PRACTICE AND ATTENDANCE POLICIES

The following guidelines are to inform parents and swimmers of the coaches' policies regarding practice. These policies have been developed over many years and are designed to provide the best possible practice environment for all.

1. Each training group has specific attendance requirements appropriate for the objectives of that group. As a general rule, the least possible interruption in the training schedule will produce the greatest amount of success. The club does, however, encourage younger swimmers to participate in other activities in addition to swimming. The expectation level of the coaches to attend practices increases as swimmer move to higher groups.

2. For the swimmer's protection, they need to go straight to the pool bleachers and not hang around outside of the pool or in the locker rooms when they are early for practice. They should also be picked up no later than 15 minutes after their practice is over. Swimmers should be ready to swim five minutes prior to the start of their practice.

3. Plan to stay the entire practice. The last part of practice is very often the most important. Usually, there are also announcements made at the end of each practice. In the event that your child needs to be dismissed early from practice please notify the coach beforehand. Parents should not interrupt or talk to coaches or swimmers on deck during practice. If it is necessary to speak to your swimmer please talk to the coach first.

4. While on city pool grounds, the swimmers are the responsibility of the coaching staff.

A. During practice times, swimmers are never to leave the pool area without coach's permission.
B. If any swimmer needs to complete homework before practice or leave practice early to do homework, he/she must do their homework on the pool deck so the coaches will know where he/she is located.

5. The club has an obligation to act as guests while at the city pool (both swimmers and parents). Every member of the club needs to do everything possible to respect this privilege. Any damages to school property may result in financial liability of the swimmer's parents. Any damage may also result in the swimmer being asked to leave the team permanently.

6. If your swimmer will be out of the water over a long period of time with an injury or illness, please notify the Oregon City Swim Team office (503-655-4169) so the coaching staff is aware of the problem. Swimmers might be able to do dry land instead or just kick during practice so that they can still train.

7. Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition. Working together as a TEAM for the benefit of all individuals in the group is an important part being on the Oregon City Swim Team.