River Ridge High School Swimming & Diving Team

2012-2013 Rules & Expectations

Parents and Swimmers, Welcome to River Ridge High School Swimming and Diving. Herein you will find the rules and expectations for being a member of the men's & women's swim and dive team at River Ridge High School. If there are any questions pertaining to either the rules of participation of the expectations of the student-athlete please feel free to contact a member of the coaching staff. Head Swimming Coach: Jeremy Marzicola | jeremy@tpcoss.org | 727.967.2370 Head Diving Coach: Maureen Leech | maureen.sheahan@gmail.com | 630.723.1033

I. PHILOSOPHY What we expect of our athletes: WE ARE A COMPETITIVE SWIM TEAM. We believe in developing athletes to their full potential in and out of the pool. Swimming and diving are individual sports that require motivation, commitment, and a positive attitude. These sports demand that you develop the self-discipline and mental toughness needed to meet the physical demands of this sport. Growth and development do not come without considerable effort in these sports. Be prepared to drive yourself. As coaches, we certainly appreciate physical ability and talent, but we desire your commitment more. Your individual effort, commitment and determination are far more important to the success of our team, regardless of your skill level. What to expect of your coaches: WE BELIEVE IN PROVIDING A POSITIVE AND ENTHUSIASTIC SWIMMING & DIVING PROGRAM that enhances each athletes overall high school experience by encouraging physical, mental, and moral development. We seek to provide each student-athlete identifiable goals and tasks associated with their individual achievement in the pool and in the classroom. We strive to create and develop strong interpersonal relationships among teammates to build an environment that encourages camaraderie, loyalty, and sportsmanship. We are here to take you to the "next level" in your personal development by supporting you and teaching you the skills necessary to succeed now and in the future. We want you to experience the fun, excitement, and sense of accomplishment that are the rewards of an honest effort that apply to all aspects of your high school career.

II. TEAM EXPECTATIONS/RULES 1. PRACTICE Come to practice every day and be on time. 90% attendance is expected. Club swimmers are expected to attend a minimum 2 team practices per week (Tuesdays are MANDATORY) with the remaining practices to take place with their club. Club attendance and progress will be monitored. If you are not in the pool on time, and you have not notified a coach on your tardy, you will not be allowed to practice for that day. Attention is focused and practice to the best of your ability. If you have to miss practice you must notify a coach. If you need to leave practice for any reason you must notify a coach. If classroom work conflicts with practice check with a coach before being late to practice. Morning practices are encouraged but not mandatory. Dry-Land training and work-outs will be mandatory following swim practice. Be prepared with the proper clothing and shoes for these workouts. Swimming is a sport that requires personal equipment. As a member of River Ridge Swimming and Diving, you will be expected to show up to practice prepared. That means: Suit, Goggles, Cap, Towel, Water Bottles (Filled and Ready), Fins & Hand Paddles. It is our recommendation that you bring/have an extra pair of goggles and practice suit. Should something break, it will not affect your ability to continue with practice. Dehydration is detrimental to your ability to maximize your workouts and can lead to injury. Team suits, cap & goggles are mandatory for competition. Other items of clothing such as spirit wear and/or equipment will be available for purchase at the beginning of the season.

2. SCHOOL Your first responsibility is to your school work. Your first commitment is to the swim team. DO NOT let your responsibilities interfere with your commitments. When you commit to something, do not do so if you cannot meet your responsibilities first. You have a team that is counting on you. Take care of your responsibilities and honor your commitments. You are responsible for any classroom assignments missed because of swim team involvement. Unexcused tardies or absences from school may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the team. To be eligible to compete in a scheduled swim meet you are required to attend school and be at practice the day before a meet. If a meet is on a school day, you must be at school to participate in the meet. You are expected to maintain academic eligibility standards, failure to do so will result in suspension from the team. There is NO EXCEPTION to this rule. Don't ask.

3. MEETS/ LINE-UPS Line-Ups will be determined by the coaching staff. Swimming and Diving are Varsity sports. At the varsity level we expect to win, so coaches will put in the best line-up based upon current times. Practice habits and attitudes will also be a determining factor in the coach's decision. Based upon the competition we are facing, it may be necessary to place you in an event that you do not normally swim. This decision is being made to maximize our potential for a team win. You are a part of the team and are expected to perform to the best of your abilities in such a circumstance. Remember, it's not always about you. You are expected to give your best effort in every race. Support your teammates in their races. You must stay for the entire meet and support your team, even if you are not swimming or diving in the last events. Failure to do so WILL result in suspension from the team. All swim meets are MANDATORY. BE THERE. YOUR TEAM DEPENDS YOUR EFFORTS. Our ultimate goal is Conference, and more importantly, the State Finals Series. If your coach indicates that you should swim at these meets, you are expected to do so. These meets are the culmination of your training efforts. Failure to participate is directly detrimental to your team and will result in not receiving an athletic letter for the season. NO EXCEPTIONS.

4. BEHAVIOR Good sportsmanship will be expected at all times. You are a direct representative of River Ridge HS, and are expected to behave appropriately, honorably, and in a mature manner. Any acts which might tarnish the reputation of our school may result in immediate suspension from the team and disciplinary action from the school. Respect the rules, staff and property of Trinity YMCA at all times. Be supportive and loyal to your teammates. When traveling, you are expected to behave in a manner that is appropriate and a positive reflection of your school and your team. Any behavior unbecoming of a student of River Ridge HS may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the team.

5. LETTERING Swimmers and Divers must compete in 5 Varsity swim meets. Additionally, if you are instructed to compete in the Conference, Invitational or State Finals Series, you must do so. Miss no more than 5 practices all season, including holidays. Meet our behavior standards. Coaches reserve the right to use their discretion regarding certain situations.

6. DRUG/ALCOHOL/ACADEMIC POLICIES: We will strictly follow all Pasco County School District and FHSAA drug, alcohol and academic policies and procedures. Please note the 2012-2013 Participation and Training Contract for Athletes/Activities in the River Ridge HS Athletic Participation packet. 7. DISCIPLINARY POLICY If disciplinary issues arise, the following actions will take place: 1st offense: Warning 2nd offense: Call to Parents 3rd offense: Team Suspension

Please Sign and Return this Athlete Contract to your Coach prior to Swim Season. I have read and agree to adhere to all of the above information.

Student's Name:_________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________________

Student's Signature:______________________________________

Guardian's Name:________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________________

Guardian's Signature:_____________________________________