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Northridge Area Swim Association

CLUB MOTTO: HAVE FUN AND BE POSITIVE!

Dear Parents,

The Northridge Area Swimming Association Handbook has been prepared for the purpose of acquainting you with the sport of competitive swimming and its organization at the amateur level.

This Handbook will give you and your child information that will allow you to get the most out of participating in our senior and age group swimming program.

Above all, remember that the motivating factor for children entering youth sports, particularly at the younger levels, is their desire to have fun. The following pages will help you assist them in reaching this goal.

With the right attitude and a good understanding of what is involved, everyone will have a pleasant experience.

Best wishes and have a great time,

The Board of Directors and Coaches

CLUB QUOTE:

Coming together is a beginning

Keeping together is progress

Working together is success

Revised September 2008

Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Purpose, Mission and Vision 4

The Sport and Team Structure 6

Training Objectives 6

The Coaches 7

Parents Role 10

Ten Commandments for Parents 11

Parents Responsibilities 12

Parent Workers/Volunteers 13

Committee Structure 14

Training 15

Meets and Rules 17

Equipment 17

Structure and Fees 18

Fund-raising 22

Code of Conduct 23

Glossary 25

Introduction

Northridge Area Swimming Association

We would like to welcome you to the exciting world of age group swimming. By joining USA Swimming through our local club, your child has just become a member of one of the country’s largest and most organized youth sports.

The sport of swimming has many benefits, including the people you and your child will meet. The camaraderie among swimmers is unique; many swimming buddies become lifelong friends. In addition to being around fine people, swimming provides one of the most beneficial forms of exercise for cardiovascular and overall fitness. This exercise can be enjoyed throughout one’s entire life.

Possibly the greatest benefits of participating in an organized swimming program are the life skills your child will develop. These skills include time management, self-discipline, sportsmanship and goal-setting. Your child will reap the benefits of swimming long after their participation ends. Most swimmers go on to be very successful and productive adults largely due to what they gained from swimming.

From Pre-Competitive through Senior level swimming, NASA is structured to meet the needs of youth at all stages of competitive development. In the early stages, the emphasis is placed on learning skills and having fun. The schedule for training and competition is flexible enough to provide time to participate in other activities. The tendency to push young athletes too much or too fast is avoided. As children progress to more advanced training groups, greater emphasis is placed upon physical training in addition to skills and technique. In these groups, the schedule for training increases to prepare athletes for higher levels of competition. These include state, regional and national events. No matter what stage a swimmer is in however; it is critical that parents remain supportive.

This Handbook is designed to help you and your child succeed in swimming. Remember not every swimmer becomes a world record holder, but everyone gains from his or her swimming experience. Supporting your child in swimming can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You may soon find yourself cheering at competitions, timing during meets, or becoming a USA certified official. Whatever your role, your child’s experience in swimming has much to do with your positive support.

Please ask questions of your coaches, board members and fellow parents, we all have the same goal; to provide your child with the most fun and positive experience in swimming.

PURPOSE, MISSION AND VISION

Purpose:

“Teaching children and young adults superior swimming in a supportive community.”

Mission Statement:

“The Northridge Area Swimming Association is designed to provide children and young adults in the Middlebury Community School district with learning experiences through competitive swimming. These experiences will allow them to learn and develop physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally as an individual in a team-oriented environment.”

“Fun” Vision Statements:

“F”oster a positive experience that effectively maximizes the athlete, coach, club and parent partnership.

“U”nify partnerships through swimming that develop healthy lifestyles for a fun and rewarding experience.

“N”avigate a lasting experience for athletes of all ages and abilities.

Vision Goals/Objectives/Strategies:

1. Club Goal – To provide leadership, education and structure that allows a positive swimming experience for athletes, coaches and parents.

· Establish and maintain open communication in addition to current means – Fall Open House, Club Social Events.

· Define roles and expectations for leadership – Committees, Coaching and Team Support.

· Provide educational and achievement opportunities – Club Recognition/Excellence Program, Video Library, Clinics.

2. Coach Goal – To provide strategies for promotion of effective partnerships between coaches, parents and athletes.

· Foster communication that is honest, open, constructive and supportive.

· Educate and teach athletes and parents.

· Use resources provided by club to lead communication and education goals and programming.

3. Parent Goal – To play a vital role in athletes swimming experience by being motivated, educated and involved with support from the club and coaching staff.

· Attend parent education clinics and programming.

· Participate in individual family meetings, open house, and spring HS parent meeting.

· Volunteer to be involved at the committee level.

4. Athlete Goal – To reap the physical, social and personal benefits of the program due to effective communication and education on behalf of the club, coaches and parents.

· Engage in team activities that foster team spirit and unity.

· Participate in programs such as partners program and senior athlete model program.

· Enjoy additional opportunities to learn and develop physical ability through private lesson program and biomechanical video/race analysis program.

THE SPORT AND TEAM STRUCTURE

USA Swimming is made up of over 2,500 teams from all across the country. Of these clubs, nearly half have 50 swimmers or less, and a handful of teams have over 500 swimmers. NASA has been established to teach the basic skills and strokes necessary for competitive swimming which include the following: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, individual medley, relays, starts, turns and finishes. Swimmers compete in different age groups and meets depending on their achievement level and age on the first day of a meet. Traditionally recognized age groups are 10 and under, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18 with many meets featuring 8 and under, 15 and over and single age group categories. Team training groups are determined by age and/or ability level. These include Pre-Competitive, Developmental, Blue, Gold, Star and Senior groups.

TRAINING OBJECTIVES

NASA offers training for all age and ability levels. Swimmers progress through the training program as their skills progress. Each swimmer begins in the pre-competitive or developmental group and once certain requirements are met can move to the Little Dipper club, the Pre-Big Dipper club and then eventually to the Big Dipper club. The general training objectives are:

· Enjoyment of the sport of swimming.

· Develop competitive swimming skills.

· Learn all facets of competition.

· Establish achievement goals.

· Teach self-discipline, sportsmanship and life skills.

THE SENIOR COACH/CLUB DIRECTOR

Joe Keller has served as the NASA and Northridge High School swimming and diving Head Coach since July 1991. Coach Keller graduated from Ball State University in May 1991 where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education with a supporting area in United States History.

Upon graduation, he attended Indiana University at Pennsylvania to increase his aquatics background. At IUP, he received the following certifications: WSI, Lifeguard Instructor, CPR and First Aid Instructor, Pool Operator on Location License and AAPHERD’s Aquatic Facility Management Certification.

Recruited to Ball State from Petersburg, Indiana, Coach Keller was a Mid-American Conference qualifier all four years in the 100 and 200 yard breaststroke. Upon graduating, he ranked 10th and 5th respectively on Ball State’s top 10 all-time list. He was honored with the Most Improved Swimmer Award his sophomore year and the Senior Award, BSU’s highest swimming award, his final year.

Academically, Coach Keller was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society, was on the Dean’s list seven of eight semesters and received the swim teams Top Scholar/Athlete Academic Award his senior year.

In May 2001, he completed his Master of Science degree in Education at Indiana University, South Bend.

At Northridge, his responsibilities other than coaching include teaching Physical Education, Lifeguard Training and the Elementary School learn to swim program. He also serves as the Aquatics Director and Physical Education Department Chairperson. Coaching awards include being named Conference and Sectional Coach of the Year, Central Zone Team Coach, Indiana Swimming Olympic Training Center Camp Coach, Ball State University Alumni 2003 Girls Swimming Coach of the Year and 2005/2008 Boys Swimming Coach of the Year, 2005 Indiana High School Boys State Coach of the Year, Indiana Swimming Coaches Association 2003 and 2005 Outstanding Senior Coach, and serving as a State Diving Judge. Coach Keller is a Level 4 certified ASCA coach and is currently working towards his Level 5 certification. Upon completion, he will rank in the top 3% of American Swimming Coaches. In addition, Coach Keller has served on various committees within Indiana Swimming’s structure.

Coach Keller is married to Patti and they have three children: Philip, Kristopher and Timothy.

CO-HEAD AGE GROUP COACH’S

William H. Spilman was born in South Bend and raised in Osceola. He was a competitive swimmer from 5 years old into adulthood. A 1980 graduate of Penn High School, he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1984 from Indiana State University. He has been employed since 1997 as an Emergency Services Counselor at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center in Goshen. He has served two seasons as an assistant swim coach. Once for the South Bend Dolphins and once for the Goshen Gators. In 1986, he became Head Coach for the Penn Swim Club, where he served 6 years. He was also the Head Swim Coach at Northwood High School for 1 year during this time, and, achieved a level II certification from the American Swimming Coaches Association. Bill began as an assistant coach with NASA in the fall of 1995 when his oldest daughter joined the team. He has continued with NASA to this date, with the exception of 3 seasons, and now serves as Co-Head Age Group Coach. During his tenure with NASA, he has been instrumental in administrative areas and has developed further through educational opportunities. He has led the team to 2-consecutive Top 10 state finishes during the summer of 2005 and 2006, coached 1 state meet high-point winner, and coached numerous state, zone, and Top 16 qualifiers. He has coached for Team Indiana at a Catch the Spirit Camp, Zone Championships, Mid-States Quad Championships and was nominated for the 2005 summer age group coach of the year. Married in 1986, Bill and wife Melissa have two daughters born in 1990 and 1993.

Rhonda C. Thomas was born and raised in Elkhart, IN. At a very young age, she joined the Concord Swim Club and swam through her college years. She attended Concord High School, and swam for Jane Coudret, (her still most valued mentor). Before graduating in 1999, she won the sectional title in the 100 yard backstroke her junior year, and qualified for the state meet. Her senior year, her team won the Northern Lakes Conference, and her medley relay set the Conference record. She is still ranked in Concord's Top 10 in the 200 Medley Relay, 200 Yard IM, 100 Yard Backstroke, and 400 Freestyle Relay. Coach Thomas was honored to receive the All-Around winner 3 of her 4 years, and her senior year she was honored with the Mental Attitude Award, and Honorary Captain award. Coach Thomas attended Western Illinois University, in Macomb, IL, and studied Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. During her swimming career at WIU, she swam the 100 Yard Backstroke, 200 Yard Backstroke, the 1650 Freestyle, and the 400 Yard IM. Her senior year she won the 200 Yard Backstroke at the Midwest Championships. She is still ranked in the Top 10 at WIU in the 100 and 200 Yard Backstroke, and in the 200 and 400 Yard Medley Relay.

After college, Coach Thomas returned to the program she owes a lot of her success to. She became Concord High School's Assistant Swim Coach in 2003 and coached there for the past 5 years. Throughout those years, she was able also to give back to the club. She served as an Assistant Coach for the swim club during the summers in her college years as well as after.

Coach Thomas has attended the Level 2 American Swimming Coaches Association Stroke School, and looks forward to completing that certification. She is also Lifeguard trained, as well as holding a Water Safety Instructor license. Coach Thomas has taught swim lessons according to the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program since she was 15 years old.

She brings a very enthusiastic approach to swimming, not only wanting to give back what the sport has given to her, but also wanting the athletes to have fun while training hard. Coach Thomas is a very proud mother of a 2 year old, who has a love for the water, much like his mother had at a very young age.

PARENTS ROLE:

Competitive swimming programs provide many benefits to young athletes, including self-discipline, good sportsmanship, and time management skills. Competition allows the swimmer to experience success and to learn how to deal with defeat, while becoming healthy and physically fit. As a parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable, loving and supportive environment. This positive environment will encourage your child to continue. Show your interest by ensuring your child’s attendance at training, meets and other required activities.

Parents are not participants on their child’s team, but contribute to the success experienced by the child and the team. Parents serve as role models and their children often emulate their attitudes. Be aware of this and strive to be positive models. Most importantly, show good sportsmanship at all times toward coaches, officials, opponents and teammates.

Remember that your child is the swimmer. Children need to establish their own goals, and make their own progress towards them. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals. Do not over burden your child with winning or achieving best times. Learning about oneself while enjoying the sport is the most important part of the swimming experience. The swimming environment encourages learning and fun that will help your child develop a positive self-image.

The best way to help your child achieve goals and reduce the natural fear of failure is through positive reinforcement. No one likes to make a mistake. If your child does make one, remember that this is a learning experience. Encourage your child’s efforts and point out the positives. The coach is the only one qualified to judge a swimmer’s performance and technique. Your role is to provide support.

PARENTS RESPONSIBILITIES:

Behind every successful swimming team is a well-organized and active group of parents. The board of directors guides the parent group and each of the members has responsibilities to the team to ensure growth and success. The board members and all parents of the swimmers are expected to participate in the following ways:

· As mentioned above, the primary parental role is to provide support to your swimmer by making sure they get to practices and meets on time and that all information conveyed is understood. Through our Partners Program, new families are encouraged to seek advice and answers from experienced families. This is a great program for getting all involved and assists with teambuilding.

· Each season, NASA will host at least one invitational meet in which volunteer help is essential for these events to be successful.

· Fund-raisers are held each season and help offset many costs involved in the teams operations and keeps membership costs lower. Parents are asked to voluntarily participate in these.

· Finally, all parents are encouraged to get involved with some form of officiating. We require parents to obtain their Level IV certification as it helps to understand more about the sport and allows one to provide assistance during invitationals. This would include being a timer, take-off judge or place judge. More extensive officiating is available with Level II’s and III’s. This would include stroke and turn judges, starters, clerk of course and referees.

PARENT WORKERS/VOLUNTEERS:

There are many opportunities for parent involvement in our club.

Workers at NASA hosted meets:

NASA hosts several meets each season. Our intrasquad meets are for our club only. Parent volunteers are needed in a variety of jobs (timing, ribbons, officials, and timing system operator). Sign-ups are generally posted a few weeks prior to the meet.

NASA generally hosts 2-3 invitationals each year. These are our biggest fund raisers and require the involvement of every family in the club to be successful. Volunteer sign-up sheets are posted several weeks prior to the meet. Each family is required to work one session per day of the meet. (ex: for a one day meet families are required to work one session, for a two day meet families are required to work two sessions). There is a wide variety of jobs available. Any family that does not choose a job on the sign-up sheet will be assigned a job. Reminders will be sent through the blast email system. A sign-in sheet will be posted on the day of the meet so you can confirm your attendance. If for any reason you are unable to fulfill your assignment on the day of the meet, it is your responsibility to find a replacement.

Timers at Away Meets:

Other clubs require visiting teams to provide timers for each of their sessions. NASA will assign families to time at away meets. Typically you will be asked to time one or two times per season for an away meet. These assignments will be sent through the blast email. Again, if you are unable to time at the session you are assigned, you are responsible for finding a replacement.

Committee Members:

There are six working committees led by board members. These committees and some of the activities are listed below. If parents would like to become involved with one or more of these committees they can indicate their interest on the annual volunteer survey or contact a board member.

BUSINESS/SPONSOR SOLICITATION – Solicit ads and sponsors, produce heat sheets, procure lane signs, thank you notes, grants.

TECHNICAL: Officials clinics, timer’s clinics, safety, meet set-up, timing system.

FUNDRAISING: Organize fund raisers for the club throughout the year.

HOSPITALITY/CONCESSIONS: Organize hospitality and concessions for NASA hosted meets as well as special club events.

SWIMMER RECOGNITION: Organize the award ceremony, maintain record board, produce certificates, maintain the award system.

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Communicate meet results to media, copy documents, recruiting, t-shirts, team photos.

NASA COMMITTEE STRUCTURE (rev 9-9-08)

Swimmers are encouraged to attend as many training sessions as possible. Swimmers in the Big Dipper Club must attend 90-100% of all monthly training sessions while those in the Pre-Big Dipper Club and the Little Dipper Club must attend 75%. Swimmers in the Pre-Competitive and Developmental groups do not have requirements for the number of training sessions but it is recommended to attend as many as possible. Remember, training is like a bank -- the more you put in; the more you can get out of it.

1. Swimmers should be prepared to begin training as scheduled. This means they must be changed, on deck, and ready to swim at the designated training time. Anyone who is late will not be allowed to train unless the coach is presented with a note from the parent explaining the circumstances or speaks with a parent directly. The coach will then decide if the swimmer will be allowed to train.

3. Parents should come into the building to pick up their swimmers and check the NASA box. Only swimmers who drive to practice are allowed to check their folder.

4. Parents should not talk to the coaches or swimmers during training except in an emergency. The time to discuss matters is either before or after training.

5. Swimmers may not leave training early unless the coach has been notified at least the day before.

6. Swimmers should not be dropped off more than 15 minutes prior to training and should be picked up within 15 minutes after their training is scheduled to be over.

7. Swimmers are expected to be upon their best behavior in the locker room and halls. Discipline problems will be taken care of by giving the swimmer a warning on the 1st offense and notifying the parent on the 2nd offense. At this time, the Head Coach and Parents will establish a Behavior Modification program for the child! If behavior problems persist, in that, it distracts from the goals of the program and others then suspension or dismissal from the team will be decided by the Board and Head Coach.

8. Training means exactly what it says . . . it is a time to train and improve skills and go through a training program.

9. During the winter season, there will be an opportunity for parents to watch training from the bleachers even though our training sessions are closed. Information regarding dates and times will be announced in advance and there will be no additional arrangements made outside of these times. It will be a structured time open to parents only – other children will not be allowed on deck. This structure allows NASA to remain within USA Swimming insurance guidelines! Regardless, the double pool doors will be open on the allowed dates after High School or Senior Group training. Parents will then be allowed to come in during their child’s training time. Part of the time will be devoted to educating you, the parents, about our coaching curriculum and general program structure. The rest of the time will be open to allow communication time between parents and to observe/enjoy your child’s training session. The Head Age Group Coach is responsible for leading these activities.

Swimmers compete in the four competitive strokes which are: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. However, there is an individual medley that consists of a combination of all four strokes and is swum in the above sequence. Distances of each vary due to the stroke and the age group. NASA competes in invitational meets that are designated at the beginning of each season. Every NASA swimmer is required to swim invitationals. Rules that apply to meets follow:

1. Once a swimmer has signed up for a meet, they are expected to attend and be on time.

2. Only meets listed on the seasonal meet calendar may be attended unless circumstances cause the meet schedule to be changed for the benefit of the team.

3. Each swimmer is required to participate in all championship meets in which they qualify.

4. Swimmers may not leave a meet early unless a coach has given permission to do so.

6. If the swimmer is unable to attend a meet because of conflicting circumstances, the swimmer must notify the coach as soon as possible and preferably 24 hours before the meet.

7. Every swimmer is required to wear a team suit and NASA cap at all meets or they will not be allowed to swim. Performance enhancing suits earned via the awards system are only allowed to be worn at end of season meets unless by Head Coach approval.

Although the club furnishes most equipment, some other items are required and some optional. Those that are required would include a NASA suit that should only be worn during meets, a NASA cap, and a towel. The meet suits and caps can be purchased from a board member or a coach. Girls suits cost $45 and boys suits cost $30. For those in the senior or star groups (11 & Over) who are Big Dippers, a training bag with equipment is required for all training sessions and can be purchased by talking with the Head Coach. Optional items would include warm-up suits, goggles and training caps.

STRUCTURE AND FEES

BIG DIPPER CLUB - Designed for experienced and top level swimmers who train in the Senior/HS or Star group. Swimmers chosen for this part of the club and training groups are based upon achieving a “BB” cut time standard along with a basic ability to swim all four competitive strokes. Swimmers are required to swim four to six days per week and will be coached on a training level basis. Invitational meet participation is required of this group. They will receive the following club awards when making cuts.

*Travel reimbursement for expenses incurred at upper level meets will match funds provided by Indiana Swimming unless fully funded!

The first time a cut is achieved the award will be given at that time. Awards are given only once per age group in accordance with USA state meet guidelines. However, if a swimmer ages up during a season, then the second time a cut is made the award will be given at the end of that season or the athlete may replace the award with a NASA Blanket. Also, for the 15 and over age group, awards will only be presented on the basis of first time ever achieved!!! Zone, Top 16, and upper level meet reimbursement can be earned seasonally!

*High School in fall will last for 5 weeks(girls) and 7 weeks(boys). The spring season is dependent upon HS ending date and end of season meet date.

PRE-BIG DIPPER CLUB - Designed for experienced swimmers who train in the Star group. Swimmers chosen for this part of the club and training groups are based upon achieving a “B” cut time standard along with a basic ability to swim all four strokes legally. Swimmers are required to train at least 3 days a week and will be coached on the basis to acquire state/national level cuts to advance to the Big Dipper Club. Invitational meet participation is required. They will receive a TYR drawstring bag upon making the cut.

LITTLE DIPPER CLUB - Designed for the entry level competitive swimmers who train in the Gold group for those 12 and up or the Blue group for those 11 and under. Swimmers chosen for this part of the club and training groups are based upon achieving a “C” cut time standard along with a basic ability to swim three of the four competitive strokes legally. Swimmers are required to train at least 3 days a week. Coaching will be on a level to further develop swimming skills and training on those skills. Invitational meet participation is required. They will receive a NASA team cap upon making the cut.

*Note: Season in which Gold practices with Star Z, club fees will be the same rate as that of a Pre-Big Dipper not a Little Dipper!

DEVELOPMENTAL CLUB - Designed for the entry-level swimmers who train in the Developmental group which is for all ages. Swimmers are chosen for this part of the club after a try-out session to determine entry-level skills(minimum Red Cross Level III). There are no requirements on the number of training sessions to attend however it is recommended to attend as many as possible. Coaching will be on a level to develop competitive swimming skills. Meet participation along with invitationals hosted as fund-raisers are required.

PRE-COMPETITIVE CLUB - Designed for the entry-level swimmers who train in the Pre-Competitive group which is for all ages. Swimmers are chosen for this part of the club after a try-out session to determine entry-level skills(minimum Red Cross Level II). There are no requirements on the number of training sessions to attend however it is recommended to attend as many as possible. Coaching will be on a level to bridge the gap between a swimming lesson structure and competitive swimming. There will be no meet participation from this group.

*Note: The season will include a mid-season option that will occur at week 12 (December 8^th week). That option includes continuing, discontinuing, or moving to Developmental with coach approval. For those who have the option to move to Developmental, then the seasonal fee will go into effect and NO additional move-ups fees will be assessed.

YEAR ROUND PROGRAMMING – Designed for swimmers who choose to make a commitment to year round training. Senior athletes who wish to exercise this option will be required to attend the 1^st summer training session as promoted each fall. Summer season information will be available to all families by the first of April (Winter Awards Celebration) and will eliminate the requirement to attend the summer sign-up/meeting!

Invitational fees are the responsibility of the swimmer, but the coach will determine what events they will compete in. The fee ranges from $2.50 to $5.00 per event. All meet entry fees must be paid on or by the Wednesday prior to the meet to receive the event/entry/meet information list. After this date and up until the day prior to the meet, contact Wendy Bernth to receive the information sheet. Any outstanding meet fees must be paid on/before the NASA meet to be able to participate in an end of season meet. The club will pay for all relay fees.

· All swimmers must pay an annual USA Swimming fee of $52.00 at the official sign-up date (or $30.50 for summer season only). This fee is not refundable once applied for.

· Any individual who qualifies for a state level meet or beyond is responsible for those entry fees. However, the club will pay for the relay and swimmer surcharges!

· All other surcharge fees associated with invitational meets will reside with the athlete. Fee per meet is $1.50.

· Club payments are paid as either installments or seasonally to the club treasurer. It is important to note that one week after the posted collection date the swimmer will lose the privilege to participate until payment is made.

· For families with more than 1 child, a multiple child discount is offered to Developmental, Blue, Gold and Star groups. This is available to the Senior/High School group in the summer only.

· Non-sufficient funds checks that are returned will warrant payment of cash to cover fees for continuation in the club.

· The club will sponsor one or two fund raising events during the season to assist in keeping club dues as low as possible.

· Families with financial problems will be considered on an individual basis with full confidentiality. See a Board Member for details.

Þ Attention, support, enthusiasm and a strong sense of caring directed toward your swimmer will be the greatest help you can offer.

Þ Please leave the coaching to the coaches. Opposite viewpoints lead to confusion and bad swimming habits. Our concern is for the improvement of the swimmer.

Þ Try to help your swimmer work through any problem that might occur in a positive way.

Þ Above all, please remember that every swimmer is different. Don’t compare swimmers against other swimmers. This only leads to problems between teammates and parents. This does not produce a successful swim team.

FUND-RAISING

PURPOSE: The NASA Fund-Raising System is a family oriented plan that will provide the club with the ability to generate revenue while allowing each family the flexibility to fund any fees assessed to allow affordable participation.

· Fees raised can be used to fund Seasonal/Installment fees, Meet Entry fees, and Registration fees.

· Two fund-raising opportunities will be available during the winter season. One in October/November and the second in January/February.

· Funds raised in the winter that are above and beyond the amount to be paid will be credited to the summer season. There will be NO carry-over of funds from the summer season into the upcoming year.

Code of Conduct

As a Northridge Area Swimming Association team member, I recognize and agree to conform to this code of conduct at all times while representing NASA and:

Part I: Code of Conduct

* To do my very best to bring the highest possible credit and regard to myself, Northridge Area Swimming Association, Indiana Swimming and USA Swimming.

* My membership on Northridge Area Swimming Association is a privilege and I personally acknowledge those responsibilities associated with it.

Part II: Violation of the Code

The Northridge Area Swimming Association Board of Directors and Head Coach have the power to impose penalties for violations of the code.

* Indiscreet or destructive behavior will not be tolerated. Every effort should be made to avoid guilt by association with such activities.

* The use of any of the below is strictly FORBIDDEN and may result in an immediate suspension from the Northridge Area Swimming Association:

I hereby agree by becoming a team member to abide by the rules of conduct set forth above and acknowledge that, should I/my child violate any provisions of the code, I/my child, will be subject to disciplinary actions as set forth in Part II including suspension.

GLOSSARY

Aggregate Time - times achieved by four individuals in separate starts which are added together to arrive at a relay time for entry purposes.

Approved Meet - A designated meet conducted by organizations other than USA from which swimmers may use their times as USA qualifying times. A designated USA official must be present to attest that the conduct of competition conforms to all relevant USA rules and meet standards. Also used when all swimmers are not USA registered.

Closed Competition (Indiana) - Competition for five or less teams including the host club.

Closed Competition (USA) - Competition open only to the members of one organization or group.

Club - An organization which has been accepted for membership in the Corporation and which operates on a year-round basis.

Conference Meet - A meet composed of the teams that belong to an Indiana conference.

Conforming Times – qualifying time standard that corresponds to the meet competition course.

Non-Conforming Times - A short course qualifying time submitted for a long course meet or vice-versa.

Consolation - (Finals) competition for the fastest of those who failed to qualify for the finals.

Course - Designated distance over which the competition is conducted. Long Course = 50 meters; Short Course = 25 yards.

Cut Sheet - A listing of AAAA, AAA, AA, A, BB, B times published by USA. May be used to set cuts for swim meets.

Deck Seeded Meet - Meet where all entries are due prior to first day of meet and swimmers must declare availability to swim prior to the scratch deadlines.

Finals - The concluding session of each day of the meet in which the final race of each event is swum.

Heats - A division of an event in which there are too many swimmers to compete at one time.

Invitationals - A swim meet in which the host club invites entire teams to participate.

LSC (Local Swimming Committee) - An administrative division of USA Swimming with supervisory responsibilities within certain geographic boundaries set by USA Swimming.

Missed cut - If a swimmer does not swim as fast as the bottom allowed time for the event, this is a missed cut and the time must be proved or a fine paid.