St. Charles Swim Team

PARENT HANDBOOK 2006-07

1050 Dunham Road
Saint Charles, IL 60174
www.stcswim.com

Title	Page
Introduction	1
Training Facilities	2
Coaching Staff/Responsibilities	2
Competitive Teams	3-5
Code of Conduct	6
Swimmer`s Responsibilities	6
Practice Policy	6-7
Communication	7
Team Attire	8
Team Travel	8
Swim Seasons	8-9
Award`s Banquet	9
Swim Meets	10-11
SCSTPA (Saint Charles Swim Team Parent Assoc.)	12
Volunteering	12-13
Fundraising	13
Fee Structure	14
Parents	14-15

Introduction

Welcome to the Saint Charles Swim Team

The purpose of this handbook is to prepare parents and the swimmers of the Saint Charles Swim Team (SCST) for the exciting world of competitive swimming in affiliation with USA Swimming. The intent of this handbook is to increase communication as well as educate all team members on the general swimming knowledge. The information in this handbook is updated on a regular basis to keep it current. All parents and swimmers should be aware of its contents. Should questions arise, we hope that parents and swimmers refer to the information provided in this book.

Club Philosophy

The Saint Charles Swim Team is offered as a service to the residents of School District #303 and surrounding communities who want their children to participate in a competitive swim program. The program is designed to meet the needs of all levels of competitive swimmers.

We believe that:

Participation in youth athletics is an important part of a child`s life experiences.
Children should be provided with opportunities to develop their respective capabilities to the fullest extent.
The program should always strive to create an environment where children and their families can share a successful and fun athletic experience.
Providing our swimmers with the opportunity to practice skills and learn team-work under increasing challenging situations prepares them for success in life.
We should strive to create an atmosphere where young people can develop confidence, a positive self-concept, a healthy body, an optimistic attitude toward life, and the ability to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Primary Goals of the Saint Charles Swim Team

To ensure that our swimmers acquire the skills and confidence to succeed in all facets of life.
To create the team concept within our organization and outside our own team.
To maintain World-Class sportsmanship at all times.
To sustain a highly motivated and trained coaching staff.
To provide a competitive and fulfilling environment for athletes with disabilities.

History of the Saint Charles Swim Team

The Saint Charles Swim Team, founded in 1975, is known throughout the country for a first-class, year-round swim program. The club is the #1 ranked swim club in Illinois and 53rd in the nation. We have one of the largest clubs within the USA, being in the top 5% nationally.

Training Facilities

Norris Recreational Center Natatorium
Saint Charles North High School Natatorium

Coaching Staff/Responsibilities

Head Coach:	Jon Cabel
Head Senior Coach:	Tim Lewarchick
Senior Assistant Coach:	Rob Rooney
Yellow Team Coach:	Jon Cabel
Black Team Coach:
Red Team Coach:	Mary Dauw
Blue Team Coach:	Mary Dauw, Mina Seymour
Green TeamCoach:	Laurie Chokran
Pre-Team Coach:

Coaching Responsibilities

The coaches` job is to supervise the entire competitive swim program. The SCST coaching staff is dedicated to providing a program for youngsters that will enable them to learn the value of striving to improve oneself. Therefore, the coaches must be in total control in matters affecting training and competition.

The coaches are responsible for placing youngsters in practice groups. This is based on the age and ability of each individual. When it is in the best interest of a swimmer, she/he will be placed in a more challenging training group by the coach.
Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and the training regimen rest with the SCST coaching staff.
The coaching staff will make the final decision concerning which meets the SCST swimmers may attend. The coaching staff also makes the final decision concerning which events a swimmer is entered into.
At meets, the coaching staff will conduct and supervise warm-up procedures for the team. After each race, the coaches will offer constructive criticism regarding the swimmer`s performance. (It is the parent`s job to offer love and understanding regardless of their youngster`s performance.)
The building of a relay team is the sole responsibility of the coaching staff.

The coaching staff is constantly updating and improving the SCST. It is the swimmer`s and parents` responsibility to make the most out of the excellent opportunity this program provides for success in swimming.

Competitive Teams

The SCST is a developmental age group program designed to develop the child physically, mentally, and emotionally in a systematic fashion. A well-defined, long term approach of gradually increasing degrees of commitment is essential to reach peak performance levels during a swimmer`s physiological prime. The emphasis in the early stages of participation must be placed on developing technical skills and a love for the sport. In the later years, a more demanding physical and psychological challenge will be introduced to the training program. In the respect, "too much too soon" is more often the cause of failure to achieve maximum potential in swimming that in the reverse situation.

At each level, the goals and objectives are specific and directed toward meeting the needs of the swimmer. The long-term goal of total excellence is always in mind. As each child is different, she/he will progress at his/her own rate. The coaching staff recognizes this fact when making team assignments based on a swimmer`s physical, mental, and emotional level of development.

National - Senior Team:
The National Team is designed with the intention of providing the curriculum and atmosphere necessary for success at all levels of regional and national competition. It is expected from the SCST NATIONAL TEAM swimmer that they are positive, hard-working, exhibit sportsmanship, not only for the SCST program, but also for USA Swimming.

To be part of the National Team, a senior swimmer must have achieved at least one Speedo Sectional Time Standard. Swimmers will be expected to maintain attendance requirements throughout the year. NATIONAL swimmers are REQUIRED to attend ALL meets the Senior Team will be attending.

Senior - Junior Team:
The Junior Team is intended to provide both a stepping stone for athletes intending to be successful in the SCST National Team and also provide a demanding and comprehensive training program for those athletes who cannot meet the attendance and/or training requirement of the National Team.

The swimmers must be at least 13 years of age to participate on the Junior Team. Swimmers must achieve at least one 13-14 USA Swimming National "A" Time Standard. The final decision on the placement of a swimmer lies with the SCST Coaching Staff.

High School Training Group:
This group is focused on taking athletes and making them into swimmers. The HSTG will meet the needs of athletes coming from other sports, HS swimmers, or swimmers currently on the SCST. Technique is the primary focus with speed, power, and explosiveness playing large roles.

Swimmers must be a least 13 years of age. Swimmers must be able to swim 100 yards of 3 different strokes and have a basic understanding of interval training. There is no attendance requirement for this training group.

Yellow Team - Age Group Team
The Yellow Team is intended for the age group swimmer that has goals of pursuing their swimming career as far as possible. Swimmers must be at least 11 years of age to begin swimming on the Yellow Team. A swimmer must have achieved a 13-14 USA Swimming National "BB" Time Standard in 2 different strokes. The final decision on the placement of a swimmer lies with the Coaching Staff.

Workouts are offered 6 days per week. There is no practice attendance requirement for the Yellow Team, but it is recommended to come to at least 4-5 practices per week to achieve the swimmer`s goals. Practices are at least 2 hours in duration.

The Yellow Team swimmers will be a part of a team atmosphere, enjoy meets, make goals and attempt to attain them. They will also make friends with their teammates, enjoy swimming and they will want to come to practice.

Please refer to the website for basic workout criteria, goals, and equipment requirements.

Red Team - Age Group Team:
On the Red Team, swimmers will be transitioning from introductory competitive swimming to more experienced competitive swimmers, who will have the capacity of being successful in the SCST Senior Team program. Red Team swimmers will consistently improve their stroke technique and grow up in the sport of swimming aiming to be their best. They will be a part of a team atmosphere, enjoy meets, make goals and attempt to attain them. They will make friends with their teammates, enjoy swimming and they will want to come to practice.

For swimmers to be on the Red Team, they must be at least 9 years old. A swimmer must also have achieved an 11-12 USA Swimming National "B" Time Standard in 2 different events.

Workouts are offered 5 days per week. There is no attendance requirement for the Red Team, but it recommended to come to at least 3-4 practices per week for regular improvement. Practices are 1 hour and 30 minutes in duration.

Please refer to the website for basic workout criteria, goals, and equipment needs.

Black Team - Age Group Team:
On the Black Team, swimmers will be transitioning from the introductory competitive swimming to more experienced competitive swimmers, who will have the capability of being successful in the SCST Senior Program. Black Team swimmers will have the opportunity to consistently improve their stroke technique, grow up in the sport of swimming, be a part of a team atmosphere, make friends with their teammates, and enjoy swimming.

Swimmers on the Black Team must be at least 11 years old and have a basic understanding of swimming. Workouts are offered five days per week. There is no attendance requirement for this group, but it is recommended to come to at least 3 practices per week for regular improvement. Practices are 1 hour and 30 mins. to 2 hours in duration.

Please refer to the website for basic workout criteria, goals, and equipment requirements.

Blue Team - Age Group Team:
On the Blue Team, swimmers will consistently improve their stroke technique, grow up in the sport of swimming, be a part of a team atmosphere, make friends with their teammates, enjoy swimming, and they will want to come to practice.

For swimmers on the Blue Team, they must be able to legally complete 25 yards of all 4 competitive strokes. This group is made up of primarily 9-10 year old swimmers.

Practices are offered 4 days per week. There is no attendance requirement for this group, but it is recommended to come to at least 2 practices per week for regular improvement. Practices are 1 hour and 15 mins. in duration.

Please refer to the website for basic workout criteria, goals and equipment requirements.

Green Team - Age Group Team:
On the Green Team, swimmers will consistently improve their stroke technique, grow in the sport of swimming, be a part of a team atmosphere, and make friends with their teammates. They will enjoy swimming and will want to come to practice.

For swimmers to be on the Green Team, they must have developed a general knowledge of all 4 strokes and be able to dive into the water. The Green Team is primarily for 8 & Unders who are proficient in freestyle, backstroke, and breastroke.

Green Team practices are 3 days per week. There is no attendance requirement for this group, but it is recommended to come to at least 2 practices per week for regular improvement. Practices are 1 hour in duration.

Please refer to the website for goals, and equipment requirements.

Pre-Team - Age Group Team:
Pre-Team is where the new swimmer develops a confidence in one`s self. All swimmers on the Pre-Team must be able to swim 25 yards without stopping in freestyle and backstroke.

Pre-Team practices twice per week for a session lasting 6 weeks. There is no attendance requirement for this group, but it is recommended to come to at least 1 practice per week for regular improvement. Practices are 45 minutes in duration.

Code of Conduct

Any swimmer caught violating the SCST Code of Conduct will be dealt with by their coach.

Any swimmer who is known to use alcohol, drugs or tobacco is subject to suspension from the team.
Never interfere with the progress of another swimmer during practice or otherwise.
At all SCST functions (practices, meets, social gatherings), we expect each swimmer to behave in such a way that their actions reflect positively on the team.
All members of the SCST (parents, swimmers), continue to protect and improve the excellent reputation the SCST maintains throughout the state and country.

Swimmer`s Training Responsibilities

As a swimmer`s level of ability increases, so does her/his responsibilities. As swimmers improve, there is a deep commitment that requires great effort on all parts. A swimmer has responsibilities to the team, the coach, her/his parents, and most importantly to herself/himself. Swimmers are expected to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition. Working together as a team benefits all individuals in the group. Swimmers need to prepare themselves for a 100% effort each time they come to practice. Challenge yourself on a daily basis. Don`t be afraid of the competition in practice and in meets. Try to become the lane leader and motivate everyone in it. Practice consistency and observe proper training habits. This includes proper diet, rest, and study habits.

Swimmers may be required to bring specified training equipment to practice. It is the swimmer`s responsibility to come prepared.

Practice and Attendance Policies

Swimmers must be registered with the SCST and have all fees paid in full prior to the start of the season to practice.
Swimmers should arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before practice so as to be on deck and ready 10 minutes before practice starts. This is time to stretch and spend some social time with teammates. Also, this allows us to start on time and make efficient use of the allocated time.
Swimmers should be picked up no later than 15 minutes after practice.
For the swimmer`s protection, parents should make sure a coach is at practice and that there is practice, before leaving their child at the pool. Check with the team`s website regularly for changes. www.stcswim.com
The swimmer should plan to stay the entire practice. The last part of practice is often the most important. Also, announcements are usually made at the end of practice.
Parents are not allowed on the pool deck during practice due to insurance considerations. Parents may observe practice from the stands at our pools. Please refrain from communicating with your swimmer during practice.
Swimmers are to enter the schools/facilities at the entrance closest to the pool and go directly to the locker room to change and proceed directly to the pool. Once changed, the swimmer should remain on deck until practice is over. A swimmer found in any other part of the building could damage the club`s relationship with the school and jeopardize future pool use.
While at practice, the swimmer is the responsibility of the coaching staff. During practice sessions, swimmers are never to leave the pool area without a coach`s permission.
Each training group has specific attendance requirements appropriate for the objectives of that level. As a general rule, the least possible interruption in the training schedule will produce the greatest amount of success. The SCST encourages younger swimmers to participate in activities in addition to swimming. The coach`s expectation level to attend practices increases as swimmers move to higher levels.
Practice schedules are posted on the website. Hardcopies of the schedules are posted on the bulletin boards at each practice site.
If a swimmer is late to practice or has to leave early, we ask that the coach is notified prior to the start of practice.
The coach should be notified in advance of an illness or injury. Regardless of how serious or trivial it may be. If your swimmer will be out of the water over a long period of time with an injury or illness, please notify the SCST office (630-377-1720).

Communication

SCST has many vehicles for communication. Please refer to them to help you navigate through the seasons.

Please feel free to email coaches, call the team number, or leave a message in their mailboxes.

Website: www.stcswim.com is a source for a vast amount of information and knowledge about our swim team. On the site you will find the weekly H2O Log put out every Monday, information on upcoming meets, the Team Manager, and Swim Team Directory.
Mailboxes: Each family of swimmers is assigned a file folder/mailbox that is located in the front foyer of the Norris Center. Throughout the year, notices of upcoming events, meet volunteer requirements, fundraising events, etc. are placed in the swimmer`s mailbox. It is each swimmer`s and parent`s responsibility to check the files at every practice. If you do not have a mailbox, contact Linda Popp at lspopp@aol.com.
Pool Bulletin Boards: There is a bulletin board at each pool that is updated with the current flyers, and the H2O Log.
Team Phone Number: SCST team phone number is 630/377-1720. You may leave messages for any coach on that line. All coaches have access to that message center.
Team Directory: A team directory is provided on the SCST web site for use in coordinating carpools, fundraising mailings, and volunteer assignment changes. The information is used only within the team and is not authorized for any other use.
E-mail: The SCST Head Coach and Age Group Coaches can be reached by email. For those members who have email access, this is a good way to communicate with them. Please provide your email to the Head Coach in order receive the H2O Log via email.
Coaches: The best way to speak with the coaches is to meet them after practice. They usually make themselves available for 15 minutes to answer questions and provide information. Sending a note to the coach with your swimmer is a good way to get information to them. The coaches` mailbox is located on the door of the coaches` office at the Norris Center.

Team Attire

The SCST uses Kiefer Swim Shop located at 1567 N Aurora Rd. #119, Naperville, IL 60563. Telephone # 630-579-9020.

Team suits and goggles are recommended for each new swimmer. Team caps are required at all levels and can be purchased through our Apparel Chairman. Equipment and equipment bags can be purchased here for each team. SCST and Keifer conduct sizing days at the Norris Center in the Spring and Fall. At all other times, families need to deal directly with Keifer. At practices, it is a good idea to wear a non-team suit and save the team suit for the meets.

Team Logo apparel can be obtained through our apparel Chairman, Jeanne Staudacher. Apparel order forms are available at the beginning of every season.

Team Travel

Whenever possible, the SCST travels together to out-of-town swim meets. For these meets the Head Coach will secure a block of rooms at a hotel and transportation for the older swimmers that can travel independently from their parents. Parents/swimmers are responsible for all travel expenses including hotel, meals, and incidentals.

Swim Seasons

The swim season is divided into two seasons. The Fall/Winter or "short course" season runs from mid-September to the end of February. The meets are held in a 25 yard pool. The Spring/Summer or "long course" season runs from early April to the end of July. Most competitions are held in 50 meter pools.

There are 9 different types of levels of swim meets:

DUAL MEETS: Occasionally SCST will compete with one other team in a dual meet. These meets help promote team unity and provides a great atmosphere for the new swimmer. There is usually a limit on the # of events a swimmer will swim.
HOSTED/HOME MEETS: These meets are hosted by the SCST and there is no qualification time standard in order to compete. All SCST swimmers are encouraged to participate. Each swimmer is usually allowed to enter 3-5 events per day.
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS: GOLD AND SILVER CONFERENCES At Gold Conference, the top 3 SCST swimmers in each event are invited to attend. At Silver Conference, the rest of the team swimmers are invited to attend along with the swimmers in Gold Conference who did not participate in all 3 events.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: At the end of each short and long course season (March and July), a State Championship meet is held by Illinois Swimming. IL Swimming sets the qualifying time standards for these meets. There are 3 championships held each season.
- Age Group Championship: This is held for swimmers 14 and under
- Senior Championship: Open for any swimmer making the qualifying Senior time
- Regional Championship: Held in short course only for the swimmer making IL Regional Time Standards
ZONE CHAMPIONSHIPS: After the state championships are held in the summer, a swimmer may qualify to participate in the Zones by making the IL Zone Time Standard. The is an all-star meet, in which the swimmer competes against other states from the Midwest.
SPEEDO/USA SECTIONALS: One of the highest levels of achievement SCST swimmers strive for is the participation in the Sectionals. Swimmers meeting qualifying time standards for this meet travel to different locations throughout Central USA to compete against the best swimmers in the nation. At Zones, Swimmers can quality for the National Championships.
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Other than the Olympic Trials and the World Championships, the highest level of competition for our senior swimmers is the National Championships. Swimmers meeting the National Qualifying Time Standards at Zones, travel to various cities throughout the USA to compete against America`s best swimmers.
JUNIOR NATIONALS: The Junior Nationals are held in the short course season.
JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS: The Junior Championships are held in the long course season.

Award`s Banquet

In the Fall/Winter season, the banquet normally takes place in April, and in the Spring/Summer season in August. During the banquet, certain swimmers are recognized for their achievements throughout the season and awards are given.

Swim Meets

Signing Up:
At the beginning of the season, you will receive a Swim Meet Voucher (also available on The SCST website) listing all the meets we will be participating in and the fees involved. Fill this form out with the meets your swimmer will be competing in and turn it into the Escrow Chairman`s mailbox, Kathleen Darling, with full payments for all meets.

Team Manager Online:
About a week before the meet, you can find your swimmer`s name and events he/she is entered in. This is found on our website under Team Manager. The coaches will determine which events your swimmer will swim.

What to take to a Meet:

Most important: Team swim suit, team cap, and goggles. Having an extra swim suit and pair of goggles is a good idea.
Towels: Realize your swimmer will be there awhile, so pack at least two (or pack as many as he/she has events).
Something to sit on: Often times the swimmer area may be located in a gym or Cafeteria. Examples: waterproof picnic blankets or sleeping bags.
Sweat Suits or Team apparel to wear between events.
Team T-shirts: Pack 2-3 in case one gets wet.
Games: Travel games, cards, etc. to pass the time
Food: Bring some healthy snacks. Concessions are available at meets, but sometimes the lines are long and junk food is sold. Examples: Water, Water, and Water!!, fun fruits, granola bars, cereal.
Flip-flops or Crocs: He/she should wear something on their feet when walking around the pool deck or outside in hallways.
Parent`s Special Note: The pool is very warm. Therefore, "you" should dress appropriately. Nothing is worse than being hot at the swim meet.

Before the Meet starts:

On the Team Manager, you will find your swimmer`s event number, event, distance, and stroke. Example: #22 50 Free. Write all the swimmer`s events on his/her hand prior to coming to the meet. This helps the swimmer remember what events he/she is swimming and what events to listen out for.
Arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes before the scheduled warm-up time begins. This time will be listed in the meet packet posted on the website or in the H2O Log.
Find Positive Check-In. Most meets require the swimmer to check in. There is usually a table set up near the entrance. Check for instructions. You will be asked to highlight the swimmer`s name and events. A swimmer who misses Positive Check-In will not be allowed to participate in the meet. Check-in usually closes 20 minutes after warm-ups begin. A swimmer cannot scratch him/herself from an event unless he/she has their Coach`s approval.
Your swimmer should then find a place to put their backpack, towel, etc. Our team sits together, so find some familiar faces. Swimmers are not allowed to put their stuff in the parent`s bleachers.
Put on his/her cap and goggles and report to the pool for warm-ups to hear any instructions from the coach.
After warm-ups, your swimmer will get his/her towel and wait until their first event is called. This is a good time to make sure he/she goes to the bathroom, if necessary, gets a drink or just gets settled in.
The meet usually starts about 10-15 minutes after warm-ups end.
According to the USA Swimming rules (because of insurance reasons), parents are not allowed on deck unless they are serving in an official capacity.
Psych Sheets: A psych sheet is usually available for sale in the lobby or concession area of the pool. A psych sheet lists all the swimmers in each event in order of "seed time". When the team entry is sent in, each swimmer and his/her previous best time in that event is listed. If the swimmer is swimming a particular event for the first time, the swimmer will be listed as a "no time" or "NT". A no time swimmer will most likely swim in one of the first heats of the event. A heat sheet may be available close to the start of the meet that lists the actual heat and lane a swimmer will be competing in for a small fee.
Relays are decided upon by the coaching staff.

Meet Starts

It is important for any swimmer to know what event number he/she is swimming (again, that is why the swimmer should have the event numbers written on their hand). He/she may swim right away after warm-ups or have to wait awhile.
A swimmer`s event number will be called over the loudspeaker, and he/she will be asked to report to the starting blocks or 'bullpen' which is a staging area. Example: "Event #1, 8 & Under girls 25 yard freestyle please report to the bullpen". The bullpen volunteers will line up the swimmers and take them to the starting blocks. At some meets, there is no bullpen and the swimmer must get him/herself to the starting blocks on time.
The swimmer swims the race.
After each swim:
- the swimmer should then go immediately to their coach. The coach will ask him/her their time and discuss the swim with the swimmer.
- generally, the coach follows these guidelines when discussing swims.
  - positive comment or praise
  - suggestions for improvement
  - positive comments
Things you can do as a parent after each swim: Tell your swimmer how great they did!! The coaching staff will be sure to discuss stroke technique with them. You need to tell them how proud you are of them. This is another good time to check out the bathrooms, get drinks or something light to eat. And of course, to cheer on the other SCST swimmers. The swimmer will now wait for his/her next event.
When a swimmer has completed all his/her events, there is one more thing to be done before the swimmer can go home. Check with the coach to see if your swimmer is in a relay.

Saint Charles Swim Team Parent`s Association

The parents of all swimmers are members of the Saint Charles Swim Team Parent`s Association (SCSTPA) which is administered by an elected Board of Directors. The purpose of this group is to:

Promote swimming on the local, regional, and national levels.
Ensure the continuation and excellence of the SCST.
Issue unbiased press releases on swim team activities.
Organize and host swim meets.
Participate actively in affairs of USA Swimming.
Provide logistical and financial support for the team.
Assist swim coaches in any manner possible within the capabilities of this Organization.

The Board of Directors consists of the following positions:

President:	Bill Shanel
Vice President:	John England
Secretary:	Jackie Schultz
Treasurer:	Tammy Phelan
Meet Director:	Linda Popp
Entry Chairman:	Paul Olney
Escrow Chairman:	Kathleen Darling
Fundraising Chairman:	Lori Falk, Tammy Milligan
Age Group Representative:	Stacey Krenning
Senior Group Representative:	Norht: Colleen Clay East: Bill Grosser
Apparel Chairman:	Stephanie Christensen, Peg Tavierne
Official Chairman:	Al Reynolds
Registration Chairman:	Sherry Hampton

Volunteering

With the exception of our professional coaches, the SCST is a volunteer organization. The club`s success is directly dependent of the commitment of its members. Therefore, parents are required to donate time and services to help in various aspects of team operations. The amount of time each family will be required to work is dependent on the number and length of meets the club hosts, events scheduled, and team size.

In an effort to accommodate the needs of our volunteers, the method for issuing assignments may vary from season to season. Please refer to the registration packet for more information.

Once assignments have been made, a master list will be posted on the website. It is then your responsibility to switch or find a replacement if you are unable to work your shift. Please report all changes to the Meet Director. Once you arrive to work a meet, all job assignments are at the discretion of the Meet Director. You will need to sign in at the Volunteer Check-In table in order to get credit for your volunteer sessions. Please be courteous if you are asked to switch jobs. Volunteers represent the SCST and need to be appropriately dressed at all times.

Parents who fail to fulfill their obligation will be required to pay $100 fine in order for their child to continue in the program.

Volunteering at away meets is required at times, but as of now, it cannot be used as a required session for the SCST volunteer requirement.

It is important to remember at all times that these events are run and managed by parents. As you will see, these events are very large and quite busy. Changes and adjustments made to volunteer assignments before and even during the meet are inevitable.

Fundraising

Parents are members of the SCST and are expected to volunteer their assistance at various team functions. In order to offset the rising costs of running a great swimming program, participation by all families in fundraising activities is mandatory. Every family is urged to help our team wherever and whenever possible.

Our major fundraiser for the SCST is our hosted swim meets. SCST currently hosts six major swim meets: Fall Classic (Nov.), 8 & Under (Dec.), Prelim/Final Invitational (Feb.), Pentathlon (May), Summer Classic (June), Endless Summer Time Trial (July). Each family is required to work a certain number of sessions per season as determined by the Board of Directors. These meets as well as the Swim-a-thon are the only fundraising events for the team. Parents will also be asked during the year to lend assistance to the team in other ways which may include food donations, chaperoning team events, and other assistance as needed to support the team.

SCST recognizes that occasionally family members may have conflicts and may not be able to fully meet membership volunteer commitments. For this reason, SCST offers an alternative program to cover shortfalls in meeting the membership volunteer commitment. Families who fall short of their commitment have the ability to complete their volunteer service at the following rates:

SCST Hosted Meet Service: $100 per session
It is important to note that it is not in out best interest as a premier swim club in the US to accept financial contribution in lieu of volunteer efforts. Therefore, SCST strongly discourages monetary contributions in lieu of volunteer service.

The Swim-a-thon, a fundraising event, is held in the Fall. ALL swimmers area required to participate in this. If a swimmer is unable to swim, he/she needs to schedule a time to make this up. The swimmers will collect pledge money that will benefit our team. More information will become available in the Fall. Although Seniors do not participate in the Swim-a-thon, they will also be REQUIRED to participate in a major fundraising event.

Fee Structure

Norris Membership: Each swimmer must be a member of the Norris Center. The membership fee is to be paid directly to the Norris Center.

Session Fee: Swimmers must pay this fee before they start practice for each session. This fee goes toward the coaches` salary.

Voucher System: The voucher system lists all the meets, with the entry fees, that the swimmers can attend. You will sign up for the days of the meets the swimmer can attend and pay the fee listed. This is available at the beginning of each season and is returned to the Escrow mailbox or Escrow Chairman, Kathleen Darling.

USA Swimming Registration Fee: Because SCST is a USA Swim Team, all members of our team must be registered with USA Swimming. Non-registration of even one swimmer could result in cancellation of insurance for the SCST. USA registrations are based on a calendar year (Jan.-Dec.). SCST must pay membership registration fees for each swimmer. Swimmers who join SCST during the year must either have a current USA Swimming registration transferred from another swim club or complete a USA Swimming form and pay the $35.00 fee.

Parents

Support the team and coaches, not only by what you do but also by what you say. The swimmers pick up very quickly on statements that are negative and many of the younger swimmers stop working if their parents are not happy. If you do not understand what is going on, contact Coach Jon Cabel (630-377-1720) as soon as possible and resolve the situation. The longer the problem continues, the worse it becomes.

Do not try to coach your swimmers. The best advice a parent can give is to tell their child to do their best and do what the coaches say. We will be trying new methods constantly. Some may work and others may not, but innovation and change is good. Make your kids see their coach after each race. Post-event analysis is most effective within 60 seconds of their completing their event.

Parents are not permitted on the pool deck during any swim team practice or swim meets, but are encouraged to observe from the stands. If you should need to contact your child during practice or at a meet, please go through the coach.

Here are some websites for more information:

St. Charles Swim Team: www.stcswim.com

Illinois Swimming: www.ilswim.org

USA Swimming: www.usaswimming.org

Swimming World: www.swiminfo.com

Swim News: www.swimnews.com

International Swimming Hall of Fame: www.ishof.org