TEAM SANTA MONICA PRE-COMPETITIVE PROGRAM NEW MEMEBER INFORMATIONAL BOOKLET

TEAM SANTA MONICA PRE-COMPETITIVE PROGRAM NEW MEMEBER INFORMATIONAL BOOKLET

WELCOME TO TSM! TSM seeks to provide a unique opportunity for all swimmers to reach their highest personal poten- tial as both a person and athlete. The TSM family is dedicated to making your swimming experi- ence fun and productive. We look forward to being a part of your family s lives! Mission Statement Building strong swimmers for safety, fun, and life long fitness through quality instruction. HELPFUL RESOURCES Makeups: Schedule Changes: Cancelations: precompmakeups@teamsantamonica.org precompschedulechanges@teamsantamonica.org precompcancel@teamsantamonica.org Pre Competitive Administrator: Michele Campanelli Email: pcadmin@teamsantamonica.org Billing Questions: Courtney Caverly Email: courtney@caverlys.com TSM Pre Competitive Website: TSM Competitive Website: Southern CA Swimming Website: USA Swimming Website: www.tsmprecompetitive.org www.teamsantamonica.org www.socalswim.org www.usaswimming.org

Contents Assessments 2 Class Descriptions 3-4 Class Schedule 5 Class Fees 6 Class Registration 6 Login Information 6 Payment Information 6 Credit Card Updates 6 Prorated Classes 7 Move Ups 7 Switching Classes 7 Make Up Policy 7 Cancellation Policy 7 Pool Closures 7 Swimmer Evalutaion Process 7 Swimmer Move Up Process 8 TSM Pre Competitive Disciplinary Procedure 9 Annual Team Events 10 TSM Pre Comp Parent Code of Ethics 11 Code of Conduct 11-12 USA Swimming Registration 13

2 ASSESSMENTS Prior to registration, your child will need to be assessed to determine which group is appropriate for him/her. Assessments are done at Lincoln Middle School on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 3:30 3:45. The entrance to the pool is on 16th Street between Washington and California. NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY. Come ready to swim with a swim suit, cap and goggles. At the end of the assessment, you will receive a card with the name of the class that you should register for. Pre Competitive Swim Gear Boys & Girls will need to be outfitted with the appropriate swim attire, this includes: Swim Suit Goggles Swim Cap Speedo & TYR offer the best quality beginner goggles. We recommend Speedo Vanquisher Junior edition (pictured below). All swim supplies can be found at our local swim shop: The Swim Guy on Pico and 33rd street 3316 Pico Blvd Santa Monica, 90405 You can also purchase swim gear online by accessing swimoutlet.com What NOT To Wear Two Piece Scuba Gear Swim Trunk We recommend not wearing swim shirts as the weight of a wet shirt will interfere with comfortability in the water

3 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS INTRO TO PRE COMP: Course Description: Intro to Pre Comp swimmers are beginners. Our friendly, experienced swim instructors and small group classes create a positive swimming experience and help each child find their love of the water. Your child needs to be comfortable in the water. They will learn to make their way across ten feet in the pool on their front and back without assistance. They will come to understand the importance of entering and exiting the pool safely. They will focus on streamlines, correct body positions, and efficient kicking on their front and back. Prerequisites: All Intro swimmers admitted into our Intro class must be water-safe. Each swimmer must be will- ing to enter the water un-assisted, release from the wall un-assisted, and must be willing to endure 30 min in our heated indoor swimming pool. Location: Lincoln Middle School Equipment needed: Cap and goggles SEA MONKEY: Course Description: Sea Monkeys are advanced beginners. Our friendly, experienced swim instructors and small group classes create a positive swimming experience and help each child find their love of the water. Your child needs to be comfortable in the water. They will learn to make their way across the pool on their front and back with- out assistance. They will come to understand the importance of entering and exiting the pool safely. Sea Monkeys will focus on streamlines, correct body positions, and efficient kicking on their front and back. Prerequisites: Able to swim ten feet across the pool on front without assistance. Location: Lincoln Middle School Equipment needed: Cap and goggles SEA HORSES: Course Description: Sea Horses are beginners. They are comfortable in the water, can make their way across the pool on their front or back without assistance with little to no trouble, and understand the importance of entering and exiting the pool safely. Sea Horses will focus on streamlines, correct body positions, and efficient kicking of all four strokes. They will learn the basic technique of freestyle and backstroke and will be introduced to butterfly timing. Instructors will use the USA Swimming Dive Certification as an introduction to assisted kneeling dives. Sea Horses will find their love for the water through small group classes with others of their ability level and friendly, experience swim instructors. Prerequisites: Able to swim one lap across the pool on front or back without assistance. Location: Lincoln Middle School/Culver City Plunge Equipment needed: Cap and goggles SEA TURTLES: Course Description: Sea Turtles are intermediate swimmers. Sea Turtles will build on current technique and drill knowledge for freestyle and backstroke and will learn basic drills for butterfly and breaststroke. Breathing patterns, body rotation, hand entries, and timing will be the focus for all four strokes. Basic USA Swimming Rules, such as two hand touch and proper underwater pullouts, will be introduced. Sea Turtles will use somersaults as an introduction to flip turns and will begin diving from a standing position off the side of the pool. Sea Turtles will begin to appreci- ate swimming as a hobby and a sport. Prerequisites: Sea Horses Advancement Certificate or skill equivalent Location: Lincoln Middle School/Culver City Plunge Equipment needed: Cap and goggles

4 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS (cont.) SEA LIONS: Course Description: Sea Lions are the most advanced group in Team Santa Monica s pre-competitive program. Sea Lions will begin to see the smooth transition from a lesson into a structured training session. They will learn multiple drills for each stroke, will become efficient in freestyle and backstroke turns, will learn the importance of stroke counting, and will become familiar with the use of the pace clock. Sea Lions will expand and refine stroke technique and will see an increase in their endurance. Sea Lions will be offered training opportunities with the Seals (first level of TSM s competitive program) as they near the completion of all required skills. Prerequisites: Sea Turtle Advancement Certificate or skill equivalent Location: Lincoln Middle School/Culver City Plunge Equipment needed: Cap, goggles, and fins JUNIOR GUARD PREP COURSE: Course Description: Junior Guard Prep Course is designed to prepare swimmers for the Junior Guard Summer program. In order to pass the swim times for the Junior Guard tryouts, swimmers must swim 100 yards under these following time standards: A s (ages 14-17) - 1:30 B s (ages 12-13) - 1:40 C s (ages 9-11) - 1:50 Our Junior Guard Prep Course will prepare swimmers by increasing fitness levels, expanding and refining their stroke technique and increase endurance. In order to test into this group, the swimmer must be able to swim a 50- yard freestyle without stopping (no time standard required), as well as meet our age requirements. Please inform the instructor when you would like to be assessed, specifically for the Junior Guard Prep Course. Prerequisites: Must be 9-14 years old, must test into the group Location: Culver City Plunge Equipment needed: Cap and goggles

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6 CLASS FEES All swimmers are required to register for a minimum of 2 class days per week. It is TSM s philosophy that a minimum of 2 classes per week is required so that the swimmer can make a noticeable improvement within a reasonable time frame. With that in mind, here are the fees for each class. CLASS REGISTRATION Registration is ongoing so you can register whenever your child is ready to start swimming. Click on Start Registra- tion on the left side of the website and follow the easy steps. Think of each swim class for each child as an item that you are purchasing and putting into your shopping cart. Different days and different children are different items. Everything can go into the shopping cart and purchased together at the end of the registration process. During reg- istration, you will be billed for the current month and you can start classes immediately. After the first month, you will be billed on a monthly recurring basis until you cancel your lessons. REMEMBER: You must select at least 2 days to be entered into the pre competitive program. LOGIN INFORMATION Fill in the blank with your personal information and keep for your own personal record Email Used = Password = PAYMENT We only accept credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and Discover. When you register, you will be asked for your credit card information and you will be charged immediately for the remainder of the lessons for that month (see prorated classes below). After your first month, you will automatically be charged for your classes on the first of the month for that month of classes. For example, you will be charged on April 1 for your April classes. CREDIT CARD UPDATES It is your responsibility to notify the team and update your credit card information if your credit card number chang- es or your card is expired. In order to update your credit card information, make sure to log in to your account on the Pre-Comp site (tsmprecompetitive.org) then click on My Account / My Account in the left side menu. Once you click, your account information will show up in the middle screen. At the top, you will see two tabs: Account Info and Swim Lessons. Click on the Swim Lessons tab and you will see a Update CC Info button just under the tabs. When you click this button, a pop-up window will appear for you to update/change your credit card information. After updating, make sure to click Save Changes. If for some reason this does not work, please click on the Contact Us button on the website, and someone from TSM will call you to get the new information. Please do not put your credit card information in an email, as email is not a secure form of communication. If your credit card is declined, you have until the 10th of the month to update your card details. After the 10th, your child will not be allowed to swim and it will be possible for your spot to be given away.

7 PRORATED CLASSES We prorate classes only for the first month that you sign up. For example, October has 5 Mondays. If you sign up after October 15 (the third Monday) and before October 22 (the fourth Monday), you will be charged for the fourth and fifth remaining Mondays. We do NOT prorate charges if you decide to cancel your lessons in the middle of the month. Please see the cancellation policy below. MOVE UPS The coaches will assess when your child is ready to be moved up to the next level. You will be notified via email that your child is ready to be moved up and given a few options of days and times that are available for the next level. Please respond promptly as move up spots will be given away on a first come, first served basis. Your monthly bill will reflect the cost of the new group and will begin with the month after you are notified. SWITCHING CLASSES If you would like to permanently switch class days and/or times, please email us at precompschedulechanges@ teamsantamonica.org before the 20th of the current month to request a new class. Please indicate which day and time you would like to switch to. MAKE UP POLICY We do not refund for missed classes. If you miss a class, please email precompmakeups@teamsantamonica.org 48 hours in advance to request a day and time that you would like to come for a make up. There is no guaranty that a make up will be scheduled for you if you send an email in the day before or the day of your preferred make up day. One-time class switches are considered make ups. If a scheduled class falls on a pool closure date, your account will have been prorated and you do not need to schedule a make up. All make up days will expire 30 days from the absence/pool closure. Each swimmer is given 2 make ups per month. CANCELLATION POLICY You must notify the team via e-mail at precompcancel@teamsantamonica.org if you wish to cancel your lessons. This MUST be done on the 20th of the month prior to the start of the next month. For example, if you wish to stop lessons as of May 1, you must contact the team by April 20 to avoid being billed for the month of May. We do not give refunds for cancelling in the middle of the month. Failure to attend class does not entitle you to a refund. Your spot is being held for you and you are required to pay, whether you come or not, unless you give the proper cancellation notice. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY. POOL CLOSURES Please check the website for days that the pool is closed by clicking Calendar on the home page. Your account will be prorated for scheduled closures so there will be no makeups for scheduled closures. SWIMMER EVALUATION PROCESS If you have noticed that your swimmer has been in a group for a while and would like to know where that swimmer stands in our move up process, you can schedule an evaluation by emailing Michele at pcadmin@teamsantamonica.org. She will relay the message to the specific group instructor who will then create a written evaluation that will include these details: 1. What each swimmer is excelling at in the group (eg. great kick, great streamline, listens & follows directions) 2. What each swimmer needs to work on in order to begin the transition up into the higher group (eg. steady kick, backstroke, head position, following directions) 3. An appropriate estimation of when the swimmer realistically will start the transition up into the higher group (eg. one month, end of summer, three months or at this time unknown). The evaluation process may take up to a full workweek depending on the schedule of your swimmer.

8 SWIMMER MOVE UP PROCESS Two weeks prior to the official move-up (always 1st of the month), your swimmer will be notified of a twoweek tran- sition period. Your swimmer will be expected to attend 50/50 between their normal group and the higher group. This acts as a tryout to see if the swimmer is ready for the more difficult group. If the swimmer is not ready or the instruc- tor feels the swimmer needs additional work prior to officially moving up, then the swimmer will stay in the original group for another month. The move up process for the Pre Competitive program is as follows: 1. If your swimmer has exceeded the group skills listed in the Class Description, then they will be put on a list to be evaluated by a coach on deck. 2. Once the coach has approved the move up, the last week or two of the month will be spent transitioning the swimmer into the next group. 3. This is a trial period for both the swimmer and the instructor. Some times the swimmer/instructor will not feel they are ready for the move. If this is the case, then the swimmer will stay in the original class as before. 4. By the 1st of the month, the transitioning swimmer will be ready to officially move up into the higher group. If for some reason we are unable to list an approximate transition date, we will include suggestions for the specific swimmer so that they know what they need to focus on in order to progress more efficiently in their specific group.

9 TSM PRE-COMPETITIVE - DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE THREE STRIKE RULE: The three strike rule pertains to all swimmers who display behaviors* the instructor feels is taking away from his/her teaching and the other swimmers learning. 1. A warning will be given, explaining to the swimmer that their behavior is unacceptable during their class and if continued that they will receive a strike. 2. After the warning has been given the class will resume, if the swimmer continues to disrupt the class again they will then be given their first strike. The first strike will be the swimmer s second warning to behave appropriately. The swimmer will then receive a warning that the second strike will mean a 5-minute time out. 3. If for the third time the swimmer has continued to misbehave and draw attention away from class, the swimmer will be given a second strike. The on-deck assistant will be called over by the instructor; the on-deck assistant will proceed by putting the swimmer in time out. During the time out, the instructor will explain the issue to the on- deck assistant. a.) After 5 minutes has been served the on deck assistant will speak with the swimmer to make sure that they understand that what they were doing during class is not okay. If the swimmer agrees that he/she was being naughty and that they will change their behavior for the rest of the class, than they will receive one more chance to participate. b.) If the swimmer does not cooperate at this point than they are immediately given a third strike and done for the day. If the swimmer is cooperative they are allowed one more shot at participation. 4. If the swimmer disrupts class for fourth time (after time out), the instructor will no longer allow the swimmer to participate in their class for that day. The on deck assistant will then direct the swimmer to their parent or care taker and explain the situation. A makeup will not be given if a swimmer receives 3 strikes. *Behaviors that take away from teaching include: Splashing other swimmers, hitting other swimmers, not cooperating or following instruction, not following safety rules, talking during instruction, disrespecting the instructor and or swimmers. Other behaviors not included will be deemed unacceptable by the instructor involved. If a swimmer hits a swimmer/instructor with intention to injure, they will immediately receive 3 strikes Instructors will record strikeouts (3 strikes given). If a swimmer has received a total of 3 strikes they will be terminated immediately from our program. If repeated strikeouts add up over time, a family meeting with management will be scheduled and the swimmer may be subject to termination from our program..

10 ANNUAL TEAM EVENTS Fun Meets Fun meets occur twice a year in the Spring and the Fall. This opportunity will allow our inexperienced pre competitive swimmers to see how competitive swimming works and help them transition to the compet- itive team, if desired. Older swimmers from the competitive team will attend fun meets to help exemplify how to do race day preparation as well as how to race from start to finish. The older swimmers will not compete against your children. They are there to help and demonstrate proper swim meet etiquette. Fun Meet Format 1. Warm Up and Race Preparation 2. Meet Overview 3. A competitive team coach will educate swimmers and parents on what to do during a real swim meet (sign in, pre race coach & athlete discussion, proper response to meet referees/starter when behind the racing blocks, race breakdown, athlete & coach after race discussion, and finally race warm down). 4. The FUN will begin! 5. Races include 50 free, 25 free, 50 back, 25 back, and two relays (1 freestyle relay & 1 CRAZY FUN relay). 6. Warm down, concluding remarks and awards 7. After races have been completed we will finish the fun meet with a team break down, meet warm down in pool, and all competitors will receive awards for participation. USA Swimming Diving Certification Courses The USA swimming mandated diving certification course is a requirement that TSM is obligated to teach on behalf of USA Swimming. The diving certification course will teach each individual swimmer how to properly dive from competitive swimming blocks. This is a course that needs to be taken seriously as it provides diving etiquette that will help all swimmers when put into a situation where they find themselves in deep water. The dive cert course can also be a fun experience as kids and coaches work together to practice very specific diving techniques. All of our pre competitive swimmers are invited to participate in these events, as it is always good to practice and polish diving skills. This course is included in your mem- bership with TSM, and is offered each quarter (4 times throughout the year).

11 Team Santa Monica: Pre-Comp Parent Code of Ethics As parent(s), I (we) will encourage positive sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all swim- mers, coaches and age group instructors at every swim class. I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of any personal desire to compete. I will insist my child play in a safe and healthy environment. I will provide support for coaches and instructors working with my child, to provide a positive, enjoyable experience for all. I will do my very best to make swimming fun for my child. I will ask my child to treat other swimmers, coaches and instructors with respect, regardless of race, creed, sex or ability. Team Santa Monica: Pre-Comp Parent Code of Conduct: As parent(s), I (we) will: Use appropriate professional language at practices, meets and all team events. Profanity should not and will not be tolerated. Not take pictures or videos of/or during swim class or fun meets, unless approved by the TSM on deck representative. Be responsible for the behavior and actions of the other minor children under my care for practices and fun meets. Not coach or instruct any swimmer at a practice or fun meet (from the stands or any other area). Avoid addressing an instructor with comments or questions during or after a practice is concluded. Be supportive of the team s teaching philosophies by allowing TSM coaches and instructors to direct my child s swimming technique. Address my (our) concerns to the on deck TSM representative and TSM Coach, in an attempt to resolve my (our) concerns. If satisfaction is not received, the TSM Board of Directors can be addressed, in writing, with concerns, complaints, and/or suggestions. Agree not to harass, intimidate, or abuse verbally or physically, any player, parent, coach and instructor. Any violation will result in dismissal for the parent and/or swimmer from the program. Reinstatement will only be gained through written request to the TSM Board of Directors. Maintain self-control at all times. Our roles: Swimmers swim, Coaches coach, Parents cheer!!! As parent(s), I (we) agree to go over the swimmer Code of Conduct with my (our) swimmer(s) - FOR SAFETY CONCERNS: TSM Swimmers will be prepared to swim with the appropriate swim attire. TSM swimmers will exhibit good sportsmanship; respectful and positive attitudes during swim class and will be supportive of all swimmers. For the safety of swimmers and instructors, horseplay will not be tolerated. TSM swimmers must refrain from disrupting swim class in any way, unless it is an emergency. TSM Swimmers will not put down (physically or verbally) any other swimmers. BULLYING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED If a TSM swimmer has an issue with another swimmer they are to communicate the problem to the instructor. If a TSM swimmer has an issue with the instructor they are to communicate the problem to the on Deck Representative immediately during or after class. If a TSM swimmer has any health concerns (bloody nose, sick, etc.) they are to report directly to the on deck Life Guard.

12 Team Santa Monica: Pre-Comp Parent Code of Conduct (cont.) If a TSM swimmer does not follow these rules then the instructor in charge of running the specific group will implement disciplinary action (Please feel free to review our disciplinary breakdown proce- dure). I have read and discussed with my swimmer(s) the TSM Pre Comp Code of Ethics/Conduct. I will abide by the TSM Pre Comp Parent Contract. I understand that failure to abide by the guidelines outlined above may result in the termination of my swimmer s membership with TSM. Parent Signature: Date: As a swimmer I have read or gone over the code of conduct with my parent/guardian and understand that failure to abide by the guidelines outlined above may result in the termination of my membership with TSM. Swimmer Signature: Date:

13 USA SWIMING REGISTRATION Swimmers who have never participated on a USA Swimming registered team or have never registered with USA Swimming will be required to show a birth certificate or passport as proof of age in order to register. All swimmers joining Team Santa Monica must be registered with Southern California Swimming which is our local swimming committee of USA Swimming. USA Swimming provides insurance coverage for TSM swimmers and coaches and membership is also mandatory in order to compete in a swim meet. Once you have completed the form and signed it, bring the completed form along with a check (made out to Southern California Swimming) and proof of age to a TSM Coach on deck. Once the TSM Coach verifies the age, they will take the form and check and send it on to Southern California Swimming offices. In a few weeks you will receive a package in the mail wiht your swimmer s USA Swimming card. Please do not submit without coaches review, the registration will not be processed without a USA certified coaches signature.