My family is brand new to organized swimming--what is my best source of information to learn the ropes?

What is the difference between TPDC and DCPR-Wave Swim Team?

How will I know if practice or a swim meet is cancelled due to weather? 

Who decides the events my child will swim at a swim meet?

What exactly is a Time Trial?

What if my swimmer(s) will miss a week or more of practice or a meet due to camp or vacation?

How can parents get directions to our away swim meets?

What should a swimmer pack for a swim meet?

What are some ways to have FUN at a swim meet?

Who should I contact if my swimmer has a problem?

 

A: TPDC provides a lot of information here on the website for new swim families, especially in the TPDC Handbook.  In addition, parents who have been around for a few years are great sources of information. Check the team's bulletin board.  During the summer, the team maintains a small bulletin board in the upstairs lobby of the pool.   Also, if you attend your child's practice, look for a returning parent or a board member.  In addition, you can contact us using the link on our website with specific questions.

A: TPDC is a competitive summer-only swim team that belongs to the Prince Mont Swim League.  DCPR – Wave Swim Team is a year round competitive swim team that is registered with USA Swimming, the governing body for swimming in the USA.  Both teams are competitive, however TPDC is more geared towards socializing and fun.

A: Safety of our families is of the utmost importance. In case of inclement weather, it is the job of the pool operator to determine the safety of entering the water. Generally speaking, if thunder is heard, there is a mandatory delay of 30 minutes in pool activities.  In case of a meet, the Meet officials and Team Representatives will determine whether a meet is to be delayed or called off due to bad weather.   However in PMSL, a meet is generally never canceled due to bad weather.

A: The coaching staff makes all final decisions on practice groups and competition in meets (i.e., which swimmers swim in which lanes during practices and which events the swimmers are entered in a meets, etc.). Coach Green will ask swimmers to let him know of their event choices by the Wednesday preceding a dual meet.

A: Time Trial is a mock meet. Only our team participates, but the meet is run according to the schedule and rules of a regular meet. This process has many purposes. It allows kids, many of whom are new to swimming, an opportunity to see what it's like to go up to the starting line of a race, listen for the instructions of the referee and starter, and legally start their race. The swimmers will be able to record times for each event having been performed in "meet conditions" to establish their baseline entry times for future meets. In addition, this is a great opportunity for parents to learn what a meet is like and to learn or hone their skills at officiating at a real meet. First-time parents are encouraged to work as timers at the Time Trials so that they too can become accustomed to meet conditions.

A: While we strongly encourage parents to schedule activities around our summer swim schedule, we understand that there are previously planned activities that cannot be rescheduled.  In the event that your swimmer(s) will be absent for practice or a meet, please let Coach Green know by sending him an email message or use one of the forms on the TPDC bulletin board.  Swimmers and parents should let the coach know of any planned absence for a swim meet as early as possible but no later than the Wednesday preceding a swim meet.

A: All of our division teams with their addresses and directions are at the back of our team handbook, as well as the team’s website link on our links page.  These same addresses are also in the PMSL Handbook.  If you need driving directions, you may use the link provided on our team website and find directions from your home to the meet location.  In addition, Coach Green provides swimmers with a meet lineup and directions each Friday before a swim meet.

A: The following items are recommended to be packed in each swimmers bag when attending a swim meet –

·        Team Swim Suit

·        2 pairs of goggles (one spare in case one pair breaks)

·        TPDC Cap

·        TPDC Tee Shirt

·        At least 2 towels

·        Sweatpants & Sweatshirt (even in this region summer morning can be very chilly)

·        Water or sports drinks

·        Healthy snacks (eg. fruit, cereal, bagels, power bars)

·        Sunscreen

·        Team Spirit!!

A: The measure of success at any swim meet varies from swimmer to swimmer.  But listed below are some sure ways that swimmers can have some FUN at any swim meet.

·        Attend swim practice regularly and work hard to be in the best position to swim at the meets.

·        Go to bed early the night before the meet.

·        Arrive at the meet early and begin to prepare so that you will be ready to get in the water at the start of your warm-up.

·        Have a sweatshirt and pants to keep warm after warm-ups.  Shivering wastes much needed energy.

·        Know the events you will be swimming.

·        After each race, remain in the water until all swimmers are finished the race and congratulate your competitors with a handshake.

·        Drink fluids to stay hydrated and eat healthy snacks.

·        Stay until the end of the meet.  The most exciting three relays are at the end of the meet.

·        Cheer on your teammates.

·        Clean up the team area.  Pick up a minimum of three pieces of trash.  Leave the area looking cleaner than we met it.

A: The Coach is our number one resource.  He will be able to answer questions or point you in the right direction.  There is a link on our team’s website to the coach’s email address or any of the TPDC committee members.

 

 

 

 

 6-25-09