{"id":9820,"date":"2024-02-04T16:25:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-04T22:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/?page_id=9820"},"modified":"2024-03-22T12:32:20","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T17:32:20","slug":"swim-team-handbook","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/programs\/swim-team\/swim-team-handbook\/","title":{"rendered":"Swim Team Handbook"},"content":{"rendered":"<div  class='flex_column av-av_one_full-048119fdb636ea3d70edc0b975509c6c av_one_full  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_layout_row  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  first flex_column_div  '     ><div  class='avia-buttonrow-wrap av-av_buttonrow-5ef35acdc0e96f0e9eb052d035d5f79c avia-buttonrow-center  avia-builder-el-1  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_buttonrow_item-1de0cc16765d8a03fc371c1dff6d1cfc\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-av_buttonrow_item-1de0cc16765d8a03fc371c1dff6d1cfc{\nmargin-bottom:5px;\nmargin-right:3px;\nmargin-left:3px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/programs\/swim-team\/about-swim-team\/'  class='avia-button av-av_buttonrow_item-1de0cc16765d8a03fc371c1dff6d1cfc avia-icon_select-no avia-size-small avia-color-theme-color'  ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >About Swim Team<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_buttonrow_item-6c890a1d9772c96190dd8270ecc85ff7\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-av_buttonrow_item-6c890a1d9772c96190dd8270ecc85ff7{\nmargin-bottom:5px;\nmargin-right:3px;\nmargin-left:3px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/programs\/swim-team\/little-dolphins\/'  class='avia-button av-av_buttonrow_item-6c890a1d9772c96190dd8270ecc85ff7 avia-icon_select-no avia-size-small avia-color-theme-color'  ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Little Dolphins<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_buttonrow_item-ebd3cfe2cef1189c14984676c7662d3a\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-av_buttonrow_item-ebd3cfe2cef1189c14984676c7662d3a{\nmargin-bottom:5px;\nmargin-right:3px;\nmargin-left:3px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/programs\/swim-team\/swim-team-practice-schedule\/'  class='avia-button av-av_buttonrow_item-ebd3cfe2cef1189c14984676c7662d3a avia-icon_select-no avia-size-small avia-color-theme-color'  ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Swim Team Practice Schedule<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_buttonrow_item-9d62029619f8fc95e69fe1baf6a0ebfc\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-av_buttonrow_item-9d62029619f8fc95e69fe1baf6a0ebfc{\nmargin-bottom:5px;\nmargin-right:3px;\nmargin-left:3px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/programs\/swim-team\/swim-team-meet-schedule\/'  class='avia-button av-av_buttonrow_item-9d62029619f8fc95e69fe1baf6a0ebfc avia-icon_select-no avia-size-small avia-color-theme-color'  ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Swim Meet Schedule<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_buttonrow_item-abb7f94fb2245b487f1cd9334f3eeae7\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-av_buttonrow_item-abb7f94fb2245b487f1cd9334f3eeae7{\nmargin-bottom:5px;\nmargin-right:3px;\nmargin-left:3px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/programs\/swim-team\/swim-team-coaches\/'  class='avia-button av-av_buttonrow_item-abb7f94fb2245b487f1cd9334f3eeae7 avia-icon_select-no avia-size-small avia-color-theme-color'  ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Swim Team Coaches<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_buttonrow_item-6a2febc0fb04c9ce67a6c2c619a04138\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-av_buttonrow_item-6a2febc0fb04c9ce67a6c2c619a04138{\nmargin-bottom:5px;\nmargin-right:3px;\nmargin-left:3px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/programs\/swim-team\/swim-team-faqs\/'  class='avia-button av-av_buttonrow_item-6a2febc0fb04c9ce67a6c2c619a04138 avia-icon_select-no avia-size-small avia-color-theme-color'  ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Swim Team FAQs<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-av_buttonrow_item-111fbde57369b0de11868bacd6a52ef0\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-av_buttonrow_item-111fbde57369b0de11868bacd6a52ef0{\nmargin-bottom:5px;\nmargin-right:3px;\nmargin-left:3px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/programs\/swim-team\/swim-team-handbook\/'  class='avia-button av-av_buttonrow_item-111fbde57369b0de11868bacd6a52ef0 avia-icon_select-no avia-size-small avia-color-theme-color'  ><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Swim Team Handbook<\/span><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='av-layout-grid-1'  class='av-layout-grid-container av-6lgb24-75726bbe582f8d2025b715ff82ccc63a entry-content-wrapper main_color av-flex-cells  avia-builder-el-2  el_after_av_one_full  avia-builder-el-last  standardCenter grid-row-not-first  container_wrap sidebar_right'  >\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-3yoizg-4bbb4f5e8f698fc356891fbcfe33433b\">\n.flex_cell.av-3yoizg-4bbb4f5e8f698fc356891fbcfe33433b{\nvertical-align:top;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_cell av-3yoizg-4bbb4f5e8f698fc356891fbcfe33433b av-gridrow-cell av_one_full no_margin  avia-builder-el-3  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class='flex_cell_inner'><section  class='av_textblock_section av-2772r0-7da42e07d3047c9307aaac3be16711f7 '   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>So, you\u2019ve decided to take the plunge and become a swim team family! Swim team is a great way to meet new people and make new friends at West Side! This parent swim team handbook will help answer some of your questions and allay some of your concerns.\u00a0 Whatever is not covered in here can be answered by a veteran swim parent or a coach.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Swim Team Requirements:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To become a member of the\u00a0WSSC\u00a0Team, a swimmer must be five years of age and must be able to swim two lengths of the pool in any style with a 3 minute break If your swimmer does not meet this requirement, they may be interested in \u201cLittle Dolphins\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0 Little Dolphins is a \u00a0program at West Side, specifically developed and designed for swimmers 4 years and older, who are not yet ready to swim for the entire duration of their age groups\u2019 swim team practice. This program, however, does require that the swimmer be able to swim across the length of the pool without assistance (any stroke is fine!).\u00a0 Little Dolphins will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays during the 8 &amp; under practice, and will be coached by our older \u201cjunior coach\u201d swimmers.\u00a0 \u201cLittle Dolphins\u201d will also be able to attend swim team functions, wear the team suit, and can compete in special races at our home meets!<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Swim Team Orientation and Parent Meeting<\/u><\/strong><u>:<\/u><\/p>\n<p>Swim team begins as soon as the Madison School year ends.\u00a0 However, we offer you the opportunity to sign up for swim team, purchase your team suit, if you\u2019re interested, and meet with other parents a few weeks in advance at Simply Swimming, 6649 University Ave, Middleton.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Staff will be available to assist you in making sure you purchase the correct size suit for your swimmer.<\/p>\n<p>Swim team sign up is online this year, but we\u2019d still love to see you at Simply Swimming!<\/p>\n<p>We also hold a \u00a0swimmer\/parent meeting just before\u00a0the first practice . The coaches will be there to answer your questions and give you updates on the season schedule.\u00a0This year\u2019s swimmer\/parent meeting is TBD.<\/p>\n<p>Swim meet and volunteer sign-up is on-line this year.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>VOLUNTEERING:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>WSSC\u00a0has a well earned reputation for running efficient (and fun) dual meets thanks to our wonderful volunteers. Thus, it is a requirement of swim team participation that every family assist at home meets. We start on time and take advantage of combining events to keep the meet moving along smoothly.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We would not be able to host meets without the assistance of our parents.<\/strong>\u00a0 There are numerous ways to help.\u00a0 Below are the various jobs that are required to run a successful meet.\u00a0 The more parent help available means shorter shifts for all.\u00a0 We are happy to train you so don\u2019t be afraid to jump in and get your feet wet!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Timers<\/li>\n<li>Runners<\/li>\n<li>Announcers<\/li>\n<li>Concessions<\/li>\n<li>Clerk of course<\/li>\n<li>Officials<\/li>\n<li>Photography<\/li>\n<li>Awards<\/li>\n<li>Heat Winner Ribbons<\/li>\n<li>DJ<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>TIMERS: \u00a0<\/strong>Timing is a very easy job. In addition, you have the best possible view of the meet!\u00a0\u00a0 There is also very little pressure as the job is done in pairs.\u00a0 While both timers keep time, only one records the time from both watches on the time sheet. Your feet will get wet, so go barefoot or wear shoes that can get wet.<\/p>\n<p>Timers need to be able to use a stop watch in order to be successful.\u00a0 You clear the time at the start of each race, start the stopwatch when you see the light flash on the starting equipment, and stop the watch when you see any part of the swimmer\u2019s body touch the wall.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The only difficulty is making sure you\u2019re paying attention to the number of meters the current race is.\u00a0 That information is announced prior to the start of the event and is also listed on the lane timer sheet on the timer\u2019s clipboard.<\/p>\n<p>There is always a Timer\u2019s meeting before each meet, and all of the above information is reviewed.\u00a0\u00a0 Timers make a commitment to the whole meet, however this could change if we get more parents to work as Timers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>RUNNERS:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0The Runner takes the timing sheets from the Timers after each EVENT (not after each heat), and the event slips from the Officials.\u00a0 Please make sure you check with the officials on the sides of the pool.\u00a0 Those timing sheets are taken to the office where the scorers tabulate the times and enter them in the computer.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ANNOUNCERS:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>If you\u2019re comfortable using a microphone and you have an engaging personality, this could be the job for you!\u00a0 The Announcer is responsible to announce the current event, the swimmers in each lane, and the event numbers currently staging, as well as any other announcements made during the meet.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONCESSIONS: \u00a0<\/strong>Parents who work this job sell the food and drink items that have been purchased with the Concession fee charged to each family. \u00a0Taking money and making change are all that is required.\u00a0 Heat Sheets are also sold at the Concession area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CLERK of COURSE : \u00a0<\/strong>If you are enthusiastic, organized and love kids, Clerk of Course is for you.\u00a0 Clerk of Course organizes (stages) our swimmers aged\u00a010 and under in the baby pool area (under the Funbrella). The swimmers are arranged in order according to lane, heat, and event, and are guided to the blocks (or end of the pool for 8&amp;U relays).<\/p>\n<p>Swimmers 11&amp;Over are responsible to get themselves to the blocks. A reminder to swim team parents that the coaches do their best to make sure all the swimmers get to their designated lanes for each event; however, it is\u00a0 the responsibility of the swimmers and their parents get the younger swimmers to Clerk of Course.\u00a0 This allows the coaches to focus their time and attention on swimmers in the pool.<\/p>\n<p><strong>OFFICIALS: \u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Our officials are essential to running a meet. \u00a0Officials start each event and \u00a0watch swimmers to make certain they are performing strokes and turns correctly. \u00a0It takes a little training but we have parents who can train you and you cannot beat the great view of the meet you get when you\u2019re an official!\u00a0\u00a0 If you are interested in becoming an official or would like to know more about officiating, contact the head coach.<\/p>\n<p><strong>PHOTOGRAPHERS:\u00a0<\/strong>if you like to take photos, this is the job for you.\u00a0 Candid photos during the meet are always a big hit.<\/p>\n<p><strong>BANQUET VIDEO PRESENTATION :\u00a0<\/strong>At the end of each season, the Swim\/Dive Team has a banquet where a DVD full of photos\/videos taken throughout the season is played. We need a tech savvy person who loves to make videos to\u00a0\u00a0the team video for the banquet. This would be a great job for the next Steven Spielberg! \u00a0Seriously, it would be a good job for a tech savvy kid!<\/p>\n<p><strong>AWARDS:\u00a0<\/strong>The parents working this task take the results printed by scorers, and affix them to the appropriate ribbons.\u00a0 Those results are then handed to the announcers so that swimmers can be alerted that their awards are ready to be picked up.\u00a0 Swimmers will then come to you to claim their ribbons.\u00a0 You will also be responsible to hand out participation ribbons to all 10&amp;U swimmers, if they ask for one. (Note that now we do not place the labels of the 15-18 event winners on their respective ribbons unless they ask for them. You will find that these older swimmers generally don\u2019t want their ribbons and they end up being thrown away. This way, we can save the ribbons.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>HEAT WINNER RIBBONS\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0This is a wonderful job.\u00a0 This parent hands out the Heat Winner Ribbons to the 10 and under swimmer that won his\/her heat. Every heat of each event as a heat winner and that heat winner receives a ribbon!<\/p>\n<p><strong>DJ\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0create a fun(clean) playlist and be in charge of playing music during warm ups and while the timers &#8220;walk&#8221; before\/after 8 and under 25 yard races.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>SWIM TEAM CODE OF CONDUCT<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Some of this goes without saying, but there are some simple rules of etiquette for your swimmers that help make the experience better for everyone on the team:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Come to practice.\u00a0 Coming every day isn\u2019t mandatory, but it\u2019s encouraged.\u00a0 If a swimmer wants to improve, they need to practice.<\/li>\n<li>Sign up for meets on time.\u00a0 A lot of work goes into submitting meet entries. LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.\u00a0 Numerous reminders are sent via email about deadlines for signing up for meets.<\/li>\n<li>Arrive at the meet on time- this means, get to warm-ups on time. \u00a0The very first event is a relay and three other swimmers may be getting very nervous if their teammate hasn\u2019t arrived by the time the meet starts.<\/li>\n<li>Let the coaches know in advance if you\u2019re going to be unable to participate in a meet you signed up for or are going to need to leave early.<\/li>\n<li>Attend the appropriate age group practice.\u00a0 If you have more than one child swimming, this may mean dropping off and picking up kids at different times.\u00a0 In most cases it\u2019s better that swimmers practice with their age group, but if you need to have your swimmer practice at a later time, please discuss it with the coaches to make sure there is space available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><u>EVERYTHING ELSE A PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW<\/u><\/strong><u>:<\/u><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>STAY INFORMED<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The primary method of communicating with parents is via email (and increasingly, with Facebook and Instagram) so make sure that you have verified your email address and mobile number in Team Unify. Information about upcoming meets, changes in practice schedules and other important team information is provided in a weekly email from the coach. We may also send out last minute text messages via SMS.<\/p>\n<p>We will also post updates on Facebook- but email is still the main way to communicate<\/p>\n<p>Each year a couple parents take on the task of serving as \u2018team reps\u2019.\u00a0 They organize team events and socials and make sure that everything is running smoothly so that the coaches can focus on coaching!<\/p>\n<p>Direct questions to the parent reps.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>ATTEND MEETS:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are 7 dual meets each swim season.\u00a0 Of the seven meets, three to four meets are Home meets, meaning they are hosted at\u00a0WSSC. The season culminates with the Big All City Meet, usually in early August. (See below)<\/p>\n<p>It doesn\u2019t take long to catch on to how meets run, but here are some tips to help make it a little smoother.<\/p>\n<p>We don\u2019t have a lot of parking and so we forfeit our parking to the visiting team for Home meets.\u00a0 We\u2019re nice that way!\u00a0\u00a0 It is one of the reasons why West Side is the best side!\u00a0 Staff will be out in the parking lot at home meets directing people to available spaces near the pool.<\/p>\n<p>The concessions area is funded \u00a0with donations from swim parents.<\/p>\n<p>Bring money! \u00a0Your swimmer will undoubtedly find things at the concessions they\u2019d like and you\u2019ll want a heat sheet so that you can follow the meet, and see which lanes and in what heats your kids are swimming in.<\/p>\n<p>Parents are not allowed behind the blocks.\u00a0 (Unless you\u2019re a timer which is one reason why you should consider volunteering to be a timer!)\u00a0 Please wait for your child to exit the area.\u00a0 The area around the blocks is very crowded and it needs to be kept clear for swimmer and timer safety.\u00a0 Parents, as long as you make sure that your swimmer makes it to the Clerk of Course on time, they will get to their assigned lane and the coaches will make sure they swim their race!\u00a0 It really does get crowded hear so please help us out and cheer them on from the other end of the pool<\/p>\n<p>IMPORTANT NOTE!\u00a0 You are encouraged and welcome to watch your child swim their event(s).\u00a0 If you need to take a break from the volunteer position you are working, please coordinate with your fellow workers so that the position is not left unattended.\u00a0 When your child is done swimming, please resume your post.\u00a0 Easy Peasy!<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>HAVE FUN AT TEAM EVENTS:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Swim\/Dive Team Breakfast<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of the\u00a0first Fridays of practice we host a pancake breakfast.\u00a0 All the pancakes, bacon, sausages, juice and milk are donated by swim team parents.\u00a0 Are you sensing that food is a big part of the swim and dive teams?<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Noah\u2019s Ark<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Team plans a trip to Noah\u2019s Ark every summer and it continues to be one of the highlights of the season.\u00a0 Parents arrange their own transportation and chaperone\u00a0their swimmers in the Dells and swimmers get to hang out with the coaches and their teammates in a safe and organized manner.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Ice Cream Social<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Swim\/Dive team members and their families are invited to attend the annual ice cream social at the pool.\u00a0 Delicious ice cream and an assortment of toppings are available to make any kind of confectionery concoction imaginable.\u00a0 It is another way to get to know other members of the Team and their families.\u00a0 Pool is OPEN!<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Pasta Dinner<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This\u00a0 event happens the Wednesday before All City begins.\u00a0 The swimmers come together to carbo-load and to get pumped up by the coaches and junior coaches.\u00a0 Team All-City shirts are presented at this time (these are different than the Team T-shirts provided at the beginning of the season or t-shirts sold by the All City Host pool).\u00a0 All Swimmers get a chance to sign the team banner that will hang at the All City meet.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Swim\/Dive Banquet<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This event you don\u2019t want to miss!\u00a0\u00a0 Traditionally held either immediately after the conclusion of All City or the following evening, the banquet features a catered meal and the end of season recognition ceremony\u00a0 It\u2019s an opportunity for everyone to relax and congratulate all the swimmers on a job well done.\u00a0 This event is also the time when the swimmers reveal themselves to their Secret Swimmer, and to share \u201cThanks!\u201d for all of the gifts and words of encouragement they\u2019d received throughout the season.<\/p>\n<p>After dinner, the Swim and Dive coaches present their completion certificates to the swimmers by age group.\u00a0 Each swimmer is announced individually, and also presented with a copy of the Team photo.<\/p>\n<p>The evening ends with the presentation of the Swim\/Dive Team video.\u00a0 A compilation of photos and videos taken of the kids throughout the season is masterfully put to music.<\/p>\n<p><strong>GLOSSARY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Blocks<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The platforms from which the kids enter the pool (optional)<\/p>\n<p><strong>DQ<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Acronym for Disqualification.\u00a0 Swimmers may be DQ\u2019d for improper stroke, start or turn<\/p>\n<p><strong>Event\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stroke of the race; Butterfly, Breaststroke, Backstroke, \u00a0etc.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Heat\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Is the order in which the swimmer is placed in the event<\/p>\n<p><strong>Heat Sheet<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Is the time line of the meet.\u00a0 It tells the swimmers what events they are swimming an in what order.<\/p>\n<p><strong>IM<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Individual Medley.\u00a0 The swimmer will swim EACH of the 4 \u00a0strokes in one event<\/p>\n<p><strong>Medley relay<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Relay event with 4 swimmers where each swimmer does a different stroke in the following order: Back, Breast, Fly, Free<\/p>\n<p><strong>Staging<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Getting ready to swim.\u00a0 Younger swimmers will \u201cstage\u201d together so that they are assured to be in the correct lane.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>ALL CITY SWIM MEET<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The All City Swim Meet is the 2<sup>nd<\/sup>\u00a0largest swim meet of its kind in the US.\u00a0 Thirteen pools participate in this massive event held the last weekend in July or first weekend in August.\u00a0 The order of the events is pretty much the same as a dual meet.\u00a0 However, due to its size, it is spread out over three days and takes on a carnival-like atmosphere.\u00a0 Each pool is given space in a large tent where swimmers can hang out when they\u2019re not swimming.\u00a0 Swimmers can bring sleeping bags, decks of cards, etc., and parents can bring bag chairs and coolers.<\/p>\n<p>To qualify for participation in All City, each swimmer must compete in a minimum of 3 dual meets during the season.\u00a0 The rules are pretty rigid, so exceptions are rare.<\/p>\n<p>Each pool takes turns hosting this event and it is a great source of revenue for the host pool.\u00a0\u00a0WSSC\u00a0last \u00a0hosted All City in 2019.<\/p>\n<p>All City Week is super fun at\u00a0WSSC.\u00a0 The week of the event kicks off Secret Swimmer gift exchange.\u00a0 Each swimmer wishing to participate puts their name in a hat to be selected by another swimmer.\u00a0 Each day of the week leading up to All City, gifts are left on the counter in the front of the office, for the swimmers.\u00a0 These gifts are not meant to be expensive or elaborate.\u00a0 The purpose of the gifts is to show support for your swimmer and encourage them to continue to swim well. Not everyone can make finals at All City.\u00a0 A swimmer\u2019s goal should be to swim their best times that summer.\u00a0 It is also hilariously fun.\u00a0 Some fun gift ideas are homemade cookies, playing cards,\u00a0<em>food,<\/em>\u00a0bubbles, candy, small toys,\u00a0<em>food<\/em>, cupcakes, small toys,\u00a0<em>food<\/em>, and anything Dolphin- themed. \u00a0Did we mention\u00a0<em>food<\/em>?\u00a0 Saturday\u2019s gift is usually a smidge bigger, but that is not a requirement.\u00a0 Keep in mind that this is supposed to be fun, not pressure \u2013filled.\u00a0 Secret Swimmers should reveal themselves at the Banquet Saturday night.<\/p>\n<p>Individual events are held on Thursday and Friday.\u00a0 Those swimmers finishing in the top 16 (for 8 lane pools) in their Events swim in the Finals. The Finals for individual events\u00a0 are on Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>Memories of All City Swim Meets will remain with your kids for years to come.\u00a0 It really is a carnival like atmosphere with concessions stands, clothing sales, and more.\u00a0 Don\u2019t forget to stick around at the end for the infamous coaches relay!<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>All City Food Drive<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In addition to providing wonderful recreational opportunities for young people, the All City League does a lot to give back to the community as well. Each year, the host team sponsors a food drive to benefit the food pantries in Dane County.\u00a0 It\u2019s a friendly competition among pools and the winning pool takes home a trophy!\u00a0 Food barrels are placed at West Side throughout the season and are also at the All City Meet.\u00a0 Money is also accepted.\u00a0 Did you know that Second Harvest Food Bank can provide 3 full meals with every dollar collected?<\/p>\n<p><strong>TRIVIA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Swim meets in the All-City League always run in the same order.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Girls swim before boys.<\/li>\n<li>Younger swimmers swim before older.<\/li>\n<li>The meets begin with medley relays.\u00a0 The order of the swimmers in the medley relay is, Back \u2013 Breast \u2013 Butterfly \u2013 Freestyle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>8&amp;U swim 25 meter\/yard events, 9&amp; Ups swim 50 meter\/yard (unless specified by the event).<\/p>\n<p>For 8&amp;U relay swimmers, the swimmer waiting at the end of the pool must keep one hand on the wall until the incoming swimmer touches the wall.<\/p>\n<p>Two strokes require a two-handed \u00a0touch on the wall to be legal; Breast and Butterfly.<\/p>\n<p>To help your kids remember what events they will be swimming, it is common to write the information on the swimmers hand.\u00a0 The information is written in the following format: Event# \u2013 Heat # \u2013 Lane #<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":335467,"featured_media":0,"parent":9232,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9820"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/335467"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9820"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9820\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9822,"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9820\/revisions\/9822"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/westsideswimclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9820"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}