We are so glad you decided to join the premier year-round swimming programs in the area. We have a very proud tradition started under the name GCIT Swimming in 1994. During the summer of 2008 the school administration at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology decided it was in their best interest to get out of the business of operating a USA Swimming program. GPAC was formed as a private company (full legal name is Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Enterprises, LLC) which pays the school pool rent for exclusive use of the facility. We are and will be the only USA Swimming program that operates out of the GCIT Aquatics Center.

This document provides useful information for new and existing parents and swimmers about our program. The coaches encourage you to ask questions, provide comments and suggestions.

Team Vision

Our vision is to create one of the top USA Swimming clubs in the nation while providing every child with the tools to become excellent citizens and swimmers.

Team Mission

Our mission is to teach swimmers of all ages and abilities the core values we feel necessary to achieve at the highest level, both as a team and individually. Our program is committed to:

· Advancing the sport of swimming beyond the borders of our team and our pool

· Recruiting highly motivated coaches and volunteers who share our vision

· Provide swimmers with the highest quality coaching possible

· Provide for the highest possible teaching and learning environment

· Recognize each individual (swimmer, coach, parent, volunteer, official) and the role they play in the success of our organization

· Teach the athletes, parents, and volunteers ideals and values that can be used outside of the pool in everyday life

· Encourage and provide the best possible environment for swimmers to strive for ultimate excellence including National recognition, college scholarships, and the Olympic Dream

Core Values

· A Commitment to Excellence - Individual and Team excellence is important. We encourage the setting of very high goals (short term and long term).

· Hard Work –With the setting of high goals has to come a knowledge of the work needed to reach those levels. We use a simple equation to show this: Practice Attendance + Effort in Practice + Commitment to Excellence = Performance

· Educationally Based and Ethical Program

· Community Service

· Everlasting – We aim to keep the program around long after the youngest swimmer on this team graduates from high school.

· Above All: The Team and The Program - No individual will ever be put ahead of the best interest of the program or the team as a whole

Team Philosophy

“There is a large difference between being ‘good’, getting ‘better’, and being the ‘best’. We want all of our swimmers to strive to be the ‘best’ swimmer they can be. Most swimmers will get better through minimal effort over the course of the season (with physical growth being the main reason). But to be the best they can be (and contribute to the club becoming the best it can become) the swimmers and their families must strive to do everything they can to ensure this including:

· Regular practice attendance, especially in the beginning of the season. All swimmers, in order to be the best, need to attend at least 80% of their groups offered practices. We can liken it to school: if you miss more than 20% of the school days you won’t even get the chance to attend summer school and will fail that grade.

· Paying attention to the coaching staff at all times. Missing the slightest bit of instruction from the coaches can result in mechanical or race strategy flaws which can take years to overcome.

· Racing and an overall enjoyment of competition. Somewhere along the line over the last 10 or 15 years the word competition has become a dirty word for the youth in our country. There is nothing wrong with being competitive and being under competitive is just as bad as being overly competitive. We encourage racing in a controlled environment on a daily basis in practice. This is the only way to ensure a strong competitive drive in the swimmers at all meets.

· Teamwork (Swimmers/Coaches/Parents). The biggest misconception about swimming is that it is not a team sport or there is not a team aspect to USA Swimming. It’s true that we do not attend meets on a weekly basis in which a score at the end determines the team’s performance. But saying this is not a team sport is like saying the doctors and nurses in the operating room are not a team, or the marketing group is not a team. You don’t need a “final score” to compete in a team sport, but you do need goals, a process, and an end result. Swimmers need to work together in practice on a daily basis: racing, encouraging each other, and supporting each other. Parents have an equally important role on this team as you are the main role models for your children. The coaching staff asks that you trust and support what we are doing. Parents play an important role in the team’s success through financial support as well as being drivers, nutritionists and (most importantly) cheer leaders. The absolute best way you can support the team (and set a great example for your swimmer) is by cheering for your child’s friends as passionately as you cheer for your child.

· Self reliance. This sport is set apart from most others in the amount responsibility the athlete has as it relates to the finished product. It’s hard to put a number on the amount of input the swimmer has on the finished product, but we could conservatively estimate it at about 80%. The coaches can discUSS goals, let the swimmers know what it will take to reach goals, plan the season, write the workouts, give instruction and encourage the swimmers at practice and meets. But it is 100% up to the swimmer (and each swimmer on their own) to take what they are given and make it happen in practice on a daily basis and at meets. The hardest part about being a swim coach is knowing that once a swimmer gets onto the blocks there is nothing you can do to effect the outcome of the race. Coaches and parents cannot get in the water and swim the practices or races for them and neither can their teammates.

Swimming is what we call a “life sport”: the lessons and ideals a swimmer learns at an early age can and should carry over to school, work, and all aspects of their entire life. Hard work, self reliance, goal setting and understanding the steps necessary to reach the goal(s), and working with a team to accomplish personal and group goals…these are the lessons the coaching staff teaches the swimmers and the philosophical foundation for this team.

“With no team scores at meets, how do we measure team success?”
IN MANY WAYS!!!

· Meet performance. The great thing about USS Swimming is that there is not pressure on the athletes to swim best times in every event at every meet or else risk failing the team like in summer league or high school swimming. Success at meets should always be compared year to year. For instance, times done at a meet in January should not be compared to a swimmer’s best times (even if the best time was done a month earlier) but to the times they swam under similar conditions in January of years past.

· Team performance at certain meets. There are some meets where team scores are kept but they are not always a great representation of how good a team is. This is because the common rule of thumb is that the bigger your team is, the more points you will score. That being said, this team has consistently placed very high at local, regional and national meets:

o 2004 TYR Cup Holiday Classic – 2^nd Place

o 2005 Eastern Zone Sectional Championships – 1^st Overall, 1^st Place Men, 1^st Place Women

o 2005 TYR Cup Holiday Classic – 2^nd Place

o 2006 NCSA Junior Nationals – 10^th Place

o 2006 Speedo Long Course Junior Nationals – 13^th Place

o 2007 NCSA Junior Nationals – 7^th Place

o 2007 Speedo Long Course Junior Nationals – 25^th Place

o 2007 NJ State Championships – 1^st Place Overall, 1^st Place Men, 1^st Place Women

o 2008 Eastern Zone Sectional Championships – 2^nd Place

o 2008 Middle Atlantic Short Course Senior Championships – 2^nd Place

Performance is determined by the preparation at least as much as by what happens at the meet itself. With this sport it is truly about the journey and not necessarily about the destination. Fast swims, championships, personal and team “bests” are all achieved in workouts starting in September, not when you step onto the blocks in March.

· USA Swimming’s IMX Challenge. A good swimmer can do freestyle and one other stroke well. A great swimmer is well-rounded and good at all distances and strokes. The IMX Challenge provides the basis for proficiency in all strokes and distances for each age group. The more proficient you are in each IMX event the more IMX points you receive, but you do not receive any points unless you compete in all of the IMX events. To learn more about the IMX program, go to www.usaswimming.org and click on “My USA Swimming” on the left. Information about the IMX Program will be at the top of the page.

· USA Swimming’s Virtual Club Championship. This program ranks all teams based on their top two swimmers in most events in single age groups starting with 11 year olds through 18 year olds. Swimmers can only accrue points in five events. This is not the most accurate assessment of national team rankings, but a good tool for coaches to see where a team’s weaknesses are. To learn more about the Virtual Club Championship go to www.usaswimming.org, click on the “Swim Clubs” tab at the top and then click on “Virtual Club Championships” on the left. This team’s highest national ranking was 73^rd for the 2005-2006 short course season.

The “F” Word: Failure

Failure is an important aspect of life and very important in swimming. Unless you are a thoroughbred racehorse, failure is a necessary part of the journey in sports. Michael Jordan, perhaps the greatest athlete of our generation, once said the greatest thing to ever happen to him was getting cut from his high school basketball team as a freshman. Jordan could have sulked, cried, blamed the coaches, switched to a different school, quit…but instead he used it as a message that he needed to get better. Five years later he was a key member of UNC’s National Championship Team and the third pick in the NBA Draft; on his way to the greatest career in professional basketball history. Jordan has said on many occasions “You have to learn how to lose before you can truly appreciate winning.”

Swimmers need to accept failure as an opportunity to learn about themselves and their swimming abilities. Failure is only a bad thing if you continue to make the same mistakes over and over without much effort to correct the problems leading you to failure. Failure will make you stronger and make accomplishing your goals all that much sweeter.

Parents should always encourage their children, especially when they are at their lowest point. Parents should never attempt to make suggestions to the swimmers as it regards to stroke technique or racing strategy, this is the sole responsibility of the coaching staff.

This philosophy will continue to evolve as our team grows and evolves.

Program Goals

The goals are broken down into two different categories: Performance and Administrative. Performance goals relate to the actual swimming and achievements of the team in the water. Administrative goals relate to the dry side of the program: what is done to facilitate the expansion and growth of the program away from the water.

These goals should not be viewed as set in stone and can change at any time to reflect anything from early achievement of a stated goal to a change in policy or rules by USA Swimming. The goals have been thoroughly thought out with one single purpose in mind: to take this program in the direction of being one of the very best in all of USA Swimming.

Because something is not listed does not mean it is not implied. You will not see any goals on this list pertaining to performance at in a summer league or high school season. We know there are swimmers on this team who hold such goals in their minds for this season as well as in the future. However we view goals for these particular levels of swimming as “consequence goals”. That is to say if a swimmer is aspiring to achieve at the highest possible level they will have no problem whatsoever performing very well at lower levels. Yet if you only aspire to be good at the lower levels of this sport your chances of breaking through that mold and also performing highly at the highest levels are not that great. All coaches, swimmers, and parents associated with this program need to understand and get on board with the notion that each everyone should aspire to elite performance at the highest possible level.

NOTE: Each time period begins in September and ends in August.

2009-2010

Performance:

· USA Swimming Silver Medal Club

· 275 Full-time team members and 45 part-time (fall or spring warm-up) members

· 100% meet participation

· 40 swimmers attend the December Meet travel trip

· Top 3 at Middle Atlantic Elite Meet (Jan. 2010) in Overall Team Scoring

· 40 +Total Elite Meet Qualifiers

· Top 3 at Winter MA Junior Olympics (March 2010) in Overall Team Scoring

· 40 Total Winter Junior Olympic Qualifiers

· Top 5 at Middle Atlantic Mini Championships (March 2010) in Overall Team Scoring

· 5 NCSA Junior National Individual Qualifiers (March 2010)

· 3 Speedo Summer Junior National Qualifiers (August 2010 in Irvine, CA)

· 2 USA Swimming Summer National/World Champ Trials Qualifiers (August 2010 in Irvine, CA)

· 125 Summer program participant

· 30 swimmers participating in Summer Junior Olympics (July 2010)

· Top 3 in Overall Team Scoring at Summer Junior Olympics

Administrative:

· Maintain staff cohesion (all staff returns from 2008-09)

· No raise in base team dues

· Start season with family event outside of the pool setting

· Send 1 coach to ASCA World Clinic (Sept. 2009 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

· Send all coaches to Eastern States Clinic (Oct. 2009 in Cherry Hill, NJ)

· Establish two new fundraisers to benefit the Team Travel Fund

· Organize special team travel meet for 12 and under team members in the spring

· Organize special team travel meet for 13 and over team members in the spring

· Start GPAC Learn to Swim Program to increase team revenue and team feeder program

2010-2011

Performance:

· USA Swimming Silver Medal Club

· 1 USA Swimming Olympic Trials Qualifier

· 300 team members at GCIT site

· 55 swimmers on December team travel meet trip

· 60+swimmers qualified for the Middle Atlantic Elite Meet (Jan 2011)

· Top 2 in overall team scoring at MA Elite Meet

· 50 swimmers qualified for Middle Atlantic Junior Olympics (March 2011)

· Top 2 in overall team scoring at Junior Olympics

· Top 2 in overall team scoring at MA Mini Championships

· 8 Individual NCSA Junior National Qualifiers (March 2011)

· 5 Swimmers qualified for 2011 World Championship Trials

· 5 swimmers qualified for 2011 Summer Nationals (August 2011)

· 140 summer program participants

· 60 swimmers participate in summer Junior Olympics (July 2011)

· Top 2 in overall team scoring at summer Junior Olympics

Administrative:

· Maintain staff cohesion from previous season

· Winter Break Training Trip for 13 & Overs (Florida)

· Other training trip for 12 and unders in conjunction with a swim meet

· Increase overall team budget

· Increase budget and reserve funds for team travel account

· Send 3 coaches to ASCA World Clinic (September 2011)

· Hire part-time Business Manager

· Hire Learn to Swim Program Coordinator

· Hire 1 additional full-time coach with various administrative duties

· Open 2^nd site within the Greater Philadelphia Area with 100 total full-time swimmers

· Over 100 participants per session in the Learn to Swim Program

2011-2012

Performance:

· USA Swimming Silver Medal Club

· Top 2 in total team scoring at MA Elite Meet (Jan. 2012)

· Top 2 in total team scoring at MA JOs (March 2012)

· Top 2 at MA Mini Champs (March 2012)

· 15 total NCSA Junior National Qualifiers

· Top 10 in overall team scoring at NCSA Junior Nationals

· 2 additional Olympic Trials Qualifiers (3 total qualifiers)

· Current or Former GPAC/GCIT team member makes Semi-finals or Finals at Trials

· Win Summer Junior Olympics

· 200 summer program participants

· 70 swimmers attend summer Junior Olympics

· 8 swimmers qualified for summer US Open

· 12 swimmers qualified for summer Junior Nationals

· Achieve best ever finish at summer Junior Nationals (top 12)

Administrative:

· Maintain staff cohesion from previous season

· Have current swimmers and families not qualified for Olympic Trials attend the event

· Provide training site near Trials venue for non-participating team members in attendance

· Send at least 3 additional coaches (4 total) as spectators to Olympic Trials

· Raffle off a trip to Olympic Trials (tickets and airfare) to benefit GPAC Team Travel Fund

· Raffle off a trip to London, England for 2012 Olympic Summer Games

· 500 total team members at 3 different sites (team hub at GCIT)

· Training Trip outside Continental USA for 13 and overs

· Florida Training Trip for 12 and unders

· 1 and one half years operating budget on reserve

· Hire a third full-time coach/administrator/site coordinator

· Over 250 Learn to Swim participants per session

· Ensure full cost of travel to Olympic Trials for qualified team members covered

USA Swimming

USA Swimming (USS) Inc., a non-profit organization made up of dedicated volunteers, is the National Governing Body for the amateur competitive swimming in the United States. USA-S started in 1978 with the passage of the Amateur Sports Act that specified that all Olympic sports would be administered independently. Prior to this act, USA-S was the Competitive Swimming Committee of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) located in Indianapolis, Indiana. USA-S Headquarters was established in Colorado Springs Colorado, in 1981 and is located at the Olympic Training Center.

As the National Governing Body for the sport, USA-S is responsible for the conduct and administration of swimming in the United States. In this capacity, USA-S formulates the rules, implements policies and procedures, conducts the national championships, disseminates safety and sports medicine information, and selects the athletes to represent the United States in international competition.

United States Swimming is organized and involved at the local, national and international levels to provide the greatest possible opportunities for all USA-S swimmers, novice through Olympian. The international federation for the aquatic sports is the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA). USA-S is affiliated with FINA through the United States Aquatic Sports (USAS), made up of the four aquatic sports; swimming, synchronized swimming, diving, and water polo. At the national level, USA-S is a Group, a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and has voting representation in the USOC House of Delegates.

Locally within the United States, USA-S is divided into fifty-nine (59) Local Swimming Committees (LSC’s), each one responsible for administering USA-S activities in a defined geographical area. Each LSC has its own set of by-laws under which it operates. GPAC Swimming is in the Middle Atlantic LSC. The Middle Atlantic LSC includes South Jersey (Burlington, Camden, Ocean, and all counties south), Eastern Pennsylvania (east of the Allegheny Mountain region), and all of Delaware. There are over 80 teams, 6000 registered swimmers, and 500 registered non-athlete (coaches, officials, volunteers, etc.) members in the Middle Atlantic LSC, making it one of the five largest in the United States. The Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. House of Delegates, represented by teams, athletes, coaches, members of the Board of Directors, and other volunteers, are responsible for managing the business affairs of the Middle Atlantic LSC.

USA-S Headquarters provides a variety of services and programs for its membership. Among the many services provided are publications, educational programs, fund-raising activities, sports medicine programs, video resources, and general information about swimming related activities. The USA-S staff is available to assist you in answering questions or providing additional information about United States Swimming.

United States Swimming Membership

Athlete & Team Membership

The Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club is a member team of Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc., and United States Swimming Inc. Each GPAC swimmer is a member of United States Swimming. USA-S membership provides membership in Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. sanctioned swim meets and other activities, secondary insurance coverage through USA-S, and allows members to participate in swim camps, conventions, and other programs and activities sponsored by United States Swimming. USA-S annual membership dues are $57. This money supports Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc., USA-S, and the various events and programs they sponsor for the development and organization of competitive swimming in our LSC, the nation and the world.

Non-Athlete Membership

The main benefit you can derive from joining United States Swimming as a non-athlete member is the knowledge that you are providing support to athletes at both the national team level and the local level. Of your membership fee, percentages go to insurance coverage, national and local programs, membership fulfillment, and administrative costs. Some of the additional benefits you will derive include the following:

· Free USA-S Rules and Regulations Book

· Eligibility for training as an official, meet director, and Safety Marshall

· Eligibility to serve as a club representative to the Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. House of Delegates

· Eligibility to become a coach (additional certifications required)

· Eligibility to serve on Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. or USA-S committees

· Liability and accident insurance coverage when serving as an official, meet director, safety marshal, or coach

· Discount on registration fees for USA-S and Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. clinics and seminars

· Eligibility to run for office in Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. or USA-S

· Free bi-monthly newsletter from USA-S Headquarters

New Swimmer Registration / Tryouts

The Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club is open to swimmers of all ages and abilities. All new swimmers are requested to attend a tryout session when they join the team. The purpose of this session is to meet the swimmers and their families and to properly place the swimmers in the program that will benefit them the most. Tryout sessions are scheduled at least three times a year and notification to existing members will be made via e-mail. If you are aware of a swimmer interested in joining our club, please contact the head coach and a tryout session will be scheduled.

Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club Staff

Coaches Responsibilities

The coaches' job is to supervise the entire competitive swim program. The GPAC Coaching Staff is dedicated to providing a program for youngsters that will enable them to learn the value of striving to improve oneself ‑‑ "to be the best you can be." Therefore, the coaches must be in total control in matters affecting training and competition.

The coaches are responsible for placing youngsters in practice groups. This is based on the age and ability level of each individual. When it is in the best interest of a swimmer, he/she will be placed in a more challenging training group by the coach.

Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and the training regimen rests with the GPAC Coaching Staff. Each group's practices are based on sound scientific principles and geared to the goals and abilities of that group.

The coaching staff will make the final decision concerning which meets GPAC swimmers may attend. With regard to which events a swimmer competes in, the coaching staff shall also make the final decisions.

At meets, the coaching staff will conduct supervised warm‑up procedures for the team. After each race, the coaches will offer constructive criticism regarding the swimmer's performance. (It is the parent's job to offer love and understanding regardless of their youngster's performance.)

Staff List

Matt Sprang, Head Coach and CEO

· Groups Coached: National and Senior 2 Group Head Coach

· Email: admingpac@gmail.com

Kathy Saia, Parent Booster Club President

· Email: kathydansaia@gmail.com

Ryan Hahn, Head Age Group Coach

· Groups Coached: Gold 2 Head Coach

· Email: coachryan@gmail.com

George Kelly, Assistant Senior Coach

· Groups Coached: Senior 1 Head Coach

· Email: George.kelly@L-3com.com

Chris Dalsey, Assistant Senior and Age-Group Coach

· Groups Coached: Senior 1 Assistant Coach & Gold 1 Head Coach

· Email: dals1521@yahoo.com

Dan Saia, Assistant Senior Coach & Video Analysis Coordinator

· Groups Coached: National / Senior 2 Assistant

· Email: dankathysaia@gmail.com

Gordon Thomas, Assistant Age-Group Coach & Roving Stroke Mechanics Coach

· Groups Coached: Bronze Head Coach

· Email: gordon.thomas@yesbank.com

Skyler Lindsey, Assistant Age-Group Coach

· Groups Coached: Mini & Silver Head Coach

· Email: skyblu1023@yahoo.com

Rob Conova, Assistant Age-Group Coach

· Groups Coached: Bronze Assistant Coach

· Email: swimrec21@yahoo.com

Kristen Udicious, Assistant Age-Group Coach

· Groups Coached: Mini, Silver

· Email: kudicious@gmail.com

Shane McGrath, Assistant Age-Group Coach

· Groups Coached: Gold 1

· Email: mcgrath@rowan.edu

Team Communication

Means of Communication

There are several methods of communication between swimmers, coaches, parents, and the team. These are:

· Website: GPAC has a website maintained by the Head Coach. Current team information including meet results, time standards, and coaching staff information can be found there. The site is www.swimgpac.org and we encourage you and your swimmer to visit it often. All team documents and related information are posted in the site.

· E-Mail Updates: E-Mail updates are periodically sent to all families providing information on upcoming events, projects, meets, achievements, tidbits, and any changes that may be taking place. These e-mails will come from both the Head Coach and the Parents Swim Team Association Board. In short, it is our main means of communicating with team parents away from the pool. If e-mail is a problem for your family, please notify the Head Coach immediately to arrange for alternative methods of communication.

· Handouts: Sometimes, the swimmers will receive information at practice to bring home. Usually this will consist of meet information and the recommended events that your swimmer should register for. At times, additional information will be passed out or told to swimmers. It is usually a good idea to ask if they received anything at practice.

· Swimmer/Family Folders: The Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club has a file that the Head Coach will bring to practice with a team information folder for each swimmer. Meet and / or team information, awards, handout, flyers, etc. will occasionally be placed in the folder for you or your swimmers. If a swimmer has missed practice and something was handed out, it will be placed in the swimmer's folder. The folder should be checked regularly, it is highly recommended that you and / or your swimmers check this folder after every practice, especially after missing a practice.

Who to Contact:

This is a brief listing of who you should contact with different questions:

· Matt Sprang – Registration; billing; General Team information; National Group; Senior 2 Group; questions about your child’s group you prefer not to ask that group’s coaches; general practice schedule; website; overall meet schedule; future team plans and goals

· Kathy Saia – Meet volunteering; Team activities outside of the pool. Please understand that the Parent’s Association and the team are completely separate entities. GPACPA has nothing to do with the operation of the team, the staff, the meets we attend, the team philosophy, etc.

o Please do not go to anyone associated with the Parent’s Association with any questions or concerns regarding the operation of the program.

· Your Swimmer(s)’ group coaching staff – Specific questions regarding that group; specific questions regarding your swimmer; meets for your child; meet entries for your child; practice time missed by your child

If there are ever any questions you cannot or do not feel comfortable asking anyone please direct them toward Matt Sprang. It is very important that you ask questions if you are not sure about something… that’s the only way you will learn! You will certainly have a lot of questions for a long time (at least a year). Don’t be shy; we are here to help you as much as help your children.

How to Communicate:

This is as important as whom to communicate with. Please follow these steps in communicating with coaches:

· Email the coach. They will get back to you as soon as possible.

· If necessary, set up a meeting time with the coach. It doesn’t matter how small your question is, it just might be better to talk about it face to face after practice.

· Under no circumstances should you walk onto the pool deck to talk to the coach at anytime unless it is an absolute must be taken care of at that time emergency! You are not covered under any insurance to be on the pool deck at any time unless you are volunteering for a specific job at a meet. Parents can observe practices from the balcony at all times.

Training Programs

Training Philosophy

GPAC provides all swimmers the greatest possible environment to grow, develop and achieve their goals as swimmers and as young men and women. The process emphasizes that each swimmer plays the most important part in the development of themselves. The following paragraphs outline the approach GPAC takes with the development of its swimmers.

The "Process"

· Is a long-term approach to the development of young swimmers.

· Develops young swimmers through a building block approach to swimming.

· Each training group teaches and develops specific swimming "building blocks" necessary to develop high caliber swimmers and mature young men and women, one step at a time.

· Starting in the Mini Groups and progressing forward though the GPAC training program, each swimmer will learn more and improve not only physically, but emotionally and intellectually as well during their tenure with the team.

· Each successively higher training group builds on the previous training group and furthers the swimmer's skill, education, maturity, and commitment towards themselves and swimming.

The "Outcome"

· The performance and success of a swimmer's development, usually measured in minutes or seconds.

· Younger, less experienced swimmers are taught how and why to swim correctly as part of the long-term process.

· Time and place in an event are not important as long as the swimmer is learning, improving, and above all, enjoying themselves.

· The process will never be sacrificed for the outcome in younger swimmers.

· As swimmers grow physically and emotionally and develop greater commitment towards themselves and swimming, the focus shifts from "process" oriented training to more "outcome" oriented training.

Long-term Development

· Long-term usually means several years, sometimes five, maybe ten or more. It is the process of breaking down and organizing all the tasks that need to be accomplished to achieve a goal.

· The process of becoming an elite swimmer can be a long and challenging one, therefore, it is broken down (usually over several years) to allow the swimmer to grow and accept new challenges as they develop.

· The long-term process of developing our athletes will never be sacrificed for short-term gain.

Short-term Development

· Short-term will refer to the current season (year).

· Short-term goals are important and required so that swimmers may taste success as they develop and strive for their long-term goals.

Training Programs

The Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club offers training and practice groups for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. It is the goal of GPAC to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging each individual and developing each individual to the best of THEIR abilities.

Below are the summaries of each level:

Mini Training Program

AGE:	5 - 10 years old
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:	Tuesday – Thursdays: 6:00 - 7:00pm
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:	This group is for swimmers who are new or relatively new to competitive swimming and have progressed beyond the instruction they receive in swim lessons. The emphasis in this group is teaching the swimmers the correct way to swim the four competitive strokes and will progress into teaching racing starts and flip turns.
PREREQUISETE	Swimmers must be able to complete a lap of freestyle without stopping demonstrating knowledge of breathing to the side and must be able to endure a 1-hour practice session in the pool.
PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Skill introduction, development of muscular functions and coordination, familiarity/comfort with the water, pool, and swimming.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Relating swimming to FUN! Introduction to the team concept, introduction to coaching and the swimmer-coach relationship. Swimmers begin to develop social bonds and friendships outside of the immediate family
LONG-TERM FOCUS:	Mini swimmers will be introduced to a variety of activities, some team oriented, some individually oriented, and not always swimming oriented. Swimmers are introduced to the basic strokes, skills, and processes involved with competitive swimming. There is no emphasis on competitive outcome or performance; rather it is placed on developing young energetic athletes who love to swim.
PARENT'S FOCUS:	Emphasize to your swimmers to have FUN and to LEARN. Ask questions of your swimmers about what they are learning. Be involved in a positive way and remember there is no emphasis placed on competitive outcome or performance. First-time parents are introduced to GPAC Swimming and USA-S. The coaching staffs and the “veteran” swimming parents are ready and willing to help you with all your questions and concerns. Begin your involvement with the GPAC Parent’s Booster Club and most importantly, have FUN!

Bronze Training Program

AGE:	7 - 12 years old
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:	Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 6:00 - 7:00pm
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:	This group is for our top swimmers ages 8 and under as well as some swimmers in the 9-12 age-groups who need stroke refinement. Swimmers entering this group should know how to perform the four competitive strokes, a racing start and turns but might not be able to do everything legally. The emphasis of this group is to teach the swimmers better stroke technique in all four strokes and progress them into swimming longer distances in all four strokes and the individual medley.
PREREQUISETE	Swimmers must be able to complete a 25 of each individual stroke as well as 50s of freestyle. Swimmers must show knowledge of how each stroke, the freestyle flip turn and the racing start are properly performed. Swimmers must also show the ability to pay attention when a coach is giving direction and be able to sustain the hour-long practice three times per week.
PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Skill introduction, development of muscular functions and coordination, familiarity/comfort with the water, pool, and swimming.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Relating swimming to FUN! Introduction to the team concept, introduction to coaching and the swimmer-coach relationship. Swimmers begin to develop social bonds and friendships outside of the immediate family
LONG-TERM FOCUS:	Bronze swimmers will be introduced to a variety of activities, some team oriented, some individually oriented, and not always swimming oriented. Swimmers are introduced to the basic strokes, skills, and processes involved with competitive swimming.
PARENT'S FOCUS:	Emphasize to your swimmers to have FUN and to LEARN. Ask questions of your swimmers about what they are learning. Be involved in a positive way and remember there is no emphasis placed on competitive outcome or performance. First-time parents are introduced to GPAC and USA Swimming. Begin your involvement with the GPAC Parent’s Booster Club and most importantly, have FUN!

Silver Training Program

AGE:	9 - 14 years old
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:	Winter/Spring: Mondays, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 - 8:30pm; Dryland M-W-F: 7 to 7:30 pm Saturday: 10:15 – 11:45 am
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:	This group is for our top 8 year old swimmers as well as swimmers ages 9-14. There is still a strong emphasis on stroke mechanics with this group but there is an equal emphasis on training and meet preparation. This group will refine the strokes where it is needed and prepare the swimmer to swim the longer freestyle distances (100 through 500) as well as the 100s of stroke and the 200 IM.
PREREQUISETE	Swimmers must be able to complete 4 x 50 of each stroke; 5 x 100 freestyle; and swim a legal 200 IM with proper turns for each stroke. Swimmers must also show the ability to retain instruction and adjust their strokes as they are told even when a coach is not working specifically with them. Swimmers must also demonstrate some knowledge of using the pace clock during practice.
PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Skill development and general conditioning in and out of the pool. Development of swimmers muscular and mental capabilities/coordination. Swimmers begin to learn how to "feel" their strokes and movements in the water. Technique and stroke development is the primary concern.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Greater emphasis on the team concept, what it means to be a good teammate, supportive teammate and the development of good sportsmanship. Learning to have fun in competitive swimming. Introduction to self-discipline. Increase in swimming terminology and its applications. The coach-swimmer relationship is developed further.
LONG-TERM FOCUS:	Silver swimmers should be involved in a variety of activities. Swimmers are introduced to goal setting and are taught about being the best they can be, in and out of the pool. The focus is on the process of developing young energetic swimmers with technically sound stroke mechanics and the understanding of competitive swimming, not the outcome or performance.
PARENT'S FOCUS:	The parents should provide a positive support system for their swimmer. Emphasize to your swimmers what they are learning, not what they are achieving. Become involved with GPAC Parent’s Booster Club and team activities. Have FUN with your swimmers and the team!

Gold Training Program (Gold 1 or Gold 2)

AGE:	9 - 14 years old
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:	Monday – Friday: 7:00 – 8:30pm Saturday: 10:15am – 12:15pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 6:20 – 7:00pm (Dryland) *During the high school meet season (December 1^st through February 15^th) this group will practice on Tuesdays from 5:45 to 7:15 pm.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:	This is the group for our top 9-10 year old swimmers as well as those ages 11 through grade 8. The focus on this group is mainly training with 25% emphasis on mechanics. While attendance is not a requirement to remain in the group, the coaching staff feels it is imperative swimmers attend 4 out of the 6 practice per week from September through May. Practices in season will continually reach up to 5,000 yards. The swimmers in this group will be focusing on improvement in the various distances for backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke (50, 100 and especially the 200) as well as all freestyle distances (50 through 1650) and the IM distances (200 and 400 IM).
PREREQUISETE	Swimmers in this group must be able to perform the following sets as a part of the regular swim practice: · 10 x 100 freestyle on 1:30 (Gold 2)/1:40 (Gold 1) · 5 x 200 IM on 3:30 (Gold 2)/3:45 (Gold 1) · 5 x 100 stroke on 1:50 (breaststroke on 2:00) Swimmers must also be able to sustain a 90-minute in-water workout after doing 30 minutes of dryland on a regular basis. Also, because of the size of this group it is important for the swimmers to be able to listen to stroke mechanic corrections and make those corrections in a group setting as much as they do one on one.
PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Skill development continues as each swimmer's coordination and capabilities improve and grow stronger. Fun begins to come from the satisfaction of meeting daily workout challenges rather than from "play" as training time and intensity increases. Aerobic development becomes equally important to technique enhancement. Swimmers begin to learn how to deal with competitive anxiety and how to utilize self-control. Swimmers are taught to be aware of why they are doing something and the effect that this has on the process and the outcome. Introduction to self determined goals. Social bonds and affiliations are strengthened.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Supporting one another and the team remains a priority. Leadership skills are encouraged with all individuals. Swimmers are taught to challenge themselves and begin looking for their own solutions to problems. As a result of puberty, bodies are vastly different and the kids are also at the age when they begin "comparing" themselves to one another. At this level, it is important to maintain a realistic view of success that is based on the individual's current maturation, both physical and emotional.
LONG-TERM FOCUS:	Activities away from swimming (other sports in particular) begin to be narrowed down to one or two, and the fall is the best time to do another sport. Competitiveness is encouraged; however, the focus remains on the process. Goals related to the outcome are focused on stroke technique and development. Individual competitive fire becomes more evident.
PARENT'S FOCUS:	Pressure to achieve times or placements in meets are not to be a topic of discussion. At this level, the kids are becoming aware of what is out there in terms of competition. Competitive kids do not need the added pressure of competitive parents. He/she will look for competition on their own and will put more than enough pressure on themselves. A competitive child needs a low-keyed approach from his/her parents to maintain balance. Lots of love and support are needed at this level. Puberty is a tough time, and kids go through it in different ways. Be careful not to make any hasty athletic judgments. Often times the post-pubescent athlete is different from the pre-pubescent athlete. Stay involved with GPAC Parent’s Booster Club and team activities. Have FUN!

Senior One Training Program

AGE:	13 years old and over (Must be in 9^th grade)
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:	Monday - Friday: 5:30 - 7:30pm Saturday: 7:00 - 10:00am Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:30 – 8:15pm (Drylands)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:	The first of our three senior groups, this is for the swimmer who is looking for more than what they get from their high school team but is not yet ready for the level of practice or commitment in Senior 2 or the National groups. This group will emphasize on mechanics, training and racing throughout the year. Particular attention will be paid to the high school events during the high school season so that the swimmers in the group are able to perform at peak level in their high school meets.
PREREQUISETE	Swimmers must be in 8th Grade. Swimmers must show a commitment (to be set forth by the coaching staff) to swimming above just the high school level and must come to practice with a good mindset and ready to follow the directions of the coaching staff.
PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Skill enhancement continues and the primary focus shifts to aerobic development. Training time, volume, and intensity increases significantly. Mechanics are refined and racing strategies take on greater importance. Event specificity becomes a little more evident. Training is built around the individual medley.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Team remains the priority and leadership skills continue to be encouraged. Learning to set and commit to honest, self-determined goals become a high priority. Outcome becomes equally important to the process and the training is directed more toward outcome than in previous groups. Senior age swimmers are well entrenched in the "comparison" stage and keeping them confident and focused is at its most challenging point. Senior swimmers gain responsibility for their training effort and performance.
LONG-TERM FOCUS:	This level tends to be where the "inner truth" is found. Does the swimmer have the ability and desire (physically and emotionally) to become competitive at the higher levels of our sport (Junior Nationals and beyond)? If they do, then Senior 1 level training becomes preparation for the Senior 2 group. If not, then the Senior 1 group commitment will challenge their abilities and match their desire.
PARENT'S FOCUS:	The most important goal is to be supportive of your swimmers. These young adults have more responsibilities and challenges. Stay involved with GPAC Parent’s Booster Club and team activities.

Senior 2 Training Program

AGE:	13 years old and over
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:	Monday - Friday: 5:30 - 7:30pm Saturday: 7:00 - 10:00am Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 4:30-5:30 pm (Dryland) Tuesday & Thursday Morning: 5:00 – 6:30 am
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:	This group is for the dedicated high school athlete who wants a high level of training but is either not ready for the National group or cannot make the 12-month commitment to that group but is serious about reaching a higher level in USA Swimming. This practice group is only for the swimmers who are serious about the sport at the club level and will regularly attend 80% of the offered workouts throughout the season. The emphasis on this group will be achievement on the local level as well as reaching the regional level through qualification for the Eastern Zone Sectional meets and beyond. Swimmers must have NJ State High School cuts or equivalent as determined by the head coach.
PREREQUISETE	Entry is at the discretion of the Head Coach.
PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Year-round, 18.25 hours/week starting in early September through mid-June. 22 hours/week from mid-June to early August. Includes stretching/dry-lands each day and 30 - 45 minutes, 3x-5x/week strength and flexibility program)
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Serious competitive training. The Senior 2 group requires a year-round, intense commitment to the sport where swimming should be the only focus outside of family and school. Event specificity becomes a greater focus in training. Training time, volume, and intensity increases significantly. Mechanics are refined and racing strategies become extremely important. Training is structured around mid-distance/individual medley/event type swimming.
LONG-TERM FOCUS:	Team remains a priority, leadership and support within the group is extremely high. Swimmers become much more independent. The athletes determine how far they are willing to go and how much they are willing to sacrifice in order to get there. Excellence is the focus of the Senior 2 group and the training is geared more towards the outcome. Self-discipline, desire, and commitment are of the highest value. HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT? No outside activities will interfere with the Senior 2 commitment or attendance. Senior 2 group athletes are expected to give back to the program as role models and team leaders. Senior 2 group athletes are preparing themselves for collegiate, national, or international competition. The opportunity here is for a very high level of self-fulfillment within a very challenging atmosphere.
PARENT'S FOCUS:	This is the time to enjoy the growth and maturation of your child both as an athlete and a young (almost) adult. While it might not be easy to communicate with your swimmer you have to find a way (and the time) to do it. The vast majority of communication occurs between the coach and swimmer. College is not too far off and soon they will leave the nest. Although much, much more lies ahead, you should feel good about a job well done. It is your support and consideration for your swimmer that has helped get them this far, relax and enjoy it, you deserve it!

National Training Program

AGE:	15 years old and over
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:	Monday - Friday: 5:30 - 7:30pm Tuesday, Thursday: 5:00 - 6:30am Saturday: 7:00 - 10:00am Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:30 - 8:15pm (Drylands)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:	This group is for the top swimmers on the team who have achieved Sectional time standards. The swimmers in this group have made swimming their sport of choice and must sign a contract indicating their willingness to maintain at least 80% practice attendance all year long (September through the beginning of August). The National group is made up of perennial finalists in the NJ State High School Meet of Champions as well as the NCSA Junior Nationals, USA Swimming Junior and Senior Nationals. The GPAC National program is recognized as one of the best in the entire country.
PREREQUISETE	Entry into this group is at the discretion of the Head Coach.
PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Year-round, 18.25 hours/week starting in early September through mid-June. 22 hours/week from mid-June to early August. Includes stretching/dry-lands each day and 30 - 45 minutes, 3x-5x/week strength and flexibility program)
PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT:	Serious competitive training. The National group requires a year-round, intense commitment to the sport where swimming should be the only focus outside of family and school. Event specificity becomes a greater focus in training. Training time, volume, and intensity increases significantly. Mechanics are refined and racing strategies become extremely important. Training is structured around mid-distance/individual medley/event type swimming.
LONG-TERM FOCUS:	Team remains a priority, leadership and support within the group is extremely high. Swimmers become much more independent. The athletes determine how far they are willing to go and how much they are willing to sacrifice in order to get there. Excellence is the focus of the Senior 2 group and the training is geared more towards the outcome. Self-discipline, desire, and commitment are of the highest value. HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT? No outside activities will interfere with the National commitment or attendance. National group athletes are expected to give back to the program as role models and team leaders. National group athletes are preparing themselves for collegiate, national, or international competition. The opportunity here is for a very high level of self-fulfillment within a very challenging atmosphere.
PARENT'S FOCUS:	This is the time to enjoy the growth and maturation of your child both as an athlete and a young (almost) adult. At this stage, it is still not easy and communication and/or common ground are not always attainable. College is not too far off and soon they will leave the nest. Although much, much more lies ahead, you should feel good about a job well done. It is your support and consideration for your swimmer that has helped get them this far, relax and enjoy it, you deserve it!

GPAC Swim Lesson Program

Welcome to the GPAC Swim School! Our goal is to help your children become better acclimated with the water through a direct manner of teaching in and out of the water. The skill sets for each level are well defined and set to ensure a steady progression through the program for all children.

The safety of your child is paramount to us. This is why all of our instructors are required to be certified in lifesaving and CPR/First Aid. The swimmer to instructor ratio will never be greater than 4 to 1 and will ideally stay around 3 to 1. Also, instruction at each level will include safety lessons to go along with the swimming instruction. It is our hope that your children will remain safe during their time with the GPAC Swim School and will learn important pool safety they can take with them from the program.

All group lessons are offered in 8 week sessions. Lessons are run once per week for the duration of the session (days the lessons are offered vary by session). Each lesson will last 25 minutes and the cost is $90 per swimmer per session. You are given the flexibility to choose the day of the week for your lessons that best fits your schedule. However once a day and time is filled we will not add any further swimmers to that group due to safety concerns and to ensure a good teaching and learning environment for the instructors and swimmers.

Our lesson instructors will be following a detailed lesson plan and will be required to give parents/guardians progress updates throughout the course of the session. Instructors are available for brief questions for five minutes before and after each lesson. Each child will have to achieve all requirements of their current level before moving to the next level. It is entirely possible that a child will have to remain in a level for more than one session in order to accomplish all objectives of that level.

Registration

All registration is done on paper either in person at GCIT during a designated registration period or through the mail. No registrations will be accepted over the phone. Full payment is due with your registration.

Swim lessons are contingent upon GCIT being open for business. At times lessons will have to be canceled due to inclement weather, pool rentals, or other unforeseen issues at GCIT. We have no control over the school being opened or closed, nor do we have control over any pool rentals at the school. If lessons have to be canceled for any reason, please remember that we will do our best to contact lesson patrons through the following means:

1. Post on Twitter (register at www.twitter.com and follow Coach_Matt). For the fastest information about lessons elect to have updates sent directly to your cell phone via SMS (text) message.

2. Post on the front page of the GPAC website: www.swimgpac.org.

3. Email

4. Phone Call

Please note that sending emails and making phone calls may not always be necessary due to access (or lack thereof) to a computer with an internet connection.

Practice Attendance

Practice attendance teaches responsibility, commitment and dedication and is a very important part of a swimmer's development. 100% practice attendance allows the swimmers to progress steadily and is strongly encouraged. Swimmers should be involved in a good routine that is comfortable and structured. When practice attendance declines, a swimmer cannot expect to remember or master a new technique or perform to the best of their ability.

As the swimmers improve and advance through the different levels of swimming, the commitment towards swimming increases. Swimmers in the senior levels are expected to maintain 85% practice attendance. By committing oneself to the program, the achievements and results will be much greater. For the younger levels, attendance is important because each practice is usually spent discussing new strokes, techniques and skills. It is much easier for a young swimmer to develop when all the techniques can be presented in sequence.

Attendance Policy

Always arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled practice so that we can start on time and make efficient use of our allotted pool time.

Coming to practice late or leaving practice early is not encouraged, because it disrupts the practice and holds up the entire group as instructions or information may have to be repeated several times. Continued habits of lateness or leaving early will be discussed with swimmers' parents. Tardiness or unwillingness to participate demonstrates a negative attitude and lack of commitment. It is the parent's responsibility to inform the coaches in writing if their swimmers arrive late, or has to leave early.

When a swimmer cannot attend practice for an extended period of time, please notify the coaches in writing and arrange to discuss the situation. Please pick up your child at the scheduled practice end time. Late pickups that result in the coach and/or the pool staff having to stay late, result in direct charges to the team. Chronic lateness may result in those direct charges being passed on to you.

Practice Behavior

Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition. Teamwork benefits all individuals in the group and is an important part of the "GPAC Pride."

The coaches are in charge of practice. GPAC swimmers are expected at all times to follow the coaches’ directions. All swimmers are treated with respect and fairness. The coaching staff appreciates the same treatment in return. Disruptive behavior affects the entire practice group and will not be tolerated. If a swimmer is having a problem, the swimmer and/or the parents should discuss this with the coaches.

There is an open door policy between the swimmers, parents, and coaches. Constructive input and questions are encouraged as these assist the coaches in determining the best way to assist the swimmer. Parents should not interrupt the coaches on deck during practice, but should wait until the end of practice.

Swimmers may leave practice only with the coach's permission.

Swimmers should use the bathroom facilities before and after practice. Bathroom breaks during practice are disruptive and are not conducive to achieving the task at hand.

Abusive language, lying, stealing, and/or vandalism will not be tolerated from any swimmer. These behaviors are directly contrary to the objectives of the Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club and are detrimental enough to the group to warrant strict disciplinary action. The coaching staff reserves the right to impose disciplinary action, suspension and/or expulsion for behavior they deem to be inappropriate.

All swimmers are required to shower before entering the pool. This is a GCIT Aquatic Facility rule and must be adhered to. Showers should be taken after dry-land stretching and exercising, immediately prior to entering the pool. Swimmers are expected to follow all GCIT Aquatic Facility rules posted at the pool. These rules and regulations are for the benefit and protection of all pool users.

Swimmer’s Progress

The Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club uses a progressive age group program in which the swimmer will be instructed and developed on physical, mental and emotional levels in a systematic fashion. A gradual increase in commitment over a period of years is essential to reaching peak performance levels during the swimmer’s physiological prime. The emphasis for beginning swimmers in the early stages of our program is the development of the technical aspects and skills necessary in the sport of swimming. The coaching staff at this level will also try to emphasize the fun aspect of the sport in order to help the swimmers understand why they participate in swimming as members of the GPAC team. As the swimmers progress through the program more requirements will be made in terms of attendance, as well as physical and mental training.

The emphasis of the program is on both short-term and, more importantly, long-term results. We would like to see swimmers begin on this team at the lowest level and progress gradually through the program, as they progress through adolescence toward young-adulthood, and be recognized as graduating seniors in their final year with the program. Because long-term goals and a steady but gradual progression through the program is necessary, training groups are comprised of swimmers with similar swimming ability, commitment levels and overall goals. This is the most productive manner to group the swimmers if the swimmers are to advance through the program in the proper way. The best interest of the team will always come first when determining the placement of each individual swimmer.

The following group guidelines will serve as the outline for what skills are necessary for placement in each practice group as well as what is expected of each swimmer in order to reach the next level. The coaching staff will continually evaluate the swimmers based on these group guidelines and make recommendations at the end of the season as to which swimmers need to be moved to the next level. Swimmers placed in a certain group are expected to maintain the level specified in these guidelines. If a swimmer is struggling to maintain these guidelines the coaching staff may elect to place the swimmer in the next level down. Again, this is done to be sure that the swimmer is able to progress through the program at the right rate as well as ensure that the entire team’s best interest is kept in focus.

The needs of each swimmer and the team as a whole are at the forefront of the specifications and direction of these goals and objectives. Short-term, or yearly, goals will be emphasized within each practice season within each group. A long-term goal of overall achievement of excellence is always going to be emphasized. As everyone on this planet is different, each child will progress through the program at a different rate. The coaching staff will do its best to be sure that each swimmer is in the best group for them and that each practice group is comprised of swimmers of like abilities and goals. While it would be ideal for swimmers of the same age to be in each group the reality is that ability is how the groups need to be assembled.

GPAC Team Placement Criteria and Considerations:

1. Level of commitment

2. Training ability

3. Practice attendance

4. Stroke and skill development

5. Level of maturity and personal responsibility

6. Age and previous experience

7. Meet performance and best times

8. Space availability

9. Satisfactory completion of placement test/tryout (if new to team)

Practice Group Promotions

The swimmer under consideration:

1. Consistently makes choices that demonstrate the willingness to make the commitment level expected of swimmers at the next level.

2. Meets attendance expectations for current group; demonstrates the ability to make attendance requirements for the next level.

3. Consistently trains above the level of current practice group.

4. Demonstrates ability to train successfully on base intervals at the next practice level.

5. Has mastered stroke and skill expectations of current group.

6. Exhibits level of maturity and responsibility typical of swimmers at the next level.

7. Fits age and experience parameters of the next training level.

8. Has demonstrated potential to compete successfully at general competition level of the next group.

Practice Group Demotions

The swimmer under consideration:

1. Has demonstrated that he/she cannot make the commitment level expected of the practice group.

2. Is not training successfully on base intervals for their current group.

3. Attends practice consistently less often than the group expectations and, as a result, cannot keep up with the rest of the practice group.

4. Needs injury rehabilitation at a less strenuous level.

Process for implementing Group Changes (Person responsible is in parenthesis)

1. Discuss potential change(s) with coach at next level (current coach).

2. Discuss and receive approval for desired change(s) with Head Coach (current coach and next coach).

3. Contact swimmer’s parent(s) to discuss team change and expectations at the next level (Current coach).

4. Once parent has been notified, discuss change with swimmer and outline expectations for the next level (Current coach and next coach).

5. Process roster change form to notify appropriate staff of effective date of team change (Head Coach).

Swim Meet Information

Philosophy of Competition

The Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club participates in a multi‑level competition program in cooperation with Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. and United States Swimming (USS). Like our training program, competition and swim meets attempt to provide challenging, yet success oriented competitive situations for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The following policies outline our philosophy of competition:

· We emphasize competition within oneself. Winning ribbons, medals, or trophies is not our main goal. Even if the swimmer finishes first, but has swum poorly in comparison to his/her own past performances, he/she is encouraged to do better. The individual's improvement is our primary objective.

· Sportsmanlike behavior is of equal importance to improved performance. Respect for officials, congratulations to other competitors, encouragement to teammates, determined effort, and mature attitudes are examples of behaviors praised and rewarded by the GPAC coaching staff.

· A swimmer is praised for improving his/her stroke or time. It is the coach's job to offer constructive criticism of a swimmer's performance. It is the parent's responsibility to provide love and encouragement that bolster the swimmer's confidence along the way.

· Swimmers are taught to set realistic, yet challenging goals for meets and to relate those goals to practice to direct their training efforts.

· Swimmers are prepared and encouraged to compete in all swimming events, distances, and strokes. This policy promotes versatility and encourages the swimmer to explore his/her potential in the wide range of events offered in competitive swimming.

USS Age Group Program

It is the goal of USS to provide fair and competitive opportunities for all swimmers through classification by age and ability. By classifying swimmers in this manner, each swimmer is able to swim against swimmers of the same age and ability as themselves and is provided equal opportunities to excel. There are five different age groups in USS, 10 and under, 11‑12, 13‑14, 15‑16, and 17‑18 (usually swum as 15‑18). Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. provides an additional age group for younger swimmers, the 8 & under age group. Swimmers in this age group participate in “Mini meets” sponsored by Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. and may also participate in the 10 & under age group at a certain few age group meets. The swimmer's age on the first day of the meet will govern the swimmer's age for the entire meet.

Each stroke (free, back, breast, butterfly, and individual medley) is divided into classes according to "time standards". Time standards (National Age Group Times) for each classification are established and published each year by USS. A swimmer's time in a particular event will govern which "classification" the swimmer is in for each particular event. In order to swim in a certain classification, a swimmer must have achieved the qualifying time for that particular event and distance. This permits fair and equal, yet challenging competition on all levels. For example, a swimmer may have a "B" time in the 50 Freestyle and an "A" time in the 100 Freestyle. In some cases, a swimmer may be a different class in each stroke (i.e., "C" Breaststroke, "B" Freestyle, "A" Backstroke, etc.).

USS Senior Level Programs

USS sponsors swimmers that represent the United States in national and international competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, Pan-American, Pan-Pacific, and Goodwill games, etc., all over the world. As a swimmer progresses through the age group ranks, improving and developing, they begin to enter the senior level of swimming. The senior level of swimming is open to any swimmer who meets the qualification time for a particular event and distance.

· Eastern Zones Sectional Championship: The best swimmers in the Eastern Zone who have achieved the sectional qualifying times

· USS Junior National / National Championships: The very best swimmers in the nation and world

Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. sponsors several senior level meets throughout the season, culminating in the Middle Atlantic Senior Championships in March. Swimmers in the senior level of USS are offered opportunities to qualify for Zone Sectionals and Senior Nationals. The national meets bring together the top swimmers from all over the country and world to compete.

Swim Meets

There are several different types of meets GPAC swimmers will participate in: intra‑squad, dual, and USS. Each type of meet offers different types and levels of competition as well as different social and learning opportunities. GPAC swimmers are encouraged to participate regularly in swim meets throughout the season.

USS Swim Meets

Middle Atlantic Swimming Inc. sets up the current seasons meet schedule in order to provide opportunities for improvement and advancement for every level of swimmer throughout the year. The meet classifications and formats are dictated by Middle Atlantic and run by a host club in accordance with Middle Atlantic and USS guidelines. Each meet is designated by its classification. Any swimmer who has the qualifying times in the events scheduled for the meet is eligible to participate in those events at the meet. If a swimmer's times in a particular event do not meet the qualifying times the swimmer is not eligible to swim that event. Sessions at most USS swim meet sessions run between 2.5 and 4 hours. No session is allowed to run over 4 hours, except at championship meets and a few long course meets that have been granted the exception by the Middle Atlantic Swimming Board of Directors.

Types of USS Meets

"Mini" Meets ‑ These meets are exclusively for the 8 & Under swimmers. These meets provide the opportunity for the young, beginner swimmers to participate against swimmers of the same age and caliber as themselves. These meets usually are one day long.

· "C" (Developmental) Meets ‑ These meets are ideal for swimmers with less than 2 "B" times. The meets are excellent for swimmers who are just learning or mastering a new stroke or who have just begun with a competitive swim team. Many of the Mini and Junior level swimmers will attend these meets. These meets are usually one day long.

· "B" & "BB" (Intermediate) Meets ‑ These meets are ideal for swimmers with less than 3 "A" times. The "B" meets offer the next higher level of competition to the swimmers. As a swimmer improves their stroke mechanics, physical strength, and endurance, these meets are the types of competition the swimmers will participate in. All levels of GPAC Swimmers will attend these meets. These meets are usually two days long.

· "A" & "A+" (Advanced) Meets ‑ These meets are ideal for swimmers with 3 or more "A" times. These meets offer the highest level of competition to age group swimmers in USS. Generally the more advanced swimmers will attend these meets, usually Junior and Senior level swimmers. These meets are usually two days long.

· Combination ("B/C", "A/B", "A/B/C", etc.) Meets ‑ These meets combine the classifications so those swimmers may participate in a broader range of events at a particular meet. These meets are usually two days long.

· Championship Meets ‑ During the season, and especially at the end of the season, there are championship meets for each classification. Some championship meets have trials and finals formats adding to the excitement and competition at the meet. These meets are usually two to three days long.

· Senior Meets - These meets are for the senior level or very experienced age-group swimmer. Qualifying times are established to bring together the fastest swimmers in Mid-Atlantic and the surrounding area.

Meet Participation

Swim meets are scheduled and organized to provide the swimmers a way to measure their improvement. Although participation at every meet is not required, the coaches will strongly encourage each swimmer to attend meets that will help them improve and realize their growth.

Any Middle Atlantic/USS meet hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club is also a mandatory meet for all eligible swimmers. USS meets are not mandatory but swimmers are expected to attend meets selected and recommended by the coaching staff. Each swimmer is responsible for entering USS meets. The coaches may recommend certain events but it is the swimmer's responsibility to register for the meets.

Coaching at Meets

GPAC Swimming provides coaching at every scheduled meet that the team attends. The coaches are responsible for the conduct of the team and the individual swimmers; therefore, decisions regarding event and relay participation, program changes, etc. are required to be handled only by the coaches. Please consult with the coach present if you feel there is a problem. Swimmers and parents must become familiar with the following guidelines:

· The number of swimmers going to a meet determines the number of coaches at the meet.

· At meets, the coaching staff conducts supervised warm‑up procedures for the team (swimmers do not get in the water before the coach arrives). After each race, the coaches offer constructive criticism and encouragement regarding the swimmer's performance (It is the parent's job to offer love and be understanding regardless of their youngster's performance).

How to Enter Swim Meets

This step by step tutorial will let you know exactly how to enter swim meets. Please follow these instructions carefully:

1. Print out and become familiar with the team meet schedule. This schedule includes tentative due dates for entries. These dates may be moved forward or backward depending on the necessity of getting our entries into the meet director and avoid getting shut out of the meet.

2. Meet hosts are required to adhere to a 4 hour per session time limit. They can produce estimated timelines based on the entries they have received. Once this limit is reached in the estimated timeline the meet host will close the meet to further entries. This can happen well in advance of the posted entry due date and there is no recourse for getting entries into the meet once it is closed.

3. As the entry deadline approaches, print out the meet information via the link on thewww.swimgpac.org website. Meet information is always available in pdf format on the main page for that particular meet as well as at www.maswim.org. Read and become familiar with this information as it contains directions, information on hotel accommodations, meet and warm-up start times and the list of events for each day of the meet. The meet information will also let you know what the fee per event is and also if there is any surcharge.

4. Most meets we attend do not have a surcharge that applies to all swimmers. However there is a surcharge listed for “swimmers from teams who enter more than 5 athletes in the meet and do not submit their entries via Hy-Tek disc.” This fee NEVER applies to meets we enter and attend as a team so you do not have to pay this fee. The fee would only have to be paid if a swimmer is attending a meet without the team.

5. Have your swimmer(s) speak to their coaches about which events they should swim at the particular meet. They should ask to speak to their coaches either before or after practice. THIS SHOULD BE DONE BY THE SWIMMER, NOT THE PARENT/GUARDIAN. The coaches will always tell the swimmers what to swim based on the meet we are attending. Sometime they will be specific about one or more events, sometime they will say things like "Swim your best events at this meet" or "Swim some events you do not normally swim at meets at this one". The coaches will always monitor what events the swimmers are entering and have final say in what events each swimmer enters at any meet. The coaches reserve the right to make changes, subtractions, and additions to any swimmer’s meet entries after they have been submitted online.

6. Entries for meets are done online through the www.swimgpac.org website. Click on events at the top of the main page. From there you will see all of the meets that are available currently for entry, as well as meets that have been attended in the past. Click on the name of the meet to go to that meet’s page. Here you will find the meet information (always in pdf format) as well as any other documents or information regarding that meet. Click on "Attend This Event". From here you will be able to enter your swimmer(s) in the events the coaches have indicated they should swim at the meet.

7. All fees for meets we enter as a team are billed directly to your account. Meet entry fees must be paid in full by the 5th of the next month. You do not have to pay individually for each meet with a check any longer...its all billed to one account now.

8. Entry fees are $4 per individual event for most short course meets held within the Middle Atlantic LSC. Fees are $5 per event for most long course meets held within Middle Atlantic. We will attend meets outside of Middle Atlantic that have odd entry fees and your account will reflect the proper charges.

9. If we happen to enter a meet that has relays the coaching staff will make a decision on entering those events. If relays are entered they are paid for by the team and the decision on which swimmers to place in those relays will be made solely by the coaching staff.

10. Be sure to write down and save the events for which you register at each meet. If at any time you want to see what events you have signed up for just click on "Events" on the main menu just as if you were to register for a meet. Find the meet in question and click on "Attend This Event". This should give you the entries for that meet for all swimmers under your account.

Swim Meet Procedures

During the week before the meet, check your swimmer's entries (posted on the team bulletin board). It is possible that some changes may occur.

Arrive at the pool 20 ‑ 30 minutes prior to the warm‑up time. The team always sits together on the deck, and the parents sit in the stands. Parents are NOT allowed on the pool deck during meets unless they volunteer to work at the meet.

Obtain a heat sheet and check to see if you are properly entered in all events. If there is a mistake, discUSS it with your coach so corrective action can be taken if appropriate (only the coach can ask to have changes made).

The GPAC Coaching Staff conducts the warm-ups.

All GPAC swimmers are required to wear the team suit and cap at meets. All other team apparel is optional; however, wearing other team apparel promotes team unity and pride.

Each GPAC swimmer is responsible for knowing which events he/she is swimming and for being present on time to swim. It is customary to write event numbers, heat, and lane assignments on the swimmers hand.

Before reporting to the blocks for a race, each swimmer must confer with a member of the coaching staff to review race strategy and goals.

At the conclusion of each race, the swimmer should ask the lane timers for the stopwatch time. The swimmers are then to come immediately to the coaching staff. This gives the coaches an opportunity to discUSS the race with each swimmer and add positive comments concerning splits, stroke technique, race strategy, etc.

At most meets, electronic timing is used. The official time is generally the one recorded in the computer by the swimmer touching the touch pad and appearing on the scoreboard. But if a swimmer misses the touch pad or there is an electrical/mechanical failure, various back‑up times may be used. The timing and scorekeeping personnel analyze all times and conditions to determine the official time, which are posted as final results.

In between races, swimmers are asked to rest and stay warm. If swimmers must eat, a light nutritious snack is recommended.

What to bring to a meet:

1. GPAC Team suit, swim cap (optional) and goggles

2. 2 Towels (or more), extra pair of sweatpants, shirt and shoes

3. Quiet games and/or book

4. Water bottle and/or Food (nutritious snack)

5. Money for heat sheets ($2.00 ‑ $8.00)

Behavior at Meets

A GPAC member should remember that his/her actions and/or words reflect their team and they should behave accordingly. Let your actions reflect the pride you have in the Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club.

As a matter of safety, parents are not allowed on the pool unless they are volunteering at the meet.

Similarly, as a matter of courtesy, all questions swimmers or parents have concerning meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of a meet, should be referred to the coaching staff only. They, in turn, will pursue the matter through proper channels.

As a matter of pride, leave the team area and the pool in a neat and clean condition at the conclusion of each session of the meet.

With regard to which events a swimmer competes in, the coaching staff shall have the final word. GPAC team members are never to scratch or skip an event without first consulting one of the coaches.

In a meet with preliminaries (trials) and finals, it is expected that any GPAC team member qualifying to swim in the finals will do so.

Team Uniform & Apparel

· Racing Suits: The GPAC team suit is a blue racing suit. All team members are required to wear the team suit when the team competes at a meet. Suits and other team equipment are available online through our team dealer, All-American Swim Supply (www.allamericanswim.com).

· Swim Cap: Any swimmer who has hair that covers their ears is required to wear a swim cap in practice and at meets. During swim meets, if the swimmers are wearing caps, the team cap must be worn, although all team members are encouraged to wear the team cap during practice/competitions. Practice swim caps are available at most practices. The caps cost $5.00.

· T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, & More: At various times during the season, if enough interest is shown in a particular item, a team order may be placed. For more information on team apparel, contact the Team's apparel representatives. For out-of-town travel meets GPAC warm-ups are required. All team apparel will be made available to order at the beginning of the season.

It is highly recommended that each swimmer's name be placed inconspicuously on all pieces of the team uniform.

Parents' Activities

· Officiating- We encourage our parents to attend clinics which certify officials in the USS program. Levels of certification include stroke and turn judge, starter, and meet referee. With the large number of meets we attend and host each year and the quality of competition at these meets, it is essential that GPAC have a contingent of well qualified officials. This is one way parents can really help our program, and we highly encourage our parents to fill these roles. Watch the newsletter and e-mail notices for the announcement of the next local USS Officials Certification Clinic. The cost of certification ($57 per person) will be paid for by GPAC when the USA Swimming Officials registration form is completed and turned in.

· Hosting Swim Meets- The responsibility for hosting meets is shared equally by parents from all team levels. The Swim Meet Chairman sets up swim meets and organizes volunteers to assist in running the meets. There are many different "jobs" available during swim meets and it takes the entire team to run a successful meet. Your help is required during swim meets so that we may make the meet successful for our team and our swimmers.