Handbook/ Participation Agreement/ Team Code of Conduct
Denver Tritons Swim Team Motto: Integrity, Perseverance, Community
Mission Statement:
Denver Tritons Swimming & Diving is committed to providing life skills, relationships, and opportunities; while breaking
down social, educational, economic, and geographic barriers. The team exists to promote and encourage each athlete to
reach his or her absolute potential through the sports of swimming and diving.
Swimming is a fun sport, but also a great way to keep active. Swimming is both a team sport and an individual sport. Being
on a swim team offers invaluable experience in working together as a team, but also provides the opportunity for individual
development. Here are important information for you and your family to make your experience more enjoyable. The
purpose of this code of conduct is to establish guidelines and boundaries regarding swimmer behavior and to insure that
each swimmer is responsible for their behavior at all times while participating.
Code of Conduct: All swimmers are expected to:
1. Come to practices and meets on time and prepared to swim with all swim gear ready (caps, goggles, etc.).
2. Display a positive attitude.
3. Show respect to other swimmers (including other teams' members), coaches, officials and parents.
4. Be enthusiastic and helpful with team members.
5. Be a role model to younger swimmers.
6. Use appropriate language and refrain from inappropriate gestures.
7. Swim competitively in a meet at least once a month. (Meet attendance is required)
8. Come to practice with all necessary equipment.
9. Abide by swimming pool rules.
10. Report contagious viruses and open wounds must tell their coach before entering the water.
11. Respect the directions of the coaching staff at all times.
12. Respect each other. Fighting, bully behavior, and/or intentional touching or striking another athlete, will not be
tolerated.
13. Respect and care for the property of others. Vandalism, intentional damage to property, or theft of property will
not be tolerated.
Additions to the Code of Conduct:

Disputes among swimmers are to be brought to the attention of the coaches for resolution.

If a parent /swimmer have a problem with a coach, it is their responsibility to communicate the problem with that
coach. If the problem escalates or can’t be resolved in this manner, the parent/ swimmer is to take the issue up
with the head coach, who will help to resolve any issues.

Be committed to putting forth your best effort every day. An honest effort does not include cutting laps, pulling on
lane lines or missing send offs/sets. Focus on every drill and every set.

The coach is there to help you. You are expected to pay attention and follow all of the coach’s instructions
completely. It is your responsibility to seek clarification, as needed, in a respectful and polite manner.

Every team member will refrain from coaching the team or any swimmer at a practice or meets (from the stands or
any other area) that interfere with coaches on the pool deck.

Maintain self-control at all times. Know your role.
 Swimmers - Swim
 Coaches - Coach
 Officials - Officiate
 Parents – Parent

Enjoy involvement with the team by supporting the swimmers, coaches and other parents with positive
communication and actions.

A swimmer who is injured at practice or a meet must report this to their coach immediately following an injury.

Each swimmer should be committed to meet their personal goals and work toward team goals as well. It is
essential that they fill out and update a goal sheet. The goal sheet will be provided by the coach.

All swimmers are expected to represent the Denver Tritons Team at practices, during swim meets, and during
other public events, in general. Swimmers should represent the team with excellence, team spirit, good
sportsmanship, and politeness.

During competitions, questions or concerns regarding decisions made by meet officials are directed to a member of
our coaching staff. Parents address officials via the coaching staff only.
Fee Structure:
The fee has been implemented to address both the needs of the team and the company. The standard fee is $200.00 paid
at the beginning of the year in September. The fee is for each swimmer. All payments must be made in full and on time.
Payments will be due no later than the 10th of each month. A $5.00 late fee will be added to each bill after the 10 th. There
are additional fees that are listed on the web page in detail that each swimmer is responsible.
Once a registration has been processed, it is expected that the participant(s) are planning to train through the end of the
Short Course Season. To cancel participation, notice must be received in writing by the 15th of the month prior to
departure. For example, a swimmer decides to stop swimming in April for Baseball. Notice has to be given by March 15th.
There will not be a prorated fee for any participants that will not participate for the entire month, or due to pool closures,
inclement weather or other conditions that out of control of the team.
Code of Conduct for Coaches:
Each Coach as a Non-Athlete Member of USA Swimming is bound by the Code of Conduct as listed in section 304 of the USA
Swimming Rules and Regulations. In addition coaches must abide by the points listed below.
I.
The following additions to the Code of Conduct pertain to practices, meets, camps, meetings, and clinics where
coaches represent CSI, in or outside the LSC.
A. Coaches shall follow sound principles of teaching, coaching, training, nutrition, rest, and prevention of
injuries when planning practices, camps, and while coaching at meets.
B. Coaches shall provide and exhibit appropriate communication and motivation to encourage optimal
performances and participation by the athletes.
C. Coaches shall display responsible actions and attitudes, follow rules, and encourage the same actions and
attitudes in their athletes.
D. Coaches shall treat all athletes and officials fairly and with respect.
E. Coaches will not actively solicit athletes to change their present club affiliation.
F. Coaches shall behave in a responsible manner, and will refrain from using any alcohol, tobacco, or illegal
substances while acting in any official capacity with athletes present.
II.
Failure to comply with any Code of Conduct rule will result in any or all of these disciplinary actions after filing
a complaint with the CSI General Chair.
A. A coach may not be allowed to participate in any or all practices, meets, camp activities, team events, or
meetings.
B. A coach may be requested to leave the aquatic facility and/or lodging for the duration of the event.
C. A coach will be financially responsible for any damage caused by him or her.
D. A coach may be suspended from USA SWIMMING subject to the National Board of Review.
Denver Tritons Swim Team has a zero tolerance policy regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco products, or illegal drugs or
Substance. The coach must adapt team’s philosophy to an infinite number of situations.
Meet Survival Guide:
Swim meets are a great family experience. Like anything new, the whole process of attending a meet can be overwhelming.
Here are some suggestions to familiarize you with the process and hopefully make attending meets more enjoyable for you
and your family. We encourage each swimmer to attend and participate each swim meet. Competitive swimming provides
many benefits to young athletes.
They develop self-discipline, good sportsmanship and time management skills.
Competition allows the swimmer to experience success and to learn how to deal with defeat, while becoming healthy and
physically fit. Swimming meets are the culmination of what your child works for in practice every day. The meet is a
measurement by which you can tell if they are learning anything and if so, what. They can be fun for the swimmer and an
opportunity for you to get to know the other parents. They can also be filled with stress, confusion, and headaches if you
are not informed and prepared. Once you have been to a few meets you will develop your own rituals and techniques. Until
then, this survival guide will attempt to teach you the basics of attending a meet successfully.
Entries will be sent by the Head Coach to the hosting team 1-2 week prior to the meet. Event sign up can be found on our
website. During even sign up it’s your responsibility to let the coaching staff know what sessions your family will be
attending. It’s the coaching staff’s responsibility to pick swimmers events. Please let our coaching staff know about what
events consideration. Swimmers are responsible for checking in, checking postings, and heat and lane assignments,
reporting to their coach and for being behind their block prior to their race. A swimmer will suffer the consequences fees,
removal from an event or the meet, no show or disqualification as per the meet sanction or the directive of your coach for
missing an event.
Before you leave:
1. Get informed. Where is the meet – Make sure you know the location of the meet. Find out how to get there. We
attend swim meets at several different pools. Addresses to the pool can be found in the meet packet on our
website.
2. Find out what events your child is swimming. Having your child prepared and walked through the order of events
before you get to the pool helps. Psych sheet are posted on host team’s websites 2-3 days prior to the meet.
3. Find out when warm-ups start. Swim meets start without you. Communicate with the coaches if you are going to
be late.
4. Leave on time- Warm-up start times are when kids should be in the pool. You need to figure on travel time,
parking time, and dressing time to determine when to leave.
5.
6.
Get a good night’s SLEEP.
EAT a great breakfast!
What to pack:
1. Team suit/competition suit. Back up suit- Take a spare suit of any color. When a suit is lost or rips you want a
back-up.
2. Goggles 2 pairs… just in case! And Swim Caps!
3. Towels at least TWO… extra ones are nice to have at end of the meet. As a general rule, at least one dry towel for
every event your swimmer is competing in, plus an additional towel to be used after warm-ups. Swimmers need to
be dry and warm when out of the pool. COLD SWIMMERS do not perform well!
4. Extra clothes – have clothes for your swimmer to wear between events or a robe. Again, COLD SWIMMERS do not
perform well! Sweats or lose fitting clothes work best. Tight fitting clothes can be hard to get on and off if the
swimmer or the clothes are wet. These clothes will be wet by the end of the meet, so you might want more dry
clothes to wear home.
5. Something to sit on in the resting area. This is usually a sleeping bag or an old blanket. Folding chairs.
6. Food- Pack nutritious snacks that is high in carbohydrates and complex sugars. Bagels, fruit, and granola bars are
a good source of energy. Definitely, bring something to drink.
7. Entertainment - there can be long periods of time between your swimmer’s events depending on what they are
swimming and how many swimmers are at the meet. Take something for them to do, including books/magazines
to read, activity books, electronic games, portable DVD, etc.
During the meet:
1. Heat sheets- Heat sheets will be made after the sign in sheets are taken down. These list the events, heats, and
lanes that will actually be swum at the meet. These will be posted on the wall at several locations around the pool.
After they are posted, your swimmer will have to find out which lane and heat they are in for each race. They
should write this information on their hand.
2. Check the entries again when you ARRIVE at the meet. Look for any changes!
3. Know the meet schedule. Pay attention to what event number the meet is on – it moves QUICKLY!
4. Talk your coach before and after you head to the heating area. They will let you know how to prepare for the event
you are about to swim.
5. Give your name and age to the timers, this will ensure that your swim will be recorded properly under your name.
Ask the timer for your time AFTER each event (this is for your records and so you can tell your coach and parents).
6. Swimmers should NOT eat large items, or meals, between events—just snacks.
7. Warm Ups; The team is usually assigned a warm-up time prior to the start of each meet session, and you will be
informed by the coach via email as to when warm-ups
8. Bad meets, Bad swims- Sometimes bad things happen to good swimmers. Your swimmer will most likely be
devastated the first time they are disqualified, miss an event, or swim much slower than a previous meet. How to
handle a disappointment is a major lesson to be learned by swimming. Be supportive and keep perspective. There
will always be another swim. One hundred percent effort is nothing to be ashamed of regardless of the result
9. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate before, during, and after.
10. Show GREAT SPORTSMANSHIP! Congratulate the other swimmers in your race for the effort they gave. Shake
hands with them across the rope after your swim. CHEER for your teammates! Show respect to the Meet Officials
and workers. They are volunteering so you can swim!
11. Conserve energy. Don’t use up energy playing around at the meet. Save it for the race
12. A disqualification means the swimmer is not eligible for medal/ ribbon placement and the time will not be valid.
Swimmers may be disqualified “DQ’ed” from a race for a number of reasons. During a race, this includes improper
stroke technique, false start, improper turns, or other rule infractions. The coaching staff will notify the swimmer
immediately if an official reported a DQ on the swimmer during an event. Swimmers may also be DQ’ed for
unacceptable conduct during the meet relating to behavior, attitude, or facility/ meet rule infringement. The DQ is
necessary to keep the competition fair and equitable for all other competitors. A supportive attitude on the part of
the official, the coach, and the parent can also keep it a positive experience for the DQ’d swimmer.
13. Most of all have fun!
After the meet:
1. Check their swim bag- Make sure your swimmer leaves with everything they brought. If they are missing
something, look for the “lost and found”.
2. Check with the coaches before leaving the meet.
3. Take your family for a celebration, whether win or lose.
As a parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable, loving and supportive environment. This positive environment
will encourage your child to continue. Show your interest by ensuring your child’s attendance at practices, and by
coming to meets. Parents are not participants on their child’s team, but contribute to the success experienced by the
child and his/her team. Parents serve as role models and their attitudes are often emulated by their children. Be aware
of this and strive to be positive models. Most importantly, show good sportsmanship at all times toward coaches,
officials, opponents and teammates. Be enthusiastic and supportive. Remember that your child is the swimmer.
Children need to establish their own goals, and make their own progress towards them. Be careful not to impose your
own standards and goals. Do not over-burden your child with winning or achieving best times. The most important
part of your child’s swimming experience is that he/she learns about himself/herself while enjoying the sport. This
healthy environment encourages learning and fun which will develop a positive self-image within your child. Let the
coach coach. The best way to help a child achieve his/her goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through
positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one, remember that he/she is still
learning. Encourage his/her efforts and point out the things he/she did well. As long as he/she gave his/her best
effort, you should make him/her feel like a winner. CONGRATULATE THEM ON A GREAT SWIM MEET!
Ten Commandments for Parents with Athletic Children
1. Make sure your child knows that, win or lose, scared or heroic, you love him/her, appreciate his/her efforts, and
are not disappointed in him/her. This will allow him to do his best without fear of failure. Be the person in his or
her life he can look to for constant positive reinforcement.
2. Try your best to be completely honest about your child's athletic ability, his competitive attitude, his/her
sportsmanship and his/her actual skill level.
3. Be helpful but don’t coach you child on the way to the pool or on the way back, or at breakfast, and so on. It’s
tough not to, but it’s a lot tougher for the child to be inundated with advice, pep talks, and often critical instruction.
4. Teach your child to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be "out there trying," to be working to improve his/her skills
and attitude. Help your child to develop the feel f or competing, for trying hard, for having fun.
5. Try not to re-live your athletic life through your child in a way that creates pressure; you fumbled, too, you lost as
well as won. You were frightened, you backed off at times, and you were not always heroic. Don’t pressure
him/her because of your lost pride.
6. Don’t compete with the coach. If the coach becomes an authority figure, it will run from enchantment to
disenchantment, etc. with your athletes.
7. Don’t compare the skill, courage, or attitudes of your child with other members of the team, at least not within
his/her hearing.
8. Get to know the coach so that you can he assured that his/her philosophy, attitudes, ethics and knowledge are
such that you are happy to have your child under his/her leadership.
9. Always remember that children tend to exaggerate, both when praised and when criticized. Temper your reaction
and investigate before over-reacting.
10. Make a point of understanding courage, and the fact that it is relative. Some of us can climb mountains, and are
afraid to fight. Some of us will fight, but turn to jelly if a bee approaches. Everyone is frightened in certain areas.
Explain that courage is not the absence of fear, but a means of doing something in spite of fear or discomfort. The
job of a parent of an athletic child is a tough one, and it takes a lot of effort to do it well. It is worth all the effort
when you hear your youngster say, "My parents really helped."
THE OFFICIALS
Officials are present at all competitions to implement the technical rule of swimming and to ensure that the competition is
fair and equitable. Officials attend clinics, pass a written test and work meets before being certified. All parents are
encouraged to get involved with some form of officiating.
 Timers — operate timing devices (watches or automatic timing systems) and record the official time for the
swimmer in his lane.
 Turn Judges — observe from each end of the pool and ensure that the turns and finishes comply with the rules
applicable to each stroke.
 Stroke Judges - observe from both sides of the pool, walking abreast of the swimmers, to ensure that the rules
relating to each stroke are being followed. The positions of Stroke Judge and Turn Judge may be combined into
one position called the Stroke and Turn Judge.
 Relay Takeoff Judges - stand beside the starting blocks to observe the relay exchange, ensuring that the feet of the
departing swimmer have not lost contact with the block before the incoming swimmer touches the end of the pool.
 Clerk of the Course — arranges the swimmers in their proper heats and lanes.
 Starter — assumes control of the swimmers from the Referee, directs them to "take your mark’ and sees that no
swimmer is in motion prior to giving the start signal.
 Referee — has overall authority and control of the competition, ensuring that all the rules are followed; assigns and
instructs all officials, and decides all questions relating to the conduct of the meet. If your child is disqualified
(DQ’d) in an event, be supportive rather than critical. For beginning swimmers, a disqualification should be treated
as a learning experience, not as punishment. A DQ alerts the swimmer and the coach to what portions of the
swimmer’s stroke need to be corrected. They should be considered in the same light as an incorrect answer in
schoolwork. They point out areas which need further practice.
Eating Before Swim Meets and Practice: Your body will require small bursts of nutrition throughout the day during a
swim meet. According to Dr. Jeannie Gazzaniga-Moloo, eating too much or consuming foods that are difficult to digest will
hurt your performance during your events. Ideally, you should eat one small snack between each event. Throughout the
day, swimmers also need to focus on drinking fluids to keep their muscles healthy and replenish lost water in the body.
Preparation: Preparing properly for a meet is just as important as snacking between events. Without proper meals before
you get started, the small snacks won't really be able to give your body the boost it needs. The night before the meet, eat a
meal that's high in carbohydrates and protein, such as pasta or rice and beans. The morning of the meet, eat a light, highcarbohydrate meal, such as a whole-grain bagel or cheese with whole-grain toast.
Foods: Foods that you eat during a swim meet should be light, low in fat and high in carbohydrates. Good choices include
fresh fruit, cheese or peanut butter on crackers, nuts, vegetable sticks with hummus, low-fat yogurt, nuts, pretzels and rice
cake. Smoothies can also be a healthful pick, especially if they're made with yogurt and consumed just a bit at a time. Make
sure the snacks are fairly small and balanced so you don't become overfull or sluggish between events.
Beverages: Drinking water is vital during competitions, particularly during the summer months. According to the book
complete Guide to Fitness, Sports & Nutrition," adult swimmers should drink four to six bottles of water throughout a daylong meet. Sports drinks are OK, especially if you're feeling weak or dehydrated, but their high sugar content can make you
crash. Limit yourself to a few sips of sports drink before and after each race, if you can.
Considerations: Bringing your own snacks and beverages to swim meets is very important because you don't know what
the concessions area will offer in terms of sustenance. High-fat snacks that are often sold at these events, such as hot dogs,
candy, cookies and chips, are hard for your body to metabolize and will slow you down during races. Also, adults should
stick to a 3,000-calorie diet on race days. More than that is usually unnecessary. Consume most of those calories after the
competition in the form of a high-protein meal.
Whether you are gearing up to go to swim practice, preparing for a swim meet, or just going to the pool for a day of fun,
eating well is important for the body. Eating a balanced diet will help you to feel strong and energized during your swim.
Snacks rich in carbohydrates -- coupled with proteins -- provide the body with the essential nutrients before a day of
swimming.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates fuel muscles with energy that will help you feel strong during your swim. Not all foods rich
in carbohydrates supply the body with essential nutrients that prepare the body for a swim. Carbohydrates are either made
of complex or simple sugars, and both fuel the body in different ways.
Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates must first be broken down by the body before the energy is absorbed in
the muscles. Snacks rich in complex carbohydrates include pasta, vegetables, beans, and whole-grain cereal. Eat two slices
of whole-grain toast with 2 tbsp. of peanut butter or 10 whole-grain crackers and a cheese stick. These snacks will help fuel
the body with the essential complex carbohydrates that will improve the swimmer's performance.
Simple Carbohydrates: Simple-sugar carbohydrates are quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. Snacks that
are made up of simple carbohydrates include fruits and fruit juice, cookies, and sweetened beverages. Healthy snacks full of
simple carbohydrates include an apple or 1 cup of sliced, assorted fruit. A smoothie made with yogurt, low-fat or nonfat milk
and fruit, or 100-percent fruit juice provides a good snack before or in between swim time.
Proteins: The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention explains that "proteins are part of every cell, tissue, and organ in
our bodies." Proteins keep you feeling full, which is helpful since swimming burns many calories and may make you feel
hungry more quickly. Foods packed with protein that will keep you feeling full and energized include low-fat lunch meat,
chicken breast or peanut butter.
Raw Nuts: Nuts, which are packed with protein, are an excellent snack to eat before a swim. Nuts provide the body with
essential vitamins and minerals, such as protein, potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin E and calcium, which help prepare
the body with essential fuel for the swim. Make your own snack pack with 1/2 cup of raw nuts, including almonds, pistachios
and walnuts. This snack will leave you feeling strong and ready for your swim.
Readmore: http://www.livestrong.com/article/482082-snacks-to-eat-before-swimming/#ixzz2fOtACDqj
Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
Circle swimming:
When 2 or more swimmers are in a lane, each swimmer swims down one side of the lane and back the other – usually the
right side.
Split the lane:
When there are only two swimmers in each lane each swimmer may stay to the same side while swimming both directions
on the pool.
Share the wall:
Each swimmer appreciates being able to finish to the wall, so when the lanes are crowded, please squeeze together at the
end of the lane to allow room for each swimmer.
Lane etiquette:
-please communicate with other swimmers in your lane, the order of swimmers may change
depending on the speed or
stroke designated for the set
-All swimmers will swim either: 05 or: 10 apart
-when you are leading the lane you must be able to read the clock and follow the intervals
according to the set
-let the coach move you into the correct lane, again this may change from day to day or set to set
-please swim the set according to how the coach plans it. For example, if the set is at E1 pace, go E1 pace - please do not
go a different speed – for several reasons:
- Everyone in your lane will be swimming the same speed
-The next set may be a fast set and you may be too tired from having gone too fast on this set.
-when it is appropriate to do so, you may “race” other swimmers, but realize that other swimmers
may not be
interested in racing you
-you may not change the interval given by the coach with out consulting the other swimmers in your lane
-please wait for the whole lane to finish one set before starting the next set
-if you have to put on fins to make the interval for that lane, please move into a more appropriate lane
-if you sit out a 50 or miss the interval, you must be aware of the other swimmers in your lane and move out of their way.
Negative Split:
Swim the second half of a swim faster than the first half. This is often combined with a broken set to give the swimmer a
chance to check their time on the clock.
For example: 4 x 300 on 4:20, broken at the 150 for: 05, Negative Split.
This means you swim the first 150 of the 300 at a slower pace, rest for: 05, and continue with the second 150 at a faster
pace. Begin the next 300 at 4:20 after you started the first one and swim it as described above.
I.M - Individual Medley:
The four strokes used in this order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle, divided equally into the total
distance: a 400, 200 or 100IM.
Set - a group of repeated
Some examples:
4 x 300 on 4:00
10 x 100 on 1:20
6 x 50 Kick on 1:00
swim distances, given in a specific pattern with a specific intention.
Descend
@ E3
Descend 1 – 3, 4 – 6
Interval - a send off time for each swim in a set:
For example, 2 x 100 on 1:40, followed by 4 x 50 on: 55
In this set, you begin swimming 100 yards on 34:00 (on a digital clock) if you swim that 100 in 1:30 seconds, you rest for:
10 and begin the second 100 on 35:40: then on 37:20 you begin the first of the 50’s, the second 50 begins on 38:15, etc.
etc.
Descend - increase speed on each subsequent swim during the set
Examples above
Build - build speed within a continuous swim
For example: 4 x 200 on 3:00 Build
Start each 200 easy and build throughout the 200.
(The difference between build and descend can be confusing: Build is w/ in each swim distance, and descend is each
subsequent swim distance with in the set is faster.)
Stroke - a non – Freestyle stroke; Butterfly, Backstroke, or Breaststroke.
Top/Bottom - refers to the seconds on a Face pace clock. Top is the: 00, and bottom is the: 30
Drill - an adaptation of the regular swim stroke intended to focus on stroke technique, body position, etc.
Broken - stopping for a short time in the middle of a swim, sets that are “broken” are meant to help the swimmer work on
controlling their pace, and give the swimmer a chance to manage that pace.
Test Set - a set designed to test fitness level and progress, usually an anaerobic set.
Vertical Kick - your body is vertical in the water, the legs either flutter kick or dolphin kick, and your arms are above the
water, not being used.
DPS - Distance Per Stroke. A drill used to measure and utilize the maximum propulsion of each arm pull.
All Registration forms, accompanying fees, as well as, Parent/Guardian and Swimmer Agreement must be completed in full
with parent(s) and athlete(s) signature. Failure to comply with team code of conduct will result in, but not limited to any or
all of the following actions:
1. Swimmer will receive a verbal warning or reprimand.
2. Swimmer’s parents will be notified.
3. Swimmer will not be allowed to participate in team activities.
4. Swimmer will be sent home at parents’ expense.
5. Swimmer may not be allowed to participate in upcoming team trips and meets.
6. Swimmer will be required to complete community service.
7. Possible suspensions or expulsion from the team.
I recognize my responsibility to abide by the rules and requirements of Denver Tritons Swim Team and I acknowledge that I
have received, read, and agree to the terms and conditions.
Swimmer’s Full Name:
____________________________________
Swimmer’s Signature
______________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature
__________
Date