Age Group

Information for Swimmers about Practices

• Swimmers should attend practice as often as they can. Consistency is the key to improvement.
• Arrive at practice freshâ€"not exhausted from other activities.
• Be ready on deck at least 5 minutes before your practice group’s starting time. If you arrive late, please get changed as quickly as possible and then find your coach.
• Your coach will tell you which equipment you need and should bring to practice each day. Unless instructed otherwise, swimmers are expected to bring their equipment every day. Each piece of equipment should have your name on it.
• Always bring a water bottle.
• During practice, pay close attention to your coach. He/she will give you instructions throughout the workout. Think about the instructions your coach gave you while you are swimming.
• Swimmers should treat their teammates and the facility with respect.
• Every swimmer has a file folder for ribbons and awards, fliers and other announcements. Swimmers should check their file folder regularly before leaving the pool complex.

Aging up from one group to another

All groups at PASC are generally designed by age group. Within age groups, swimmers may be assigned to a group which is based on attitude, commitment and ability. A swimmer who is prepared to work hard, come to practice regularly and participates in competitions are typically more likely to move into the next group within their age group before one who devotes less time and effort.

Swimmers who move into a new age group (8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15 and up) should talk to their current coach for instructions upon moving into a new group. Generally, swimmers are moved when they enter a new age group.

Attendance at Practice

Practice expectations vary from group to group and generally increase the older the swimmer. The most dedicated swimmers will attend the majority of practices, but it is common for swimmers to miss practices due to other commitments. The coaches will help each swimmer decide on a consistent workout plan that is right for them.

Swimmers who miss 3 or more practices in a row should contact their coach to let them know their situation. Swimmers who plan to take extended time off to pursue other sports, or for other reasons, should contact their coach and, depending on the length of the time away from the pool, may consider switching to Associate Status.

Swimmer Behavior Expectations

• Swimmers must obey the rules of the pool facilities. These include no running on the pool deck and no diving in the shallow end of the pool.
• Swimmers must not enter the pool until their coach gives them permission to do so.
• No horseplay or roughhousing is allowed in the pool, on the pool deck or in the locker rooms.
• Swimmers should treat their teammates and the pool facility with respect. Failure to do so could result in a swimmer being barred from practice and/or a team event.
• Swimmers should listen to and follow the instructions of their coach while at practice or at meets.
• Swimmers should follow the directions of their coach and/or designated Meet Marshals or officials at swim meets. Unless in a designated take-off lane, swimmers must enter the warm-up pool using a 3 point entry.
• If you see someone doing something unsafe or an unsafe situation, please notify a coach immediately.
• Swimmers should not use inappropriate language to another swimmer or coach.
• Swimmers should not harass, tease or bully another swimmer or teammate.
• Proper behavior in the locker room is expected of all swimmers at all times. Proper behavior includes limiting showers to 5 minutes, respecting other swimmers belongings, not using inappropriate language and not participating in horseplay or roughhousing. Abuse of the locker rooms may result in a swimmer being barred from their use.