SHAPE SEALS Team Handbook 2018-2019 - INTERNATIONAL SWIM TEAM Divisional Champions
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SHAPE SEALS
INTERNATIONAL SWIM TEAM
Divisional Champions
Team Handbook
2018-2019
1TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTACT INFORMATION .........................................................................................................................3
FROM THE TEAM PRESIDENT .................................................................................................................4
TEAM MEMBERSHIP...................................................................................................................................5
REGISTRATION & FEES..............................................................................................................................6
COACHES’ CORNER....................................................................................................................................7
BASIC POOL RULES ..................................................................................................................................9
SWIMMING GROUPS ............................................................................................................................... 10
2018 FALL PRACTICE TIMES ................................................................................................................ 10
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A MEET ............................................................................................................... 11
EVENTS, MEETS & STATISTICS ............................................................................................................. 12
EVENTS ................................................................................................................................................. 12
STATISTICS ........................................................................................................................................... 13
PARENTS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 15
SHAPE SEALS SWIMMER CODE OF CONDUCT .................................................................................. 17
SHAPE SEALS PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT...................................................................................... 19
SHAPE SEALS COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT .................................................................................. 21
APPENDIX.................................................................................................................................................. 23
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ................................................................................................... 23
HISTORY OF THE EUROPEAN FORCES SWIM LEAGUE................................................................. 24
2017-2020 EFSL CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES - Boys................................................................... 25
2017-2020 EFSL CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES - GIRLS.............................................................. 26
ORDER OF EVENTS AT A REGULAR MEET......................................................................................... 27
ORDER OF EVENTS AT A PENTATHLON MEET.................................................................................. 28
2CONTACT INFORMATION
SEALS BOARD
President: shapeseals@hotmail.com
Executive Board: board@shapeseals.com
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: shapesealscoach@gmail.com
WEBSITE
www.shapeseals.com
FACEBOOK
SHAPE Seals 2018 (approval required)
3FROM THE TEAM PRESIDENT
Dear Parents and Swimmers,
Hello and welcome to the 2018 SHAPE Seals International Swim Team! This handbook is designed to
acquaint swimmers and their parents within the SHAPE Seals International Swim Team. It is full of
helpful information including contact information, practice times, fees, rules, membership information,
parent volunteer requirements, information for swimmers and much more.
It is our goal for you to have a positive and fun experience with us in and out of the pool! SHAPE Seals
is a semi all year round (Aug-Feb and Apr-Jun) swim club that offers a unique and healthy swimming
experience to the youth of our SHAPE community. Our age group/ability program is designed with
emphasis on stroke technique, fitness and goal setting.
The SHAPE Seals is truly an international club for students and children of military and civilian
personnel and their dependents located at SHAPE and bases nearby. We are a voluntary, parent
supported club that strives to train children so they can both enjoy and thrive at competitive swimming.
If you are new to competitive swimming, I would encourage you to speak to those who have been
involved with the SHAPE Seals and the European Forces Swim League (EFSL). This is truly a lifelong
activity that encourages commitment and physical dedication.
From everyone on the Board – welcome.
Sincerely,
Simon Griffiths
SHAPE Seals President
4TEAM MEMBERSHIP
Who We Are
The SHAPE Seals International Swim Team is primarily for students and children of military and civilian
personnel and their dependents located at SHAPE.
The objective of the team is to develop physical fitness, sportsmanship and to promote the enjoyment
of the sport of swimming in a competitive swimming environment. This is provided mainly through
membership in the European Forces Swim League (EFSL) which consists of 18 teams across Europe.
We compete in the Benelux Division.
What is the EFSL?
The European Forces Swim League (EFSL) is an outgrowth of Forces, NATO & European
Communities' teams throughout Europe. There are 18 teams within the EFSL that swim in four
regional leagues. As is to be expected, the objectives and philosophy are different with each team and
may vary with new coaches, or change when coaches change. However, all have the common interests
of providing a program of competitive swimming on the local level and a healthy environment in which
our children can grow emotionally and physically. For more information on the EFSL, there is a brief
history in the Appendix or visit the website at https://www.eteamz.com/leaugeswimming/..
Who Can Join?
All children age 6 to 19 who are students at the SHAPE International School or are a dependent minor
of a military or civilian member of the SHAPE Community or NATO HQ are eligible. Please e-mail the
President if you have questions about eligibility.
How to Join
Tryouts are held each year before the start of the Fall and Spring Seasons. The team's coaching staff
evaluates each swimmer's abilities to meet the minimum qualification standards of swimming 50 meters
in each of two strokes selected from freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke. Due to limitations
on pool time, coaching staff size, and fairness to the swimmers, team membership may be restricted.
Membership selection shall be made as soon as possible after the preseason practice session.
Expectations
All home swim meets are mandatory and away meets are highly encouraged. Swimmers not able to
attend a swim meet are to ensure the coaching staff is made aware by the Tuesday prior to the meet. In
addition, those swimmers wishing to participate in the EFSL Championship, which will be held in
London in 2018, must attend a minimum of 4 meets including Divisionals and achieve a qualifying time.
5REGISTRATION & FEES
TEAM FEES: 400 Euros (€) per swimmer.
o There is a 25€ discount for each additional child (i.e. 1st : 400€, 2nd: 375€, 3rd: 350€, etc.)
VOLUNTEER DEPOSIT: 200€ per family
o Refundable after 40 hours of volunteer time
o If a family fails to meet the required 40 hours of volunteer time, the deposit will not be
returned
Fees are due and payable to the Treasurer no later than 15 September 2018.
o Dues that are more than one month in arrears constitute grounds for suspension from
the team until cleared.
o No swimmer will be allowed to compete in an official swim meet unless dues have been
paid.
SHAPE SEALS Bank Account Details:
Account: 643-0048328-02
IBAN: BE32 6430 0483 2802
BIC: BMPBBEBB
Championship Splash Fees
o All parents are to note that Long Distance and Individual EFSL Championship races
incur a Splash Fee for each event. The fee is generally about 15-20€ per race but varies
each year and is determined by the EFSL just prior to CHAMPS.
o These splash fees are not included in your Team Fees.
6COACHES’ CORNER
COACHING PHILOSOPHY: Sara GRIFFITHS
Coaching is the greatest job in the world! I am able to work with swimmers of all ages and skill levels on
a daily basis! I look forward to the challenges and happiness that each day of coaching brings. It is my
mission to offer kids an environment in which they can become intrinsically motivated to improve as a
swimmer but more importantly grow as an individual. I do not judge my success as a coach on how
many championship swimmers I have developed, but on how many “first class” kids I have developed. I
love coaching because it offers so much more than competition. It takes dedication, discipline,
determination, and the desire to become a successful swimmer. These are the same skills necessary to
become successful in life. I stress the importance of goal setting so that my swimmers have a way to
challenge themselves in a positive manner to achieve a desired result. In most cases a swimmers
results in a meet is a direct reflection of how the swimmer trains in practice. I will have my junior and
senior level swimmers keep a swim journal so that they can have a tangible reminder of the work that
they have put into swimming. I believe this leads to a more goal oriented swimmer that tends to work
harder than the swimmer that doesn’t see the “light at the end of the tunnel.” I am just as happy seeing
a beginning swimmer finish their first 50M butterfly as I am watching a championship swimmer get a
personal best time in the 200M IM. Little goals that can be achieved throughout a swim season add up
to become quite an accomplishment by the end of the season.
President Points
Parents are reminded of a few policies related to swim practices.
The coaches’ primary focus while they are on deck is your children. In addition, coaches are not always
able to speak to parents directly before or after practice because sometimes they have coaching related
matters to discuss or they may have other obligations to attend to. The coaches would like to ask your
cooperation with the following:
If you have a general question regarding your child’s swimming, please send an email to the
coaching staff in advance to let them know you have a question. This way, they can tell you if
they are available, set up another time if they aren’t available that day, or perhaps even answer
your question via email.
o Coach: shapesealscoach@gmail.com
Please do not interfere with, or distract, coaches or swimmers during practice.
If your child cannot attend practice, please notify the coach in advance.
If your child has a recurring activity that will prevent them from attending practice on a regular
basis (for instance, Boy Scouts on Monday evenings), please let the coach know in advance.
Swimmers are expected to participate in all home meets. If you cannot attend a meet please
notify the coach in advance. Swimmers are expected to arrive at meets on time for warm up.
7 Please have your swimmers bring the following items to practice:
o Water in a plastic or metal container
o An extra t-shirt, shorts and white socks that can get in the pool if required
o Plastic bag for wet clothes
8BASIC POOL RULES
In order for everyone to have the most fun, we have to stay safe. Please take a minute to review the
following rules and observe them when you are at the pool and/or when we are a visiting team at
another pool. Questions or concerns can be directed to the Lifeguards, Pool Manager, Board Members
and/or Coaches.
No outside shoes on the pool deck.
Please use the foot shower to rinse your feet before you enter the pool.
No running or horseplay on deck.
No dunking.
No spitting or spouting.
Drinks or water in plastic bottles, or aluminum cans, are permitted on the deck, but no glass
containers are allowed.
No smoking, alcohol, or drugs!
Swimmers must assist with setup and teardown of equipment at practices. Parents must assist
with setup/teardown at meets.
Swimmers must be on deck at start time for practices; at warm-up time for meets!
For swimmers under 10 years old, a parent or responsible adult must remain on the pool deck
during practice.
Follow all posted pool rules.
9SWIMMING GROUPS
SHAPE Seals practices are divided into four groups according to ability and skill.
Bronze Junior: The Bronze Junior group is generally for swimmers under 9 that are new to competitive
swimming. Novice swimmers should swim 2 days per week (3 hours).
Bronze Senior: The Bronze Senior group is generally for children 12 and under who are still in need of
technique improvement, including starts and turns. The focus is on improving stroke technique prior to
endurance as it is not beneficial to increase the meters swam if the swimmer is doing the strokes
incorrectly. Bronze swimmers should swim 3 days per week (4 1/2 hours).
Silver: The largest age range of swimmers can be found in the Silver group. The Silver group is for
children 9 and above who have good technique in their swimming strokes and require some technique
work, but are ready for more rigorous training. Along with having good technique, swimmers must show
more dedication to the sport and consistent hard effort at every practice. A commitment of 4 days per
week is required to swim with the Silver group (6 hours).
Gold: The Gold group is comprised of swimmers age 12 and above that need minimal technique work
on strokes, starts and turns. They are highly motivated, and focus more on endurance and fine tuning.
A commitment of 5 days per week is required to swim with the Gold group (7 1/2 hours).
Please note: It is possible for a swimmer to move up a group during the season based on effort and
improvement. It is also possible for a child to move down a group due to lack of effort or missed
practices.
2018 FALL PRACTICE TIMES
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1600-1730 1600-1730 1600-1730 1600-1730 1530-1700
Bronze Junior Bronze Senior Silver/Gold Bronze Senior Bronze Junior/
1900-2030 1900-2030 1900-2030 Senior/Gold
Silver/Gold Silver/Gold Silver/Gold
*Effective 16 August 2018
10WHAT TO EXPECT AT A MEET
EFSL competition follows USA Swimming rules with some modifications. Typical there are two types of
meets offers, standard or pentathlon.
The “Standard” meet offers four strokes for swimmers (free, back, breast, and butterfly), the individual
medley (IM), and both free and medley relays. Swimmers are limited to three individual and two relay
events per meet. However, there is no limit to the number of swimmers a team can enter in any of the
events.
The “Pentathlon” meet offers four strokes for swimmers (free, back, breast, and butterfly) and the
individual medley (IM). Swimmers are limited to five individual (one per stroke and one IM) entries per
meet. However, there is no limit to the number of swimmers a team can enter in any of the events.
Please note, there are no relays during a pentathlon
There will normally be a 15 to 20 minute team warm-up prior to the start of all meets. All swimmers are
expected to participate.
EFSL also has optional events (i.e., long distance) that may be added to the end of the meet, which can
give swimmers the opportunity to practice and get times.
The pool deck areas are usually quite modest, becoming very crowded and noisy during the meet.
Each participating team is usually given a designated area of the pool deck. The hosting teams do a
great job of rounding up swimmers for each of the events, but parents should be prepared to help keep
their swimmers on time for the events. Parents should be aware that most pools in Europe are very
warm, so even if it is cold outside they should bring shorts and a lightweight top to wear in the pool
area. Most European pools do not allow street shoes. Be sure to bring flip-flops or pool shoes to wear
while in the pool area (remember to switch shoes if you go outside). Seating is usually a problem, so
bring portable chairs that won’t mar or damage the pool deck surface.
Parents need to help volunteer at the meets (home and away). Although some of the positions require
special training (which we can provide), most do not.
How Points are Scored at a Meet
Points are scored for the overall team winner and for individual swimmer awards, based on the finishing
place of each swimmer. However, there is a limit (by EFSL) of how many points a team may score in
any given event.
Sometimes a swimmer will commit a rules violation or will not execute a stroke/turn technique properly,
and will be disqualified (DQ’d) from the event. In this case, no points will be awarded to the swimmer,
regardless of the finishing place. While this can be upsetting to the swimmer and/or parent, if you have
a concern or issue, talk to the coach. Please do not talk to the stroke and turn official. If there is a
problem, the coach has 30 minutes to protest to the referee. Please remember that it is a learning
experience for all.
11EVENTS, MEETS & STATISTICS
EVENTS
SHORT DISTANCE
The list of available events is different for swimmers aged 12 & Under, and for swimmers aged 13 &
Above. There are currently 8 short distance events in every age group. For swimmers 12 & Under,
the 8 short distance events are 50, 100, 200 meters freestyle, 50 back, 50 breast, and 50 fly, and 100
and 200 meters Individual Medley (IM). For swimmers 13 & Above, the 8 short distance events are 50,
100, 200, and 400 meters free, 100 breast, 100 back, and 100 fly, and 200 IM. For qualification
purposes, the age is to be calculated at the age on the first day of the meet (e.g. for the 2018/2019
competitive season 2 Mar 2019).
LONG DISTANCE
The long distance events are also different depending on the age of swimmers. For swimmers 10 &
Under, there are only two long distance events are the 400 and 800 meter freestyle. For swimmers 11
& Above, there are 3 long distance events: 800 and 1500 freestyle, and 400 IM. For qualification
purposes the age is to be calculated as of the first day of the long distance championship (for the
2018/2019 season - 24 Nov 2018).
REGULAR SEASON MEETS
The team has several regular meets throughout the competitive season both in the SHAPE pool
(“Home meets”) and visiting the other EFSL teams (“Away meets”). The SHAPE Seals meet schedule
is published at the beginning of every competitive season. Families can choose which meets they
participate in. The events available on a meet vary based on the meet program offered at any given
meet.
DIVISIONAL MEET
The Divisional meet is the most important team event in the season. We will compete against the other
teams in the Benelux Division for the Divisional Champion title. This meet is mandatory for all
SHAPE Seals swimmers unless specifically excused by the Head Coach. The meet is run in the
standard meet format.
CHAMPIONSHIP MEETS
There are two championship meets every season: The Long Distance Championship and the Individual
Championships. The championship meets are only open for swimmers who qualify and who
participated in at least 4 regular season meets (including Divisionals). Swimmers must achieve the pre-
defined qualification times, or for regular Champs, eligible pull-up times to swim (see Champs seeding
procedures). The qualification times are posted at the pool, available on the SHAPE Seals website
under the "Statistics" tab (http://www.shapeseals.com/statistics/), and are reprinted in the Appendix.
LONG DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Long Distance Champs is held at the end of November (24-25 November for the 2018-2019
season). Swimmers will compete in the long distance events previously described. In order to
qualify for the Long Distance Champs, long distance events will be added to the list of available
events at some meets (they do not count in the maximum number of events allowed for a
swimmer at the meet). Time trials will also be scheduled during normal practices sessions.
12CHAMPS
The EFSL Championship Meet is held in February (02-03 Mar for the 2018-2019 season) and is
the culmination of the competitive swim season. Qualified and pulled up swimmers can swim in
the short distance events they are eligible for. Qualifications can be achieved at any regular
season meet and Divisionals.
SIGN-UPS
Parents or swimmers have to sign up in order to participate on a meet. Reminders will be sent out
before every meet. Sign-ups must be emailed to seals shapeseals-stat@hotmail.com by 8pm on the
Tuesday before a meet. Please respect these timelines because it is very cumbersome to enter a
swimmer in a meet after the entries are finalized (especially for away meets). Parents and swimmers
will have the opportunity to request events for regular season meets, but the final decision will be made
by the coaches. Divisional events will be chosen by the coaches. Please consider the following “rules of
thumb” when you choose events for your swimmer:
Keep in mind the order of events when you choose so that your swimmer has sufficient time to
recover between two events.
Try to diversify and make sure that the swimmer tries all individual events in the season. More
events mean more chances to qualify and sometimes the dreaded event can be the one he/she
qualifies in or swims a pull-up eligible time!
If a swimmer is close to qualification in an event, try to give her/him a chance.
AGE GROUP CATEGORIES
The age group categories swimmers compete against each other are different for regular season
meets/Divisionals and the Championship meets.
• Regular Season Meets & Divisionals: 8 & Under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19
• Championship Meets: 8 & Under, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19
STATISTICS
Throughout the season you will find the results of the meets and up to date statistics published on the
message board in the pool area and on the SHAPE Seals website at
http://www.shapeseals.com/statistics/. Most importantly, you will always find the list of qualified
swimmers and the events they qualified in.
CHAMPS SEEDING PROCEDURES
EFSL seeding procedures for regular Champs are VERY complicated. Contrary to conventional wisdom
- not only swimmers who swim qualification times are eligible to swim.
1. Those swimmers who swim a qualification time in any event are guaranteed a place in that event at
champs. This is the easy part...
2. Now comes the more difficult part. With the exception of the 8 & Under and 17-19 age groups, EFSL
tries to have at least 2 heats at Champs in every event. Also, they try not to leave empty lanes. This
means that as it is a 10 lane pool, there will be optimally minimum two heats and maximum enough
heats to accommodate the qualified swimmers (e.g. 37 qualifiers means 4 heats with 3 pull ups). As a
result, they pull swimmers who did not meet the qualification time, but have swam a "pull up" time that
is shown as B-time. So you have to watch two things: the rank of the swimmer in the league AND
whether he/she has succeeded in meeting the B-time. If BOTH conditions are met (the swimmer swam
a B-time AND based on the EFSL standing at the end of the season he/she would have a place in the
heat) the swimmer would be pulled.
13To illustrate the principles here are a few examples:
A. ''Swimmer 1'' did not qualify in 100IM, but she swam better than the B-time so she is eligible
to be pulled-up. She is ranked number 13. If the seeding was today, it would be possible to meet
the two-heat minimum by pulling up eligible swimmers, so she would be pulled and would swim
in the second heat.
B. ''Swimmer 2'' did not qualify in 50FR, but she swam the B-time so she is also eligible to be
pulled up. There are 43 qualified swimmers, so there would be 5 heats (50 swimmers). She is
on the 48th place so she would be pulled and would swim in the 5th heat.
C. ''Swimmer 3'' did not qualify in 100IM yet, but she swam the B-time so technically she is also
eligible to be pulled up in this event. However, there are only 17 qualified swimmers so far, so
there would only be 2 heats. Since she is on 39th place in this event she would not be pulled.
3. One more wrinkle. At the seeding meeting the representatives from the teams will inform the EFSL
statistician which swimmers (qualified or pull eligible) will not come (for whatever reason), or don't want
to swim in certain events. Therefore swimmers who are eligible to be pulled up can be pulled up even if
their final positions would not automatically allow them.
4. Very last piece of info. In every event swimmers who are eligible to be pulled up may be selected as
alternates (i.e. if a swimmer drops out the alternate would swim).
RECORDS
EFSL keeps four sets of records. The records are kept for short distance events in both short course
(25 meter pool), and long course (50 meter pool), long distance events (as measured in, or converted to
25 meter pool), and pentathlon records. The EFSL records are updated at the end of each competitive
season and published at the EFSL web-site (https://www.eteamz.com/leaugeswimming/) The EFSL
records are kept in the following age-groups: 8 & Under, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19.
The SHAPE Seals keep two sets of records: short distance events in short course (25 meter pool) and
long distance events (as measured in, or converted to 25 meter pool). The SHAPE Seals records are
always kept up to date and published at the pool and on the SHAPE Seals website. The SHAPE
records are kept in the following age groups: 8 & Under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19.
14PARENTS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
The team needs YOUR help! In addition to the various board positions, it also takes approximately 37
volunteers to run an average-size swim meet. We also need volunteers for special events. Given the
size of our team, that means that virtually every adult needs to be doing something. If not, either critical
tasks will not get done or someone will be forced to shoulder a disproportionate share of the work. A
sign-up sheet for meets will be emailed to all Parents prior to each meet.
Based upon lessons learned from previous seasons, as well as from other teams in the EFSL, the
Executive Board has implemented a volunteer program, which requires that every family contribute a
fair and equitable amount of time. Each family is responsible and required to perform at least 40 hours
of volunteer time during the Fall Competitive Season. A 200€ deposit must be paid, per family, at the
beginning of the Fall Competitive Season with registration fees. This deposit will be refunded when the
volunteer hours are completed (no later than the end of the Fall Competitive Season).
Meet Volunteer Positions
• Stroke and Turn Officials (Must be EFSL certified and trained)
• Runner (Picks up time sheets from timers)
• Marshall (Distributes event cards to swimmers)
• Timer / Head Timer (Operates stopwatch and records times)
• Concession (Sells concessions at home meets)
• Set-Up / Clean-Up (Necessary preparation before and after meet)
Swim Meet Volunteer Sign-Up
Links to the Sign-Up sheets will be emailed for volunteer workers (timers, stroke & turn judges,
concessions, etc.) AND for food donations for the concession’s booth. Please sign up!
Tracking Volunteer Hours
Parents report to the Volunteer Coordinator the morning of the home meet. The volunteer time begins
at the official start of the meet and does not include breaks (only actual time worked counts). After each
meet, the Volunteer Coordinator will distribute a link to an online form where Parents will be able to log
their hours. A summary of volunteer hours will be listed by family on the website
(http://www.shapeseals.com/volunteer-hours/). It is the responsibility of each family to have their
volunteer hours submitted to the Volunteer Coordinator to be counted.
Concessions
Before each home meet the Concessions Manager will send out a link to a sign-up sheet requesting
items for the Concession Stand. At each home meet we need helpers at the concession table for Set-
up, Selling food/drinks and Clean-up. You can also earn volunteer hours for concession donations.
Volunteer hours for concession donations will be collected by the Concessions Manager.
SWIMMER DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
Swimmers should be dropped off at the pool with enough time to be dressed out and on the deck by
practice start time, or team warm-up time for meets.
15At least one parent must remain on the pool deck if the swimmer is under 10 years old.
SWIMMERS – PHYSICALLY FIT
Parents are responsible for ensuring that their swimmers are fit to swim and must identify any medical
issues on the registration form. Children should have a proper sports physical (if possible); this is highly
encouraged by the EFSL.
SPLASH FEES
Parents are responsible for paying “splash fees” for each individual event that their swimmers enter at
the Long Distance CHAMPS and EFSL CHAMPS competitions.
16SHAPE SEALS SWIMMER CODE OF CONDUCT
2018-2019
General behavior
1. I will treat all members of, and persons associated with, the EFSL with due dignity and respect.
2. I will treat everyone equally and never discriminate against another person associated with the EFSL on any
grounds including that of age, sexual orientation, gender, faith, ethnic origin or nationality.
3. I understand that the use of inappropriate or abusive language, bullying, harassment, or physical violence will
not be tolerated and could result in action being taken through the disciplinary or child welfare policies.
4. I will display a high standard of behaviour at all times.
5. I will always report any poor behaviour by others to an appropriate officer or member staff.
6. I will recognise and celebrate the good performance and success of fellow club and team members.
7. I will respect the privacy of others, especially in the use of changing facilities.
Training
1. I will treat my coach and fellow members with respect.
2. I will make my coach aware if I have difficulties in attending training sessions as per the rules laid down for my
squad.
3. I will arrive in good time on poolside before the training session starts to complete poolside warm up as directed
by my coach.
4. I understand that if I arrive late, I must report to my coach before entering the pool.
5. I will ensure that I have all of my equipment with me, e.g. paddles, kick boards, caps, goggles, etc.
6. If I need to leave the pool for any reason during training, I will inform my coach before doing so.
7. I will listen to what my coach is telling me at all times and obey any instructions given.
8. I will always swim to the wall as I would do in a race, and I will practice turns as instructed.
9. I will not stop and stand in the lane, or obstruct others from completing their training.
10. I will not pull on the ropes as this may injure other members.
11. I will not skip lengths or sets – to do so means I would only be cheating myself.
12. I will think about what I am doing during training, and if I have any problems, I will discuss them with my coach
at an appropriate time.
13. If I have any problems with the behaviour of fellow members, I will report them at the suitable time and to an
appropriate adult.
17Competitions
1. At competitions, whether they be home meets, away meets or ESFL Champ meets, I will always behave in a
manner that shows respect to my coach, the officers, my team mates and the members of all competing
organisations.
2. I understand that I will be required to attend meets that the coach has entered/selected me for, unless agreed
otherwise by prior arrangement with the relevant official and coach.
3. I understand that I must wear appropriate swimwear, T-shirts/shorts and caps as per the rules laid down by the
organisation.
4. I will report to my coach and/or team manager on arrival on poolside.
5. I will warm up before the event as directed by the coach in charge on that day and ensure I fully prepare myself
for the race.
6. I will be part of the team. This means I will stay with the team on poolside.
7. If I have to leave poolside for any reason, I will inform, and in some cases, get the consent of the team
manager/coach before doing so.
8. After my race, I will report to my coach for feedback.
9. I will support my team mates. Everyone likes to be supported and they will be supporting me in return.
10. I will swim down after the race if possible, as advised by my coach.
11. My behaviour in the swim down facility must be appropriate and respectful to other users at all times.
12. I will never leave an event until either the gala is complete or I have the explicit agreement of the coach or
team manager.
Swimmers Name:
Signed:
Date:
18SHAPE SEALS PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
2018-2019
1. I will complete and return any required forms as requested by the organisation and provide details of any health
conditions/concerns relevant to my child on the consent form. I will report any changes in the state of my child’s
health to the coach prior to training sessions or events. I will ensure that the organisation has up-to-date contact
details for me and for any alternative person(s) as required.
2. I will deliver and collect my child punctually to and from training sessions/events. I will inform a member of the
committee or coaching staff if there is an unavoidable problem. If the organisation changes my child’s practice
times, I will remember that the change is to provide appropriate levels of training and to enable my child to
progress, and I should therefore support and encourage this at all times.
3. I will ensure my child is properly and adequately attired for the training session/ events including all mandatory
equipment, e.g. caps, goggles, etc.
4. I will inform the coach before a session if my child is to be collected early from a training session/event and if
so, by whom.
5. I will encourage my child to obey the rules and teach them that they can only do their best.
6. I will behave responsibly as a spectator during training/events and treat members, coaches, committee
members and other parents of members of both my child’s organisation and any other organisation with due
respect, in accordance with the EFSL commitment to equality and diversity.
7. I will not use inappropriate language within the organisation environment.
8. I will show appreciation and support my child and all the team members.
9. I will ensure my child’s needs are met in terms of nutrition and I will listen to advice given from the coach/head
official.
10. I will support the coach and committee appropriately and raise any concerns I may have in an appropriate
manner to the board.
11. If I wish to have a discussion with the coach, I will follow the process as described by the board.
12. Most of all, I will help my child to enjoy the sport and to achieve to the best of their ability.
The organisation will:
1. Inform you at once if your child becomes ill and will ensure their wellbeing until you are able to collect him/her.
2. Ensure good child safeguarding guidelines are followed at all times to keep your child safe.
3. Ensure all activities are properly supervised/ taught/coached and that consent is obtained for any activity
outside of that previously agreed.
You have a right to:
191. Make a complaint to the organisation if you feel the organisation or a member of the organisation is not acting
appropriately or in accordance with EFSL/organisation rules and regulations. Details of how to do this can be
obtained from the board.
2. Make a complaint on behalf of your child to the EFSL board of Administration.
Parents Name:
Swimmers Name:
Signed:
Date:
20SHAPE SEALS COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
2018-2019
1. Put the wellbeing, health and safety of members above all other considerations, including the development of
performance.
2. At all times, adhere to the EFSL Code of Ethics, Rules and Laws.
3. At all times, adhere to SHAPE Seals Policies.
4. At all times, adhere to the EFSL Equality and Diversity Policy.
5. Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
6. Treat all members with respect and dignity, value their worth and treat everyone equally, recognising their
varying needs and abilities within the context of the sport.
7. Develop an appropriate working relationship with members based on mutual trust and respect.
8. Always ensure that all teaching, coaching and competition programmes are appropriate for the age, ability and
experience of the individual member.
9. Always identify and meet the needs of the individual member as well the needs of the team/squad.
10. Be fair and equal in team and training squad selection.
11. Never exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. In particular, coaches must not use their
position to establish or pursue a sexual or improper relationship with an athlete, member or someone close to
them.
12. Encourage and guide members to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
13. Continue to seek and maintain their own professional development in all areas in relation to coaching and
teaching children.
14. Treat all information of a personal nature about individual members as confidential, except in circumstances
where to do so would allow the child to be placed at risk of harm or continue to be at risk of harm.
15. Encourage all members to obey the spirit of the rules and regulations both in and out of the pool.
16. Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sport scientists, doctors or
physiotherapists) in the best interests of the member.
17. Never encourage or condone members, volunteers, officials or parents to violate the rules of the organisation
or the sport, and report any violations appropriately.
2118. Observe the authority and the decision of the officials and only question those decisions in the appropriate
manner.
19. Treat all competitors and teams of other organisations with respect, whether that is in victory or defeat, and
encourage all members to do the same.
20. Refer all child safeguarding concerns in accordance with the procedures detailed in EFSL bylaws.
Coach’s Name:
Signed:
Date:
22APPENDIX
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to swim on the SHAPE Seals Swim Team?
Membership in the SHAPE SEALS is primarily for military and civilian personnel and their dependents
located at SHAPE.
Why do there have to be tryouts and why do some swimmers get cut from the team?
Based on the size of the pool, the number of lanes we have to practice, and the limited coaching staff,
there are limited spaces for the swimmers. We try to keep to keep the maximum number of children on
the team, but this is not always possible.
How do I pay the dues?
You can pay the dues via bank transfer to the account of the SHAPE Seals at the Banca Monte Paschi
in Building 101, second floor.
Account Number: 643-0048328-02
IBAN: BE32643004832802
BIC Code: BMPBBEBB
Please enter your child/children’s name(s) in the remarks.
My child is also a Boy Scout - does my child need to be at every swim practice?
Recurring excused absences should be coordinated with the coaches at the beginning of the season.
What if my child is late to practice, will they be allowed in the pool?
Your child will be allowed in the pool. Every effort should be made to ensure your child is at practice
on-time to ensure they get the most out of the practice. If you are going to be late, you should email
your coach: shapesealscoach@gmail.com.
Do I have to attend all the away meets?
We encourage swimmers to attend as many meets as possible, however, we understand that many of
the away meets expenses fall to the parents. When available, we will provide a bus service from
SHAPE to the away swim meet, but this is not always possible.
Do split times off relays count as a qualifying time?
They all count on the 200 Free (lead off swimmer only) for all age groups. On the IM relay only the first
swimmer in the backstroke for the 12 & Under.
23HISTORY OF THE EUROPEAN FORCES SWIM LEAGUE
The European Forces Swim League (EFSL) is an outgrowth of U.S. and Allied Armed Forces
community sponsored swim teams. The League was formed in the summer of 1975 in response to a
recognized need to provide an organized competitive swimming program for the youth of military and
civilian members stationed in Europe. The League is not intended to be competitive with, or draw
participants from the local, regional, or national European competitive swimming programs.
The original teams of the EFSL were Berlin, Heidelberg, Lahr, Mannheim, Stuttgart and SHAPE. Since
then the League has steadily increased in membership to 18 teams located in Germany, Belgium, Italy,
Portugal, Spain, England and The Netherlands. American and NATO communities are represented.
The EFSL has six competitive age levels: 8 and under, 9/10, 11/12, 13/14, 15/16 and 17/19. Each level
provides a stepping stone for a swimmer to progress through successive levels of competition.
The first annual EFSL Championship Meet was held on 16 April 1977. Since then, this exciting event
has been the climax of the League’s regular season.
The EFSL is proud of its past achievements in providing a successful program for the personal
development of our young people. It recognizes the support and efforts of swimmers, parents, coaches,
sponsors, friends and community organizations without whose assistance these accomplishments
could not have been achieved. Finally, the EFSL remains committed to supporting the youth of our
communities through healthy competition and the fostering of the ideals of good sportsmanship.
This year, the EFSL Championship Meet will be held in London, UK. For all those that qualify, the meet
will be 24-25 February. Your swimmer should have a good idea by winter break if they have or have a
chance to qualify during the remaining January meets. The final decision as to which swimmer will
attend will be announced soon after the Divisional meet on 4 February.
Teams within the European Forces Swim League
BENELUX Division Southern Division
SHAPE Seals (SHP) Naples Tiger Sharks (NPS)
Lakenheath Barracudas (LKH) Aviano Sea Dragons (AVI)
Geilenkirchen Orcas (GKN) Vicenza Mako Sharks (VZA)
NATO Marlins (NMS) Rota Tiburones (RTA)
Brussels Octopus (ESB) Lisbon Bullsharks (LIS)
Eifel Sharks (EFL) Sigonella Swordfish (SIG)
Rhineland Division
Kaiserslautern Kingfish (KMC)
Berlin Bear-A-Cudas (BLN)
Stuttgart Piranhas (SGT)
Wiesbaden Wahoos (WSN)
Vilseck-Graf SeaVipers (VGC)
242017-2020 EFSL CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES - Boys
2017-2020 Champs Qualification Times
50 100 200 100 200 50 50 50
Boys FR FR FR IM IM BK BR FL
8 & Under QT 47.83 1:51.49 4:03.59 2:03.69 4:36.69 59.55 1:07.09 59.39
Pull Up 51.35 2:04.52 04:49.1 2:15.79 4:57.39 1:05.45 1:11.89 1:07.19
9 years QT 41.42 1:37.89 3:45.69 1:51.39 4:03.09 53.67 58.79 51.59
Pull Up 46.42 1:50.99 4:17.03 2:03.49 4:38.19 59.57 1:05.09 58.67
10 years QT 38.09 1:26.99 3:05.69 1:38.79 3:33.49 46.79 51.39 44.79
Pull Up 41.99 1:36.99 3:36.29 1:49.79 4:01.09 52.69 57.59 51.49
11 years QT 36.69 1:19.69 3:02.39 1:32.39 3:21.09 43.19 48.49 41.79
Pull Up 39.47 1:27.39 3:19.79 1:40.09 3:40.19 46.99 53.29 47.09
12 years QT 33.39 1:12.89 2:39.79 1:22.89 3:01.49 38.99 43.69 37.79
Pull Up 36.99 1:19.99 2:55.09 1:31.39 3:22.19 42.69 47.49 41.99
50 100 200 400 200 100 100 100
FR FR FR FR IM BK BR FL
13-14 years QT 30.79 1:07.29 2:26.69 5:14.19 2:44.19 1:13.89 1:23.49 1:13.29
Pull Up 33.19 1:12.49 2:41.99 5:54.29 2:59.79 1:23.59 1:31.89 1:22.89
15-16 years QT 29.59 1:04.49 2:20.89 5:02.79 2:36.69 1:10.19 1:19.59 1:10.09
Pull Up 31.89 1:09.49 2:34.79 5:49.09 2:55.79 1:20.59 1:29.79 1:21.49
17-19 years QT 28.69 1:02.99 2:18.19 4:57.19 2:33.99 1:07.99 1:17.89 1:07.59
Pull Up 32.89 1:11.79 2:40.79 5:29.09 2:57.89 1:18.19 1:30.89 1:19.79
252017-2020 EFSL CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES - GIRLS
2017-2020 Champs Qualification Times
50 100 200 100 200 50 50 50
Girls FR FR FR IM IM BK BR FL
8 & Under QT 49.00 1:54.69 4:24.99 2:04.70 4:37.19 0:59.55 1:06.32 1:01.79
Pull Up 52.95 2:05.39 4:52.19 2:16.09 4:59.99 1:05.45 1:12.72 1:07.85
9 years QT 42.12 1:40.59 3:54.59 1:52.44 4:03.79 0:53.67 0:59.19 0:56.45
Pull Up 46.72 1:51.89 4:18.79 2:04.64 4:32.29 59.57 1:05.59 58.97
10 years QT 38.89 1:28.39 3:15.99 1:41.29 3:36.19 46.29 52.49 46.19
Pull Up 42.99 1:38.99 3:40.09 1:53.39 4:03.49 51.99 58.89 52.39
11 years QT 36.87 1:22.29 3:06.49 1:33.79 3:23.19 44.08 48.19 41.29
Pull Up 39.47 1:29.59 3:23.19 1:40.49 3:42.59 47.18 53.69 47.89
12 years QT 34.69 1:15.49 2:45.39 1:26.59 3:05.39 39.29 44.19 37.69
Pull Up 37.29 1:21.29 2:58.09 1:33.19 3:25.69 42.99 47.59 42.59
50 100 200 400 200 100 100 100
FR FR FR FR IM BK BR FL
13-14 years QT 33.49 1:12.69 2:37.19 5:32.69 2:55.89 1:19.19 1:30.99 1:18.89
Pull Up 36.09 1:18.29 2:49.29 5:58.29 3:09.49 1:25.29 1:37.99 1:26.56
15-16 years QT 32.89 1:11.39 2:33.79 5:25.59 2:52.59 1:17.39 1:29.19 1:17.29
Pull Up 35.39 1:16.89 2:45.59 5:55.69 3:05.79 1:25.39 1:38.09 1:25.79
17-19 years QT 32.29 1:09.99 2:32.49 5:24.39 2:49.99 1:16.39 1:28.09 1:16.09
Pull Up 34.79 1:15.29 2:44.19 5:52.29 3:02.99 1:22.29 1:35.89 1:23.99
26ORDER OF EVENTS AT A REGULAR MEET
Event # Event
1 M ixed 10 & Under 200 M edley Relay
2 M ixed 11-12 200 M edley Relay
3 M ixed 13-14 200 M edley Relay
4 M ixed 15-19 200 M edley Relay
5 Girls 12 & Under 100 IM
6 Boys 12 & Under 100 IM
7 Girls 13-19 200 IM
8 Boys 13-19 200 IM
9 Girls 12 & Under 50 Freestyle
10 Boys 12 & Under 50 Freestyle
11 Boys 13-19 50 Freestyle
12 Girls 13-19 50 Freestyle
13 Girls 12 & Under 50 Butterfly
14 Boys 12 & Under 50 Butterfly
15 Girls 13-19 100 Butterfly
16 Boys 13-19 100 Butterfly
17 Girls 12 & Under 200 IM
18 Boys 12 & Under 200 IM
19 Girls 13-19 200 Freestyle
20 Boys 13-19 200 Freestyle
21 Girls 12 & Under 50 Backstroke
22 Boys 12 & Under 50 Backstroke
23 Girls 13-19 100 Backstroke
24 Boys 13-19 100 Backstroke
25 Girls 12 & Under 100 Freestyle
26 Boys 12 & Under 100 Freestyle
27 Girls 13-19 100 Freestyle
28 Boys 13-19 100 Freestyle
29 Girls 12 & Under 50 Breaststroke
30 Boys 12 & Under 50 Breaststroke
31 Girls 13-19 100 Breaststroke
32 Boys 13-19 100 Breaststroke
33 Girls 12 & Under 200 Freestyle
34 Boys 12 & Under 200 Freestyle
35 Girls 13-19 400 Freestyle
36 Boys 13-19 400 Freestyle
37 M ixed 10 & Under 200 Freestyle Relay
38 M ixed 11-12 200 Freestyle Relay
39 M ixed 13-14 200 Freestyle Relay
40 M ixed 15-19 200 Freestyle Relay
27ORDER OF EVENTS AT A PENTATHLON MEET
Event # Event
1 Girls 12 & Under 100 IM
2 Boys 12 & Under 100 IM
3 Girls 13-19 200 IM
4 Boys 13-19 200 IM
5 Girls 12 & Under 50 Freestyle
6 Boys 12 & Under 50 Freestyle
7 Girls 13-19 100 Freestyle
8 Boys 13-19 100 Freestyle
9 Girls 12 & Under 50 Backstroke
10 Boys 12 & Under 50 Backstroke
11 Girls 13-19 100 Backstroke
12 Boys 13-19 100 Backstroke
13 Girls 12 & Under 50 Breaststroke
14 Boys 12 & Under 50 Breaststroke
15 Girls 13-19 100 Breaststroke
16 Boys 13-19 100 Breaststroke
17 Girls 12 & Under 50 Butterfly
18 Boys 12 & Under 50 Butterfly
19 Girls 13-19 100 Butterfly
20 Boys 13-19 100 Butterfly
282018-2019 SHAPE Seals Meet Schedule
DATE HOST TEAM PARTICIPATING TEAMS LOCATION
SAT 15 SEP SHP GKN, KMC, NMS SHAPE
SAT 22 SEP RTA LIS, SIG, SHP Rota, Spain
SUN 23 SEP RTA LIS, SIG, SHP Rota, Spain
SUN 23 SEP NMS GKN, KMC, SHP Brussels, Belgium
WED 26 SEP SHP SHAPE
SAT 06 OCT GKN BLN, ESB, KMC, NMS, SGT, SHP Brunssum, Netherlands
SAT 13 OCT SHP BLN, EFL, ESB, KMC,LKN, NMS, SGT, WSN SHAPE
SUN 14 OCT NMS BLN, EFL, ESB, KMC, LKN, SGT, SHP, WSN Brussels, Belgium
SAT 20 OCT KMC EFL, ESB, GKN, LKN, NMS, RTA, SGT, SHP, VGC, WSN K-Town, Germany
WED 24 OCT SHP SHAPE
SAT 03 NOV GKN LKN, NMS, SGT, SHP Brunssum, Netherlands
WED 07 NOV SHP SHAPE
SAT 10 NOV SHP NMS, GKN, LKN, ESB, KMC SHAPE
SAT 24 NOV
SHP, NMS EFSL LONG DISTANCE CHAMPS Brugge, Belgium
SUN 25 NOV
SUN 02 DEC NMS EFL, ESB, KMC, SHP Brussels, Belgium
SUN 09 DEC ESB LKN, NMS, NPS, SHP Brussels, Belgium
SAT 15 DEC GKN AVI, ESB, KMC, NMS, RTA, SGT, SHP, VGC Brunssum, Netherlands
SAT 12 JAN LKN KMC, NMS, RTA, SHP Lakenheath, UK
SUN 13 JAN LKN KMC, NMS, RTA, SHP Lakenheath, UK
SAT 19 JAN SHP ESB, EFL, KMC, LKN, NMS SHAPE
SUN 20 JAN NMS ESB, KMC, LKN, RTA, SHP Brussels, Belgium
SUN 27 JAN ESB GKN, LKN, LIS, NMS, RTA, SHP Brussels, Belgium
SUN 03 FEB NMS DIVISIONALS Brussels, Belgium
SAT 02 MAR
ESB EFSL INDIVIDUALS CHAMPIONSHIPS Eindhoven
SUN 03 MAR
BENELUX Division RHINELAND Division SOUTHERN Division
SHP - SHAPE Seals KMC - Kaiserslautern NPS - Naples Tiger Sharks
LKH - Lakenheath Barracudas Kingfish AVI - Aviano Sea Dragons
GKN - Geilenkirchen Orcas BLN - Berlin Bear-A-Cudas VZA - Vicenza Mako Sharks
NMS - NATO Marlins SGT - Stuttgart Piranhas RTA - Rota Tiburones
ESB - Brussels Octopus WSN - Wiesbaden Wahoos LIS - Lisbon Bullsharks
EFL - Eifel Sharks VGC - Vilseck-Graf SIG - Sigonella Swordfish
SeaVipers
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