Parent Handbook

Parent Handbook (Revised:April. 2008)

The Ladner Stingray Swim Club is a competitive swim club incorporated under the Societies Act of the Province of British Columbia. It is governed by a Constitution and By-Laws. Its main objective is to promote and develop amateur swimming in the Ladner area. To achieve this objective, the club runs a competitive program and a development program for our swimmers.

The Stingrays are members of the British Columbia Summer Swimming Association (BCSSA). BCSSA, along with its member clubs, is responsible for developing effective coaching of swimmers and the promotion of swimming events. The Ladner Stingrays are members of the Fraser South region along with eight other clubs - Boundary Bay Bluebacks, Cloverdale Tritons, Crescent Beach Swim Club, Delta Diving Club, North Delta Sunfish, Richmond Kigoos, Surrey Sea Lions, and White Rock Amateur Swim Club. A summer swim club's season is from May 1 to the middle of August.

The Executive has adopted the following goals for the club.

GOAL#1 To provide a competitive swim program for all members.       

1. To provide a strong competitive program for interested swimmers.
2. To provide opportunities for developmental swimmers to improve their   skills and participate in swim meets commensurate with their abilities.
3. To investigate interest in and opportunities for additional programs within  the club.

GOAL #2 To focus on leadership development.

1. To provide leadership opportunities for senior swimmers in the club.   
2. To provide leadership opportunities for club coaches.
3. To provide leadership opportunities for parents of club members.

GOAL #3 To enhance and further develop communication and public awareness.

1. To establish systems within the club to enhance and improve communication between the Executive, coaches, parents and swimmers.
2. To enhance public awareness of the Ladner Stingray Swim Club.

THE COMPETITIVE PROGRAM

In the competitive program, swimmers compete in separate divisions, which are determined by the swimmer's age on April 30th of the current year.

Legal proof of age (birth certificate, passport or care card) is required for all swimmers not previously registered with BCSSA.

Division 1       8 and under

Division 2       9 to 10 1/2

Division 3       10 1/2 to 12

Division 4      12 to 13 1/2

Division 5       13 1/2 to 15

Division 6       15 and 16

Division 7       17 to 19         

Division 8       20 and over

The divisions are further divided into two groups: "A" and "B". These groups are determined by the swimmer's competitive times achieved at swim meets. At most swim meets "A" swimmers compete against "A" swimmers, and "B" swimmers compete against other "B" swimmers. This allows the swimmers to compete on a level playing field.

The club always promotes good sportsmanship at swim meets and encourages all swimmers to swim their "Personal Best". Personal Bests (also known as Best Times) and "A" times are recognized after each meet.

THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

While the main aim of the Club is competitive swimming, the Executive places a great deal of emphasis on our development program. In this program, the swimmers are instructed in the four basic competitive swimming strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Children are encouraged to develop their skills in a positive environment without the added pressure of weekly swim meets.

The minimum swimming requirement for development swimmers is swim kids 4 (7 years and older) or Superfrogs (6 years and under). Swimmers must be able to swim 15 metres unassisted and feel comfortable in deep water.

It is hoped that all swimmers will progress from the development program to the competitive program; this is only done, however, when the swimmer, coach and parent(s) believe the child is ready for competitive swimming.

SWIMMING PRACTICE GROUPS

The coaches base their assessment of each swimmer’s ability and age to establish practice groups. There is also consideration paid to whether the swimmer is interested in competing or is mainly focussed on developing swimming skills. There will be changes in the groups throughout the summer as swimmers work towards their Personal Best.

PRACTICES

Swimmers will enjoy a mix of pool and dryland training throughout May. This allows them to "cross-train" as they work towards improving their conditioning, and helps avoid injury. The dryland practices also give swimmers a chance to meet each other, meet the coaches - new and returning, and practice club cheers.

The club has very limited access to pool time at the Ladner Leisure Centre during the first two weeks of May. Pool time will increase significantly during the second half of May and then average out through June as we share the Outdoor Pool with the Boundary Bay Bluebacks. In July and August our pool time is structured around the programs offered by Delta Parks and Recreation.

All practices at the Ladner Outdoor Pool are held rain or shine. Outdoor Pool is getting old and sometimes may experience mechanical problems resulting in canceled or shortened practices. We will endeavour to keep missed practices to a minimum by offering alternative dryland/deck practices if the pool can't be used.

The coaching staff is responsible for practice sessions, and will be on deck before the sessions begin. They will ensure safety of the pool and parents should confirm before leaving their swimmer(s) that the practice is going ahead. Coaches will leave only after all swimmers have finished their sessions.

Coaches have the authority to dismiss a swimmer from a practice if, in their opinion, the swimmer is disrupting the practice session or is failing to comply with coaching instructions.

Remember...

Goggles, towel and bathing suit for every practice - please make sure goggles are properly adjusted. Water bottles are a MUST at every practice.

Swimmers should always bring appropriate clothing and footwear to allow for a dryland/ deck practice if required.

Be on time for practices - coaches will not let you in the water until you have stretched properly.

**IMPORTANT NOTE TO PARENTS**

For insurance reasons, parents are NOT permitted on the pool deck during practice sessions. This is a requirement of the Municipality.

COMMUNICATIONS

Communications between all club members needs to be positive, proactive and respectful at all times. This includes casual conversation, whether it be in the team tent or vicinity, or during scheduled meetings. If swimmers and/or parents have a question or concern, their first line of communication should be with the individual who appears most able to deal with their question/concern (Coach, Club President, Executive Member etc.). If the problem is not easily resolved or the individual would like some assistance/advice, the next step is to involve the Club Mediator, Laurel Crosby. (604 940-0403).
Information during the season is communicated in a variety of ways. Your input is very valuable and much appreciated - please pass along your comments to any member of the Executive or drop a note in the "Suggestion" folder in the mailbox.

Mailboxes

The club mailboxes will be at each of the practices and are used for relaying messages, newsletters, schedules and meet information. There is a folder for each family, each of the coaches, the Executive and a Suggestions folder.

>>>>Please check for "mail" at every practice.<<<<

Email

In the past we have found that this is one of the most effective ways of communicating with our families. If you do not have email we will be either phoning or providing the information to you via your mailboxes.

Newsletters & Notices

The club newsletter "Stinger" will be published every three to four weeks. Watch for information on upcoming events and important dates. Notices on special events and/or practice changes will also be distributed through notices.

Bulletin Boards

Swim meet information and results, along with other "News" will be posted on the bulletin boards. Please check on them every couple of days as information changes regularly.

The swim meet sign-up sheets will be on the "Swim Meet" board, along with the officials' sign-up sheet for the next scheduled meet.

It is very important that ONLY PARENTS sign the sheet for the swim meets.

Buddy Families

The club will be continuing a "Buddy Family" system this year to assist families new to the club in feeling more comfortable with all the goings-on. We will be matching "experienced" families with new ones so they have a person to call for answers to all their "what is...?" questions - please ask them - we all had them when we started!

Parent Handbook

This handbook is full of useful information. Please take the time to read through it and pass pertinent information along to your swimmers. We ask that families print out a copy of the handbook and put it in a duotang.

Coach/ Parent Conferences

Coaches are happy to discuss your child's progress with you at any time during the season. If you would like a conference, please leave a note for the coach in the mailbox or e-mail the coach and a time will be arranged. We ask that you do not attempt these discussions during practice sessions, as the coaches’ primary responsibility while on deck is the safety of the swimmers in the water.

SWIM MEETS

The Club attends weekend swim meets starting the first weekend in June and continuing until mid-August. A schedule of the meets was included in the March newsletter and will be posted on the bulletin board at the Outdoor Pool.

Meets usually begin around 8:00 a.m. with warm-ups starting as early as 6:30 a.m. Meets are held rain or shine, so families should be prepared for all kinds of weather. It is important to bring sufficient warm clothing, rain gear and sun protection.

Each swimmer should bring the following to a meet:

• warm sweatsuit, jacket and rain gear
• swimsuit(s), goggles - more than one pair is a good idea, and club swim  cap
• several towels - they don't dry if it is rainy
• sleeping bag or blanket
• lunch, or money to buy one
• playing cards, books, games, etc...
• sunscreen, t-shirt and hat
• water, water, water

Parents are also advised to bring hats and sunscreen. Lawn chairs and umbrellas are also a good idea as bleacher seating is limited at most pools.

Attendance at Swim Meets

Sign-up sheets will be on the bulletin board 2 to 3 weeks prior to the swim meet. Parents ONLY are to initial the meets they will be attending. You will be advised on the board regarding the deadline for sign-up. Please make sure you clearly indicate:

1. will you be attending?
2. will you be there BOTH days? If not, which day?
3. will your swimmer(s) be available for relays on all days attending?

The Club pays entry fees for every event a swimmer is entered in and accurate information saves the Club hundreds of dollars in forfeited entries. If you are unable to attend a meet after you have signed up, please let the Head Coach know,as soon as possible.Swimmers who don't show up at a meet after they've registered will be billed for the entry fees forfeited.

If a swimmer scratches from a relay causing the team to be scratched, the swimmer who originally scratched will be assessed the relay entry fee.

Responsibilities at Swim Meets

Parents are responsible for their children at a swim meet. If parents are unable to attend, an alternate parent must be contacted to look after their child.

Transportation is also the responsibility of the individual swimmer - check with other families if you need a ride.

Parents are responsible for monitoring the team tent - please ensure your children are aware of this and respect direction given from other club parents.

Coaching staff has the authority to maintain proper discipline at a meet.

During a swim meet, swimmers are not permitted to loiter at the coaches' table.

Swimmers are required to see their coach when they arrive at the swim meet, before each event and after each event

Parent Participation at Swim Meets

Without the help of parents swim meets simply could not take place.

At each swim meet every club is required to supply officials to keep the meet running smoothly. The club is usually responsible for manning at least one lane throughout the meet with timers and recorders. We are also required to supply place judges, stroke and turn judges, and other officials we have available.

There will be a sign-up sheet for timers, recorders and officials at the pool the week before each meet - everyone's participation is required. If all parents do a couple of hours each day then a few parents aren't working all morning or afternoon.

The Club will be arranging an officials clinic for those parents interested in working as on-deck officials - watch the bulletin board for more information. It is imperative that we train as many parents as possible as Fraser South is desperately short of qualified senior officials.

LADNER STINGRAY SWIM CLUB MEET INFORMATION

RELAY POLICY

Relays are the team part of competitive swimming and are often the most exciting races at swim meets. Please read the following policy on relays and ask the coaches if you have any questions:

LADNER STINGRAYS RELAY POLICY

BEHAVIOUR IN THE TEAM TENT

The tent has been declared a PEANUT FREE ZONE.  That means NO PEANUTS, NO PEANUT BUTTER. Remember that there are swimmers of all ages in our club (and tent) and it is important to act appropriately. The tent is a quiet place where swimmers can play quiet games read and rest.  NO HORSEPLAY! There will be no climbing on the tent the walls as they will get damaged and leak!

OFFICIALS
All parents with children at the meet are required to assist at swim meets as timers, recorders, place judges, stroke and turn judges, referees, starters etc.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH COACHES

If you are not able to make it to a meet for warm-ups, please let your child's coach know prior to the day of the meet.  Make sure your swimmer checks in with their coach as soon as they arrive.  If the coach doesn't know you are at the meet, the swimmer may be scratched from their events.

ENTRY FEES

Every event a swimmer is entered in costs the club money ($5-$7 each).  Swimmers who sign up but don't attend a meet will be charged for the forfeited fees which is why parents are required to initial the sign-up sheets.  If you have time restrictions for when you can be at the meet, make a note on the sign-up sheet or write a note to the coaches no later than the signup deadline.

PUBLICITY

Articles highlighting our swimmers' efforts appear regularly in the South Delta Leader and Delta Optimist. Please see the club’s privacy policy for any information relating to privacy issues.

Club Clothing

Club swimsuits, clothing, swim caps and goggles will be available at the Equipment Day at the Outdoor Pool. Cathy Von Ende, our Club's equipment distribution manager, can be contacted at vonende@mac.com or 604-946-3923. Club clothing is optional, however we do require all competitive swimmers to have a "Club Cap" to wear at swim meets. The Club does recommend buying a top-quality swimsuit such as Speedo, which although initially more expensive, will last much longer than a lower priced suit. The Club as a service sells swimsuits and clothing at cost to members. Check with Cathy for current prices.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Fees for the 2008 season are as follows:

One swimmer $325

Two swimmers $650

Three or more swimmers in the same family $750

A $35 BCSSA registration fee due for the 4th and subsequent additional family swimmers

Cross Trainer/Alumni 13 years and over   $220*

*3 practices per week and this includes no meet fees 
(Must be former Ladner Stingray swimmers)

Little Stingrays - one swimmer $220

Membership fees can be paid in 3 equal monthly installments- May 1, June 1 and July 1.

Family Fundraising fee $150
The family fundraising fee is returned at the end of the season to those families that participate in our designated major fundraising activities. For swimmer in Little Stingrays and Water Polo only the fundraising fee is $100

Waterpolo

Ladner Stingray Members $ 85

Waterpolo only Members $ 120*

Members of other BCSSA Clubs $ 150*

* Please note: a fundraising cheque of $150 will be required for all “Waterpolo only” players and for the Members of other BCSSA clubs joining us just for waterpolo. This cheque will be returned to you when you participate in the designated major fundraisers.

Masters

Two days per week $185

One day per week $120
Monday & Thursday 8pm-9pm starting May 12th

Half season rates are offered for those swimmers who join the club for the months of July and August (if there is space available). A waiting list system will be used to allocate available spaces. New members are eligible for a refund of fees within the first two weeks only, less $35 to cover BCSSA registration fees. The Club President or Registrar must be notified in order to receive a refund.

FUNDRAISING

As with the majority of organizations in the community, the swim club can only remain viable through active fundraising. The swimmers' fees cover only a portion of our yearly expenses. The club has a budget in excess of $100,000 for the summer to cover pool rental costs, coaches' salaries, meet entry fees, equipment, awards and other required expenses. The costs are met through a combination of fees, grants and fundraising. Our stated aim is to provide a program, which is accessible to as many children as possible.

As with any other club, fundraising is a key element that helps keep our costs down. A fundraising deposit of $150.00 is required at the time of registration but by participating in one of our designated major fundraising events (Raffle or Pizza Sales) your deposit will be returned to you.

The following events have been planned for the 2008 season:

PIZZA SALES – This year our club has the opportunity to raise funds through the sales of pizzas. Pizza’s are available at a cost of $10 each (15 pizza’s @ $150.00)

RAFFLE TICKETS – Each family is required to sell 20 raffle tickets at a cost of $5.00 per ticket plus 15 pizzas or an additional 10 raffle tickets.

BOTTLE DRIVE - Your participation is required to make this a success!! If you haven't already, please pick up your flyers at the Parent meeting on April 30.

• Date: Saturday May 3, 2008
  
• Time: 9 am - 2 pm
  
• Meeting Place: Delta Manor School (undercover area)

PUB NIGHT at The Landing - Come out and meet other parents for this social get together and have some fun!  Bring family, friends and neighbors!

• Date: Saturday May 3, 2008
  
• Cost: $5.00/person - includes Pint of Beer or a glass of wine

*** Tickets available NOW Contact Lorne Gerrard at 604-946-8295.

The swimmers carry out our other major fundraiser by way of the swim-a-thon. This is their chance to "shine" as they contribute to the costs of their training. If necessary, the club might need to do an additional fundraiser further into the season to meet our costs.

CAPITAL FUNDRAISING

The future of the outdoor pool continues to be a concern for the club. While the Seniors Centre has now been built adjacent to McKee House, our pool is getting older. We are actively working on the groundwork to have a replacement outdoor pool built in the community and we continue to maintain and upgrade our existing pool. You will learn more throughout the summer - please come forward to lend your support - it is vital to the future of our club!

In order to continue the swim club in the long-term, we need to explore avenues for capital fundraising (new outdoor pool) in the future. If you have any innovative ideas, please contact the Club President or Vice President.

 

Ladner Stingrays Executive 2006/2007

President
Anna Griffith--------------- griffith@dccnet.com........................ 604-940-6399

Vice President
Phil Freiberger  ------------ pfreiberger@dccnet.com.................. 604-946-7737

Co- Directors of Officials
Ian Milford----------------- imilford@ave21.ca........................... 604-940-1702
Phil Freiberger  ------------ pfreiberger@dccnet.com.................. 604-946-7737

Member at Large
Ian Milford----------------- imilford@ave21.ca........................... 604-940- 1702

Treasurer
Valerie Hider--------------- hider3@telus.net............................ 604-940-1914

Secretary
Carmel Currie-------------- curriex5@dccnet.com...................... 604-946-3923

Co-Registrars
Aurela Edgson------------- maedgson@telus.net ...................... 604-952-4682
Lisa Ferguson-------------- lisaferguson@dccnet.com ................ 604-940-8576

Committee Chairs

Equipment
Cathy Von Ende ----------- vonende@mac.com ........................ 604-943-5634

Publicity
Bev and Gordon Hunchak---- publicity@ladnerstingrays.com ……….604-946-7001

Newsletter
Willy Arundel--------------- newsletter@ladnerstingrays.com........ 604-946-3148

Club Mediator
Laurel Crosby-------------- lcrosby@richmond.sd38.bc.ca........... 604-940-0403
 
Swim-a-Thon
Vacant-------------------- swimathon@ladnerstingrays.com........

Meet Manager
Mel Beaton------------------- mbeaton@hammerco.net ………………604-940-6399

Fundraising
Lorne Gerrard-------------- lgerrard@telus.net.......................... 604-946-8295

Water Polo
Cathy Von Ende ----------- vonende@mac.com ........................ 604-943-5634