Swimmers are expected to attend workout regularly and to strive towards their own personal goals. If they know in advance that they will be missing a practice session, they must inform the coach, either at practice or by phoning the club office. If they miss a practice at the last minute (transportation problems or last minute schedule conflicts) it is their responsibility to let the coach know as soon as they can. They are expected to behave with respect towards the coach, other swimmers, and the adults who are making this sport possible for them. Swimmers will discover as they become more highly competitive that they will have to make choices between swimming and other activities. They will find it necessary to watch their diet, keep regular hours and to keep up their school marks. As in other sports, they will benefit in proportion to what they are willing to invest. At meets, swimmers must wear SSMAC uniform (i.e. black bathing suit or SSMAC bathing suit and SSMAC swim cap and t-shirt).
Swimmers Conduct and RulesIf the actions of any member of SSMAC results in injury to a member of the public or another SSMAC member, that athlete will be immediately suspended for one week. A full report of the incident must be given to the facility management, the SSMAC Executive Board and the parents of both the injured party and the offending team member.
Always remember that you are not only representing yourself, but the team as a whole. Treat others as you would expect to be treated. Treat the public and staff with respect. Treat your teammates and coaching staff with respect.
The Sault Ste Marie Aquatic Club Parents Group is made up of the parents of swimmers who have shown that they are capable of swimming competitively and have been selected by the coaches to represent the Sault Ste Marie Aquatic Club. The administration of the Club is handled entirely by the parents of the swimmers in conjunction with the coaches.
As mentioned previously, the parents make this Club a reality. Besides helping with home meets and chaperoning with out of town meets, there are many other jobs like fundraising and working behind the scenes on the executive. It helps if you keep in mind that our children are having a great time at this game that we keep in motion. The Executive is elected at an Annual General Meeting…WE NEED YOU!
Your child will need transportation to workout and special events. In the summer the children can ride bicycles to the pool, but they should be sure to have a good cycle lock. In the winter, car pools arranged by parents who live in the same neighbourhood, work effectively. Younger children will likely need help organizing their time and priorities.
Parents are also responsible for notifying the chaperones of any medical conditions that their child may have before traveling to a meet.
Parents shall ensure that their swimmers get to all the swim meets when they are entered. The Transportation Committee will help arrange transportation for all out-of-town meets. This usually means that some of the parents drive their cars with their children and will also take other swimmers who will be assessed a modest fee. Parents should take turns driving to swim meets; their presence and vocal support helps the swimmers. Drivers should check their Car Insurance Policies regarding passenger liability.
Information will be provided to parents throughout the swim season through email and a Newsletter. In addition, notices will be placed in your mailbox in the SSMAC office. Please check your folder regularly.
Read the Club Minutes and attend Parent Information meetings, usually held two or three times a year or as the need arises. The usual format consists of executive reports, information from the coaches, guest speakers and a question and answer period.
Parents shall participate in all the Club's fundraising projects. These projects are vital as a source of money badly needed to send swimmers to meets, to purchase special equipment such as stop watches, pool rental, ribbons etc.
Parents should become certified to serve as Timers, Judges, Recorders, etc. at swim meets. A special course, Swimming 101, will be given at various times of the year to provide the necessary instruction. A swim meet cannot be held without the help of parents.
Please leave the job of coaching to the coach. It is much easier on the child if he/she does not have to make choices about who he/she listens to.
Should parents have a problem regarding coaching, they should approach the head coach as it is his responsibility. If the problem or suggestion is in regard to administration, it should be brought to a member of the Liaison Committee. Of course the coach will be happy to discuss any questions you may have regarding your child's progress. You can be a real help to your child as a morale builder and a sympathy source. You will soon see that a swimmer needs a lot of food, sleep and encouragement!
The senior coach is responsible for developing and employing a swimming program suitable for each swimmer to achieve success and a sense of importance as a member of the club. He/she is also responsible for supporting other assistant coaches in their programming in a likewise manner, as set per contract. He/she is responsible for the establishment and implementation of a deck safety plan.