassisted, no matter the age, to participate in the regular season meets. (S)he may stop briefly and hold on to the lane rope before continuing. Coaches are not allowed in the water with a swimmer.
The maximum number of events for each swimmer in a regular season meet is 3 individual events and 2 relay events (2 individual and 1 relay for 6 & unders). The Cobb League also limits the number of heats we can have in each event in our regular swim meets. This limitation forces us to limit the number of swimmers in each age/gender group (generally 20 to 25) so that most swimmers can swim the maximum number of events, or at least close to the maximum. Swimmers are not guaranteed the right to swim in the maximum number of events. That is the sole discretion of the head coaches.
We have learned through trial and error over the years that in order to get 120 swimmers in a meet, we need to keep a roster of approx. 160 swimmers. We have experienced 40 - 50 swimmers out per meet for many years now. However, we also realize that there will be times that more than 120 will sign up for a meet. In the case of this, if you signed up after the deadline you will revert to a waiting list. If you have not volunteered we will also use that as a criteria to put your swimmer on the wait list. We will generally go in order of when you signed up, but we have to first fill age groups to cover our critical scoring lanes.
Relays are comprised of 4 swimmers. Relays are put together from the swimmers who have signed up for a given meet. If a swimmer signs up for a meet and is put on a relay, but does not show up for that meet, there are 3 other swimmers who may not be able to swim that event because the 4th swimmer did not show up. It is critical that you sign up for meets by the deadline, and if for any reason you are not able to be at a meet after you have been entered in that meet, you should make every effort to notify a coordinator or coach as soon as possible.
If a swimmer is signed up for a meet and does not show up for the meet, the coach will reserve the right to limit his/her participation on relay events for the duration of the season. (We do understand about sudden illnesses and other special circumstances. In these instances, please notify a coordinator or coach as soon as possible.)
Swim Meet Procedures and Bull Pens
As soon as you arrive at the pool for a meet, check in with your swimmer’s bullpen parent so that (s)he knows that your child is there (the Smyrna bullpen will be at the back right corner of the pool area at Tolleson Park). Please do not leave your child in the bullpen area without at least one bullpen parent being present. Please assist the bullpen parent with writing the event, heat, and lane numbers on your child’s arm. The swimmer will remain with the bullpen parents during the meet, but please let your swimmer know where you’ll be sitting (or working).
- Event #1 is 7/8 girls 50 yard freestyle.
- Event #2 is 7/8 boys 50 yard freestyle.
- Event #3 is 9/10 girls 50 yard freestyle.
There are 8 lanes in our pool. If there are 16 swimmers in an event, then the first 8 swimmers are in heat 1 and the 2nd 8 swimmers are in heat 2. Each swimmer swims in a particular lane. Lane 1 is on the far side of our pool, next to the starter. The home team is in the even lanes and the visiting team is in the odd lanes. However, if one team has more swimmers in an event than the other they will use the other teams lanes in order to limit heat and keep the meet moving.
Your child's arm will be marked with a grid using a Sharpie. Any assistance you can give in marking their arms will be helpful. There are 3 columns: E (event number), H (heat number), and L (lane number). You will then fill in the rows - 1 row for each event. Next to the relay events, indicate which swimmer your child is (e.g. "2nd") and what stroke they are doing (in the medley relay). Also, you should put your child's name on the back of their shoulder. This helps timers and bullpen parents identify the various children who are all wearing matching bathing suits, goggles, and purple caps!
On the inside of your swimmer’s forearm, we will use a sharpie to write a "grid" like the following (only write what is highlighted): Some swimmers do write the event name to help them remember what they are swimming
| Event Name | Event Number | Heat Number | Lane Number | Relay Position |
| E | H | L | ||
| 50 Free | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Medley Relay | 13 | 1 | 5 | 2 / breast |
| 25 Breast | 35 | 1 | 1 | |
| IM | 47 | 1 | 3 | |
| Free Relay | 77 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
If a swimmer forgets an event number, or is not sure where (s)he is supposed to be, any volunteer or parent can look at his/her arm and help point him in the right direction.
Be sure to make a note of what events your child is swimming in so you can be paying attention at the right time!
We will make every effort to email a "Heat Sheet" (report that lists the participating swimmers and their events for a meet) prior to the meet; however, there are often changes made the day of the meet (a swimmer originally scheduled to be at the meet is no longer going to be there) and other swimmers must be moved around. We may be working on making these changes as you are driving to the meet. If you do not receive an emailed copy of the "Heat Sheet" in advance, your child’s Bullpen Parents will be able to tell you what events your child is scheduled to swim when you arrive at the meet.
What should you bring to a Swim Meet?
- One or more towels; team suit; goggles; swim cap
- A Sharpie fine-point permanent marker
- Between-event activities, such as handheld games, cards, board games, books, and crayons/coloring books for the younger kids (swimmers may wait as long as 40 minutes or so between events). PLEASE make sure your child’s name is clearly marked on the items.
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Water bottle and Food– the concession stand will sell drinks, snacks, and dinner-type food; however, you can also bring foodbut we greatly appreciate you buying from concessions as this is the only means of fund raising for equipment etc. If your swimmer has food allergies or special needs then you are certainly able to take care of their needs (coolers are permitted). But remember, all proceeds benefit the swim team directly, and our concession prices are reasonable.
- Umbrellas or ponchos if rain is in the forecast.
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Chair(s) - Although there are quite a few chairs at Tolleson there are not enough for the entire team. You will want to bring a couple of your own. You can always leave them in the car if you don’t need them. For away meets, definitely bring chairs! Every pool’s facilities are different.
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No alchol of any kind is permitted on Tolleson Parks grounds. No tobacco products of any kind are permitted on the pool deck. If parents disregard this they will be removed.
Meet Line-Ups, Relay Selections, Seeding
Swimmers are asked to sign up that they will attend the meet. The coaches will assign swimmers to events. Please understand that if you have a special request to swim or not swim an event, we can not guarantee it will be honored.
The coaches will determine the relays. We will form as many relays as we can to give as many swimmers as possible the opportunity to participate. The "A" relay is selected at the coach's discretion with the goal of maximizing points for the team (i.e. the fastest swimmer with the legal strokes). Other relays will be put together to maximize each swimmer's participation (we will rotate swimmers' participation). If a swimmer fails to show up for a meet or for a relay without a valid reason (sickness, etc., where the coach or coordinator was notified as soon as was possible), the coach and coordinators have the right to limit that swimmer's participation in relays for the rest of the season. When a swimmer does not show up, the other three swimmers in the relay may not be able to swim if there is not someone available to fill in for the missing swimmer.
Seeding is the process of determining, in a given event, which swimmers will be in which heats or lanes. Seeding is a subjective process and often requires judgment calls on the part of the coaches. A swimmer’s historical times are generally the basis for making seeding decisions.
Generally, the swimmers in the scoring lanes in the first heats or in the "A" relays are seeded in a way to maximize team points. There may be times, however, when other factors override that decision.
Meet Scoring
Each team may enter 2 swimmers per individual event and one relay team for each relay event for points. Lanes 1 through 4 are the scoring lanes in the first heat for each event. The "A" relays are the only relays that swim for points, The home team relay always swims in lane 2 and the away team swims in lane 3:
Individual Events (Relays):
- 1 st place: 5 points (7 points)
- 2 nd place:3 points (4 points)
- 3 rd place:2 points
- 4 th place:1 point
The team score is announced periodically throughout the meet. But, we do not dwell on how the points are earned, or which individual swimmers have earned those points. We want swimmers to see it as a team effort. We encourage parents to send that same message. Older or experienced swimmers may talk about "scoring lanes." We encourage them not to stress this aspect of the meet line-up, especially around the younger swimmers.
Swimming is a unique sport in that a swimmer has many different opportunities to "win" – in an individual event, as part of a relay team, as part of the team as a whole, or by achieving a "personal best" time. It is also one of few sports where boys and girls of a wide age range all compete at the same "competition." We highly encourage swimmers to track their times and strive to make "personal best" times. We encourage all swimmers to have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of their team, their age group, and their relays. We encourage the older swimmers to be role models for the younger and newer swimmers. REMEMBER- Your child can lose their race, lose the meet and still have their best time. That is what makes this sport so great.
Strokes, Events, and Swim Terminology
The four competitive strokes are freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. In freestyle events, the competitor may swim any stroke he wishes. The usual stroke used is the crawl, alternate overhand motion of the arms and an alternating up-and-down flutter kick. Our team does not promote or encourage in anyway the swimming of any other stroke during the freestyle events. Head Coaches are the only ones who would tell a swimmer to do another stroke during freestyle.
Some of the terms used in swimming and at swim meets are explained as follows:
- Lap: One length of the pool regardless of pool length.
- 25: One lap of the pool. The Smyrna pool is 25 yards. We may swim at some pools that are 25 meters.
- 50: 2 laps of the pool
- 100: 4 laps of the pool
- IM: Individual Medley. One swimmer performs all four strokes in the race in the order of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle (helpful tip to remember order of strokes: butter your back, breast free).
- Relay: 4 members selected by the coach to form a team. Each member swims one leg of the race. The "leg" length depends on the age of the child and may be either 1 or 2 laps.
- Medley Relay: Each member of the relay team performs a different designated stroke, in the order of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle (order of strokes is in alphabetical order). NOTE: Not the same order at the IM.
- Free Relay: Each member of the relay team performs the freestyle stroke.
- Legal: Swimmer can perform start, stroke and turns correctly according to league rules. 6 & Under will work to become legal in only freestyle and backstroke. All other swimmers will work to become legal in all 4 strokes.
- Start: In the start, the swimmer is called to the starting position by the starter via a series of whistle blows, who then visually checks that all swimmers are motionless. When all swimmers are set, the gun or starting horn is sounded to start the race. If the starter or referee feels that one of the swimmers has moved, left early, or gotten an unfair advantage, the race will be recalled. This is called a false start. At Smyrna we drop a false start line to stop swimmers who did not hear the false start signal (a repetitive blast of the horn). Make sure your swimmer understands that a repetitive start signal or a rope is their signal to stop. When the starter directs the swimmer to "take your mark," the swimmers should assume a starting position. No swimmer shall be in motion until the starting signal is given. A swimmer will be disqualified on his/ her second false start. Also, a swimmer who unnecessarily delays in assuming a completely motionless starting position shall be charged with a false start.
In the case of a start where a swimmer obtains an unfair advantage, the starter will sound the starting sound (gun, whistle, horn) repeatedly to signal to the swimmers to stop and return to the starting blocks. A rope is sometimes dropped across the pool if needed to stop the swimmers. Please make sure your swimmer understands this. Otherwise, if (s)he finishes the race, the swimmer will be tired when it is time to start the race again.
Backstroke Flags
Backstroke flags are 15 feet from each end of the pool. Swimmers should practice counting how many strokes it takes them to get from the backstroke flags to the end of the pool so they can reach for the wall at the appropriate time. Remember, the swimmer should remain on their back until they touch the wall at the end of the pool.
For backstroke, the timer's hand may be in the water against the wall to catch the swimmer’s head. If the hand is too far out in the water, the swimmer will be disqualified as a non-finish.
Swimming Up
A swimmer may move up one age group for individual events but they must swim in that age group for the entire meet. A new rule allows for a swimmer to swim in their age group for individual events and swim up one age group for relays. If the swimmer swims up for one relay event, (s)he must swim up for all relay events. No swimmer may ever swim down in an age group.
If we are short swimmers in a particular age group, the coach, at his/her discretion, may choose to "swim up" a swimmer from the appropriate age group to maximize points for the team. We make every attempt to "take turns" with which swimmers are swum up.
The Rules
The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition and to promote uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmer gets an unfair competitive advantage over another swimmer. The technical rules for each stroke may be found in the publication "United States Rules and Regulations." This book may be purchased through United States Swimming Organization.
Diving and Starts for Meets and Practice
At our regular meets at Tolleson Park, the swimmers can dive from the side of the pool (but not the starting blocks) at the deep end of the pool. Sit-dives are required at the shallow end, and generally are only required by the 10 & under relay swimmers at that end of the pool. The requirements will vary at each pool, and we will notify the swimmers about each pool's requirements for away meets.
Please note that our regular season practices and meets operate under the rules of the Cobb County Summer Swim League. Our District Meet and State Meet are under the rules of the GRPA. Therefore, the rules may differ for competition under the two sets of rules. The required minimum depth for diving from the starting blocks and diving from the side of the pool are different under the two sets of rules.
At Tolleson Park, at the shallow end, the depth is 3 feet. At the deep end (where we will start most events at the meets), the pool depth ranges from 4’ 8" (in lane 1 on the far side of the pool) to 5’ 4" (in lane 8 on the near side of the pool, closest to the building).
For the regular season:
- No diving (from the side of the pool or from the blocks) if the depth is 4’ or less.
- Sit-starts and in-the-water starts are acceptable alternatives to diving, especially when the depth is too shallow for diving. In the case of a sit-start, the swimmer starts sitting on the edge of the pool with his legs in the water. Swimmers may not use the leverage on the gutter or the lip of the pool to start.
- If the pool is more than 4’ deep but less than 5’, a shallow dive from the side may be used.
- If every lane at the start end of the pool is five feet or more in depth, starting blocks may be used. (But each swimmer still has the option of starting from the side of the pool).
Disqualifications ("DQ’s") & "Legal" vs. "Illegal" Strokes
The referee will use disqualification forms for any disqualifications (also referred to as "DQ’s") At the first meet, the referee will go light on DQ’s., only DQing for unfair advantage. (S)he will be more strict as the season progresses.
Disqualifications can be for various rule infractions, including but not limited to: 2 false starts, one-handed touches on breastroke and butterfly, flutter kicks on butterfly or breastroke, early starts on relays, and "illegal strokes." If a swimmer is uncertain about any of the rules concerning a stroke, (s)he should ask the coach about it as far ahead of time as possible.
If a swimmer is disqualified, he should ask the coach at the next practice exactly why he was disqualified and make sure he works to correct whatever was wrong. The coach will have the DQ slips where the referee indicates the nature of the infraction.
If your child is disqualified (DQ’d) in an event, be supportive rather than critical. For beginning swimmers, a disqualification should be treated as a learning experience, not as punishment. A DQ alerts the swimmer and the coach to what portions of the swimmer’s stroke need to be corrected. They should be considered in the same light as an incorrect answer in schoolwork--they point out areas which need further practice.
The DQ is necessary to keep the competition fair and equitable for all other competitors. A supportive attitude on the part of the official, the coach, and the parent can also keep it a positive experience for the DQ’d swimmer. (One family awards a scoop of Dairy Queen {"DQ"} ice cream for each DQ "awarded" to a swimmer).
USA Swimming
USA Swimming is the national governing body for the sport of swimming. Many of the Cobb League’s rules as well as the GRPA swim rules defer to the USA Swimming rules about strokes, starts, turns, etc. Our swim team is not a member of USA Swimming. All of the year-round swim teams are members of USA Swimming. Any swimmers who swim with one of these teams will generally automatically be a member of USA Swimming. Middle school and high school swim teams are not members of USA Swimming.
The Cobb County Summer League Manual says: "If a swimmer is registered as a USA Swimmer (or registered with a USA team) at any time between (and including) August of the previous calendar year and July of the current swim season (whether or not they participate in USA practices and/or meets during that time period) they will be considered a USA Swimmer for the purposes of the current summer swim season. This definition includes home-school swim programs run by USA teams. Teams can have an unlimited number of USA registered swimmers but may only have 20 USA registered swimmers on their roster for each meet."
Volunteer Policy and Number of Required Volunteer Shifts
Swim meets are very labor intensive events. All families will need to fulfill their fair share of volunteer responsibilities. The number of volunteer shifts a family will be required to work will be determined by the number of families represented on the team.
You will receive instructions from your team coordinator about how to sign-up online for volunteer shifts. The volunteer coordinator will assign families to any remaining volunteer shifts that have not been filled, making sure that all families meet their obligation for the minimum number of required shifts.
We will offer training for all jobs. Some positions require more specialized training, including starters, announcers, and score-keeping.
Many of you prefer to work at meets, rather than sitting and watching. We will always welcome those parents to work as much as they like!
Please note that parents of 6 & under and 7 & 8 year old swimmers may be asked to work extra shifts as "bullpen parents" during the meets. These ages require additional supervision and assistance during the meets.
Parents of swimmers in the "rookie" group will be asked to volunteer for the "Rookie Races" as needed.
Each shift is 1/2 of a meet. Bullpen shifts for ages 7 through 12 are for an entire meet and count as two shifts. Since 6 & unders only swim for half of the meet, those bullpen shifts only count as one shift.
Families that do not meet their minimum volunteer obligations may jeopardize their swimmer’s participation the following summer.
Your team coordinator will tell you at the start of the season how many volunteer shifts each family is expected to sign-up for. This depends on the number of swimmers on the team—the number of swimmers may change from season to season; however, the jobs that must be filled remain unchanged.
Generally, if all of the swimmers in your family are 13 or older, we ask that you sign up for a minimum of 4 volunteer shifts.
If any swimmer in your family (not counting Rookie swimmers) is under the age of thirteen, then the minimum number of recommended shifts is as follows:
- Families with 1 or 2 swimmers - 5 volunteer shifts
- Families with 3 or more swimmers - 6 volunteer shifts
- At least two of these shifts must be bullpen shifts (unless the bullpen shifts for your children’s age groups are full).
If your circumstances prevent you from being able to fulfill this requirement, please see the volunteer coordinator to discuss a suitable alternative.
Also, before each home meet, we will ask for food and drink donations for our concession stand. The team relies on concession sales to help cover our operating expenses.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Meet Starter
Announces and starts the meet events. Works with the coordinators, coaches, and timers. Requires training and sitting with other starters to get familiar with process.
Assistant Starter/Announcer
Assists the starter by keeping track of the number of heats necessary for the event, etc. You will be on your feet during the meet. Announces upcoming events.
Concessions
Sells food, drinks, and candy at the Tolleson concession stand of which all profits benefit the team. We try to make sure we have enough people working that you can leave your post to go watch your children swim.
Place Judges
Place judges will determine the place the swimmers finish in each event. On each side of the pool, there will be a place judge from each team. One will call the races, and one will write down the order of finish. If you are not sure, do not guess. The place judges determine which ribbon each swimmer will receive. Times do NOT determine the order of finish.
Note: Place judging is especially difficult in our 8-lane pool. Although you are provided with chairs, we strongly encourage the place judges to stand for the finish of each race for a better view of the finish.
Timers
A timer uses a stopwatch to record the amount of time the swimmer in his lane takes to complete the event. The timer then records the time on a scoring card. Timers stand most of the time, and usually their feet get wet. We generally place timers on both ends of the pool. Requires minimal training. Time trials are a great time to get experience. Each team provides a timer for each of its lanes.
The timer must, in all events and at all times, command a clear view of the course and finish line. They should, whenever possible, place themselves directly over the finish of the lane. The timers will begin timing when the starter sounds the whistle or bullhorn of strobe light flashes, not when the swimmer leaves the block. Listen or look for the appropriate sound/signal. Smyrna uses a starting system that has s strobe light start. You will start your watch on the strobe light.
The timer shall stop the watch immediately when any part of the swimmer’s body touches the solid end of the pool or crosses the plane.
The timer should record the times on the event cards (or sheets) provided to the scorer.
Please confirm that the swimmer in your lane is the swimmer named on the lane sheet.
If you miss starting your watch at the beginning of the meet, please yell out for the backup timer. This person will start all races and stop their watch after the last swimmer finishes. If you miss a start, yell for the back up timer and they will switch watches or stop the watch for you when their swimmer finishes. Do not just start the stopwatch late. This would result in a swimmer getting a much faster time than he actually swims, and give that swimmer an unfair advantage in all future seeding of relays and other events.
The swim team will provide you with a stopwatch and clipboard. Please turn them in at the volunteer check-in table at the end of the meet.
Any time that the coach or coordinator determines to be inaccurate may be disregarded in future seeding of relays and meets.
Runner
Runners collect the scoring cards from both place judges and timers, and run them to the scoring table. Wear comfortable shoes because you really will run (or at least walk a lot)!
Water Hostess
Take water to timers, judges, starters, ref etc.
Scoring
Working at the scoring table requires prior training to score in accordance with League policies. You will help score the meet, working with someone from the other team. You may also enter event results into the computer. Computer knowledge is a benefit. This would be a good volunteer position for someone who is willing to stick with it for all of his or her assignments.
Each team will provide at least one scorer. They work together at the scoring table. They will enter the scores from each event on the score sheets immediately after each event. The scorers are responsible for turning in the scored sheets to the team coordinator upon the completion of the meet.
Bullpen Parents
Bullpen parents help the swimmers under the age of 13 to keep track of their events and make sure they get to the starting blocks at the correct time. There are usually three volunteers per age/gender group. You will need to work the entire meet if you sign up for this job. It is too confusing for the kids to switch halfway through a meet. 6 & under bullpen parents only work the first half of the meet. There are no 6 & under events in the 2nd half of a meet. The bullpen volunteers are responsible for promptly sending all swimmers to the deck (or starting blocks as soon as their event is called.
The bullpen is provided with a list of the names of the swimmers in all events in the order in which they will swim. They will notify each swimmer to wait behind or beside the starting area until the starter takes over control of the race. If the swimmer leaves the area, it will be his/her responsibility to return in time for the heat or event.
Set-Up
Help set up for the meet (Lane ropes, flags, tables etc.). This shift is from 3:30 to 6:00pm.
Floater
This person will fill in wherever needed during the course of their shift.
Shark Bites
This is a where anyone can purchase an announcement. Attendees of the meet may purchase for $1.00 a message of their choosing as long as it is appropriate, clean etc. The Shark Bite worker will give out paper for the message to be written on, take the money and check to make sure the message is appropriate (including good sportsmanship) and that the message can easily be read. After a few messages they will take messages to the announcer or find someone to deliver (runner, coor. etc).
Ribbon Policy
Swimmers will be awarded a ribbon for the position in which they placed (in their heat), unless they are disqualified. Ribbons will be placed in each swimmer’s file and can usually be picked up the 2nd morning practice following the meet. If a swimmer does not get the ribbon (s)he expected to receive, please let your Coordinator know.
Birth Certificates
In order to eliminate any age questions, a copy of every child’s birth certificate must be supplied by the first meet or must be on file from previous year. Please check to make sure your child’s birth certificate is on file.
District and State Meets
The culmination of the season is the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association ("GRPA") State "A" Swim Meet ("State Meet") usually held on the next-to-last weekend of July each year. The GRPA 5th District (northwest Georgia) holds a District 5 qualifying meet ("District Meet") each year two weeks before the State Meet. For the District and State meets, we swim under the GRPA rules and guidelines, which in some instances may differ from those of the Cobb Swim League.
The Cobb County League holds its own "County Qualifying Meet" to qualify swimmers for the State Meet. We choose to continue to participate in the District Meet instead. The top three swimmers in each individual event at both qualifying meets qualify to swim in the State Meet. There are three times as many swimmers in the County Meet as in the District Meet. The District Meet is smaller, lasts only one day (instead of two) and our swimmers have a much better chance of qualifying for State.
We highly encourage all swimmers to participate in the District Meet. Even swimmers who do not expect to place in the top three to qualify for the State Meet can still enjoy the experience. It is a great chance to swim in a "big" meet against multiple teams and with automatic timing. Most swimmers swim personal best times in these circumstances. Several times brand new swimmers have surprised themselves by qualifying for the State Meet during their first season on the swim team!
If a swimmer wants to swim in the District Meet, (s)he should be signed up by the deadline. Any fees for entering that meet should be paid by the deadline. In addition, you must let the District Coordinator know PRIOR to the District Meet if you will be able to swim in the State Meet should you qualify.
Please note that the minimum age for participation in the District and State Meets is seven.
District and State Meet Bullpens
The bullpen will not operate the same as a regular season meet. Heat sheets will be available for sale at the meet. When you arrive, you should mark your child's arm with event #, heat #, and lane #. (Note that event numbers are not the same as in regular meets).
All swimmers should remain in the Smyrna bullpen. If they need to leave for any reason, they should first ask a Coordinator and let them know where they'll be. They should return as quickly as possible. Announcements will be made as to when swimmers should report for their event. Parents and swimmers are ultimately responsible for reporting to the staging area in time for an event. Missing swimmers may cause an entire relay to be scratched and not be able to swim. Parents must assist in keeping track of which events should report to the staging area, and keeping track of which swimmers have left the tents.
Results will be posted throughout the meet. Check the results board to see if your swimmer qualifies for the State Meet. The top three finishers automatically qualify, but subsequent finishers may qualify if one or more of the top three will not attend the State Meet.
Georgia State Games
The Georgia State Games was previously limited to USA swimmers ("year round" swimmers). In 2004, the Georgia State Games were no longer affiliated with USA Swimming, and opened registration to the public. Swimmers are welcome to sign up independently to swim at this meet (at the Cobb Central Aquatic Center on Fairground). Swimmers who are signed up for this meet may continue to practice up until this meet. This is a very fun meet according to our swimmers who have attended and they give great medals.
You may get more information at http://georgiagames.org/
Trophies
Participation trophies are presented at the end-of-season awards gathering to those swimmers who order them. Order forms for trophies, along with the prices, will be distributed later in the season.
Awards
At the end-of-season party, we also recognize high performers and most improved swimmers with awards.
Embroidered Towels
Traditionally, swimmers who qualified for and attended the state meet purchased towels with their names embroidered on them, as well as the year(s) in which they participated in the state meet (e.g. "State 2003, 04"). If your swimmer qualifies for the State Meet, you will receive instructions prior to the meet about how to order a towel. This is optional.
Home Meet Ice Cream Tradition
A team tradition is to meet at Carvel Ice Cream after home meets as our own Smyrna Shark parent's The Israels' own this store and contribute 10% of the sales to the team. They have been very generous to us over the past years and we Thank them as this has helped in the purchase of equipment and running of our team. We will make an announcement when such plans are made. Carvel is located in the Publix shopping center next to Atlanta Bread Co.
Inclement Weather
In the event of lightning or thunder, the pool and deck area around the pool are unsafe. Visiting teams should be advised to wait in their cars if there is no safe covered area in which to wait. Coordinators should announce at the beginning of the meets the procedure for the host pool in case of inclement weather. If the meet is called before event 46 is completed, the meet will be re-scheduled.
We make every effort to have practice. At Tolleson Park, we use Red Cross guidelines, which require that patrons exit the pool 20 minutes for thunder and 30 minutes for lightning. Even if the weather looks threatening, we suggest that you come to the pool. We will wait until the last minute to make a decision to make sure that we do not miss an opportunity to practice. Please do not call the pool. The lifeguards often do not know whether or not we are going to cancel practice.
You may also sign up to receive text messages on the front page of our website. If a last minute decision is made to cancel practice, or we are experiencing a rain delay at a swim meet and you are waiting in your car, we will send out a text message to either cancel the meet or practice or provide an update.
If it is raining, the forecast is for thunderstorms, or the weather simply looks threatening, please COME TO THE SWIM MEET. It is very rare for a swim meet to be cancelled because of weather. We make every effort to "get the meet in" as scheduled. Bring extra activities for you and your child in case we have a long rain delay.
End-of-Season Party
The City of Smyrna closes the pool one evening for us to have our end-of-season party. The team generally provides the main entree, we ask volunteers to bring side dishes and desserts, we present awards, and everyone can swim.
Team History
If any of you have pieces of trivia that would be interesting to include here, please feel free to pass them along!
One of our original awards was The Golden Trophy, named after a Mr. Golden, who was a parent instrumental in the organization of the Swim Team in the 1970s. It was probably first awarded around 1979 - 1980.
The Swim Team's first year of existence was 1975 or 1976. They swam at Jonquil Park in the old swimming pool. The first coach was Rusty Bennett.
David Lord was coach of the team for one year in 1980.
Food for Thought
- Let the Coach Coach
- "Ten Commandments for Parents with Athletic Children" - Reprinted from The Young Athlete by Bill Burgess
- Make sure your child knows that, win or lose, scared or heroic, you love him, appreciate his efforts, and are not disappointed in him. This will allow him to do his best without fear of failure. Be the person in his life he can look to for constant positive reinforcement.
- Try your best to be completely honest about your child's athletic ability, his competitive attitude, his sportsmanship and his actual skill level.
- Be helpful but don’t coach him on the way to the pool . . . or on the way back, or at breakfast, and so on. It’s tough not to, but it’s a lot tougher for the child to be inundated with advice, pep talks, and often critical instruction.
- Teach him to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be "out there trying," to be working to improve his skills and attitude. Help him to develop the feel for competing, for trying hard, for having fun.
- Try not to relive your athletic life through your child in a way that creates pressure; you fumbled, too, you lost as well as won. You were frightened, you backed off at times, you were not always heroic. Don’t pressure him because of your lost pride.
- Don’t compete with the coach. If the coach becomes an authority figure, it will run from enchantment to disenchantment, etc. with your athletes.
- Don’t compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your child with other members of the team, at least not within his hearing.
- Get to know the coach so that you can he assured that his/her philosophy, attitudes, ethics and knowledge are such that you are happy to have your child under his/her leadership.
- Always remember that children tend to exaggerate, both when praised and when criticized. Temper your reaction and investigate before over-reacting.
- Make a point of understanding courage, and the fact that it is relative. Some of us can climb mountains, and are afraid to fight. Some of us will fight, but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened in certain areas. Explain that courage is not the absence of fear, but a means of doing something in spite of fear or discomfort.
- The job of a parent of an athletic child is a tough one, and it takes a lot of effort to do it well. It is worth all the effort when you hear your child say, "My parents really helped."
- Competitive swimming programs provide many benefits to young athletes. They develop self-discipline, good sportsmanship and time management skills. Competition allows the swimmer to experience success and to learn how to deal with defeat, while becoming healthy and physically fit.
- As a parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable, loving and supportive environment. This positive environment will encourage your child to continue. Show your interest by ensuring your child’s attendance at practices, and by coming to meets.
- Parents are not participants on their child’s team, but contribute to the success experienced by the child and his/her team. Parents serve as role models and their attitudes are often emulated by their children. Be aware of this and strive to be positive models. Most importantly, show good sportsmanship at all times toward coaches, officials, opponents and teammates.
- Be Enthusiastic and Supportive.
- Remember that your child is the swimmer. Children need to establish their own goals, and make their own progress towards them. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals.
- Do not over-burden your child with winning or achieving best times. The most important part of your child’s swimming experience is that he/she learns about himself/herself while enjoying the sport. This healthy environment encourages learning and fun which will develop a positive self-image within your child.
- The best way to help a child achieve his/her goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one, remember that he/she is still learning. Encourage his efforts and point out the things he did well. As long as he gave his best effort, you should make him/her feel like a winner.