Present--
Coaches
Daryn Hubbard & Steve Hubbard
Executive
Becky Doig, President, Camilla Hubbard, Vice-President and Sherron Brinton, Secretary-Treasurer
Parents:
Angie Vayro
Tamara Holthe
Several swim club swimmers in the above families were also in and out
Executive--it was proposed and agreed to maintain the current executive for the next year.
Proposed time change for next year's swim club--proposed that we request an 8:00 am swim time. Daryn believed his schedule at work could be flexible enough to accomodate the change and Steve could not be sure yet, but would do his best.
It was suggested that 8:00 am is still early enough in the day to be out of the way of other activities, but that it would be an easier time for swimmers and would possibly help us increase our registration numbers
Team Swim Suits--proposed that next year our team purchase co-ordinating team swim suits of "practice suit" quality. Cost is estimated at $50 or so per girls suit and $30-40 for boys suits. It was proposed and agreed that the registration fee for next year be kept at $65, and the club pay half the cost of the swim suits. Becky and Sherron are going to research and decide on a team swim suit. We will try to have sample suits available to try on (or at least a measuring chart) in time for registration.
Swim-a-thon--it was proposed and agreed that anyone who raises over $100 will get the cost of their portion of the team swim suit reimbursed. There will still be cash prizes for those who are the top three earners.
Information--It was proposed and agreed that Becky Doig will start a Magrath Swim Club blog to facilitate the availability of information to swim club members and potential members.
Recruiting New Swimmers--This year we had 21 swimmers, of whom about 19 were active in swim club until the end of the season. We would like to increase our numbers and talked about various methods of doing so.
Suggestions included:
1. passing out flyers at the school twice, the first time being earlier in the spring, the second time including a registration form
2. have bring-a-friend be an option throughout the season, not just on specific days.
3. Give prizes to swim club kids who recruit a friend to be part of swim club. Several ideas were suggested for prizes (towels, swim bags, t-shirts, water bottles, drawstring bags). Tamara Holthe volunteered to sew drawstring bags for prizes.
2009 Equipment thus far--the following equipment was purchased: lane ropes ($250) pace clock ($412), backstroke flags ($60.00) Starting pistol ($65.00) Megaphone & batteries ($113.00) 100 Swim caps ($350.00), 30 goggles @ $12/each = $360), ribbons ($600.00), hoodies (20 for $522) and names on hoodies, stop watch batteries, 2 storage tubs, prize money $100. Approximate expenses for the year are about $3000.
Still to get in 2009
Sherron and Steve agreed to inquire about getting the rest of the lane ropes from Max Bell pool. Daryn Hubbard agreed to store them.
Becky Doig agreed to get 10 jr and adult goggles.
2010 equipment
It was agreed to pursue purchase of the following in 2010
1. Starting blocks (by the end of the season, funds permitting)
2. T-shirts for club members to purchase.
3. possibly training aids such as flippers, etc.
4. team swim suits as discussed above
New Swimmers and Equipment--it was agreed that new swimmers joining the club (and anyone needing a replacement) can buy swim caps $4 or goggles for $12 (i.e. at cost).
Instruction for Next Season--it was proposed that one lane be set aside daily for a few kids to break out with a coach or jr. coach to work on individual stroke improvement.
It was proposed that the coaches compile lesson plans for the season to cover all the skills they want kids to learn.
It was proposed that we enlist jr coaches to help and that we use our older swimmers to help the younger ones.
Daryn listed the following areas as those needing the most attention: dives, finishes, turns, whipkick vs. dolphin kick.
Parent resource page--Sherron Brinton requested a page on this blog that details some of the rules for swimming (such as when 2 hand touches are required, order of medley strokes, when and what types of flipturns are appopriate, etc.) for the benefit of parents as wells as swimmers.
Master's Swim Club--coaches would be willing to volunteer Sat. am time for about 2 hours to teach a master's swim club/triathlon preparation which would include at least 2 open water swims. Triathlon organizers are apparently willing to support such an effort and help out with a boat to help people be safe. It was proposed that such a class be offered from 9-11 Sat mornings on a pay each time basis. Cost could be $10/class with part of the proceeds being paid to the pool and part going to swim club.
Storing Swim Club Supplies--Becky Doig has agreed to store all swim club supplies (except lane ropes). She will purchase 2 large rubbermaid totes and store swim club equipment at her residence. A year end inventory will be posted on this blog.
Coaches Perks--It has always been swim club policy to give free registration to coaches children. In addition, Steve proposed that the family of each coach and executive be given a $50 gift certificate in appreciation for their work.
Golf Fundraiser--we would like to apply for the charity golf tournament for 2010. The application will likely be due in early March. It was proposed that we raise 1/2 the money for swim club and the other half for the Save the Pool society.
Next Meeting--The next meeting will be held at the end of February 2010.
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Thank you everyone for a great swim season. We had a great time and we saw great improvements by the swimmers. There was a lot of progress in the organization of the swim club with the acquisition of some pretty cool swag (hoodies, swim caps, and goggles.) and some keen lane ropes for the pool. I think that we are the pacesetters in our little swimming circle here in Southern Alberta.
ReplyDeleteOf special note, I thank Ryan, the newest addition to our coaching staff. He brought some fresh views and expertise to the swimmers. He, like the other coaches, is a past competitive swimmer. He swam at the Junior National level and, as we found out, is still very fast.
It has been suggested that there are some improvements to be made in stroke correction as there are still some swimmers who have persistant technique challenges. These improvements will come with time, experience and physical maturity as a swimmer, as the neural pathways of the brain develop associated with this motor activity. Please know that the coaches work one-on-one with the swimmers on a consistent basis in order to facilitate this training. It is suggested that those who desire extra practice should consider enrolling in swimming lessons in the off-season to prepare for next season's training.
Please also note that the swim club atmosphere is a place where stroke improvement can be made. There is also an emphasis on endurance and swimming faster. The workouts are designed to accomplish these goals.
To facilitate increased stroke improvement next season I commit to continue getting into the water with the swimmers. As an added benefit I propose that we use video analysis to help each swimmer understand their particular stroke pattern and to make changes to their technique. A swimmer really never gets the opportunity to see themselves, so video analysis can be very helpful. It is used with professional athletes that I work with on a regular basis.
One concern that I have as a coach is the nutrition of the swimmers. A balanced diet is recommended with plenty of fluid intake. There were some instances of swimmer's cramping on a regular basis in workouts. This may carry over into other physical activity and may be a sign of nutritional challenges in the "mineral and hydration departments." If this is a concern for your child, please seek help from someone who is qualified to help in this area.