Program
Welcome
Congratulations on becoming a R.C. Durr Barracuda Swim Team Family! We hope your swim team participation will be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Competitive swimming requires hard work, dedication, time, and commitment for both the swimmer and his/her parents. We are happy you have chosen the R.C. Durr Family YMCA and the Barracudas to help you achieve success in your child’s swimming career. The following section is our handbook. You can go to the bottom of the page to download a copy.
Our Mission and Philosophy
The mission of the R.C. Durr Family YMCA Swim Team is to provide an opportunity for young people to participate in competitive swimming under conditions that will foster skillful aquatic ability, Christian fellowship, team spirit, motivation and sportsmanship. We encourage personal goal setting, self-discipline, achievement, commitment to team objectives, and parent involvement. Our Philosophy is dedicated to the development of the total swimmer, ability, attitude, motivation, commitment, and dedication. Swimmers are instructed in all strokes and are encouraged to develop a well-rounded swimming ability. Our team is not designed to offer basic swimming instruction, but rather to fine-tune a swimmer’s skills to prepare them for competition. We recommend that all young swimmers participate in theYMCA’s instructional programs. Our coaches provide the professional expertise to supplement the parent’s encouragement and commitment. Parent participation is essential to the success of the swimmer and our team.
Our History
Since 1978, the TriCity Barracudas have captured the Kentucky State YMCA Championship 9 times. In 1980 the team numbered 27 swimmers. Since that time we have grown to include as many as 120 swimmers. In 1988 the TriCity YMCA merged with the YMCA’s of Greater Cincinnati in order to benefit from the resources of a larger community. In 2004, the Barracudas’ new home, the R.C. Durr Family YMCA was opened at Boone Woods Park in Burlington, Ky.
Our Coaches
Head Coach Chris Konerman
Chris Konerman has coached swimming at the Tri City YMCA for 30 years. Chris has coached many State and National finalists and a significant number of his swimmer’s have advanced to compete at the college level. During his own swim career, Chris wa sa three time State finalist and two-time National qualifier. Chris was honored by the Cincinnati Enquirer as a “Hometown Hero” in November of 1999 for his dedication and commitment to the youth of our area. Chris graduated from Xavier University in 1987 with a Masters Degree in Physical Education and teaches at R.C. Hinsdale Elementary in the Kenton County School District.
Assistant Coach Andy Chaney
Andy Chaney has been associated with the Tri-City Y, Union Y, Kenton County Y, and R.C. Durr Y for more than half of his life, as a swimmer, lifeguard, supervisor and manager, and now as an assistant swim coach. He lettered in swimming at Ryle High School where he graduated in 2000. Andy has been coached and mentored by Chris Konerman as a competitive swimmer and now as Chris’ assistant coach. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Northern Kentucky University in 2007 in Anthropology and Industrial Psychology. Andy is part of the aquatics staff of R.C. Durr.
Practice Groups
Swimmers are divided into one of four practice groups, based on skill, maturity, and degree of commitment to the sport. In all groups we emphasize technique and a gradual increase in endurance.
GROUP I is designed for the beginning swimmer. The primary goal of Group I is to improve the fundamental technique for each stroke. Practice is 4 times per week for 30 to 45 minutes each day.
GROUP II is also designed for the beginning swimmer. Work continues on the fundamental techniques for each stroke with an introduction to stamina and endurance work. Practice is 4 times per week for 30-45 minutes each day.
GROUP III is for competitive swimmers in the 11-14 age group and experienced 8-11 year olds. Group III concentrates on increased endurance and perfection of stroke technique. Practice is 4 times per week for 60 minutes each day.
GROUP IV is for the dedicated 11 and over swimmer. Dry land training is introduced and Nautilus training is recommended for group IV swimmers. Winter practice is 5 days a week with a total pool time of 8 hours.
Our coaches make the final decision about a swimmers group assignment. The coach will discuss moving up to the next group with parents when he feels that the swimmer is ready for the next level. Coaches generally announce placement after summer swimming and winter tryouts are completed.
Team Fees
All swimmers must be members of the R. C. Durr Family YMCA to be eligible to swim on the team. Two family membership plans are available. The YMCA offers automatic withdrawal and other financial services for your convenience. Information on Y membership can be obtained from the front desk and on the Internet at: http://www.cincinnatiymca.org/locations/rcdurr/membership.shtml Team fees are assessed in addition to the Y membership fee and are based on the amount of pool time designated to each practice group. A non-refundable deposit is required to hold a slot on the winter team. The deposit is due by July 15 the summer prior to the season. The deposit is applied to the initial team fee which is due on 10/15. The following team fees are payable for the season and do not include the YMCA membership fee or the mandatory $60 fund raising fee per swimmer.
|
Group
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Due 7/15
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Due 10/15
|
Due 1/15
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Total
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| I | $50.00 | $95.00 | $95.00 | $240.00 |
| II | $50.00 | $117.50 | $117.50 | $285.00 |
| III | $75.00 | $152.50 | $152.50 | $380.00 |
| IV | $150.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 | $710.00 |
Summer
Summer
$100.00
In addition to the team fees, each swimmer has a mandatory $60 fund-raising fee, which is due prior to February 15. An event fee is also charged to the swimmer for all Ohio Invitational Meets. This fee is usually $4.50 per event and is payable when a swimmer registers for the meet. Travel, hotel accommodations, meals, etc. are not provided by the team and may be required for some meets. Some KY meets also have event fees.
Parent participation in fund-raisers and as team officials is an integral part of the current team fee structure.
Financial Footnotes
The R. C. Durr Barracuda Swim Team is an organization that is required by the YMCA to be self-funding. Due to this requirement, all swim team fees must be paid when due or a child will not be permitted to swim. The YMCA offers many plans for payment of membership fees, should there be a financial burden for parents of swimmers. The YMCA cannot afford to finance the swim team or meet fees.
R. C. Durr Barracuda Swim Team must prepay for all events, including relays. These fees are non-refundable; therefore, we must bill fees for all events to the swimmer’s account. Should an individual event or meet not be participated in the fee is still due because the non-refundable fee will have already been paid to the sponsoring swim team. Should a relay event not be participated in due to one or more swimmers leaving early, the swimmer, or swimmers, leaving early will be billed for the entire team relay fee – for themselves and for the swimmers that remained. Should the relay not be participated in for any other reason, the four swimmers of that relay will still be required to share the cost of the relay fee.
The RC Durr Barracuda Swim Team is expected to have parents at each meet working in various positons; therefore, it is required that each family work a minimum of two (2) meets in addition to the required Sprint Meet. Should this requirement not be met, the family will be fined $150.00, which is to be paid in full before the state meet.
Again, all past due balances must be paid in full before any swimmer may participate in a meet. Should there be a problem with or question about financial obligations, please contact the Treasurer, Allison Czirr.
Team Swim Suits and Equipment
All team members are required to wear an RC Durr team swimsuit at all swim meets. Team suits are ordered through Kastaways Swim Shop at a team discount. RC Durr swim caps are required, if a cap is worn, and are available starting at $5 from the coaches. Older swimmers must purchase swim fins and pull bouyz for practice. Spirit wear such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, warm-ups, etc. are made available by the Parents Club and are optional. Your name and telephone number should be written on all apparel.
Practice Policies
Swimmers are expected to attend scheduled practices. The minimum is 75% for all four groups. Failure to attend practices may result in expulsion from the team or suspension from participation in a meet, and will be considered in team selection the following year.
Parents are not required to stay for practice. Parents are not permitted on the deck or in the pool area during practice. A viewing window is provided if you wish to watch. Please do not attempt to contact the coach or distract a swimmer during practice. Swimmers should be prompt for practice but should not be dropped off more than 15 minutes early. Swimmers should be picked up promptly after practice.
Lockers are provided for use during practice. We advise the use of a locker and lock or swimmers may bring swim bags into the pool area. Do not leave articles of clothing, gym bags, etc., lying around the locker room during practice. Use a locker. Swimmers are asked to shower and dress promptly and quietly. No horseplay or rowdy behavior will be tolerated by the coaches or the YMCA staff. Swimmers must respect Y property at all times and all equipment should be returned to the proper place after practice.
Inclement Weather Policy for Outdoor Practices
In the event of inclement weather, we will wait to see if storms pass. If it is only raining, we will still offer practice. If there is thunder and/or lightning in the area we will continue to wait. It may be storming at Oakbrook but not at your homes, or vice versa. We are sorry about that and have no way of controlling the situation. Regardless of the weather, I will be at the pool in the event you wish to show up and hope for no lightning/thunder. In which case there will be practice. If you are uncertain or do not wish to play the “waiting game” with the weather it is fine to stay home.
Discipline
Our coaches are responsible for the team members during practice and will invoke appropriate and fair disciplinary procedures when necessary. Horseplay, refusal to practice, rowdy behavior, offensive or disrespectful language and any other inappropriate actions may result in suspension, expulsion from the team,or exclusion from a meet. We encourage development of self-discipline and self-control and hope that parents will support our efforts to conduct an organized and serious practice.
Swim Meets
The R.C. Durr Barracudas compete in two leagues: The Southwest Ohio Cluster YMCA League and The Kentucky YMCA Swim League. Our 13 and over swimmers also have the option of swimming USA League. There are 3 types of meets:
YMCA Invitationals are hosted by a league swim team and are held as a fundraiser. They include many teams and hundreds of swimmers.
Dual/Tri Meets are hosted by a league team and are designed to provide maximum opportunity to compete. They are held between two or three teams.
USA Invitationals are hosted by a USA club and are held as fundraiser. They are designed to broaden the level of competition for USAswimmers.
Swimmers are expected to swim in our Sprint Meet INVT; at least 2 KY meets each season; at least one meet each month; and the YMCA State Meet. Failure to participate in meets may result in removal from the team. USA Invitationals are optional but swimmers are encouraged to participate in these meets if possible. An event fee is charged to the swimmer for all invitational meets. This fee is usually $4.50 per event and is payable when you register for the meet. Travel, hotel accommodations, meals, etc. are not provided by the team and may be required for some meets. The coaches announce meet schedules for the season as soon as possible.
Championship Meet Requirements:
In order to qualify to swim in the “A” and/or “AA” meets a swimmer must have participated in at least three inter-association meets. To qualify to swim in the KY State Meet a swimmer must have participated in at least two KYCSL meets.
Before each Invitational, information about the meet will be posted in the team binder along with a deadline for each entry. Each swimmer is responsible for filling out a meet entry form to select events and then must submit the form along with payment of event fees. Checks are the preferred method of payment and should be payable to “R.C. Durr Swim Team”. Your entry forms and payment should be placed in an envelope and dropped into the box near the Front Desk marked Barracudas. Entry forms and checks must be turned in before the posted deadline. Early entry assures R.C. Durr ‘s participation in the meet.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU CHECK THE TEAM BINDER, YOUR EMAIL, THE WEBSITE, AND YOUR FAMILY FILE DAILY TO GET UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON DEADLINES, UPCOMING MEETS, ACCOMMODATIONS, AND ALL SWIM TEAM NEWS
Some meets require an overnight stay. The R.C. Durr Parent’s Club will hold a block of hotel rooms for R.C. Durr. The telephone number and deadline will be posted on the website and in the binder. In most cases, you must call the hotel to make your individual room reservation. Most swim meet venues do not permit swimmers to bring coolers containing drinks, snacks, etc. but plastic sport drink bottles are OK. Concessions are also available at most meets. Please do not allow your children to fill up on “junk” food or sodas prior to swimming. Glass containers may NEVER be brought into a swim venue.
Swim meets will be more enjoyable for you and your child if you bring a few “necessities”. A blanket or sleeping bag is recommended for rest between events. Portable chairs are helpful for parents. Warm, comfortable clothes and shoes are a must. Swimmers will be in hot pool areas and cold hallways. Encourage them to dress appropriately. Shoes or slip-on sandals will prevent accidents in the many wet, slippery areas enroute to the pool. Several towels are recommended. The team suit is required for all meets. If a swimmer chooses to wear a swim cap, it must be an RC Durr cap.
Swimmers are required to swim all events for which they registered unless explicit directions otherwise are received from a coach. We understand that situations sometimes arise where your child cannot attend a scheduled meet or may miss an event because of illness or other emergency. If you must scratch a single event or miss the meet, please notify the coach as soon as possible. If your child is ill the morning of a meet, please call your Age Group Parent ASAP and he or she will notify the coaches. Swimming only one day at a two-day meet is permitted, but discouraged.
Swim meets are conducted by volunteers. It is necessary for one parent from each family to plan to work one shift at each meet. Parents are encouraged to become certified as either Level I or Level II officials. The Parent’s Club provides opportunities for convenient certification. For parents who are not certified there are many other jobs that need to be filled such as working concessions, writing ribbons, etc.
Attitude and Motivation
Our coaches are professional, highly qualified swim coaches. Please allow them to coach your child. Parental coaching can cause confusion and harm to the swimmer. Please assure that your child talks to the coach immediately after every swim. We will offer specific instructions for improvement and practice. We can also offer encouragement to overcome any negative feelings about a performance. One of the coaches is available at every meet to do this throughout the meet. It is important for the coach to speak to the swimmer right away after the conclusion of the swim.
You can help to motivate your child by offering encouragement and praise. Emphasize achieving personal best times rather than placement. If your child achieves a best time, praise and congratulate them on a job well done. If they do not achieve their best time, offer encouragement for their next swim. If your child is disqualified, assure them that it happens to many and that it is a learning experience. Being DQ’d can be a traumatic experience for swimmers. Comfort them and encourage them to talk with the coach.
It is important that your child knows that win or lose, scared or heroic, you appreciate their effort. Do not offer extra rewards for good performance. We want our swimmers to learn the thrill of competition and the personal rewards in achieving their best times. Do not compare the skill, courage, or attitude of your child with other swimmers for the purpose of criticism. Swimmers quickly realize their relative skill level. Congratulate not only your child, but also his/her teammates. Encourage your child to cheer for teammates and to rejoice in their accomplishments.
Communication
The primary means of communication for the team are the team binder, located at the front desk or next to the team mailboxes, regular emails from the coach and/or board members, the web site and Age Group Parents. The binder and the website, along with emails, will provide all information about meets, special notices, meetings, etc. All parents should make sure they read all forms of communication to keep updated on upcoming events.
Each swimmer has a file folder. They are stored in a milk crate at the end of the hall on top of the filing cabinet during practice times. Check the folder weekly for newsletters, meet directions/hotel information, special notices and ribbons.
Please call your Age Group Parent ASAP on the morning of a meet if your swimmer is sick and will not attend. They will relay the information to our coaches. Age Group Parents will also contact you for emergencies and are a great resource for information about your Age Group.
You are encouraged to make appointments to meet with a coach at any time during the season. We do request that you do not engage the coaches in conversation during practice time unless they initiate it. Executive Committee members can be contacted for questions about the R.C. Durr Barracudas Parents Organization.
R.C. Durr Parents Club
All R.C. Durr Swim Team parents are automatically members of the R.C. Durr Parents Club. There are no dues or fees for this membership. Our Parents Club allows our coaches to focus their efforts on coaching rather than the paperwork and organizational matters that are necessary in any organization. As members, you are required to work a minimum of three (3) meets in addition to the required Sprint Meet. Your time that you commit to our team will ensure our swim program is a success. Failure to work the required meets will result in a fine of $150.00 issued by the Executive Board, which is to be paid in full before the state meet.
The RC Durr Parents Club operates under the leadership of a volunteer Executive Board that includes the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Fund-Raising Director, and Age Group Parent Coordinators, along with our Head Coach Chris Konerman and the YMCA Executive Director. There are sub-committees of this board who accomplish all the organizational projects for the team. These committees include: The Administrative Committee, the Meet Committee, the Social Committee, and parent volunteers who handle accomodations, publicity, spiritwear, team suits, the roster, meeting minutes, the team banquet, team photos, and much more.
Glossary of Swimming Terms
Clerk of Course: a pre-staging area for swimmers before their event.
Cut: a time standard to qualify for a level of ability.
Deck Entry: a late entry on the day of the meet.
DQ: disqualification for infraction of a rule, stroke, turn, etc.
Dual Meet: a swim meet between only two teams
Event: A race identified by group, stroke, and distance.
Heat: the subset of an event, necessitated by limited number of lanes.
Heat Sheet: the meet lineup listing events, heats, and lane assignments for each swimmer.
Invitational: an open swim meet with a flat fee or fee per event.
Long Course: a 50-meter racecourse, the international standard.
Negative Split: finishing lap times are faster than beginning lap times.
Pacing: budgeting of energy during a long distance event.
Prelims/Finals: qualifying events before final events.
Proof of Times: certification that a swimmer has achieved qualifying cuts for a given meet.
Short Course: a racecourse of 25 yards or 25 meters
Split: elapsed time for a portion of a race, applicable to relays.
Stroke Drill: a practice stroke to overemphasize an action in a stroke.
Swim Off: a tie-breaking race to determine the finalist between swimmers who have achieved the same time in a qualifier.
USA Meet: authorized and sanctioned by the USA Swimming.
Warm-up: practice performed prior to start of a race to acclimate the swimmer to water temperature and pool conditions.
