Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team

Introduction

Welcome to the Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team! This handbook is designed to help you better understand the sport of swimming and the Seahawks. YJSST is a competitive swim team and competes against other military installations, Japanese and international teams. Please take the time to become familiar with this handbook. Along with our team’s By-Laws, this has a lot of valuable information to help you and your child get the most out of their swimming experience.

Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team is an all-volunteer, parent-directed competitive youth swim team. The parents of our swim team are vital to the team’s success! Without the volunteer time given by parents, our team would not exist.

2024-2025 Board of Directors

Kristen Hassell, President

Dedre Harris, Vice President

Marggie Davidson, Treasurer

Mei Keller, Secretary

Marilea Romabiles, Away meet manager

Ana McCoy, Home Meet Manager

2023-2024 Board of Directors

Kristen Hassell, President

Dedre Harris, Vice President

Melanie Jarvis, Treasurer

Maggie Davidson, Treasurer (as of 4/22/24)

Sherry Tobin, Secretary

Marilea Romabiles & Laura Alekson, Meet Directors

Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team (YJSST)

Vision 3

About Us 3

Commitment 3

Code of Conduct/Disciplinary Actions 4

Communication 4

Organization 5

YJSST Board Members, Coaches, Membership 6

Duties and responsibilities 6

Roles of Board, Coaches, Parents, Swimmers 7

Financial Policy, Illness and Injury, Attendance, Volunteer 8

Dispute Resolution Process 10

YJSST Training Groups 12

Group Move up Procedure 18

Meets 18

VISION

Swim with Pride! Win with Honor! Build Character! Life is always about the journey, not the outcome. Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team ("YJSST") encapsulates this belief; and the belief that our athletes and members are on a lifelong journey. Swimming is a reflection of life; you cannot win all the time. Children will gain from their preparation in practice, confidence in meets, achievement in goals both short term and long term, and the understanding that success is created in the mind. Swimming not only teaches dedication and hard work, but also the importance of perseverance and the courage to set goals and reach for them. We hope this training in a positive, safe environment will encourage our young swimmers to overcome any obstacle, live with passion and purpose and reach their potential in life.

ABOUT US

The Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team is a competitive swim team. Swimmers must demonstrate adequate proficiency in the four basic competitive strokes before they are invited to join the team following a try-out evaluation. The team develops swimmer’s technique and endurance regardless of the level at which the children enter then team. YJSST’s swimmers, who are primary and secondary school students usually ranging in age from (6) six year-olds to (18) eighteen year olds, are the family members of U.S. Forces, Japan personnel including members of the armed forces and civilian components.

All operating regulations are available from the YJSST Board ("Board").  The YJSST organization exists with the consent and approval of Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka and as such is a private organization operating in public on that facility, copies of these documents will be made available upon request.

COMMITMENT

SWIMMER: YJSST expects each swimmer to make progress as a result of hard work, good attendance, respectful attitudes towards coaches, swimmers, MWR lifeguards and to those in attendance at practices and meets (both home and away). With this said, coaches expect swimmers to participate in practice each week. Each group has assigned expectations listed in the description of the practice groups.

FAMILY: The Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team is parent-run, volunteer-based, private organization that does not operate for a profit.  YJSST counts on its members to volunteer their time to promote unity and to enable the team to thrive. It is important for every parent to be involved with the team and their children’s activities. That is why we require members to volunteer their time and talents at home meets and events throughout the year. The Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team generally hosts four or five major home meets per swim year. To be able to run a meet, we need many adults helping out. To ensure the continued success of your YJSST swimmers, we rely on the support of our members to fill our many jobs, specifically at these hosted meets and fundraisers. Meet shifts will be broken down into the most feasible method possible to accommodate the needs of our active duty members and their families. Volunteer shifts will incorporate all meet needs. Families should  expect to provide at least one volunteer for each home meet. Failure to do so will result in a $50 penalty per swimmer.  Volunteers can include parents, high school aged students, friends, and active duty members.  

YJSST Board and Coaching staff are committed to providing a safe and positive environment where a child can develop lifelong skill sets, healthy habits, good sportsmanship, challenge themselves and encourage friendships. Coaches will have completed background checks and/or SafeSport. Parents are welcome on deck and/or within line of sight with their swimmer and our coaches at any YJSST practice or event taking place at our home pool, Seahawk Natatorium. Please adhere to coaches' communication hours in lieu of on deck discussion. 

All Board, Coaches, Parents and Swimmers are expected to treat each other with respect when representing YJSST in any capacity. YJSST maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment or offensive behavior of any kind.

CODE OF CONDUCT

PART 1 – GENERAL CONDUCT

The undersigned athlete/coach participating with/for the Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team agrees to abide by the guidelines outlined below in addition to those established by the Board and the MWR staff.

1. All swimmers are expected to follow the directions of the coaches and MWR staff.

2. All swimmers and contractors (coaches) are expected to attend all team meetings and training sessions, unless excused. Please adhere to attendance policy provided by practice group.

3. Dishonesty, theft, and/or vandalism will not be tolerated.

4. Indiscreet, destructive, or distracting behavior will not be tolerated.

5. Every effort should be made to avoid guilt by association with such activities as those listed above.

6. All swimmers will follow the posted MWR Aquatics Rules and Regulations.

7. Swimmers & family members agree to not wear shoes on the pool deck (or use shoe covers provided by MWR).

PART II – VIOLATION OF THE CODE

The coaches may impose the following penalties for violation of the Yokosuka Jr. Seahawks Swim Team Code of Conduct.

The penalties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. The swimmer will be given a verbal warning.

2. Time out on the bleachers; swimmer is not to leave the pool area.

3. The swimmer will be sent home and the coach and/or the YJSST Board President will contact the parent via email.

4. The swimmer will need to be accompanied by a parent at practice for four (4) consecutive practices.

5. If the swimmer continues his/her bad behavior, he/she will be suspended for one (1) week. (There will be NO prorated fee for monthly dues.)

6. If the swimmers disciplinary problem continues, the swimmer and parent will meet with the coach and Board to discuss the problem further.

COMMUNICATION

Our YJSST Board will be responsible for dissemination of all communication, information and announcements in changes of schedules, upcoming events, meet entries, etc. Team e-mails will be the primary source of communication. The Board will utilize the team website, http://www.yokosukaswimteam.com, and other forms of social media as the primary and official means of communications. 

Please check your email, including spam folder, the team website and team social media accounts regularly for current information. Membership should direct any program or policy related questions, comments, concerns or complaints to the Board President. Practice-team specific or personal concerns should be directed to your swimmer's coach. (Chain of command: your swimmer's coach -> head coach -> swim board.) Communication is encouraged and welcomed for the success of our team. 

In addition, please join our YJSST Members-only Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/243009886183221/ to keep up with the latest team news, events, and discussions. YJSST encourages all members to be active communicators for the benefit of the all swimmers. We respectfully request that you refrain from interrupting the coaches during practice to discuss concerns regarding your swimmer. Please adhere to coaches' communication hours. Parents are expected to model appropriate conflict resolution by following the above guidelines.

ORGANIZATION

The Yokosuka Junior Seahawks Swim Team is a private organization operating in accordance with CFAY instructions and our memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MWR.

The “YJSST Board” shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Meet Director (“Board").  A Board of five officers shall be elected by and from the Full members of YJSST. The term of each officer shall be one year. An officer may not serve more than two consecutive twelve-month terms. Any vacancy in the Board caused by resignation, relocation, disqualification, disability, or death of an officer shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Board until the next annual meeting. Each family shall be limited to one adult member on the Board at any time. Coaches are ineligible to serve on the Board. All Board members serve voluntarily in their elected positions in accordance with the By-Laws in effect and COMFLEACTINST 5760.5F

The Yokosuka Jr. Seahawks Swim Team requires dedicated parent volunteer board members to function. The Board will schedule general membership meetings from at least twice annually for the purpose of reviewing the activities and financial affairs of YJSST, and conducting such other business as may properly come before the meeting. YJSST may also hold other special meetings of the membership as may be necessary to properly conduct the affairs of YJSST. Such special meetings may be called by the President, by majority vote of the Board, or upon the written request.

Monthly YJSST Board meetings will be planned for a convenient time/date so that all members of the Board are able to attend. Board meetings are open to all Full members who submit a request via email to attend prior to the meeting. Exceptions to this are if the Board determines that it is necessary to hold an executive session. An executive session is permitted only to review personnel matters, disciplinary matters, or legal matters and should not be used to vote upon any other issue involving the affairs of YJSST. Executive sessions of the Board shall be held on the call of the President or a majority of the officers. All members of the Board shall be advised, either orally or in writing, as to the time and place of any such meeting. Notice shall be given at least three days prior to the date of the meeting. Attendance at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice thereof. Full Members do not have a vote at board meetings but are encouraged to reasonably discuss their opinion with the Board before the Board votes on issue.

Nominations for the YJSST Board shall be called for in April. Elected officers will begin their elected term on the 1st of June.  Assuming that all CFAY regulations have been satisfactorily met, board members will complete their term on 31st of May the following calendar year. Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka requires compliance with COMFLEACTINST 5760.5F at all times.

The Board shall also have the authority to establish committees as may be necessary to further promote the interests and activities of YJSST. Such committees may include both officers and other Full members in good standing. Please reference Appendix A for current committees. 

Board members shall not receive payment for their services to the team, but may be offered a 30% discount in their family swim dues for the months they serve on the board. Board members or YJSST volunteers may be reimbursed for his or her out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the team with the approval of the YJSST Board. Board members may receive payment for subbing for swim coaches & running practice on a need basis.

MEMBERSHIP, YJSST BOARD MEMBERS, AND COACHES

Membership

Membership will not be denied nor shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or national origin. Membership will be determined on coachability, swimming performance & time standards during open tryouts. 

The names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of all members of the team, as well as the information contained in the YJSST member Directory or any YJSST database, are private and confidential. Such information and mailing lists may not be disclosed or distributed to anyone, including any vendor or sponsor, without the prior written approval of the YJSST Board President.

The YJSST Board agrees to be bound by the Yokosuka Jr. Seahawks Swim Team By-laws currently in effect, all governing Rules and Regulations set forth by Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka and to govern by the current edition of ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER (REVISED) when applicable.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A brief and general overview of the duties and responsibilities of the board positions follows:

YJSST President: Primary contact for all team communication; is intended to have the responsibility and authority to manage the day-to-day business of the team, within the framework of the YJSST By-Laws. Vote is limited only in a tie-breaking situation.

YJSST Vice President: A voting member of the board and shall, in the absence of the President, convene and chair board meetings and in the absence of the President shall manage the day-to-day business of the team within the framework of the YJSST By-Laws. The Vice President verifies that the YJSST stays compliant with Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka policies and procedures. The Vice President will also act as coordinator for the Kinnick High School varsity season. 

YJSST Treasurer: Is a voting member of the board who is responsible for preparation and maintenance of all financial records for the organization and providing them at general membership meetings, executive board meetings and making them available upon request in a timely manner. The Treasurer maintains the Roster of Membership in “Good Standing,” collects membership dues and other payments, deposit payments and donations, makes payments authorized by the Board, maintain a full and accurate account of all financial transactions, retains accurate supporting documents, prepares budgetary guidance for the Board, all in compliance with Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka policies and procedures relating to financial matters, prepares the annual financial statement, submits the yearly audit and all required documents in accordance with COMFLEACTINST 5760.5F.

YJSST Secretary: Is a voting member of the board, is responsible for the planning, communication and execution of planned board meeting. Secretary will record the meeting minutes and prepare those minutes for approval at the following meeting. Once approved, minutes will be posted within 24 hours on our team website. Secretary will work with Meet Director to ensure volunteer hours are maintained. The secretary will also be responsible for swimmer’s information, liability releases, and registration forms.

YJSST Meet Director: Is a voting member of the board, and will be responsible for the development of home meets with input from coaches and other Board members. Additionally, the Meet Director will be responsible for meet entries at both home and away meets, be the main point of contact with other teams in regards to meets, and be responsible for the base access provided to visiting teams.

ROLES OF BOARD, COACHES, PARENTS, AND SWIMMERS

YJSST Board Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Abide by YJSST policies.

2. Develop an appropriate training program to encourage atheltic development in and out of the pool.

3. Provide flexibility to allow each swimmer to reach his/her full potential.

4. Monitor athlete attendance.

5. Evaluate swimmer’s ability, yardage (distance), progress and performance on an established schedule.

6. Document conduct of swimmers and relay concerns to head coach.

7. Work closely with the YJSST Board to identify meets for team participation.

8. Provide event & relay feedback for YJSST Board to enter in meets.

9. Manage warm up and feedback procedures at each meet.

10. At Meet: Provide instruction to swimmers before and comments after swim, manage times, warm ups, build relay teams.

11. Report conflicts in performing duties.

12. Be Flexible, and keep current on training guidelines.

13. Maintain a positive practice environment and follow disciplinary guidelines outlined by the board.

14. Obtain/maintain private Japanese swim coaching insurance.

15. Complete SafeSport training & provide background check information prior to coaching.

Parents:

1. Support your child by holding them accountable to her/his commitment to YJSST.  

2. Encourage your athlete to communicate directly to coach on concerns that may impact their performance in the water. 

3. Highlight skill improvement and good sportsmanship over event placement and/or time result.  

4. Model sportsmanship by supporting YJSST and opposing teams.

5. Fulfill YJSST volunteer requirements for home meets. This can be a parent, other adult family member, friend, coworker, or other adult volunteer willing to go in your place. Teenagers may also be accepted on a case by case basis approved by the Volunteer coordinator. Meets run better the more volunteers we have, so please consider both adults in your family signing up for a volunteer job for each home meet! Thank you.

6. Recognize the value and importance of coaches and volunteers.

7. Adhere to communication guidelines in regards to any absences, questions, ideas, and concerns.

8. Protect the integrity of the program by maintaining a positive attitude and following guidelines provided by YJSST board. 

Swimmers:

1. Adhere to attendance policy.  Notify coach if you need to miss practice for illness, travel, or an after school activity. Five (5) unexcused absences or a swimmer not having communication for a period of five days may forfeit place on the team by either suspension or termination.

2. Speak directly with your coach, especially with concerns or decisions that directly affect you.

3. Represent YJSST with pride and demonstrate good sportsmanship with home and opposing teams.

4. Respect the coaches, MWR staff, fellow swimmers and facility.

5. Be prepared 5 minutes ahead of time for swim and/or dry-land.

• FOR SWIM PRACTICE: Swimmers need goggles, swim cap, swimsuit, towel, water or electrolyte drink for swim. (Some coaches may require additional equipment (kickboard, pull buoy, swim snorkel, etc.)
• FOR DRY LAND WORKOUTS: Loose fitting clothing, athletic shoes & water or electrolyte drink.

6. Follow rules as outlined by the YJSST Board.

7. Protect the integrity of the program by maintaining a positive attitude and following guidelines provided by YJSST board.

FINANCIAL POLICY, ILLNESS & INJURY, ATTENDANCE

Financial Obligations and Policies

A comprehensive review of all Financial Policies and Procedures is included in the By-Laws. By-Laws are available for Membership to review on our website at yokosukaswimteam.com.

The YJSST Board shall adopt an annual budget, which provides the basis for setting membership dues and establishes hourly wages and other payments for the coaching staff at the beginning of each new season. YJSST is funded by two sources. The primary source is the dues which are set by group. The second source is money earned through hosting swim meets and other fundraisers (when necessary).

The YJSST Board will include the fee schedule in the registration packet sent to swimmers and their families, as well as post it on the team website.

Additional Swimmers Discount: Sibling Discount offered is $5/month if paying 9 months up front. Monthly discount offer expires Oct. 1st. Highest level swimmer is full price.

Pre-Payment Discount: 10% discount offered to swimmers who pay 9 months up front. Discount offer expires Oct. 1st.

Late payments: A $10.00 late fee is charged for dues not received by the 10th day of each payment period. If a parent fails to pay any delinquent dues or late fees, within 10 days from the date of emailed notice of delinquency, the Swimmer shall be suspended from further participation in all YJSST activities, including, but not limited to, practices and meets.

Volunteer Penalty: A $50/swimmer penalty will be assessed if family volunteer commitment is not met at a home meet.  The fee will need to be paid prior to the swimmer's next practice. 

Refunds: Upon written termination of membership for an authorized reason, any unused dues for the remaining months that have been previously paid will be refunded to the Member. The remaining months will be calculated as beginning the following month the written termination is effective. If a member has received discounts or apparel as incentives for annual payment, the amount of the discount and cost of the apparel will be deducted from remaining monies owed. The Treasurer will have ten days to calculate remaining monies and deliver a check either in person or by mail.

To make your payments:

*In person to the Treasurer or designated parent representative on the pool deck during practice on Tuesday or Wednesday the first week of the month, or an alternate schedule decided by the current team Treasurer which will be communicated to the team.

*Please contact the Treasurer (mailto:[email protected]) with any questions or concerns via email.

*Treasurer will answer any financial related questions you may have. Payments should never be given to the coaches.

Illness and Injury

YJSST requires each swimmer to have a signed medical consent form on file in case of all medical or injury emergencies. Should there be any changes to your swimmer’s health (ie: allergies, etc.) the form needs to be updated immediately. Please contact the YJSST Secretary to update your information.

Attendance

YJSST has limited practice time and lane availability. This restricts the number of coaches that can be hired and the number of swimmers that can be on the team. These limited spots need to be filled by swimmers who can attend practice regularly. Therefore, good attendance must be required of our swimmers. Notify coach and/or YJSST President if you need to miss practice for illness, travel, or an after school activity. Monthly attendance will be monitored for compliance with training group guidelines. Failure to comply with the attendance guidelines set forth in the training group guidelines may result in suspension or termination. Swimmers who take a leave of absence from the team have the choice to continue paying for their spot or cease payment. If payment is ceased, the swimmer must tryout at the scheduled tryout period to regain his/her spot on the team.

Volunteer

As YJSST is an “all-volunteer” organization, each parent or guardian who has a swimmer on the team shall share their time and talents at each home meet and any fundraisers that may be needed. A list of volunteer opportunities and schedule will be provided at least (2) two weeks prior to a home swim meet. Reference YJSST by laws. 

Photographs on the web

1. It is a long-standing tradition to post pictures of swim meets and other YJSST activities on the Facebook page.

2. Because pictures from swim meets can involve 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 YJSST Board will happily remove a posted picture at the request of a parent whose child is in the picture.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

It is the policy of the team to resolve all disputes involving membership on the team in an amicable way. Compromise should be emphasized whenever possible, and personality conflicts should be avoided. It is the policy of the team to avoid publicizing the suspension or removal proceedings beyond those persons who need to know, and to respect the privacy of the individuals involved.

General Due Process Procedures

Disputes involving day-to-day activities of the team should first be addressed and resolved if possible, by a board member and/or then the entire YJSST board, if necessary. If it is determined that it is necessary that a person involved in the team needs to be disciplined or that his or her participating in the team should be limited or terminated, then the YJSST President or the YJSST Vice president (acting on the President’s behalf) shall give notice to such person of such intention, initially by telephone, in writing via email or in person. Notice should always be followed by a written confirmation. Such notice shall specify the action to be taken and the reasons thereof. Such notice shall further notify such person that he or she, upon request, will be given a reasonable opportunity to explain why such action should not be taken. Such opportunity to respond may be in person at a hearing, by telephone or in writing. The YJSST President or YJSST Board may appoint a disinterested hearing board or committee of neutral persons to consider such discipline.

After such opportunity to respond has been given, the YJSST President, the YJSST Board, hearing board or committee shall render its decision and announce it in writing to all persons concerned.

Discipline: Suspension or Removal

The YJSST President or YJSST Board may suspend a person involved in the team from further involvement in the team’s activities if there is found to be an imminent danger to the swimmers or to the program by his or her continuing involvement, or if it is determined the person has been arrested or is under investigation for a crime, that, if convicted, would rule out the person’s continued involvement. Notice must be provided and a hearing conducted, if requested, according to the procedures described in Paragraph Two above. A suspension is considered to be temporary in nature, and any such suspension may be removed or set aside by a majority of the YJSST Board at any time. Removal is only permitted when there is found to be conduct that poses a clear threat to the safety or well-being of the swimmers, coaches, Board or parents.

Hearing Procedures

Any disciplinary hearing shall be held at a neutral location. The hearing procedures shall be communicated to and understood by all parties prior to the commencement of such hearing. All interested parties are to be informed of the date, time, and location of such hearing. A person who has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter shall not participate in any stage of the procedure. A person has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter if that person’s conduct is in any way called into question by the events, or if that person is a witness to the events, has a familial relationship with any person involved in the matter, has a financial interest in the outcome, or whose judgment, for any reason, cannot be unbiased and neutral. In the event the YJSST President has a direct interest in the outcome of the matter, any authority herein to be exercised by the YJSST President shall be referred to the Vice President. A committee or hearing board of disinterested persons shall conduct the hearing as quickly and as fairly as possible, but may structure the proceedings as circumstances may require to keep them as positive as possible. The committee or hearing board may ask such questions and request such documents or other evidence as may be necessary to obtain all pertinent facts, but should refrain from being overbearing with such examinations and requests. The proceedings should be kept as confidential as may be necessary to protect all parties. The committee or hearing board shall listen to the facts of the situation from all interested parties. Each “side” may be permitted or requested to make their presentations outside the presence of the other if necessary to prevent undue acrimony or harm to the participants. Parties do not have the right to involve attorneys or to cross examine other parties or witnesses, although either may be permitted within the discretion of the committee or hearing board if it believes that such participation will be helpful and positive.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the committee or hearing board shall adjourn to a private session where the decision will be reached. Under no circumstances shall the committee or hearing board deliberate in the presence of the parties involved in the dispute. The committee or hearing board will then decide the issues raised pursuant to the YJSST operating regulations and the YJSST by-laws based on the evidence submitted, and by a majority vote determine the appropriate action to be taken. Such action may include that no action should be taken against the individual accused, or that a warning or caution be given, that a written reprimand be given, that further education or probation be required, or that such person should be suspended or removed from involvement in YJSST activities. Where the hearing board recommends removal or where otherwise determined appropriate, the individual in question should be given an opportunity to resign voluntarily. All interested parties shall promptly be notified of such resignation or, in the absence of a resignation, of the hearing board’s decision.

Review

Any determination made in accordance with these procedures shall be final and binding on all concerned unless it is determined that the procedure was not fair, or that the person or persons making such determination are found not be have been disinterested.

YJSST TRAINING GROUPS

(UPDATED 8/2023) THESE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REVIEWED FOR the 24-25 SEASON & may be updated before the season begins.

Click here for practice schedules

Following their tryout evaluation and invitation to join YJSST, swimmers are placed into one of six Training Groups. YJSST Training Groups are designed to give each swimmer the utmost opportunity for improvement in the sport of swimming. Starting with our White team, each group is specifically designed to pave the way for each swimmer to progress/ advance to the next level. YJSST always focuses on the athlete's long term development and goals. The age ranges below are for a general guide only, and we do our best to place swimmers based on talent rather than age.

White Practice Team

Group Description:

The White Practice group consists of the team’s beginning level age group swimmers. This group is 90% instructional and 10% conditioning. The focus of this group is general stroke development with a focus on the fundamentals of swimming. Swimmers will learn the correct body and head position, proper kicking and pulling for all strokes, stroke timing, starts, turns, and finishes. Coaches will strive to ensure each swimmer has mastered the basic stroke mechanics via instruction in and out of the water. Swimmers can expect to swim around 1400m per practice. These are the necessary building blocks to continued success and advancement.

Age range:

Swimmers are generally between 5 and 11 years of age.

Work Ethic:

Swimmers must be able to listen and follow directions and show respect for others. Swimmers must be able to commit to all practices offered each week.

Performance Requirements:

Swimmers in the White Practice Group must able to demonstrate the following:

1. Be able to swim a 25 of Freestyle and Backstroke unassisted with no more than 30 seconds rest between 25s.

2. Complete a legal Freestyle.

3. Complete a legal Backstroke.

4. Demonstrate knowledge of and close resemblance to proper Breaststroke and Butterfly.

5. Complete a proper streamline.

6. Must have obtained an MWR swim license.

Blue Practice Team

Group Description:

The Blue Practice group consists of the team’s beginning level age group swimmers. This group is 80% instructional and 20% conditioning. The focus of this group is general stroke development with a focus on the fundamentals of swimming. Swimmers will continue developing correct body and head position, proper kicking and pulling for all strokes, stroke timing, starts, turns, and finishes. Coaches will strive to ensure each swimmer has mastered the basic stroke mechanics via instruction in and out of the water. Swimmers can expect to swim around 16500m per practice. These are the necessary building blocks to continued success and advancement.

Age range:

Swimmers are generally between 7 and 11 years of age.

Work Ethic:

Swimmers must be able to listen and follow directions and show respect for others. Swimmers must be able to commit to all practices offered each week.

Performance Requirements:

Swimmers in the Blue Practice Group must able to demonstrate the following:

1. Be able to swim 50 meters of each stroke unassisted with no more than 15 seconds rest between 50s.

2. Complete a legal Freestyle

3. Complete a legal Backstroke.

4. Complete a legal Breaststroke

5. Remaining non-legal Butterfly must closely resemble proper stroke.

6. Complete a proper streamline with progression towards hands being under the flags.

7. Must have obtained an MWR swim license.

8. Can consistently complete the following:

a. 4 x 50m Freestyle on the 1:20

b. 4 x 50m Kick on the 1:35

c. Two of the following:

i. 4 x 25 Butterfly on the :50

ii. 4 x 25 Backstroke on the :45

iii. 4 x 25 Breaststroke on the :50

Red Practice Team

Group Description:

The Red Practice group consists of the team’s beginning level age group swimmers. This group is 60% instructional and 40% conditioning. The focus of this group is increased technique development and stroke refinement. Swimmers will continue developing consistently correct body and head position, kicks and pulling, stroke timing, breath control, starts, turns, and finishes in all strokes. Coaches will strive to ensure swimmers have mastered proper stroke mechanics and are comfortable with speed and endurance development. Swimmers can expect to swim up to 2500-3500m per practice.

Age range:

Swimmers are generally between 8 and 12 years of age.

Work Ethic:

Swimmers must be able to listen and follow directions, show respect for others, and demonstrate lane etiquette. Swimmers must be able to commit to three practices and 1 dryland practice per week and compete in at least three swim meets September-May.

Performance Requirements:

Swimmers in the Red Practice Group must able to demonstrate the following:

1. Complete a legal 50 meter swim of each stroke unassisted with no more than 20 seconds rest between 50s. 

2. Complete a legal 100 IM & make an effort at completing a 200 IM. 

3. Complete a proper streamline until their head is under the flags. 

4. Must have obtained a MWR swim license. 

5. Can consistently complete the following: 

a. 6 x 50m Freestyle on the 1:15 

b. 6 x 50m Kick on the 1:30 

c. Two of the following: 

i. 4 x 50 Butterfly on the 1:30 

ii. 4 x 50 Backstroke on the 1:20 

iii. 4 x 50 Breaststroke on the 1:30

Green Practice Team

Group Description:

The Green Practice group consists of the team’s intermediate level age group swimmers. This group is 50% instructional and 50% conditioning. The focus of this group is increased technique development, stroke refinement, speed, and endurance. Swimmers will continue developing consistently correct body and head position, kicks and pulling, stroke timing, breath control, starts, turns, and finishes in all strokes. Coaches will utilize training sets and more advanced drills to ensure swimmers have mastered proper stroke mechanics and are comfortable with interval training, racing strategies, and goal development. Swimmers can expect to swim up to 3500m per practice.

Age range:

Swimmers are generally between 9 and 15 years of age.

Work Ethic:

Swimmers must be able to listen and follow directions, show respect for others, demonstrate lane etiquette, and have a desire to improve competitively. Swimmers must be able to attend three practices & 1 dryland practice per week and compete in at least four swim meets September-May.

Swimmers in the Green Practice Group must able to demonstrate the following:

1. Complete a legal 50 meter swim of each stroke unassisted with no more than 15 seconds rest between 50s. 

2. Complete a legal 200 IM 

3. Complete a proper streamline past the flags. 

4. Must have obtained a MWR swim license. 

5. Can consistently complete the following: 

a. 6 x 50m Freestyle on the 1:10 

b. 6 x 50m Kick on the 1:20 

c. Two of the following: 

i. 4 x 50 Butterfly on the 1:25 

ii. 4 x 50 Backstroke on the 1:15 

iii. 4 x 50 Breaststroke on the 1:25

Junior Practice Team

Group Description:

The Junior Practice Group consists of the team’s more advanced age group swimmers. This group is 40% instructional and 60% conditioning. The main focus of this group is to challenge the swimmers to improve their swimming abilities through increased emphasis on more challenging aerobic and anaerobic training with continuation of perfecting technique in all strokes. Dryland conditioning is a part of practice to promote core strength and athleticism. Swimmers can expect to swim up to 5000m per practice.

Age range:

Swimmers are generally between 11 and 15 years of age.

Work Ethic:

Swimmers must be able to listen and follow directions, show respect for others, demonstrate lane etiquette, and have a desire to improve competitively. The swimmer is comfortable communicating their commitment to their parents, coaches, and teammates; setting goals; and performing in a competitive meet environment. Swimmers strive to set a positive example for younger members of the team. Swimmers must be able to commit to at least three of five swim practices per week and compete in at least four meets September-May

Psychological Skills:

The swimmer shall have a basic understanding of goal setting, including the difference between short-term goals and long-term goals. Swimmers understand proper meet and practice behaviors, maintain a positive hard-working attitude, show good sportsmanship, and resolve to perform their best as a teammate and athlete. Swimmers understand proper meet and practice behaviors.

Requirements:

Swimmers in the Junior practice group must able to demonstrate the following:

1. Have the ability to read, understand, and follow more complex intervals.

2. Can consistently complete a proper streamline until their hips are under the flags.

3. Must have obtained an MWR swim license.

4. Can consistently complete the following:

a. 8 x 50 Freestyle on the 1:00

b. 8 x 100 Freestyle on the 2:00

c. 8 x 50 Kick on the 1:20

d. Two of the following:

i. 6 x 50 Butterfly on the 1:15

ii. 8 x 50 Backstroke on the 1:10

iii. 8 x 50 Breaststroke on the 1:20

e. One of the following:

i. 2 x 200 Freestyle on the 4:00

ii. 2 x 200 IM on the 4:30

5. Has achieved a USA Swimming “B” Motivational time standard in at least one stroke for their age group; or is showing the desire to reach those goals.

Senior Practice Team

Group Description:

The Senior Practice Group consists of the team’s most advanced and accomplished swimmers. This group is 30% instructional and 70% conditioning. The main focus of this group is to challenge the swimmers to improve their swimming abilities through increased emphasis on more challenging aerobic and anaerobic training with continuation of perfecting technique in all strokes. Dryland conditioning is a part of practice to promote core strength and athleticism. Swimmers can expect to swim up to 6000m per practice.

Age range:

Swimmers are generally between 14 and 18 years of age.

Work Ethic:

Swimmers must be able to listen and follow directions, show respect for others, demonstrate lane etiquette, and act maturely and responsibly. The swimmer is comfortable communicating their commitment to their parents, coaches, and teammates; setting goals; and performing in a competitive meet environment. Swimmers strive to set a positive example for all members of the team. Swimmers must be able to commit to at least three of five swim practices per week and compete in at least five meets September-May.

Psychological Skills:

The swimmer shall have a basic understanding of goal setting, including the difference between short-term goals and long-term goals. Swimmers understand proper meet and practice behaviors, maintain a positive hard-working attitude, show good sportsmanship, and resolve to perform their best as a teammate and athlete. Swimmers are able to set a pre-race routine.

Requirements:

Swimmers in the Senior practice group must able to demonstrate the following:

1. Have the ability to read, understand, and follow more complex intervals.

2. Can consistently complete a proper streamline until their hips are under the flags.

3. Must have obtained an MWR swim license.

4. Can consistently complete the following:

a. 8 x 50 Freestyle on the :55

b. 8 x 100 Freestyle on the 1:45

c. 8 x 100 Kick on the 2:10

d. Two of the following:

i. 6 x 100 Butterfly on the 2:05

ii. 8 x 100 Backstroke on the 1:55

iii. 8 x 100 Breaststroke on the 2:05

e. One of the following:

i. 3 x 200 Freestyle on the 3:30

ii. 3 x 200 IM on the 3:50

5. Has achieved a USA Swimming “BB” Motivational time standard in at least one stroke for their age group; or is showing the desire to reach those goals.

GROUP MOVEUP PROCEDURE/TRYOUTS

Progression to the next level in YJSST’s program involves several factors. Most of the determining factors are objective (measurable) in nature, such as proper technique, physical stamina, ability to read the clock and understand intervals, swim practice attendance, and performance. However, some factors such as technical competence, mental preparedness, attitude, coachability, and work ethic are subjective in nature and will play a role in determining advancement.

The coaching staff will regularly discuss which swimmers are ready to progress to the next group (i.e. Red to Green). Only those swimmers who are ready and willing to make a greater commitment and are able to handle longer practices and greater training loads will be considered for advancement. Additionally, it is expected that once a swimmer is advanced to the next group that they will continue to put in the time and effort to train at the advanced level. A goal of advancement for the advancement itself is not a worthy goal and if a swimmer is unwilling to continue to train at a high level they will be moved back to their previous group.

Talk to your coach about your goals on a regular basis. They are the best person to help you make that jump to the next level. Please keep in mind that this information is subject to change and will be revisited regularly, as YJSST is a youth organization and in a constant state of change. Parents are asked to abide by the coaches' decisions when it comes to group advancement, and any questions paramount to your child should be directed to the Coach, Head Coach or Board President.

YJSST wants each swimmer to be placed in the group that best suits his/her ability and allows for personal growth and development. With that said, sometimes a swimmer is better suited in a lower group where the focus can be more on technical proficiency. A move may be temporary or it may be permanent. The Coaching Staff and YJSST President will confer and then discuss it with the parents. YJSST makes a conscious effort to maintain the best interest of all the swimmers in each group, therefore, all group level time intervals must be considered. The other swimmers in the group have as much of a right to continue with their development and progress to faster intervals. No decision to move a swimmer is factored into lightly by either the coaches and/or the YJSST Board. Refunds owed from the group tuition difference will be reimbursed by the Treasurer within 5 working days.

Tryouts will be held in the beginning of the season and from time to time throughout the season once our waitlist is exhausted and there is space available on the team. For swimmers who PCS in to CFAY outside of the scheduled tryouts, a private tryout may be arranged and the swimmer will be placed on the appropriate practice group. If the practice group is full, swimmers who meet team swim standards will be placed on the waitlist until the next available opening.  Swimmers who do not meet the swim standards may not be offered a spot on the team or waitlist. All team placement is at the discretion of current Seahawks coaches. 

Tryouts are by appointment by emailing the team secretary. An MWR swim pass is required to tryout. Tryouts are generally held in the deep end of Seahawk Natatorium at Purdy Gym. Coaches will ask each swimmer to swim 25-50M of each of the 4 standard competitive strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly). Swimmers are encouraged to also show diving off the dive blocks & turns. Coaches would also love to see your 100-200 IMs! They will be watching for legal strokes & kicks, proper technique, swimmer stamina, coachability, etc.  

MEETS

YJSST encourages all swimmers to compete in meets and supports all interested young people to gain the skills and confidence needed to enjoy competitive events. YJSST expects the swimmers to attend meets based upon the guidelines set forth in the swimmers training group. Some of the benefits of attending meets include (but are not limited to):

a. Your swimmer making new friends. Swimmers seem to be a rather social bunch, and when a large congregation of them, all from different teams, collect together in one place, swimmers gain the chance to make new friends.

b. Your swimmer gaining swimming techniques that cannot be simulated in practice. Though coaches try to add a variety of different situations in their practice curriculum, they cannot emulate a true competitive racing situation. By attending meets, swimmers gain confidence in their swimming technique and learn to succeed in their events. Psychological and physical racing strategies, just by attending many meets, can be intuitively learned and applied. These strategies can be subsequently applied to other facets of life such as music, art, other sports, and even school.

c. You and your swimmer becoming familiar with our other team members. Going to meets, especially hosted meets where our entire team attends, will let you (the parent) and your swimmer meet and learn from older, more experienced swimmers. Our senior swimmers are a fantastic bunch of hard working and talented boys and girls who not only serve as great role models and friends for your children, but also can serve as their mentors in swimming techniques acquired from years of trial and error in previous meets.

d. You and your swimmer will become accustomed to how meets are run. While every meet at its core is run the same way, every venue has its own little quirky add-ons which can either make a meet pleasant or a frustrating challenge. As a swimmer, your children must learn how to deal with varying meet schedules, where event postings are, and where the coaches are situated. As a parent, you must be aware of what our team may need from you (meets are run almost entirely by volunteers, and thus parents play an integral part in the facilitation of meets). In addition to the home meets; YJSST participates in a number of meets in the Kanto Plains area. Parents are responsible for using the team website to confirm meet attendance and event entry. Parents are also responsible for transportation to away meets. Your swimmer's coach has final authority regarding event entry. Coaches will discuss with either swimmer and/or parent the events in which the child will be entered. It is important to try to encourage your swimmer to go outside their comfort level and swim different events. Meet and entry fees are pre-paid to the host team by YJSST. In case of a no-show or event scratch, the parents will be responsible to reimburse YJSST their swimmer’s entry fees. The up to date swim meet schedule will be posted on the team website.

**Swimmers will not be entered into the meet without prior notice that they are attending by deadline given. Swimmers must be at least 10 years old to attend a meet without a parent present. Swimmer must be mature enough to get his or herself to/from each event. Parents understand they are responsible for their swimmers during swim meets and while traveling. Coaches' main focus at meets are races: they stay mainly on the pool deck, watch all YJSST swimmers, get times, review technique, and prep swimmers for their next race. They are not responsible for monitoring swimmers’ behavior at meets.**

Conduct during Meets:

The highest standards of conduct and good sportsmanship must be maintained at all times by swimmers, coaches, spectators and all other participants. Offensive, insulting or abusive language is forbidden. The use of alcohol, tobacco products, or illegal drugs in the vicinity of the pool during practices or meets is strictly forbidden in accordance with CFAY instructions.

At the Swim Meet:

Each swim meet format, time-line, entry costs and competition level are different, but the following are some basic guidelines for swim meets.

1. Know in advance what events you are swimming at the meet. These will be posted at the meet and usually are e-mailed a few days prior to the meet.

2. Know what time warm-up starts for your age group. This is usually e-mailed as well.

3. Arrive early so you are on time. This will ensure you have a good seat for viewing your swimmer. If you arrive on time you will be late.

4. Prior to the start of the meet is a good time to write the Events/Heat/Lane on your child’s forearm with the sharpie. Using a sharpie, mark a grid on your swimmer’s arm using the below abbreviations.

E=Event, H=Heat, L=lane, S=Stroke, FR=Freestyle, BK=Back, BR=Breaststroke, FL=Fly

For example:

E H L S

1 2 3 50 FR

7 1 4 50 FL

5. Parents and swimmers should try to sit together as a team. Heat sheets will be emailed prior to swim meet. Parents have the option to purchase a Heat Sheet ($2) and check it for heat and lane assignments for each of their swimmer’s events on the day of the meet.

6. Parents should be encouraging of their swimmers, but please leave the coaching to the coaches.

7. Swimmers should always ask their coach whether they will be on a relay team. At most meets, at least one relay is likely to be the first event, so swimmers should be ready to swim immediately following the warm-up.

8. All swimmers should have their swimsuit, cap and goggles ready. A back up pair of goggles and an extra swim cap is necessary to keep in swimmer’s bag.

9. After warm-up and between races, swimmers should put on warm clothes over their swimsuit. It is also important to wear shoes and socks to avoid losing body heat and energy.

10. Stay away from junk food. It’s better to eat bagels, fruit, energy bars, etc. Stay hydrated: drink lots of water, Gatorade, Power-Aide, etc.

11. Stay away from energy drinks and caffeinated beverages that contain diuretics.

12. Swim meets can move along very quickly sometimes. It is very important to pay attention to what event and heat number is being swum. Swimmers should be behind the blocks or in the bullpen, ready to swim, a few heats before the one they will be swimming. Timelines are posted, but they are estimates only. Listen to the announcer and check the heat sheet often.

13. At some Senior-level and Championship meets, swimmers who miss a scheduled race may be penalized by not being permitted to swim in subsequent events at that same meet. At most non-championship meets, (Challenge meets), a swimmer that misses his/her race is not penalized and sometimes will be allowed by the Meet Referee to swim in another heat.

14. Results for the meet are usually posted at the pool during the meet. The YJSST Secretary will post meet results to the team website within one week of completion of the meet.

15. Awards are picked up at the end of the meet by the coaches and are distributed during practice the following week. Normally, only 1st -6th place in each division receives a ribbon. Keep in mind that there are multiple heats in each event and while what place the swimmer finishes in his/her heat is significant, it probably will not correspond to what place ribbon he/she will receive. Try to help your young swimmer to keep this in perspective. They may swim a meet and not receive any ribbons. Place emphasis on the improvement by the swimmer, not what place in the race they finish.

What to bring to a swim meet

1. Chairs (if allowed at the venue)

2. Several towels

3. Extra goggles (Racing goggles should be tighter than those worn at practice. If the meet is at an outside pool, use dark tinted goggles).

4. Warm clothing, sweats, parka, shoes and socks.

5. Water bottle, healthy snacks.

6. Book, cards, small games etc. for long waits between races.

7. Positive attitude and your game face.

8. Printout of heat sheets, sharpee marker & highlighters.

Home Swim Meet Volunteer Opportunities

Head Timer

Supervises and assists Lane Timers. Brief the timers prior to the start of the swim meet.

Starts extra stopwatches at beginning of each race in case of malfunction. Arranges for relief of Lane Timers for breaks.

Lane Timers

Uses a stopwatch to time swimmers in a specific lane.

Announcer

Uses public address system to call the swimmers to their events and heats. Makes informational announcements as required.

Concessions/Hospitality

Manage concession table for the sale of food and drink items during the meets.

Awards

Process and distribute ribbons/awards to participating teams. Coordinates the presentation of awards during championship meets.

Clerk of Course

Organize swimmers by event and heat. There should be 4 stagers/clerks: 2 in gym announcing events/heats and lining swimmers up, 1 escorting swimmers to the pool deck, and 1 at the bleachers on the pool deck sending swimmers to the blocks for their heat.

Runners

Runners are the people who collect each swimmer’s card from each of the lanes after each event, and delivers them to the scoring table. They post the results as they become available.  

Computer Operation

Run the timing computer and the meet operation computer, verify swimmers’ times and confirm “no shows”.

Set-up

The afternoon before the meet to set up all required equipment (touch pads, chairs, tables etc) for meets that are held on Sundays.  For two day meets, set up takes place prior to the start of the first session.

Breakdown

Remains at the pool following the meet to take down and put away everything that was set up for the meet. 

Deck Officials

Meet Referee, Starter, Stroke and Turn Judge.

Deck Officials are trained to the best of YJSST resources and as closely aligned as possible with United States' Swimming guidelines.

Appendix A

Current Volunteer Committee Opportunities: 

A member from each of the volunteer committees is invited to attend each meeting of the Board, in order to facilitate communication between the committees and the Board. While committee members do not have a vote, their input is greatly appreciated.

a. Social Media Representative

b. Concessions/Hospitality- This committee would be in charge of concessions at home swim meets. They would need to take the food handling class as a requirement, and then train others. They would also be responsible for submitting the paperwork to CFAY legal for the fundraising request (the sale of concessions during home meets) as well as the preventative medicine department at the hospital for safety certification. This committee would also provide hospitality for visiting coaches at home swim meets.

c. Social committee- This committee would plan and carry out social functions for the swim team, including an initial "meet your fellow team mates and coaches" potluck, year end party, potlucks, and holiday parties throughout the year. They are responsible for reserving a venue, making signups, etc.

d. Volunteer committee- This committee would ensure that all volunteer positions are filled for home meets. The Board will offer support and guidance as to the needed positions, this committee would manage those positions. This person would also solicit volunteer help from commands that wish to participate. Ideally, this committee would be present at our beginning of the year potluck to assist parents in signing up for a volunteer committee.

e. Officials committee-This committee would be responsible for the training and volunteering of those who wish to act as officials on deck for swim meets. They would be trained as closely as possible with USA swimming/FINA rules.

f. Merchandise coordinator - Organizes orders for team swag, shirts & merch to be sold at home meets, etc.