General Information

SPA PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
NEW MEMBER INFORMATION
SWIMMING PROGRAMS
PRACTICES
SPA MONTHLY DUES
WITHDRAWELS
SUMMER SWIM FEES
SWIM MEETS
HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING
MEET ENTRY FORMS
RELAY ASSIGNMENTS
DISQUALIFICATION (slang DQ)
MEET ETIQUETTE
TRAVEL
ANNUAL AWARDS & BANQUET

 SPASPA PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

No organized youth activity can hope to succeed without the enthusiastic support, and work, of dedicated parents.  SPA is no exception, and the Parents’ Association is the organization that takes care of the many details that go into the operation of the Club.  To run a successful club we need every parent’s help and support.  So when you receive that call, and you will, requesting volunteers for the next SPA sponsored swim meet or activity, please say yes!

Our Parents’ Association Board is comprised of nine Board members. (Please refer to the bylaws section concerning nomination and terms.)  Each person serving on the board is obligated to attend the monthly board meetings and work with the various committees throughout his/her term of office.  Club parents not currently serving on the board are always welcome to attend the board meetings.  Committee chairmen are especially encouraged to attend.  Look for meeting notices to be posted on the SPA Information Board or in the most recent newsletter.

A listing of officers, board members and committee chairmen along with phone numbers can be found on the contact page of the web site

Back to Top

NEW MEMBER INFORMATION

Okay, your child has joined SPA. Now what?
Back to Top

SWIMMING PROGRAMS

USA Swimming – USA Swimming is an organization that has jurisdiction over amateur swimmers in the United States.  Every swimmer must be registered with United States Swimming.  The governing body of USA Swimming passed an amendment to increase registration fees during their September 2002 Annual Meeting.  Beginning in 2004, fees will be $45 for USA Swimming registration (this includes the $5 annual fee for Missouri Valley registration).  USA Swimming fees will then increase by $1 annually for the next 10 years.  Fees for 2006 are $47.  These additional monies will be used to promote swimming.  If you would like a more detailed description of their plan of action, check their web site at www.usswim.org for details.  USA Swimming establishes rules for competition and determines the eligibility of athletes.  The USA Swimming athletes are the best swimmers in the United States, always ranking high in world competition.  USA Swimming is divided into Local Swim Committees (LSC) for the purposes of competition and administration.  Springfield Aquatics is a member of the Missouri Valley LSC, which includes all of Kansas and the western half of Missouri.  Several LSC’s make up a Region.  We are part of Region 8, which is comprised of the Missouri Valley, Ozark, Oklahoma, and Arkansas LSCs.

Missouri Valley LSC – As a member of the Missouri Valley, Springfield Aquatics competes in the MV-sanctioned Championship meets.  They will hold a Short Course Division II and Division I meet in March of each year and a Long Course Division II and Division I meet in August.  Various LSCs within Missouri Valley will host these Championship meets. Missouri Valley web site, www.missourivalleyswimming.com  is an excellent source of information.  You can find meet results, time standards, meet schedules and other swimming-related links.

USA Swimming Eligibility and Insurance Coverage – Because SPA is a USA Swimming club, your child must become a member and be registered with the Missouri Valley LSC.  The annual fee for 2006 registration will be $47.  Springfield Aquatics collects the registration fees each fall for the following calendar year and processes the swimmer’s application for membership.  Each swimmer will be issued a membership card and a membership number.  The card is proof of membership, and the swimmer’s registration number is required on each meet entry filed by the club.  Our current computer program automatically records the swimmer number. 

An application blank for USA Swimming membership is located in the back of this guide.  As indicated under the “New Member” section, this form plus payment must be placed in the metal payment box located next to the Information Board.  All swimmers and coaches MUST be registered because of the insurance coverage provided with membership.

Springfield Aquatics Swim Groups – Springfield Aquatics competes in AGE GROUP COMPETITIVE SWIMMING.  Age group competitive swimming means that swimmers compete against swimmers as follows:

  SEX – swimmers of the same sex compete against each other.
  AGE – swimmers of the same age group compete against each other.
  ABILITY – swimmers of the same ability level swim against each other

As a Club, we currently have four levels of swimming. 

SILVER – The Silver group is the entry-level practice group in SPA.  This group practices 5 times per week for 1.25 hours with emphasis on stroke technique and begins developing a swimmer’s endurance level.

GOLD – The Gold group practices 6 times per week from 1 to 1.45 hours per day.  The Gold group emphasizes both stroke technique and endurance.  Coaches also work with swimmers to set goals and develop race strategy.

JUNIOR – The Junior Group offers six to ten practices per week from 1.5 to 2 hours.  Although the main training emphasis of this practice group is the development of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, a significant amount of time is spent on refining technique.  Coaches continue to work with swimmers on developing goals and race strategy.

SENIOR – The Senior group offers ten practices per week from 1.5 to 2 hours.  As with the Junior Group, the main training emphasis is the development of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems.  Since all the swimmers practicing in this group either have achieved or are close to achieving regional time standards, seasonal planning for this group is targeted towards regional and national meets at the end of each session.

Swimmer movement from group to group is based upon a combination of a swimmer’s age, skill development and meet performance.  Group changes usually take place at the end of each season (March and August).  Swimmers and parents will be notified of any group movement during the last few weeks of each season.

When your swimmer competes in a sanctioned (approved by the governing body) meet he/she will swim with their age group.  The age groups are defined as follows:

8 & Under
10 & Under
11-12 year olds
13-14 year olds
Seniors

You will find that at some meets swimmers are allowed to compete in a 12&Under and 13&Over format.  Age divisions are determined by the host club.  Swimmers may compete out of their age group in “Open” events or those listed specifically as Senior and do not place a minimum age requirement.  In other words a 12 year old could swim in the 200 Fly (not offered for 11-12 year olds) as long as the event was “Open”.  If the meet information lists the event as 13&Over, they would not be able to enter the event.  If you have questions, please ask the meet entry person or review the meet information for that specific meet on our web site

It is always a good idea for 12&Under swimmers to discuss events with their coach if they would like to attempt longer distances not offered in their age group.

Back to Top

PRACTICES

Please help us impress upon your swimmer that practice time is very important.  Competitive swimming is unique among sports in that there is a provable relationship between the amount of practice and the level of performance.  Because of this, each swimmer should strive to develop good practice discipline.  This means that your swimmer is to be in the water and ready to go when the practice starts.  This means that you, as a parent, must consider driving time, unloading time, and dressing time in order that your swimmer will be in the water ready to go when practice starts.

Practice schedules vary from season to season and from group to group.  During the long course season (April through August) an arrangement is typically made with the Springfield Park Board to utilize the outdoor pool at Meador Park for some morning practices.  Schedules are available on this web site, and posted outside the pool doors.

Cancellation Policy – During the winter months, if Springfield Public Schools are closed due to weather conditions, there will be no practice.  You may also call our SPA Message Line at 873-6861 to receive a pre-recorded message on any changes or additions to the practice schedule. 

Back to Top

SPA MONTHLY DUES
Our monthly dues are used to pay the coaches salaries; coaches travel expenses and a variety of other club expenses.  The current dues structure is outlined below effective 9/1/2007.

SILVER     $55/month
GOLD       $60/month
JUNIOR     $65/month Sept. thru May – 6 practices/week   $75/month June thru August. – 10 practices/week
SENIOR     $65/month Sept. thru May – 6 practices/week  $75/month June thru August. – 10 practices/week

In Addition each swimmer must pay a monthly Drury Usage Fee of $5 per month.
Each additional swimmer within a family will receive a 50% discount off their monthly fee. The discount does not apply to the Drury Usage Fee.

Checks are made payable to "SPA" and can be placed in the metal box at the pool or mailed.

These fees are due and payable on the first of each month and are subject to change by majority approval of the Board.  Parents behind in dues may have their swimmer banned from the pool until making their account current.  This will be a decision made by the coaches and Board and individual situations will be considered.

The club does not charge a monthly fee while swimmers are participating in high school swimming (refer to Financial Commitment Agreement).

A Financial Commitment Agreement must be signed and on file for each family.  Refer to the “Forms” section for a copy of this agreement.

Back to Top

WITHDRAWAL FROM CLUB
In accordance with our Financial Commitment Agreement, a swimmer must complete a “withdrawal” form and return it to the silver payment box should they choose to leave the club for any reason.  This includes injury-related issues, summer season, high school or just dropping out.  A copy of this form is located in the “Forms” section of this guide as well as on deck in a file folder directly below the SPA message board.

Back to Top

SUMMER SWIM FEES
As stated previously, if you choose to take the summer off the club must be notified in writing prior to June 1.  Swimmers may withdraw for the summer months without paying dues under the following conditions.

     1. The club must be notified, in writing, prior to June 1 of your intention to withdraw.
     2. If, at any time, you choose to return to the club during the summer to compete or practice, all three months will be due and payable upon your return.

When making the decision to participate during the summer or not, please keep in mind that ONLY SWIMMERS PARTICIPATING AND PAYING DUES IN BOTH SHORT AND LONG COURSE SEASONS WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY OR BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARDS DURING THE AWARDS BANQUET (see explanation under Annual Awards Banquet).
The Junior and Senior group’s monthly fees increase to $70/month for June, July and August due to the increased practice schedule.
High school seniors electing to swim with the club the summer prior to college are still responsible for fees as outlined in our Financial Commitment Agreement.  This includes payment for June, July and August.  College students that would like to swim during their summer’s home may due so without paying monthly fees.  They will, however, be required to have a valid USA Registration and agree to pay any entry fees or other hard costs related to participation in a meet.

Back to Top

SWIM MEETS

Short Course Season – Beginning in September and culminating with the Division I Championship meet in early March.  Short Course meets compete in a 25-yard indoor pool.  Our SPA sponsored “Halloween Classic” is typically the club’s first short course meet of the season.

Long Course Season – Beginning immediately following short course and finishing with the Division I Championship meet in early August.  Long Course competes in a 50-meter pool.  Typically, we will compete in outdoor pools but on occasion we will swim at a larger indoor facility.

Volunteers – A swim meet can’t run without the assistance of a wide range of volunteers.  Please give your time generously when timers and officials are requested at a home or away meet.  Championship meets typically require timers from each club to volunteer.

The Taper – The focal meets of both the short and long course seasons are the Division Championships held in March and August.  To do our best at these meets is the main goal of each season.
It is not unusual for swimmers to gain time in the middle of a season if they are training unusually hard and are possibly swimming muscle tired before the tapering reduction begins.
The tapering periods begin two to three weeks before these big meets.  Tapering is the reduction of the mileage in workouts and the stoppage of body conditioning to allow resting to occur.  Effective tapers produce drops in times for the championship meets.

SPA Meet Schedule – Springfield Aquatics schedules several team meets throughout both the long course and short course seasons.  ALL swimmers are encouraged to attend team meets.  Coaches attend these meets as well as team members and their families.  Our Travel Committee books a block of rooms so that everyone can stay at the same hotel if they so desire.  The rewards of hard work, friendship and travel are realized during these team meets, plus you will find your child has a great time!  Information announcing these meets and hotel accommodations will be posted on the web site, in the newsletter with extra copies placed in the file folders directly under the message board at the pool.

The culmination of both short and long course seasons is the Division Championships held in March and August.  Every swimmer who qualifies for these championship meets are encouraged to attend.  Your swimmer has worked hard to get to this level and deserves this type of recognition.

To make competitive swimming as pleasant as possible, parents should consider their own comfort as well as that of their swimmer.  At indoor meets it is usually hot and humid.  Dress in lightweight clothing.  You may want to include the following when packing for the meet

--Extra towels, blankets or sleeping bags
--Swim parkas or sweatshirts and sweat pants
--Pillows, chairs
--Cooler with healthy snacks and drinks
--Good book to read
--Flip Flops or some type of water resistant shoe

Outdoor meets can be hot, cold, wet or dry.  Additional items for consideration may include sunglasses, sweaters, shorts, raincoats, hats, sun block, tarps, tents, folding picnic tables and lots of water.  Swimmers will enjoy a personal stereo, playing cards or games.

Division II Championship Meet – This meet is scheduled one to two weeks prior to the Division I meet in March and August (March, short course – August, long course).  Because this is a Championship Meet, your child must qualify according to the age group time standards.  The swimmer must have a qualifying Division II time in each event they compete.  If your child has already made a qualifying time for the Division I meet in a certain event, they will be unable to swim that event in the Division II meet.  The goal is to improve upon the Division II times in order to compete one last time in the Division I meet.

Division I Championship Meet – The Division I Meet is the highest level championship meet in the Missouri Valley LSC.  The Division I Championship has specific time standards designed to allow the top 35-40 swimmers in the Missouri Valley LSC into each event.  Missouri Valley hosts a Division I Short Course Championship each March in Wichita and a Division I Long Course Championship each August in Kansas City.

Region 8 Central Sectional Championships – The Region 8 Championships is designed for upper-level senior swimmers.  The Region 8 Championships involve swimmers from the Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ozark, Midwestern, and Missouri Valley LSCs.  Region 8’s has specific time standards to allow approximately 400 swimmers into each meet.  The Region 8 Short Course Championships are held each March and the Region 8 Long Course Championships are held each July.

Time standards for this meet are included in our spreadsheet.  However, standards can be changed for each meet so it is important to review the time standards for each meet for qualifying times.

Zones – You will hear swimmers referring to their “zone” cuts.  This means that the swimmer has qualified for a AAA time in their age group (refer to time standards in back of guide).  If a swimmer achieves a AAA time in an individual event, they may attend the “Zone” meet, which is usually one week after the Long Course Division I Championship meet.  Swimmers attending this meet are no longer swimming for their club; they will be swimming for Missouri Valley along with athletes from Wichita, Kansas City and other cities within the LSC.  For more detailed information, please refer to the Missouri Valley web site at www.missourivalleyswimming,com.  SPA will take a break for the remainder of August following the Zone meet. 

HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING Swimmers competing for their high school team will not be required to pay dues during that time frame (please refer to the Financial Commitment Agreement under “Forms”).  As of the 2006-07 school year the men’s season is from August through mid-November and the girls season is from mid-November through February. 

Boys choosing to practice with SPA at any time during the summer months are required to pay for June, July and August dues.  Upon their return in mid-November they will not be required to pay dues until December.  If a swimmer chooses NOT to return in November, they are still required to pay August dues and will be required to pay monthly dues immediately should they decide to return.

*PLEASE NOTE:  Boys planning to return to SPA after the high school season are responsible for the Halloween Classic $50 minimum advertising fee.  If you choose not to solicit advertising prior to the published deadline, you will be billed the minimum upon your return to SPA.

Our previous fee structure remains the same.  The months high school swimmers are exempt from monthly dues are all that changes.

SPA has always required swimmers choosing to practice at any time during the summer months to pay for June, July and August.  SPA High School swimmers have always enjoyed 3 months off from dues and they will continue to enjoy that privilege.

Again, boys swimming high school are not required to pay for September, October and November.  Girls are exempt from monthly dues for December, January and February. 

MSHSAA, or the Missouri State High School Athletic Association, recently changed the rules governing high school swimmers.  It is now possible for high school swimmers to swim with their club AND their high school team at the same time.  However, high school practices and competitions take precedence over club events.  Swimmers may only compete for their club with the permission of the high school Athletic Director and high school Coach prior to attendance.

Springfield Public Schools will allow swimmers to practice with their club in addition to their high school practices but not in place of those practices.

Back to Top

MEET ENTRY FORMS

When a swimmer decides to enter an invitational meet, the swimmer (or parent) must complete an entry form provided by the club.  Please pay close attention to the entry deadlines.  If your entries are past the deadline, swimmers will not be allowed to participate in relays.  The coaching staff reserves the right to make adjustments on all relays.

online or pick up a copy of the meet entry form in the folders located directly below the SPA message board at the pool.  Fees are due at time of entry.  When entering online, place payment in the silver box indicating which meet you are paying for.

Follow these general guidelines when completing entry forms.

Complete the form in its entirety.  Please double check the event number and name according to the age group of your swimmer.
Total your entry fees by multiplying the number of events by the listed cost per event.  Most meets also have a participation fee that will need to be added.  Make check payable to Springfield Aquatics and reference the meet and your swimmer’s name on the check.
DO NOT PAY for relays.  Coaches assign relays and the club will pick up the cost.
The meet information will provide a list of events, cost of entry fees, and starting times for warm-ups.  We provide the meet information on our web site for your convenience.

Back to Top

RELAY ASSIGNMENTS

The clubs Hy-Tek computer software automatically assigns swimmers to relays.  Assignments are made based solely on swimmers best times.  The software program chooses the combination of swimmers that produce the best mathematical solution for a winning relay! 

One exception to that rule is the 13-14 year old 200 medley relay.  Since 13-14 year olds do not swim 50’s (except for Freestyle) the relays are based on the swimmers best 100 time.  This reflects a more accurate portrayal of events.

A swimmer with late meet entries automatically forfeits their right to swim relays.
The SPA coaching staff reserves the right to change relays during a meet as necessary.


Back to Top

DISQUALIFICATION (slang DQ)

There are many rules in the sport of swimming.  Each stroke has its own set of technical rules including turn and starts.  If a swimmer does not use correct technique or follow the rules of the race, he/she will be DQ’d (disqualified). It takes many years for swimmers to learn all the rules and to perfect the skills required so they are not disqualified.  Most first time competitors or younger athletes will experience a disqualification or two.

What is a disqualification?  A disqualification is an infraction of the rules and regulations set forth by United States Swimming.  In a coach’s eye, this is an opportunity for the athlete to learn and be reminded of the rules they are taught during practice.  Often the child knows the rules but with the pressure of racing and the distractions of a meet, they may not remember it through the race.  The more times they compete and the more comfortable they become the fewer times they get disqualified.

How will you know if your child is disqualified?  The official usually contacts the swimmers after the swim.  If the meet is moving too fast, he/she will usually say something to the coach.  However, sometimes they are not notified.  In this case it will show up on the results as DQ in your child’s race position.  Each DQ is recorded with the Meet Referee so the coach if necessary can find the reason.  Often the coach sees the reason during the swim.

What should you, as the parent, do if your child gets disqualified?  Please let the coach discuss the infraction with the athlete.  When a swimmer gets disqualified the coach on deck will tell them how to fix it.  A disqualification should be viewed as a learning experience.  Usually the child is disappointed and does not need coaches or parents contributing to their disappointment.  The coach’s role is to correct and teach while the parent’s role is to support and encourage.

Back to Top

MEET ETIQUETTE

Cami Bremer, Special Correspondent to Splash Magazine, wrote the following article.  It appeared in the January/February 2004 issue, Volume 12, Issue 1.

Etiquette.  It’s a word you’ve probably heard only when your grandmother reminds you not to dig into your hearty serving of Thanksgiving turkey until everyone has been served.  However, etiquette is a word that every swimmer should know.  After all, just as there are etiquette rules at your grandmother’s dinner table, there are etiquette rules for swimming, both in practice and at meets.  Following these simple guidelines will help you (and your teammates) get the most out of the upcoming championship season.

Meet Etiquette See, etiquette is not just some stuffy word your grandmother uses.  Following these basic rules of etiquette will ensure that you and your teammates enjoy each and every meet.  So next time you see grandmother, tell her you practice etiquette at swimming all the time – she’ll be impressed.

Back to Top

TRAVEL

The travel committee will arrange for a block of discounted rooms at a convenient hotel.  A deadline will be set for the hotel to hold the block of rooms.  You will need to call the hotel direct and confirm your reservation.  After the deadline has expired you will have to take your chances on getting hotel accommodations.

Back to Top

ANNUAL AWARDS & BANQUET

The board of directors reserves the right to make changes in awards and gifts from year to year.  For the 2004-05 season the following was distributed to qualifying swimmers.

Immediately before beginning the Short Course season, the club hosts an Annual Banquet.  The purpose is to recognize the personal achievements of each swimmer.  Each swimmer will receive a trophy based on their highest level of achievement (C, B, BB, A, AA, AAA, AAAA) during the most recent Short and Long course seasons.  Swimmers must participate in BOTH Short and Long course seasons to receive an award.

Typically, four major awards are presented.

Rookie of the Year – This award is for a swimmer new to the club within the past year that has made significant achievements.
Most Improved Swimmer – This award gives recognition to the swimmer who has shown a significant improvement in both time drops and stroke technique.
Hardest Worker – This award gives recognition to an athlete who has demonstrated the commitment and work ethic of a dedicated swimmer. This recipient serves as a role model to all other SPA swimmers.
Most Valuable Swimmer Award, Male & Female – Individual awards are presented to the male and female athlete who has achieved swimming success in multiple events.  Points are calculated according to the USS National Motivational Time Standards and are based on the swimmer’s best times in all five stroke categories.  The recipients of this award must be good, well-rounded swimmers in ALL strokes.
Coaching staff determines criteria for awards as well as final decision for selections.

Back to Top