2017
HANDBOOK
PIRANHAS FOR LIFE!!
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to 2017 Season
2. PCST Contacts and Coaches
3. Practice Schedule: Land, Pool, Morning and Evening Pool practices
4. Meet Schedule: Team Time Trials, Dual meets, Mini meet, SSL Time Trials and Championships
5. Socials/Special Team Events
6. Volunteering for PCST – Opportunities/Requirements/Job Descriptions
7. Directions to Swim Meets
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PERSIMMON CREEK SWIM TEAM 2017
Welcome to our 2017 swim season! We are so glad to have your family be part of our PIRANHA FAMILY this
season! Our handbook was created to explain everything you need to know about our team. If you can’t find
what you are looking for, please contact your swim team VPs or check us out on the web at pcswimclub.com.
We are here to answer your questions and help make your experience as a Piranha a positive one!
The Persimmon Creek Swim Team is a member of the Suburban Swim League (SSL) and operates in the
Newark area. The SSL is made up of 3 divisions. Persimmon Creek is in the WHITE division, where we
compete with teams that will provide good competition for our team. Visit the website of Suburban Swim
League (SSL) at www.sslswim.org to find out more about the league.
Our team is made up of swimmers 18 years old and younger. We have swimmers of varying degrees of ability
ranging from the “first time” swimmer to the serious competitor. Swimmers enjoy the experience of competition
throughout the eight dual meets, time trials, and championships. It is the philosophy of the Persimmon
Creek Swim Team to provide ALL our swimmers with opportunities to improve their swimming
technique and fitness level, participate in team activities, and most importantly, have FUN!
Our “Piranha Buddy Program” is designed to build team spirit and unity. Younger Piranhas will be matched up
with older, more experienced Piranhas by the coaches. Older buddies will be encouraged to check in with their
younger buddies during practices, team events and meets. Buddies will also be there to cheer each other on
during at swim meets. Through this program, we hope to foster friendships during the season and while just
hanging out at the pool!
ELIGIBILITY
Each swimmer's family must be an active (2017) member of the Persimmon Creek Swim Club. The age group
for a swimmer is determined by his/her age as of May 30, 2017.
Swimmers are eligible to compete through age 18. The age groups are as follows:
15 & over, 13 &14, 11 &12, 9 &10, 8 &under and 6 &under. Our Mini’s Program is designed for our youngest
swimmers who need to develop their swimming skills and build their stroke mechanics. .
COMPETITION
Our competitive season begins with a Crossover Meet, which involves a team from another division. The
purpose of the Crossover Meet is to provide an opportunity for swimmers to experience a meet and prepare for
competition with their own division. Crossover meets enable swimmers to gain experience in different strokes.
Swim meets are held on Wednesday evenings (starting at 6 p.m.) and Saturday mornings (starting at 9
a.m.) All swimmers should be at the host pool 1 hour prior to the start of the meet. Each swimmer is
permitted to swim up to 3 official events consisting of any combination of relays and individual events. Our
Minis will participate in swim meets when they are able to confidently swim the length of the pool without
stopping to grab the wall. Swimmers 6 years old and younger have an opportunity to swim the 25-yard
freestyle and 25 backstroke at every meet.
At the end of the regular season, swimmers may attend their designated Age Group Time Trial in order to
qualify to compete in SSL Championships. All swimmers are welcome to participate in Time Trials.
Swimmers are seeded into heats according to their best times in a particular event, with the top 16 swimmers
advancing to the Suburban Swim League Championships. The top 8 swimmers in each event move into the
final heat and the next 8 will swim in the consolation heat at Championships.
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2. PCST Contacts and Coaches
COACHES
Head Coach:
Nicole Farina
302-290-2689
Senior Assistants:
Maddy Guidash
Zack Sigmund
Assistants:
Micaela Davis
Luke Roff
Ryan Sigmund
SWIM TEAM BOARD MEMBERS
Team VPs:
Amy Eisenberg
Amy Roff
302-299-3011
302-369-8052
Team Treasurer:
Amy Shober
LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE
Anthony Farina: [email protected]
COMMUNICATION
Our season is fast-paced with many different events and activities! We utilize TeamApp for communicating
with our team members so you will get instant notification to your cell phone! Upcoming events and our team
calendar are also posted on our website at pcswimclub.com and on our team bulletin board in the pool
entrance hallway. Please contact the Team VPs for further information on TeamApp or with any questions.
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3. Practice Schedule
Swim practices are the foundation of a good team. It is great exercise and can be so much fun! Please make
every effort to attend practices regularly. We realize that sometimes you may have unavoidable schedule
conflicts with other sports and summer activities. Please let the coaching staff know if your child will be unable
to attend practices.
DRY LAND PRACTICE:
For ages 6 and older.
This practice will give the children an opportunity to become familiar with their coaches and begin conditioning.
Tuesday, May 23rd and Thursday, May 25th from 6 – 7 pm in the pool parking lot area.
Please wear sneakers and bring a water bottle and a towel to sit on.
POOL PRACTICE:
May 30th to June 9th (Monday through Friday)
**Mini’s will not begin Pool practice until June 12th
Ages 10 & under
Ages 11 & older
5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
June 12th to July 14th (Monday through Friday; NO July 4th)
Ages 11 & older
Ages 10 & younger
Mini’s
8:00 am to 9:30 am
9:30 am to 10:30 am
10:45 am to 11:30 am
EVENING PRACTICES: (Mondays and Thursdays – 2 pool lanes)
June 12th to July 14th
All age groups (NO MINIS)
(NO July 4th)
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
The pool is still open for all members during this time so swim team will only use two lanes.
MINI’S PROGRAM: (Monday through Friday mornings beginning June 12th)
Our Mini’s Program runs from Monday, June 12th – Friday, July 14th. Mini’s practices are held Mon – Fri
MORNINGS ONLY from 10:45 am – 11:30 am. Mini’s practices utilize the entire width of the pool in the
shallow end and require the entire coaching staff to be working in the water with our swimmers. For these
reasons, we CANNOT offer Mini’s practice in the evenings.
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4. Meets and Meet Schedules
If you will be unavailable for a meet, please advise the coaching staff at least two days in advance since your
child(ren)’s absence may affect other swimmers’ events. Please let the coach know at practice or contact them
by phone or through TeamApp if you are unable to participate in a meet. We will post a list of meets on the
team bulletin board in the entrance hallway for you to sign if your child(ren) will miss a meet.
TEAM TIME TRIALS AND PARENT MEETING
Saturday June 10th, Warm-ups will be at 8:00 am, time trials will start at 9:00 am
This is a required pre-season meet. The purpose is for the coaches to obtain times for each swimmer in all
strokes and for the swimmers to become familiar with the events and structure of the meets. This event is also
a good opportunity for volunteer timers and officials to develop their skills for the dual meet season and to learn
a new job!
Before Time Trials begin, there will be a short parent meeting. Please be there to find out how we can best all
work together to make this a successful season!!
DUAL MEETS
The swim meet schedule can also be found at pcswimclub.com and at www.sslswim.org.
DATE
June 17
June 21
June 24
June 28
July 5
July 8
July 12
July 15
DAY
Saturday
Wednesday
Saturday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Wednesday
Saturday
HOME/AWAY
Home
Away
Away (Olympic Day)
Home
Away
Away
Home
Home (Senior Day)
OPPONENT
Valleybrook (Crossover)
Bear Y
Skyline (Crossover)
Oaklands
Arundel
Yorklyn
Drummond Hill
Fairfield
AWARDS for DUAL MEETS
1. Ribbons will be distributed to all children ages 12 and under.
2. Swimmers over the age of 12 may request to receive ribbons. Requests must be submitted in writing (before
the first meet) to the Swim Team VPs.
3. All ribbons will be placed in the 'Swim Team Boxes' (located in the clubhouse kitchen), in each swimmer's
family file.
4. If a swimmer is disqualified, he/she will receive a participant ribbon, noted with a 'DQ' in the corner.
* Trophies will be given to all registered swimmers at the Swim Team Banquet. Additional individual awards
may also be presented at the banquet at the coaching staff’s discretion.
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SPECIAL MEETS
(Optional meets - Please see the coaches 2 weeks prior to meet for entries)
Sprint Meet/Distance Meet -- TBD at Arundel, warm-ups 7:30 am, meet starts at 8am
Odd Age Group -- Sunday, June 25 at Skyline, warm-ups 8:00 am, meet starts at 9:00 am
Stars & Stripes Meet -- Saturday, July 1 at Penn Acres, warm-ups 7:30 am, meet starts at 8:30 am
Mini-Meet (age 7 & under) -- Sunday July 9 at North Star, warm-ups 8, meet starts at 8:45 am
Old Timers Meet -- TBD at Valleybrook, warm-ups 2 pm, meet starts at 3 pm
AGE GROUP TIME TRIALS
Date
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
July 16th
July 17th
July 18th
July 19th
Age Group
13 & Over
11-12
9-10
8&U
Location
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Warm-up/Start
2:30 / 3:45
4:20 / 5:30
4:20 / 5:30
4:20 / 5:30
All swimmers will be asked to sign-up for time trials by June 23rd.
Swimmers will be asked to list their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices of events – this includes individual events and
relays. The swimmers should work with their coaches to determine what events would work best. Every effort
will be made to accommodate the swimmers’ choices, however, please be aware that the coaches will make
final decisions regarding entries (based on times and number of swimmers allowed per event).
It is important to note that there is a fee per swimmer and per event entered at Time Trials. Persimmon Creek
Swim Team pays this fee. In addition to individual events, your swimmer may be placed in relay events with
other swimmers from PCST at Time Trials. If a swimmer commits to signing up for a Time Trial, it is critical that
they attend since their absence will affect other swimmers.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Saturday, July 24, 2017 at the Western YMCA. Warm ups are at 7:30 am, meet starts 9:00 am.
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5. Socials/Special Team Events
Friendly’s Fundraiser/Meet the Coaches Event May 18th
Come out to the 896 Friendly’s on Thursday, May 18th from 5-9 pm for our “Meet the Coaches” swim team
fundraiser! See your friends from last year, hang out with our coaching staff, and eat some great food and ice
cream! 10% of all sales between 5-9 pm will be donated to the swim team. We encourage you to visit and
dine with other families while helping our team’s operating budget! You do not need a flier to participate, so
please show up and invite everyone you can!
PIRANHATHON
JUNE 23rd
Our Piranhathon is a fun event that includes “silly” swim races and “beat the coach” races along with the
ever-popular “dress up the coaches” game. The kids have a blast while raising money to help fund the
operation of the swim team! We hope for each child to raise at least $25 for the team by getting sponsors for
the event! Donations will need to be turned in by July 15th and we will award prizes to the top fundraisers at the
Team Banquet! You also have the option to donate to the Piranhathon at Team Registration night! Thank you
in advance for supporting our team!!
SWIM TEAM BANQUET
The PCST Banquet will be held on Saturday, July 22nd (the evening of Championships) from 4 pm until 11
pm. A parent committee will plan and organize a wonderful celebration to end our 2017 swim season. The
evening will include dinner, team trophies and awards presentation, music, dancing, and lots of fun for
the whole family!
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Donut Day
Pop Tart Day
Team Photo & Pizza Day
Piranhathon/Pancake Day #1
Cereal Day
Pancake Day #2
Ice Cream Social/Pep Rally
June 10, during Team Time Trials
June 16, after each age group practice
June 20, 8:30 -11:30 am, entire team pictures
June 23, during regular practice hours
June 27, after each age group practice
July 7, after each practice
July 14 at 7:00 pm
PICTURES
Please keep our team in mind while taking pictures throughout the season! Please post them to the
Persimmon Creek Swim Club Facebook page or send them to us at [email protected] or to
Bill McWatters at [email protected].
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6. VOLUNTEERS
The success of our Persimmon Creek Swim Team depends on the commitment of all our Piranha parents!
Thank you for volunteering your time and talents so that our children may benefit from competitive swimming.
This year we are asking that each family sign-up to work 7 times throughout the season. You can fulfill this
commitment in any combination of assignments at swim meets and/or special activities throughout the season.
A work schedule sign-up sheet for each meet/event will be available at registration (April 26th). Assignments
will be filled on a first come, first served basis. We ask that the families of our Mini’s volunteer as well – speak
with one of the VPs to find out how you can help.
If you are unable to work your scheduled time/event, you are responsible for arranging a trade or finding a
replacement. Please let the VPs know of this change so they can update the work schedules.
Some jobs do require training at official clinics (visit www.sslswim.org for specific dates), so be sure
to read the job descriptions attached if you are unsure of the job requirements. We especially need
more parents to learn place judging, scoring, and stroke & turns. For the future success of our team,
advanced planning for these positions is necessary as swimmers and their families age out and move
on.
Officials, Scorers and Coaches Clinics
Monday, May 8
New Stroke & Turn Officials Western YMCA Youth Development Center 6:30 pm
Thursday, May 25
New Stroke & Turn Officials Western YMCA Youth Development Center 6:30 pm
Tuesday, May 30
New Referees 6:30 pm
Experienced Referees & Starters 7:00 pm
Shue-Medill Middle School Library
Saturday, June 3
All Referees & Starters (New Referees: additional topics following main clinic)
Experienced and New Stroke & Turn Officials
Western YMCA Youth Development Center 8:00 am
Thursday, June 8
All Referees & Starters (New Referees: additional topics following main clinic)
Experienced and New Stroke & Turn Officials
Western YMCA Youth Development Center 6:30 pm
Monday, June 12
Scorers Clinic - Beginner & Experienced Shue-Medill Middle School Cafeteria 6:30 pm
Tuesday, June 13
Coaches Clinic - Mandatory for Head Coach Shue-Medill Middle School Library 6:30 pm
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Starter/Referee: Must attend an SSL Clinic. This can be two different people, or one person may do
both. Referee must be knowledgeable about SSL rules and their interpretation. The starter signals the
start each event. Descriptions in SSL handbook.
Stroke & Turn Official: Must attend an SSL Clinic. Watches swimmers in each race for legal strokes
and turns. Perfect for someone with a swimming background.
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Scorer: Must attend an SSL Clinic. Keeps official score according to SSL rules and prepares event
cards from the coaches’ roster before the meet begins.
Place Judge: Determines the order of finish for each race. It takes a person who is experienced and/or
feels comfortable making decisions. When place judges disagree, times are used to assist in
determining the order of finish.
Announcer: Announces the swimmers for each event before it takes place and announces the results
afterward, whenever possible.
Runner: Verifies the swimmers and lanes at the start of each event; collects the times after each event
is swum and gives the cards to the scorers' table.
Clerk of Course: Line up the swimmers on the ready bench and check that they are directed to the
proper lanes
*Timers: Using a stopwatch, times each event, averages time with timer from opposing team and
reports it to the Runner.
*Head timer: Using a stop watch, times each event and provides back up to timers if needed.
*Meet Set-up: Must be there at 3:30 on Wednesdays. Set up is Friday night for Saturday morning
meets. Workers set up tables, chairs, connect speaker system, back stroke flags, and any help that is
needed at the snack bar.
*Snack Bar: The snack bar is a critical operation for our team’s success. The money raised from our
snack bar throughout the season helps fund the operations of our team. We need many volunteers to
make this operation run smoothly. There are opportunities for set up, clean up, and half-meet shifts. You
will be able to take breaks to watch your child(ren) swim their events.
Parking and Traffic: Responsible for safely parking guest team swimmers and families to the area
closest to the pool. Create a welcoming environment for our guests, promoting sportsmanship and a
positive pool experience. Remind Persimmon Creek Swim families to park along Arbour and Lark Drive
after dropping off their swimmer and equipment. People with health issues/disabilities are welcome to
park closest to the pool.
*Meet Clean-up: Cleans up the pool area, taking down flags, ropes, lane line, speaker system, etc.
*It is important for volunteers to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the meet except those families doing
snack bar set-up and check-in, who should arrive 1-hour prior. If you are splitting a job for a meet, change of
shifts should occur by event 38a.
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SNACK BAR FOOD DONATIONS
HOME MEETS ONLY
Each Family is required to donate selected food items for the snack bar for each HOME meet. The list of
food assignments for each home meet will be posted on the website and on TeamApp once the meet schedule
is finalized. The food items and amounts needed change for each meet and is determined by the size of the
visiting team, the weather, and whether it is a Wednesday night or Saturday morning meet. On the day of the
meet, please bring your donation to the snack bar one hour before the meet begins. If you are unable to
make a meet, you are still responsible to supply your family’s donation. Please contact the VPs with
any questions.
Thank you in advance for your commitment to our team volunteering at meets, donating to the snack bar, and making
the many “fun” events really FUN for our kids!!!
We appreciate you!!
GO PIRANHAS!
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7. DIRECTIONS TO POOLS
ARUNDEL
Arundel is on the north side of Limestone Road (Rt. 7) between Millltown Rd and Pike Creek Valley. At the traffic light on
Limestone Rd. turn onto Arundel Dr. Go to the second left (at the stop sign) and turn onto Elderon Drive. The pool is on the
right
CRESTMOOR
From West Kirkwood Hwy to Rt. 41, East on 41 and left on Boxwood Rd (past GM) Left on North Ave (opposite Conrad Jr.
High tennis courts) Proceed to pool
From 1-95 – Newport Exit. Right on Rt. 4 (Newport Pike) and left on Boxwood Road, right on North Ave. Proceed to the pool.
DRUMMOND HILL
Take Kirkwood Hwy to Polly Drummond Hill Rd. Follow North to Forge Rd. Turn right onto Forge Rd. and first left onto Alton
Rd. The pool is at the end of the road on the right.
FAIRFIELD
From Kirkwood HWY to Cleveland Ave to 896 North. Turn right at the light at Fairfield Shopping Center onto Fremont Rd. The
pool is one block down on the left
Hockessin Athletic Center (HAC)
From Paper Mill Road make a left onto Limestone Road (Rt. 7 North), turn right onto Valley Road (just past Lantana
Square Shopping Center) the HAC will be on your left.
KENNETT Y
From Limestone Rd (DE 7 N). Limestone Rd becomes Kaolin Rd. Turn Left to stay on Kaolin Rd. Kaolin Rd becomes S Union
St. Turn Right onto E South St/PA-82. Turn Left onto S Walnut St. End at 636 S Walnut St Kennett Square PA
MAPLE VALLEY
West on Kirkwood HWY makes a right turn onto Old Possum Park Rd. between Yasik Funeral Home and Tom Livizos Reality.
Pool is one block on right.
Coming east on Kirkwood HWY make a U turn at Delaplane Avenue (Pizza Hut on right) Follow above directions.
NORTH STAR
From Rt 7 (Limestone Rd) to Rt 72 (Papermill Rd) follow Rt 72 towards Newark past the Independence School. Turn right
onto North Star Road. Proceed 1 mile and turn right onto Neptune Dr. follow Neptune to the end where you reach Jupiter Dr.
turn right onto Jupiter and proceed approx 50 yards to Saturn Dr. turn right on Saturn and follow it to the end where the pool is
located.
NOTTINGHAM GREEN
Rt. 273 West to Radcliffe Dr. Turn left at sign for Nottingham Green development. Pool is on second corner on right.
OAKLANDS
Follow West Main St. Newark past the Deer Part Restaurant straight onto Rt 273 West. Go across the railroad tracks and turn
left at the first traffic light onto Hillside Rd. The pool is approx ¼ mile on the left.
PENN ACRES
When coming South on Rt 141 (Basin Rd) turn left onto Crippen Dr at the traffic light at Penn Mart Shopping Center. Go
approx 4/10 mile to stop sign at Fithian Dr. Turn left and the pool is about 200 yards on right.
SHERWOOD PARK
Rt 7 North to Milltown Rd (Take right exit lane immediately after funeral home). Go straight at traffic light onto McKennan’s
Church Rd. Go 3-blocks and then left on Bardell St (last left before Delcastle Recreation Area). Take first left onto Highgate.
The pool is on the right.
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SKYLINE
From Newark take Kirkwood Hwy east turn left onto Polly Drummond Hill Rd. Go to Linden Hill Rd and turn right. Follow to
second traffic light. Turn right onto Skyline Drive the pool is about ¼ mile on left. (Across from Skyline Jr. High)
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
Located on South College Avenue (Rt. 896) Turn in the gate at the Field House. Go left and then right toward the Ice Arena in
back. Pool is located behind the Ice Arena. Go into the lobby of the Ice Arena and out door on right to get out to the pool
VALLEYBROOK
Follow Milltown Rd to W. Parris Drive at the entrance to Cedarcrest development. The pool is on the right.
WEDGEWOOD
From Newark go east on Rt 273 to Eagle Glenn Development. Turn right onto Wedgefield Dr. (between Rt 7 and Appleby
Rd.) Pool is on the right.
WESTERN YMCA
On Kirkwood Hwy across from the Farmers Market. Drive thru parking lot on right of building to rear of building. Outdoor
pool is on your left.
WESTMINSTER
From Kirkwood Hwy turn North on Rt 41 (Newport Gap Pike). Proceed North on Rt. 41 to Millcreek-Hercules Rd (Emily
Bissell Hospital). Continue North on Rt. 41 ¼ mile to Westminster sign on right. Turn right onto Cheltenham Dr. Pool is on
the right at the first driveway.
YORKLYN
From traffic light at Lancaster Pike (Rt 141) & Yorklyn Rd. in Hockessin, turn North on Yorklyn Rd in Hockessin, turn North
on Yorklyn Rd. Go about 2 miles past NVF over the Red Clay Creek Bridge and bear right. At the Y in the road (CCA sign)
take the left fork toward CCA Center. At the end of the row houses on the left, turn left onto Yorklyn Pool entrance road.
Pool is at the top of the hill. Park at the bottom of the hill.
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