Mako Sharks Swim Team...2019/04/05 · Mako Sharks Swim Team 2019 6 What Coaches will ask from...

OAKWOOD ATHLETIC CLUB MAKO SHARKS

Swim Team Survival

Guide

Head Coach: Carrie Roberts

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (925) 283-4000 ext. 103

www.oakwoodmakosharks.com

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.oakwoodmakosharks.com/

Mako Sharks Swim Team 2019

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Table of Contents

Our Mission Statement….………………………………………………………….……..………....2

Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………….…………..3

Meet our Coaches………………………………………………………….…………….….…4 & 5

What Parents & Swimmers Can Expect from Coaches………………………………….……...…..6

What Coaches Will Ask of Swimmers……………………………….…………………..…...…..…7

A Mako Sharks Practice….……………………………………..……………………………..……8

2019 Swim Meet Schedule.…………………………….……………………...………….….…….9

Social Events……………………………………………………………………………………....10

Ordering Team Suits & Apparel …………………………………………………………………11

Parent Commitment to Team…………………………………………………………..…………..12

Parent Jobs Information………………………………………………………….….....…………..13

Our Parent Board….…………………………………………………………...….…………..…..14

The Swim Meet Survival Guide……………………… ……………………..…..…...……...15 & 16

Frequently Asked Questions…………………………….…………………………….….….17 & 18

Glossary of Terms…………………………………………………………….…….…….……….19

Marking Hands for a Meet…………………………………………………………….…………..20


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OUR MISSION

We commit to allowing our swimmers to embrace their own individuality as well as mental and physical growth. We strive to build a supportive team culture enabling our swimmers to grow and develop their own courage, commitment, and character

both in and outside of the sport of swimming.

OUR VISION

Our team endeavors to become a team that not only welcomes and encourages

those who are new to the sport, but also fosters their growth and development within the program enabling them to become lifelong athletes capable of realizing their

true potential. We look to become recognized as a team that embraces a community environment and inspiring coaching.

OUR VALUES

Oakwood Mako Sharks is focused on building a cooperative team environment where each swimmer and family can feel at home. We support this environment through instilling in our swimmers the courage to rise to challenges and goals, the commitment to the sport and a healthy lifestyle, and the character to relentlessly

pursue their dreams.

COURAGE, COMMITMENT, CHARACTER


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Mako Sharks Coaching Staff

Carrie Roberts, Head Coach Carrie is very excited to join the Mako Sharks for the 2019 season! She grew up in South Africa and received a swim scholarship to attend Evansville University. She continues to swim with Walnut Creek Master’s Program while staying in-tune with the latest skill developing techniques. As a coach and instructor, she taught at Sherman Swim School and coached for Holy Names High School. As an Aquatics Director, she built the entire aquatics program at Contra Costa Jewish Community Center which involved establishing a new swim team, mommy and me classes, water aerobics as well as lifeguard management. Carrie is a former Pre-School Teacher and is currently a Certified Personal Trainer.

Luis Cardona, Spring & Summer Assistant Coach This is Luis’ first full season with the Mako Sharks after joining the team during the fall. Luis started swimming at the age of 3 and continued the sport all through high school at Monrovia High School in Los Angeles. He participated in both the varsity swim team and the varsity water polo team at his school and competed in his State CIF championship meets. Luis won most improved awards from his team in 2016 and improved even further to become his team captain and recipient of the team coaches award. He currently attends Holy Names University in Oakland and is studying business communications. Luis is excited and enthusiastic to be a part of the team and looks forward to helping the swimmers achieve their goals and enjoy the sport as much as he did growing up.

Devon Kennedy, Spring & Summer Assistant Coach Devon is a native of Lamorinda, swimming for both recreational summer-league & year-round USA teams. He began his swimming career in Orinda at the age of 3, eventually competing for his high school varsity team and for his college swim teammates. His aquatic experience is complimented by a passion for water polo, which he started while 10 at the club level, continued on his high school varsity team and culminated by competing at the collegiate level. Having coached in both sports, Devon has taken leadership roles in giving back to the aquatic’s community. Finally, he's Red Cross CPR/AED certified as a lifeguard and Safety Trained as a swim coach.

Zach Ottati, Summer Assistant Coach Zach attended Williams College in Massachusetts, where he was a member of the varsity swim team. Before college, Zach attended The Athenian School, and swam for the Walnut Creek Aquabears. Zach was a Scholastic All-American and a NCS finalist. Zach has coached for several years with the Aquabears, and coached for several semesters at Williams. Zach is the recipient of the Walnut Creek Aquabears Thomas and Jewel McGowen Memorial Award, awarded for leadership and commitment to swimming.

Emily Tate, Summer Assistant Coach This is Emily’s second season with the team and is a returning favorite among the younger swimmers. Before coaching for the Makos Emily swam for Dewing Park from 2005 through 2017, as well as for her high school team at Las Lomas. Emily is currently a junior in college at CSU Monterey and is studying marine biology. Emily’s enthusiasm for the water shines even at college where she works with various scuba diving classes as a TA and assists with open water certification classes. She is also the secretary for the marine science club on campus. Emily is a big fan of all things water related and looks forward to sharing that enthusiasm with the team and growing as a coach and leader.


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What Parents and Swimmers can Expect from Coaches

Our Promise as Coaches

As a coaching staff we promise to consistently do our best to provide a team culture that allows for our swimmers to access their internal motivation and be the best that they can be as swimmers and individuals outside of the pool.

At Practice

Throughout the swim season coaches are constantly working on both teaching and refining various swim techniques with the team. Coaches work together, ensuring that the needs of all our swimmers are met and that they each receive feedback at all the practices that they are attending. As the season moves forward, swimmers will progress through various strokes, drills, and racing skills, culminating in a final championship meet at the end of the season.

At Meets

Swim meets are about the swimmers and their ability to put their hard work into action. Being able to provide pre-race and post-race feedback is important for the development of the athletes. Pre-race feedback ranges from various technique reminders to providing a support system for the swimmers to go to. Having been swimmers ourselves we understand how it feels to be nervous before a race and we do our best to ensure that all swimmers go into their races confident and comfortable with their events. Post-race follow up is important as well so swimmers can be made aware of any improvements and aspects of their race that went well and paid off. By investing in each swimmer during meets we hope to achieve our vision of allowing the athletes to realize their true potential and become lifelong participants in the sport.

Swimmer Recognition & Celebrating Improvement

Throughout the season we celebrate the many achievements of the swimmers. Each week a swimmer from each age group will be selected as swimmer of the week and receive a special colored cap to wear. We will do the same for each month and select a swimmer of the month from each age group as well. Swimmers who win their heats at meets have an opportunity to select a prize from the prize box at practice following the meet. We also keep track of each swimmer’s best times throughout the season. As the season progresses swimmers can earn prizes for reaching a certain amount of new best times.

Communication

Email: [email protected] Phone: 925-283-4000 ext. 103

We are here to answer any questions parents may have. If you would like your child to be swimming a certain event at meets or have any questions regarding the process of how the swim season works or what times your child has, feel free to let us know. One thing we do ask is that parents speak to us after practice is completed. Assisting parents during practice distracts from our primary focus, the swimmers. If, for some reason, you can’t get us after practice you can call, email, or leave a note at the activities desk. We will be sure to get back to you and address your questions as soon as we can.


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What Coaches will ask from Swimmers

Be prepared! Being ready for practice is just as important as being on time. Having your cap and goggles and any gear we may use with you before practice begins allows for us to start practice smoothly and without unnecessary delays. In addition, we fully understand that everyone has busy schedules and there are days where life can get a little hectic. If you are running late for practice be ready to go soon after arrival. Have courage! Swimming is a sport that is full of challenging opportunities and unknowns. It is through taking on those intimidating swims and challenging practices that we are able to improve. Be courageous in the face of these challenges and face them head on! Be committed! Every swimmer as their off days, something that as coaches we totally understand. We’ve been there too! Even on those off days, we hope that our swimmers are committed to improving through practice. Even if it’s one of those off days, try to find one little part of swimming that you can improve and work on and have that be the positive focus for the day. Have Character! As a swim team each swimmer is a role model to the next. Be a good sport and example to your fellow swimmers both on our team and others. Take pride in your swimming and all the hard work that has been put in. Support the swim team family and team culture and work to be the best Mako Shark you can be. Build your character and share it with the other swimmers around you. Ask questions! If you are ever confused and or need any extra stroke help and want coaches to look at something specific let us know! We are always here to help. Have Fun! We want everyone to have an enjoyable season and spend many hours together between practices, meets, and social events, so get to know your fellow teammates! Build lasting friendships and enjoy getting faster together!


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A Mako Shark’s Swim Season

Practice is an integral part of improving any skill, especially one such as swimming where so many variables are considered. While our team does not have a practice attendance requirement, we do ask that swimmers attend as many practices as they can in a week so as not to miss out on crucial skills (But please only one practice per day). Our coaches look forward to helping the swimmers realize their full potential and hope that the Mako Sharks just as excited as we are to be a part of our swim team family.

Spring Season

Practices will be Monday – Thursday between 3:30-6:30pm (Except Wednesdays it will be 3:30-5:30pm) depending on age group. Please visit the team website for specific practice times.

Our practices during the spring season have a primary focus on technique and building up a base for the swimmers to utilize during the summer. All four strokes will be reviewed and taught to maximize efficiency in the water. All practice schedules are posted to the team website.

Summer Season

During the summer swim meets are added to our schedule. At swim meets, the swimmers race other swimmers and compete for times in the various swimming events. Our focus on racing skills deepens as we move through the summer season, utilizing the solid foundation built up during the spring. This culminates in a fun end of season championship meet filled with team spirit and culture.

AM Practices @ Oakwood Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 9 & Older: 7:45 - 9:00am (15 min dryland prior practice) 7 – 8s + 6 & Under: 9:00 – 9:30am

PM Practice @ Oakwood Practices will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 3:30-6:30pm depending on age group. All 7 and up age groups will have a 15-minute dryland prior to in water practice. Please visit the team website for specific practice times. Note: NO practice at Oakwood on Wednesdays during summer. (Starting Block Practice ONLY)

Starting Block/Dive Practice @ Las Lomas High School Pool Wednesdays (Starting 6/12) 9 & Older: 10:30 – 11:30 am 8 & Under: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm


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Meet Schedule: 2019 Summer Season

Sat. June 1st PHAST Invitational (9 & Under)

@ Pleasant Hill Aquatics (9 & Under)

*Sat. June 8th Swim Team Time Trials

@ Oakwood Athletic Club

Sun. June 9th Martinez 8 & Under Invitational

@ Rankin Aquatics Center

Wed. June 12th Rancho Colorados 12 & Under

@ Rancho Swim and Tennis

Sat June 15th Tri-Meet w/ PHD @ Aquaknights

@ Pleasant Hill Education Center

Wed. June 19th Tri-Meet w/ Springbrook & LMYA

@ Acalanes HS

Sat./Sun. June 22nd & 23rd Battle of the Ages

@ Pleasant Hill Education Center

Wed. June 26th Larkey & Sun Valley

@ Larkey

Sat. June 29th Dual Meet w/ Las Trampas

@ Las Trampas

Wed. July 10th Dual Meet W/ Oakhurst Country Club

@ Oakhurst

Sat. July 13th Dual Meet w/ Dewing Park

@ Dewing Park Pool

Wed. July 17th Dual Meet w/ Sun Valley

@ Sun Valley

*Sat./Sun. July 27th & 28th Lafayette Swim Conference Championship Meet

@ Acalanes High School

Fri./Sat./Sun. Aug. 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Contra Costa “County” Meet

@ Acalanes High School

Policy: 4 + LSC Championship meet minimum participation for swimmers and parent volunteers. Spring meets (June 1, June 8) do not fulfill meet participation requirements. (See Parent swimmer commitment for more details)

*Participation Required


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2019 Team Social Events Stay up to date on what’s happening through Facebook and our Social Circling section of the CHUM Newsletter. The Mako Sharks Facebook Group is private so to be added, send a personal message to Sarah Merino Lind via Facebook Messanger. Be sure to include your swimmer’s name in your request.

The CHUM is the team’s weekly e-newsletter that communicates all team updates & highlights

throughout the Mako Sharks season.

(Please update your email through the team website to ensure you receive the CHUM.) Spring Kickoff Party: Celebrating the start of a new season with a team potluck on the pool deck. Bring suits and be ready for a fun filled day to start the spring season. Come meet other Mako families, get to know the coaches, and make new friends. Time Trials & Summer Kickoff Party: Time trials marks the official start of the summer swim season. This meet serves a dual purpose, as it helps introduce new swimmers with the swim meet environment and familiarize parents with the various jobs to do at swim meets. A team potluck will be held after the meet is finished. Swimmer and parent participation are required for this meet. Social Activities: Throughout the season our team participates in many social events. These include activities such as bowling, movie outings, and a trip to Waterworld! Check the calendar for a full updated list of social events. Please note that updates to all our off-site social events will be communicated through the CHUM team e-news. Unlike most swim teams, there is no formal social requirement for families. However, volunteers are needed to help organize these events. Each event will need a lead coordinator that parents can volunteer for. Otherwise, the event may be removed from our social calendar. Therefore, families are encouraged to help organize at least one event, especially if they know its one their swimmer enjoys participating in. Lead coordinators will be organized by the Parent Board Social Coordinator and elections will be made via Team Unify or SignUp Genius. Spirit Week: Leading up to our LSC meet we hold a week dedicated to team spirit and fun activities. The week comprises of several events, such as a pasta feed, car decorating, and parent vs. coach relays. Come by all week and join in on the fun as we prepare for our team championship meet.

Mako Sharks Awards Dinner: the Wednesday following our LSC championship meet we host a team awards dinner on the pool deck. Bring food along and celebrate all the hard work that the swimmers put in throughout the entire season! County Swimmer Dinner: Every year on the Thursday before county meet one of the county families hosts a team dinner for the county qualifying swimmers on the team. Come celebrate the accomplishments of these awesome swimmers and gear up for one final meet to end the season!


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Team Suits & Spirit Wear

Team Suits: 2019 Team Suit is the TYR Phoenix. We are working with Making Waves in Walnut Creek for suit

purchases and is located on the corner of Treat and Bancroft (the old Norcal swim store). They will be on-site both April 11 and a date in May for suit fitting and sales. They will also keep stock in-store that can be tried on and purchased at any time. You will receive 20% off the suit and anything else purchased in store when you let them know you are with Oakwood. Swimoutlet and amazon carry to suit as well. You may order your suit online from Making Waves at https://makingwavesusa.com/team/oakwood-mako/. Password is Oakwood. Coupon code:

freeshiporder (we will be doing a bulk order) The online store will close April 22nd, and then will reopen beginning of June!! ** please note- the turn around time for the orders online are 3 weeks from the date the online store is closed! Not from the date you personally order it!

Spirit Wear: Show your MAKO SHARKS pride with our custom team apparel. Hats, Jackets, Sweatshirts, Tank

Tops, T-shirts & more. Visit the team store under the SUITS & APPAREL button on the team website to place your

order.

Check out all the Team Apparel options at our Spring & Summer Kickoff Party.

https://makingwavesusa.com/team/oakwood-mako/


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Parent Commitment to the Team

Good parental support is the foundation of a successful swim season! So please help where ever possible! & a big THANK YOU in advance from all swimmers and coaches!!

Job Signups will be open online from April 1st – June 10th. LSC Job Signup will Close July 8th

Parents are required to fulfill ‘parent jobs’ at 5 meets

(4 meets + one shift at the LSC Championship meet)

Signing up for parent jobs: Using the "Job Signup" button shown next to each meet listed at the bottom of the

home page on www.oakwoodmakosharks.com. Please go through and commit to all meets you wish to work at

the beginning of the season. Jobs will be assigned once all volunteers are committed and information will be

emailed to you by our parent jobs directors prior to each meet. If the meets you want are already filled there

will be a waitlist sign up so in case someone is unable to meet there commitment you can step in.

Checking your work assignments: Our team vice president will go through and assign your meet job on

www.oakwoodmakosharks.com. You can view your meet commitments and assigned jobs on the site. You will not

be able to remove yourself from a meet job through the website. If you cannot meet your commitment you must

arrange for a sub to take your place and confirm this change with the team vice president.

Arranging for a sub: If you cannot meet your commitment you must contact the teams Job’s Coordinator. After

the signup deadline of June 10th, if the Jobs Coordinator receives a cancelation of your work signup at least 10

days prior to the meet there will be a $50 fee assessed to your house account. If the cancelation is made less

than 10 days before the meet date there will be a $75 charge. No-shows for a meet will result in a $100

charge. For LSC cancelations, there will be a $75 charge if the Job’s Coordinator is notified prior to July 18th.

After July 18th a cancelation or anyone that does not sign up will be charged $100.

Season Buy Out: If you would like to completely “Buy Out” from your parent work obligations it will be a $350

charge. They must be paid by cash, check, or cc. (No House Charge). Buy Outs are done on a first come first

serve basis and are limited. **Deadline to buy out is Friday 6/10**

Failure to meet parent jobs requirement: If a family doesn’t meet their required 5 meets (consisting of 4 regular

meets plus LSC), a $75 penalty will be assessed for each unworked meet. This charge will be processed at the

end of the season and applied to your Oakwood house account. This is the last thing we want to see, the more

families that participate the more each swimmer will get out of the season.

http://www.oakwoodmakosharks.com/


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Parent Job Descriptions

Meet Coordinator*: This is a trained position, prior meet experience is required. The meet coordinator acts as

our Parent Manager on the pool deck for meets. They will work with the Vice President and/or President to

ensure that all parent jobs are filled prior to a meet. They checks in all our parent volunteers before the meet

and get everyone in position so the meet can start on time. They assist and fill in where needed throughout the

meet and help new swimmers and families learn the meet process.

Stroke & Turn Official: This is a trained position. Clinics are offered at the beginning of the season; the date and

time will be posted. A stroke and turn judge from each team walks the length of the pool during each race and

determines that the strokes and turns of swimmers in the three lanes closest to him/her are legal.

Timer: Three timers work in each lane, 2 from the Home Team and 1 from the Visiting Team. Timers clock times

on stopwatches and give times to the recorder. Timers will be trained and given timing instructions prior to the

start of each swim meet.

Recorder: One per lane with the Home Team recorders usually in the even lanes and the Visiting Team in the

odd lanes. After each race, the recorder writes down the 3 times from the timers and the middle one is circled.

This is the swimmer’s official time for the race. Where a team has a wireless system the recorder is also a timer,

and records only the time on his/her stopwatch on a pre-printed slip and confirms the swimmer's name.

Shepherd: One of the most important roles for our young (10 and under) swimmers. The shepherds pay mind to

the timing of events and begin gathering swimmers with enough advance notice so to get them to the starting

blocks in time for their starts. Shepherds organize our swimmers by event / heat / and lane and then guide each

one to the starting blocks.

Ribbons / Desk: One desk worker helps the Meet Director sort lane slips. Another worker reads names and times

to the computer entry person from the lane slips. Another parent attaches labels to the ribbons and files them in

the family folders. Other jobs may be needed. At away meets, the jobs may vary, but are similar.


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Mako Sharks Parent Board Members & Contacts

Sarah Lind, Board President

Team Communications & New Parent Contact

Email: [email protected] Phone: 484-885-0211

Karen Johnston, Vice President


Taylor Inman, Parent Jobs Manager


Megan Moore, Social Coordinator


Cat Arroyo, Suits & Team Apparel Coordinator


Maggie Wang, LSC Hospitality Coordinator


Laura Lawrence, LSC Board Representative









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The Swim Meet Survival Guide

Written by Parents for Parents.

BEFORE THE MEET:

1. You must commit your swimmer to the meet on our team website prior to the deadline. The pre-deadline reminder is a good time to go back into the team website and double-check your swimmer is entered in the meet.

2. Check the website for details regarding the meet (address, times, etc.) 3. If your swimmer is entered in the meet, you will receive an email prior to the meet with last minute details and

instructions (meet coordinator’s name and cell phone number, shepherd list, jobs list, location, warm up times, meet program etc.).

4. Consider packing your swim bag in advance to reduce stress as you’re leaving for the meet, making sure items such as caps and goggles are ready to go.

5. Minimize excitement in your child’s day/night before the meet. Meets take a lot of energy and stamina and having them be well rested helps their performance.

6. MARK YOUR SWIMMER. Hand marking instructions found on pg. 13.

AT THE MEET:

1. Arrive early!!! 2. Check in with the Meet Coordinator first thing upon arrival at the meet. 3. Set up in the Oakwood designated team area. 4. Find the shepherds and introduce them to your small child. These are the people who will help get your swimmer to

the right place at the right time. If you need help marking your child, the shepherds can assist with this. 5. Warm up times will be announced prior to the meet. Plan to arrive 60 minutes prior to the set warm up time if

your child is swimming the Medley Relay or Freestyle (the first two events). 45 minutes is fine for later racers. Please plan to attend warm ups, this is when coaches confirm relays and provide swimmer instruction.

Meets cycle through each stroke/event by age of swimmer (girls first, then boys).

Races move quicker than one might expect. Make sure your child is ready for their race and move your child towards the pool several age groups early. For instance, when 13-14 girls begin to swim, the 6 & under girls should head for the lanes. When 15-18s begin to swim, 7-8s should start moving toward the lanes. Shepherds will move the children when it’s time, but ultimately parents are responsible for keeping track of their children and making sure they get to the shepherds. Shepherds do not check bathrooms or other team camps for missing swimmers.

8 & unders only swim one lap, therefore, they line up at the end of the pool opposite the timers (except for relays). 9+ line up at the timer end of the pool. The race always ends at the timers. So, in 8 & under relays, swimmers 1&3 start at the timers, and swimmers 2&4 start at the opposite end.


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Block End

• All 8 and Unders

• All 8 and Under

Relay Swimmers 2 &

4 ONLY

Timer End

• All 9+ Swimmers

• All 8 and Unders:

Relay Swimmers

1 & 3 ONLY

When your swimmer has completed all of their races and if you are not working the meet, its fine for you to leave. Please check out with the head coach before leaving as sometimes freestyle relays need last minute additions. Please clean your camp area of all trash and belongings prior to departure.

THINGS YOU’LL NEED:

1. Cell phone – especially at big meets. A lot of communication happens via text message. 2. Chairs – otherwise you’ll be sitting on the ground. 3. Sun Shade – some people use EZ-Ups, some people use pop-up tents… 4. Swim Bag – swim suit, swim caps (always good to have a spare), 2 pairs of goggles (these are the first items to

get lost), 2-3 towels, sun block 5. Black Sharpies (to mark your swimmer(s)), highlighters and pens/pencils (to highlight your swimmer(s) on your meet

sheet) 6. Warm Clothes – swim meets get very hot, and very cold. 7. Food and Water – Most swimmers bring their own food in lieu of the snack bar options. Things such as fruit,

granola bars, and crackers are good choices. Since it will usually be hot and sunny outside, having lots of water for hydration is very important.

THINGS YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU BROUGHT:

• Games, markers, coloring books, art supplies, deck of cards, books, blocks, Legos, etc.

• Don’t bring anything you aren’t willing to share with other children.

THINGS YOU’LL WANT TO LEAVE AT HOME:

• Electronic toys. These are hard to keep track of and often get misplaced or broken.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What if we can only attend a few swim meets? No problem, Oakwood Makos are perfect for you. Our swimmer commitment is incredibly conservative in comparison to other swim clubs. Only having to attend four meets plus the League (LSC) Meet allows families to actually have a life outside of swim team. This is truly a guilt free club (so long as you keep to the minimum commitment). Parent commitment is equally conservative in comparison to other teams. Additionally, we do not have a social commitment which is another key differentiator for our boutique-like team.

What is LSC and the League Meet? LSC stands for Lafayette Swim Conference which is the League that Oakwood Makos belongs to. The league meet is a 2-day event with strokes split between Saturday and Sunday having a total of 6 teams competing. Spirits run high during this event and it is incredibly fun. Lengthy. But fun. Lots of sunblock is in order.

How do I sign up for a meet? All meet sign-ups (for both swimmers and parent volunteers) are coordinated through our team website OakwoodMakoSharks.com. For Swimmers: Once logged in, the swim meets will be displayed. Select Edit Commitment then click on your swimmer’s name to designate their attendance commitment. It is super-duper important (and takes thirty seconds) to provide a firm yes or no commitment with every meet. For Parent Volunteers: Priority for job selection requests will be given to parents who designate commitments early on in the season. Beyond that, job assignments will be determined by the meet coordinator. A parent buyout is available

until June 10th.

How long are swim meets? Meet duration depends on the number of teams competing. Wednesday evening meets typically are the quickest of all, (so long as the hosting team is not planning any special song and dance performances during the middle of the meet…)

Who do I contact if my swimmer will be missing a meet? As soon as possible, notify the meet coordinator AND send an email to Coach Jake. You may be harassed a tiny bit, but it won’t last long. Promise.

What do I do if I cannot work a meet I signed up for? If you are signed up to work a meet and discover that you will not be able to fulfill that commitment, we ask that you arrange for a sub and contact the Meet Coordinator to inform them of what is happening. The earlier the better!!! The going rate for a sub is $50. Life happens. We get it, but please communicate. Should you make your own sub arrangements, you will not be assessed the cancelation charge. If you cancel without finding a replacement, you may be subject to a charge. Job swaps with other parents are acceptable so long as the Jobs Coordinator confirms the switch is possible.

My swimmer made a new friend, but I don’t know their name. Is there a team directory?


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Yes, early in the season we will send out a swim team contact list with emails and phone #’s, so parents can arrange carpools to social events, dive practices, play dates, etc. If you wish to not have your info included in this list please speak with Sarah ASAP.

Who Is in charge of ___ and how do I contact them? This is a trick question for those that have yet to read the team packet… Kidding aside, our parent board is a great place to start. We are here to help.

How will I be notified about swim team events and news? We have a team newsletter (The Chum) that is frequently emailed to families with the latest tidbits about everything team related. This could include news about upcoming meets, social events, swimmer shout-outs and once in a while a desperate call for help. We also have a team Facebook page. Evites are frequently used for social activities. Parent Board Members are also very chatty so you could always just eaves drop at practice.

What should I bring to swim meets? Start with your swimmer in a team suit. Then add goggles, some shoes (that slide on and off easily), a swim cap and couple of towels. Sprinkle with time-killing activities (cards, books, snacks, 1000-piece puzzles… just kidding) and top it all off with comfort items (water, sweats, chairs, sunblock, hats, glasses, margarita machine… not kidding) and that’s it in a nutshell! For even more details, please see the team info packet.

Do I have to attend all of the swim meets? Negative there, Good Buddy. Repeat after me… “Four plus LSC...Four plus LSC”

Do I have to stay until the very end of a swim meet? No, but please don’t just Ghost Us. It’s always best to check with the meet coordinator or Coach Carrie before leaving.

I'm New! Are there ways to help introduce me to a swim team environment? Time trials are a perfect way for both swimmers and parents to become more acquainted with what happens at a meet. Beyond that, don’t be afraid to ask any questions leading up to and during a meet. By no means should you be intimidated by the environment. Yes, it’s a lot going on at once, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.


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Glossary of Terms Event: A race over a given distance. Each race is organized by gender, age, and stroke. (Ex. 7-8 girls 25-yard

backstroke)

Lane: Lanes in the pool are numbered 1-6+ and are where the kid will race. They get their own lane at meets.

Heat: Each group of swimmers racing are organized into heats. After each race is swum, the next heat in each

event will swim.

Heat & Lane Assignment: Each swimmer will be given a heat and lane assignments for each of their races so that

they know where to be when their race comes up. These are different for each event. (Ex. Heat 3, Lane 4)

Meet Sheet/Program: This is where all the entries in the meet are compiled and shown so everyone knows their

event, heat, and lane. Entry times are also displayed in the meet sheet.

Strokes: These are the stroke options that swimmers have for meets. They are Freestyle, Backstroke,

Breaststroke, and Butterfly.

IM: In an individual Medley one swimmer swims all 4 strokes without stopping in a particular order. That order is

Fly, Back, Breast, Free.

Relay Events: Relays are group events where four swimmers swim together to form a combined race.

Medley Relay: 4 swimmers swim one stroke each: Back/Breast/Fly/Free

Freestyle Relay: 4 swimmers swim Freestyle

Mixed Relay: Any combination of Male and Female swimmers. 6 & Under only

Clerk of the Course: Area set up for organizing large numbers of swimmers into their heat and lane assignments.

There is no clerk at most dual and tri meets, however at larger championship meets and invitationals there will be

clerk. When there is a clerk of the course parents drop their kids off at the clerk prior to their event starting and

clerk takes care of organizing the swimmers.

Starting Block: Raised platform where swimmers dive to enter the pool. All blocks are set the same height from

the water level.

Disqualification (DQ): A swimmer's performance is not counted due to a rule infraction.


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Marking Hands for Meets

When marking up swimmers for meets, remember to…

1. Use black sharpie so their name and events are easily viewable. 2. Mark them when they are dry and BEFORE putting on sunscreen. Sunscreen and

Sharpie pens don’t mix well. 3. When marking hands, write their event number, stroke, and their heat and lane. 4. Mark their back right shoulder with last name, first initial, and age. 5.

For all individual events please put the event number, the stroke the swimmer is swimming, and their heat and lane on their hand. It’ll look something like this…

#6: Fr, 3/4 #18: Bk, 5/6 #42: Fly, 2/5 For all relay events please put the event number, the relay type, the stroke the swimmer is swimming (if a medley relay), the number assigned for the order the relay is going in, and the heat and lane and their hand. It’ll look like this…

#2: MR, Bk, #1, 3/4

Hand Marking Terms #: Event Number Fr: Freestyle Bk: Backstroke Br: Breaststroke Fly: Butterfly IM: Individual Medley MR: Medley Relay FR: Free Relay


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Mako Sharks Swim Team...2019/04/05 · Mako Sharks Swim Team 2019 6 What Coaches will ask from...

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