REDWINE RAYS SWIM TEAM

Every swimmer participating with/for the Redwine Rays agrees to abide by the guidelines outlined below in addition to those established by the staff.

• Swim for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
• Make every team practice, meet participation, and activity an opportunity to learn.
• Represent the Rays with excellence, respect, team spirit, and politeness.
• Follow the directions of the coaching staff, respect official instructions, and designated chaperones. Disrespect or failure to obey instructions will not be tolerated from any athlete.
• Practice good sportsmanship at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, and parents, and for all facilities and properties used during practices, competitions, and team activities.
• Be punctual and arrive on time for all practices, meets, and team events. Pool time is very valuable.
• Attend as many practice sessions and swim meets (if registered for meets).
• Be an active participant in all team practices and competitions.
• Swimmers must notify the coach, in advance, if they are planning to leave practice or swim meets early.
• Wear Rays team caps at all practices and appropriate team swimsuits and team caps at all swim meets. This displays team pride and also makes it easier to identify swimmers on the blocks and in the water.
• Focus on every drill and every set. Be committed to putting forth your best effort every day. An honest effort does not include cutting laps, pulling on lane lines, or missing send-offs/sets.
• Disruption of practice by an athlete will be grounds for removal.
• Pay attention and follow all of the coach’s instructions completely and exactly. If clarifications are needed, ask questions politely.
• Use appropriate language. Use of profane or abusive language or obscene gestures will not be tolerated.
• Dishonestly, theft, and/or vandalism will not be tolerated.
• Indiscreet or destructive behavior will not be tolerated.
• Every effort should be made to avoid guilt by association with such activities as those listed above.
• There shall be no drinking of alcohol or use of tobacco products or illegal drugs or any substances banned by USA Swimming.
• Swimmers are expected to respect each other. Fighting, intentionally touching or striking another athlete will subject the swimmer to the most severe discipline.

Swimmers are expected to follow the spirit of the rules as well as the specific rules. The coach must adapt this philosophy to an infinite number of situations. Swimmers are asked to respect the coach’s directions and give their full cooperation.

• Assist the coaches in conducting effective practices by ensuring swimmers arrive and leave on time, and bring the proper equipment (caps & goggles).
• Arrive at meets in time for volunteer or swimmer check-in, stretching, and warm-ups.
• Know your role. Swimmers – Swim / Coaches – Coach / Officials – Officiate / Parents – Parent
• Do not interrupt or confront the coaching staff on the pool deck during practice or meets. Coaches are available before or after training, meets, and competitions for feedback or to discuss issues.
• Maintain self-control at all times. Refrain from inappropriate behavior that detracts from a positive image of the team or is detrimental to our performance.
• Set the right example for our children by showing respect and common courtesy at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents, and for all facilities and other property used during practice or competition.
• Understand that opposing teams, including their swimmers, coaches, and fans, want the same positive experiences for their swimmers as we do. Help the Rays achieve our goals by avoiding criticism either verbally or by gesture. Look for opportunities to build rapport with teams that we compete and work with.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship during all practices, competitions and team activities. Rays wins gracefully, loses graciously and congratulates their opponents either way.
• Support your coaches as they strive to do what is best for each swimmer. Your unconditional love and support before and after races will help them best.
• Represent the Rays with excellence, respect, team spirit, good sportsmanship, and politeness.
• If you have concerns, address them in private.