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Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim Team2013 HandbookPage 1 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION . 3MISSION STATEMENT . 3ELIGIBILITY . 3Barracuda Swimmer . 3Mini-Barracuda Swimmer . 4FOREST OAK SWIM TEAM BOARD . 4ABOUT YOUR BOARD . 4CONTACT INFORMATION . 4FOREST OAK SWIM TEAM COACHING STAFF . 5ABOUT YOUR COACHING STAFF . 5CONTACT INFORMATION . 5FOREST OAK SWIM & RACQUET CLUB (FOSRC) MANAGEMENT . 6ABOUT FOSRC . 6CONTACT INFORMATION . 6PRACTICE INFORMATION . 6SCHEDULE . 6GUIDELINES. 7Practice Cancellation: . 7Disciplinary Action: . 8MEET INFORMATION . 8SCHEDULE . 8GUIDELINES. 8Practice Meet: . 8Dual Meet:. 9Meet Entries: . 10Check-in & Warm-ups: . 10Individual and Relay Events: . 10Pool/Meet Etiquette: . 11Times: . 11Ribbons: . 11Team Suits: . 11Parking: . 12Parent Support & Participation: . 12Parent Volunteers are Needed as NWAL Officials: . 13Equipment Set-Up & Tear-Down: . 13DIVISIONAL MEET: . 13INVITATIONAL MEETS: . 13POLICIES & PROCEDURES .14REGISTRATION, USER FEES & FUNDRAISER . 14REFERRAL CREDIT . 15REFUND POLICY . 15PLANNED ABSENCES AND VACATIONS . 15SPECIAL EVENTS: .16INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM PICTURES . 16TEAM SOCIALS . 16CUDATHON . 16END OF SEASON AWARDS . 16VACATION/LEAVE OF ABSENCE FORM: .18Page 2 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388IntroductionWelcome to the Forest Oaks Swim Team (FOST) 2013 swim season!Please take the time to read this Handbook thoroughly. The purpose of the Handbook is to provideboth Parents/Guardians and Swimmers with important information and participation guidelines.Please(1)Review and join us in fulfilling the three goals of our Mission Statement.(2)Review all other information in this Handbook, especially dates and locations.(3)Please make every effort to attend a FOST orientation meeting, held in the FOSRC clubhouse:New parent orientation, Wednesday, May 8th, during each scheduled practice session.Returning parent orientation, Saturday, May 11th, during the Black vs Green Time Trials.Mission StatementFOSTer the opportunity to learn proper stroke, turn, and conditioning techniques to compete withinthe swimmer’s age group.FOSTer a healthy competitive environment with the other teams in the Northwest Aquatic League(NWAL).FOSTer the opportunity to set individual goals and to cooperate with other team members to ensurethe team’s wholeness and success.EligibilityFOST is a competitive swim team organized to foster the development of our youth’s swimmingabilities, skills, and sportsmanship. Every swimmer participating in the FOST program must do sowith the intention of full participation in all practices and swim meets.The Coaching Staff and FOST Board Members are committed to the encouragement of our swimmerswho may need additional motivation to compete; however, FOST is not organized for swim lessons.To ensure that FOST offers every opportunity for safe participation for all, swimmers will be organizedinto two groups at the start of the season: Barracuda and Mini-Barracuda.Barracuda SwimmerA Barracuda is defined as a full member of the FOST. A Barracuda must:Be able to safely swim the length of the pool (25 meters) unassisted.Be able to follow all Coaches’ instructions, during both practices and swim meets.Possess a willing attitude to participate in all practices and swim meets.Returning swimmers who have previously competed in a dual meet will be consideredBarracudas. The Head Coach has the final say on whether a swimmer qualifies as a Barracuda.Page 3 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388Mini-Barracuda SwimmerA Mini-Barracuda is identified as a swimmer that may be unwilling or unable to safely swim 1 lengthof the pool (25 meters) unassisted, but may also have the potential to learn to do so quickly.A swimmer will be designated as a Mini-Barracuda if:They are a new 8 & under swimmer that has not previously swum, and the parent/guardian isunsure if the child can safely swim 1 length of the pool unassisted.They are a returning 8 & under returning swimmer that has not demonstrated that they can safelyswim 1 length of the pool unassisted.The Head Coach identifies a swimmer cannot yet safely swim 1 length of the pool unassisted.If you are unsure whether your child will be able to swim 1 length of the pool safely and unassisted,please notify a Board Member when registering. In such cases, your child will be designated as a“Mini-Barracuda” but will attend the scheduled practices for his or her age group.If, before the First Dual Meet, a Mini-Barracuda is able to swim 1 length of the pool safely andunassisted, they will receive a certificate and will graduate to being a Barracuda.If the swimmer is unable to swim 1 length of the pool safely and unassisted by the FirstDual (May 18th), the FOST Board and Head Coach will require the swimmer to withdrawfrom team for this season, but we hope that you will return next season and try again.Refunds will be provided based on the FOST Refund Policy.Forest Oak Swim Team BoardAbout your BoardThe FOST Board consists of 9 members. A Board Member’s term is 3 years, and each year 3Board Members retire. Please let a Board Member know if you are interested in taking up aBoard position. If more than 3 people volunteer then an election is held, normally during theend-of-season party.Board meetings are open to all members; however, please first contact the President if you wishto attend a meeting. Members wishing to address the Board at a regular Board meeting mustsubmit the topic to be discussed (no less than 7 days prior to a scheduled Board meeting) to thePresident, in writing, or to any Board Member in the President’s absence. The Board willdetermine if any action will result. Voting rights are reserved for Board Members only.Contact InformationIf you have a concern regarding any issue, please direct all comments and/or questions to aBoard Member rather than to the Coaches.Page 4 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 773882013 Forest Oak Swim Team BoardPositionMemberPhoneEmailPresidentTammy s.orgTreasurerDavid .orgNWAL RepSusie gRegistrarTed SecretaryEric rgVolunteer CoordinatorCindy racudas.orgPublic RelationsHeather udas.orgEquipmentKenny .orgConcessionsLisa s.orgForest Oak Swim Team Coaching StaffAbout Your Coaching StaffFOST Head CoachFOST welcomes back Anto Hernandez as Head Coach for the 2013 season. Coach Anto is aformer FOST swimmer, has Head Life Guard experience, swam with USS, was captain for twoyears in high school, and was also captain of her college swim team. She has coached at NewWave Aquatics and helped with Aggie Swim Camp. This will be Coach Anto’s 14th year as acoach. Coach Anto is Red Cross CPR and First Aid trained. We are excited to have Coach Antoleading our team again this year and look forward to the enthusiasm and team spirit that shebrings to the team.Contact InformationPlease understand that there will be times when certain coaching decisions, made to benefit the teamas a whole, may or may not please an individual swimmer or parent. If you wish to contact a coach toask a question or discuss an issue, please do not interrupt them during practice sessions. A writtennote, with your phone number, can be placed in the Coaches’ Box, which will be available by the poolgate during practices. The coaches are more than happy to contact you after the day’s practicesessions are finished. The coach’s contact information is also available on the FOST website.Page 5 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388Forest Oak Swim & Racquet Club (FOSRC) ManagementAbout FOSRCFOST is an organization independent of the Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club (FOSRC). TheWCID#110 Water Board and FOSRC kindly allow FOST to use the pool facilities for summer swimmingleague. The user fee paid at registration allows the FOST registered swimmer to use the pool duringpractice times and meets only. If you or other family members wish to swim at the pool, includingevenings when your swimmer may be attending FOST evening practice sessions, you must first joinFOSRC. The only exception to this is at FOST Team Socials, when all FOST family members may swimin the pool without requiring FOSRC membership. FOST swimmers are not permitted to use the tenniscourt and gym facilities unless they are members of FOSRC. If you are interested in becoming amember of FOSRC please contact a FOSRC Manager.Contact InformationFOSRC Pool ManagementPositionMemberPhoneEmailGeneral ManagerJody Dellinger281-353-0998Jodydellinger@fosrc.comOffice ManagerDenise Simples281-353-0998denisesimples@fosrc.comPool ManagerBrandy Larsen281-353-0998brandylarsen@fosrc.comPark ForemanBrandon Fenn281-353-0998brandonfenn@fosrc.comPractice InformationScheduleFOST practice schedule varies. Practice will be 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday, with theexception of the dates listed below. Out of school practice will be held in the mornings, Mondaythrough Friday.Stroke Practice (for new 7 & Up swimmers only) is available beginning Monday, April 22nd.No practice on Tuesday April 23 – Team Ice Breaker at Champions Roller World 6:30 to 8:30.Practice for all swimmers will begin on Monday, April 29th.No practice on Monday, May 21 – Team Social / Potluck.No practice on Memorial Day May 28th.No practice on Thursday June 6thOut of school practice starts June 10th.Evening practices will begin on the first Tuesday after school is out (June 11th).The last regular practice will be held on June 21nd. Only swimmers who make qualifyingInvitational times, and will be swimming in one of the Invitational meets, will continue withpractice after Divisionals, through June 29th.Page 6 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388Swimmers will practice by age group. The specific practice times will be posted on the websiteafter the exact number of swimmers is determined. Please watch the FOST Website and thenotice board for other details about the practice schedule and changes.GuidelinesParents, please have your swimmers come regularly to practice.Swimmers are expected to attend at least 3 practices each week.Prompt, regular attendance is the key to individual and team success.Friday practice sessions are especially important for meet preparation and relay race practice;therefore, in order for a swimmer to be considered for a relay race, they must attend Friday’spractice session.Please notify the coaches of any practice session conflicts. When pre-arranged with a coach, aswimmer may be allowed to temporarily swim during an alternate practice session. All swimmersmust begin their practice at the start of one of the designated times available so as not todisrupt a practice session that is in progress.Tuesday and Thursday Evening practices are limited to 7 & Up swimmers who are unable to makethe morning practices. Because space is limited, Evening practice pass cards are required andmust be requested in advance from the coaching staff.During practices and meets, parents are asked to refrain from “coaching” their children. Itinterrupts the swimmer’s concentration and also interferes with the coaches’ job. Coaching ofswimmers in a swim meet event is strictly prohibited by NWAL rules. Encouragement isfully endorsed.All swimmers are asked to promptly leave the gated pool area once they have completed theirpractice session, unless cleared by a coach.Please help keep the facilities tidy, including returning pool chairs to the pool deck after practicesand meets.A lost-and-found basket will be at the pool during practice. Please check for missing items. Anyitems that remain at the end of the season will be donated to charity or destroyed.Parents and guests are encouraged to stay and watch during practices; however we must ask you toremain outside the fenced pool area. Please do not enter the fenced area of the pool duringpractices, except to collect/return chairs or use the restrooms. This is both for insurancereasons and to ensure coaches and swimmers are not distracted.Parents/Guardians: Please pick up swimmers IMMEDIATELY after practice is over. Pleaseplan to be at the pool before the end of your swimmers practice time!Practice Cancellation:The FOST Board reserves the right to cancel any practice session where the pool area may bedeemed unsafe.When an unforeseen circumstance arises, and a practice session must be cancelled, the FOSTBoard will post a notice at the entrance to the pool, as well as on the team website, as soon aspossible.In the event of rain, practices may still be held unless it would endanger coaches and swimmers(i.e. lightning). If it should become necessary to cancel practice sessions due to thunder andPage 7 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388lightning, the FOST Board will post a notice at the entrance to the pool, as well as on the teamwebsite, as soon as possible.Disciplinary Action:All swimmers are required to abide by the coaches’ and Board Members instructions during practice.Should a disciplinary problem arise, the coaches will first talk with the swimmer and ask for a changein their behavior. If the problem persists, a report will be sent home with the swimmer. This must besigned by a parent and returned to a coach on the next practice day. Informing a parent helps thecoaches and swimmers bring swift resolution to any disciplinary problems. If the problem stillpersists, a Board Member will contact a parent to discuss the issue. FOST reserves the right todiscontinue a swimmer’s membership if a problem cannot be resolved.Where a swimmer’s membership is discontinued due to disciplinary action, no refund will be granted.Meet InformationScheduleFOST swim meets are held on Saturdays and start at 8:30 am; however, you must arrive prior tothe check in times shown below.2013 Meet Schedule for NWAL Division N2DateFOST vs.WhereWarm up timeMay 18Black vs Green Time TrialsAnd Team picturesOakridge NorthHomeCheck in @ 7:00am; Warm-ups @ 7:15 amMay 25Woodlands RiptidesAwayCheck in @ 7:30am; Warm-ups @ 7:45 amJune 1WimbledonHomeCheck in @ 7:00am; Warm-ups @ 7:15 amJune 8Champions ParkAwayCheck in @ 7:30am; Warm-ups @ 7:45 amJune 15CypresswoodHomeCheck in @ 7:00am; Warm-ups @ 7:15 amJune 22DivisionalsAwayJune 29Invitationals (optional)AwayTo be announcedWatch the notice board for qualifying times.Go to www.NWAL.org for information.May 11HomeArrive @ 7:00 am; Warm ups after picturesGuidelinesPractice Meet:The Practice Meet is very important because this is when we record each swimmer’s official timein every stroke. We cannot enter a swimmer into a dual meet without these times. If youcannot attend the Practice Meet, please inform a coach, and a time trial will be arranged for yourswimmer during a regular scheduled practice session before the Practice Meet.Swimmer’s times swum during the Practice Meet are for Dual Meet entry ONLY. These times areNOT official times and cannot be used to qualify for a Divisional or Invitational Meet.Page 8 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388Dual Meet:A dual meet will end after the last relay race, and, as a guideline (only), this should be around2:00 pm, depending upon the number of swimmers, any meet organization problems, and theweather conditions.The next meet’s Line-Up (the swimmer’s event list) is posted on the swim team notice board oneday before the meet. It is important that parents, particularly of younger swimmers, check to seethe events in which their swimmers will swim. During the meet, please listen for theannouncements and ensure that swimmers report to the ready bench area at the appropriatetimes. If a swimmer is late, they will be scratched from the event!Note: Event line-up changes often occur for relays. Please stay through the entire meet in caseyou are needed for a relay.The FOST pool is a 25 meter pool, while other teams may have a 25 yard pool.A regular dual meet consists of 78 events, alternating between boy and girl events.Order of Meet Events13 & Up6 & Under7 & UpAll Age Groups7 & Up6 & Under8 & Up7 & Up7 & Up7 & Up100 FreeFree RelaysMedley RelayFree StyleBreaststrokeBackstrokeIndividual MedleyBackstrokeButterflyFree RelaysStrokes by Age Group6 & Under, 7-86 & Under, 7-88 & Under8 & Under9-109-1010 & Under11-12, 13-14, 15-1811-12, 13-14, 15-1811-12, 13-14, 15-1813-14, 15-18Free and Back (25)Free Relay (100)Breast & Fly (25)Medley Relay (100)Free, Breast, Back & Fly (25)Free Relay & Medley Relay (100)Individual Medley (100)Free, Breast, Back & Fly (50)Individual Medley (100)Free Relay & Medley Relay (200)Free (100)Each event will normally contain several heats. Final placement in an event is determined bycomparing the times of swimmers in all heats for that event.In an event with several heats, the fastest swimmers are placed in the last heat. The swimmers ineach heat are placed in the lanes based upon their times, with the fastest swimmers in the centerlanes.Three times are taken on each lane (by timers) and recorded (by scribes) on the event sheet. Iftwo or more times agree, this is the official time. If there are three different times taken, theofficial time is the intermediate time.In dual meets, 5 points are awarded to the first place swimmer, 3 points to the second placeswimmer, and 1 point to the third place swimmer for individual events. Relay teams finishing firstare awarded 5 points, with 2 points awarded second place. If the same team finishes in first andsecond place, they receive only 5 points total. The team with the most points at the conclusion ofthe meet is the winner. If both teams have the same number of points, the team with the highernumber of 1st place swimmers is the winner.The Meet Referee has total responsibility for the conduct of the meet and will decide all questionsconcerning the meet and rules. The Referee can overrule other meet officials on a point of ruleinterpretation or on judgment decisions pertaining to an action the referee has personallyobserved.Page 9 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388Only a team’s official representative may discuss points of clarification with the MeetReferee. Note: The FOST Team Representative is also our FOST NWAL Representative; pleasecontact our FOST NWAL Representative if you have an issue during a meet.Only officials and other individuals directly involved in running the meet are permitted on theswimming pool deck.Swimmers may participate in a maximum of five (5) events (including relays), but no more thanthree (3) individual events.Meet Entries:Please watch the FOST notice board for the meet entries, which are posted on the Friday before ameet.Per NWAL rules, eligibility for an age group is determined by the swimmer’s age as of theend of the day on Mayl 31st of the current year. A complete set of NWAL rules can be foundat www.NWAL.org.Based on NWAL rules, a child cannot be added into a meet after the Thursday “meet entriesexchange” with the opposing team.The FOST cut-off for meet absences and entry requests is the Monday before each meet.If you are unsure if your child will be available for a meet, please tell a coach “you areunsure.” We may still enter the swimmer into individual events, but, due to your uncertaintywe will not enter them in a relay.Check-in & Warm-ups:ALL swimmers must sign-in at the team’s check-in table located in the Team Areaimmediately upon arrival. If you cannot find the sign-in table you must check-in with acoach.Swimmers 12 & under must be signed in by a parent or guardian.ALL swimmers MUST be on time for check-in and warm-ups. Warm-ups are very important;please do not miss the warm-up.A scratch meeting is held at 8:00am, please be sure to check-in on time to avoid beingscratched (removed from the meet event list) from the meet!Please plan to arrive at the meet regardless of the weather. The referee at the poolside willmake decisions on delays or cancellations.Individual and Relay Events:Swimmers, please swim in all of the events that the coaches select for you and stay at the meetfor all relay races. The relays count more towards the team’s final score and generate a lot ofpositive team spirit.Please do not disappoint the other 3 people in your relay, as well as the rest of the team, byleaving the meet early!All swimmers should check-in with a coach after each of their events.Based on swimmer performance, attendance, and motivation, a coach may adjust relay line-upsat any time, even during a meet.Please check with a coach before leaving the meet. Even if you have submitted a plannedabsence with a coach, each swimmer must inform a coach in person if they need to leave beforethe end of a meet.Page 10 of 18www.fostbarracudas.orgLast Modified March 2013
Forest Oaks ‘Barracudas’ Swim TeamMailing Address:Pool Address:FOSTP.O. Box 1803Spring, TX 77383Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club19023 Joanleigh DriveSpring, TX 77388Pool/Meet Etiquette:Young children should be escorted to and from restrooms.Pickup all trash and report any vandalism to a Board Member or one of the coaches.Do not bring ice chests or chairs onto the pool deck during swim meets.Bleachers are provided in the pool area for families to watch their children swim. Please makeroom for other parents to also watch their children.Always behave in a friendly and sportsmanlike manner.Never “boo” the other team. Do not go into the other team’s area.Do not talk in an inappropriate manner to the other team’s members during a meet, especiallywhile waiting on the heat benches.Do not jump from heat bench to heat bench. Listen and follow instructions provided by the HeatBench VolunteerAny swimmer 12 years of age, or younger, must have a parent or guardian present at alltimes during the meets.Swimmers should check at the end of each swim that the scribe has recorded their name and timecorrectly.Remind other swimmers to listen for their event numbers being announced.Watch what you eat between each swim. Fruit, water, and juice are fine. Candy and soda arediscouraged.Learn the Barracuda cheers and cheer for your teammates.Be polite and smile. Have fun and swim your best!Times:Meet Results with swimmer’s times are posted as soon as possible either during a meet or soonafterwards. Results are also available on the FOST website.A final score for the meet will be on the time report sheets.Ribbons:Place Ribbons will be awarded to the first six (6) finishers in each individual event (not each heat)in a dual meet.For meets held at Forest Oaks, Heat Ribbons will be awarded to all finishers who are 10 & under ineach heat. At away meets, other teams may award Heat Ribbons at their discretion.First through third Place Ribbons are awarded in relays.Place Ribbons, Pool/Team Record Ribbons, and Time Improvement Ribbons are handed out toswimmers at practices following the meets.Team Suits:Swimmers
Forest Oaks 'Barracudas' Swim Team Mailing Address: FOST P.O. Box 1803 83 Pool Address: Forest Oaks Swim & Racquet Club 19023 Joanleigh Drive Spring, TX 77388 Forest Oaks 'Barracudas' Swim Team 2013 Handbook. Spring, TX 773 Page 2 of 18 www.fostbarracudas.org Last Modified March 2013 Forest Oaks 'Barracudas' Swim Team .
