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IntroductionThis Flower Valley Swimmers Handbook will serve as your guide for the 2009 season. Keep it handy for quick reference. In addition, please check the Bulletin Board at the pool and the Flower Valley web page, fvfrogs.com, for updated information throughout the season. Post your Swim Team Calendar in your home and refer to it frequently. Important notices will also be distributed in the Family File Box in the pool office. The Flower Valley Frogs undertake an extensive meet schedule consisting of “A” meets and “B” meets, the Divisional Championship meet and Relay Carnivals. “A” meets are a formal part of the Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL). Generally, the three fastest swimmers in each event represent the team at Saturday morning “A” meets. The slate of “A” team swimmers changes each week as swimmers improve their strokes and times. The “B” Team, which ranges from “rookies” to highly polished swimmers, offers all members of the Flower Valley team an opportunity to swim in competitive meets. “B” meets are held on Wednesday evenings. In a swimming week, (the Saturday meet and the subsequent Wednesday meet), a swimmer may swim a particular individual event, including the Individual Medley (IM), only once and may swim a maximum of three individual events and the IM. Flower Valley also sponsors two pre-teams called the “Tadpoles,” and the “Pollyzoggs,” designed for our young swimmers who have not met the qualifying times for the swim team. There is, however, only ONE team at Flower Valley; it has a pre-team and swims “A” and “B” meets. The Flower Valley Frogs are famous in the county for their team spirit and good fun! Behind each Flower Valley Frog, there is another, and another, and another…providing support, encouragement in swimming excellence, and friendship. The Swim Team is responsible for organizing and training a team to participate in competitive swim meets in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL). Private and group lessons that are offered by the swim team coaches or pool staff are not part of the Swim Team program. Swim Team Eligibility:
Pre-Team Eligibility:
Time Trials: Attendance is imperative at Time Trials. If you cannot attend, please notify a coach in advance. Without this notification, you may forfeit a position at the first Saturday “A” meet. (If a swimmer cannot attend Time Trials, that swimmer must have their times taken at practice between Friday, June 5th and Wednesday, June 10th). Swim Team Representatives: Bridget Conger (A) 301-929-9243 bridgetconger@verizon.net
PRE-TEAM RepsPam Neidhart 301-260-2541 neidhart5@verizon.net The Flower Valley “A” TeamFlower Valley continues to be one of the top teams in the Montgomery County Swim league (MCSL). This summer we are in the B division. The pools we will be competing against are Germantown, Quince Orchard, Stonegate, Westleigh and Woodley Gardens. Generally, our three fastest swimmers in each event will compete in the Saturday meets (“A” Team). Except for the individual freestyle events, all individual events shall have one heat. In other words, 6 of our swimmers in those age groups will have an opportunity to swim and score in the freestyle events. Also, a second graduated relay from each team will be able to score points. THE FINAL LINE-UP FOR ALL A-MEETS IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE HEAD COACH. A Meet Sign-up:Swimmers selected for the A Meet will have their names posted on the bulletin board by noon on the Thursday preceding the Saturday meet. Each swimmer must check off his or her name by 10:00 am on Friday. Please let the coaches know (by phone or email) if you will be away for any of the swim meets. The A-meet line-up changes every week based on the results of the B-meet. For further information about the MCSL and the rules for Saturday A-Meets, please refer to the 2009 MCSL Handbook (available on-line at www.mcsl.org). A team copy is available in the file box in the pool office. (All Flower Valley Officials will be provided with a Handbook.) A Meets - Scoring and Awards: Medley relay events (events 1 and 2) and graduated relay events (events 49 & 50) will be scored for the first three finishing teams. Points scored will be: 8 points for 1st place, 4 points for 2nd place and 2 points for 3rd place. Ribbons will be awarded to the top 6 finishers in individual events, the top 3 finishers in graduated relay and medley relay events. Swimmers achieving an “All Star” time will receive Flower Valley All Star bathing caps. All star swimmers are ranked by the MCSL. The rankings will be posted on the bulletin board every week by Linn Rivera (301-929-1211). Swimmers may also check their rank on the MCSL web site (www.mcsl.org). The Flower Valley “B” TEAMThis year, Flower Valley will swim five other teams on Wednesday night. The teams are Hallowell, Olney Mill, Mill Creek Towne, Upper County, and Damascus. All of the teams are competitive and certainly have lots of spirit. We will be celebrating all of our graduating seniors at our final home meet on July 22nd. It promises to be a highly spirited event for all team members. Please note on your calendar that the “B” season begins on Wednesday, June 24th and ends Wednesday, July22nd. “B” Team Participation: For example, a swimmer who swims freestyle and breaststroke at the Saturday “A” meet may swim the IM and either backstroke or butterfly at the Wednesday “B” meet. In previous years, due to time constraints, we have had to limit the number of events swum in the “B” meet. We may request that each swimmer rank their choices for the “B” meet and limit the number of strokes a swimmer may swim (to less than three and the IM). Only those 12 and under swimmers who did not swim at the “A” Relay Carnival are eligible to participate in the “B” Relay Carnival. Thirteen and over swimmers who swam two events in the “A” Relay Carnival may not swim in the “B” relay carnival. All of our eligible swimmers can participate. The entire team’s success is dependent upon the participation of each child; swimmers will be assigned to specific events. The meet line-up will be posted well in advance of the Relay Carnival so that attendance conflicts can be resolved before the meet program is printed. If you are not able to attend, notify your coach immediately and he/she will find a replacement for your leg in the relay. Qualifying Times: Free Back Breast Fly Any swimmer, especially Pollyzoggs and Tadpoles, who meets any of the above qualifying times, may sign up for the next B Meet. Contact your coach if you have any questions. B Meet Sign-up: Only those swimmers who can swim a stroke “legally” for one length of the pool may compete in that stroke in the meets. Each swimmer’s coach determines whether or not a swimmer is eligible to swim a particular stroke. The coach’s decision will be final. No swimmer can enter into a meet with a NT (no time). A swimmer may swim an event as “Exhibition” at the discretion of their coach and only if there is an empty lane for that event. Exhibition swimmers may not score any points and will not receive any ribbons. An orange swim cap must be worn while swimming an exhibition event.
EPA Awards: Additional Meets: A-Relay Meet:The A-Relay meet will be held on Sunday July 12th at Westleigh. The resulting team score is used as a factor in determining the Divisional standings. First place relay teams (and some 2nd place teams) are invited to the All Star Relay meet on Saturday, August 1st. Final selections for the All Star Relay teams will be at the discretion of the coaches.
Divisional Meet: Disqualification Pool Closings General InformationCoaching Staff and Policies: As in all sports, coaches must make decisions to meet the team’s best interests. The final meet line-up and make-up of relay teams are solely at the coaches’ discretion. Over the years we have found it impossible to have a mandatory practice attendance policy due to the number of summer activities of our swimmers. We do, however, believe in the value of hard work and a regular practice schedule. The practice schedule shown in this handbook has been established to allow an effective swimmer-to-coach ratio. To make this work, the swimmers need to report to their assigned lanes during their assigned practice times. This responsibility belongs to both the swimmers and their parents. Even our very dedicated swimmers who come to most of their practices become a distraction to the coaches and other swimmers if they are at the pool for recreation during their practice hours. A hard and fast rule does not seem workable, so we are relying on your cooperation. Practice Schedule:May 26th-June 16th (while Montgomery County Schools are in session)Monday – Friday. *Please attend the practice most convenient for you. Be sure to be at the pool 15 minutes before the practice starts. You will not be permitted to join the practice after it has begun. 3:15-4:30 13 and Over Beginning June 17th:The age group practice schedule is as follows: Monday – Friday Morning Please remember to check the swim team board regularly for possible changes to the Thursday morning practice schedule. There will be two one-hour 8 and under practice sessions: 9:00 and 9:45. Swimmers will be assigned to either the first or the second session. Please check the bulletin board or talk with one of the coaches for details. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Afternoon Afternoon practices are limited to two lanes. Please attend a morning * An important aspect of practice is to get there as much as possible. If a swimmer has a conflict with the times that are scheduled for his or her age group, talk with the coaches about coming at another time. The coaches are flexible about having swimmers attend alternate practices. However, for planning purposes, it is important to speak to the coaches before changing practice times Tadpole Session 1: 9:00-9:45 am The pre-team will have a “mini meet” with Manor Woods and Manor Country Club on Friday, July 24th. This meet will be followed by the end-of season celebration for Tadpoles and Pollyzoggs at the Flower Valley pool. Pre-team swimmers will receive their meet ribbons and participation trophies at this event. Questions about the pre-team can be answered by: Pre-team Rep: Head pre-team coach: Pre-team coaching is a serious commitment, and coaches are expected to have proper training, attend every practice, and follow a strict code of conduct. All of the current Flower Valley coaches previously volunteered as pre-team coaches. Contacting the Coaching Staff:You must contact your coach if you will be missing any of the “A” or “B” swim meets, including the A and B relays, Divisional Meet, Coaches Invitational Long course and All Star Meets. Please contact your coaches before Friday morning, if you know you will be unable to swim in the A-meet on Saturday. You may call your coach at the pool during practice, if necessary. Under MCSL rules, the coaches cannot change the line-up for the A-meet after 12 noon on Friday! You do not need to contact your coach if you will miss just one or two practices. You should, however, contact your coach if you will miss practice for an extended period of time. Head Coaches: Pool: 301-929-1284 www.fvfrogs.com Coaches: Coach-in-Training: Jack Conger 301-929-9243 Parent Participation: PARENT PARTICIPATION IS VITAL TO THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF THE SWIM TEAM. It takes 91 parents to run the “A” and “B” meets each week. Adults are needed to officiate at all meets as timers, referee, starter, stroke & turn judges, and clerk of course. Parents are also needed to serve as scorers, ribbon writers, computer support, keep team records, and set up and serve refreshments. Helpers are needed for our team pictures, Pizza and Ice Cream Social, Donut Day, Muffin Munch, Dive-In Movie, Spaghetti Dinner and Swim Team Banquet. All families will be asked to work AT LEAST FIVE TIMES during this period. Please volunteer early and often. When everyone helps just a little, the summer season will be so much more enjoyable for all of us! Parents must take responsibility for the supervision of their children at meets. If a parent cannot accompany his/her child to the meets, he/she must make arrangements for another adult to supervise. We know that there are many ways to show love for your child. Simply BEING THERE is one of the best. Become involved; share the work and excitement! Swimmer Volunteer Opportunities: Swimmers also help decorate the mailbox signs for the Spirit Committee. This will take place in the morning after practice -dates to be decided. MCPS swimmers can receive service-hours credit from their school for swim team volunteer activities. Swimmers from other schools may also be eligible to receive service-hours credit. Please check with your school for the proper forms. Discipline Policy: The Flower Valley Pool is not open with guards in place until 11:00 am. Therefore, the following policies have been adopted for the safety of each swimmer.
Thank you for your support. These measures are in effect to ensure the safety and well being of each and every swimmer at FV. Swimmers Rights & Responsibilities:
Sportsmanship:Flower Valley Frogs will display good sportsmanship at all times to other members of our team, other teams, officials, parents, and community. Behavior that shows poor sportsmanship or is destructive will be dealt with by the Coaches, Reps, and the involved swimmers’ parents and will result in disciplinary actions ranging from extra pool chores, forfeiting of trophies, or suspension or expulsion from the team.
Officials Clinics: The MCSL will again sponsor Officials Clinics. Instruction will be offered in stroke & turn, relay take-off judge, starter, and referee. These clinics familiarize participants with the MCSL rules for competition. Attendance is required for those who wish to serve as Referee, Stroke & Turn Judge and/or Starter. Recertification for Certified Referee only (Referees can recertify for stroke & turn at this clinic) Tuesday, May 26st 7:00-9:00 pm Olney Swim Center New Officials and Recertification (Timer/Head Timer, Stroke & Turn, Starter and Referee)
Sunday, June 7th 8:00 am Olney Swim Center Dues pay the cost of our MCSL league fees, coaches’ salaries, awards and trophies, equipment, printing, and our team party at the end of the year. The dues this year are $100.00 per family and $55.00 per swimmer. A $50.00 per family discount will be given to those families who register by May 23th. The required dues remain constant throughout the season, regardless of the point at which your child joins the team. Dues are not refundable after one meet has been swum. Under MCSL rules, a registration form and dues must be turned in before a swimmer may participate in a meet. Call Cindy Kirchner to register (301-929-1101). Team Apparel: Besides working hard, the swim team also has fun! We start with a Cookie Crunch the first day of practice (May 26th), followed by a Donut Day on June 16th, the Donut/Muffin Munch (June 25th). Back by popular demand, we will once again have Tie-Dye day. This event will take place during the morning of July 9th, so be on the lookout for a white T shirt/hat/shorts/boxer to dip into the Flower Valley colors. During the season, the team will celebrate at the Pool before and after home meets. Every meet has a theme, and swimmers are encouraged to dress up for the parade just prior to each A and B meet. After home meets, we will stay at Flower Valley and celebrate our swimmers by handing out ribbons and EPA awards. After away meets, we will often meet at the Leisure World Burger King or another convenient restaurant (listen for an announcement during the meet). We will hold the SPAGHETTI DINNER, which tributes our graduating seniors, on Thursday, July 16th. The field trip to King’s Dominion is planned for Monday, July 27th. The annual SWIM TEAM BANQUET will be held on Saturday, July 25th at 6:00 pm. This will be a catered dinner for swimmers and their families. Trophies and awards will be presented after the meal. There are also special events planned for each age-group. Our 11-12s get to sleep over at the pool on June 20th during the annual Lock-in. The 13 and overs will meet that night at 8 pm for an as yet to be determined outing. The 8 and unders will have an outing at Extreme Acrobatics in Rockville, while the 9-10s will meet for Laser Tag at Shadowland. Both events will be on June 21st, times for these events will be posted on the team bulletin board. Check the bulletin board and the Ribbit for announcements. Trophies: To earn a trophy, a swimmer must swim in three meets. The meets that qualify a swimmer for a trophy can be dual meets (“A” Saturday or “B” Wednesday meets), the “A” or “B” Relay Carnivals, and Divisionals. Participation in any other meets, such as the 8 and Under Mini-Meet, Pentathalon, Coaches Invitational Long Course and All Stars, does not count toward the trophy qualification. Plaques will be given to those swimmers who attain the most points for their age-group, or are the most improved (certificates are given to the runners-up). To impress upon all swimmers the importance of Divisionals, we have an award for outstanding contribution at Divisionals. Based on all of these considerations and guidelines, coaches’ discretion remains the final determinant of the trophy earned by each swimmer. In addition to our trophy system, we also recognize those boys and girls who exhibit the outstanding character throughout the season. The FROGS award is given to ten swimmers who display these fine qualities: F- Flower Valley Feeling (Spirit) Senior Tributes: There will be a special banquet on Thursday, July 16th for those swimmers who will graduate from the Flower Valley Swim Team. Our graduating seniors will each have an opportunity to share their Flower Valley feelings and enjoy a slide show celebrating their many years on the team. All Flower Valley family and friends are invited to join in this celebration. Graduating high school seniors may also apply for the Sarah Auer scholarship. Information is available through the MCSL website and must be submitted to one of the FV team reps before June 7th. We have listed all those swimmers eligible to graduate this summer. We hope that they will join us for their last season as members of the Flower Valley Swim Team. We will honor participating swimmers at the Annual Senior Tribute on July 16th.
Christine Cook
THANK YOU FROM THEFLOWER VALLEY FROG FAMILYAND THE Swim Team Jobs – 2009
Job Chairperson(s) Phone # Banquet Kelli Potter 929-3399 Cookout (A) Chris Kirchner 929-1101 Computer Support Priscilla Morrill 871-3674 Directory Vicki Schmid 460-9328 Dive-in Movie Donna Snyder 929-9075 Food Buyers Amy Gross 774-4407 Handbook/Calendar Bridget Conger 929-9243 Hospitality (A) 924-4210 Post B-Meet celebration Reps Preteam (Tadpoles and Pollyzoggs) Pam Neidhart 260-2541 Programs/Printing Reps Registration Kelly Hartman 774-6334 Ribbit (Newsletter) Molly Burgoyne 929-3381 Ribbons Kim Flaherty 929-3570 Snack Bar – A Meets Liz Connelly 774-3808 Senior Tribute Judy Eckels 929-1835 Team Emails Priscilla Morrill 871-3674 Team Records/MCSL Records Linn Rivera 929-1211 Tent Transportation Steve Conger 929-9243 TGIF (Mom’s Social) Elisa Hall 929-9678 Timers (Head) (A) Tie-Dye Day Charlie Storck 570-1685 Timer Coordinators (A) Treasurer Kelly Hartman 774-6334 Trophies/Awards Caren Marshall 924-4761 Web Page Coordinator Heather Healey 929-3098 Directions to Pools (directions to any MCSL pool are also available through the MCSL web site: www.mcsl.org)
Damascus 28730 Woodfield Rd., Damascus, MD 20872 (301) 253-9803From I-270, take exit #9 for Rt. 370 East, take exit for Shady Grove Road East. Stay on Shady Grove Road for approximately 3 miles to the Intersection of Route 124 (Woodfield Road), turn Right at Route 124 (Woodfield Road) and proceed north approximately 8 miles. The Damascus Recreation Association is on left side just after Valley Park Drive. Hallowell17721 Prince Philip Drive, Olney 301-774-9744 Take Norbeck Road toward Georgia Avenue. Turn LEFT onto Georgia Avenue. Turn RIGHT onto Prince Philip Drive. Pool is on RIGHT. Mill Creek TowneMill Run Rd and Shady Grove Rd, Derwood 301-926-8849 Take Muncaster Mill towards Gaithersburg. Turn LEFT onto Redland Road. Turn RIGHT on Mill Run Drive. Pool is on RIGHT before Shady Grove Rd. Olney Mill3611 Briars Rd, Olney, MD 20830 (301) 774-0777 Take Georgia Ave. north and cross over intersection with Rt. 108. Continue north on Georgia for another ~ 3/4 mile. Turn left onto Heritage Hills Drive. At first stop sign turn right onto Briars Road. Pool is on right at bottom of hill. Quince Orchard 16601 Roundabout Dr. Germantown, MD 20878 (301) 948-3116 . Rockville Municipal Swim Center355 Martins Lane 301-309-3040 Westleigh Norbeck Rd. West to a right on E. Gude Dr, slight right onto Key West, left on Muddy Branch Rd. – Muddy Branch becomes Dufief Mill Rd
Woodley Gardens Norbeck Rd. west, follow 28 W turn right on Veirs Mill Rd and a slight right on Nelson Street Upper County8211 Emory Grove Rd., Gaithersburg (301-840-2446)Take Muncaster Mill Road North until Shady Grove Rd. Make a left onto Shady Grove Rd West. Turn right onto MIDCOUNTY HWY. Make a right Washington Grove Lane. Make left onto Emory Grove at the light. Pool is on the right located next to the Upper County Community Center. |
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