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ARLINGTON MUSKIES SWIM TEAM
TEAM HANDBOOK
Fall/Winter 2009-2010
Program Philosophy
The Arlington Muskies Swim Team is a recreational swim
program for youth up to 18 years of age. The emphasis of the
program is placed on learning competitive skills, enjoyment of the
sport, and lifelong participation in swimming. The program is
designed with the mid-level swimmer in mind. You should be
aware that for many youth swimmers there may come a time when their
needs will exceed the capabilities of the program. When that
time comes the coaches and Park District staff will make every
effort to suggest a team that will fit the swimmers ability.
The Muskies is not a substitute for swim lessons. If your
child is new to competitive swimming, we recommend that they enroll
in the Arlington Heights Park District Swim School program in
addition to the Muskies. If any child does not meet the
pre-requisite skills as listed in the program description, he/she
will be required to enroll in swim lessons, or will be removed from
the program.
The Muskies swim team participates in dual swim meets.
Swimmers will be entered into different events at dual meets as
long as they are able to swim the stroke properly. It is the
intent of the program to produce well-rounded swimmers with good
techniques, which means they will not always swim their favorite
event or their fastest stroke. This allows swimmers the
opportunity to swim all distances and strokes.
Coaches’ Philosophy
Our Head Coach this season is Tiffany Barson. She will be
working side by side with all age group swimmers as well as working
with each coach. Swimming has been a part of Tiffany’s life
for more than 20 years. She is looking forward to her third year
coaching the Muskies. Tiffany has spent the summer earning her
Level One Coaching certificate though the American Swimming Coaches
Association. As well as meeting all requirements to become a member
of the USA swimming coaches staff. Her passion for swimming has
only intensified over the years and she is looking ahead to
continuing her education in swimming, while attending classes
part-time at Harper to earn in a degree in Business Management.
Tiffany believes that working with each swimmer individually will
help to develop technique as well as improve speed. She leads by
example and enjoys working side by side in the pool with the kids.
Teaching the swimmers to meet their goals in the water as well as
working together as a team remains one of Tiffany’s goals for
the Muskie’s this season. It is also important to Tiffany to
have fun and encourage a love of swimming.
Stephanie Gorzelle is our Assistant Coach, she will be working
with all age groups. She is returning for her fourth season
coaching Muskies . Stephanie heads up the Muskies during the summer
season. Her philosophy on coaching is to teach proper technique
while helping develop each individual swimmer’s stroke. Her
goal is to keep practice fun and enjoyable for the swimmer while
improving their stroke, speed, and endurance. No two swimmers are
the same and Stephanie sees the importance of adapting workouts to
each swimmers needs. She currently holds an Associates Degree in
Criminal Justice from Harper. Stephanie is a Senior at Roosevelt
University and will finish in May with a Bachelors Degree in
Criminal Justice Leadership. She is extremely excited for another
season of Muskies!
Tim O’Grady will be leading the 8 and under swimmers as
well as working with 9/10s and 11/12s. Tim’s involvement in
swimming began in 2000 where he swam for the Arlington Muskies and
Recreation Racers. He continued his interest in swimming by
participating in Prospect’s varsity team all four years of
high school and was the team captain his senior year. Tim was also
involved in water polo at Prospect where he contributed to the
varsity team three years, team captain his junior and senior year,
received the Knightship Award (awarded based on leadership,
citizenship, and academics), and was recognized as an
all-conference player. Tim has been coaching the water polo program
in the park district since it has been created in the summer of
2008. Tim has been teaching swim lessons for five years during all
seasons. He now holds the position as one of the Lesson
Coordinators. Tim began coaching swim team in the summer of 2008
where he coached the Olympic Sharks and continued the next summer
coaching the Rec Racers. He is an excellent swim coach because he
has a lot of energy and he enjoys teaching children. Tim takes a
lot of pride in the work he does at The Park District. Tim is
currently pursuing a degree in secondary education to become a math
teacher.
Amy Enright will be leading the 9/10s as well as working with
the 8 and unders and the 11/12s. Amy swam on Recreation Racers from
age 5 to 13. She swam on Arlington Muskies from age 7 to 13. She
has coached Interpark (3 summers) and Arlington Muskies (1 winter).
Amy has worked for The Park Districts as a pool manager,
lifeguard, swim instructor, coach, and other various positions for
the past 10 years. She has a degree in physical education and
health education along with an endorsement in special education.
This will be her second year working for Mack Educational Services
as a teaching consultant; teaching physical education at two
different catholic schools. Her goal in life is to help children
grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Amy enjoys working with
beginner to intermediate swimmers because she enjoys watching them
improve as a result of her input as a coach!
Roise Fasching will be leading the 11/12s as well as working with
the 9/10 and the 8 and unders. Rosie has been involved with the
Arlington Heights Park District for many years, participating in
the various programs with a main focus on swimming. She started her
swimming career after finishing swim lessons to become a member of
the Frontier Flyers. Rosie began swimming year round with the
Muskies and then moved on to swim with the Arlington Alligators,
finishing her competitive swimming career with four years on the
varsity swim team at Buffalo Grove High School. She coached the
Frontier Flyers and Muskies over the past summer and last winter
coached the new swim team for beginning swimmers, The Otters. She
is pursuing a degree in Parks and Recreation Administration. Rosie
works for the Park District performing various jobs. She loves
swimming and can’t wait to share her passion with others.
Steve Netzel will be leading the 13 and ups. Steve has been
around water his entire life. He enjoys all kinds of water sports.
He started swimming his freshman year at Rolling Meadows High
School, and continued to swim all 4 years of high school. Steve
specialized in long distance freestyle. Steve also played water
polo all four years of high school. Steve coached AHPD Interpark
for 3 years. He now coaches a masters swim team at the Wellness
Center in Arlington Heights. Over the years of swimming and
coaching, Steve learned the importance of swimming technique. He
coaches 80 percent technique and 20 percent endurance. Steve has an
Associate degree in Fire Science from Harper College and a
Paramedic License from Northwest Community Hospital. He is now
actively seeking a job in the fire service. Steve believes that
with hard work comes rewards. Steve’s goal for the Muskie
season is to build teamwork, improve swimmer technique, and above
all else, have fun!
Where to Find Information?
The Muskies Swim team uses several different methods of
communication including; Team Unify (www.teamunify.com/niamst)
parent meetings, mailings, emails, swimmer boxes, a bulletin board,
and our website (www.ahpd.org/Muskies).
Parent Meetings
A pre-season meeting will be held at Olympic Indoor Swim Center on
September 29 at 6:30 pm, for new parents. On September 30 at 6:30
we will have a meeting at Olympic Indoor Swim Center for returning
parents. Parents who are unable to attend will be able to receive
all the handouts by picking them up at Olympic, via e-mail, or on
the Muskie website.
Mailings/E-Mail
Several e-mail mailings will take place throughout the season to
insure that pertinent information is getting home and into the
right hands. Mailings are sent using the e-mail address that
was given to us at the parent meeting. If you have recently
moved, are going to be moving, or changed your e-mail please
contact Tim Jaskiewicz at Olympic Indoor Swim Center at
847-577-3025 or via e-mail at tjaskiewicz@ahpd.org
Swimmer Boxes
Many handouts including, ribbons and announcements will be placed
in a box with a folder in it for each swimmer. Boxes are
located in the pool office and are available anytime the pool is
open to the public. It is the responsibility of the swimmer
to check his/her folder on a regular basis for information
regarding the swim team.
Bulletin Board
The bulletin board is updated regularly and includes all
information that is either mailed or placed in the swimmer’s
boxes. The bulletin board can be found on the pool deck side of the
bath house in between the men and women’s locker room. As
well as the bulletin board in the lobby just before the doors
leading to the pool deck.
Team Unify
Team Unify is a web-based company that assists in the management of
swim teams. To view the Muskies own team page log onto:
http://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=niamst
The website will allow swimmers and parents to sign up for meets
online, sign up for volunteer jobs, purchase team suits, receive
e-mails from coaches and administrators, check the events a coach
has entered a swimmer in, and view and track times.
Please reference the short getting started packet for more
information or click on Training Webinars or FAQs on the website
for basic usage tips and information.
How to Contact a Coach
You may leave a message for them by calling (847) 577-3025.
When leaving a message please leave the name, phone number, time,
day, and reason for the phone call. In addition, each
coach can be reached through the swim team e-mail address, swimteam@ahpd.org or through the
contact button on the Team Unify webpage. When e-mailing a
coach please leave the age group and swimmers name in the subject
line.
Coaches
Head Coach
Tiffany Barson
Assitant Coach, 8 and under, 9/10, and 11/12
Stephanie Gorzelle, Tim O’Grady, Amy
Enright
13 and up
Steve Netzel
Questions & Who to Ask
If you have questions please check below so that you can speak with
the appropriate person. In addition if you do speak with a
coach during practice please do so before or after practice as
their first priority are the swimmers and their safety. The
Aquatic Facility Supervisor, Tim Jaskiewicz, can be reached at
Olympic Indoor Swim Center by calling (847) 577-3025 or via e-mail
at tjaskiewicz@ahpd.org.
Supervisor - Head Coach, Comments, Concerns, or Suggestions
about the program or swim conference
Head Coach - Assistant Coaches, Incentive Programs, Website,
Volunteering, and result sheets
Age Group Coaches - Ribbons, Meet Times, Meet Lineups, Swimmers
Progress, and General Meet Rules
Different Types of Meets
Dual Meet: A meet between two teams. Swimmers compete
in individual events and relays.
Northern Illinois Swim Conference Championship: All
teams in each division compete in the NISC conference meet.
Swimmers qualify by times. Please note, not all swimmers will
swim in the NISC conference meet. Eligibility is based on the
fastest times received at dual meets. The NISC conference
allows two swimmers per event and one relay per age group.
AHPD Chamionhips: Swimmers not able to compete in the NISC
Championship are invited to swim in the AHPD Championship.
Swimmers may choose up to three individual events each and the
coaches will place everyone in a relay.
Meet Line-Ups
Coaches form their line-ups as follows; there are six individual
events and 2 relays per age group. The coaches are allowed three
swimmers per event and three relays per age group. At The NISC
championship they are allowed two swimmers per event and one relay
per age group. Some groups have many swimmers so exhibition heats
are allowed at all home meets. Exhibition at away meets must be
accepted by the host team. No exhibition is allowed at The NISC
Championship. Coaches do their best to get each swimmer in every
event and appreciate your feedback when a swimmer has not been
entered in a stroke. When swimmers request to swim specific events,
the coaches will do their best to put them in that event.
However, it can be difficult to accept requests. Swimmers may also
swim up an age group to allow for more swimmers to participate in
more events at each meet.
Meet Participation
The following are the steps required in order to participate in a
swim meet or steps on how to communicate with a coach if you are
unable to attend a meet. All communication needs to be put in
writing.
- To Enter swimmers into a meet scroll down on the main page on
Team Unify and click on “Attend the Event”
under the meet you would like to swim in.
- Click “Yes, please sign [swimmer’s name] up for
this event,” if you are attending the meet.
If you are unable to attend select “No, thanks
[swimmer’s name] will NOT attend this event.”
Swimsuit and Apparel
Each winter season the Muskies swim team selects a team
swimsuit. Swimmers have the option of purchasing a team
swimsuit, but it is not required. Team swimsuit styles may
change from season to season depending on availability.
Team swimsuits and other Muskies apparel will be purchased from
the Muskies Team Unify webpage. If you would like to try a suit on
ahead of time please contact Tiffany Barson, Muskies Head Coach, to
set up a time. She can be reached at 847.577.3025.
Other apparel such as warm-ups, shirts, and sandles, can be
purchased through The Swim Team Store. Please visit www.theswimteamstore.com to
check out all the items. Once on the page select "custom
store" and "Customized Swim Team Store" from the button on the left
hand side of the page. Enter the username "arlington" and the
password "muskies" to view other apparel.
Volunteer Positions
Parents are an important part of our program and volunteer parents
are a necessity for meets. Each parent needs to volunteer at
least two times per season.
Timer: The timer is responsible for recording
swimmer’s times. Each timer is given a stopwatch,
clipboard, pencil, and a stack of event cards. Two to three timers
are placed in each lane.
Runner: The runner is responsible for picking up all the
event cards from the timers after each event and giving them to the
computer operator.
Ribbon Person: This person will work with the computer
operator by taking the labels after they are printed, placing the
labels on the appropriate ribbon, and then placing each
team’s ribbons in a manila envelope.
Computer Operator and Timing System: These people keep the score
board set up for the correct race and download times for
the swimmers to the Meet Manager Program. They also print labels
for all our swimmers. If you have experinece and would like to do
it this season, please contact Tim Jaskiewicz at tjaskiewicz@ahpd.org. If you
would like to learn how to operate the system, and have the best
seat in the house for home swim meets, please contact Tim to set up
a training.
Competing teams
| A Division
| B Division
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| Arlington Muskies
| Bensenville
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| Buffalo Grove
| Oakbrook
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| McHenry
| Elgin
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| Mt. Prospect
| Schaumburg
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| Zion
| Triton
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NISC By-Laws
The Northern Illinois Swim Conference (NISC) is a developmental
swim conference regulated by IHSA rules as well as NISC
rules. Listed below are a few of the conferences basic
rules;
1. Swim team members must swim in at least two dual meets
during the current season in order to be eligible to swim in the
Conference Championship. Eight & under swimmers are
required to swim in at least one dual meet.
2. During a dual meet a swimmer may enter a maximum of three
individual events and one relay or two individual events and two
relays.
NEW RULE - Swimmers may not wear a suit
that is not made out of a woven material. Suits must not go past
the knee or shoulders in length.
Practice
All practices take place at Olympic Indoor Swim Center.
8 and unders 9/10 11/12 13 and ups
Tuesday 5:30-6:30 Tuesday 6:00-7:00 Thursday
6:15-8:00 Wednesday 7:30-9:00
Friday 5:00 – 6:45 Thursday 5:30-6:45 Friday
6:15-7:30 Thursday 7:45-9:00
Saturday 5:00-6:00 Saturday 6:45-8:00 Saturday
7:45-9:00 Saturday 5:30-7:00
Sunday 5:00-6:00 Sunday 5:45-6:45 Sunday
6:30-7:30 Sunday 7:00-9:00
Please attend only your age group practice.
The Muskies offer flexibility by allowing swimmers the option of
attending all practices for their specific age group and meets or
only attending those they want. However, the swimmers that
attend most of the practices see the greatest results. Please
also be aware that many handouts and announcements are made at
practices and meets. It is the swimmers responsibility to
check his/her box and to communicate with his/her coach.
Transportation
Transportation to and from meets is the responsibility of the
swimmer and their parents. Please be aware that coaches are
not allowed to transport swimmers to and from any event.
Motivational Incentive Programs
Over Achievers: Each swimmer will receive a Certificate if they
make a time in the over achievers.
Time Tracker: Each swimmer will receive a time tracker
chart to keep track of their times from each meet.
Star Board: Swimmers will receive stickers for good behavior,
good practices, helping fellow swimmers, helping coaches, and a
variety of other reasons. At the end of the season awards will be
given to the swimmer who has earned to most stars for each age
group and gender.
Ribbons: Ribbons will be awarded for first through sixth place
in individual events and first and second place in relay
events. Ribbons will be placed in the Muskies boxes after
each meet.
Pictures
Team and individual pictures are scheduled for Sunday December
5. There will be NO practices this day. Swimmers should be at
Olympic at 5 and plan on staying till 6 pm. Order envelopes
will be placed in each swimmers box and will be available from
coaches at least one week prior to the scheduled date.
Pictures are not required, but are made available to those
interested.
Banquet
A banquet will be scheduled at the end of the season to celebrate
both individual and team accomplishments. An additional fee
may be required for this event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is the swim meet schedule made?
A: The NISC decides on a meet schedule based on where the
teams finished in the previous seasons conference championship.
Q: Why do meets get cancelled?
A: Meets can get cancelled for many reasons including inclement
weather, lack of swimmers, facility problems and scheduling
conflicts.
Q: What happens when a meet gets cancelled?
A: The following steps are taken:
• Staff attempts to reschedule the meet for another
date.
• Staff attempts to change the location of the meet
• If another date or location can not be found,
announcements are made at practice stating the meet is cancelled or
phone calls are made to the swimmers home.
Q: As a parent is my help needed?
A: Yes, there are several positions a parent can volunteer to
help including, timing, running and ribbon writing. Forms are
made available in the swimmers boxes to sign up for the meet that
fits your schedule.
Q: Why do meets start late?
A: The most common reason a meet starts late is because coaches are
making last minute line-up changes. Last minute line up
changes are caused by two different reasons. The first reason
is when a swimmer signs up to be at a meet and then does not show
up. The second reason is when a swimmer does not sign for a
meet but decides to show up. The easiest way this situation
can be resolved is to communicate your schedule conflicts in
writing with the coaches prior to a meet.
Q: What do I do if my child does not receive a ribbon or
receives the wrong ribbon?
A: Contact your coach and he/she will correct the
ribbon. If you are unable to contact the coach then contact
the Aquatic Facility Supervisor.
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