BBD Parent
Handbook for 2007-2008 (Printable Version) Posted
9//9/07
BBD History
For over thirty years the Birmingham Blue
Dolphins have been a major force in Michigan swimming. Beginning with volunteer
coaches and a handful of swimmers in the sixties, BBD has grown into a YMCA/US
team of over three hundred age-group swimmers coached by a staff of ten
professional coaches. The team is sponsored by the Birmingham
YMCA, administered by the head coach, and supported by an energetic parent
group. BBD swimmers excel at every stage of their
careers from eight and under to Olympic trial qualifiers. Many of our alums are
currently swimming at colleges like Stanford, Virginia, Grand Valley State
University, John Carroll, University of Michigan,
Kalamazoo College, Michigan State, and Emory. The team offers a year-round program that
includes spring tune- up and summer long course programs.
Introduction
Welcome to Birmingham Blue Dolphin (BBD) swimming!
Throughout the season you may have questions about certain aspects of our
program. This guide is meant as an introduction to BBD, as well as the sport of
competitive swimming. As a YMCA team and a USA-S (United States Swimming) team,
we are a fairly large and complex organization. Please browse through this
information and direct your questions to willing members of the coaching staff,
age group parents, and/or board members. Good luck!
BBD Website
THIS IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET!!! The BBD
website is updated regularly to serve as a
“pipeline” for important information regarding such items as schedules, meet
entries, holiday events and practice time and/or location changes, meet results
and a plethora of other information.
Roster
A team roster, including addresses and telephone
numbers, will be made available at the YMCA front desk in mid-October as soon as
it is finalized. BBD boasts a membership of over 300 swimmers of all ages. We
strive for a fun, healthy atmosphere for all our swimmers, regardless of ability
or experience. While the team roster can serve as a resource, we feel it will
also provide an avenue for meeting new friends and enjoying the “BBD
experience”.
Affiliations
BBD swimmers will participate both as YMCA swimmers,
as well as in Michigan Swimming. Michigan Swimming (MS) is the Local Swim
Committee for United States of America Swimming (USA-S). USS is a national
governing body for competitive swimming in the United States. In order to
participate in our program, swimmers must join both organizations. A YMCA
membership is obtained at the YMCA. A USS membership is obtained through the
Team by reimbursement of a non-refundable $52.00 fee, payable upon registration.
Remember –Everybody
Swims, Everybody Wins!
YMCA Philosophy of Competitive Swimming
The YMCA involvement in sports has been one means by
which the organization had inculcated ideals, values, and behavior based upon
its purposes and goals. Sport in the YMCA has never been an end in itself, but
rather a vehicle for achieving much more global purposes.
Concern for sports involvement is at the broad
participation level, rather than focusing on the elite athlete. Teaching the
fundamental skills, encouraging lifetime involvement in physical activity,
strengthening the values of fitness, health, self respect, and respect for
others are central themes in the YMCA sports philosophy.
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The essential elements of the YMCA competitive
aquatic philosophy are:
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To support and instruct every swimmer on the team
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To work on basic skills and teach good physical
habits
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To teach fair play and mutual respect
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To help swimmers set and evaluate individual and
team goals
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To foster a winning attitude, in both victory and
defeat
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To encourage lifetime involvement in sports and
physical activity
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To work the whole person---body, mind and spirit
BBD's Philosophy, Mission and Primary Objectives
Philosophy -
The coaching staff and BBD Parents Board
wholeheartedly support the guidelines set forth in the YMCA competitive swimming
philosophy. Through appropriate instruction, training, and guidance we are
dedicated to developing a program full of happy, healthy, accomplished swimmers.
Mission Statement -
Our purpose is to provide a healthy and
age-appropriate program for swimmers from novice to national level.
Primary Objectives
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To teach and refine the four competitive strokes
in all of the distances appropriate to an age group.
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To provide a variety of opportunities to train,
compete, and socialize under the guidance of a qualified, caring, professional
coaching staff and supportive parents.
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To show that we value good sportsmanship and a
healthy winning attitude above everything.
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To develop and set both individual and team goals
and to cultivate strategies for attaining them.
Coaching Staff Responsibilities
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Running practice
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Setting and pursuing individual and team goals by
working closely with the swimmers
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Setting policies, establishing practice, and meet
schedules
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Writing dual meet lineups, championship meet
lineups, and all relays
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Working in cooperation with the BBD Parents Board
in promoting and developing the team
Swimmer Responsibilities
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Attending practice
regularly
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Communicating effectively with the coaching staff
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Supporting his/her teammates
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Demonstrating good sportsmanship at all times
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Appreciated his/her parents
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Attending all meets in which he/she has been
entered
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Attending the championship meet for which he/she
qualifies
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Participating in fundraisers
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Remembering to HAVE FUN with his/her entire
swimming experience
Parent Responsibilities
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Transporting swimmers on a regular basis to
swim practice in a timely manner, as well as escorting them to and from
the building
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Understanding, supporting and honoring the
coaching staff’s policy of no parental observation of
swim practices
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Supporting the team as a whole through volunteer
time
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Obtaining and reading the weekly BBD Newsletter
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Fulfilling all financial obligations related to
the team in a timely manner
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Keeping communication with the coaching staff
frequent and open, letting the coaching staff do the coaching
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Being supportive and loving towards your swimmer(s)
at all times and encouraging them to do their best, while having fun
Financial Requirements
In order to compete, a YMCA swimmer must have
a current, annual YMCA membership. Different memberships are available,
including family memberships. The fees for these memberships are separate from
the team fees associated with BBD. Various methods of payment are available. The
BBD team fee primarily covers salaries of the coaching staff and outside pool
facility rental. It also helps to offset the costs incurred relating to the
weekly BBD Newsletter, yearbook and administrative assistance.
To operate successfully, BBD must gather funds from
other sources as well. Dual meets, YMCA/USA-S invitational and championship
meets and Booster donations help to support the program. Parent participation is
vital to the success of each of these avenues. Swimmers qualifying for our
National Team also participate in fundraising activities coordinated by a parent
volunteer. In addition, an Activity Fee is required from each swimmer upon
registration to defray the cost of snacks and various activities organized and
implemented by the age group parents.
This additional income is often used to supplement
equipment needs (computer, pool, practice aids, etc.). A portion of these funds
also provides for incentives for the swimmers and coaching staff, social events
and defraying a portion of costs related to the National Team.
A sizable donation to the YMCA’s Partners Campaign
(to be used at the Birmingham Family YMCA) is also made through these funds.
As you can see, the expenses of running a large,
successful program are extensive and varied. Some additional expenses you can
expect to incur during the season will include: competitive swimsuits (swimmers
are required to purchase a BBD team suit, which should be reserved for
competition using separate suits for practice), swim goggles (buy MANY pairs),
swim caps (only swim caps with the BBD logo may be worn during competition),
swim fins for age groups 12 and under, miscellaneous travel expenses, and entry
fees for USA-S meets and YMCA invitational meets.
Practice Philosophy and Policies
Our swimmers practice within their own YMCA age
group, regardless of ability, to allow for social comfort. Within each practice,
swimmers can be grouped according to ability. As the season progresses and
practice objectives change, these groups may be altered. Flexibility and
consistency among the coaching staff allows for an enjoyable, effective
environment. During the season the swimmers will work with all members of our
coaching staff.
As goals and objectives change throughout the
season, the practice structure will adapt as well. The following represents the
structure of a typical practice:
Dryland Exercises:
Combines stretching and flexibility exercises with
strength-building routines. Also provides for a bit of socializing among
swimmers and coaching staff – both are important aspects of our program.
Warm-up: Usually
a fairly long, easy swim, designed to warm up the swimmers’ muscles (and minds)
in preparation for more demanding sets. Within the warm-up, swimmers are given a
drill, or activity to complete. Stroke drills, concentration on turns, breathing
patterns, etc. are some examples.
Stroke Work/Drills:
A focus for each and every practice we run. Proper technique is
the basis for efficient, fast swimming. The coaching staff designs and explains
drills that isolate and exaggerate certain aspects of the various competitive
strokes. This is the time where conscientious swimmers can make great strides
towards future success.
Work Phase:
Depending upon the time of the season, sets will isolate a variety of
physiological systems (aerobic, anaerobic, etc.). The sets are often run
on timed intervals, integrating the use of a pace clock.
Warm-down: An easy
swim (or set of swims) that assist in warming down the athletes’ muscles (and
minds). This facilitates the removal of lactic acid building up in the muscles,
aiding in recovery.
BBD Parents' Board of Directors
The BBD Parents Board is comprised of thirteen
members, including the Head Coach and five members at large. All BBD Parents
Board meetings are open to parents and occur monthly throughout the year. The
BBD Parents Board is directly responsible for carrying out the day-to-day
activities associated with operating the Team, as well as long-term planning.
All board members serve in a volunteer capacity. The various positions are as
follows:
President:
Oversees the smooth running of the BBD Parents Board and works closely with the
coaching staff and the YMCA. This is a one-year, elected position.
Vice President:
Oversees committees assigned and assists the President. This is an elected
position that runs for two years, one as Vice President, the following year as
President.
Secretary: Takes
the minutes of all BBD Parents Board meetings and attends to any necessary
correspondence. This is a two-year elected position.
Treasurer:
Responsible for keeping the financial records of the team, collecting and
disbursing team money and preparing the yearly budget. This is a two-year
elected position.
Past President:
The outgoing President remains on the BBD Parents Board for one additional year
to provide continuity and valuable input.
Head Coach:
Reports to the BBD Parents Board regarding training of swimmers and coaching
staff, makes requests and recommendations regarding the swimmers, equipment
needs, policies, etc.
YMCA Senior Program Director:
Oversees all programs conducted at the Birmingham Family YMCA as
well as acting as a liaison between the YMCA and the BBD Parent Board.
YMCA Executive Director:
Administrator of the Birmingham Family YMCA.
YMCA Liaison:
Acts as a liaison between the Birmingham Family YMCA Board and the BBD Parents
Board. Represents BBD at Birmingham Family YMCA Board meetings.
Members at Large:
Consists of five appointed parents of BBD swimmers. Members at
large provide balance among the BBD Parents Board, serve on committees and serve
as liaisons between parents of swimmers and the BBD Parents Board. This is a
one-year position.
Meet Manager(s):
Any person (or persons) responsible for coordinating and facilitating a
team-sponsored meet. This is a volunteer position.
Committee Chairpersons: In addition to BBD Parents Board members, BBD
consists of many committees that oversee various aspects of running the Team.
Accommodations:
Secures air fares and blocks of hotel rooms for meets located out of town.
Age Group: A group of parents
(typically two or three assigned per age group) responsible for initiating
telephone fan outs, organizing activities and occasionally providing snacks for
the swimmers in each age group.
Awards: Obtains all necessary
ribbons to be awarded to the swimmers attending swim meets hosted by BBD. Also
has possession of ribbons/awards unclaimed by BBD swimmers at any of the swim
meets in which the Team participates.
Banquets: Secures facilities and
dates for either of the Team’s two end-of-the-year banquets (8 and under, 9 and
up).
Computers: Responsible for data
entry, setup and operation of the computer system at all swim meets hosted by
BBD.
Concessions: Responsible for
organizing and conducting the concession stands at all swim meets hosted by BBD.
Entries: Compiles and submits the
Team’s entries for all meets.
Head Official: A
BBD parent who is a certified YMCA Level II official, responsible for securing
officials from BBD, as well as other teams at times, to provide officiating at
swim meets. May act as head official at a swim meet.
Marshalling: Responsible for
organizing and implementing the marshalling function at all swim meets hosted by
the BBD.
Merchandise: Orders and sells BBD
t-shirts, sweats, swim bags, parkas, etc. at Team functions.
Newsletter Editor: Writes and
publishes the weekly BBD Newsletter for the entire winter swim season. Any
information required in the weekly BBD Newsletter should be submitted to the
Newsletter Editor.
Publicity: Acts as a liaison between
BBD and local media. Writes and/or submits pertinent information (such as meet
results) to the media.
Record Board: Keeps track of BBD
records and updates the record board, as necessary, located in the lobby above
the stairway leading to the lower level at the Birmingham Family YMCA.
Scoring: A certified Level I
Official, responsible for performing the scorekeeping function at swim meets
hosted by BBD (primarily dual meets, as larger meets are scored by computer).
Swimsuits/Caps: Orders and
distributed BBD swimsuits and swim caps. Swim caps are available for purchase on
a year-round basis, swimsuits are typically ordered at the organizational
meetings at the start of the winter swim season.
USA-S Registration: Compiles and
submits registration of BBD’s swimmers to United States swimming.
USA-S Representative: Acts as a
liaison between BBD and USA-S. Represents BBD at USA-S/MS meetings.
YMCA National Team: Makes travel and
accommodation arrangements for the Birmingham YMCA National Team. Coordinates
BBD parent volunteers while at the national meet, as well as organizing
fundraisers throughout the season.
Zone Dinner: Organizes and hosts a
dinner for all BBD swimmers who qualify to attend the YMCA Zone Meet.
Page last updated
May 05, 2008
