We are delighted to welcome you to SWAT Swim Club, the only USA Swimming and USA Diving-sanctioned competitive swim and dive program in Sweetwater County. SWAT is a community-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping athletes of all ages and abilities develop their skills in the water, grow in confidence, and build lasting friendships. Guided by certified coaches and supported by a committed board of directors, our club emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and the lifelong benefits of swimming and diving.

This handbook has been created as a resource for both athletes and families. Inside, you will find important information about our mission and values, membership expectations, practice schedules, competition guidelines, volunteer requirements, fundraising opportunities, and club policies. It also includes references to USA Swimming and USA Diving’s rules and standards, as well as our club bylaws, so that every family has a clear understanding of how SWAT Swim Club operates.

We encourage you to use this handbook as your go-to guide throughout the season. Our goal is to ensure that every athlete has a positive, safe, and rewarding experience while being part of SWAT. Together, building strong athletes in and out of the pool.

To provide a safe and motivating swim and dive program for all members, demonstrating and encouraging integrity in athletic and personal achievement through physical and mental training.

To educate, instruct, and train members to develop and improve their capabilities in the sports of swimming and diving. To promote swimming and diving for the benefit of athletes of all ages and abilities, in accordance with the standards, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of USA Swimming, USA Diving and SWAT Swim Club.

Head Coach – Coach Al

Coach Al’s love of swimming started with being a part of Green River High School Boys Swim Team way back in the 1990s. During his time on the team, he learned a lot about the importance of technique, hard work, and teamwork, all important parts of swimming. He started coaching with the club in 2018 as a volunteer, which provided a way for him to be more involved with his nieces who were athletes in the club. During this time, he also started to help both of the Green River High School swim teams. He has been part of two high school state championship teams and one club state championship team. 

Our mission is to foster a supportive team environment that helps athletes achieve their goals. We aim to teach proper swim and dive techniques, share knowledge about swimming and diving for competition or enjoyment, and serve as positive role models. By guiding our athletes' growth, we strive to help them reach their goals, develop leadership skills, build self-worth and have fun.

Our focus is to foster a positive, safe space where athletes pursue their goals, aiming for excellence through commitment, leadership, resilience, teamwork, and enjoyment. Our coaches aim to individualize each athlete’s training to match their goal sheet. This will happen in the form of technique refinement, cardio exercise, flexibility with dryland as well striving to build our team dynamics.

SWAT Swim Club is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors committed to promoting excellence in competitive swimming and diving, ensuring the club operates in alignment with USA Swimming, USA Diving and SafeSport standards, and all federal, state and local laws. Each board member serves a two-year term, with staggered elections to ensure continuity of leadership. All board members are Regular Members of SWAT Swim Club in good standing with USA Swimming and USA Diving and are required to maintain current certifications as outlined by USA Swimming, USA Diving and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Current SWAT Swim Club Board of Directors

President - Jessica Maser                                    

Vice President - Fay Quiroz

Secretary - Sarah Scott

Treasurer - Shaundra Britton

SafeSport Representative -

SWAT Swim Club is proudly affiliated with USA Swimming, the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States. USA Swimming sets the standard for athlete development, safety, and competition at every level – from beginners to Olympians.

As a USA Swimming-sanctioned club, SWAT follows all required training, safety, and conduct guidelines, including those from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. This ensures that our athletes train in a secure, supportive, and professionally regulated environment.

Membership with USA Swimming provides our athletes access to:

·       Official swim meets and time standards

·       National rankings and advancement opportunities

·       Educational resources and clinics

·       A nationwide community of athletes and coaches

Being part of USA Swimming means our athletes compete with integrity, pursue excellence, and grow in a community committed to both athletic and personal achievement.

SWAT Swim Club is proudly affiliated with USA Diving, the national governing body for the sport of diving in the United States. USA Diving supports the development of divers and coaches and provides opportunities for athletes to participate in the sport from the developmental level through national and international competition.

Through USA Diving, SWAT follows applicable membership, safety, education, and conduct requirements designed to promote a safe and positive environment for athletes. USA Diving also requires applicable SafeSport education and athlete-protection measures consistent with the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

Membership with USA Diving provides our athletes access to:

·      Official diving competitions and events

·      Opportunities to progress through developmental and competitive levels

·      Educational resources and training opportunities

·      A nationwide community of divers, coaches, and clubs

Being part of USA Diving gives our divers opportunities to develop their skills, pursue competitive goals, and grow within a sport that emphasizes safety, sportsmanship, and personal achievement.

Wyoming Swimming, Inc. (WYSI) is the governing body for USA Swimming in the state of Wyoming and serves as the Local Swimming Committee (LSC) for our region. As a proud member of WYSI, SWAT Swim Club benefits from the structure, support, and opportunities it provides to athletes, coaches, and clubs across the state. WYSI is dedicated to growing the sport of swimming by promoting safe, inclusive, and competitive environments for athletes of all levels – from beginners to elite athletes. It oversees sanctioned swim meets, ensures compliance with national standards, and offers educational and financial support for athletes and coaches. WYSI also organizes statewide competitions and development programs, giving SWAT athletes the chance to compete, improve, and connect with the broader swimming community in Wyoming.

SWAT Swim Club is fully committed to providing a safe, positive, and respectful environment for all athletes, families, and coaches. As a SafeSport Certified Club, we strictly adhere to the policies and training requirements set by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, USA Swimming and USA Diving.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is an independent organization dedicated to ending abuse in sports. It oversees all athlete safety policies for Olympic and Paralympic sports and enforces codes of conduct to prevent emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct.

At SWAT Swim Club:

·       All Coaches and Board Members complete SafeSport training and background checks.

·       Our SafeSport Representative serves as a dedicated point of contact for concerns or violations.

·       We actively promote awareness, prevention education and clear reporting procedures.

·       We follow the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) to limit one-on-one interactions and ensure transparency.

We believe that every athlete deserves to train and compete in a space that protects their well-being and promotes trust.

All athletes must be current members of USA Swimming and/or USA Diving and must be officially attached to and registered with SWAT Swim Club to participate in practices, meets, and competitions. In addition, families are required to pay all USA membership fees and club dues and fees in full or remain up to date on payments to maintain eligibility. Only after these steps are finalized will athletes be considered active members of SWAT Swim Club.

·      Prospective members must first complete an evaluation with the Head Coach and/or Diving Coach to determine eligibility and appropriate placement within the club.

·      Following the swim evaluation, SWAT Swim Club will provide a USA Swimming registration link to the athlete’s parent/guardian. USA Swimming registration is required for insurance coverage and participation in practices and competitions.

·      Following the dive evaluation, the athlete is required to acquire a USA Diving membership. A USA Diving membership is required for insurance coverage and participation in any diving activity.

·      After a USA Swimming and/or USA Diving registration is confirmed, a parent/guardian must complete the SWAT Swim Club registration process by accessing Register for Team and/ or Register for Dive at www.swatswimclub.com.

·      When registering, the parent/guardian will be prompted to review and agree to SWAT Swim Club policies including the Action Plan for Addressing Bullying, Codes of Conduct Policies, Grievance Policy, Hold Harmless, Locker Room Monitoring Policy, Medical, Medical Return Policies, and Photo Release Policy.

·      The parent/guardian must ensure that all dues and fees are paid or current.

SWAT Swim Club membership requires USA Swimming and/or USA Diving annual membership fee, club annual membership fee, monthly club dues and if applicable, meet and competition fees. All fees and dues must be paid in full or kept current for athletes to remain eligible to participate in practices, meets, competitions, and other club activities. These fees and dues are essential to cover insurance, coaching, and other operational expenses necessary to maintain a high-quality program.

USA Swimming Annual Membership Fee

·     Premium Athlete Membership - $78

·     Seasonal Athlete Membership - $58

·     Flex Athlete Membership - $28

·     Outreach Athlete Membership - $7

USA Diving Annual Membership Fee

·     Introductory Athlete Membership - $22

·     Athlete Membership - $40

·     Competition Athlete Membership - $200

SWAT Swim Club Annual Fee

·     Annual Club Fee of $35 per athlete is assessed, with a maximum of $105 per family.

·     Annual Club Fee will not be assessed for Outreach Athlete Memberships.

SWAT Swim Club Monthly Dues

·      4 Nights per Week: Monday – Thursday

·      Copper 1 & Copper 2 – $65

·      Bronze & Silver – $75

·      Gold – $85

Reattachment Fee

• A $50 reattachment fee will be charged per athlete if a swimmer unattaches from SWAT and then returns to the club within 365 days. The fee must be paid before the swimmer can be reinstated.

SWAT Swim Club pricing is calculated so each month remains consistent, even when athletes attend fewer days due to holidays, school breaks, and unforeseen circumstances. Annual fees, monthly dues, and meet and competition fees are non-refundable.

Please see Appendix B for a detailed description of USA Swimming and USA Diving Memberships.

All SWAT Swim Club billing is managed through Commit and Stripe. Monthly invoices will be emailed within the first week of the month's practice.

Payments by debit or credit card may be made online through the emailed invoice or by logging onto swatswimclub.com. Payments may also be made by delivering a check to the Treasurer.

Families are responsible for keeping accounts current, as payment of all fees and dues is required for continued participation in practices, meets, competitions, and other club activities. Accounts with dues not received by the 10th day following invoicing will receive a courtesy phone call and/or text reminder. Any account that reaches 30 days delinquent may result in the forfeiture of the athlete's participation with the club. Questions regarding billing or payments should be directed to the SWAT Board Treasurer at swatswimboard@gmail.com.

If a family wishes to pause an athlete’s enrollment and avoid being billed for the upcoming month, they must notify the SWAT Board Treasurer at swatswimbaord@gmail.com no later than the 25th of the preceding month. 

SWAT Swim Club uses USA Swimming’s bulk renewal process to streamline annual membership renewals for returning athletes, coaches, and officials. USA Swimming memberships follow a calendar year and are generally valid from January 1 through December 31. Registration and renewal for the upcoming membership year open on September 1, and SWAT typically processes its bulk renewal in October for eligible returning members.

Because USA Swimming opens the upcoming membership year on September 1, new members who obtain their USA Swimming membership on or after that date are registered through December 31 of the following calendar year and do not need to renew again during SWAT’s fall bulk renewal. For example, a new athlete who registers in September 2026 will have a membership valid through December 31, 2027.

Returning members are handled differently. A returning member whose current membership expires December 31, 2026, will be included in SWAT’s October 2026 bulk renewal for the 2027 membership year. Once renewed, that member’s registration will continue through December 31, 2027. Processing renewals in the fall allows returning members to transition into the next membership year without a lapse in registration, insurance coverage, or eligibility to participate in USA Swimming activities.

SWAT will notify members of applicable USA Swimming membership fees and the club’s annual bulk renewal deadline before renewals are processed. SWAT will then invoice each athlete’s USA Swimming membership fee through Intuit: QuickBooks in October. Invoices will be sent by email and accompanied by a text notification to the primary email address on file. No additional action to complete the USA Swimming membership is needed unless otherwise notified.

Please see Appendix B for a detailed description of USA Swimming Memberships.

At SWAT Swim Club, we believe a safe, respectful, and positive environment depends on the shared commitment of athletes, coaches, and families. To support this, our club has established Codes of Conduct for each group. These policies reflect the standards of SWAT Swim Club, USA Swimming, USA Diving and SafeSport, and they outline the behaviors and responsibilities expected of all members.

    Athletes are expected to represent SWAT with integrity by showing respect, sportsmanship, and commitment to safety at practices, meets, and all club activities.

    Coaches serve as leaders and role models who place the well-being of athletes first, maintain professional standards, and uphold all USA Swimming and SafeSport requirements.

    Parents and Families are vital partners who support their children through encouragement, respectful communication, and active involvement in the team’s success.

By following these Codes of Conduct, every member helps create a team culture where athletes can thrive in and out of the pool.

Please see Appendix A for the complete Athlete, Coach, and Parent/Family Codes of Conduct.

SWAT Swim Club practices are held at the Sweetwater County School District #2 Aquatic Center at the Green River High School, Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., beginning September 8, 2026, and continuing for the duration of the school year.

Practice is not held when Sweetwater County School District #2 is not in session, including holidays, teacher workdays, and weather closures. In addition, the club does not swim during the months of March and August. Summer practices take place in June and July, with adjusted hours of 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The team calendar on both the club website and Commit will always reflect the most up-to-date information regarding practice times and cancellations, and families are encouraged to check these sources regularly.

Please see Appendix B for the current Sweetwater County School District #2 calendar.

All athletes are required to bring the proper equipment to each practice to participate fully and safely. At a minimum, every athlete must have a swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles to swim, and a swimsuit and towel to dive. Athletes should also bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during practice.

As athletes progress through swim practice groups, additional training gear – such as fins, kickboards, snorkels, and pull buoys – may be required at the discretion of the coaching staff. Most training gear is provided at the pool, but parents may purchase individual athlete equipment. Please communicate with Coach Al before purchasing additional equipment.

In addition, all swim athletes are encouraged to purchase the designated team suit by our first home meet, Shiver in the River, in January. All swim athletes are encouraged to wear the designated team suit at competitions. Team suits, along with all other recommended and required gear, will be available for purchase through the team store on the club website. Please communicate with Coach Al to help select the correct size and style to ensure a proper fit for each athlete.

Athletes are expected to care for their equipment, label personal items to avoid confusion, and bring all required gear to every practice. The club is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment. Having the correct equipment ensures that practice runs smoothly and allows athletes to train and compete at their highest level.

Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for athletes to perform at their best in practice and competition. Athletes are expected to bring a filled water bottle to every practice and meet, and they should drink regularly throughout workouts to replace fluids lost through exercise. Staying hydrated helps prevent fatigue, cramps, and overheating, and supports faster recovery.

Nutrition also plays a key role in an athlete’s success. Athletes should eat balanced meals that include lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to provide lasting energy. Healthy snacks such as fruit, granola bars, yogurt, or trail mix are encouraged before and after practice or between events at meets. Foods that are high in sugar, grease, or caffeine should be avoided, as they can hinder performance and delay recovery. Just as importantly, athletes should only eat foods they know sit well in their stomachs, particularly on meet days, to prevent discomfort or illness during competition.

Families are encouraged to support athletes in developing healthy hydration and nutrition habits at home. By making smart choices with food and drinks, athletes will be better prepared to train, compete, and recover while building lifelong skills for wellness.

To help protect hair when swimming, it is recommended that athletes rinse their hair with clean water before entering the pool, as this reduces chlorine absorption. Applying a small amount of leave-in conditioner or hair oil before practice can also provide a protective barrier. Wearing a swim cap is strongly encouraged, as it helps minimize chlorine contact and reduces tangling, especially for those with long hair.

After every practice, athletes should rinse thoroughly and use a gentle shampoo formulated for athletes, followed by conditioner to restore moisture. Hair should be combed carefully with a wide-tooth comb to prevent breakage, and longer hair can be braided or secured under the cap to help avoid tangles. Taking these simple steps makes it easier to manage hair and helps keep it healthy throughout the season.

Swimsuits take a lot of wear and tear, but with proper care they can last much longer. After each practice or meet, rinse your suit right away in cool water to remove chlorine and sweat. Never leave it rolled up in a towel or swim bag, since that breaks down the fabric quickly.

Suits should always be washed gently by hand with cool water. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and washing machines or dryers, as these stretch and damage the fibers. To dry, lay the suit flat on a towel or rack, or use the suit dryers in the locker rooms. Just be careful not to leave suits in the dryer too long, since overuse can wear them out. Keep suits out of direct sunlight and away from heat.

We recommend having more than one practice suit to rotate between, and saving your official team suit for meets only. Even with the best care, swimsuits will eventually wear out, but a few simple habits can keep them looking and fitting better for much longer.

Tech suits are specialized racing swimsuits made with advanced fabric and compression technology to help reduce drag and improve performance. They are expensive, delicate, and designed for use in high-level competition, not everyday swimming.

For athletes 12 and under, tech suits are not allowed in practice or competition under USA Swimming rules. Athletes 13 and over may only wear tech suits at championship-level meets, such as State, Zones, or higher, and only with coach approval. They should not be worn at practices, dual meets, or regular invitationals.

Because tech suits break down quickly, they should be saved for key races and treated with extra care. Rinse immediately after use in cool water, wash gently by hand, and never use washing machines, dryersl, or locker room suit dryers. Lay flat to air dry and avoid heat or direct sunlight. With careful use, a tech suit can last through a season of major meets.

Tech suits are specialized racing swimsuits made with advanced fabric and compression technology to help reduce drag and improve performance. They are expensive, delicate, and designed for use in high-level competition, not everyday swimming.

For athletes 12 and under, tech suits are not allowed in practice or competition under USA Swimming rules. Athletes 13 and over may only wear tech suits at championship-level meets, such as State, Zones, or higher, and only with coach approval. They should not be worn at practices, dual meets, or regular invitationals.

Because tech suits break down quickly, they should be saved for key races and treated with extra care. Rinse immediately after use in cool water, wash gently by hand, and never use washing machines, dryers, or locker room suit dryers. Lay flat to air dry and avoid heat or direct sunlight. With careful use, a tech suit can last through a season of major meets.

A Note for Parents

It’s natural for swim athletes to want the “fast suit,” but parents should know that success in the water comes far more from consistent training, good technique, and healthy habits than from gear. Tech suits are a financial investment, often $300–$600+ each, and their performance benefit is small if athletes are still developing fundamentals. That’s why USA Swimming restricts their use for younger athletes, and why SWAT encourages families to wait until a athlete is ready for higher-level meets before purchasing one.

If you are considering buying a tech suit, or wondering whether it’s the right time, please consult with Coach Al before making the purchase. He can help determine if athletes are at a stage in their development where a tech suit will truly be beneficial, and guide families toward the right options.

When the time is right, tech suits can be an exciting tool to help older athletes peak for big races. Until then, a durable practice suit and the official team suit are the best choices for growth, development, and confidence. growth, development, and confidence.

All athletes will be setting goals with a coach to explore their motives for swimming and to create a plan to enhance their swimming skills for personal development. Coaches can then build workouts and focus training to address each athlete’s specific goals. Goal setting will take place during the first two weeks of the new season, which allows time to sit with each athlete individually to obtain his or her goals.

Copper 1

Starting Age: 8 years old.

Requirements: Show basic understanding of each stroke. Swim 200 yards of freestyle with little rest. Hold breath underwater for 20 sec. (Red Cross Level 4 or higher).

Overall Objective: Learn all four competitive strokes and gain a basic understanding of sets. Learn flip turns, streamline and underwater dolphin kicks. Start progression in starts and begin training in competitive swimming.

Copper 2

Starting Age: 8 years old.

Requirements: Swim 500 yards freestyle without stopping. Swim 50 yards of backstroke and breaststroke using the correct turns. Swim 25 yards of butterfly. Dive off the wall from a standing start.

Overall Objective: Continue training in all four strokes. Swim ~1000 yards per night with interval training. Understand testing requirements to pass into next level. Show proper start off blocks.

Bronze 

Starting Age: 11 to 12 years old.

Requirements: 4 x 100 Free @ 2:05 Interval, 4 x 100 IM @ 2:30. Start off blocks.

Overall Objective: Focus on refining all strokes. Understand written sets. Start backstroke starts with wedges. Build stamina from training. Set season goals. Swim ~2000 3000 yards per practice. Start more advanced swim theory.

Silver 

Age: 12 - 14 years old (Middle School)

Requirements: 5 x 100 Free @ 1:50 Interval, 5 x 100 IM @ 2:10 legally. 4 x 50 kick @ 1:15.

Overall Objective: Season goal setting. Know Wyoming state qualifying times for events. Increase yardage of ~2500 to 4000 yards per practice. Introduce leadership skills. Start dryland and core workouts. Swim workouts as written. Compete in higher yardage events.

Gold 

Age: 14 years old and over (High School)

Requirements: 25-yard underwater dolphin kick off the block. 6 x 100 Free @ 1:30 Interval, 6 x 100 IM @ 1:45 legally.

Overall Objective: Train for state championships. Swim ~3500 to 5000 yards per practice. Increase dryland and core workouts. Mentor younger groups as needed. Will train under high school system.

SWAT Diving is structured using USA Diving age groups along with progressive development levels designed to help athletes safely build skills, confidence, and competitive readiness at their own pace. USA Diving age groups are determined by the athlete’s age on December 31 of the competition year:

• Group A — 16, 17, or 18 years old
• Group B — 14 or 15 years old
• Group C — 12 or 13 years old
• Group D — Under 12 years old

Because each age group has different skill expectations and competition requirements, SWAT Diving uses developmental levels within each age group to support proper progression and individualized training.

Development Levels

Begin

Designed for athletes with little to no diving experience. Divers learn basic water safety, jumping mechanics, body control, board awareness, entries, and foundational diving skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Learn

Athletes begin developing confidence on the board while learning dives from multiple dive categories. Focus is placed on body position, hurdle mechanics, entries, listening skills, and consistent technique.

Develop

Divers continue building technical skills and consistency while working toward a competition-ready dive list appropriate for their age group. Athletes begin refining execution, approach mechanics, and overall dive quality.

Compete

Athletes have a complete competition dive list for their USA Diving age group and are actively participating in competitions. Training emphasizes consistency, confidence, refinement, mental focus, and competitive performance.

Advance

Athletes demonstrate increasing mastery of their competition list while continuing to expand dive difficulty and learn additional dives. Focus areas include advanced technique, higher-level progression, competitive excellence, and long-term athlete development.

SWAT Diving is committed to providing a safe, positive, and structured environment where athletes can grow both in and out of the pool. Placement within groups is based on safety, skill progression, coach evaluation, maturity, and overall readiness rather than age alone.

SWAT Swim Club operates team practice groups based on varying levels of developmental progress, ability, and age. While athlete placement is always at the discretion of our coaching staff, certain requirements and test sets help determine proper athlete grouping. Test sets are a basic fitness component and benchmark, measuring the athlete's ability to sustain probable success in the next practice group. Testing also provides coaches, athletes, and parents with helpful feedback.

We are committed to providing a safe and productive training environment for our athletes. The coach’s discretion plays a major role in deciding which practice group is appropriate for each athlete. Therefore, passing the test set is not the only aspect when deciding if the athlete is ready for the next group. We will also reflect on the athlete’s age, social level, technique, and overall ability. Attendance at practices and participation in swim meets are also considered.

Athletes will continually be assessed throughout the year. If an athlete is unable to maintain the physical or mental requirements of a particular group, the athlete may be asked to move to a lower group or may be asked to leave the program. Coaches will conduct Promotion Testing at scheduled practice times throughout the season. Athletes are required to complete the distance in the set amount of time with the proper stroke and technique required for the next group.

Regardless of group placement, all members of SWAT Swim Club are asked to participate in weekly practices and home-hosted meets appropriate to the athlete’s practice group.   

SWAT Diving operates practice groups based on age, developmental progress, skill level, safety readiness, and overall ability. While athletes are organized within USA Diving age groups, placement within the Begin, Learn, Develop, Compete, and Advance levels is always at the discretion of the coaching staff.

Each diver progresses at a different pace, and advancement is based on more than simply learning new dives. Coaches evaluate a variety of factors to determine appropriate placement and readiness for progression, including:

• Technical consistency
• Board confidence and body awareness
• Safety and control during skills
• Coachability and listening skills
• Strength, flexibility, and coordination
• Mental readiness and maturity
• Attendance and participation

Because diving is a progression-based sport with significant emphasis on safety, athletes must demonstrate proper technique and consistency before advancing to more difficult skills. Some athletes may progress quickly in certain areas while requiring additional time in others.

Athletes will be continually evaluated throughout the year. If a diver is unable to safely maintain the physical or mental requirements of a particular level, adjustments to placement may be made at the coach’s discretion to ensure a positive and productive training environment.

Regardless of level placement, all SWAT athletes are encouraged to attend practices consistently, support teammates, and participate in team activities and competitions appropriate for their developmental stage.

SWAT Swim Club participates in a variety of swim meets throughout the year, ranging from local developmental meets to larger championship competitions. A seasonal meet schedule is created by the coaching staff and approved by the Board of Directors to ensure that athletes have appropriate opportunities to race at their level of training and experience.

The official team calendar, posted on both the club website and Commit, will reflect the most current meet schedule. Families should check Commit regularly, as it provides detailed meet information packets, registration deadlines, and updates from the coaching staff. While the schedule is planned in advance, changes may occur based on host team availability, facility scheduling, or weather conditions. Updates and reminders will also be communicated through email and the Band App.

Athletes are encouraged to attend meets appropriate to their practice group, as recommended by the coaching staff. Championship and travel meets may require additional planning, and information about these events will be provided well in advance. 

Please see Appendix B for WYSI’s seasonal meet schedule, subject to change per WYSI.

Athletes are required to be in good standing as a USA Swimming member and attached to and in good standing with SWAT Swim Club to participate in a swim meet or championship competition. If USA Swimming and/or SWAT Swim Club membership has lapsed, members will be unable to sign up for a meet or competition.

SWAT Swim Club uses Commit Swimming for all swim meet registrations. The athlete’s age the day the meet starts will dictate which age group and events he or she is able to swim. To register, parents must log in to their Commit, select “Meets” from the menu, select the meet they want to register for, select the athlete(s) who will attend and which event(s) the athlete(s) will participate in. Families should then confirm participation and finalize registration. Coaches will make the final decision on specific event entries for each athlete.

The SWAT Swim Club entry deadline may be as much as one month prior to the start of the meet. It is important that families respond to meet sign-ups by the posted deadline so coaches can properly enter athletes and plan lineups. Late registrations will not be accepted. Any meet fees associated with entries will be billed to families through the club’s regular billing process.

If families have questions about meet registration or are uncertain whether their athlete should attend a specific meet, they should contact Coach Al at swatswimcoach@gmail.com before the registration deadline.

Families are responsible for meet fees whenever their athlete registers for a sanctioned swim meet. These fees are set by the host team and typically include a per-athlete surcharge and per-event entry fees. Costs vary depending on the meet and the number of events an athlete enters.

In addition to host team charges, SWAT Swim Club may assess a $25 per athlete, per meet Coach Travel Fee to help cover expenses for coaches attending away meets.

During the open registration period in Commit, families may update their athlete’s meet commitment as needed. Once the registration deadline has passed, all meet commitments become final. At that point, meet fees will be billed through Commit and must be paid in full prior to the meet. Fees will still be due even if an athlete does not attend the meet after the deadline.

Because the club is required to pay host teams for entries immediately after registration closes, all meet fees are non-refundable once the deadline has ended.

Meet information packets with fee details are posted with each meet in Commit, and families are encouraged to review these documents or contact Coach Al with questions before registering.

Unpaid invoices may result in an athlete being held out of future meets until fees are current.

Attending away meets is an exciting part of competitive swimming, giving athletes the chance to race new opponents and experience different facilities. Families should plan ahead to make the trip as smooth and successful as possible.

Athletes are highly encouraged to attend at least two meets per season. These events are scored as a team meet, and the more athletes who go, the better chance we have of scoring points. If awards are earned from swim meets or championships, coaches will hand them out at practice in the following weeks or at the Winter Banquet in February.

Transportation to and from swim meets and lodging are not provided by SWAT Swim Club or the club’s coaches. Please see Forms at www.swatswimclub.com for permission forms for athletes not traveling and/or lodging with a parent or legal guardian.

Athletes are required to arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes prior to warm-ups so they have enough time to check in with their coach and prepare. Warm-up times will be posted in advance through Commit, email, and the Band App. Athletes must be respectful to their coaches, competitors, and meet officials, and they are expected to cheer for and encourage their teammates throughout the meet.

Parents are also asked to set a positive example by modeling good sportsmanship and supporting all athletes. Unless working the meet, parents are not allowed to be on deck. Parents are never allowed to be in the athlete locker rooms and/or changing rooms.

Heat sheets are usually available for purchase at the facility hosting the meet. Parents are encouraged to purchase one, highlight their athlete’s events, and track performance throughout the day.

Each athlete should bring:

·    Team suit – encouraged for all meets.

·    Swim cap – team cap required, if unavailable, any competitive swim cap is acceptable.

·    Swim cap – take an extra swim cap.

·    Goggles – take two pair.

·    Water bottle – staying hydrated is essential.

·    Healthy snacks – fruit, granola bars, sandwiches, etc.

·    Clothing for between events – warm-ups, parka, t-shirt, shorts, flip-flops, and/or sweats.

·    Sharpie Marker – to write events, heats, and lanes on the athlete’s arm or leg.

By arriving prepared and following these expectations, athletes can focus on their performance while families enjoy the experience of being part of the SWAT community.

Events are timed using electronic systems with one or more backup timers who use stop watches. Should an athlete miss hitting the timing pad with feet or hands, the backup timer will help to ensure an accurate time for that athlete. Official race results are posted somewhere within the pool area, although the location varies amongst pools. Coaches will receive meet results within two weeks following the meet. Meet Mobile is an excellent app for parents and athletes to access race results.

Meet Mobile is a mobile app used at many swim meets to provide heat sheets, live results, and event updates. Families can download the app on their smartphones and follow along with their athlete’s progress throughout the meet. The app allows you to see when events are scheduled, which heat and lane your athlete is in, and view official times shortly after each race.

Please note that Meet Mobile is operated by a third-party provider and may require a small subscription fee or charge for full access. Not all meets use Meet Mobile, but when available, it can be a valuable tool for staying informed in real time. Families should always remember that Meet Mobile is unofficial; the final official results are determined by meet officials.

Using Meet Mobile, in combination with heat sheets and communication from coaches, helps parents and athletes stay organized and prepared on meet day.

The USA Swimming app provides athletes and families with access to official USA Swimming membership and performance information. Families can use the app to view their athlete’s membership information, member card, official times, and other information maintained through USA Swimming’s SWIMS database.

Unlike Meet Mobile, which is primarily used to follow individual meets in real time, the USA Swimming app connects families to an athlete’s official USA Swimming record. Times entered into the SWIMS database become part of the athlete’s official history and can be used to track progress and qualifying standards.

There is no separate subscription fee to access a USA Swimming account or its member information. Parents can create a USA Swimming account at no charge; however, athletes must have the appropriate USA Swimming membership to participate in sanctioned competition and receive the benefits associated with their membership type.

Families should keep in mind that the USA Swimming app and Meet Mobile serve different purposes. Meet Mobile is useful for following heat and lane assignments and results during a meet, while USA Swimming provides the athlete’s official membership and performance record. Using both resources, along with heat sheets and communication from coaches, can help families stay informed throughout the season.

SWAT Swim Club participates in a variety of meets that fall under the structure of USA Swimming. Meets are designed to give athletes of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete, develop, and progress through the sport of swimming. Below is a summary of the most common levels of competition.

Developmental or Intrasquad Meets

These are small, entry-level meets often held within a single club or among a few local teams. They provide newer athletes the chance to experience racing in a relaxed environment with shorter timelines and simplified rules.

Invitational Meets

Most of the meets SWAT attends fall into this category. Invitational meets are open to multiple clubs, usually within a region, and allow athletes to compete in a wide range of events. Some invitationals may require athletes to have a “BB time standard” or faster, while others are open to all athletes.

Championship Meets

Championship meets occur at the end of each season and usually require athletes to meet specific qualifying time standards. Examples include:

Winter / Summer Championships: Brings together the best athletes in the LSC who have achieved state-cut times.

Regional/Zone Championships: Features top athletes from multiple states or regions who meet qualifying standards.

Sectionals, Futures, Jr. Nationals, Nationals: These higher-level meets bring together elite athletes from across the country who have achieved very fast time standards set by USA Swimming.

Please see Appendix B for USA Swimming’s meet progression pyramid.

USA Swimming publishes motivational time standards for each age group and event every four years. These time levels help athletes set goals, track progress, and determine eligibility for certain meets. They range from beginner to elite.

B Time – A solid starting point above beginner times. Indicates the athlete is developing competitive skills and is faster than basic entry-level times.

BB Time – Next level up, showing an athlete is in about the top 55% nationally for their age group. BB times often qualify athletes for larger invitational meets.

A Time – Indicates the athlete is progressing well, roughly in the top 40% nationally. Many championship meets use “A” times as entry standards.

AA Time – A strong achievement, representing about the top 20% nationally. Athletes with AA times are often competitive at the state and regional levels.

AAA Time – An advanced level, placing athletes among the top 8–10% nationally. This is the standard many athletes aim for to be highly competitive within their state or region.

AAAA Time – The highest standard, indicating an athlete is among the fastest in the country for the age group. These athletes are typically qualifying for national-level meets.

Please see Appendix B for USA Swimming’s Motivational Standards.

SWAT Swim Club uses Commit Swimming as the official platform for registration, official club email delivery, team scheduling, meet entries, training data, and volunteer opportunities. Through Commit, families can view practice calendars, meet schedules, and group assignments, as well as receive official club updates. Commit also allows athletes and parents to track attendance and progress, helping athletes stay engaged with their training. Families are expected to maintain an active Commit account to ensure they remain informed and connected to team activities. Commit Swimming makes it easier for coaches and families to stay informed, involved, and on track for success.

In addition to receiving information through Commit, SWAT Swim Club uses the Band App to share announcements, scheduling updates, and reminders. Families are strongly encouraged to join the club’s Band group to stay connected and up to date on practices, meets, volunteer opportunities, and other events. Parents may also list athlete contact information to receive messages, if the athlete is at least fourteen (14) years old. 

Please see Appendix B for the QR code to join the Band App.

SWAT Swim Club maintains an official Facebook page, SWAT Swimming, which is used primarily for marketing and community outreach including advertising, announcing and celebrating activities and events, and thanking our donating organizations and sponsors. We encourage families to like, follow, and share our posts to help spread the word about SWAT. Sharing content is an easy way to support the team by reaching potential new athletes, sponsors, and community supporters. While day-to-day team communications are handled through Commit and the Band App, Facebook serves as a public-facing platform to promote the club.

SWAT Swim Club maintains an official Instagram account, which is used primarily for marketing and community outreach, including advertising, announcing and celebrating activities and events, and thanking our donating organizations and sponsors. Content posted on Instagram generally mirrors the information shared on our Facebook page.

We encourage families to follow, like, and share our posts to help spread the word about SWAT. Engaging with and sharing content is an easy way to support the team by reaching potential new athletes, sponsors, and community supporters. While day-to-day team communications are handled through Commit and the Band App, Instagram serves as a public-facing platform to promote the club.

Communication between coaches and athletes must always be observable. Outside of practice, a parent or guardian must be included on all emails, texts, Band messages, and social media contacts. Please refer to the club’s MAAP for more information.

The SWAT Swim Club Board of Directors meets on the second Monday of each month at 6:30p.m. During the school year, meetings are typically held at the Aquatic Center’s Wet Classroom, while alternate meeting locations during the months of March, June, July and August will be announced in advance. Notice of each meeting will be posted at least ten (10) days prior, and the agenda will be made available to members during the week leading up to the meeting. These meetings communicate the club’s legal, financial, and organizational matters. All members are encouraged to attend and stay informed about club governance and operations.

SWAT Swim Club holds its Annual Parent Meeting each September to review important information about the upcoming swim year. During this meeting, the Board of Directors provides updates on club operations, policies, financial matters, and upcoming events, and the contents of this handbook are reviewed with families. In addition, Board of Directors elections are conducted at this meeting in accordance with the club’s bylaws.

Additional Parent Meetings may be scheduled throughout the year as needed to share important information regarding championship meets, home meets or other significant club matters. Attendance at all parent meetings is strongly encouraged, as they ensure that all families are informed, engaged, and prepared for the season ahead.

To ensure clear and efficient communication, SWAT Swim Club maintains three dedicated email addresses. Families are encouraged to use the appropriate contact for their questions or concerns:

Coaching Staff – For questions regarding practices, training, athlete performance, or meet information, please email swatswimcoach@gmail.com.

Dive Coaching Staff – For questions regarding dive practices, training, athlete performance or competition, please email swatswimdivecoach@gmail.com.

Board of Directors – For matters related to billing, policies, meetings, or general club operations, please email swatswimboard@gmail.com.

SafeSport Representative – For any SafeSport – related concerns, including questions, policy clarifications, or reporting of violations, please email swatswimsafesport@gmail.com.

Please know that all matters, particularly those related to financial inquiries and SafeSport concerns, will be handled with the utmost care, respect, and confidentiality. 

The SWAT Swim Club website, swatswimclub.com, serves as an official resource for families and athletes. The website includes the team calendar, practice schedules, and club announcements, as well as important governance documents such as the SWAT Swim Club Bylaws and Handbook. It provides access to SafeSport information, including policies, reporting procedures, and resources for athletes and families. Families should use the website as a reliable source for club information, policies, calendars, and SafeSport materials, and check back regularly for updates.

The SWAT Swim Club Team Store is located on the club website at swatswimclub.com. Families can use the store to purchase the official team suit, which is encouraged for all sanctioned competitions. The store also carries a variety of recommended and required gear, such as caps, goggles, fins, kickboards, and other training equipment, as well as optional team apparel for athletes and families.

Ordering through the Team Store ensures consistency across the club and provides families with convenient access to approved gear.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, SWAT Swim Club relies on membership dues, fees, fundraising, donations and volunteer support to operate. Because the club does not receive steady outside funding, family involvement is essential to maintaining affordable programs, running successful meets, and providing a safe and positive experience for athletes. Volunteering ensures the club can keep dues affordable, host high-quality meets, and provide athletes with the support they need to succeed. Every role, large or small, contributes to the success of the program and helps sustain SWAT Swim Club’s mission to develop athletes in a safe, positive, and competitive environment. Below are the primary ways families can volunteer, with explanations of how each role functions.

Home meets require significant volunteer support. Roles include:

·   Concessions & Hospitality – staff the hospitality room and provide food for officials and coaches, and support guest teams.

·   Timers – operate stopwatches or timing systems for assigned lanes; training is provided on-site and no prior experience is needed.

·   Head Timer – oversees all timers, provides backup timing if a lane misses a start and ensures timers are properly equipped and supported.

·   Runners – transport results, lane slips, or paperwork between the timing system, officials, announcer and timers. This rose is especially important in keeping the meet running smoothly.

·   Announcer – provides clear race announcements, and shares important meet information with athletes, coaches and spectators.

·   Stroke and Turn Officials – certified USA Swimming officials oversee the conduct of races, ensuring compliance with technical rules; requires background check, and certification process through USA Swimming.

·   Referees – act as the lead officials in meets, responsible for ensuring all events are conducted fairly and according to USA Swimming rules; requires background check, and certification process through USA Swimming.

·   Administrative Officials – manage the technical side of the meet, including timing systems, entries, results, and official paperwork; requires background check, and certification process through USA Swimming.

·   Meet Director – oversees meet logistics and coordinates with referees, officials and coaches to ensure smooth operations; requires background check, and certification process through USA Swimming.

·   Setup/Cleanup – assist in cleaning up the hospitality and lobby areas, moving supplies, and returning everything to order after the meet.

While the host team manages logistics, visiting teams often provide volunteers. SWAT parents are generally required to serve as timers in at least one lane during a meet. All sign-ups for timers will take place prior to the meet on Commit. Parents may also be requested to provide general team support during an away meet, ensuring our athletes are supervised, encouraged, and safe.

Volunteer Officials – becoming a certified USA Swimming official is a valuable way to help all athletes in the sport of swimming. Officials must complete online training, pass a background check, and shadow experienced officials before being certified. Officials help ensure fair competition and are crucial for the success of both home and away meets.

Volunteer Coaches – parents with appropriate swimming backgrounds may serve as assistant or support coaches. All coaches must be registered members of USA Swimming and complete required background checks, Athlete Protection Training, and certifications (such as CPR/First Aid and Safety Training for Swim Coaches).

Fundraisers (raffles, swim-a-thons, sponsorships, etc.) and community events are vital sources of revenue. Parents may help by organizing, promoting, or volunteering at these activities. Event volunteers may also help with team banquets, clinics, or special team functions.

Parents may serve on the Board of Directors or serve on committees focused on areas like fundraising, communications, or meet preparation and management. Leadership roles require consistent participation and decision-making in support of club operations.

Parents may help distribute information, update bulletin boards, or assist with digital communication.

Parents may help create and manage posts for the club’s Facebook, Instagram and other platforms to promote team events, recognize athlete achievements, share community outreach, and advertise for the club.

Parents may help create and manage posts for the club’s Facebook, Instagram and other platforms to promote team events, recognize athlete achievements, share community outreach, and advertise for the club.

Strong teams are built not only in the pool but also through friendships and shared experiences. Parents can volunteer to plan and organize team bonding activities, such as group outings, holiday parties, team dinners, or other social events. These activities help athletes form stronger connections, foster a positive team culture, and create lasting memories beyond competition. 

Since SWAT Swim Club is a family-supported non-profit organization, every household is asked to contribute time to team operations. Volunteer service is tracked through Commit, with each job assigned a specific number of credits based on the time and responsibility involved. Families are asked to earn at least 10 credits each year between September 1 and August 31. This ensures that the workload is shared fairly among all families and that the club can continue to operate programs, events, and meets, without placing the burden on only a few.

Please see Appendix B for the Volunteer Google Form QR Code

SWAT Swim Club makes every effort to have all policies and procedures in place prior to the start of the season, but the Board of Directors reserves the right to amend any policy and procedure when warranted. Changes in policy and/or procedures, once approved by the Board of Directors, will be communicated by Band and/or email.

The decision to cancel team practice or to dismiss athletes early may be based on several factors including but not limited to: training regimen, pool staff or coaching staff availability, pool, locker room and/or changing room accessibility, emergency situations, and/or risk to the health and well-being of athletes and staff. Days lost due to any unforeseen circumstances will not be made up and refunds for missed days will not be given. In the event of a practice cancellation, families will be notified by Band, email, text, and/or a phone call.

For the safety of all athletes, athletes should arrive at the pool no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the start of practice and must be picked up promptly after practice ends. Athletes are expected to enter the facility, prepare for practice, and remain in the designated practice areas. Athletes should not be left to play or run in the hallways, hang from stair railings, use the elevator for play, or engage in any unsafe or disruptive behavior within the facility. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their athlete arrives and departs on time and is supervised outside of practice hours.

The coaching staff and club volunteers are responsible for athletes only during scheduled practice and meet times. SWAT Swim Club cannot assume responsibility for children who are left unsupervised before or after practice. Families are asked to respect these guidelines to ensure a safe and positive environment for all athletes.

All family members are welcome to sit in the spectator stands and watch practice. To ensure safety and compliance with USA Swimming and USA Diving regulations, only registered USA Swimming and USA Diving members (athletes and coaches) are permitted on deck during practices. Parents, siblings, and guests must remain in the designated spectator area.

For safety reasons, children who are not participating in practice must always be supervised by their parents or guardians at all times. Running in the hallways, playing in the elevator, hanging from stair railings, climbing in windows, or any similar unsafe behavior is strictly prohibited. Parents are expected to monitor their children and ensure they are behaving appropriately while in the facility.

By following these guidelines, families help maintain a safe, respectful, and focused environment for all athletes and coaches.

SWAT Swim Club will not tolerate any abuse of the facilities which we use for practices or meets. It is a privilege to use these facilities and must be treated as such. Athletes must not cause any damage to the facilities, including, but not limited to, leaving a mess, using equipment for an unintended purpose, or breaking equipment. Any damage caused by the athlete will be the responsibility of the athlete and the athlete’s parent/guardian.

SWAT Swim Club is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all athletes, coaches, and families. To support this commitment, the club follows the standards of USA Swimming, USA Diving, the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP), and our Action Plan to Address Bullying. While the Action Plan to Address Bullying provides a detailed framework for handling bullying concerns, the following disciplinary action process applies to any type of inappropriate or disruptive behavior, whether related to bullying or not.

Disciplinary action is intended to correct behavior, protect athletes, and preserve a healthy team environment. Consequences will be based on the severity and frequency of the behavior, with steps including but not limited to:

·   First Offense (Minor or Isolated Incident): Verbal warning and discussion with the athlete to address the behavior and its impact. Parents/guardians may be notified, and the incident will be documented.

·   Immediate Consequence (If Behavior Persists During Practice): The athlete may be required to sit out for a portion or the remainder of practice. This allows time to calm down, reflect, and ensures that the behavior does not disrupt the rest of the team.

·   Second Offense (Repeated or Moderate Incident): In-person meeting with the athlete, parent/guardian, coach, and/or board member. A behavior improvement plan may be developed. Temporary suspension from practices or club activities (up to one week) may be applied.

·   Third Offense (Serious or Ongoing Behavior): Formal disciplinary review by club leadership. This may result in an extended suspension, probationary period, and/or additional requirements for continued participation.

·   Severe or Egregious Behavior (Any Stage): Immediate suspension pending investigation, with the possibility of permanent removal from the club. Serious cases may also be referred to USA Swimming or USA Diving SafeSport, or local authorities as required.

All incidents will be handled respectfully, documented appropriately, and communicated to families as needed. The club reserves the right to escalate consequences depending on the nature and impact of the behavior. Appeals to any disciplinary decision may be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors within seven (7) days of the decision.

Please see Appendix A for the Action Plan to Address Bullying.

Please see Appendix A for SWAT Swim Club’s additional policies.

SWAT Swim Club values both the individual achievements of our athletes and the collective spirit of the team. Coaches provide recognition and support during practices, meets, and competitions, encouraging and commending athletes’ effort, dedication, growth, and support of teammates.

At swim meets, athletes can earn individual awards based on event performances. These serve as an important celebration of the progress and accomplishments made throughout the season. At the conclusion of the winter season, typically in March, SWAT hosts a banquet to celebrate all athletes. This event brings together coaches, athletes, and families to provide personal recognition of individual athletes and to celebrate team accomplishments. The banquet is an opportunity to recognize competitive success and to celebrate commitment, teamwork, and the shared joy of swimming.

Age Group Swimming

Competitive swimming divided by age brackets (e.g., 8 & Under, 9–10, 11–12, etc.)

Backstroke

One of the four competitive strokes, swum on the back with alternating arm pulls and flutter kick.

Block

The starting platform at the end of each lane used for diving starts.

Bottom

Refers to the “30” mark on the pace clock. If a coach says, “leave on the bottom,” athletes push off when the hand points straight down.

Breaststroke

One of the four competitive strokes, swum with a frog-like kick and simultaneous arm movement.

Butterfly

One of the four competitive strokes, swum with both arms moving together and a dolphin kick.

Cap

A latex, silicone, or fabric head covering worn to reduce drag and keep hair out of the face.

Circle Swimming

The practice of swimming up on the right side of the lane and returning down on the opposite side, so multiple athletes can share a lane.

Cool Down

Easy swimming at the end of practice or after a race to help the body recover.

DQ – Disqualification

When a athlete is removed from an event for breaking a rule (e.g., false start, improper stroke technique).

Dryland

Training performed out of the water to build strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Entry Fees

The cost paid per event and/or per athlete to enter a swim meet.

False Start

Leaving the block or wall early before the start signal; results in disqualification.

Freestyle

One of the four competitive strokes, typically the front crawl, with flutter kick and alternating arms.

Freestyle Relay

A relay race where all four athletes swim freestyle, usually in equal distances (e.g., 200, 400, or 800).

Heat

A division of athletes in the same event, grouped by entry time. Meets may have multiple heats per event.

Heat Sheet

A printed or digital program listing all athletes, events, heats, and lanes.

Individual Medley - IM

A single event swum by one athlete in the order of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Kickboard

A foam board used during training to isolate the legs and practice kicking.

Lane Lines

Floating dividers between lanes that reduce waves and keep athletes in their lanes.

Lap

One length of the pool.

Long Course

A pool that is 50 meters in length, typically used in summer competitions.

MAAPP

(Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy) – USA Swimming’s policy designed to protect minor athletes by limiting one-on-one interactions and setting safety standards.

Meet Mobile

A mobile app that provides live results and event updates at many meets.

Medley Relay

A relay event where four athletes each swim a different stroke in the following order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle.

Pickle

A handheld push-button device attached to the electronic timing system at a swim meet. Timers press the pickle when a athlete touches the wall to stop the backup clock and ensure an accurate recorded time.

Relay

A race involving four athletes, each completing part of the total distance; may be freestyle relay or medley relay.

SafeSport

USA Swimming’s program to protect athletes and ensure a safe environment, including anti-bullying, anti-harassment, and abuse prevention policies.

Sanctioned Meet

A meet officially approved by USA Swimming; times count for official records and qualifications.

Seed Time

A athlete’s best time in an event used for meet entry and lane placement.

Short Course

A pool that is 25 yards or 25 meters in length, commonly used during the school year.

Split

The time it takes to swim a portion of a race (e.g., one lap or one leg of a relay).

Starter

The official who begins each race with a whistle and start system.

Streamline

A body position used to reduce drag after a start or turn, with arms extended overhead and body tight.

Taper

The gradual reduction of training volume before a major meet to allow the body to rest and peak in performance.

Time Trials

Additional races, offered at some meets, outside of the regular session that allow athletes to attempt new events, achieve qualifying times, or improve seed times.

Top

Refers to the “00” mark on the pace clock. If a coach says, “leave on the top,” athletes push off when the hand points straight up.

Touchpad

The electronic pad at the end of each lane that records a athlete’s official time when touched.

Warm-Up

Swimming or stretching done before a meet or practice to prepare the body.

Zone Meet

A championship-style meet where athletes from a region compete against each other.

Build

Gradually increase speed within the distance (start easy, finish strong).

Descend

Each repetition of a set should be faster than the one before it.

Drill

A stroke exercise focusing on technique (e.g., catch-up drill, fingertip drag).

Hypoxic Training

A type of swim training in which athletes limit their breathing (for example, breathing every 5, 7, or 9 strokes) to improve lung capacity, efficiency, and comfort while swimming under oxygen debt.

Interval Training

A type of set where swims are performed on a set time cycle (e.g., leaving every 1:30).

Kick Set

Swimming using only the legs, typically with a kickboard.

Ladder

A type of set where distances increase or decrease step by step (e.g., 50, 100, 150, 200… or the reverse).

Main Set

The “core” of the workout, usually the hardest part of practice.

Negative Split

Swimming the second half of a distance faster than the first half.

Pull Set

Swimming using only the arms, often with a pull buoy and hand paddles.

Set

A group of repetitions (e.g., 5 x 50 freestyle is one set).

Tech Suit

A high-performance racing swimsuit made with advanced, water-repellent fabrics and compression technology to reduce drag and improve speed in the water. 

“10 x 100 on 1:30”

A common way to write a swim set. Swim 100 yards/meters ten times, leaving every 1 minute and 30 seconds. If an athlete finishes a 100 in 1:20, they get 10 seconds rest before starting the next one. The faster you swim, the more rest you earn.

Approach

The steps a diver takes on the diving board before the hurdle and takeoff.

Back Dive

A dive that begins with the diver standing at the end of the board facing away from the water and rotating backward.

Balk

An interruption or hesitation after a diver has begun the approach or takeoff. A balk may result in a scoring penalty under the applicable competition rules.

Degree of

Difficulty (DD)

A numerical value assigned to a dive based on its complexity. The degree of difficulty is used along with the judges' scores to calculate the diver's final score.

Dive Groups

Categories used to classify dives according to the direction or type of movement. The primary groups are Forward, Back, Reverse, Inward, Twisting, and Armstand. Armstand dives are performed from the platform rather than the springboard

Dive List

The dives an athlete is scheduled to perform during a competition.

Dive Number

A numerical code used to identify a particular dive, including its group, number of somersaults or other movements, and position.

Entry

The portion of the dive when the diver enters the water. Divers work toward a controlled, vertical entry with as little splash as possible.

Forward Dive

A dive that begins with the diver facing forward and rotating forward away from the board or platform.

Free Position

A diving position used primarily in twisting dives in which the diver may use a combination of straight, pike, or tuck positions during the dive.

Hurdle

The final movement of a forward approach in which the diver jumps from one foot and lands on both feet near the end of the springboard in preparation for takeoff.

Inward Dive

A dive that begins with the diver facing away from the water and rotating toward the board or platform.

Judges

Officials who evaluate each dive. Judges consider elements such as the starting position, approach, takeoff, flight, execution, and entry.

Meet

A diving competition in which athletes perform a predetermined list of dives and receive scores from judges.

Pike Position

A diving position in which the body bends at the hips while the legs remain straight.

Platform Diving

Diving performed from a fixed platform rather than a flexible springboard. Competitive platform events may be held from different heights depending on the athlete's age and level of competition.

Required Dive

A dive that must meet particular requirements established for an athlete's event, age group, or level of competition.

Reverse Dive

A dive that begins with the diver facing forward but rotating backward toward the board or platform.

Rip Entry

A very clean entry into the water that produces little splash and is often accompanied by a distinctive sound.

SafeSport

The athlete-safety framework designed to help prevent abuse and misconduct in sport. USA Diving participants are subject to applicable U.S. Center for SafeSport requirements and USA Diving athlete-protection policies.

Somersault

A forward or backward rotation of the body during a dive.

Springboard

A flexible diving board that bends and rebounds, allowing the diver to generate height for a dive. Competitive springboard diving is generally performed from 1-meter and 3-meter boards.

Straight Position

A diving position in which the body remains straight without bending at the knees or hips.

Takeoff

The moment the diver leaves the board or platform and begins the flight portion of the dive.

Tuck Position

A compact diving position in which the knees and hips are bent and the legs are drawn toward the body.

Twisting Dive

A dive that incorporates a twisting motion around the body's longitudinal axis in addition to other movements.

Voluntary Dive

A term sometimes used for a dive whose degree of difficulty is limited under the rules for a particular event or age group.

Board Work

Practice performed on the diving board to develop approaches, hurdles, takeoffs, balance, and other diving skills.

Dryland

Training performed outside the pool to develop strength, flexibility, coordination, body control, and diving skills.

Entry Drill

A drill used to practice proper body alignment, hand position, and technique when entering the water.

Hurdle Drill

A drill that focuses on the timing, balance, and mechanics of the hurdle used in a forward approach.

Lineup

A basic entry drill, often performed from the side of the pool or diving board, that helps athletes practice proper body alignment and entry technique.

Press

The action of using the springboard's movement and the diver's body position to help generate lift during the takeoff.

Repetition

Repeated practice of a particular skill, movement, or dive to improve consistency and technique.

Spotting

Assistance or guidance provided by a qualified coach while an athlete learns or practices certain diving skills.

Takeoff Drill

A drill designed to improve the diver's balance, timing, body position, and upward lift when leaving the board.

Water Entry

The final phase of a dive when the athlete enters the water. Entry drills are commonly used in practice to develop proper alignment and reduce splash.

https://www.swatswimclub.com/policies

All SWAT athletes are required to have an active USA Swimming Membership. This membership ensures insurance coverage, access to sanctioned meets, and inclusion in the USA Swimming SWIMS database where times are recorded and tracked. Below are the membership options available through USA Swimming.

Premium Athlete Membership – $78 per calendar year

• Valid: Calendar year.
• Best for: Athletes training and competing throughout the year.
• Benefits:
• Eligible for all USA Swimming sanctioned meets, including LSC Championships, Sectionals, Zones, Futures, Junior Nationals, National Championships, U.S. Olympic Team Trials, and the Olympics.
• Eligible for selection to the National Junior Team and National Team Development Programs.
• Eligible to qualify for USA Swimming national and regional camps.
• Official times are stored in the SWIMS database to track progress and qualify for meets.
• Eligible to serve on national and local committees.
• Additional requirements (if age 18 or older):
• Annual completion of Athlete Protection Training (APT)
• Current background check (required for National Team and National Junior Team athletes)

Flex Athlete Membership – $28 per calendar year

• Valid: Calendar year.
• Best for: Athletes 12 years old and under who are new to competitive swimming.
• Benefits:
• Allows practice with a USA Swimming club.
• Includes participation in up to two (2) sanctioned meets per year.
• Not eligible for competition at or above the LSC Championship level.
• Upgrade Option: If the athlete wants to compete in more than two meets per year, the membership may be upgraded to Premium by paying the difference before the Flex membership expires

Seasonal Athlete Membership – $58 per season

• Valid: 150 consecutive days from the start date (offered during designated seasonal periods only).
• Best for: Athletes who want to participate for just one season, such as summer or winter.
• Benefits:
• Provides the same competitive opportunities and insurance coverage as a Premium membership during the season.
• Recorded times count toward USA Swimming recognition programs and qualifying standards.
• Note: Limited to one seasonal membership per athlete per membership year.

Outreach Athlete Membership – $7 per calendar year

• Valid: Calendar year.
• Best for: Athletes from families who meet income eligibility requirements.
• Benefits:
• Full benefits of a Premium Athlete Membership at a reduced cost.
• Designed to make swimming accessible to all athletes.
• Qualifying criteria (must meet eligibility for ONE of the following):
• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
• Medicaid
• Kids Care or CHIP
• Free or Reduced Federal Lunch Program
• Foster care program
• Special circumstances approved by the Wyoming Swimming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
• Enrollment: Documentation of eligibility must be provided to the SWAT Board President and Treasurer at swatswimboard@gmail.com. No documents are kept by the club. Families must re-enroll each year, and the board reserves the right to verify status.