ISB Panther Swim Team - Parent and Swimmer Information Guide Fall 2013
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ISB Panther
Swim Team
Parent and Swimmer
Information Guide
Fall 2013
http://isbpantherswimteam.comTable of Contents
Page
Presidents Letter ………………………………………………………………………..………… ................................ 3
Governing Board and Coaches .………………………………..……..... .................................................... 4
Coach Biographies …………………………………..………. ...................................................................... 5
Code of Conduct ………………………………………..………… .................................................................. 6
The Role of A Panther Swim Team Parent ……………………………………………… ............................... 7
Squads ………………...…………………………..………………….. ................................................................. 8
Fee Structure ……………………………………………………….. ................................................................ 10
Squad Equipment Requirements ……………………….……………………... .......................................... 11
Meets & Events ………………………………………………. ..................................................................... 13
A Parent’s Guide to Panther Swim Team Competitions …………………………... ........................... 14
Incentives Program …………….………………………………. ................................................................. 18
Page 2 of 19Welcome ISB Panther Swim Team Families!
On behalf of the PST Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the
Fall 2013 Swim Season. It is a very exciting time to be part of the ISB Panthers Swim
Team ‐ a record number of new swimmers, especially in our 8&Under squads, the
addition of 2 new coaches, and we have finally, officially moved into our new aquatic
center and are swimming in our new Olympic sized pool.
The Panther Swim Team has built its program on three guiding principles:
A. To create a positive experience for ISB students to develop a life‐long passion
for swimming and athletic competition while participating as a member of a
Team.
B. To increase the swimmer’s self‐esteem and self‐worth by developing a sense of
accomplishment and success as the swimmer improves their swim proficiency.
C. To provide developmental and age appropriate coaching to give swimmers the
opportunity to work to their potential both as individuals and as part of a
team.
As a new year begins, we again reflect on this mission to ensure that every swimmer
has a meaningful and fulfilling year.
Please take a moment to read this booklet. You will find coaching and squad
information, meet explanations and equipment lists. Please feel free to contact me,
or any board member with your questions and concerns.
Go Panthers!
Dan Papps
PST President Fall 2013
Page 3 of 19Governing Board and Coaches
President ........................................................................................................ Dan Papps
Vice President ............................................................................................ Tom Edwards
Treasurer ............................................................................................... Connie Pritchett
Secretary................................................................................................ Courtney Chubb
Meet Directors ..................................................... Andrea Modlin & Jennifer Chambers
Sponsorship ................................................................ DirectorKanitta Chavalitumrong
Elementary School Liaison .......................................................................... Lisa Widmer
Middle ....................................................................... School LiaisonJennifer Chambers
High School Liaison ..................................................................................... Robynn Yolar
Special Events Coordinator ......................................................................... Lisa Widmer
Incentives Coordinators .......................................................................... Cristina Platzer
Volunteer Coordinator ............................................................................... Robynn Yolar
Panther Shack Coordinator ............................................................. Aparna Rajagopalan
Communication Coordinator ................................................................ Nicole Ostmeier
Swim Coaches
Head Coach Andy – Corry Day
Assistant Head Coach Nuk – Ratapong Sirisanont
Coach Gai – Ruchikorn Nakbua
Coach Golf – Sutipong Srigram
Coach Goh – Dulyarit Phuangthong
Coach Nok – Kanokwan Sriprasert
Page 4 of 19Coach Biographies
Corry Day (Head Coach Day)
Coach Day began his swimming career at the age of 5, swimming for the Nipawin Lions Swim Club, where he
later became a coach. During his 16 years as a competitive swimmer, he represented Saskatchewan at the
Canadian Summer Games, and was part of the Regina Laser Swim Club and Seoul Masters Swimming. As a
coach, he has achieved Level 2 Theory and Level 2 Technical through the Canadian Coaching Association.
After spending 7 years coaching his home team, the Nipawin Lions Swim Club, he shared his expertise with
the Regina Lasers, the University of Regina, the Seoul Masters and most recently the Shanghai American
School as Varsity Head Coach. Coach Day brings to ISB a strong international swimming and coaching
background as well as expertise in the science and physiology of sports, gained as an exercise physiologist
for the Canadian Track and Field Team, the Canadian Football League and the NHL.
Ratapong Sirisanont (Coach Nuk)
Coach Nuk is a 4 time Olympic swimmer for Thailand specializing in the Individual Medley and
Breaststroke events. After attending Prep School swimming power Bowles Academy, he graduated
from University of California at Berkeley in 2001 and competed in the NCAA Division 1 Championships 4
times. As a coach, he was Thailand National Coach for the Southeast Asian Age Groups Championships
in 2006 and 2007 as well as being District 10 Coach for the Thailand Youth games and National Games in
2007. He brings excellent experience and enthusiasm to our program. Coach Nuk is the Assistant Head
Coach and is also our main liaison to the Thailand Swim Association.
Nakbua Ruchikorn (Coach Gai)
Coach Gai has worked with our elementary students for many years and proves time and again that
patience and enthusiasm are the key ingredients in encouraging the younger swimmers. Coach Gai also
works as a PE instructor at Rose Marie Academy and teaches lessons out of Nichada pool.
Suthipong Srigram (Coach Golf)
Coach Golf started swimming when he was 8 years old. He has represented the Thailand National Youth
Team at the ASEAN Youth Games, receiving a bronze medal in 200m breaststroke. He also represented
Thailand at the World University Games in China, representing swimming the 100m breaststroke, 200m
breaststroke, and the 400 Medley Relay. He studied at Thammasat University Faculty of Journalist and
Mass Communication, majoring in Film and Photo. Since 2003, Golf has coached at Chinnavorn School,
RST, and most recently at Ruamrudee International School for the senior team.
Dulyarit Phuangthong (Coach Goh)
Coach Goh joined the ISB Panther Swim Team during the Fall 2012 season. He spent the last 9 years
coaching at Bangkok Patana School. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Coach Goh is a certified
swim instructor through the Australian Swim Teacher Association. He has been involved in teaching
swimmers at various levels ranging from the “learn to swim” stage all the way up to the “highly
competitive” stage. Prior to coaching, he represented Thailand at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games.
Kanokwan Sriprasert (Coach Nok)
We are pleased to welcome back Coach Nok to our coaching staff this fall. Coach Nok started swimming
at the age of 8 and started winning medals at the age of 10. At age 12 she won a gold medal in the
SouthEast Asian Games in the 200 meter breaststroke, making her the youngest athlete in Thailand to
achieve the highest level in the history of these games. She later moved to the US where she certified
level 2 for ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association). She coached teams in Nevada and
Washington before returning to Thailand in 2010.
Page 5 of 19Code of Conduct
The purpose of this code is to promote the best possible individual, team, and program
responsibility which supports the development of first class citizens at all times.
Swim Team Rules
1. Be prepared for the start of practice: have yourself and your equipment ready.
2. Enter and exit the pool with the coach’s permission only. This includes water and bathroom
breaks.
3. Obey the directions and instructions of your coaches. Quietly, look and listen to the coach
when instructions are being given. Your actions should not and cannot prevent others from
listening and learning. Demonstrate respect towards the coaches and teammates at all
times.
4. Use the training equipment for its intended purpose. Your training equipment must be
neatly put away after practice.
5. Be respectful of the pool facility and use it for its intended purpose. Please throw away
litter. Causing damage to the pool area will NOT be tolerated.
6. Be responsible for your personal equipment. You may not borrow others’ property and
equipment without permission.
7. “Hands Off”: You may NOT put your hands on a teammate. There will be NO pushing,
hitting, or other harmful acts or spoken words. Profanity, intimidation, harassment or
BULLYING of any type will NOT be tolerated!
8. Criticizing, name calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed towards coaches,
officials, volunteers, parents and/or any participating swimmer will NOT be tolerated.
9. If you cause harm to a teammate, acknowledge it and apologize.
10. Use of or being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other controlled substance will
not be tolerated.
11. Practice courage, encouragement and teamwork at practice and at meets. Support and
cheer for your team members. Be a TEAM PLAYER.
Three Strikes
If a swimmer breaks a team rule, he/she will be first given a warning and secondly required to sit
out of practice and give some thought to his/her actions. If a 3rd offense occurs, a swimmer will be
required to leave practice. A swimmer who habitually disregards team rules/policies will be
suspended from the team. Parents will be notified of infractions.
Team Spirit Outside of the Pool
Being a good teammate does not stop when you leave the pool. Because we care about each
other, we expect members on this team to demonstrate affinity and respect for each other
EVERYWHERE: at home, at school, on the playground and in the neighborhood. It’s the right thing
to do.
Can we count on you?
This is the most important question your teammates will ask about you. Can they trust you to
make them feel safe and supported? Can they count on you to be a team player and a positive
influence on the team? Your success and the team’s success depend upon the ability of every
member to value and practice good sportsmanship and to be a team player.
Page 6 of 19The Role of a Panther Swim Team Parent
At Panther Swim Team, we strongly believe that parents play a huge part in a swimmer’s enjoyment
of the sport. Just as a coach can make a large impact with a simple word or two, the same is true of
parents. While no human being is perfect, following a few simple guidelines can significantly
enhance your swimmer’s ability to improve and enjoy being part of our team.
As a parent of a Panther swimmer you are responsible for:
Ensuring swimmers get to their training sessions on time.
Ensuring swimmers attend training on a regular basis.
Ensuring swimmers get to all meets in a timely manner.
o All swimmers will arrive in time for warm‐up.
o Any deviation from this should be agreed upon in advance with the coaches.
Encouraging your swimmers to take responsibility for knowing their own training
schedules.
Ensuring your swimmers bring the proper equipment to each of their training sessions
and meets including a water bottle.
Understanding, supporting and honoring the coaching staff’s policy of no parental
contact with swimmers during swim practices except in emergencies.
o Contacting swimmers in any way during training times is very distracting for all
swimmers, the coaches and your own child.
o Parents are welcome to watch training. If you choose to do so, please watch
from the bleachers at ISB.
Supporting the team as a whole through parent participation.
Reading the weekly Panther Swim Team Newsletter.
Fulfilling all financial obligations related to the team in a timely manner.
Keeping communication with the coaching staff open and direct.
o Issues need to be dealt with quickly and directly.
o Please do not approach the coaching staff during training time, e‐mail is a good
way of communicating with coaches.
Letting the coaching staff do the coaching.
o This is especially important at meets.
o If you have ideas, please contact the coaches outside of training times.
And most important of all:
Being supportive and loving towards your swimmers, unconditionally, at all times and
encouraging them to do their best, while having fun.
Page 7 of 19Squads
At the beginning of the year, each swimmer is assigned to a squad deemed appropriate by the
coaching staff. We routinely use the PST mission statement to guide us in the formation of squads.
The mission of this organization is:
A. To create a positive experience for ISB students to develop a life‐long passion for swimming
and athletic competition while participating as a member of a Team.
B. To increase the swimmer’s self‐esteem and self‐worth by developing a sense of
accomplishment and success as the swimmer improves their swim proficiency.
C. To provide developmental and age appropriate coaching to allow swimmers the opportunity
to work to their potential both as individuals and as part of a Team.
Squad (or lane) placement for each swimmer is taken very seriously. Individual training squads are
formed from within the competitive age groups. These are 8&under, 9&10, 11&12, 13&14 and
15&over. The squads themselves are formed using the following criteria:
Ability to perform proper technique
Ability to physically perform to the training standards for the designated squad
Swimmer’s personal motivation and willingness to commit to regular training
Ability to listen and grasp concepts presented at the assigned squad level
Maturity
o Physical
o Emotional
Squad size limitations
M‐F 5:30‐6:35am
M‐F 2:30‐3:30
M‐F 3:30‐5:00
Available
Required
Practices
Practices
Sat 9‐11
Squad Level
ES Squads
White Developmental swimmers 2 2 x
Developmental swimmers working
8&Under Gold 5 2‐3 x
towards competition readiness
Black Competitive focus and commitment 5 2‐3 x
Less experienced swimmers,
White 5 2 x
development/competitive focus
9&10 Gold Experienced competitive swimmers 5 3 x
Very strong competitive focus and
Black 6 3‐5 x x
commitment.
Page 8 of 19M‐F 5:30‐6:35am
M‐F 2:30‐3:30
M‐F 3:30‐5:00
Available
Required
Practices
Practices
Sat 9‐11
Squad Level
MS Squads
Less experienced swimmers,
White 5 2 x
development/competitive focus
11&12 Gold Experienced competitive swimmers 5 3 x x
Very strong competitive focus and
Black 6 4‐5 x x
commitment.
Less experienced swimmers,
White 5 2 x x
development/competitive focus
13&14 Gold Experienced competitive swimmers 6 3 x x
Very strong competitive focus and
Black 11 4‐5 x x x
commitment.
HS Squads
Less experienced swimmers,
White 5 2 x x
development/competitive focus
Gold Experienced competitive swimmers 6 3‐4 x x
Top level performers, very high
Black commitment level. Major goal is 11 5‐7 x x x
competing on IASAS team.
Page 9 of 19Fee Structure Fall 2013
Squad Fee
ES Squads
White 11,000
8&Under Gold 11,000
Black 12,000
White 11,000
9&10 Gold 13,000
Black 15,000
MS Squads
White 11,000
11&12 Gold 13,000
Black 15,000
White 11,000
13&14 Gold 13,000
Black 15,000
HS Squads
White 11,000
Gold 13,000
Black 15,000
Semester fees are determined each semester by the PST Board of Directors. The fees are calculated
based on number of practices required per week, skill level of the swimmer, and swimmer to coach
ratio. Please feel free to contact our treasurer with questions.
Registration Fee
500 THB covers the cost of using the Community Activities Office (CAO)
Withdrawal/Late Registration Policy
1. Late registration for other than health related circumstances or late enrollment in ISB results in
no fee adjustment.
2. Leaving the Team after 6 weeks of training for any reason results in no refund.
3. Leaving the Team for any reason other than serious injury/health or relocation after 1 week of
training results in no refund.
4. Leaving the Team for a short period of time due to illness, travel or other circumstances results
in no refund or price adjustment.
5. Leaving the Team after registration to the end of the 6th week of practice due to serious injury
or health problem or relocation is a refund of ½ the fees minus a 1000 baht per swimmer
administrative fee. Head Coach must be notified immediately.
6. Any refund given means that a swimmer may not rejoin the team until the next semester.
Page 10 of 19Squad Equipment Requirements
All Squads
Goggles – all swimmers are required to train with goggles at each practice
o Minimum two pair of goggles with you at all times, adjusted, and ready to use.
o Goggles come in dozens of sizes and shapes
If possible, swimmers should try on several different kinds.
Be patient in finding the proper fit that is both effective and comfortable.
Once you find the right pair, stock up! Goggles break and are lost regularly.
o UV protection – strongest available.
o NO clear goggles – remember all our training and competitions are outside!
o Recommend mirrored with full sun protection – darkest available.
o Easy for swimmers to adjust themselves (especially for younger swimmers) – this is
critical!
Swim suit
o Training Suit – any proper fitting color or brand
Boys
Boys MUST be able to push off from the side of the pool AND dive from
starting blocks without losing their suit.
Jammers (knee length) suits can be difficult for ES boys to keep tied
without falling down. For general training, I prefer modest briefs for
younger swimmers. There are many styles available from a multitude of
vendors.
Wearing two layered suits is ok.
Girls
Standard comfortable modest suit.
Two layered suits ok.
Competitive Two piece suits ok but must be able to dive from starting
blocks.
o Meet Suit ‐ Panther Swim Team suit or all black suit only.
Swim Cap – all swimmers with long hair are required to wear caps in practice regardless of
gender.
o Panther Team cap required for all swimmers for all meets.
o Any style or color cap is ok for training.
o Speedo, Tyr and other companies make lycra and silicone caps specially for long hair and
hot weather.
Water bottle ‐ should be one that does not need to have the top screwed on and off.
Sun protection – while sun protection products are not required, it is a very good idea!
o Sunscreen is an important precaution to take – water proof of course.
o Sun protection shirts (aka ‘rash guards’) for use in training sessions
These provide solid sun protection, but must be tight fitting and flexible so as not
to impede the swimmer’s ability to perform correct technique. A loose fitting
shirt may provide protection at the cost of the swimmer’s ability to use correct
technique in training.
Page 11 of 19 Swim Fins – All swimmers must have fins.
o If the swimmer’s current fins fit, wait to change until they outgrow them.
o For Thai size 37‐38 and up Finis Gold Zoomers are very strongly encouraged.
o For smaller size feet, Speedo and Tyr make good fins.
Other equipment – check with your coach before purchasing other equipment for use in daily
training.
Squad specific requirements
8&Under (black squad), 9/10 & 11/12 Swimmers
Finis “Swimmer’s” Snorkel
13/14 & 15+ Swimmers
Hand paddles
o Speedo Contoured or Finis Agility hand paddles are strongly preferred.
Paddles should be hand size or slightly larger.
Do not purchase oversize paddles without consulting with your coach.
Drag Suit
o Finis Ultimate Drag Suits preferred
Page 12 of 19Meets & Events
The ISB Panther Swim Team attends many meets over the course of the year. What follows is a
description of specific meets that we plan to attend this semester. This list is not complete as of
August 2013. For the most current information, please go to our website,
http://isbpantherswimteam.com , or check the ISB Panther Swim Team facebook page.
Fall ‐ 2013
September 14: Gala Kickoff & Lunch
This is an IntraSquad meet held at the ISB pool on Saturday morning. Here, all swimmers have
a chance to post a beginning time for the year. Swimmers new to competitive swimming are
guided very gently by the coaches in event selection.
September 29: Tiger Prawn Invitational at Patana
This is a first meet for all our 8+under swimmers. It is VERY low key and is a great introduction
for our young swimmers to a meet away from our pool.
October 8‐9: Panther Palooza
The Panther Palooza is an intrasquad meet held at our ISB pool.
October: Bangkok Christian College
more information will be available soon
November 16 & 17: ISB Panthers Swimfest
This is our fall semester meet at ISB. Approximately 500 swimmers from all over Thailand
compete. This is a mandatory meet for all Panther swimmers. Swimmers choose their events
with advice from coaches. As with all meets, coaches set up the relays.
November 30 – December 1: RBSC Meet
more information will be available soon
December 6‐8: Feeding Frenzy at Patana
more information will be available soon
December 20: ISB Panther Swimathon & Holiday Party
This is a fun event before everybody heads off for winter holiday
Page 13 of 19A Parent’s Guide to Panther Swim Team Competitions
This guide should help you to understand each type of swim meet we attend, as well as, entries, warm‐
ups, and various other procedures.
There are several basic meet types
BISAC Meets
o League Meets
o Championship Meet
Invitational Meets
o Panther Swim Team’s Swimfest and Splash
o International School Meets (like ISB)
o Thai Invitational meets
o Travel Meets
o Specialty Meets
Intrasquad Meets
BISAC Meets
BISAC stands for Bangkok International School Athletic Conference. This is a league composed
International Schools in the Bangkok Area. In swimming some of those schools consist of Patana,
Harrow, NIST, Shrewsbury, Ruamrudee and occasionally others.
League Meets
Each year we often swim two or three BISAC League meets. These meets are normally dual meets
(two teams) or tri‐meets (three teams) where no score is kept. The primary objective of these
meets is to give the swimmers an opportunity to compete in a relatively low pressure situation.
The events vary and are up to the coaching staff from each team to agree on. These meets usually
occur on either Saturday mornings or Wed and Thurs after school.
Entries
BISAC league meets have limits on the number of swimmers each team is allowed to enter.
In the past, only 6 or 12 swimmers for each age group and gender were allowed to enter.
Entry limits are set to ensure that the meet can be conducted in approximately 2‐4 hours.
Meets held on week nights MUST conclude by 6pm so that families can have dinner and
swimmers have time to do homework and get to sleep on time. At ISB, we set an entry
deadline and insist that all swimmers who wish to swim send the coach their entries by
email by that date. Once the entry deadline has passed, the coaches select the events for
all swimmers including relays. The coaches select entries to try to give swimmers an
opportunity to swim events they like as well as to try different events that may be out of
their comfort zone. If more than the allowed number of swimmers wants to swim, all the
swimmers’ names in that age group/gender are put in a hat and names are drawn
randomly. This way it is fair to all swimmers.
Page 14 of 19A Parent’s Guide to Panther Swim Team Competitions
BISAC Championship Meet
The BISAC Championship Meet takes place once per year. This year it takes place at the end of
March. All BISAC schools are invited.
Entries
Since this a true championship meet, all entries are done by the coaching staff. Unlike most
of our meets the swimmers do not have any choice as to what they swim. Only a certain
number of swimmers per age group/gender/event may compete for the Panthers. The
coaching staff selects the swimmers who give the team the best chance to win. All Panther
swimmers who are selected for the meet are required to swim. Swimmers with the best
chance to make the championship team are swimmers who can swim all events well since
swimmers will be swimming multiple events.
Invitational Meets in Thailand
There are three types of Invitational Meets here in Thailand. Swimfest and Splash (the two meets
we host), meets held by other International Schools (like Harrow’s 2Fast 2Furious and Patana’s
Feeding Frenzy) and meets hosted by Thai clubs. These meets are generally appropriate for all ages
and abilities.
Entries
When the meet information is received from the team hosting the meet, we send the entry
information out. As in all other meets, there is an entry deadline. There are rarely limits on the
number of swimmers we can send to the meets. Swimmers can choose their own individual events
with occasional guidance from the coaches. Relays are set by the coaching staff. Once the
deadline has passed, entries are closed and sent to the hosting team.
Invitational Meets Outside the Bangkok Area (travel meets)
Travel meets provide a unique opportunity for team bonding. There just a few differences
between Invitational Meets outside the Bangkok area and those nearby. First, we ask for earlier
commitment so that travel arrangements can be made. Typically our away meet coordinator works
with our travel agent to select a hotel and facilitate reservations. We prefer swimmers all stay
together, but realize people may have friends they wish to stay with or hotel points to use at a
different hotel. Second, because one or more coaches must have airfare, hotel, etc paid for, we
add a modest surcharge to take care of it. Usually the surcharge is between 1,000 and 1,500 baht
per swimmer. All swimmers must be accompanied by a parent for any travel meet.
Page 15 of 19A Parent’s Guide to Panther Swim Team Competitions
Specialty Meets
Over the course of the year there may be a few different types of meets that our club participates
in. Patana’s Tiger Prawn Invitational is an example – this meet is only for 8+under swimmers. We
host a Pentathlon meet which is typically 3‐4 teams in which each swimmer must swim all four
strokes plus the age appropriate Individual Medley event.
Intrasquad Meets
Intrasquad Meets are meets with just our team. These meets are normally a little less formal. We
still ask for entries, collect times, and race. Generally, our Intrasquad meets take place on Saturday
mornings or after school.
Getting To the Meet
For home meets swimmers are asked to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled time for warm‐up.
For away meets with 10 or more swimmers attending, there will always be a bus. The bus leaves
from the front of ISB by the circle. One or more coaches will be there 15 minutes before time to
board the bus. We prefer that swimmers take the bus to ensure on time arrival. It is not a
requirement. Swimmers who do NOT ride the bus need to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled
warm‐up time. We ask that swimmers NOT board the bus until checking in with a coach. The
coaches carry a sign in sheet. We prefer not to leave swimmers at ISB, but it is the SWIMMER’S
RESPONSIBILITY to arrive at ISB on time. The bus will not wait at ISB past the published departure
time. See the ‘After The Meet ’ section for checkout and riding the bus procedures.
On the bus ride, swimmers have a good opportunity to have some nutritious snacks. Swimmers
should respect each other and the bus driver by not being wild and disruptive. Upon arrival,
swimmers will be directed to the pool area. It is recommended that swimmers wear their suit
under their clothes in case the bus encounters some problems and we arrive late.
Warm‐up
At the appointed time, swimmers should be on deck with their caps on and goggles in hand. Only
the ISB Panther Swim Team caps are permitted at meets. Please bring a spare! The Panther Swim
Team suits are required Swimmers must be ready to warm‐up at the designated time.
Page 16 of 19A Parent’s Guide to Panther Swim Team Competitions
When the Meet Begins
It is the swimmer’s responsibility to be marshaled and to get to their assigned lanes in time to
swim. Please pay attention. For younger age groups, designated parents and the coaches may try
to make sure swimmers get where they need to go. Parents who attend the meet with their
swimmers can assist by keeping track of their swimmers. Swimmers should stay close to the
designated areas so that coaches can be most effective. Coaches will ensure relays are set up
properly, they are in the marshaling area at the correct time, and swimmers understand what they
are supposed to do.
Parents please make sure your swimmers are eating nutritious snacks and drinking nutritious
drinks. There is a guide in your swimmers log book. We also have a number of articles on our
website that discuss proper nutrition, please check them out if in doubt. Bring or be prepared to
buy bottles of water.
Parents, please do not give your swimmers instructions about technique or how to swim their races
at the meet. Encouragement is great! PLEASE cheer for them and tell them they did a great job;
it’s impossible to be too positive especially with elementary swimmers. However, too much
information from multiple sources about how to swim will confuse most young swimmers and
cause them to swim slower than they otherwise might. Even more than any other days, on meet
days it is important to leave coaching to the coaches.
After the Meet
Before leaving, it is required that all swimmers check out with the coaches. There are two reasons
for this. First, we will not leave any swimmer behind – if you don’t check out with the coach, we
may spend a long time searching for your child needlessly inconveniencing the rest of the
swimmers who are waiting to take the bus home. Please check out with the coach and NOT with
another swimmer or family. Second, often relays are at the end of the meet and a swimmer may
keep 3 other swimmers from competing if they leave early without being sure they are not needed
for a relay. Swimmers, if riding the bus, will be dropped off at the front of the school where we
started. Swimmers need to be picked up in a timely manner.
Page 17 of 19Incentives Program
The Panther Swim Club’s Incentive Program is tied to the main goals and objectives of the team: to
swim correctly, to participate in training and events, and to seek to improve technique and speed
over the course of the year. The program is designed to reward our swimmers of ALL ages and
capabilities while encouraging them to continually strive for improvement. Therefore, many of the
components of the incentive program are focused on acknowledging and rewarding our swimmers for
Personal Best (PB) Times.
Due to the age diversity of our many swimmers, we have broken the incentive program in two parts:
Elementary and Middle/High School.
Elementary School Squads
1. Patches
After each competition, coaches will distribute patches to each swimmer who meets any of the
milestones listed below. The patches can be ironed and sewn onto swim bags or towels so swimmers
can proudly display their achievements. Parents, your swimmers need your help in adding these
patches to their bags or towels to make this part of the program a success!
Meet Participation: earn a Panther Patch for attending your first meet.
Proper Technique: earn a STAR patch the first time you swim a stroke properly in an event.
Distance Challenge: earn a 100M Club, 200M Club or 400M Club patch when you go the distance
in an event for the first time.
Motivational Times: earn Panther Black and Gold patches for meeting our club's time standard
thresholds in your events, and strive to earn USA Swimming patches as you improve your times during
the year. The Black and Gold patches/times have been developed by our club and are designed to
reward and encourage our younger and newer swimmers. Our time thresholds are based on
motivational times established by the USA Swimming Organization. USA Swimming is the national
governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States. The progression of times is categorized
as follows: Black (based on 14% increase over USA B time), Gold (based upon a 7% increase over USA B
time), B, BB, A, AA, AAA, AAAA. A table of these times, by age and event, can be found on the Panther
Swim Team website or at www.usaswimming.org, clicking on USA Swimming tools, then times/time
standards, and found under the title “age group motivational standards”.
2. Personal Best (PB) T‐shirts
A PB shirt is a statement of your personal success that you can wear. All ES swimmers will be receiving
a shirt. The shirt will be turned in several times during the semester (place in the PB Basket in the ES
Office) and the Incentives Team will stamp Black Panther paw prints on the back of the shirt for EVERY
PB time you earn this season! Keep doing your best, and watch your shirt get covered.
Page 18 of 19Panther Swim Team – Incentives Program
3. Personal Best (PB) Ribbons
After each swim meet, swimmers will receive a Personal Best Ribbon for each event which had a
personal best time. On the back of these ribbons, a sticker will show the name of the swimmer, details
of the event, the time, and any time threshold achieved. The swimmer can then move this sticker to
their personal log, to keep track of their best times and set goals for the next meet.
Swimmers’ times can also be tracked online by accessing the Panther Swim Team website and clicking
on Hy‐Tek. In addition to viewing swimmers’ personal best times, the information can be sorted by
meet, swimmer name, age, stroke, distance, and gender. Also available is club data on records and
standards.
Middle and High School Squads
1. Patches
Earn USA Swimming patches as you improve your times during the year: B, BB, A, AA, AAA, and AAAA.
A table of these time thresholds, by age and event, can be found on the PST website.
2. Personal Best (PB) Ribbons
After each swim meet, swimmers will receive a Personal Best Ribbon for each event having a personal
best time. On the back of these ribbons, a sticker will show the name of the swimmer, details of the
event, the time, and any USA time threshold achieved. The swimmer can then move this sticker to
their personal log, to keep track of their best times and set goals with the coach for their next meet.
Swimmers’ times can also be tracked online by accessing the Panther Swim Team website and clicking
on Hy‐Tek. In addition to viewing swimmers’ personal best times, the information can be sorted by
meet, swimmer name, age, stroke, distance, and gender. Also av ailable is club data on records and
standards.
Page 19 of 19You can also read
