Attention GBSA!

There’s not a great deal of difference between summer meets and USA-Swimming meets as far as preparation. You must have:

1. At least two and preferably several towels for the kids to dry off after warm-up, racing and swim downs...
2. Water or, even better, sports drink(s) for hydration and replenishing.
3. Food is always available at meets but if you want to pack food that is great - this should be healthy: cold pasta, bagels, granola, power bars, wheat crackers, yogurt, veggies (no dip), and fruit (nothing too sugary)... NO CANDY PLEASE!!!!
4. Some meets restrict what items are permitted on deck, and many have dress codes regarding proper attire when leaving the pool deck area, so read the meet notices carefully!!
5. We ALWAYS expect GBSA swimmers to respect the host team and facility and keep themselves in good behavior, stay tidy, and clean up after themselves!!! There is a very low tolerance on this issue!!!!

Additional Important Info:

1. Warm-ups are usually offered in two or three 25 to 30 minute sessions, depending on the size of the meet and the number of lanes available. For most meets we’ll be told ahead of time which warm-up session and lane(s) we’ve been assigned. Occasionally the information is not provided and we must be ready by the earliest warm-up session to be sure we don’t miss the opportunity to warm up properly. Either way, all swimmers are expected to meet with the coach at the beginning AND end of the warm-up session!!!
2. These are not dual meets but invitational format meets. There is usually no score kept and the focus is on the individual improvement of a swimmer in any and all particular events!! We expect the kids to be at the meet ready to test themselves as to how fast they can be! We look for improvement in technical skills, attitude and time. No one factor means failure or success - we just want to see enthusiasm and a desire and willingness to improve!!!!! An individual's approach to any matter is of the essence to success - plan to make the most of each opportunity!!!
3. Pursuant to each coach's instruction, EVERY swimmer will see the coach on deck before AND ALWAYS AFTER each race!!! Before they swim down, before they see Mom and Dad, before they talk to their friends. When a swimmer leaves the pool after a race they will: #1 ask for their time from the timers, #2 walk straight to their coach, #3 listen and learn and apply the feedback from coach to their next race and every practice thereafter!
4. Parents are not allowed on deck!!!! This is a USA Swimming official rule that applies directly to swimmer safety and insurance liability!!!! PLEASE DO NOT come into the areas designated as swimmer/coach/official only! I personally will be dealing with this matter this year - and I will be direct. Parents are not to be in the swimmer areas where prohibited by the meet notice and the safety marshals that will be at the meets. Sometimes you can be near the kids on deck - but if it is specifically prohibited I require that you do not assume that it is ok to overstep these boundaries!!!
5. Parents are also required to be positive with their children at all times regarding their swimming! Remember that these kids have put themselves up on the blocks in front of many strangers - athletes, timers, officials, stands full of parents - and RACED against 5-7 people they most likely have never met. These kids step up and lay themselves out for a chance at success; that is only to be applauded! Any critiquing will come from the coaching staff!! Every swim viewed by the parent will be a great one - no matter the results: DQ, 10 seconds slower or faster, did or didn't get that A time or qualifying time! The only true test for a swimmer is their coach's impression of their training and attitude. Times mean nothing in the long run if the child learns the values that are greatest in the sport of swimming: hard work, responsibility, teamwork and support, competitiveness without fear, confidence without condescension... Let's keep the outlook positive so the swimmer may approach the very grueling work with a sense of pride instead of obligation!!!!!

I thank you all - old and new - for reading and understanding our team's vision!!

Happy Swimming - and SWIM FAST!!!

Patrick
GBSA