2013-2014 Monroeville Marlins Handbook
WELCOME TO THE 2013-2014 SWIM SEASON!
Monroeville Marlins Swim Association
Monroeville Marlins
P.O. Box 236
Monroeville, PA 15146
The Monroeville Marlins is a competitive swim program that was established for the benefit of
swimmers of various abilities. The team is open to swimmers ages 6 years by October 1, 2013 who
are able to swim one length of a 25-yard pool without assistance, or to younger swimmers if they meet
established ability criteria, which will be discussed at the registration meeting on September 9th. This
program provides group and NOT individual instruction. All four strokes are taught and the coaches
will make every effort to correct a swimmer’s mistakes. In a group setting, this is difficult to do
immediately.
Organizationally, the Marlins are derived from the United States Swimming (USS), and its local
regional swim club, Allegheny Mountain Swimming (AMS). Marlins is also a part of the Chestnut Ridge
League (CRL).
COACHES:
Head Coach:
Becca Rice
412.638.0298
[email protected]
Assistant Coaches: Mike Farren
Kristen Swaney
Doug Argall
Megan Farzati
MONROEVILLE MARLINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Jamie Harris
Laurie Wiggins
Jeanne Walker
412.999.2339
412.7805936
412.519.2298
Meet entries
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
AMS OFFICIALS
Meet Entry:
Stroke & Turn Judge:
Positions Open to Be Filled
Positions Open to Be Filled
Websites of Interest
www.monroevillemarlins.net
www.amswim.org
Find us on FACEBOOK
MARLINS AMS WINTER SWIM PROGRAM
INFORMATION SHEET
PLEASE SAVE THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS
Monroeville Marlins
PO Box 236
Monroeville, PA 15146
Jamie Harris, President
412.999.2339
[email protected]
GENERAL TEAM RULES and RULES OF CONDUCT
1. The team is permitted the use of the pool. No loitering, playing or entry into the other areas of the
athletic facility is allowed. No playing in the halls or gym. No playing in the parking areas.
2. Use of any school equipment is prohibited, except with the explicit permission of the coaches.
3. Swimmers must wear swimsuits under their street clothes coming to and from practice. The
locker room may only be used for its rest facilities unless a coach has granted special permission.
We are not to use showers and/or change in the swim bathrooms under no circumstances.
4. Spectators should sit in the bleachers on the deep end of the pool to minimize noise during
instruction. Parents must keep children in the observation deck and under control. If activity in the
bleacher area interferes with the coaches’ ability to instruct or violates the conditions set forth by
the school district for our use of the pool, the observation deck will be closed.
5. To minimize congestion and maximize the safety of our children, the designated exit and entrance
into the building is to the rear of the athletic complex (facing Rte. 48 / Mosside Blvd.) Please use
your judgment, when other events conducted in the building cause excessive crowding, in
determining if it is safer to drop your child off in the front of the building. Consider traffic congestion
in your decision. If other events in the complex cause excessive crowding, Marlins may cancel
practice to protect the safety of our swimmers.
6. Communication will be done through e-mail and Facebook.
7. No food or drink (unless its bottled water) is permitted on the pool deck. Please use the designated
areas in the hallway.
8. The use of foul language will not be tolerated.
9. No shouting or disrespectful behavior towards the coaches or other swimmers will be tolerated.
This rule covers both parents and swimmers.
10. During practices, we ask that parents remain off the deck, with the exception of the start and
conclusion of practice to assist younger swimmers enter/exit the area. Coach Becca will have
designated days in which she spends practice in the bleachers speaking with parents.
11. Under no circumstances will a coach be pulled out of practice unless it’s an emergency.
12. Any damage to the district facilities or equipment caused by a swimmer will be billed to the parents.
This includes visited facilities of other teams.
13. No use of the diving board is permitted. No hanging onto the lane ropes or backstroke flags.
Swimmers are not allowed in the lifeguard’s chair.
14. Absolutely no running or horse-play on the pool deck. No horse-play in the pool is allowed.
15. Swimmers must enter the pool feet first in the shallow end of the pool and from the sides of the
pool.
16. No climbing or running up the stairs is permitted. Nothing may be thrown from the balconies.
GENERAL TEAM RULES and RULES OF CONDUCT
(continued)
17. Swimmers with contagious or communicable diseases are prohibited from participating in practice
until a written doctor’s clearance is received. All conditions will be kept confidential by all Marlin
Reps.
18. Parents are reminded to pick up your swimmer(s) promptly at the completion of practice. (Be at the
pool 15 minutes prior to the end of practice.) It is not the coaches’ responsibility to wait or watch
our swimmers at the end of practice.
19. Rule infractions may lead to a swimmer’s dismissal from practice. At that time the swimmer will be
asked to telephone parents for pickup. Repeated infractions may lead to suspension from practice.
20. Meet entries are due to on the date specified by our email – not the date specified on the AMS
Meet Invitation. It is often necessary to submit entries earlier than the date specified on the AMS
invitation because meets may limit the total number of entries. Fees should be sent separately to
the PO Box with a check payable to MMSA. All meet fees go to the host team, but it must be paid
by the Marlins using a club check.
21. Please advise your swimmers that our coaches are prepared for there swim practices and we ask
that your swimmers be prepared to start practice on time and any horseplay or tardiness that is
disrupting practice will excuse a swimmer from practice for the evening.
SWIMMER’S EQUIPMENT
A team suit is available for sale thru Swimmers Network located in the Alstan Mall. For the 2013-14
season, swimmers will be wearing a black suit with the Marlins logo. This will allow for female
swimmers to choose the style that fits them best. Swimmers Network will give a Marlins Team
discount. We are requiring Marlins swimmers to have the Marlins swim cap with their name, especially
for meets so it is easier to identify the swimmers.
Items suggested for practice and meets: Suit, Towel, goggles, cap and a bottle of water. Team Cap
and suits are not required for practice.
***Effective immediately, Article 102.9 (USA Rules and Regulations) is amended as follows:
102.9.1A: Only swimwear approved by FINA, as reflected on its published list of approved
swimwear, may be worn in any USA Swimming Sanctioned or approved competition.
Since, the FINA approved list only addressed new model swimsuits submitted by swimsuit
manufacturers, swimmers will, until otherwise directed by FINA, also be able to wear traditional
swimsuits not on the FINA approved list as long as the suits meets the following criteria:
1. Female suits – the suit shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulders or past the pelvis
and
2. Male suits – the suit shall not extend above the navel or below the knees.
USA SWIMMING
LOCAL SWIM AFFILIATION – ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN SWIM (AMS)
AMS WEB SITE: WWW.AMSWIM.ORG
AMS MEETS - Local swim clubs sponsor meets almost every weekend throughout the swim season. The Marlins head coach will
choose a number of these meets in which Marlin swimmers may participate as a team or as individuals. A list of all the meets available
in the AMS program is attached. The host swim clubs identified on the listing, post meet invitations on the AMS web site which covers
warm up times, individual entry limits, entry costs and directions to the meet. You may print a copy for yourself. After reviewing the
posted information, the swimmer’s parents must decide whether the swimmer has the qualifying times to swim the individual events.
Initially, a parent may not have, or know their child’s time capabilities in a particular event. A time trial will be held the first week of
practice to provide a base time for new swimmers. However, once a swimmer has swum an event, it is the responsibility of the parents
to keep an accurate record of the swimmer’s times. A record book to keep track of times is available for purchase through Knabes
Swim & Trophy. The AMS swim program provides for swimmers of any ability an opportunity to participate in a variety of meets, a wide
range of distances and to develop different strokes. AMS meets individually oriented. While the head coach makes the decision in
which meets the Marlins will participate, it is however the individual swimmer’s choice on the event entry.
MEET ELIGIBILITY - Meets are established according to a published time standard on the “Meet Invitation.” These time standards
take into consideration the varying abilities of swimmers and it has ranking systems established (A, AA, AAA, AAAA; B, BB and a minimeet for ages 8 and under.) In general, swimmers are matched in races against other swimmers of similar abilities. As swimmers
achieve different time standards (see attached Standard) he/she can determine what meet he/she is eligible to swim. Some meets are
designated as “OPEN” which means the meet is open to any ability or qualifying times. At these meets, awards are given in two
categories: Gold Flight for the “A” swimmers and Silver Flight for “B/BB” swimmers. Acceptable times for BB and slower may be
achieved at a dual meet. “A” times must be achieved at an AMS sanctioned meet or other properly officiated meets, such as WPIAL for
a swimmer to be eligible for “A” meets, the Christmas Meet or Junior Olympics. See motivational times in you AMS Meet Package.
MEET ENTRY and FEES -It is the responsibility of parents to sign up for the events of a meet by email. No entries will be accepted
after the due date specified by our club which is sometimes earlier than that specified on the meet invitation. Entry fees should be sent
to with PO Box with a check payable to MMSA. Entry fees are non-refundable. The fees do not go to the Marlins Swim Club. They are
forwarded, using a club check, to the meet host team. If for some reason your swimmer is unable to attend a meet for which payment
has been made, the host teams DO NOT refund collected fees. The cost of individual entries can vary between $5.00 or otherwise
listed per event. You may establish an escrow account with the Marlins to cover you Meet Entry Fees. Once your outstanding meet
fees reach $25, no entries will be accepted. Relay entries will be formed the day of the meet. Fees will be split evenly and collected
prior to the meet start, among relay participants.
MEET DAY - Swimmers should arrive at meets a minimum of one-half hour prior to warm-ups and check-in with the coach. There are
designated seating areas for swimmers to wait between events. Bring a sleeping bag for the swimmer’s comfort and cards, books or
quiet games to pass the time between events. Parents are responsible for your child’s behavior. All rules of conduct apply. Parents
make sure their swimmer is on deck for their events. Food is usually sold at these meets, or you may pack a snack for your swimmer.
Marlin coaches will not attend meets having less than five swimmers in attendance. Arrangements will be made with another team’s
coach to supervise our swimmers during warm-ups. It is the parent’s responsibility to check-in your swimmer for meets not attended by
a Marlin Coach.
SEEDING/DECK SEEDED AND PRE-SEEDED MEETS - Seeding refers to the organization of a meet whereby swimmers are
distributed among the required number of heats or lanes, according to submitted times.
Deck Seeded Meets - Swimmers are not pre-assigned heats or lanes. A swimmer must report to the clerk of the course, once the
event is announced over the Public Announcement System (or at the beginning of the meet at sign in.) After scratches are
determined, they are seeded in the proper heats. Lane assignments will be posted in designated areas. Swimmers report to the
seeding areas when their events are announced. It is also the swimmer’s responsibility to check the progress of the meet so that
events are not missed. Swimmers are not to leave the seeding areas, once they are called.
Pre-Seeded Meets – In a pre-seeded meet, lanes and heats are assigned prior to the meet. These are posted in designated areas
or may be found in purchased heat sheets. The coach will also have a copy of the swimmer’s event and lane assignments.
However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the swimmer to keep track of events/heat/lane assignments. A highlighter is useful for
this purpose.
st
th
st
th
AWARDS - Awards are given for places 1 thru 6 or 1 thru 8 for an eight lane pool.
AMS NUMBER – All swimmers are given an identification number after registering and paying the yearly registration fee of $67.
Swimmers must be in good financial standing with their club to participate in meets.
MEET ELIGIBILITY AGE – Swimmer’s age is the age on the first day of the meet.
MEET INVITATIONS – AMS Clubs post their meet invitation on the AMS web site at least two months ahead of the schedule meet.
Please print a copy to assist you in choosing you swimmer’s events. A reminder by e-mail will be sent to you when entries are due. No
entries will be accepted after the due date our club has set, which may be earlier than that specified on the official invitation.
PRACTICE LEVELS – REQUIREMENTS – SCHEDULE – COST
*No Thursday Practices until OCTOBER*
LEVELS
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
SWIMMER REQUIREMENTS / GOALS
Focus- stroke development, learning fundamentals of
competition, diving, fly overs, etc, concentrating on
streamlining, body position, kicks and arms for all 4
strokes
GOAL- demonstrates legal arms and legs, starts and
turns.
Meets- AMS mini meets, B/BB meets, and league meets
at least once a month.
Advancement- Must be legal in 3/4 strokes, swim 4-6
laps continuously.
FOCUS- learn swimming skills and techniques to become
IM based. Work to develop strong kicks and MASTER all 4
strokes.
GOAL- swimmers will begin to develop basic training
techniques such as intervals, holding consistent pace, and
descending times. Focus on starts and turns as well.
MEETS- same as level 1
Advancement- legal in all 4 strokes, 5x50s@1:00, or
4x50s@ 1:15 off stokes * must do at least two off strokes
in the set *
Focus- swimmers will continue to work on swimming
skills and techniques that are IM based. Work on
endurance through interval training, holding consistent
pace and work on increasing and decreasing intervals.
GOAL- progress in ability to swim with proper body
position, strong arms and legs. Increased yardage.
MEETS- participate in B,BB,A and dual meets.
Advancement- swim legal 100IM no open turns and
complete a 200 freestyle with a BB time.
Focus- refining swimming skills, develop more endurance,
increased yardage.
Goal- incorporate core strength with dry land, work with
bungee cords in water, etc.
Meets- B,BB,A and duel.
advancement- 5x100 free @ 1:40 no open turns and
Swim continuous 200 IM
Focus- Preparing swimmers for high school. Introduction
to dry land and core strengthen exercises.
Goal- Continue stroke mechanic development. Increase
anaerobic and aerobic conditioning. Complete benchmark
swim sets such as,
5x100s @ 5:00
1600 yard timed swim
400 IM
Meets- All meets.
PRACTICE TIME
September 16 - March
2013
MON thru THUR
6:00 – 6:45
Fri – see below
COST
$210
+ $67
AMS**
MON thru THUR
6:00 – 7:00
Fri – see below
$250
+ $67
AMS**
MON thru THU
6:45 – 7:45
Fri– see below
$250
+ $67
AMS**
MON thru THU
7:45 – 9:00
Fri – See below
MON thru THU
7:00 – 9:00
Fri – See below
$275
+ $67
AMS**
$300
+ $67
AMS**
*AMS BB Times 200 yard free
10 and under girls- 2:58.29
10 and under boys- 2:50.19
11-12 girls- 2:29.69
11-12 boys- 2:25.99
13-14 girls- 2:22.89
13-14 boys- 2:14.19
* Swimmers will have to meet at least one of these requirements depending on the amount of
swimmers in each level. We do not want to over crowd one level compared to another. *
If you are a returning Marlin, please come to the assigned level you were in last year. New Marlins
please come at 6:00pm your first day so we can place you in the correct level. Fridays we will
practice from 6-8. 10 and unders from 6-7pm. 11 and up from 7-8pm.
Please note that practice times are subject to change.
*
Swimmers must be at least age 6 on October 1, 2013, or if younger, must meet coach-established standards which
includes swimming one lap of the pool.
** $67 goes directly to the USS/AMS organization. You must be a registered USS/AMS swimmer to participate in meets
and this program.
PLEASE NOTE: SWIM FEES ARE NOT REFUNDABLE AFTER OCTOBER 15th AND NO SWIMMER IS
ALLOWED TO PRACTICE WITHOUT A COMPLETE REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT OF
FEES. PLEASE ISSUE TWO CHECKS TO MMSA - ONE FOR THE AMS FEE AND ONE
FOR THE PARENT VOLUNTEERING DEPOSIT.
Program cost is based on time spent in the water and instruction level. All fees must be accompanied by a $67
AMS registration fee. Coaches will determine the final group assignments for all swimmers. Fees cover
coaches’ compensation, certifications, on-going training, insurance and league fees.
This is not a learn-to-swim program, but a competitive swim league. This program provides group and not
individual instruction. All four strokes are taught and the coaches make every effort to correct a swimmer’s
mistakes. In a group setting, this is difficult to do immediately.
Mail payment to: Monroeville Marlins Swim Association - PO Box 236 - Monroeville, PA 15146
Coaches Expectations of swimmers for the 2013-2014
1. It is at the coaches discretion if the swimmer can follow the appropriate guidelines listed below:
2. Swimmers must be able to swim one lap of the pool crawl stroke, showing ability to swim with
his/her face submerged in the water.
3. The swimmers will need to demonstrate that his/her arms are recovering out of the water and
entering in front of his/her head.
4. The swimmer must be able to swim one lap of the pool without stopping to hold on to the lane
rope.
5. The swimmers body must show an ability to stay horizontal in the water while performing the
expectations listed above.
6. It is strongly recommended by the Marlin coaches that your swimmer wear goggles during swim
practice.
Entry Example
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: First Splash (or designated meet)
Please sign up Betty for the 10/17 First Splash Meet for events:
Event #56 – 50 free
Event #105 – 100 back
Event #118 – 100 free
Thanks,
me
MONROEVILLE MARLINS 2013-2014 SEASON
WINTER SWIM REGISTRATION
SWIMMERS NAME
LAST
FIRST
MI
AGE
DATE OF
BIRTH
ON 10-1-11 GRADE SEX
Deposit per
swimmer
(DUE AT
REGISTRATION)
1
ST
2
ND
$80 →
3
RD
$75 →
4
TH
$70 →
$85 →
SUBTOTAL:
REGISTRATION DEPOSIT ONLY
CHECK #:
(Invoices will be distributed by via email for Remaining Registration Balance)
Remember to complete an additional AMS form (attached) and add a separate check for
volunteering Deposit, made payable to MMSA. We are required to forward these fees in their
entirety to Allegheny Mountain Swimming, using one check for our entire team.
I hereby give consent for my child(ren), named above to participate in the activities of the Monroeville
Marlins Swim Association. I also release the Association, its officers and coaches from any or all liability
for any injuries or damages arising out of such participation and, in my absence, authorize any reasonable
and necessary medical treatment and/or hospitalization in the event of injury. I understand the Association
does not carry hospitalization or medical insurance for its participants. I will assume the responsibility for
my child(ren)’s transportation to and from practices and meets. I understand the $67 AMS fee is nonrefundable and no refund of the remaining fees shall be given after October 15th, 2013.
PARENT’S SIGNATURE
DATE
REQUIRED:
PARENT’S NAME (PRINT)
EMAIL (PRINT CLEARLY, PLEASE)
ADDRESS
CITY
PLEASE PROVIDE 3 CONTACT
PHONE NUMBERS IN ORDER OF
PREFERENCE. INDICATE IF
PHONE IS HOME, WORK OR CELL
INSURANCE PLAN
H
H
W
W
W
C
PHONE 1
ZIP
H
C
PHONE 2
AGREEMENT NUMBER
C
PHONE 3
GROUP
SUBSCRIBER’S NAME
NO SWIMMER IS PERMITTED IN THE WATER WITHOUT A COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM AND THE REQUIRED DEPOSIT
AN AMS REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED FOR EACH ATHLETE
We must have an e-mail address. All reminders and schedules will be done by e-mail
only. Please print the e-mail address clearly.
Mail registration forms to: Monroeville Marlins, PO Box 236, Monroeville PA 15146
Contact Jeanne Walker 412.519.2298 for further information
USA SWIMMING
2013 ATHLETE REGISTRATION APPLICATION
LSC: ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN SWIMMING
REG. DATE / OFFICE USE ONLY
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY  COMPLETE ALL INFORMATION:
LAST NAME
LEGAL FIRST NAME
PREFERRED NAME
DATE OF BIRTH (MO./DAY/YR.) SEX (M/F)
AGE
MIDDLE NAME
CLUB CODE
NAME OF CLUB YOU REPRESENT
IF UNATTACHED ENTER UN
FATHER/GUARDIAN LAST NAME
FATHER/GUARDIAN FIRST NAME
MOTHER/GUARDIAN LAST NAME
MOTHER/GUARDIAN FIRST NAME
MAILING ADDRESS
U.S. CITIZEN:
CITY
STATE
FEDERATION?
AREA CODE
TELEPHONE NO.
DISABILITY:
A. Legally Blind or Visually Impaired
B. Deaf or Hard of Hearing
C. Physical Disability such as
amputation, cerebral palsy,
dwarfism, spinal injury,
mobility impairment
D. Cognitive Disability such as
severe learning disorder,
autism
YEAR LAST REGISTERED:
CLUB CODE:
LSC CODE:
RACE AND ETHNICITY (You may
make up to two choices if appropriate):
Q. Black or African American
R. Asian
S. White
T. Hispanic or Latino
U. American Indian & Alaska Native
V. Some Other Race
W. Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific
Islander
NO
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF ANOTHER
–
FINA
YES
ZIP CODE
FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD E-MAIL ADDRESS
YES
NO
IF YES, WHICH FEDERATION:
HAVE YOU REPRESENTED THAT
FEDERATION AT INTERNATIONAL
COMPETITION?
YES
NO
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
MMSA
MAIL APPLICATION & PAYMENT TO:
Monroeville Marlins
REGISTRATION FEE
USA Swimming Fee
$49.00
LSC Fee
18.00
P.O. Box 236
Monroeville PA, 15146
TOTAL DUE
. IF YOU REGISTERED WITH A DIFFERENT USA SWIMMING CLUB IN 2011, ENTER THAT
AND THE DATE OF YOUR LAST COMPETITION REPRESENTING THAT CLUB:
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS – Year of high school graduation:
SIGN
HERE x __________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF ATHLETE, PARENT OR GUARDIAN
.
$67.00
USA Swimming occasionally makes its membership list available to its
marketing partners. Please notify USA Swimming’s Member Services Dept.
at 719/866-4578 if you do not wish to receive these mailings.
Check if you would like to learn more about the USA Swimming
Foundation’s initiatives
Check if you would like to receive the electronic USA Swimming
Newsletter (must be 13 years of age or older)
MONROEVILLE MARLINS 2013-2014 SEASON
WINTER SWIM REGISTRATION CONTINUED
The Monroeville Marlins Swim Association is excited to be able to provide many great activities this year,
including our affiliation with the Chestnut Ridge League (CRL) Dual Meets. Other events are monthly team
building outings and our end of the year banquet. To accomplish all of this it takes many volunteers. The
MMSA requires a $125 volunteer deposit per family. This check will be held by our Treasure (Laurie
Wiggins). Each family will have a volunteering requirement of 6 hours per year. Your check will be
returned to you upon completion of your 6 hour requirement. (1 hour equals a $25 credit) Should you not
fulfill your family volunteering requirement then the check will be cashed. Should you choose to chair a
committee, and organize specific tasks for the team you may have the ability to have your volunteer fee
waived.
$125.00 Volunteering deposit
Check Number
Signature_________________________________________________________________________
PRACTICE CANCELLATIONS
If there is a Gateway School cancellation or early dismissal for any reason, the Marlins will not
practice. On occasion, the team is notified at the last minute by the School District that the pool is
down or of another emergency. E-mails will be sent out immediately, but the message may not reach
everyone. Please be reminded, parents must accompany their swimmer into the pool each practice to
ensure it is in session and a coach is on deck. When inclement weather is forecasted, or starts during
practice time, the decision to attend practice is always left to a parent’s best judgment of the situation.
Consider registering for the district’s Blast messaging for the earliest notice on potential cancellations.
Gateway offers an email or telephone option this year for cancelations and closings. This is an
awesome tool to use and can be signed up on the School Districts Website.
Photography Opt-OUT Request
If you do NOT wish to have your child photographed for news media or school publicity purposes, sign
and date here, but it will be your responsibility to withhold your child from any group photos taken.
____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________
SIGNATURE
DATE