Contents

• Coach's Note
• About Practice Times
• Eligibility
• The Austin Aquatic League
• Guidelines for Swimmers
• Meet Guidelines for Swimmers and Parents
• Information for Parents
• Photographs on the Web

Coach's Note

I'm looking forward to this summer's season -- I think we're going to have our best year yet. We've got 5 meets planned this season, some team spirit events, and as you know ... we're just going to have some plain ol' ORCA SUMMER FUN as usual!

So, swimmers, let's get ready to go. Check your fins and make sure they fit, dust off those goggles, pull out those summer towels; t's, put on a smile, and come to Westover to say 'hello'. I'll see you on deck.

I am very much looking forward to coaching you this summer. See you at the pool!

Sandy

We coaches and swimmers appreciate very much, our wonderful parent group, and all the things that you do for us. Thank you all.

Coaching Philosophy

The purpose of the Westover Wild Orca competitive swim program is to provide each and every swimmer with the opportunity to strive for excellence in competitive swimming. While each swimmer may begin his or her path at a different point along this road, we encourage swimmers at all levels to accept the challenges inherent in this wonderful sport. With goal-setting, motivation, confidence, handling pressure, taking responsibility, improving or maintaining health & fitness, enjoying friendships & having FUN all being by-products of our quest -- how can it get any better?!

Through this journey it is my hope that we help set the foundation for life-long enjoyment of what I think is one of the most wholesome and wonderful sports available.

Of course, while coaches, parents & friends will provide a positive atmosphere in which respect for one another is modeled and acceptance of another's rights to participate is expected, it is ultimately the responsibility of each and every swimmer to help see that things are working on our team. Team unity and positive support of one another is a must!

We have a wonderful staff to teach and coach our swimmers. I believe our technical experience is sound. It will be one of our goals to help each swimmer acquire a healthy knowledge and proficiency in proper stroke technique.  We will strive to nurture each and every swimmer, all skill levels, in a positive manner. We hope to provide a supportive & enjoyable environment within which each swimmer can experience the fun & excitement of Westover Wild Orca competitive swimming.

As always, many fun, out-of-the-water Orca activities will also be available. So, get your spirit caps on and get ready to rock & roll! See you at the pool, Orca swimmers, Orca families, Orca supporters and fans.

Sandy Neilson-Bell
Westover Hills Swim Team Head Coach
Email Sandy

 

About Practice Times

In an effort to afford each swimmer the attention that he or she deserves, practice groups will be established by speed & stamina with consideration to age (rather than by age only). During the first week or so coaches will be testing and assessing swimmers in order to determine appropriate groupings. Most returning swimmers will probably train at, or close to, the same time as last summer.

 

Eligibility

Children of members or staff of the Westover Club between the ages of 5 and 18 who can:

1. swim 25 yd freestyle, exhibiting proficient breathing patterns, and
   
2. swim 15yd backstroke exhibiting proficient kick & body position

are, at the coach’s discretion, eligible to become members of the Westover Orca swim team. Swimmers who do not quite meet the above criteria, may be referred to lessons or mini-team in order to ready them for next year’s Orca season.

Should the team be full, eligible swimmers will be put on a waiting list. Should space open up they will be called.

 

The Austin Aquatic League

The Westover Swim Team (aka The Wild Orcas) is a part of the Austin Aquatic League, which was formed to create a friendly competitive atmosphere for the benefit of your children. The league offers an opportunity for children and young people to be challenged, to learn and think in a positive manner, to be a part of a team, and to enjoy the experience of clean competition and good sportsmanship.

We strive to conduct all competitions on the highest level and every adult associated with the program should emphasize by word and action the virtues of clean competition and sportsmanship.

 

Guidelines for Swimmers

Practice Hints:

• Attend only your designated practice time unless instructed by the coach.
• Be on deck at least 5 minutes early and be ready to get in the water.
• Have goggles adjusted & ready to go prior to practice.
• While waiting to practice please show courtesy to the group that is already in the water.
• Bring to each practice any equipment (fins & goggles). Please have your equipment labeled.
• Use sunscreen (especially on the face) preferably at home but at least prior to practice.
• Team suits last longer if you wear a training suit to practice.
• Be sure to WEAR YOUR SMILE at all times!

Competition:

• League rules state that a swimmer must attend two practices per week to compete in that Saturday's meet. If a swimmer will not be in attendance at two practices during a given week, please notify the head coach so that meet relays may be planned appropriately.
• If you know ahead of time (during the week) that you have a conflict and must arrive late or may not be able to stay for the entire meet, please inform Coach Sandy, so that relays may be planned appropriately.
• Swimmers will be allowed to choose at least two of the individual events that he/she will be swimming each Saturday.  It is the swimmer's responsibility to sign up for the events desired on the official sign-up sheet. Event sign-ups must be submitted prior to the end of Tuesday's practice sessions. Requests after this time may not be accepted. If there is uncertainty as to whether a swimmer is ready for a certain event please see the coach. Coaches will give swimmers further instruction on how to request a swim stroke at the appropriate time.
• Swimmers can expect to be timed for specific strokes ∓ distances during training sessions. This not only helps them practice for competitions but it is useful to the coaches, as a guideline for seeding swimmers in meet events. Team members are encouraged to request a time on any event they would like to swim in an upcoming meet.

 

Meet Guidelines for Swimmers and Parents

What to Bring

• Plenty of towels - 2 to 4 depending on number of events.
• Warm clothing (mornings at meets can be cool).
• Chairs or blankets to sit on.
• Shade/tarp if you have one.
• Cooler for fruit, juices, water, snacks etc.
• Snacks (a snack bar will also be available during meets).
• Visors, sunglasses, team T-shirt, team cap and team suit.
• Sunscreen or sun block, especially for nose and shoulders.

When to Arrive

• Arrive early- at least 15 minutes prior to Orca warm-up time.
• Warm-up times will be posted on the web site prior to each meet. As a general guideline, warm-up times are earlier for home meets.
• All dual meets start promptly at 8:30am.
• Times for the Championship Meet will be posted toward the end of the season.

At the Meet

• If you can arrive at the meet early to stake out a "team area" (preferably with some shade) that's helpful!
• Swimmers should stay in or close to team area. Listen for your event and be ready to go to the "ready bench." (Parents - please know where your swimmer is at all times. If you are working the meet please assign another parent who is willing to watch out for your child.)
• It is ultimately the swimmer's responsibility to get to the ready bench and the blocks on time.
• Make sure you check with the coach before you leave the meet. You may be on a relay!
• Please use trashcans for your garbage. We are a clean team!
• You MUST have FUN!

Information for Parents

Parent Committee
The purpose of the parent committee is to provide support to the swim team. An objective of the parent committee is to help provide the children with the opportunity to excel in competitive swimming. The parent committee shall be intent upon helping to foster the enjoyment of a competitive swimming environment. They shall administer the swim team program so that the coaches can devote their full attention to the teaching and coaching.

Parent Involvement
In order to run an efficient swim club, parent involvement is necessary. Parent interest and reliability are the only qualifications for most meet jobs. Each parent is expected to participate. We appreciate your involvement and hope that you will find this a unique opportunity to be involved in a meaningful working relationship with the swimmers, coaches and other members of the Westover Club.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed in the areas listed below. Each area will have a head volunteer who will be responsible for setting up shifts for the volunteers in their area.

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Age Group Parents
This position consists of getting the swimmers ready for each event. Age group parents gather Orca swimmers for a particular event and get them to the ready bench when instructed by the announcer. Age group parents should work the entire season with a specific age group in order to become familiar with swimmers. You are also responsible for making sure that after each meet your swimmers area is as clean as when you arrived.

Announcer
The announcer must arrive early to set up the broadcast system, become familiar with the schedule and announce activities before the actual start of the meet. Home meets only.

Awards and End of Season Banquet
In consultation with the president and the coach, this person makes arrangements for awards/novelties for end of year party, is responsible for inscription if necessary and transportation of awards to party. Volunteering during swim meets a problem? This is the job for you!

Clean Up
In charge of putting everything away after the meet on Saturday and general clean up of grounds. Home meets only - perfect job for those with several swimmers in the family. You'll never miss your child swim!

Computer
This position involves coordinating set-up software, entering times, and merging information from the opposing team starting on Thursday. Heat sheets must be prepared before the meet - coordinate with Publicity for advertising.

Concessions
The concession person will be responsible for Friday night set up of the concession stand. He/She will plan and purchase food and drinks for the meet. After the meet, he will break down the stand, count proceeds, and give to the treasurer.

Head Timer
This person is charged with recruiting nine lane timers for a swim meet. The Head Timer shall run two watches for back-up, in case of malfunctioning watches, or in the event a timer does not start the watch properly. Timers should obtain an accurate recording, checking swimmers name and club on EVERY heat, before recording the time.

Hospitality
This person brings water to times and meet officials. Helps locate 2nd shift parents for shift relief. General go-fer for officials that cannot leave their posts.

Meet Director
The meet director is in charge of the conduct of the meet. The Meet Director shall contact each committee chairperson by Thursday prior to a meet confirming all necessary volunteers and arrangements, pool and equipment, times and required watches in working order, ready bench,stroke/turn judges, starters, announcer, scoring, ribbons, and computer.

Publicity
This position consists of preparing necessary updates and notices to the parents, preparing and distributing the team newsletter.

Ready Bench
Ready bench personnel check heat and lane assignments for each swimmer and align them for the race.

Ribbons and Scoring
These volunteers coordinate sorting and labeling of ribbons for the swimmers. This position works closely with the computer personnel in scoring. Scorers determine the order of the finish for an event after all the heats have been swum. Organization and extra time after the meet are required. Ribbons are distributed to each swimmers folder which are taken to all meets.

Runners
These individuals pick-up cards from the ready bench and deliver them to the timers for each event. After the event, runners pick up and deliver completed cards to the scoring table. Runners must also pick up DQ slips from the stroke/turn judges and deliver them to the scoring table.

Set Up
Will be in charge of setting up the pool Friday night before meets. Duties include putting up backstroke flags, setting out timers chairs, getting benches for ready bench, etc. Home meets only.

Social/Spirit Director
These volunteers will organize team pictures, pep rallies, afternoon movies, Round Rock Express baseball game, and other motivational activities for the swimmers.

Starter
The starter shall begin each event by advising swimmers, judges, and timers of the specific event by name, heat number, and/or appropriate order of strokes. Announcements may also have to be made about combining of heats or other changes occurring during the meet.

Scribe
Stands with stroke and turn judge, writes the DQ slips and gets appropriate judges initials then takes slip to the runner.

Stroke/Turn Judge
These individuals must be certified by the AAL after attending a stroke clinic. Judges observe strokes, turns, and finishes and relay exchanges to determine if the swimmer is in compliance with the AAL Guidelines. Disqualification slips must be completed correctly and initialed by judges in order to track the infraction(s) and to be valid disqualification.

AAL Team Representative
This person shall represent the Westover Hills Swim Team during meets for disputes or other matters that arise concerning conduct, scoring, etc. This person works closely with the Meet Director. Shall also attend monthly AAL meetings and keep the President informed.

Treasurer
The treasurer is responsible for collecting and distributing all monies.

Photographs on the Web

Questions occasionally arise about the use of pictures on the web. To avoid any misunderstandings, here is the team policy:

1. It is a long-standing team tradition to post pictures of swim meets and other Orca activities on the web.
2. Because pictures from swim meets can involve many, many children, it is impossible for the team to guarantee in advance that any given child's picture will never be posted on the web.
3. However, the Orca webmaster or photo editor will happily remove a posted picture at the request of a parent whose child is in the picture.