Barracuda Novice Swim Team

This Month's Newsletter

May 2013 Newsletter.pdf

Qualcomm Sports, Fitness & Aquatics complex

Welcome to the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Barracuda Novice Swim Team! The Barracuda swim team is a year-round swimming program for ages 6-14. This swim team is for pre-competitive swimmers who want to learn all four competition strokes, dives, turns and starts. We have four different developmental levels: Bronze (Introductory) 10 & Under, Silver (Intermediate) 10 & Under, Gold/Elite (Advanced) 11 & Older. Swimmers will learn the fundamental swimming skills of rhythm, breath control and fluid movement in the water.  The JCC Barracuda Novice Swim Team bases instruction on games and drills along with lap swimming to build knowledge and stamina for strong swimmers.

Joining the Team

All swimmers must be evaluated in advanced and will be placed in swim groups upon skill level. Evaluation times are Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 3:00-3:15 by appointment only! Please call at least one day before you wish your child to be evaluated to ensure a desired evaluation date. To make an appointment or to get more swim team information, please call (858)362-1126. 

Practice Schedule

Swim Practices are Monday through Friday on a year round basis. Each swimmer swims three to four days a week,

Bronze: 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm M/W/F or T/Th/F

Silver: 4:00 pm to 4:45 pm M/W/F or T/Th/F

Gold I: 4:45 pm to 5:45 pm Monday-Thursday; No Practice on Friday

Gold II/Elite: 5:45 pm to 7:00 pm Monday-Thursday; No Practice on Friday

Barracuda Swim Levels

Bronze:

Swimmers must swim one length of the pool in both freestyle and backstroke. Knowledge of breaststroke kick is a plus. Bronze level is an introductory level for swimmers coming from swim lessons, practices are designed with games and drills to introduce all four competitive strokes.

Silver:

Swimmers must have passed Bronze or be able to swim two strong lengths of both freestyle including side breathing and backstroke. A strong breaststroke and butterfly kick are a plus. Swimmers will perfect starts and turns, as well as gain endurance for all four competitive strokes. 

Gold I:

Swimmers must have passed Silver or be able to swim four lengths of freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. Swimmers will perfect proper starts, turns, and finishes. Swimmers will also be recommended for a competitive team is desired.

Gold II/Elite:

Swimmers must be at least 12 years of age and have passed Gold. Swimmers will continue to perfect all four competitive strokes, starts, turns, and finishes to apply these skills to a high school or competitive team when ready. As well as transferring technique into conditioning and endurance. 


Friedenberg Olympic Pool Barracuda Practice Schedule:


Bronze M/W/F or T/Th/F  3:30-4:00
Silver M/W/F or T/Th/F  4:00-4:45
Gold I Monday-Thursday     4:45-5:45
Gold II/Elite  Monday-Thursday     5:45-7:00

Quarterly Fees:

Level JCC Member Non JCC Member
Bronze $168 $208
Silver $208 $248
Gold I $248 $288
Gold II/Elite $288 $328

*Team fees are due the first day of a swimmer's practice*

Please see below form for swim team registraion.

JCC Barracuda Registration Form.pdf

Swim Team Expectations

We ask that all swimmers come to practice ready to learn and have fun. We expect all swimmers to pay attention to directions, ask questions if they are confused and give their best. Talking back or disrespecting the coach, staff or other swimmers will not be tolerated. We ask that parents set a good example for the swimmers during practice by not interfering with instruction, speaking negatively to their swimmers or about another swimmer, and if there are any questions or concerns please speak with the coach or Aquatic Director and/or Asst. Aquatic Director. We expect parents to also allow the coach to train their swimmer without interruption during practice. Please contact your coach before or after swim practice if needed or via email. 

Swim Team Extras

Swimmers can participate in monthly mini meets which are a great way to practice competing, and measures swim times. Swimmers also have an opportunity to come to monthly stroke clinics where coaches work on individual stroke skills to improve swimmer ability. There are also seasonal events that swimmers can participate in where they will be swimming with other swimmers within the community.

Frequently asked questions

When can I sign up for the swim team?
You can sign up at any time for the JCC Barracudas at the Aquatics Office.

How do I register for the team?
There is a registration form in the aquatics office or on the JCC Aquatics website that you will need to fill out and turn in to the Aquatic Director and/or Asst. Aquatic director, or to the coach.

What is the evaluation for? What does it consist of?
The evaluation is strictly for the coach to see how well the swimmer understands and demonstrates the four competitive strokes. Even if your child has completed swim lessons this evaluation still needs to be completed so we may place your child in the correct swim level. Each evaluation will include 2 laps of freestyle, 1 lap of backstroke, 1 lap of breaststroke, and 1 lap of butterfly. We may recommend swim lessons if a child is completely unfamiliar with the strokes or is too young to participate. The evaluation takes approx. 10 mins. to complete depending on a swimmer’s level. Evaluation times are M-W-F from 3:00-3:30 or by appointment only.

Can I be on the team without being a member of the community center?
Yes. The monthly fee will be higher for a non member but you do not have to become one in order to participate.

Can I be on the team if I cannot make every practice?
Yes. We understand that kids and parents have other commitments, but we would like the kids to be at practice as much as possible.

Should I come to practice if it’s raining or cold?
Yes. We will shut the pool down if the weather becomes unsafe for the kids to swim (lightning, heavy rain etc.) but unless notified we will still hold practice.

Is the pool heated?
Yes. The pool is heated to 81 degrees though may feel warmer or cooler depending on the weather condition of that day.

When are fees due?
All team dues are due at the beginning of the month. We appreciate payment by the second Friday of the month in order for swimmers to participate.

What equipment should I bring for my child?
Your child should be in proper swim attire (swimsuit, please no street clothes), a cap if your child has hair long enough to be placed into a ponytail, goggles, towel, though we provide fins for the children, if your child would like their own pair you may bring them. We do have Barracuda Novice swim team swim caps to purchase for $3. Please see the Aquatics Office.

If I cannot make it to practice is there a make up time?
No. Special arrangements may be made, but you must speak with the coach or the Aquatic Director and/or Asst. Aquatic Direction in the Aquatics Office.

Where am I allowed to park?
You may use either the front lot off of Executive Dr. in the front of the JCC or the back lot on Eastgate Mall behind the police dept. You may also park along the street but please be aware of any sign postings.

If I want my child to stay in practice longer can I have them swim with the next group?
No. We ask that all swimmers swim during their level’s appropriate time.

How to be a Great Swim Parent

  • “The Swim Coach is the Coach”

We want your child to relate to his/her swim coach concerning swimming technique, development and workouts. This relationship and bonding between the coach and the swimmer produces positive results. Although we welcome the feedback from parents, we would like to keep the relationship between swimmer and coach in an educational setting.

  • Your Swimmer’s Workout

Now that your swimmer is on a swim team, there is a transition that must occur from swim lesson to swim team. Although the swim coach is focused on each swimmer during workouts, there is less one on one interaction with individuals in order to conduct a team atmosphere.  Swimmers are more than welcome to still have that one on one lesson experience with the swim coach if desired. Private swim lessons can be scheduled outside of swim practice for swimmers to achieve more one on one attention.

  • Your Swimmer’s Environment

Because the pool deck is the classroom of your swimmer’s workout, we ask that parents sit in the bleachers to allow for the swim coach to conduct the proper workout. It is perfectly fine for parents to observe their swimmer, but we ask that the swim coach have the amble amount of space needed to conduct workouts in a comfortable manner.

  • During Your Swimmer’s Workout

Because we consider the pool and the deck a classroom, we ask that parents refrain from speaking with the swim coach or their swimmer during their workout. The coaching process is much more than just instructing workouts, it is a process of analyzing, watching and noting swimmer’s technique and behavior. We ask that any conversation for either the swim coach or the swimmer to be held before or after practice. This insures a complete focus of both parties and allows for a positive experience for both.

  • Progress Reports & Feedback

The process for swimmer’s to move up to higher swim levels and then to a competitive team is different for each swimmer. Progress reports are conducted 4 times a year and are broken up into different sections to explain strengths and weakness of the swimmer. Once these progress reports are completed, the swim coach will hand them out in each swimmer’s folder. If a swimmer is ready for the next swim level or to move to a more competitive team, the swim coach will indicate it on the progress report. Not all swimmers will move up swim levels as fast as parents may expect. We ask that parents remain patient with their swimmer and the coach to ensure that their swimmer moves up when ready as opposed to when it is desired.

  • Disciplinary Procedures

We understand that there may be times where swimmers may not behave correctly in the water. Although the pool is a fun environment, we would like to keep it a safe environment for all swimmers. Please allow for the swim coach to provide the proper disciplinary actions in the water. If problems do prosiest, the swim coach will contact parents to assist in the solution. Again, we ask that parents refrain from getting involved with their swimmer’s behavior while in the water. The swim coach will get parents involved if the problem cannot be resolved while in the water.

  • Support & Respect

We want the swim team experience to be a positive one. We ask that swimmers, parents and coaches remain respectful and supportive for all parties to thrive.

  • Communication

We welcome feedback and communication from parents and swimmers at all times. If parents have questions, concerns or feedback, we ask that they be communicated with the swim coach via email, phone or after practice. Individual meetings can be scheduled if needed to discuss one on one. We greatly encourage and welcome open dialogue for the success for swimmers.

Team Rules for Swimmers

  • Swim caps MUST be worn if swimmer’s hair falls below ears
  • Respect your swim coach. Actively listening by staying close to the wall, keeping your head above the water, and looking at the swim coach when they are giving directions. This also includes engaging in side conversations and speaking out of turn.
  • Respect your teammates. Keeping our hands to ourselves, no splashing, giving space to finish swimming into the wall, and not disturbing fellow teammates while they are listening to directions.
  • Respect yourself. Doing your best during each practice, setting goals to achieve, and not cheating one’s self.
  • NO horseplay. This also includes handstands, flips, splashing or pushing. This is not tolerated during practice.
  • Stay off the lane lines. No sitting or laying on the lane lines, these are not a toy and can be harmful if broken.
  • Be ready to learn. Come to practice ready to swim, learn and have fun! Swim practice can be fun but is not a play time.
  • Swimmers must have parent supervision while using the JCC Jacuzzi and locker rooms. Please be respectful to other JCC members at all times.

 Behavior Policy

We ask that all swimmers pay attention and listen during swim practice. If swimmers are misbehaving or breaking team rules, the following measures will take place. This is to ensure a successful practice and positive team environment.

1. Verbal warning from Swim Coach

2. Second verbal warning from Swim Coach and documentation

3. Sitting out of practice for 5-15 minutes

4. Swim Coach will ask swimmer to leave practice for the day

5. Swim Coach will contact Swimmer’s parent

6. If Swimmer’s continues to demonstrate poor behavior, the swimmer will be asked to leave the team.

Summer League 2013

Come join us for another fun summer season! Summer League will run along with normal swim team practices, but will incorporate additional meets held on the weekends. This is a great opportunity for your swimmer to compete along with other novice teams in the community.
Swimmers will receive ribbons at the 1st 3 swim meets. The final swim meet is the championship meet where medals will be awarded for 1st–3rd place overall and ribbons for 4th–8th place overall. Not every swimmer will receive a ribbon or medal at the Championship event. 

Please note that any meet that is held on a Saturday is optional.

Summer League fees: $25.00/swimmer. (Fee covers all 4 meet entry fees, a Summer League shirt, and cap.)
Each swimmer will need to wear their JCC Barracuda swim cap or Summer League swim cap to each meet.

Meet dates: 

Sunday, June 23 •10:30 a.m. - Inter-squad event • JCC Friedenberg Pool

Saturday July 6 • 8:30 a.m. - Tri event (SDAC) • Location TBA

Saturday July 20 • 8:30 a.m. - Tri event (NCA) • JCC Friedenberg Pool

For questions please contact Christian Henry: (858) 362-1126 • christianh@lfjcc.com 

Summer League Registration Form:

2013 Summer League Registration Form.pdf

Moving to the Next Step!!

Swimmers who are interested in moving to a competitive swim team will be assessed by their swim coach to see what level fits best. They will then be evaluated by the competitive swim team coach if spaces are available. 

North Coast Aquatics is a great swim team that our Barracudas feed into as a competitive swim team option. Please see the swim levels below that Barracuda swimmers will move to.

Blue Group

Ages 10 and Under. This group is designed to continue perfecting the 4 competitive strokes, starts, turns and finishes. The main focus is developing proper technique while being introduced to some aspects of conditioning. Most Blue swimmers will compete in "C", "B" or "A" meets.

Age Group 2

Ages 10-12. This group is designed for the swimmer attending workouts at ;east 3 days a week and participating in meets regularly. Practices focuses on intermediate stroke technique and introducing the fundamentals of training (pacing, tempo, race preparation, etc.) Swimmers range in ability from A-time to Zone qualifier.

Age Group 1

Ages 11-14. This program is designed for the serious competitive swimmer training 4-6 days per week. The swimmers in this group are highly motivated, attending practice and participating in meets regularly. This program includes a dry-land component several times each week, incorporated in the scheduled workout. Swimmers range in ability from Junior Olympic to Western Zone qualifier. 

For more information about North Coast Aquatics please visit www.ncaswim.com