Fundraising

REDTAILS TEAM HANDBOOK

Longmont Swim Club

INTRODUCTION

Purpose- The purpose of this handbook is to provide information and guidance on the policies and procedures of the Longmont Swim Club (LSC). All team members and their families are encouraged to become familiar with the important facts and rules of the club.

Memberships- The Longmont Swim Club is a year-round program which provides competitive swimming opportunities to athletes. The club is an independent team, not affiliated with any recreation or school district. LSC holds membership in Northern Colorado Swimming, Colorado Swimming, Inc., and USA Swimming.

USA Swimming- USA Swimming is the national organization to which the LSC, its members and coaches belong. USA Swimming is the sanctioning organization for all officially recognized swimming in the United States, including Junior Olympics, Junior Nationals, Senior Nationals, and the Olympics. USA Swimming registration is required for all swimmers and includes insurance coverage.

Team Organization- The Longmont Swim Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. A five member Board of Directors governs the Longmont Swim Club. All board members are volunteers whose primary motives for serving arise from enthusiasm for the sport of swimming and a dedication to the development of youth. The same statement applies to the officials and other workers at every swim meet. Various parent committees are formed throughout the year in order to assist with specific events and fundraisers.

Redtails- The team name, “Redtails”, is patterned after the Redtail Shark. The Redtail Shark is identified by a jet-black body, bright red tail and a dorsal fin marked with a white tip. The fish are characterized as being semi-aggressive and will chase other fish to exhaustion, then swim away triumphantly. The team colors, therefore, are red, black and white. The team suit is black. Each new swimmer will receive a Redtails Swim Cap and t-shirt upon joining.

Mission Summary- To have an organized swimming program that teaches and trains all levels of swimmers to learn, train and compete at their highest individual level of achievement, while emphasizing individual progress, family participation, good sportsmanship, individual integrity and team play.

It is important to note that swimmers are members of a year-round program. The reasons for swimming year round include physical fitness, superior skill development, friendships, and competition. Any competitive program involves many facets, including training, teaching, goal-setting, discipline, fundraising, swim meets, and parental cooperation. One of our main goals is to develop highly skilled individuals who are interested in competitive swimming, while maintaining an open door policy for fitness and recreational swimmers.

SWIMMER LEVELS

The Longmont Swim Club uses a “progressive” age group program designed to develop the swimmer physically, mentally, and emotionally in a systematic fashion. A well-defined, long-term approach of gradually increasing degrees of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels during a swimmer’s physiological prime. The emphasis in the early stages of participation must be placed on developing technical skills and a love for the sport. In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge must be introduced to the training program. In this respect, “too much, too soon,” is more often the cause of failure to achieve maximum potential in senior swimming than in the reverse situation.

In addition to emphasizing long-term rather than short-term results, it is also important to establish training groups of swimmers who are compatible in respect to abilities, commitment levels, and goals. Unfortunately, this is not always the most convenient approach to take, but it is always the most productive.

At each level, the goals and objectives are specific and directed toward meeting the needs of the swimmer. The long-term goal of total excellence is always in mind. As each child is different, he/she will progress at his/her own rate. The coaching staff recognizes this fact by making team assignments based on a swimmer’s physical, mental, and emotional level of development.

Yellow $90/month

Younger beginners 5-9 years old, able to swim 25 yards on front and back without assistance. Swimmers must swim with their face in the water and be comfortable swimming where they cannot stand. During practices, swimmers will complete several 25-yard lengths. They will learn correct technique through repetitive drills and instruction. Three 45 min to 1-hour practices will be offered each week.

Orange $115/month

Athletes 9-14 years old, able to swim 50 yards on front and back without assistance. Swimmers have advanced beyond a beginner and during practices, swimmers will complete several 25-to-300-yard lengths. They will learn correct technique through repetitive drills and instruction. Training is 1 hour, 4 days per week.

Red $120/month

Advanced 8-12 years old swimmers who are not beginners but not ready for the Topaz group. They will learn correct technique through repetitive drills and instruction. Training is 1 hour, 4 days per week.

Topaz $130/month

Athletes ages 10–13 years old who train 1 hour, 5 days per week. This group if focused on continued improvement in stroke technique, learning how to race and becoming more established swimmers. They have good lane etiquette and sportsmanship both at practice and while participating in meets.

Sapphire $135/month

Established swimmers ages 12-14 progress to this group once they turn 12 or 13 but aren’t ready for the diamond group. Practices are 1 to 1 ½ hours in length, 5 days per week. They have good lane etiquette and sportsmanship both at practice and while participating in meets.

Opal $140/month

Highschool ages 15–18 who often have other sports and activities and train with a high school swimming, fitness and or summer club emphasis. Athletes must be able to swim sets consistently all strokes for a 1 to 1 ½ hour practice. This is not a learn to swim group.

Diamond $150/month

This group is composed of swimmers ages 12- 18. They train 1 ½ to 2 hours 5 to 6 days a week during the short course season and add double 2-hour practices in a day during the long course season.

Redtails Collegiate/Masters Group $75/month

This group is composed of swimmers 19 to 35ish who wish to train and compete in either US Masters events or open USA swimming events. Most swimmers in this group are former age group/high school swimmers and want to continue their passion for the sport.

TEAM FEES

The Longmont Swim Club is solely supported by the collection of dues from its members and various fundraisers. Club expenses involve purchasing pool time, paying our professional coaching staff, insurance, and various other team related obligations. Every effort is made to keep costs as low as possible.

DUES AND FEE PAYMENT POLICY: All dues and fees are billed on the 1st of the month with payment charged by ACH or CC. Non-payment of all dues/fees past the 1st day of the following month will result in suspension of the swimmer(s) from practice and all meets until payment is made.

Required Costs

USA Swimming Registration- All Longmont Swim Club members must register with USA Swimming and pay an annual fee as set yearly by USA Swimming. Registration includes a membership card, subscription to SPLASH magazine, and eligibility to participate in USA Swimming sanctioned meets. Upon registration with the Redtails, a USA Swim membership registration link will be emailed to you by the club administrator and must be completed within 3 weeks.

LSC Year-Round Dues- Longmont Swim Club membership includes access to USA Swimming sanctioned swim meets, professional coaching and stroke instruction, access to quality swimming facilities for training and competition, and well-trained swim meet officials. Dues money is primarily used to pay coaching salaries, insurance, pool rental, and equipment and training equipment. Dues are payable on the 1st of each month. A family discount is available to those families with three or more swimmers. Dues shall be paid regardless of whether the team is on break for holidays, Spring Break or August Break.

Administration Fee- There is an annual administration fee, paid once per year per family, and upon joining the club. This fee supports the business related administrative activities the club must perform. The annual admin fee is charged on the September 1st bill cycle on all active member accounts.

Mandatory Meet Admin Fee-In order to encourage athletes and their famiiles to participate in meets throughout the year, there is a mandatory Meet Admin Fee of $20. This fee is associated only with "required" mandatory meets which are included in the club's meet schedule. Currently, there are seven such meets, one each in the months of October, December, January, March, May, June and July. This fee of $20 covers the pool surcharge and gas mileage fee. If the athlete attends the required meet, only event charges are assessed as the pool surcharge and gas mileage fee are assessed separately on your invoice. This fee applies only to those meets the coaches have designated as "required and mandatory". Mandatory meets require an "opt out" (or "No" entry) on the Declaration of Intention to compete as all athletes are signed up for events for mandatory meets by the coaches unless "No" is indicated for that meet.

Concession Fee- There is a $10.00 concession fee for each family for all meets that the LSC hosts or co-hosts. This provides the concession committee the funds needed to facilitate its operations.

Billing Information- Invoices are generated on the 1^st of each month. All payments are processed online by credit card or ACH. Invoice details are available on the website when you login to My Account/Invoices and Payments. A late fee is assessed if full payment is not received by the 10th. A summary of the upcoming billing on the 1st of each month is sent out on or about the 20th of each month. If there are any questions regarding your billing summary, please contact the club treasurer at [email protected]

Volunteer hours- Every family is required to donate 12 hours of volunteer time to the swim team during the year (Aug 1^st through July 31^st). Any unfulfilled volunteer hours will be billed to your August 1^st invoice. These hours are billed at $20/hour.

EQUIPMENT

Each swimmer will need towels, goggles and suits for practice and for swim meets. All of these are the responsibility of the family. A backpack or sport bag will also be very helpful in carrying the above items. The recommended equipment for each group is as follows:

Yellow

none

Orange

Speedo Snorkel

Buoy

Speedo short fins

Red

Speedo Snorkel

Buoy

Speedo short fins

Topaz

Speedo Snorkel

Buoy

Speedo short fins

Mesh equipment bag

TYR Catalyst Paddle

Sapphire

Speedo Snorkel

Buoy

Speedo short fins

Mesh equipment bag

TYR catalyst paddles

Opal

Speedo Snorkel

Buoy

Speedo short fins

Mesh equipment bag

TYR catalyst paddles

Diamond

Speedo Snorkel

Buoy

Speedo short fins

Mesh equipment bag

TYR catalyst paddles

Redtails Collegiate/Masters Group

No equipment is required for this group however we may use paddles, bouys and snorkels if you have them.

SWIM MEETS

Swim meets are offered at an additional cost and are charged per event entered for a maximum of three or four events per session. There is also a pool surcharge and a small surcharge ($5) to cover the coach’s mileage. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in swim meets and sign-up is available on the web site prior to each meet. Costs for specific meets are included in the meet information packet provided on the web site under Events. Fees will be added to the monthly invoice. Once the deadline has passed for signing up for a meet, there will be no refunds of meet entry fees.

Seasons- The meet seasons are divided into two parts. Short course season meets (held in 25-yard pools), run from September to approximately mid-March. Long-course season meets (held in 50-meter pools) begin in mid- March and end iby early August.

Required Meets- The schedule of meets during the short course and long course seasons includes some that are "required mandatory" (total 7 currently, such as the District meets at the end of the short course and long course seasons) and those that are required for those athletes who are in a certain age group, or those athletes who have met time standards that make them eligible to compete on behalf of the club.

Scheduling- The Longmont Swim Club usually schedules to participate in one or two meets per month. During scheduled meets, at least one LSC coach will be on deck. The competition at these meets ranges from novice to state level. Once you’ve signed up for a meet, you should attend the meet, or notify the coach via e-mail or in writing, that you won’t be able to attend. No Verbal Notification will be accepted. There is no refund for meets you have signed up for after the meet entry deadline date.

Silver Circuit Meets- Silver Circuit swim meets are only offered to Northern Colorado Swimming member clubs. These meets cost a flat entry fee per meet and last less than four hours. These meets have time minimum restrictions on most events, which make them ideal for less experienced swimmers wanting a competitive experience against other swimmers at a similar level.

FUNDRAISING

Successful fundraising is essential for the viability of the team and to keep monthly dues affordable. Every swimmer is required to participate in the annual Swim-a-thon as well as other fundraising activities throughout the year.

VOLUNTEERING / MANDATORY SERVICE HOURS

Each family is required to give an average of 1 hour of service per month or 12 hours per year. There are many ways to achieve mandatory service hours such as helping with swim meets the club hosts or co-hosts, serving on a fundraising committee, or helping with various social events or activities. Mandatory service hours are tracked on the website via the job signup tool. A variety of volunteer jobs, both for swim meets and fundraising activities, are posted on the website and parents may indicate a commitment to a particular job or position by clicking on the ’job signup’ button related to the event. It is a parent’s responsibility to sign up for a volunteer position before the event, and then complete the commitment at the event. Volunteer duties not posted on the website may be reported to the treasurer and the hours will be recorded in the member’s account.

PRACTICES

Schedules- Practice schedules change depending on the time of year. The current schedule will be posted on the Redtails website. For the current schedule, please refer to the website. Longmont Swim Club is currently using a practice sign up tool. Please contact the coaches if you are having problems accessing the Redtails practice sign up tool (www.signup.com).

Breaks in Practice Scheduling- There is no practice during the St. Vrain Valley School District Spring Break, and no practice after the Long Course Championship Meets in August (either Silver or State) until approximately the first week of September (for a total of two weeks).

Attendance Policy-

Swimmers should arrive at practice 15 minutes early so they are changed and ready to start practice at the time it is scheduled.
Each training group has specific attendance requirements appropriate for the objectives of that group. As a general rule, the least possible interruption in the training schedule will produce the greatest amount of success. The club does, however, encourage younger swimmers to participate in other activities in addition to swimming. The expectation level of the coaches to attend practices increases as swimmers move to higher groups.
For each swimmers protection, arrival to practice should be no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the workout time. Swimmers should also be picked up no later than 15 minutes after the practice is over. Swimmers not picked up within 15 min from the end of practice on more than one occasion may incur a fine to their account. This covers the cost of us having to pay the coach to stay late with your swimmer until the swimmer is picked up.
Swimmers should plan to stay the entire practice. The last part of practice is often the most important. In the event that the swimmer needs to be dismissed early from practice, please notify the coach prior to the start of practice.
While at practice, the swimmers are the responsibility of the coaching staff.
The club has an obligation to act as guests while at the pool (both swimmers and parents). Every member of the club needs to do everything possible to respect this privilege. Any damages to facility property may result in financial liability of the swimmer’s parents. Any damage may also result in the swimmer being asked to leave the team permanently.

PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

There has been much talk about whether it is safe to have images taken of children participating in sports. While the great majority of images are appropriate and are taken in good faith, it is a fact that images can be misused and children can be put at risk if commonsense procedures are not observed.

1. The publishing of a photograph of swimmer under 18 either on a notice board or in a

published article or video recording (including video streaming) of swimming

competitions (“publication”) should only be done with parents’ consent.

2. A parent or guardian has a right of refuse to have children photographed. The exercise

of this right of refusal cannot be used as grounds for refusing entry into a swimming

competition. Therefore, any photo that may go to press or on a notice board, be it

through a member of the club or official photographer, should receive parental consent

before publishing/displaying the photo, preferably in writing.

In the case of open meets and other competitions where the host club has an official

photographer present, all parents attending should be made aware of this in your meet

information. If photos are to be published anywhere, the individual parent should be given the

opportunity to withhold their consent. Their right to do so should be specifically drawn to their

attention.

All photographs must observe generally accepted standards of decency in particular:

 Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity and not a sexualized image in a

sporting context.

 Action shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a torn or

displaced swim suit.

 Photographs should not be taken from behind swimming blocks at the start of a race or

exhibit a child climbing out of the swimming pool.

 Photographs should not be taken in locker‐rooms or bathrooms.

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

Membership in any successful organization requires adherence to certain rules and behavior guidelines. Violation of these rules and guidelines will be addressed immediately when the situation reflects poorly upon, or is detrimental to, the interests and successful operation of the Longmont Swim Club. Appropriate disciplinary action shall be decided and enforced by the Board of Directors, in cooperation with the swimmer's parents or legal guardian. Specific rules and guidelines are outlined in the Longmont Swim Club Code of Conduct, which must be read and signed by each member and is posted on the team website.

PRACTICES FOR THE INCLUSION OF TRANSGENDER ATHLETES

Transgender: a person whose gender identity does not match the person’s sex at birth

Gender identity: a person’s deeply-felt internal sense of being male or female

Gender expression: a person’s external characteristics and behaviors that are socially defined as either masculine or feminine (i.e., dress, speech, mannerisms, social interactions)

A minor transgender athlete member of a swim club should be allowed to participate in accordance with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the athlete’s birth certificate or other records and regardless of whether the athlete has undergone any medical treatment. The policy should not prevent an athlete from electing to participate in an activity according to his or her assigned birth gender.

This means an athlete who is biologically female but has a male gender identity should be allowed to participate in male events and an athlete who is biologically male but has a female gender identity should be allowed to participate in female events.

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES

1. When an athlete (and/or the athlete’s parents) discloses a transgender identity, coaches should request a change of the athlete’s gender in SWIMS by contacting Membership or Safe Sport staff at USA Swimming. Once this is completed, the athlete will be able to be entered in events that match his/her gender identity.

2. At all times, teammates, coaches, and all others should respect the confidentiality of transgender athletes. Discussion or disclosure of an individual’s gender identity should only take place after expressed permission is given by the individual or the individual’s parents.

3. In all cases, teammates, coaches, and all others should refer to transgender athletes by the athlete’s preferred name. Similarly, in all cases, pronoun references to transgender athletes should reflect the athlete’s gender and pronoun preferences.

4. Transgender athletes should be able to use the locker rooms, changing facilities, and restrooms that are consistent with his/her gender identity. When requested, transgender athletes should be provided access to a gender-neutral space (i.e., family restroom).

5. Prior to meets, without violating an athlete’s confidentiality, coaches should communicate with the meet host regarding expectations for treatment of transgender athletes in the pool, on deck, and in the locker room.

6. Transgender athletes should be permitted to dress consistently with their gender identities, including warm-ups and team gear.

7. Transgender athletes should be permitted to wear whatever swimsuit is most comfortable for them, so long as the suit does not extend below the knee or past the shoulders.

8. Clubs should provide training to their staff and regular volunteers regarding their responsibilities to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Such topics should include terms and concepts of gender identity and expression and bystander intervention strategies related to bullying. Contact USA Swimming Safe Sport staff for training program recommendations.

The USA Swimming Code of Conduct specifies that discrimination against any member or participant on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, and gender expression is prohibited (304.3.3). In the event that a question should arise about whether an athlete’s request to participate in a manner consistent with his/her gender identity is bona fide, USA Swimming will refer to the Code of Conduct and follow its standard procedures of enforcement.

SAFE SPORT TRAINING AND MINOR ATHLETE ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY (MAAPP 2.0)

All adults (18 years and older) that come into regular contact with minors, including 18-year-old and above athletes, must complete athlete protection training (Safe Sport). If athlete’s 18 and over fail to complete this, they will not be able to swim in swim meets, it will flag on the meet recon or in the OME system. MAAPP 2.0 applies to all adults who interact with and have direct and frequent contact with minor athletes, including adult athletes. The term used in the policy is Adult Participant. All Adult Participantsults are required to follow MAAPP 2.0. Parents will be asked to sign their agreement to MAAPP 2.0 each year and copies will be retained for the year.

Education and Training

Regular and consistent training is required for all adults who interact with and have direct and frequent contact with minor athletes, including adult athletes. All USA Swimming non-athlete members regularly complete Safe Sport training, known as Athlete Protection Training. All adult athlete members are required to complete Athlete Protection Training. All adult members—athlete and non-athlete are required to complete the training annually.

All athletes 18 years and older are required to complete the USA swimming athlete protection training program on a yearly basis (often referred to as "Safe Sport". https://www.usaswimming.org/utility/landing-pages/safe-sport/apt

There is an updated version of the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy. It is referred to as MAAPP 2.0, which became effective as of September 1, 2021. The website for MAAPP 2.0 has links for informational videos, the entire 2.0 policy, as well as required forms related to transportation and lodging acknowledgment forms, etc. https://www.usaswimming.org/safe-sport/minor-athlete-abuse-prevention-policy There is an annual required acknowledgement form posted on our team website under the tab "Safe Sport/MAAPP 2.0" - scroll down to the MAAPP Acknowledgement. All parents need to print this form out for their athlete members, sign and date it, and turn it in to a Redtails coach each September. Only one form acknowledgement per household is required.

COMMUNICATION

Website- The Longmont Swim Club website is: www.redtails.org The website will have timely information on practice schedules, meet schedules and swimmer and parent information. Please become familiar with the web site.

Email- A monthly newsletter, club “E-Alerts“, timely information, reminders, and monthly billing statements are sent via email. Members are asked to provide an email address that is checked frequently, in order to receive this important information. Email addresses are held in strict confidence and are used specifically for this purpose only.

Monthly Newsletter- The team publishes a monthly electronic newsletter, which will be distributed to all swim families. This newsletter contains general information from the coaching staff, announcements from the Board of Directors, upcoming meet information, fundraising information and overall weekly updates. Please read the contents of this when it is distributed.

Bulletin Boards- The Longmont Swim Club has two bulletin boards for information. The first one is located just outside the upper level observation deck at Centennial Pool. It contains team photos and general information, as well as various other recruiting materials. The second is located in the pool area, just outside the lifeguard shack, and contains time standards.

Communicating with Coaches- When contacting the coaches, please be considerate. During practice the coaches are focused on running the workout. The best way to speak with the coaches is to meet them after practice. Coaches have email addresses posted on the website, or you can send a written note to the coach with your swimmer.

Communicating with the Board- Feel free to contact board members in passing, with email, or on the phone when you have any questions or concerns. If you would like to address the Board of Directors at a monthly board meeting, please make an appointment so the meeting time and place can be provided and time can be scheduled on the agenda for the meeting.

The Longmont Swim Club (the “Club”) recognizes the prevalence of electronic communication and social media in today’s world. Many of our swimmers use these means as their primary method of communication. While the Club acknowledges the value of these methods of communication, the Club also realizes that there are associated risks that must be considered when adults use these methods to communicate with minors. All texts and emails between coaches and athletes will include parents or legal guardian(s).

All communications between a coach or other adult and an athlete must be professional in nature and for the purpose of communicating information about team activities. The content and intent of all electronic communications must adhere to the USA Swimming Code of Conduct regarding Athlete Protection.

For example, as with any communication with an athlete, electronic communication should not contain or relate to any of the following:

 drugs or alcohol use;

 sexually oriented conversation; sexually explicit language; sexual activity

 the adult’s personal life , social activities, relationship or family issues, or personal

problems; and

 inappropriate or sexually explicit pictures

 Note: Any communication concerning an athlete's personal life, social activities, relationship or family issues or personal problems must be transparent, accessible and professional.

Whether one is an athlete, coach, board member or parent, the guiding principle to always use in communication is to ask: “Is this communication something that someone else would find appropriate or acceptable in a face‐to‐face meeting?” or “Is this something you would be comfortable saying out loud to the intended recipient of your communication in front of the intended recipient’s parents, the coaching staff, the board, or other athletes?”

With respect to electronic communications, a simple test that can be used in most cases is whether the electronic

communication with swimmers is Transparent, Accessible and Professional.

Transparent: All electronic communication between coaches and athletes should be transparent. Your communication should not only be clear and direct, but also free of hidden meanings, innuendo and expectations.

Accessible: All electronic communication between coaches and athletes should be considered a matter of record and part of the Club’s records. Whenever possible, include another coach or parent in the communication so that there is no question regarding accessibility.

Professional: All electronic communication between a coach and an athlete should be conducted professionally as a representative of the Club. This includes word choices, tone, grammar, and subject matter that model the standards and integrity of a staff member. If your communication meets all three of the T.A.P. criteria, then it is likely your method of

communication with athletes will be appropriate.

TEXTING

Subject to the general guidelines mentioned above, texting is allowed between coaches and athletes during the hours from 7am until 9pm and will copy (or include) parents or legal guardians. Texting only shall be used for the purpose of communicating information directly related to team activities.

Athletes and coaches may use email to communicate between the hours of 7am and 9pm (or during times practice

occurs if it is outside of these hours). When communicating with an athlete through email, a parent, another coach,

or a board member must also be copied.

REQUEST TO DISCONTINUE ALL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

The parents or guardians of an athlete may request in writing that their child not be contacted by coaches through any form of electronic communication.

Athlete Electronic Communication Best Practices of the Longmont Swim Club

USA Swimming member clubs are required to have an electronic communication policy for coaches and non-athlete members to follow. Similarly, athletes should be made aware that there are certain standards for electronic communication for all individuals associated with the club. The ability of coaches and non-athlete members to adhere to the required policy relies, in

part, on the ability of athletes to respect the boundaries established for healthy electronic communication with the team. Athletes should remember that swimming for the club is a privilege, and they are expected to portray themselves, their team, and their community in a positive manner at all times.

The club holds the following expectations of athletes:

❏ Athletes will not use derogatory language, including sexist, racist, homophobic, obscene,

or profane material of any kind.

❏ Athletes will not use social media to degrade, demean, or attack any person, team, or

organization.

❏ Athletes will not use social media to contact his/her coach(es) and will instead post

appropriate material to the club’s profile.

❏ Athletes will not call or text their coach, except in an emergency or if a parent/guardian is

included in the communication.

❏ All communication between athletes and coaches will be related to the activities of the

team and should, whenever possible, be limited to in-person communication during team

practices or events.

Things to remember: Texting

❏ Text messages and photos can be saved or screen-shot. Once the message is

transmitted, the sender does not have control.

❏ Texting between athletes and coaches is not okay unless it is an emergency situation or

another adult (such as a parent/guardian or another coach) is copied on the text.

❏ It is typically more effective to discuss an issue in person.

Things to remember: Social Media

❏ Once you post something online, it is public and permanent--even if you delete it.

❏ Many employers, college admissions officers, and athletic recruiters review social

networking sites as part of their evaluation of an applicant. Carefully consider how

others may perceive the information and content that you share about yourself.

❏ Never post your email address, home address, phone number, or other personal

information, as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, or identity theft.

TEAM TRAVEL POLICY

Athletes are most vulnerable to misconduct during travel, particularly overnight stays. This includes a high risk of athlete‐to‐athlete misconduct. During travel, athletes are often away from their families and support networks, and the setting – new changing areas, locker rooms, workout facilities, automobiles and hotel rooms – is less structured and less familiar.

Team Travel is defined as overnight travel to a swim meet or other team activity that is planned

and supervised by the club or LSC.

These items are Code of Conduct stipulations in the USA Swimming Rulebook.

a. Club travel policies must be signed and agreed to by all athletes, parents, coaches and other

adults traveling with the club. (305.5.D)

b. Team managers and chaperones must be members of USA Swimming and have successfully

passed a USA Swimming‐administered criminal background check. (305.5.B)

c. Regardless of gender, a coach shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping

arrangement with an athlete (unless the coach is the parent, guardian, sibling, or spouse of

that particular athlete). (305.5.A)

d. When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, the athlete must have

his/her parents’ (or legal guardian’s) written permission in advance to travel alone with the

coach. (305.5C)

1. During team travel, when doing room checks, attending team meetings and/or other

activities, two‐deep leadership and open and observable environments should be

maintained.

2. Athletes should not ride in a coach’s vehicle without another adult present who is the same

gender as the athlete, unless prior parental permission is obtained.

3. During overnight team travel, if athletes are paired with other athletes they shall be of the

same gender and should be a similar age. Where athletes are age 13 & over, chaperones

and/or team managers would ideally stay in nearby rooms. When athletes are age 12 &

under, chaperones and/or team managers may stay with athletes. Where chaperones/team

managers are staying in a room with athletes, they should be the same gender as the

athlete and written consent should be given by athlete’s parents (or legal guardian).

4. When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, at the competition the coach

and athlete should attempt to establish a “buddy” club to associate with during the

competition and when away from the venue.

5. To ensure the propriety of the athletes and to protect the staff, there will be no male

athletes in female athlete’s rooms and no female athletes in male athlete’s rooms (unless

the other athlete is a sibling or spouse of that particular athlete).

6. A copy of the Club Code of Conduct must be signed by the athlete and his/her parent or

legal guardian.

7. Team or LSC officials should obtain a signed Liability Release and/or Indemnification Form

for each athlete.

8. Team or LSC officials should carry a signed Medical Consent or Authorization to Treat Form

for each athlete.

9. Curfews shall be established by the team or LSC staff each day of the trip.

10. Team members and staff traveling with the team will attend all team functions including

meetings, practices, meals, meet sessions, etc. unless otherwise excused or instructed by

the head coach or his/her designee.

11. The directions & decisions of coaches/chaperones are final.

12. Swimmers are expected to remain with the team at all times during the trip. Swimmers are

not to leave the competition venue, the hotel, a restaurant, or any other place at which the

team has gathered without the permission/knowledge of the coach or chaperone.

13. When visiting public places such as shopping malls, movie theatres, etc. swimmers will stay

in groups of no less than three persons. 12 & Under athletes will be accompanied by a

chaperone.

13. The Head Coach or his/her designee shall make a written report of travel policy or code of

conduct violations to the appropriate club or LSC leadership and the parent or legal

guardian of any affected minor athlete.

14. Additional guidelines to be established as needed by the coaches;

15. Respect the privacy of each other;

16. Only use hotel rooms with interior entrances; and

17. Must wear seat belts and remain seated in vehicles;

Behavior

a. Be quiet and respect the rights of teammates and others in hotel;

b. Be prompt and on time;

d. Respect travel vehicles;

e. Establish travel dress code;

f. Use appropriate behavior in public facilities;

g. Establish two different curfews – in own rooms and lights out;

h. Must stay in assigned hotel room; and

i. Needs and wellbeing of the team come first.

Financial

a. No room service without permission;

b. Swimmers responsible for all incidental charges;

c. Swimmers responsible for any damages or thievery at hotel;

d. Must participate in contracted group meals; and

General

a. Establish fair trip eligibility requirements;

b. Establish age guidelines for travel trips;

c. Parent(s) responsible for getting swimmer(s) to stated departure point; and

Code of Conduct / Honor Code

a. Team members will display proper respect and sportsmanship toward coaches, officials,

administrators, teammates, fellow competitors and the public at all times.

www.usaswimming.org/protect

b. Team members and staff will refrain from any illegal or inappropriate behavior that would

detract from a positive image of the team or be detrimental to its performance objectives.

c. The possession or use of alcohol or tobacco products by any athlete is prohibited.

d. The possession, use, or sale/distribution of any controlled or illegal substance or any form

of weapon is strictly forbidden.

e. No “deck changes” are permitted. Athletes are expected to use available change facilities.

f. Team members are reminded that when competing in meets, traveling on trips, and

attending other meet‐related functions, they are representing both themselves and the

Longmont Swim Club. Athlete behavior must positively reflect the high standards of the club.

USA Swimming Safe Sport Committee

Best Practices for Keeping Locker Rooms Safe at Practices

Incidents that put swimmers at risk of physical and emotional harm often take place in the locker room.

Therefore, the USA Swimming Safe Sport Committee recommends that clubs put procedures in place to

monitor locker rooms to ensure that swimmers display acceptable, respectful, and safe behavior toward

their teammates while providing protection from potentially dangerous situations.

Club resources, LSC support, and practice facilities themselves can vary so one size definitely does not fit

all. The goal is to ensure that swimmers who use the locker room facilities or changing areas

understand appropriate locker room behavior and that the locker room is preserved as a safe zone for

all swimmers. With instruction and cooperation, coaches, swimmers, and parents all play an important

role in keeping locker rooms safe for all.

Know the rules:

 The USA Swimming Code of Conduct governs all members. Coaches, club management, parents,

and swimmers should be familiar with it.

 Safe Sport policies addressing electronic communications and bullying are required for member

clubs.

 In addition to USA Swimming rules and regulations, clubs should also know all local ordinances

and facility policies that pertain to their swimmers and the pools at which they practice. Any

relevant information should be posted on a club’s website and reviewed at least annually with

staff, parents, and swimmers and with new staff and members as they join the club.

 Coaches and clubs should establish proper locker room behavior as a key aspect of their team’s

culture. Expectations should be defined in the club’s code of conduct and all relevant policies.

Aspects of the USA Swimming Code of Conduct and Safe Sport policies that pertain to locker

room behavior should be incorporated.

 Locker rooms and changing areas should have signs posted at all entrances indicating that the

use of recording devices including cell phones is prohibited per USA Swimming rules.

 Coaches, swimmers, and parents should be aware of the specific locker room facilities available

for their swimmers and should instruct swimmers in the safe use of those facilities:

o Swimmers should not be allowed to spend long periods of time in the locker rooms,before, during, or after practice. This is especially important when the age range of the swimmers using the facility is broad.

o Coaches should monitor their swimmers and, without neglecting their responsibilities to swimmers in the pool, should investigate any unusual absences or have in place a club approved procedure to do so.

o Coaches concerned with any aspect of the locker room facilities or their ability to effectively monitor them should instruct their swimmers to arrive dressed to swim and depart without changing into street clothes. Parents should also be informed.

Limiting Access:

 If at all possible, locker room access should be restricted to swimmers. Parents who wish to

assist their swimmers with dressing should be directed to other bathrooms or family locker

rooms, if permitted by the facility. If alternate dressing room options are not available, parents

who are uncomfortable permitting their children to use the locker room or changing area

without parental supervision should be requested to arrive dressed to swim. If the club has

swimmers with documented medical or physical disabilities that require special assistance in

the locker room, clubs should make appropriate arrangements to accommodate these

swimmers in a way that protects their safety and privacy as well as that of the other swimmers

in the locker room.

 If the public or facility membership has access to the locker rooms during practice times,

coaches and clubs should coordinate in advance with the facility manager to determine how

locker rooms will be monitored for the safety and privacy of both swimmers and public users.

 When the only bathroom facilities are located in the locker rooms, locker rooms should be

monitored more frequently in this situation to ensure no adults or athletes are loitering in the

locker rooms or behaving in a concerning manner around the swimmers.

Monitoring:

 It is not recommended that adult monitors be stationed inside locker rooms while swimmers are

present. Rather periodic walk throughs or sweeps should be conducted to ensure that a safe

environment and acceptable behavior are maintained. The goals of monitoring are to:

o Ensure no inappropriate or unsafe behavior is occurring

o Confirm that only authorized people are in the locker room

o Check for prohibited use of cameras or other recording devices

o Discourage swimmers from “hanging out” in the locker room

 Coaches should not neglect their responsibilities to swimmers in the pool in order to monitor

locker rooms during practice. Coaches and club management should work together or with

facility staff to do so or, at least, to investigate any unusually long swimmer absences from deck.

However, daily walk throughs before, after, and between practices if possible are advised to

confirm that locker rooms are safe for use.

 Whenever swimmers are in the locker rooms, periodic sweeps should be conducted by two

same gender adults monitoring the locker room of their gender. These adults should be:

o USA Swimming members or

o At least one should be a USA Swimming member or

o If neither is a USA Swimming member, they both should be individuals affiliated with

the team or the facility (especially if the facility performs background checks on its

employees)

o In the worst case, if only one adult of each gender is available, they should be USA

Swimming members (meet directors, chaperones, coaches, officials)

USA Swimming Safe Sport Committee 1/22/2017

o Under no circumstances should a routine sweep be conducted by adults of the opposite

sex unless an emergency situation requires it

A club’s coaches, board members, and other team adults are responsible for keeping swimmers safe at

practice facilities. Some situations may not be covered in these best practices and coaches are

encouraged to respond as needed.

FACILITIES

The Longmont Swim Club trains at the following facilities throughout the year.

Pool	Phone	Address	City
Centennial Pool	303-651-8406	1201 Alpine Street	Longmont
Longmont Rec Center	303-774-4800	310 Quail Road	Longmont
Carbon Valley Rec. Center	909-833-3660	701 Fifth Street	Frederick
Sunset Pool	303-776-3846	1900 Longs Peak Ave	Longmont

LINKS

Official website for the Longmont Swim Club www.redtails.org

Official website for Northern Colorado Swimming www.ncswimming.com

Official website for Colorado Swimming, Inc. www.csi.org

This site will post meet results, individual times, qualifying times, etc.

Official website for USA Swimming www.usa-swimming.org

MI Sports www.swimmisports.com

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