NORTHERN SWIMMING & DIVING



Wyoming Seminary Swimming & Diving

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Team Handbook

2016-2017

SWIMMING AND DIVING STAFF

Philip Mercatili – Head Coach, email: pmercatili@

Cell – 570-766-9013

Jennifer Mercatili – Assistant Coach, email: jmercatili@

Cell – 717-580-3074

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Program Staff 3

Coaching Philosophy 4

Season Objectives – “Seeking Excellence in Academics, Athletics and Character” 4

Swimmer and Diver Behavior Standards 4

Equipment & Financial Requirements 5

Parent/Guardian Athletic Code of Conduct and Expectations 5

We’re in this together 6

Rules of Attendance – Excused and Unexcused Absences 6

School Closings and Cancellations – Practice Policy 7

Why Do Young People Want to Swim or Dive? 7

Swimming and Diving Meet Schedule 7

Personal Fitness During Extended Absence 7

Non Swimming-related Activities During the Season – Avoiding Risky Behavior 7

Swim Meet Lineup Considerations 7

Transportation Home From Away Meets 8

Attire for Away Meets 8

Picking Up Athletes At School After Away Meets 8

Championship Meets 8

Team Responsibilities 8

Team Captains 8

NO Jewelry 9

Communications 9

Nutrition 9

Hydration 9

Rest and Recovery 9

Safety / Risks 10

Swimming Strokes and Meet Events 10

Scoring 11

School Credit and Varsity Letter Requirements 12

Swimmer Contract……………………………………………………………………………………………………….………..13

Program Staff

Head Swim Coach, Philip Mercatili

• Graduated from Sem in ‘03

• Graduated from and swam for Dickinson College

• Current head coach at SEM

• USA Swimming certified

Assistant Swim Coach, Jennifer Mercatili

• Swam for Northern York High School

• Graduated from and swam for Dickinson College

• Current assistant coach at SEM

Athletic Director – Karen Klassner

Associate Athletic Director – Kevin Kelly

Coaching Philosophy

Competitive swimming is a unique sport. It is by far one of the most physically demanding high school sports, and at the same time, both an individual and a team sport. While we are focused on preparing the team for success in competition, at the same time, we work with each individual to help him or her become the best swimmer they can be, keeping in mind no individual is more important than the team.

Swimming is more than a sport. It is an opportunity to master important life skills and develop character. It is hoped the athletes will use these skills to make a positive contribution to their family, school and community.

The Wyoming Seminary swim coaches feel strongly that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity at all times. As such, we will work hard to seek excellence in competitive swimming and diving by creating a positive atmosphere that is challenging and rewarding for each athlete and the team.

Our philosophy is focused on setting goals, formulating a plan to attain those goals and achieving them through hard work…while seeking to become better, stronger people in the process.

Season Objectives – “Seeking Excellence in Academics, Athletics and Character”

• Insure each athlete is continually seeking to become the very best student, athlete and person they can be.

• Excellence in Academics

- Student-athletes should be seeking to develop the tools they need to study and learn effectively.

- They should strive first and foremost to achieve academically, the entire season/school year.

• Excellence in Athletics

- Coaches will provide clear, effective instruction of techniques and rules for competitive swimming starts, strokes and turns and competitive diving. Athletes will trust the coaches and follow instruction.

- Coaches will work with swimmers and divers to set challenging, measurable personal goals in order to facilitate improvement. Athletes will do the very best they can to achieve these team and individual goals.

- Each athlete will arrive at practice ready to focus on working hard and constantly seeking to improve their technique and skills in order to reach their full potential as a member of the team.

- As a team we will prepare, and expect, to win!

• Excellence in Character

- Athletes will constantly strive to exhibit increasing levels of maturity; responsibility; self-discipline; positive support of their teammates; trustworthiness; honesty; integrity; sportsmanship; dependability; compassion; focus; and determination.

- Others who observe our team will find us to be of the highest moral character in everything we do.

• At season end, each athlete will feel Sem swimming was challenging, fun and rewarding.

Athlete Behavior Standards

In addition to the Wyoming Seminary Athletic Code, each Sem swimmer and diver is expected to adhere to the following behavior standards at all times:

• Arrive at all practices early and with proper attire/equipment.

• Treat all athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and fans with respect.

• No touching or hazing of teammates or managers will be tolerated.

• Demonstrate a positive, cooperative, patient attitude.

• Put forth your best possible effort each and every day.

• Demonstrate self-discipline before, during, and after practices and competitions.

• Enthusiastically support your teammates in a constructive way.

• Do not participate in any harmful, risky or dangerous activities.

• Stand quietly, still and at attention during the playing/singing of the national anthem.

• Make good choices regarding your behavior, particularly as it relates to the use of any controlled substances prohibited by law (look-alike drugs, alcoholic beverages, anabolic steroids, drug paraphernalia, etc.) and tobacco products.

Note: If a swimmer does not adhere to these standards, their opportunities to compete in meets may be reduced and/or they may be permanently dismissed from the swimming team.

Equipment & Financial Requirements

• Swim training gear (suits, goggles, etc.) can be purchased online at

• Each athlete pays for the competition suit, which they keep as well as their own paddles, snorkels, etc.

• Practice swim caps (latex or silicone)… $5 each.

• Competition goggles…need to have at least 2 PAIRS that fit and won’t leak…approx. $15 each.

• Competition swim caps (provided by school)

• Clean towel(s)….to EVERY practice!

• Warm clothing to wear home from practice…seriously consider a HAT.

• Bring two modest, healthy snacks for before and after practice. No junk food.

• Bring a non-breakable bottle for Gatorade or water.

Parent/Guardian Athletic Code of Conduct and Expectations

Interscholastic athletics are a significant part of the curriculum at Wyoming Seminary. The goals and purposes of the swim program include teaching the student athletes the meaning and understanding of sportsmanship, commitment, fairness, sacrifice, teamwork and hard work. Additional goals include knowing how to win and lose, increasing knowledge of swimming and diving, developing a healthy lifestyle and skill development. Our pool is a place for learning and practicing skills that will benefit our athletes throughout life. We ask all parents/guardians to support our efforts to help teach the lessons of interscholastic athletics. Listed below are the guidelines that we expect all parents, guardians and fans to follow to ensure our swimmers and divers have a positive athletic experience. Parents and other fans that are unable to follow these guidelines may be unable to attend future swimmeets.

• Understand the ultimate purpose of swimming and diving; it exists as an integral part of the total educational mission of the school and participation in swimming is a privilege and not a right.

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in swimming. Children take part in swimming for their own enjoyment, not yours.

• Support your child by being a positive listener, especially after a tough loss.

• Avoid putting pressure on your child to start, score points, or be the star of the team.

• Support the coaching staff and administration in public around other parents and fans.

• Avoid speaking negatively about the coaches in front of your child. It may create a major barrier in the child’s hope for improvement in swimming.

• Serve as a good role model for the students, athletes and other fans. Children often learn best by imitating a good example.

• Appreciate the educational opportunity that your athlete is receiving in the swimming and diving program.

• Display excellent sportsmanship at all times. Teach your child to always play by the rules and to be fair and honest at all times.

• Show respect to everyone involved in the swimming and diving program – the coaches, athletes, fans, other parents, officials, security and administrators. Do not publicly question an official’s judgment or integrity. Don’t complain or argue about an official’s calls or decisions during or after a meet.

• Express your concerns and questions in a courteous and civil manner and please do it at the right time and in the proper setting.

• Avoid constant and chronic complaining.

• PIAA by-laws dealing with athletic courtesy provide that any spectator who continually evidences poor sportsmanship should be requested not to attend future meets.

• Abide by the Wyoming Seminary Code of Conduct, Drug and Alcohol Policy, Eligibility requirements and team rules.

• Understand, and remember, that the goals of the team and the swimming program are more important than the hopes and dreams you may have for your child.

• Teach your child that hard work and honest effort are more important than winning.

• Be loyal to the school and team; put the best interests of the team above your child’s personal glory.

• Teach your child to live and play with class and to be a good sport. A swimmer or diver should be gracious in victory and accept defeat with dignity.

• Support the concept of “being a student first.” Commit your child to getting the best possible education. Be honest with your child about the likelihood of getting an athletic scholarship to a college. Reinforce that colleges and universities will not recruit student athletes who do not have a serious commitment to education.

• Keep swimming in perspective – family, fun and education are far more important.

We’re in this together

The Sem Swimming Program will be successful if the athletes, parents/guardians, coaches and school administration work together to make the experience as positive as possible. At this stage in their lives, it is very important for parents/guardians to hold young adults accountable for their actions and allow them to speak for themselves. If an athlete has an issue, question or concern with the program, the athlete should address it directly with a member of the coaching staff. It’s very important to remember we are working together to insure the student-athletes have the tools they need to function and succeed on their own in the world.

Rules of Attendance – Excused and Unexcused Absences

It is expected that Sem swimmers and divers will attend all scheduled practices and (especially) meets, unless they have an acceptable excuse and have notified a coach at least 24 hours before a practice or meet. The athlete must make every attempt to communicate to (or remind/confirm with) the Coaching staff that they will miss part, or all, of a specific practice prior to the practice.

Excused Absences include:

• A legal school absence during the day of participation...illness, college visit, etc.

• Receiving academic help from a teacher or counseling during practice...arrive as soon as possible afterwards with a note signed by a teacher or have the teacher send an email.

• A previously scheduled and documented out of town family vacation.

• Necessary doctors’ appointments...please try to schedule around practice times.

• Family emergencies...sudden illness, car accident/breakdown, death in the family.

• Prescheduled school sponsored activities (i.e. Jazz Band, play, field trip, musical activities).

UNexcused absences are when you miss part, or all, of a practice or competition for any reason not listed above. Some examples of unexcused absences are:

• I was working.

• I was attending a party with friends or relatives.

• I chose to sleep in or accidentally overslept.

• My parents were late in getting me to practice.

• My friends/relatives were visiting with us over the holidays and I chose to spend the day with them.

• I decided to go skiing or snowboarding instead of swimming….see Risky Behavior.

• I had Bells.

• I couldn’t arrange for a ride to the pool with a teammate.

• I arrived late or left practice early for any unexcused reason.

• I practiced with my Age Group swimming team instead of the High School team.

• I attended an Age Group swimming meet instead of a High School swimming meet.

• I attended a soccer or tennis match or practice.

Missing a planned high school meet for any unexcused reason is unacceptable. An athlete who misses a high school meet for an unexcused reason may force the coaching staff to limit their opportunity to compete in the next high school meet.

Finally, athletes must be in school for the entirety of 5th bell in order to participate in practice or a swimming meet that day, unless a written excuse from a doctor, dentist or college (you visited) is provided. A note from a parent is not acceptable. If the student goes home sick during the school day, he/she cannot practice or compete that day without a written note from a doctor. A student cannot compete in a Saturday meet if he/she is not in school on Friday, unless they have a note from a doctor or college.

School Closings and Cancellations – Practice Policy

When, due to inclement weather, Wyoming Seminary is closed or dismissed early, practice will be optional.

Why Do Young People Want to Swim or Dive?

Parents and coaches need to recognize that each student athlete participates in swimming for their own reasons. Some of the main reasons are:

• They are high achievers/performers and are very competitive in everything they do.

• They are “reluctant participants” and are being “encouraged” by someone else.

• They want to be with their friends, socialize and have fun.

• They want to become more physically fit or maintain fitness.

• They want to get/keep in shape for an upcoming high school sports season.

• They like the “feel” of the water and to swim.

• Swimming is a lifelong sport they can do forever.

While athletes may swim for various reasons, it is important to remember this is a competitive high school varsity sport and therefore we are striving for more than just having fun and getting exercise.

Swimming and Diving Meet/Practice Schedule

Please see the Wyoming Seminary Website or our own website: semswimming. for a google calendar including times for all meets and practices. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Mercatili.

Personal Fitness During Extended Absence

It is important for swimmers to do strength/conditioning work outside of planned practices if they are going to miss practice for an extended period of time. Swimmers are encouraged to help maintain their conditioning level by doing aerobics, push-ups, AB exercises, squats, biking, steppers, jogging, etc. To maintain conditioning, you should complete a demanding aerobic workout at least once a day, for at least 30-60 minutes.

This is especially important for those boarders who are unable to attend practices over breaks to get their workouts in. I will email workouts on request to boarders out of the area over breaks for them to do. If you can get to a pool in your hometown (YMCA’s and local colleges are usually good places to look) and do water workouts that is the best solution. If you are not able to find a pool to practice at during breaks you need to make sure to keep active with dry land workouts that I will also provide to you when requested. It will be pretty obvious to us if you have done nothing over a break and this will hurt your chances to swim in certain events or on certain relays.

Non Swimming-related Activities During the Season – Avoiding Risky Behavior

We ask that Sem swimmers use good judgment regarding their non-swimming activities during the season. Dangerous and energy-draining activities should be avoided if at all possible. Do not waste/spoil what you have worked so hard in practice to achieve. Swimmers should not participate in “risky” behavior – i.e. snowboarding, skiing, roller skating, ice-skating, playing on the rink on back campus, skate-boarding, dirt bike riding, ATV riding, etc. – that may result in them being injured and not able to practice or compete.

Swim Meet Lineup Considerations

The coaching staff will organize a swimming and diving meet lineup with many different factors in mind. Factors include(in order of importance):

• First, the needs of the team.

• Attendance, and effort, at practices.

• Recent individual athlete performance.

• Season goals -- individual and team.

• The strengths and weaknesses of our competition.

• Each athlete’s adherence to proper Behavior Standards (see above).

Please do not question the lineup for a meet immediately before or after the meet. Wait a day or two, reflect upon the above considerations, and then, if you still have a question or concern, address it with the Head Coach. Students will learn their events for a particular meet immediately preceding home meets and on the bus ride to away meets.

Transportation Home From Away Meets

We strongly encourage each swimmer/diver to return home on the team bus from our away meets. However, if you must ride home from an away meet with your parent or guardian, you must physically come together (swimmer/diver and parent/guardian) and tell either Coach Mercatili.

Attire and Behavior for Away Meets

Swimmers and divers need to be mindful when they compete that they represent Wyoming Seminary, their families and their communities. As such, they are expected to dress neatly and appropriately for all away meets. Men should wear a shirt and tie. Women should wear a dress, skirt, or dress pants.

In representing the school, swimmers should also be aware they will be held to an even higher standard. They are expected to be courteous, helpful, clean up after themselves and be generally pleasant to be around.

Picking Up Athletes At School After Away Meets

A bus schedule for away meets will be distributed as soons as it is available. Please plan to be parked and waiting when the bus arrives back at the CAC, so that the athletes, and coaching staff, do not have to wait for you to arrive. It works well for the athlete to call someone on our ride home so you can properly time your arrival.

Championship Meets

There are two levels of post-season championship swimming and diving meets --District II Championships and the PIAA State Championships. Each meet has a different set of criteria for qualification. Please see a coach for details.

Team Responsibilities

Each Team member will have responsibilities in taking care of regular team management activities, including:

• LANE LINES – installing and properly removing lane lines as required for practices and meets.

• DRYLAND EQUIPMENT – getting out and properly putting away the equipment needed each day (stretch tubes, exercise/stability balls, mats, medicine balls, etc.)

• TRAINING EQUIPMENT – getting out and properly putting away training equipment for practice (kick boards, paddles, pull buoys, etc.)

• MEET PREP & CLEAN UP – getting out and properly putting away the equipment necessary to run a home dual meet.

Each swimmer’s specific responsibilities will be communicated with them once they are finalized.

Team Captains

Swimming and diving Team Captains will be selected by the coaches.

Team Captains will have demonstrated the qualities of being:

• A GOOD STUDENT…one who consistently maintains their academic eligibility.

• COMMITTED….to swimming and diving by virtue of having an excellent attendance record.

• PASSIONATE / ENTHUSIASTIC…about swimming and diving and being around their teammates.

• TRUSTWORTHY…supportive of the coaching staff, able to handle sensitive information properly.

• KNOWLEDGEABLE…about important rules governing swimming and diving.

• ORGANIZED…aware of the details of the season schedule and any updates at all times.

• HONEST…completely truthful with themselves and others at all times.

• A GOOD LISTENER…always completely focused on what is being said by others.

• SELFLESS or FLEXIBLE…willing to put the needs of the team ahead of their own.

• POSITIVE….always quick to compliment others and slow to criticize.

• RESPECTFUL...of the differences in others…treats everyone with respect, regardless of their circumstances.

• HELPFUL...often extending a helping hand…always looking for ways to help others on the team.

• MATURE…conducts themselves as a young adult at all times….a role model for others.

• RESPONSIBLE…when given an assignment, they carry it out without being reminded.

• A HARD WORKER…focused on completing all training as specifically requested by the coaches.

NO Jewelry

It is a PIAA rule that NO jewelry, of any type, may be worn at any time during swimming meets. This includes ponytail holders on your wrist and pierced jewelry under your suit or in your mouth. Please remove all jewelry before stepping onto the pool deck for a practice or meet. During the pre-competition meeting captains and coaches will certify that all athletes will remove any and all jewelry before competition. Failure to remove jewelry may result in disqualification of the individual or relay in that event. It is expected that everyone will take the initiative to remind teammates about removing their jewelry.

Communications

Frequent, open communications between the coaching staff, athletes and parents/guardians is very important. Please be sure to check your email daily. We will be piloting a system this year using an app called ‘groupme’. We are asking that any swimmer who has the capability to download the app and speak with Matthew Bean to get invited into the group. This will be our primary means of communication as it is slightly more immediate than email and sometimes things change on the fly. Emails will be sent as well as we transition to this (hopefully) more streamlined method.

As stated above, if an athlete or parent has a concern or question regarding the swimming program, the athlete should direct it to the Head Coach first.

Concerns that are not appropriate for discussion and must be left to the discretion of the coach:

• How many opportunities a swimmer has to compete.

• Team strategy.

Appropriate concerns to address with the coach:

• The mental and physical treatment of the athlete.

• What the athlete needs to do to improve.

• Aspects of the athlete’s behavior.

• Concerns about the program philosophy or expectations.

• Schedule conflicts…well in advance.

Please do not confront a coach immediately before, during or immediately after a competition.

Nutrition

Nutrition is a huge part of any athletic endeavor. We will extensively talk about what our swimmers need to be putting in their bodies to be able to practice and competing at their highest level.

Hydration

The body has an elaborate system to maintain optimal fluid balance in cells, body fluids and blood. Disrupting the system may have serious consequences and adversely effect athletic performance. Swimmers can sweat at the rate of 2 quarts per hour, or more, during vigorous workouts. Dehydration not only rids the body of needed water, but it also alters the balance of electrolytes in the body. When the level of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, gets too low, nerve conduction and muscular contraction are affected and strength and endurance decrease. Endurance is further affected by the loss of blood volume resulting from water loss. The key is to constantly replenish the water, electrolytes and carbohydrates you lose or use during swimming by drinking a 6% carbohydrate sports drink during training and eating electrolyte-rich foods during meals. In addition, it is extremely beneficial to drink water or sports drink throughout the day, prior to practice or competition. “Energy” drinks, such as Red Bull, are far too high in concentration of caffeine and carbohydrates and should never be consumed under any circumstances.

Rest and Recovery

Another critically important ingredient in a successful and complete training program is rest and recovery. An athlete’s body is often pushed to its physical limits during practice. In order for the athlete to benefit from the strenuous exercise and for their body to develop and expand energy systems and muscle fiber, they need sufficient rest every day. Ideally, each athlete should be getting at least eight (8) hours of sleep per night. Their bodies are still growing and they will only see the benefits of their training if they rest properly. The weekends provide a very good opportunity for the athlete to rest and recover. Please insure each athlete is provided the opportunity to rest and recover as much as possible on Saturdays and Sundays. The key to success and improved performance is a balanced mix of training, nutrition, hydration and rest/recovery. Practices outside of our program are strongly discouraged.

Safety / Risks

Swimming pools and the sport of swimming and diving have inherent risks. Swimmers and divers need to be aware of environmental conditions such as standing water on the floor or pool deck, people swimming/diving near them, their proximity to the pool wall/gutter and the movement of pool-related equipment on the deck as they carry out their practices and competitions. Swimmers should read, and heed, all safety warnings posted in the locker room and swimming pool areas and conduct themselves in a safe, responsible manner at all times. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death.

Swimming Strokes and Meet Events

There are four strokes in competitive swimming -- backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle. Here is a brief description of each:

- Backstroke...consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a flutter kick while on the back. On turns, swimmers may rotate to the stomach and perform a “flip” turn with some part of the swimmer touching the wall.

- Breaststroke...requires simultaneous movement of the arms on the same horizontal plane. The hands are pressed out from in front of the chest in a heart shaped pattern and recovered under or at the surface of the water. The kick is a simultaneous, somewhat circular motion similar to a frog’s kick. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously at, above or below the water surface.

- Butterfly...features a simultaneous over water recovery of both arms, combined with an undulating dolphin kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs together and may not “flutter”, scissor or use the breaststroke kick.

- Freestyle...in freestyle events, the swimmer may use any stroke. The stroke most commonly used is the “crawl”, which is characterized by the alternate overhead motion of the arms and the alternating (up-and-down) flutter kick. On turns, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. Most swimmers do “flip” turns and touch the wall with their feet.

These strokes -- alone or in combination and over varying distances -- make up the eleven PIAA high school swimming events. There is also a one-meter diving event in most meets. Boys and girls compete separately in their own events, alternating during the same meet, with the girls’ event first. Most pools we compete in are 25 yards in length with the exception of Berwick High School’s pool which is 25m. Most are six lanes wide, while ours is four and the CYC pool is eight. In a six-lane pool, each team is allowed three entries per event. In a four-lane pool, each team is allowed two entries per event. In an eight-lane pool, each team is allowed three official entries and one non-scoring entry. Each swimmer/diver may compete in no more than four events (three relays plus one individual event OR two relays plus two individual events).

The twelve high school swimming and diving events, and their usual order, are:

• 200 yard medley relay (a team event with four different individuals)

- 50 yard backstroke, 50 yard breaststroke, 50 yard butterfly and 50 yard freestyle

• 200 yard freestyle

• 200 yard individual medley (one swimmer completes all four strokes in the following order)

- 50 yard butterfly, 50 yard backstroke, 50 yard breaststroke and 50 yard freestyle

• 50 yard freestyle

• 1 meter diving (We will not have diving at home meets)

• 100 yard butterfly

• 100 yard freestyle

• 500 yard freestyle

• 200 yard freestyle relay (a team event with four different individuals each swimming 50 yards freestyle)

• 100 yard backstroke

• 100 yard breaststroke

• 400 yard freestyle relay (a team event with four different individuals each swimming 100 yards freestyle)

Scoring

Ÿ Relays (Note…no single team can sweep all three places and points):

6 Lane Pool 4 Lane Pool (Home meets)

- 1st place: 8 points 6 points

- 2nd place: 4 points 3 points

- 3rd place: 2 points 1 point

Ÿ Individual events:

6 Lane Pool 4 Lane Pool (Home meets)

- 1st place: 6 points 4 points

- 2nd place: 4 points 2 points

- 3rd place: 3 points 1 point

- 4th place: 2 points

- 5th place: 1 point

School Credit/Varsity Letters

The Wyoming Seminary swimming team holds high standards for its athletes. This year we have a great group of swimmers eager to fulfill their athletic requirement and possibly receive a Varsity letter. Please understand that the coaches will put swimmers in meets based on the fastest times in each event. Depending on the strength of the opposing teams the coaches will move swimmers around to ensure a victory and also allow opportunities for those who may not have the fastest times in an event. The standards for receiving a Varsity letter are as follows:

1 – Mandatory Practices – Please understand that it is a requirement that all swimmers attend practice – unless decided upon by the Head Coach. If your attendance is not exemplary it will have a bearing when choosing letter winners.

2 – There will be practices held on weekends, in the morning and during vacation time. These practices are scheduled for the swimmers benefit and to enhance the overall ability of the team. Unless excused by the Head coach, swimmers are required to attend these sessions. Coaches will take vacation practice time into consideration when awarding Varsity letters.

3 – Meet attendance – (Mandatory) - you must be present at all meets to be considered for a varsity letter. College visits, USA Swimming Meets and vacations should be scheduled around swimming meets to ensure overall team spirit, performance and dedication.

4 – If you are entered in all of the regular season meets you will be considered for a varsity letter. Automatic consideration will be given to districts and State qualifiers.

5 – Swimmers attitude and effort during practice and swimming meets must adhere to the overall mind, body and spirit of a Wyoming Seminary student. Behavior unbecoming of a Sem student will have a bearing on receiving a Varsity letter.

6 – The boys swim team will have 12 regular season swimming meets and the girls swim team will have 15 regular season swimming meets.

7 – During the course of the season if a swimmer becomes injured and cannot swim or dive, he or she must still attend practices and swimming meets unless agreed upon by the Head Coach. (i.e. Physical Therapy)

Good luck this season – stay positive and be supportive.

Wyoming Seminary Swimming and Diving

Athletic Contract

Player’s Name: ________________________

Congratulations on becoming a member of a Wyoming Seminary Swimming and Diving Team! Being a Student Athlete is a privilege and with privileges come responsibilities. As one of our athletes, we expect that you will comply with the expectations and responsibilities outlined in the handbook.

1. Athletes will perform to the best of their abilities in all classes.

You are a student first and an athlete second. Failing to complete assignments, submit work, or maintaining a passing grade, indicates an inability to handle the load of being a team member as well as a student. If teachers are not satisfied that you are working to your potential, you may be suspended from competition until improvement is shown.

2. Athletes are expected to demonstrate citizenship and leadership in all classes.

This includes showing respect to teachers and other students, demonstrating cooperation, and responsible behavior at all times. Behavior should not interfere with the learning opportunities of others.

3. Athletes will commit to participate fully in the Athletics program at Wyoming Seminary. This includes:

a) Committing to be early to all practices, games and team experiences.

b) Committing to being prepared with the correct equipment for that day’s workout.

c) Committing to working your hardest and challenging yourself to get better every day.

d) I will be positive and encouraging to my teammates and I will treat them with respect.

e) Athletes must choose to conduct themselves in a manner that displays respect for coaches, teammates, game officials, and opponents.

Remember that as an athlete you are representing yourself and Wyoming Seminary. Your conduct and sportsmanship should always reflect on you and the school in the best possible way. Coaches will remove swimmers who cannot demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship.

I, _______________________ as an athlete at Wyoming Seminary, recognize that there are high expectations for my conduct both during competition and as a student. I agree to adhere to the expectations stated in this handbook, and understand that if at any time I do not live up to the terms of this contract, my participation may be restricted or terminated.

____________________________ _____________________________

Student Signature Date

____________________________ _____________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian Name (printed)

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