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Introduction
This Flower Valley Swimmers Handbook will serve as your guide for the 2007 season. Keep it handy for quick reference. In addition, please check the Bulletin Board at the pool and the new 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:
Any family member of the Flower Valley Bath and Racquet Club is eligible for swim team membership provided that he/she: (a) has passed the deep water test at the pool (i.e., the pool management is satisfied that he/she can swim one length of the pool and tread water for one minute), (b) is no older than 18 on June 1, 2007, and (c) can swim one length of the pool within the qualifying times set forth in this handbook. A child may join the team at any time during the season as long as he/she can meet the above requirements.
Pre-Team Eligibility:
The Flower Valley Pre-Team is a unique program for younger swimmers who would like to participate in the swim team but whose swimming skills are not developed enough to qualify. The pre-team offers a high ratio of coaching staff to children to ensure that our younger swimmers receive special attention. The Tadpole program is open to any child who can swim the width of the shallow end (12.5m) properly without touching the bottom. The Pollyzogg program is for those children who can swim the full length of the pool (25m), but have not met the qualifying times of the swim team. Pollyzoggs are eligible to participate in the B meets once they meet the qualifying time for any of the strokes. The Tadpoles and Pollyzoggs will be participating in two “Mini-Meets”, which are mostly fun and also give the swimmers the opportunity to taste the flavor of a real meet. Check your swim team calendar for Mini-Meet dates and watch the bulletin board at the pool for details.
Time Trials:
Flower Valley will hold a practice meet, or Time Trials on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 8:00 am. Warm-ups begin at 7:30 a.m. The meet establishes a starting point from which each swimmer can measure his/her progress. The times established at our time trials determine our “A” meet line-up for the following Saturday.
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 8th and Wednesday, June 13th).
Swim Team Representatives:
The Swim Team is sponsored by the Flower Valley Bath and Racquet Club. The Board member currently overseeing Swim and Dive Team activities is Gayle Orman (301-929-9080; orman5@verizon.net). Team representatives (Reps) are the team’s official liaisons to the Club’s Board of Directors and to the Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL), of which this team is a member. This year’s Reps are:
Bridget Conger (A) 301-929-9243 bconger@comcast.net
Cindy Kirchner (A) 301-929-1101 cpkirchner@verizon.net
Amy Burgoyne (A) 301-929-3381 aburgoyne14@comcast.net
Jennifer Gardner (B) 301-929-9252 jmgardhome@aol.com
Caroline Stewart (B) 301-924-2455 jhnstwrt2@cs.com
PRE-TEAM Reps
Andi Gironda 301-929-9798 agironda12@comcast.net
Tonya Roebuck 301-929-3346 bucktonya@aol.com
Tracey Lankler 301-924-1698 tracey.lankler@usdoj.gov
The Flower Valley “A” Team
Flower Valley continues to be one of the top six teams in the Montgomery County Swim league (MCSL). This will be our 20th consecutive year in the “A” Division. This year we have very competitive opponents in Rockville, Hallowell, Bethesda, Mill Creek Towne, and Tilden Woods. Generally, our three fastest swimmers in each event will compete in the Saturday meets (“A” Team). However, in all 8 and under, 9-10, and 11-12 freestyle events, there will be two heats. 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 2007 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:
Individual events will be scored for the first five finishers. Points scored will be: 6 points for 1st place, 4 points for 2nd place, 3 points for 3rd place, 2 points for 4th place and 1 point for 5th place.
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) and Jay Schmid (301-460-9328). Swimmers may also check their rank on the MCSL web site (www.mcsl.org).
The Flower Valley “B” TEAM
This 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 7th. 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 20th and ends Wednesday, July 18th.
“B” Team Participation:
In a swimming week, (the Saturday “A” and the subsequent Wednesday meet), a swimmer may swim a particular individual event, including the IM, only once and may swim a maximum of three individual events and the IM.
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:
Qualifying Times have been made in attempt to maximize successes, minimize disappointments, and improve the flow of the Wednesday night “B” meet. They are:
Free Back Breast Fly
8 & Under 1:00 min 1:00 min 1:00 min 1:00 min
9 – 10 yrs 1:00 40 sec 50 sec 50 sec
Any swimmer (9 and over) who wishes to compete in the IM must be able to legally swim all four laps within 2:00 minutes. Also, the IM may be limited to three heats.
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:
The “B” meet sign-up list will be posted on the bulletin board on Thursday for the following Wednesday meet. Due to the size of our “B” team, we may be required to limit the number of swimmers in each event. Every swimmer should indicate, with a rating system of 1 - 4, the strokes he/she intends to swim on Wednesday night. Please sign-up as soon as possible. The deadline for sign-up is Monday by 6:00 pm. There will be no deck entries for swimmers that fail to sign up by the Monday deadline.
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.
B Meet - Scoring and Awards:
Individual events will be scored for the first five finishers and ribboned to the first ten from all heats in each event. The fastest swimmer in each heat will earn “Heat Winner” ribbons. A swimmer will earn a “Personal Best” ribbon if they swim an event faster than his/her seeded time. Ribbons will be distributed after the meets as soon as possible. Swimmers who achieve an “All Star” time at a B meet will receive a Flower Valley All Star cap, but will not be ranked by the MCSL.
EPA Awards:
“Exceptional Performance Awards” (EPAs) will be awarded after each “A” and “B” meet to a select group of swimmers. Swimmers will be chosen based on their spirit, effort, and individual success in that swim meet.
Additional Meets:
During the “dual-meet” season there are a number of meets to which our swimmers are invited. These meets may include: Mini Meets (for 8 & Under), and Pentathalons. Each year, a number of Flower Valley swimmers qualify for the Coaches Invitational Long Course and the All-Star Meets. Watch the bulletin board at the pool for details regarding these meets.
The Coaches Invitational Long Course meet will be held on Tuesday, July 10th. The top 8 swimmers in the county for each event are invited to this meet as individuals. Qualification is determined by a ranking after the third dual meet, or June 30th.
Eligibility for the All-Star meets (Individual and Relay, held on a consecutive Saturday and Sunday, July 28th and 29th) is based on established cut-off times which swimmers must achieve in order to qualify. At the end of the regular season, the top 16 finishers in individual and relay events in Montgomery County are selected to compete in the All-Star meets. Accumulative team scores are not kept at these meets.
A-Relay Meet:
The A-Relay meet will be held on Sunday, July 1st at Hallowell. 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, July 28th. Final selections for the All Star Relay teams will be at the discretion of the coaches.
Divisional Meet:
After dual meets are over, a select group of the “A” swimmers are invited to compete in the Divisional meet. To qualify for the Divisionals (July 21stat 8:00 am at Flower Valley), a swimmer must be one of the fastest two swimmers in an individual event, or be selected for relays by the coaches. These swimmers compete against the top swimmers from the other 5 teams in the Division. The resulting team score is used as a factor in determining the Divisional standings.
Disqualification
Disqualifications
(DQ), if warranted, will be made in all heats. All swim meets in the
MCSL follow USA swimming rules. Please refer to the rules section in
the MCSL handbook.
Pool Closings
Please note that the pool is closed during
all morning practices (until 11:00 am) and during all home “A” and “B” meets.
This includes the baby pool.
General Information
Coaching Staff and Policies:
We are delighted to have Joey Mechak returning for his third year as the Flower Valley head coach. Joey coached and swam at Flower Valley for many years and we are delighted to have him back this season. We are also thrilled that Sue Chen is returning as our head pre-team coach. Joey will work with Sue and all the assistant coaches to ensure that every child on the team has fun and reaches their potential. Ted Eckels, Colleen Haase, Ben Mechak, Kaitlyn Powell, Michael Hirshenson, Kara Morrill, Christine Cook, Bruce Haase, and Mary Hartman are all returning as coaches. Molly Burgoyne will be joining the staff as a coach-in-training. Their combined experience will greatly benefit our team. There will be enough love and attention for everyone who wishes to join the team and become a Frog!
Coaches are happy to answer your questions but NOT DURING PRACTICE!
Interruptions, even short ones, make it very difficult to run the practice in a professional manner. Joey will be available each day (by appointment) before or after practice to talk to parents and swimmers. Please save your questions and concerns for these times.
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 30 th -June 14 th (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
4:15-5:30 10-12
5:15-6:15 9 & Under and New Swimmers
Beginning June 15 th:
The age group practice schedule is as follows:
Monday – Friday Morning
7:00-8:30 11-12's
8:00-9:15 9-10's
9:00-10:00 8 & Under's –Session I
9:45 – 10:45 8 & Under's – Session II
10:15-12:00 13 & Over's
12:00 –12:30 Administrative work and coaches will be available
to meet with parents and swimmers by request
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.
Afternoon practices are limited to two lanes. Please attend a morningpractice session if possible.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Afternoon
4:30 – 5:30 10 and unders
5:30 – 6:30 11 and overs
Afternoon practices are limited to two lanes. Please attend a morning practice session if possible.
* 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
Pre-Team Practices
The pre-team tryouts will take place on Monday, June 19 th starting at 9 am. Swimmers are welcome to join the pre-team later in the season. The pre-team practices every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning. There will be two practice sessions for tadpoles, and one for pollyzoggs.
Tadpole Session 1: 9:00-9:45 am
Tadpole Session 2: 9:30–10:15 am.
Pollyzoggs: 9:45-10:45 am.
The pre-team will have a “mini meet” with Manor Woods and Manor Country Club on Friday, July 21 st . 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:
Linda Sarsony (301-924-0934 email: potomachomes@msn.com )
Head pre-team coach:
Sue Chen (301-460-2728 email: schen502@comcast.net )
Pre-team Volunteer Coaches:
Current swim team members, ages 11 and over, who are interested in coaching the pre-team should contact the pre-team head coach, Sue Chen. There are a limited number of volunteer openings for the pre-team coaching staff. Please note that it is a desire to work with our future Frogs, and not swimming speed, which determines your success as a future Flower Valley coach. Training is required for all pre-team coaches. This year pre-team training will be offered on two Tuesdays; May 30 th and June 6 th from 6:15 – 7:45 pm. Attendance is required at both sessions!
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 Longcourse 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 Coach:
Joey Mechak 301-570-0694 JMechak1@aol.com
Head Pre-team Coach:
Sue Chen 301-460-2728 schen502@comcast.net
Pool: 301-929-1284 ( www.fvfrogs.com )
Coaches:
Coaches:
Christine Cook 301-924-5064 (ldwcook@aol.com)
Ted Eckels 301-929-1835 (kheckels@comcast.net)
Bruce Haase 301-570-1276 (swmrboyB@aol.com)
Colleen Haase 301-570-1276 (swimr110@aol.com)
Mary Hartman 301-774-6334 (Marygurl24@aol.com)
Michael Hirshenson 301-924-5763 (mhirsh1@mail.umd.edu)
Ben Mechak 301-570-0694 (benjamin57994@aol.com)
Kara Morrill 301-871-3674 (morrills4@comcast.net)
Kaitlyn Powell 301-924-0840 (racquetgirl@verizon.net)
Coach-in-Training:
Molly Burgoyne 301-929-3381 (aburgoyne14@comcast.net)
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 contribute food to the refreshment stand AT LEAST THREE TIMES during the regular season and 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:
Flower Valley swimmers are encouraged to volunteer at meets and practices. Responsible children are needed as runners during the meets (to take the timing sheets to the computer table after each event). Swimmers 13 and over may help with the snack bar. We always need help during the break serving snacks and drinks to the officials and distributing ice pops to the swimmers on both teams. Please contact one of the reps if you can help at any “A” or “B” meet.
Swimmers also help decorate the mailbox signs for the Spirit Committee. This will take place in the morning after practice (June 21st and July 12th from 11-2). All supplies will be provided.
Please contact the head pre-team coach (Sue Chen) for information on volunteering with the pre-team. Training is mandatory for all pre-team coaches.
Swimmers may be able to receive credit from their school for volunteer activities. Please see Laura Mechak for the service hours 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.
- All swimmers at the pool before 11:00 am must be in practice, or waiting in the pavilion for a parent pick-up.
- Coaches will utilize a 3 warning system. If a swimmer is not swimming or following reasonable coach's requests, the swimmer will be warned. If this behavior continues, the swimmer will be asked to leave the pool after the third warning.
- If your child is asked to leave the pool, he/she must wait in the pavilion area until you pick them up. Prompt pick up is expected.
Thank you for you support. These measures are in effect to ensure the safety and well being of each and every swimmer at FV.
Swimmers Rights & Responsibilities:
• Get plenty of rest before your meet!
• Be prompt for warm-up, usually one hour before away meets, and one and a half hours before a home meet.
• Know your event number, and report to the Clerk of Course when called.
• STAY IN THE TEAM AREA; be cheerful and supportive to your teammates.
• Eat fruit and drink water; eat absolutely no junk foods during a meet.
• Follow all instructions of officials and pool personnel.
• Please note that is against both pool and team policy to throw anyone in the pool at any time.
• When the meet is over, all swim team members are responsible for the cleanup of the team area. Parents, please, we need your support and cooperation in this matter! Do not encourage your child to leave until he/she has completed his/her responsibility.
• Communicate with your coaches; inform them as to illness, camp or vacation plans, etc., giving written notice whenever possible. This will help our coaches when preparing line-ups for weekly meets and Relay Carnivals. It is helpful if you put a note in the ‘Note to the Coaches' folder in the Family File Box.
• You are responsible for all information from the bulletin
board, newsletters, handouts, etc. Please consult your calendar and the
file box daily!
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:
Saturday & Wednesday meets need referees, stroke & turn judges, head timers, starters, scorers, ribbon writers, clerks of course, announcers and timers . We need you to volunteer to be trained for these important positions . Timers for the “A” and “B” meets do not need to attend a training course. The head timer will give you instructions at the beginning of the meet.
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)
Thursday, May 31st 7:00 pm Martin Luther King Swim Center
New Officials and Recertification (Timer/Head Timer, Stroke & Turn, Starter and Referee)
Sunday, June 3rd 8:00 am Olney Swim Center
Sunday, June 10th 8:00 am Olney Swim Center
Tuesday, June 12th 6:30 pm Quail Valley
Tuesday, June 26th 6:30 pm Germantown Aquatics
Automation Clinics (computer support)
All clinics will be offered at North Creek pool in Montgomery Village
Sunday, May 20th 12 – 2:30 pm Germantown Aquatics
Wednesday, May 30th 7:00-9:30 pm Martin Luther King
Tuesday, June 12th 6:30 – 9:30 pm Quail Valley
Officials have the “best view on deck”! We CANNOT have meets if we don't have the necessary trained and certified officials. The more officials we have trained, the fewer times each will be called to serve. Please contact Bruce Haase (301-570-1276) if you are interested and/or check the MCSL web site.
Dues:
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 20 th . 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 Kelly Hartman to register (301-774-6334).
Team Apparel:
Once again we will be purchasing our team suits from Underwater Wear in Gaithersburg. The web site is www.underwaterwear.com. The swim and dive team will be wearing a new suit for the 2007-2008 seasons. The female suit is the Speedo-Moonbeam in red. (Youth #8190039-006 and Adult #8190038-006.) Males have a choice of the Male Axcel Spliced Jammer with red piping (Youth # 8050035-196 black/red and Adult # 8050034-196 black/red) or the Axcel Spliced Brief with red piping (Youth # 8050033-196 black/red and Adult # 8050032-196 black/red). Suits will be available for try-on/order at registration. Swim Team T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and goggles are also available. A Flower Valley team bathing cap is required for all swimmers participating in the Coaches Invitational Long Course and All Star Meets. The team suit and spirit wear is not required for participation in the meets. Caps and goggles will be available for purchase during home swim meets (“A” and “B”). Laura Mechak (301-570-0694) can help you with these items.
Keeping in Touch:
The list of swim team activities can be overwhelming! Each Flower Valley family has a file folder in the box near the trophy case. Check your folder weekly for fliers on upcoming events, as well as ribbons from previous swim meets. Please look over the bulletin board near the baby pool for a list of upcoming activities. You can check out the Flower Valley webpage (fvfrogs.com) to find much of the information in this handbook. In addition, Priscilla Morrill sends out weekly emails. Please make sure she has your current email address ( morrills4@comcast.net ). Finally, Kaitlyn Powell is editor-in-chief of the “ Ribbit ”, Flower Valley 's weekly newsletter on swim, dive, and tennis team activities. If you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please email Kaitlyn before noon on Wednesdays ( racquetgrl@verizon.net ).
Social Events:
Besides working hard, the swim team also has fun!
We start with a Cookie Crunch the first day of practice (May 29th), followed by a Donut Day on June 18th, the Muffin Munch (June 28th) and a second Donut Day (July 5th). Back by popular demand, we will once again have Tie-Dye day. This event will take place during the morning of July 5th, so be on the lookout for a white t-shirt/hat/shorts/boxers to dip into the Flower Valley colors.
The swim team will hold its Pizza and Ice Cream Social on Monday evening, June 11th, starting at 5:00 p.m. SWIM TEAM PICTURES will be taken at 6 PM. Please wear red and/or white! Picture forms will be available in your team folder just prior to Picture Day. All 8 and unders will be assigned their big brother/big sister at this event. Our head coach, Joey Mechak, will introduce the coaching staff and be available to answer any questions about the swim team after the dinner.
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 12th. Don’t miss the incredibly popular “DIVE-IN MOVIE” on Thursday, July 5th! The field trip to King’s Dominion is planned for Monday, July 23th.
The annual SWIM TEAM BANQUET will be held on Saturday, July 21st at 6:00 pm. This will be a catered dinner for swimmers and their families. Trophies and awards will be presented after the meal. Priscilla Morrill is always looking for pictures from practices, meets, and social events for the end-of-season slide show.
There are also special events planned for each age-group. Our 11-12s get to sleep over at the pool on June 16th during the annual Lock-in. The 13 and overs will meet that night at 6 pm for an as yet to be determined outing. The 8 and unders will have a picnic at Flower Valley park, while the 9-10s will meet for Laser Tag at Shadowland. Both events start at noon on June 24th. Check the bulletin board and the Ribbit for announcements.
Trophies:
Excellence in swimming, practice attendance, team spirit, and service to the team are the major considerations of the coaches when determining the awards earned by each swimmer. Our trophy system expands the opportunities for the swimmers to attain rewards commensurate with their swimming excellence and efforts. Coaches will follow these general guidelines:
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 special embroidered towel is given to ten swimmers who display these fine qualities:
F - Flower Valley Feeling (Spirit)
R - Responsibility (Dedication)
O - Outstanding Practice Attendance
G - Great Attitude
S - Sportsmanship
Senior Tributes:
Every year some of our swimmers (children and friends) graduate from the MCSL swimming program. These are special people we have seen grow in size and maturity. We take time in the busy swimming season to acknowledge their contributions to the team and the community, to thank them for making the Frogs enjoyable for others, and to wish them the best in the future that awaits them.
Every year some of our swimmers (children and friends) graduate from the MCSL swimming program. These are special people we have seen grow in size and maturity. We take time in the busy swimming season to acknowledge their contributions to the team and the community, to thank them for making the Frogs enjoyable for others, and to wish them the best in the future that awaits them.
There will be a special banquet on Thursday, July 12th 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. Please contact Judy Eckels (301-929-1835) or Anne Kelly (301-929-9549) if you have any questions. 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 12th.
Caitlin Delaney
Colleen Haase
Samantha Healy
Emily Hudson
Daniel Keegan
Ben Mechak
Kaitlyn Powell
Jessica Rivera
THANK YOU FROM THE
FLOWER VALLEY FROG FAMILY
AND THE
FLOWER VALLEY BATH & RACQUET CLUB!
Swim Team Jobs – 2007
Job Chairperson(s) Phone #
Announcer Steve Morrill (A) 871-3674
Tracey Powell (B) 924-0840
Banquet Kelli Potter 929-3399
Clerk-of-Course Eileen Haase (A) 570-1276
Carleen Kelly (B) 871-5121
Cookout (A) Mike Burgoyne 929-3381
(B) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Community Service Bridget Conger 929-9243
Computer Support Priscilla Morrill 871-3674
Sue Bloomer 460-2522
Divisionals Chairperson Laura Mechak 570-0694
Directory Kelly Hartman 774-6334
Dive-in Movie Kim Flaherty 929-3570
Donut Day/Muffin Munch Ellen Coffay 570-4144
Field Trip (King’s Dominion) Linn RIvera 929-1211
Kathy Hurley 924-1511
Food Buyers Amy Gross 774-4407
Laurie Smith 260-1196
Handbook/Calendar Laura Mechak 570-0694
Hospitality (A) Marci Karl 924-4210
(B) Kelli Potter 929-3399
Officials Coordinator Bruce Haase 570-1276
Pizza/Ice Cream Social Eileen & Bruce Haase 570-1276
Post B-Meet pizza Linda Sarsony 924-0934
Preteam (Tadpoles and Pollyzoggs) Andi Gironda 929-9798
Tonya Roebuck 929-3346
Tracey Lankler 924-1698
Programs/Printing Bruce Haase 570-1276
Registration Kelly Hartman 774-6334
Ribbit (Newsletter) Kaitlyn Powell 924-0840
Ribbons Joan Lane 924-5505
Slide Show Priscilla Morrill 871-3674
Heather Healy 929-1858
Snack Bar – A Meets Liz Connelly 774-3808
Snack Bar – B Meets Karen Fleischer 570-6478
Senior Tribute Judy Eckels 929-1835
Anne Kelley 929-9549
Spaghetti Dinner Head Chef Steve Morrill 871-3674
Spirit Committee Bruce and Eileen Haase 570-1276
Swimsuits (team apparel) Laura Mechak 570-0694
Team Emails Priscilla Morrill 871-3674
Morrills4@comcast.net
Team Records/MCSL Records Linn Rivera 929-1211
Jay Schmid 460-9328
Team Picture Bridget Conger 929-9243
Tent Transportation Ken Eckels 929-1385
TGIF (Mom’s Social) Tracey Powell 924-0840
TGIF (Dad’s Social) Jeff and Kelli Potter 929-3399
Timers (Head) Pete Mechak 570-0694
Mitch Shein 924-0768
Tie-Dye Day Charlie Storck 570-1685
Timer Coordinators (A) James McGovern 929-1962
(B) Kathy Toscano 774-2688
Treasurer Steve Hirshenson 924-5763
Kelly Hartman 774-6334
Trophies/Awards Caren Marshall 924-4761
Marcie Karl 924-4210
Web Page Coordinator Ron Gregory rgregory321@verizon.net
Directions to Pools:
Bethesda
Hillandale Rd and Little Falls Pkwy, Bethesda , MD 20817 (301) 652-1598
From River Road , go North on Little Falls Parkway, and East (right) on Hillandale Rd. From Wisconsin Ave. , go West on Bradley Blvd. , and South (left) on Hillandale Rd.
Hallowell
17721 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 Towne
Mill 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 Mill
3611 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.
Rockville Municipal Swim Center
355 Martins Lane 301-309-3040
Take Norbeck Road toward Rockville . Turn RIGHT on Gude Drive . Turn LEFT onto Rte. 355. Turn RIGHT onto N. Washington Street . Turn RIGHT onto Martins Lane . Pool entrance is on LEFT. Take second entrance into the pool and proceed through outdoor pool gates.
Tilden Woods
6806 Tilden Lane , Rockville , MD , 20852 (301)-881-0861
Take Norbeck Road toward Rockville . Turn left onto Route 355 South. Turn Right on Tilden Lane . Follow Tilden about one mile or so. Pool is on the left immediately after Tilden Wood Park .
Upper County
8211 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 .
Swim Team 2007 Calendar at a Glance
May 9,14th 6:30-8 pm Registration at Flower Valley Elementary
May 28 1-4 Memorial Day Kick-off and New Parent Orientation @ 1pm
May 29 3:15-6:15 First Day of Swim Team practice/ Cookie Crunch/Pre-team training
June 5 6:30-7:30 Pre-team coaches training
June 8 6:30 Swim Team Parent Social (and 7:30 Parent Meeting)
June 9 8 am Time Trials
June 11 6 pm Pizza and Ice Cream Social and Team Picture
June 15 7 am Morning Practice starts
June 15 6 pm Pep Rally!
June 16 9 am A Meet (Home) vs Bethesda: Be at FV 7:30 am
June 16 8:30 pm 11-12 Lock-in
June 16 8 pm 13 & Over outing
June 18 9 am Tadpole and Pollyzogg Tryouts & Registration/ Donut Day
June 20 6 pm B Meet (Away) @ Olney Mill; Meet at FV 4:30 pm
June 21 11-2 Spirit Committee: Sign decorating
June 23 9 am A Meet (Away) vs Tilden Woods: Be at FV 7:15 am
June 24 12-3 pm 9-10 Laser Tag @ Shadowland (meet at FV at noon)
June 24 12-1:30 pm 8 & Under Picnic (Flower Valley Park)
June 27 6 pm B Meet (Home) vs Damascus: Be at FV 4:30 pm
June 28 8:30 - 12 Muffin Munch
June 29 5-7 pm Mom’s TGIF @ Tracey Powell’s (16510 Emory Lane)
June 30 9 am A Meet (Away) vs Hallowell: Be at FV 7:30 am
July 1 9 am A-Relays @ Hallowell
July 4 8 am 3 mile fun run/ Parade and Celebration start at noon
July 3 6 pm B Meet (Home) vs Upper County; Be at FV 4:30
July 5 8:30-12 Donut Day and Tie-Dye Day
July 5 9 pm Dive-in Movie
July 6-7 Homecoming Weekend
July 6 7-9 pm Dad’s TGIF@ Jeff Potter’s (15200 Red Clover Dr)
July 7 9 am A Meet (Home) vs Rockville: Be at FV 7:30 am
July 8 8 am B-Relays @ Upper County
July 9-13 all day Feed the Coaches week
July 10 6 pm 32nd Long Course Meet (Rockville)
July 11 6 pm B Meet (Away) @ Mill Creek Towne; Be at FV 4:15 pm
July 12 11-2 Spirit Committee: Sign Decorating
July 12 6 pm Senior Tributes
July 14 9 am A Meet (Away) vs Mill Creek Towne: Be at FV 7:30 am
July 18 6 pm B Meet (Home) vs. Hallowell: Be at FV 4:30 pm
July 20 9 am Pre-team Mini Meet with Manor Country Club
July 21 8 am Divisionals @ Flower Valley
July 21 6 pm Swim Team Banquet and Awards
July 23 all day Kings Dominion Team Outing
July 28 8 am MCSL All Star Relays @ Rockville
July 29 8 am MCSL All Star Individuals @ Rockville
Head Coach: Joey Mechak 301-570-0694 jmechak1@aol.com
Pre-Team Coach:Sue Chen 301-275-4741 schen502@comcast.net
Flower Valley Pool 301-929-1284 www.fvfrogs.com
