2010 Handbook

Desire  -   Dedication  -   Determination

Carmichael Swim Team
PO Box 581,
Carmichael, CA 95609

Web Site: cbswim.com
E Mail: cb.swim@hotmail.com

Phone (916) 550-6078

Message from the President

Welcome to the Carmichael Beaver Swim Team’s 44th year of competitive swimming.  I will serve as the Team President for the 2010 swim season. Thank you to all of our Swimming Families who will volunteer their time to help with our Swim Meets, Championships and Fireworks stand. The Board has decided to continue the $100 parent participation deposit because it was such a success last year. This deposit is needed to encourage all families to participate in the many volunteer positions required to run a swim meet.  Upon successful completion of the Family volunteer hours, your deposit money will be refunded at awards night July 20th, 2010. 

In what has become an annual occurrence, the Nor Cal Swim League has adjusted our conference for the 2010 Season. This year we will swim our league meets against Amador, Arden Hills, Arden Park, and Galt.  I am hoping our league representative, Mark Van Allen will successfully get an amendment passed to restrict conference changes to every other year. Mr. Van Allen we are counting on you. 

Our returning Head Coach for our 2010 Season is Erin Gallawa (Gall-a-way).  Erin coached our summer and fall swim seasons last year.  Last fall Erin became a certified USA Swimming Head Coach for our team.  Congratulations Erin and thank you for your dedication to our team.  We are looking forward to another good year!   

Our Assistant Coach is Rob Ahern.  He was our fall assistant coach and did a great job.  Rob has a swimming and teaching background.  Welcome back and continue your positive encouragement of our swimmers. 

I am looking forward to our 2010 Swim Season so we can give Coach Erin her first Swim Meet victory as our Head Coach.

Ron Miller, President

Team Mission

Carmichael Swim Team provides a fun swimming experience where children learn to swim in a competitive atmosphere.  We encourage our swimmers to give extraordinary effort to constantly improve their personal best times. We recognize all of our swimmer’s effort and praise accomplishment.  Our Swim Team provides our swimmers with the opportunity to achieve authentic accomplishment which builds their self-esteem.       

Practice Days & Times:

All practices are Monday – Friday at the
Del Campo High School Pool 4925 Dewey Drive, Fair Oaks
Please be prompt for practice sessions!

Meet Calendar

* Denotes Conference meet.  Swimmers must swim in 2 Conference meets to qualify for Conference Championships.

Swimmers Check In:
Home Meet check-in is 7:00 a.m.
Away Meet check-in is 7:30 a.m.

Carmichael Beavers Board of Directors

2009 Northern California Swim League Conference Alignment

Northern California Swim League Championships

Our 2010 Conference Championships will be held at the West Sacramento Aquatic Center Saturday, July 17th and Sunday, July 18th 2010.  The championship meet will consist of only those teams in our Motherlode Conference.  

Team Activities

Carmichael Beavers Team Swimsuits and Team Clothing
The team swimsuit is not required; however, all swimmers are encouraged to wear a team suit during meets to show unity and team spirit. Team clothing is optional and available for purchase at most home meets. Order forms will be available at registration.

Team suits are sold at California Swim Shop,
7330 Fair Oaks Blvd., Carmichael, 95608
Phone 971-9836

The 2009 Carmichael Beavers swimsuit is the:
Speedo Light Trails - Blue

2010 USA Swimming Rule about Swimsuits.
1 Design
A.Swimsuits worn for all age groups shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor past the knee.
B. . Swimsuits worn for competition must be non-transparent and conform to the current concept of the appropriate.
C.The Referee shall have authority to bar offenders from the competition until
they comply with the rule.

Note: One-piece tank or team suits, will be worn during all swim practices and at all swim meets. Inappropriate swim wear includes but is not limited to, tankinis, bikinis, and thong, swimsuits.

Away Swim Meet Pool Locations

Mat 22nd ~ Galt
Galt Aquatic Center- 660 Chabolla Ave, Galt.
(Aprox. 45 minutes from DCHS)

1.   Hwy 99 South
2.   Exit Fairway Drive,  one exit past Central Galt Exit
3.   Make U turn North to stay on Fairway Drive
4.   Turn Left on Caroline
5.   Turn Left on Chabolla Ave.
6.   Aquatic Center is on the right.

June 5th ~ Arden Park
Arden Park Community Center 1000 La Sierra Drive
(Approx. 15 minutes from DCHS)

• Fair Oaks Blvd west towards downtown.
• Right on Arden
• Left on La Sierra
• Arden Park Community Center on Left

July 17th-18th Championships West Sacramento
West Sacramento Aquatic Center -  River City High School
2801 Jefferson Blvd, (Approx. 30 minutes from DCHS)

1. Highway 50 West to Jefferson Blvd South
2. Jefferson Blvd to Linden Road turn Right
3. Aquatic  Center is on the Right

August 1st & 2nd Meet Of Champions* (optional)
TBA

* Championship meet for swimmers who qualify for finals at our league championship meet or qualify by beating the standard times required to enter the Meet of Champions.

*Additional fee required.

Carmichael Beavers Swim Team Check Charge Policy

A minimum collection charge of $20.00 per check will be passed on to the issuer of any returned check. It is the issuer's responsibility to fully reimburse the Carmichael Beavers Swim Team within 10 days of either verbal or written notification.

The Carmichael Beavers Swim Team’s Board of Directors reserves the right to determine eligibility to swim.

Carmichael Beavers Team Rules

1. Modest, one-piece swim suits will be worn to all swim practices and swim meets.
2. Only swimmers, coaches, or officials are allowed on the pool deck during workouts.
3. NO RUNNING on the pool deck.
4. No swimmers are allowed in the water or pool unless a coach is on duty and directs the swimmers into the water.
5. No swimmers are permitted on diving boards during swim practice or meets unless directed by a member of the coaching staff.
6. No horseplay, profanity or other inappropriate activity will be allowed.
7. No running onto starting blocks, then diving or jumping off.
8. No hanging, or sitting on the lane ropes. Treat all equipment with care.
9. No swimmer is allowed in the diving pool during swim meets.
10. Playing in the locker room is not permitted.
11. During workouts, swimmers must remain in the pool unless directed by the coach.
12. NO Dogs on the pool deck.
13. No Dogs, Cats or other animals at Swim Meets.

Please be responsible by picking up your child within 5 minutes of practice completion.

Parent Volunteer Positions

Carmichael Beavers Required Parent Volunteer Shifts

To make the dual swim meets run efficiently, the Northern California Swim League encourages parents of swimmers (or their designee) to work shifts during the swim meet.

Your assistance is essential since our ability to run an efficient swim meet depends upon a volunteer staff of parents. Therefore, we count on parents, grandparents, extended family members, and friends to volunteer at all swim meets.

The California Beavers Swim Team requires that each family volunteer for swim meets, volunteer for championships, and volunteer at the fireworks stand.

Required shifts can be accomplished in several ways:

Swap with another family to work your shift for you in the event of an absence.

Work more shifts at one meet to make up for not being available at another meet.

A volunteer sign up binder will be available.

If you are scheduled to work during 1st or 2nd shift please check in with Genny Gordon before the start of the swim meet, 7:30a.m.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Board of Directors: (Elected)

1. President: Presides over board meetings and coordinates specific activities to ensure a swim meet runs smoothly.
2. Vice President: Assists the president to ensure swim meets run smoothly.
3. Secretary: Records board meetings minutes, submits it to the board for approval.
4. Treasurer: Maintains the team bank account and accounting of all funds received and paid by the board.
5. League Representative: Attends monthly league meeting and votes on behalf of the team and reports policy and procedure to board.
6. Members at-Large: Attends monthly board meeting, chairs team events, and supports board activities.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Board of Directors: (Elected)

• President: Presides over board meetings and coordinates specific activities to ensure a swim meet runs smoothly.
• Vice President: Assists the president to ensure swim meets run smoothly.
• Secretary: Records board meetings minutes, submits it to the board for approval.
• Treasurer: Maintains the team bank account and accounting of all funds received and paid by the board.
• League Representative: Attends monthly league meeting and votes on behalf of the team and reports policy and procedure to board.
• Members at-Large: Attends monthly board meeting, chairs team events, and supports board activities.

Parent Volunteer Positions:

• Announcer: Announces each swimmer and event from microphone. Home meets only.
  
• Beaver Believer Editor: Collects and distributes information about the team and its activities, including producing a bi-monthly newsletter.
  
• Beaver Attire Coordinator: Orders, sells, and distributes clothing and other specialty items.
  
• Computer / Scoring: Computer volunteers to read swimmer times during home meets. Assistant to verify the accuracy of times entered into computer.
  
• Cook: Works with snack bar, barbeques hot dogs, chicken & hamburgers.
  
• Fireworks Coordinator: Coordinates and delegates activities necessary to operate stand. Responsibilities may include meetings, obtaining permits, renting equipment, purchasing, and selling.
  
• Fund Raising Coordinator: Coordinates and delegates activities to ensure proper acquisition of funds.
  
• Head Stroke and Turn Judge: Ensures proper training of all strokes and turn judges and supervises during each home meet.
  
• Head Meet Referee: Ensures proper training of all meet referees. Duties may include scratch meeting, monitoring all race finishes, presiding over any meet dispute. Instructs Stroke & Turn volunteers before meet begins. Must know League Rules & Regulations and US Swim Rules.
  
• Head Timer: Ensures proper training for all timers and maintains a back up timer, holds timers meeting prior to home meet.
  
• Head Starter: Ensures proper training of all starters.
  
• Head Announcer: Ensures proper training of all announcers.
  
• Head Ready Bench: Ensures proper training of workers.
  
• Head Zoo Keeper: Ensures proper training of all zoo keepers. Responsibilities may include bringing all age group signs to all the ready bench area.
  
• Hospitality Coordinator: Coordinates & delegates activities to ensure beverages are available at the pool for all the shift workers, officials, & coaches at every home meet. Responsibilities may include bringing equipment there, serving and cleaning after the meet.
  
• Lane Timers: Time each heat.
  
• Lane Writers: Writes down the time of swimmer in lane /event.
  
• Parent Coordinator: Coordinates & delegates activities to ensure all positions that are required to run a swim meet are filled.
  
• Photographer: Generates pictorial records of meets and team events.
  
• Ready Bench: Organizes swimmers in ready area for upcoming events. Escorts each heat of swimmers from the Ready Bench to the correct lanes and starting blocks.
  
• Recruiter: Coordinates and delegates activities to distribute information about the Beaver swim team for the sole purpose of recruiting new members to the team. Responsibilities may include making flyers and distributing them.
  
• Registrar: Ensures all information from the registration forms are properly secured and submitted to the league representative.
  
• Ribbons: Labels backs of ribbons & files ribbons in mailboxes.
  
• Runner: Takes lane sheets to and from timers to scoring table. Also collects disqualification slips (DQs) from Stroke & Turn Judges to scoring table.
  
• Set Up & Take Down Coordinators: Ensure that all equipment that is needed to run a swim meet is set up and ready to go prior to the start of the meet. Also ensures that equipment is taken down and stored away at a proper location after the meet. First shift arrives at 6:30 a.m. for home meets, sets up all chairs, tables, electronic equipment, and EZ-ups. Second shift stays after meets and puts all equipment away in storage shed, cleans up general pool & zoo areas.
  
• Snack Bar Coordinator: Coordinates & delegates the operation of the snack bar at every home meet. Responsibilities may include shopping, refrigeration, preparation, cooking, & selling food items.
  
• Starter: Home meets only. Instructs swimmers and directs them to "take your mark", starts each race with electronic starter.
  
• Stroke & Turn Judges: Watch swimmers in assigned lanes to make sure swimmers are doing strokes and turns correctly.
  
• Swim-A-Thon Coordinator: Coordinates activities to ensure a successful swim-a-thon. Responsibilities may include distributing flyers, collecting monies, distributing prizes.
  
• Zoo Keeper: Stays in team area and assists swimmers to ready bench area.
  

Carmichael Beavers Swimmer Participation Responsibilities

Establish high goals and actively train to achieve them.
Winning is not as important as doing your best and having fun.

• Attend practice on a regular basis.
• Support your coaches and their training program.
• Encourage your Teammates.
• Be part of your team by participating in social activities and outings. You will have a lot of fun and make new friends.
  

A swimmer's participation in meets is judged on his or her attendance and participation at practice, at time trials and meets.

All swimmers should be able to swim one length of a 25-yard long pool unaided by the end of the second week of practice with the exception of the 6 & under swimmers. 

Swimmers are divided into the following age groups:

• 6 and under
• 7 - 8
• 9 - 10
• 11 - 12
• 13 - 14
• 15 - 18

The age groups are further divided by gender (boys and girls). Age groups are determined by the swimmers age from four to eighteen as of June 15, 2010.

Beavers Swimmer Responsibilities for Dual Meets

Because all meets are seeded and given to the computer coordinator early in the week for the Saturday meets, there will be a small vacation / sign out binder at the front of the mailboxes at practices.

Swimmers will be required to sign out of meets by Tuesday for the following week's meet or they will automatically be seeded.

If a swimmer fails to sign out and does not show up for a meet they are seeded into, they may not be allowed to swim in the following meet.

Carmichael Beavers Swimmer Check-In Time

HOME MEETS 7:00 a.m. AWAY MEETS 7:30 a.m.

Any swimmer NOT CHECKED IN ON TIME MAY BE SCRATCHED and replaced in their scheduled events

Carmichael Beavers Parent Volunteer Check-In Time

FIRST SHIFT: 7:30 a.m. SECOND SHIFT: 7:30 a.m.

Carmichael Beavers Parent / Coach Relationship
It is important that you trust the ability and judgment of the coaching staff and that you exhibit that trust and support in front of your children. We all make mistakes, so give the coaching staff the benefit of the doubt if it appears they misjudge from time to time.

Parents are encouraged to observe all workouts. However, please stay clear of the deck area while swimmers are in the pool. You may be hurting more than helping if you try to encourage your swimmer while he or she is practicing . . . that is the coach's job. If for some reason you must communicate with your child please contact the coach or assistant coach.

If you feel that your swimmer is not receiving all that he or she should in a workout, or is having some sort of difficulty which is not being resolved, talk to the coach privately after the practice, or arrange some mutually convenient time.

Coaching Responsibilities
The coaches shall model positive leadership and sportsmanship to the Carmichael Beavers and attempt to foster these qualities in the team members.

The coaches shall:

1. Understand and accept the philosophy of the Carmichael Beavers. We are a summer recreational swim team and all swimmers should have fun and an incentive to improve.
   
2. Understand the Bylaws and policies of the Swim Team.
   
3. Respond to parent concerns in a timely manner. Utilize the advice and council of the Board of Directors.
   
4. Provide active supervision of all practices, meets and swimming events.
   
5. Maintain an atmosphere at practice conducive to a good instructional program.
   
6. Familiarize themselves with the swimmers and their ability. Assist each swimmer to develop individual goals for the swim season.
   
7. Provide instruction in all aspects of competitive swimming: i.e. starts, turns, touches, and stroke improvement.
   
8. Maintain all pertinent records on swimmers.
   
9. Prepare entries for all dual and championship meets.
   
10. Comply with the rules of the Northern California Swim League and Carmichael Beavers Swim Team, Inc.
    
11. Prepare and deliver all entry sheets to the computer representative. These sheets shall reflect the coach's determination of consistent times, legal strokes and cooperative attitudes.
    
12. Perform first aid as necessary.
    
13. Supervise proper use of all competitive swim equipment, including pace clock, lane ropes, kick-boards, starting system, backstroke flags, and other swim team items.
    
14. The Head Coach will be responsible for supervising the assistant coaches and assigning their specific duties.

Disciplinary Guidelines
The purpose of these guidelines is to insure everyone has the potential to be a "WINNER"

1. The use of foul language, derogatory statements towards teammates, coaches, opposing team members, or parents, and/or meet officials, uncooperativeness, inattentiveness, chronic complaining, or any other unsportsmanlike conduct are grounds for immediate dismissal. A written citation will be sent home immediately. It must be signed by the parent and swimmer and returned to the coach before the swimmer is able to return to a practice session.
2. Repeated misconduct may result in a suspension from practices until a conference is arranged with the swimmer, parent(s) and coach. The Board of Directors (elected officers only) will also be informed immediately thereafter as the results of the conference.
3. If misconduct continues after the above conference, the swimmer will be suspended from practices until a conference is arranged with the swimmer, parent, coach, and the Board of Directors.
4. Serious infractions (fighting or illegal behavior) will result in the swimmer being placed on immediate suspension. The president shall be notified within 24-hours of the occurrence. The president shall preside and review the matter at a special meeting with the Board of Directors where a quorum is required. The suspension is for the remainder of the swim season until the president holds a conference with the swimmer, parent(s), coaching staff to review the infraction and penalty.
5. Modest swim attire, one-piece tank or team suits, will be worn during all swim practices and at all swim meets. Inappropriate swim wear includes, but is not limited to, bikinis, tankinis, and thong, sling, or pretzel, swimsuits. No plunging necklines. No sagging, butt-cracks, or low-riders. No exceptions.

Northern California Swim League Guidelines

1. Every eligible swimmer (except 6 & under) who attends practice regularly as required by the coach should swim a minimum of two individual events in any Dual Meet. The coach may establish minimum attendance standards for participation in meets.
   
2. The first time trial should be used to establish a ranking for all swimmers.
   
3. Meet entries are limited by League rules that limit swimmer participation to three individual events.
   
4. Any posting of meet results will be coordinated with the computer coordinator.
   
5. All swimmers meeting the criteria set forth in the League Bylaws will swim at Championship Finals.
   

Swim Meet Eligibility

1. It is the swimmer's and/or parents' responsibility to check with the coach when they arrive at the meet.
   
2. Parents are expected to assist their swimmers in checking events.
   
3. The coach must be notified in writing no later than the Tuesday before the upcoming scheduled Saturday Meet when a swimmer is unable to attend (see Vacation / Sign Out book).
   
4. Relays are a team event. The relay teams for finals are based on best times or coaches' discretion.
   

Swim Meet Schedule

Approximate start time: 8:30 - 9:00 AM

Swim Meet Activities

1. Swimmers are expected to be at the meet location at the time designated by the coach.
   
2. They must locate their team area and check the list of events they are to swim. Many swimmers bring:
• At least two towels and a sleeping bag for warmth,
  
• Sun Block & a hat or t-shirt for protection from hot sun,
  
• Healthy drinks & snacks for hydration & energy,
  
• Folding chairs, money for snack bar, and
  
• Games to keep amused between events
  
3. Our team will warm up in the pool prior to the start of the meet.
   
4. Swimmers must remain in the designated team area and must be alert as to which events are occurring so they can be ready when their turn arrives. The swim team parents, "zoo keepers" will help the very young swimmers get to the ready bench at the proper time as long as these swimmers are in the team area.
   
5. Swimmers must be at the "Ready Bench" as least one event prior to the event in which they are swimming.
   
6. After each event, swimmers are to return to the team area.
   
7. It is not advisable for swimmers to eat immediately prior to swimming an event. Questions concerning this may be directed to the coach.
   
8. Boys and girls compete separately in the following age groups determined by age as of June 15th: 7-8; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14; and 15-18.
   
9. The 6 & Under age group competes in freestyle, freestyle relay, and backstroke.
   
10. There are two basic categories of races: individual events and relay events. All relay races involve four swimmers on each team. In the medley relay each of the four swimmers swims an equal distance in a different stroke. The first swimmer swims backstroke, the second breaststroke, the third butterfly, and the fourth freestyle. The order is alphabetical. A relay team will be disqualified if a swimmer leaves the block before the preceding swimmer has touched or if any swimmer violates the rules governing the stroke.
    
11. The individual races are broken up into six categories: freestyle, long freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley (IM). The IM consists of equal lengths of the four strokes in the following order: butterfly (fly) backstroke (back) breaststroke (breast), and freestyle (free).
    

Meet Descriptions and Scoring System

The Northern California Swim League (NorCal) season is a series of two team (Dual) meets. The fastest swimmers generally swim in the first heat of each event. Points are awarded for each event.

• First place scores            Five points
  
• Second place scores        Three points
  
• Third place scores           Two points
  
• Fourth place scores         One point

  Only the first heat of each Relay event scores points for the team.

  • Only the winning Relay team scores, Seven points.

Championship Meet Scoring:
Scoring will be explained in the Championship Program.

Ribbons

• Heat winner ribbons will be given to the first place winner in each heat at home meets. Second through sixth place ribbons will be given for all heats at home meets.
  
• Swimmers and parents are to refrain from going to the scoring table for ribbons. All ribbons may be collected at the following practice in the swimmer's mailboxes.
  
• Host team will furnish all ribbons.

Ribbons that are not picked up by the end of the season, (Awards Night) will be discarded.

Awards Night

Tuesday July 20th, 2010 all swimmers will be given a trophy for participation on the Carmichael Beaver Swim Team.  Awards won at League Championships will be handed out.  High-point trophies will be awarded to the boy and girl in each age group with the most points scored during the season.  Also, an overall high point boy and girl will be awarded.  All team awards must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to Awards Night.

Northern California Swim League Championships

The Northern California Swim League, Motherlode Championship Meet is held at the conclusion of each swim season. Each team has specific organizing responsibilities (starter, ready bench, snack bar, etc.). Parent participation / volunteers are needed to fill operational needs in all areas in addition to the team needs.  

In order to swim in the NorCal League Championship, a league participant must swim in at least two events in at least two League Dual Meets during the regular season. For the purpose of complying with this requirement, it does not matter whether the swimmer swam in a relay or individual event, or whether the swimmer participated in an official or unofficial heat of an event.

A swimmer may:
Enter all of the individual events in his / her age group, and may participate in one freestyle relay and one medley relay. The first Freestyle Relay team is made up of the four fastest swimmers in each age group or at the coach’s discretion. The Medley Relay team is made up of the four fastest swimmers of each stroke or at the coach’s discretion.

Championship events:
This meet lasts for two entire days, Saturday and Sunday. Preliminary heats are conducted in the morning with the ten (10) finalists competing in the afternoon. Saturday’s events include the individual medley, short freestyle, backstroke, medley relay, 6 & Under freestyle relay. Sunday’s events include long freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle relay. Parents should come prepared for a long, hot, day.

Final participants:
Shall receive place medals. Each member of a relay team that competes in finals shall receive a place medal. A high-point trophy will be awarded to the high-point boy and girl in each age group. Team trophies shall be given to the teams placing first, second, and third at championships.

More detailed information regarding finals will be available prior to the meet.

Swim Strokes

Each of the four strokes, Back, Breast, Fly, and Free have rules governing the proper way to swim the stroke. At every meet, four stoke and turn judges will be posted, one at each corner of the pool checking to make sure the stroke rules are being followed. Should a swimmer violate these rules in a race, he or she will be disqualified (DQ) from the race.

Individual Medley
The swimmer shall swim the prescribed distance in the following order: first one-fourth, butterfly; the second one-fourth, backstroke; the third one-fourth, breaststroke; and the last fourth, freestyle.

Freestyle Relay
Four swimmers on each team, each swim one-fourth the prescribed distance using any desired stroke(s). Freestyle finish rules apply.

Medley Relay
Four swimmers on each team, each swims one-fourth of the prescribed distance continuously in the following order: first, backstroke; second, breaststroke; third, butterfly; and fourth, freestyle. Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where applicable. At the end of each leg, the finish rules for each stroke are to be applied in each case.

Rules Pertaining to Relay Races

1. No swimmer shall swim more than one leg in any relay event.
   
2. In relay races a swimmer other than the first swimmer shall not start until his/her teammate has concluded his/her leg.
   
3. Any relay team member and his/her relay team shall be disqualified from a race if a team member other that the swimmer designated to swim that leg shall jump into or enter the pool in the area where the race is being conducted before all swimmers of all teams have finished the race.
   
4. Each relay team member shall leave the water immediately upon finishing his/her leg, except the last member.
   
5. In relay races, the team of the swimmer whose feet have lost touch with the starting platform (ground or deck) before his/her preceding teammate touches the wall shall be disqualified.
   

NorCal Swim League is based on the following USA Swimming Rules, 2010

PART ONE TECHNICAL RULES

All competitive swimming events held under USA Swimming sanction shall be conducted in accordance with the following rules that are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition.

It is recommended that the LSC and regional short course and long course championships be held annually and that they be conducted under the rules governing National Championships (Article 207), subject to available facilities and personnel. Events other than such championships may use Article 207 as a guide, subject to local conditions and preferences.

It is not the purpose of the Rules and Regulations of USA Swimming (the National Governing Body) contained herein to set standards of care for the safety of the swimmer. The swimmer, the swim coach, the swim club and the local public entity or pool owner should address safety considerations where events are held.

ARTICLE 101
INDIVIDUAL STROKES AND RELAYS
101.1 STARTS

.1 Equipment — A loudspeaker start system conforming to 103.15, with or without an
underwater recall device, and an electronic strobe signal visible to all manual timers
and for forward and backstroke starts,shall be the preferred starting device. A .22
caliber starting pistol may be used.

.2 The Start
A. At the commencement of each heat, the Referee shall signal to the swimmers
by a short series of whistles to remove all clothing except for swimwear, followed
by a long whistle indicating that they should take and maintain their positions
on the starting platform, the deck, or in the water. In backstroke and medley
relay events, at the Referee’s first long whistle, the swimmers shall immediately
enter the water and at the second long whistle shall return without undue
delay to the starting position. Except as otherwise noted, all provisions under Part One, the Technical Rules, are effective beginning May 15, 2009, and until changed. Rules in effect on the first day of a meet shall govern throughout that meet.
B. When the swimmers and officials are ready, the Referee shall signal with an
outstretched arm to the Starter that the swimmers are under the Starter’s control.
C. On the Starter’s command “take your mark”, the swimmers shall immediately
assume their starting position, in the forward start, with at least one foot at the
front of the starting platform or the deck. Swimmers starting in the water must
have at least one hand in contact with the wall or starting platform. When all
swimmers are stationary, the starter shall give the starting signal.
D. When a swimmer does not respond promptly to the command "take your
mark", the Starter shall immediately release all swimmers with the commd
an"stand up" upon which the swimmers may stand up or step off the blocks.

.3 False Starts
A. Any swimmer starting before the starting signal is given shall be disqualified if
the Referee independently observes and confirms the Starter’s observation
that a violation occurred. Swimmers remaining on the starting blocks shall be
relieved from their starting positions with the "Stand up" command and may
step off the blocks. The Starter shall restart the race upon signal by the
Referee.
B If the starting signal has been given before the disqualification is declared, the
race shall continue without recall. If the Referee independently observes and
confirms the Starter’s observation that a violation occurred, the swimmer or
swimmers who have false started shall be disqualified upon completion of the
race.
C If the recall signal is activated inadvertently, no swimmer shall be charged with
a false start and the Starter shall restart the race upon signal by the Referee.

D A swimmer who would otherwise be charged with a false start may be relieved
of the charge if the false start was caused by the swimmer’s reaction to the
“stand up” command.
E A swimmer shall not be disqualified for an illegal starting position at the start if
the race is permitted to proceed. Enforcement of the correct starting position is
the responsibility of the Starter.

.5 Deliberate Delay or Misconduct
A The Starter shall report a swimmer to the Referee for delaying the start, for willfully
Your assistance is essential since our ability to run an efficient swim meet depends upon a volunteer staff of parents. Therefore, we count on parents, grandparents, extended family members, and friends to volunteer at all swim meets.
disobeying an order or for any other misconduct taking place at the start, but only the Referee may disqualify a swimmer for such delay, willful disobedience or misconduct.
B The Referee shall disqualify a swimmer who fails to appear at the starting platform
ready to swim in time for the initial start of his/her heat.
C Such disqualification shall not be charged as a false start.

101.2 BREASTSTROKE
.1 Start — The forward start shall be used.
.2 Stroke — After the start and after each turn when the swimmer leaves the wall, the
body shall be kept on the breast. It is not permitted to roll onto the back at any time.
Throughout the race the stroke cycle must be one arm stroke and one leg kick in that
order.  All movements of the arms shall be simultaneous and in the same horizontal plane without alternating movement.  The hands shall be pushed forward together from the breast on, under, or over the water. The elbows shall be under water except for the final stroke before the turn, during the turn and for the final stroke at the finish. The hands shall be brought back on or under the surface of the water. The hands shall not be brought back beyond the hip line, except during the first stroke after the start and each turn. During each complete cycle, some part of the swimmer’s head shall break the surface of the water. After the start and after each turn, the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to the legs. The head must break the surface of the water before the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke.
.3 Kick — After the start and each turn, a single butterfly kick, which must be followed
by a breaststroke kick, is permitted during or at the completion of the first arm pull.
Following which, all movements of the legs shall be simultaneous and in the same
horizontal plane without alternating movement.  The feet must be turned outwards during the propulsive part of the kick. A scissors, flutter or downward butterfly kick is not permitted except as provided herein.  Breaking the surface of the water with the feet is allowed unless followed by a downward butterfly kick.
.4 Turns and Finish — At each turn and at the finish of the race, the touch shall be
made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water level. The head
may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the
surface of the water at some point during the last complete or incomplete cycle preceding
the touch.

101.3 BUTTERFLY
.1 Start — The forward start shall be used.
.2 Stroke — After the start and after each turn, the swimmer’s shoulders must be at or
past the vertical toward the breast. The swimmer is permitted one or more leg kicks,
but only one arm pull under water, which must bring the swimmer to the surface. It
shall be permissible for a swimmer to be completely submerged for a distance of not
more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and after each turn. By that point,
the head must have broken the surface. The swimmer must remain on the surface
until the next turn or finish. From the beginning of the first arm pull, the body shall be
kept on the breast. Both arms must be brought forward over the water and pulled
back simultaneously.
.3 Kick — All up and down movements of the legs and feet must be simultaneous. The position of the legs or the feet need not be on the same level, but they shall not alternate in relation to each other. A scissors or breaststroke kicking movement is not permitted.

.4 Turns — At each turn the body shall be on the breast. The touch shall be made with
both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface. Once a touch has
been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner desired. The shoulders must be at
or past the vertical toward the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall.
.5 Finish — At the finish, the body shall be on the breast and the touch shall be made
with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface.

101.4 BACKSTROKE
.1 Start — The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end, with both
hands placed on the gutter or on the starting grips. Standing in or on the gutter, placing the toes above the lip of the gutter, or bending the toes over the lip of the gutter, before or after the start, is prohibited.
.2 Stroke — The swimmer shall push off on his back and continue swimming on the back throughout the race. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it is permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn, at the finish and for a distance of not more than 15 meters
(16.4 yards) after the start and after each turn. By that point, the head must have broken the surface of the water.
.3 Turns — Upon completion of each length, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. During the turn the shoulders may be turned past the vertical toward the breast after which a continuous single arm pull or a continuous simultaneous double arm pull may be used to initiate the turn. The swimmer must have returned to a position on the back upon leaving the wall.
.4 Finish — Upon the finish of the race, the swimmer must touch the wall while on the
back.

101.5 FREESTYLE
.1 Start — The forward start shall be used.
.2 Stroke — In an event designated freestyle, the swimmer may swim any style, except that in a medley relay or an individual medley event, freestyle means any style other than butterfly, breaststroke or backstroke. Some part of the swimmer must break the surface of the water throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn. By that point the head must have broken the surface.
.3 Turns — Upon completion of each length the swimmer must touch the wall.
.4 Finish — The swimmer shall have finished the race when any part of his person
touches the wall after completing the prescribed distance.

101.6 INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY — The swimmer shall swim the prescribed distance in the following order: the first one-fourth, butterfly; the second one-fourth, backstroke;the third one-fourth, breaststroke; and the last one-fourth, freestyle.
.1 Start — The forward start shall be used.
.2 Stroke — The stroke for each one-fourth of the designated distance shall follow the
prescribed rules for that stroke.
.3 Turns — A Intermediate turns within each stroke shall conform to the turn rules for that
stroke.
B The turns when changing from one stroke to another shall conform to the finish
rules for the stroke just completed, and shall be as follows:
(1) Butterfly to backstroke — The swimmer must touch as described in 101.3.5. Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner, but the shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the back when the swimmer leaves the wall.
(2) Backstroke to breaststroke — The swimmer must touch the wall while on the back. Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner but the shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the swimmer leaves the wall and the prescribed breaststroke form must be attained prior to the first arm stroke.
(3) Breaststroke to freestyle — The swimmer must touch as described in 101.2.4. Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner.
.4 Finish — The swimmer shall have finished the race when any part of his/her person touches the wall after the prescribed distance.

101.7 RELAYS
.1 Freestyle Relay — Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one-fourth of the
prescribed distance using any desired stroke(s). Freestyle finish rules apply.
.2 Medley Relay — Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one-fourth of the prescribed distance in the following order: first, backstroke; second, breaststroke; third,
butterfly; and fourth, freestyle. Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where applicable. At the end of each leg, the finish rule for each stroke applies in
each case.
.3 Rules Pertaining to Relay Races
A No swimmer shall swim more than one leg in any relay event.
B When automatic relay take-off judging is used, each swimmer must touch the
touchplate or pad in his/her lane at the end of the course to have finished his/her leg of the relay race.
C In relay races a swimmer other than the first swimmer shall not start until his/her teammate has concluded his/her leg.
D Any relay team member and his/her relay team shall be disqualified from a race
if a team member other than the swimmer designated to swim that leg enters
E Each relay team member shall leave the water immediately upon finishing
his/her leg, except the last member.
F In relay races the team of a swimmer whose feet have lost touch with the starting
platform (ground or deck) before his/her preceding teammate touches the wall shall be disqualified.
G In relay races involving in-the-water starts, the team of a swimmer who has lost
touch with the end of the course before his/her preceding teammate touches the
wall shall be disqualifiednless the swimmer in default returns to the original
, ustarting point at the wall.

102.9 SWIMWEAR
.1 Design
A. Swimsuits worn for all 12 & under age group defined competition shall not
cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor past the knee.
B. Swimsuits worn for competition must be non-transparent and conform to the
current concept of the appropriate.
C. The Referee shall have authority to bar offenders from the competition until
they comply with the rule.

SWIM MEET EVENTS

Carmichael Swim Team Records