Welcome to the 2023 Plantation Club Porpoises Swim Team

It is going to be a great season so happy to have you join us. We have put together this handbook
to fill you in on any information that you may need.

Website: http://pcporpoises.swimtopia.com

Board Members
● Past President, Craig Wilcox
● President, Kristen Vlaun
● Vice President, Jonathan Waldenmayer
● Secretary, Amanda Whittmann
● Treasurer, Beckie Wagner
● Volunteer Coordinator, Sarah Bowen
● Computer Chair, Brian Fish
● Communications Chair, Kyle Cribbs
● Registrar, Laura Marshall
● Head Clerk of Course VANCANT
● Board Member At Large, Melanie Wood
● Board Member At Large, Erin Dudley

Coaches
Tracy DaCosta

Kyla Gargiulo
Porpoises Responsibility Information

Minimum Age Requirement

All swimmers must be 5 years of age by June 1, there are no exceptions.

New Swimmer Evaluation

The coaches will evaluate all new Porpoise swimmers and all swimmers under age 7. Though we
are proud that the Porpoises Swim Team is a developmental team, the swim team is not a substitute
for swim lessons. Many new swimmers make tremendous improvements over the course of the
season. Additionally, it is understandable that some experienced swimmers may experience
decreased endurance over the winter months. However, in some cases, swim lessons are more
appropriate for inexperienced swimmers. In this case, the coach will advise accordingly. Please
reconsider swim team once the swimmer is more skilled.

Porpoises Practices

Practice is important to the development of our swimmers. Swimmers are expected to attend as many
practices as possible. Training together as a team benefits all individuals in the group and is an
important part of the Porpoises swim team.

The Porpoise Swimmer: Responsibilities

The swimmer has a responsibility to treat his/her coach with respect and to adhere to the coach's
rules. The swimmer is also responsible to treat his/her teammates with respect and display good
sportsmanlike behavior. Swimmers are encouraged to always be positive.

The Porpoise Coaching Staff

The coaching staff has the responsibility to supervise the competitive swimming program. They are
dedicated to providing a program that will enable all of the swimmers to learn the value of striving to
improve oneself. Support of all parents and swimmers involved in the program is expected by the
coaches. Training programs that are safe and meet the needs of the team will be established.
Coaches have the responsibility to be positive role models for the swimmers and technical experts
on the sport of swimming. Final decisions regarding events swimmers will compete in at meets,
including the relay events, are determined by coaches.

The Porpoise Parents

Parents have the responsibility to take all questions and concerns regarding your child’s progress or
performance directly to your respective coach before practice begins or after practice has ended for
the day A parent must also remain on deck during all practices and meets. Parents must participate
in team sponsored events including meets and fund-raisers. Most important, parents must support
their swimmer’s efforts in a positive and loving manner.
Refunds

If you cancel before the first scheduled practice you will receive a full refund less any costs for team
shirts and caps, and any credit card processing fees. The Porpoises Swim Team will offer no
refunds after the first scheduled practice due to administration costs as well as coaching fees. This
policy has been set to deter swimmers from quitting prematurely and to promote hard work when
practices become difficult. Season ending injuries will be considered by the board on a case-by-
case basis. Please note that non-compliance with the parent pledge could result in expulsion from
the team with no refund.

Swimming Terms

Backstroke: One of the four competitive racing strokes characterized by swimming on the back
(except the last stroke into the turns). Backstroke (or Back) is swum as the first stroke in the Medley
Relay and second stroke in the Individual Medley.

Backstroke Flags: Lines of flags placed above the lanes at each end to signal the backstroke
swimmer that he/she is five yards from the wall. The accomplished backstroke swimmer will know
how many strokes it takes to get from the flags to the Beginning of their turn or finish.

Bilateral Breathing: Used in Freestyle swimming, breathing to the right side, and then swimming a
set number of strokes, with the next breath occurring to the left side, then repeating the pattern.
Swimmers are taught to swim in this manner because it helps with body position and helps reduce
shoulder injury. Body Position - The way your body sits in the water during swimming. Ideal body
position requires that your body is as straight and long and as close to the surface of the water as
possible.

Breaststroke: One of the four competitive racing strokes characterized by the distinctive frog- like
kick. The oldest of the four strokes, it is performed in a front prone position with simultaneous and
symmetrical leg kick and pull. Breaststroke (or Breast) is swum as the second stroke in the Medley
Relay and the third stroke in the Individual Medley.

Butterfly: One of the four competitive racing strokes characterized by the dolphin kick and over the
water recovery of the arms. The newest of the competitive strokes (an outgrowth from the
breaststroke in 1956), it is performed in a front prone position with simultaneous up and down leg
kick and simultaneous and symmetrical arm stroke. Butterfly (or Fly) is swum as the third stroke in
the Medley Relay and first stroke in the Individual Medley.

Clock: (also called the pace clock) The big clock on the deck that is used for practices. The red
hand goes around every minute (60 seconds). The 60 is sometimes referred to as the top and the
30 as the bottom.
Circle Swim: Used when there are more than two swimmers in a lane for swim practices.
Swimmers swim up on the right side staying close to the lane line and return on the other side in the
same manner. Always stay to the right of the black center line. Each swimmer leaves five seconds
apart (or an interval directed by the coach) so there is space between each person in the lane.

Disqualification (DQ): This occurs when a swimmer has committed an infraction of some kind; for
example: freestyle kick in butterfly. A disqualified swimmer is not eligible to receive awards, nor can
the time be used as an official time.

Event: Any race or series of races in a given stroke or distance.

False Start: Occurs when a swimmer moves before the gun has sounded.

Flip Turn: One type of turn used in Freestyle and Backstroke. Just as the swimmer approaches the
wall, they tuck their body into a somersault, quickly roll toward the wall and push off with their feet.

Freestyle: One of the four competitive racing strokes, usually performed as the Front Crawl.
Swimmers swim in a prone position, face down, and pull the arms independently of each other and
legs kick individually. However, in competition, a swimmer can swim any stroke in a Freestyle event.
Freestyle (or Free) is swum as the fourth stroke in the Medley Relay and the fourth stroke in the
Individual Medley.

Heat: A single race in an event, in which there are too many swimmers to compete at one time.
Typically, swimmers are grouped together by common competitive times.

Heat Sheets: A printed program that lists the events, heats, lanes, and swimmers. It is the
responsibility of every parent to print this from their computer. These are generally available the
night prior to a meet.

I.M.: Slang for the Individual Medley race in which the swimmer uses all four strokes in the following
order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.

Relay: A swimming event in which four swimmers (of the same sex and usually in the same age
group) participate as a relay team to achieve one time. Each swimmer swims an equal distance of the
race. Relay races are scored double the amount of points than individual events. There are two types
of relays: A Medley Relay is when one swimmer swims Backstroke, one swimmer swims
Breaststroke, one swimmer swims Butterfly, one swimmer swims Freestyle, in that order. A
Freestyle Relay is when each swimmer swims Freestyle.

Relay Exchange: is the exchange between the swimmer in the water finishing his/her leg and the
next swimmer on the relay team. A perfect exchange will simultaneously have the finishing
swimmer's hand on the touch pad (or wall), while the starting swimmer's feet just touching the
starting block with the rest of the starting swimmer's body extended over the water.
Ribbons: Awards earned by swimmers at meets for finishing in the first-sixth places. Heat winner
ribbons are rewarded for the winner of each heat. The heat ribbon does not mean your child has
won the event. Ribbons are dispersed through swimmer box up to a week after a meet.

Scratch: to withdraw from an event in a competition.

Seeding: Swimmers are arranged in heats in events according to submitted times, and heat
sheets are prepared prior to the day of competition.

Sharpie: A permanent marker used to write the E/H/L (event/heat/lane) information on a swimmer's
forearm to remind him/her of which races he/she is swimming. You will also need to write the child's
first initial and last name on the right shoulder. Yes sharpie does wash off the child's body.

Split: A time recorded from the official start to the completion of an initial distance within a longer
event. Also the time for one of the four individuals in a relay. Under certain conditions, splits may
also be used as official times; for example, the lead off
swim in a relay, or the lead off portion of an event.

Streamline: Making the body long and narrow (arms/hands together and outstretched, head down
between arms, feet together pointed back) in the glide off the starts and walls. It also applies to all
aspects of the stroke. The more swimmers can create a stream-lined effect, the more efficient they
will be in the water.

"Take Your Mark": The starter's command to swimmer's in which they must respond at once by
assuming a starting position.

Timed Finals: Competition in which all the heats in an event are swum and the final places,
points, and awards for the event are determined by the resulting times of all swimmers in all heats.
In SJSSL, the slower times will be seeded in the first heats, with the fastest times in the last heat.

Warm Down: Low intensity swimming used by swimmers after a race or a main practice set to rid
the body of excess lactic acid, and to gradually reduce heart rate and respiration.

Warm Up: Low intensity swimming used by a swimmer prior to a main practice set or race to get
muscles loose and warm. Warm up gradually increases heart rate, respiration, and helps to prevent
injury. A time is set aside prior to a swim meet for the swimmers to warm up in the pool.

Yardage: The distance a swimmer races or swims in practice. Total yardage is usually
calculated for each practice session.
Meet Personnel Duties
Volunteer Commitment (Families): Volunteers for swim meets are organized into 2 shifts,
approximately 2-3 hours per shift. Each family must volunteer for a minimum of 3 volunteer shifts
per summer swim season. There are typically 5-8 regular season meets giving parents an
opportunity to choose from various volunteer shifts during the regular season. All families are
required to sign up for their volunteer commitment during the registration process. If any family is
unable to fulfill their commitment at a later date, they are responsible for finding a replacement.
Any family that signs up for Stroke and Turn Judge will be required to complete training; if a
family signs up for this position but does not complete the training they will be reassigned to
another volunteer role by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Sign up for volunteering: Volunteer commitments are assigned during the registration
process based on your selection of three volunteer spots. You can also volunteer from the
website home page via each swim meet event. Be sure to type in name and the family the
volunteer is representing. You can find outside volunteers to work at the meet for your family.
Please advise us who will be volunteering on your family's behalf, so your family will receive
credit for this position. A responsible non-porpoise swimmer may take your position and earn
service hours.

Computer Operator: This person is responsible for assisting the coach in preparing the
upcoming meets, coordinating all swimmer entries with the opposing team, providing all needed
reports prior and after the meets. This position is a Board Member position. During home swim
meets, the computer operator will enter individual times for each competitor, and oversee the
automated timing system. Once all results are entered, a copy of the results will be printed for
display during the second half of the meet and then posts the final results to the teams website. This
position requires familiarity with basic PC operations.

Computer Assistant: Collects the time sheets from the runners, and delivers them to the
computer operator for input. Also, posts the scores (hang up the results) and generally assists the
computer operator.

Set-Up/Breakdown Crew/Water Crew: Sets up the pool area to be ready for the swim
meet. This should be done one hour before the visiting team arrives and warm-ups begin for
weeknight meets or the evening prior for Saturday meets. This includes ready bench area,
concession room, lane lines, backstroke flags, announcer -PAIi system, computer area, etc. At the
time of the last relay start returning pool to pre-meet conditions. Set-Up committee will also serve to
supply water to all volunteer timers, etc. during the first half of the meet. Break down crew will start
the tear down process towards the end of the meet usually no later than at the start of the Free
Relays. They will neatly return and organize all equipment to the cottage. This crew will also be
responsible for distributing water to all volunteers during the second half of the meet.

Meet Marshalls: The responsibilities of a Meet Marshall would be to make sure all spectators
and swimmers alike do not cross restricted areas, enter and exit the pool deck in the correct way
and keep the meet areas clean.
Starter: Starts each heat with a starting device such as a horn, whistle, or starting system. First,
make sure the timers are ready. Second, call the next heat to get on the blocks. Third, announce
which event is beginning. Fourth, start the race. FOR EXAMPLE: -This is the 6 & under 25 yard
backstroke. Timers ready? (Check to see that all timers hands are raised.) Swimmers take your
mark (pause until all are still), start (blow horn, whistle, etc.)1 If there is a false start, where a
swimmer has left the block before you have sounded the device, sound the device at a constant
pace until everyone stops. Call them back to the blocks and begin the heat again. Additional training
is provided and required.

Stroke and Turn Officials: will observe the performance of each swimmer and ensure
compliance with the rules of swimming as they apply to each competitive stroke. This person will
confer with the head official on observed stroke and turn infractions and report disqualifications to
the computer operator. Additional St Johns Summer Swim League training only is provided and
required. Ultimately we would like to have at least eight Stroke and Turn Officials so that no one is
needed to work each meet. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator if you are interested.

Timers: There will be two timers in each lane (one from each team). One will have a clipboard
and pencil to write times on the cards. Raise your hand if you are ready when the Starter has
asked,
-Timers ready? Stop the watch when any part of the swimmer’s body touches the wall. A parent
must not time their own swimmer. Please exchange lanes with another team volunteer timer in
the next lane.

Head Timer: will start two watches as each race begins to be used as a replacement watch if a
timer’s watch malfunctions or does not start correctly.

Runners: Runners gather swimmer cards/sheets from the timers after each event for both boys
and girls. Runners make sure the times are written on the cards/sheets and take the completed
cards/sheets to the computer operator. Two runners are used. One should collect cards/sheets from
timers. The other collects DQ sheets from Stroke Judges and turns them into head official. In
addition, runners make sure volunteers have water.

Heat Ribbon Distribution: Distributes heat winner ribbons to the swimmer, who comes in
first in the event. Watching each event carefully is important - if it is very, very, close then ribbons
can be distributed to both winning swimmers. When in doubt, hand them out!

Head Clerk of the Course: This is the person who organizes the swimmers in the correct
heat. This person will also attend the Scratch Meeting before the swim meet. At this meeting, each
coach will let you know about any swimmer that is not coming and will need to be scratched from
their races or adding additional swimmers. The Ready Bench Helpers will crowd control the children
and assist you in your duties.

Ready Bench Helpers: These people help the Head Clerk of the Course at the ready bench
area, and gather swimmers from their own team. After swimmers are organized into correct heats by
head clerk of course, you place them in correct seat. Have more than two ready bench helpers from
each team at the beginning and at the end, especially for the relays. You will be escorting the
swimmers to the end of the pool and keeping them in order.
Ready Bench Area: An area that is mapped out for the swimmers to gather to be placed in their
heats. We use benches to keep order. Have this area roped off BEFORE the visiting team arrives
so spectators will not sit in the area. Also, it is a good idea to have chairs behind the start blocks for
the swimmers to sit in just before their race. This is very helpful so the swimmers will not get out of
order and will be at the correct event.

Concessions: Helps with selling drinks and food items during the home swim meets. We also ask
each age group to donate either water or treats to be sold to purchase gifts for the junior coaches at
the end of the season. The time your group is asked to donate will be announced by email and at
the pool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the background of the team? From Coach Tracy: Head Coach Tracy DaCosta has
served as a swim trainer for over 19 years and a coach for over 13 years. A graduate from the
University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Art degree in Art: Photography/ Computer Graphics,
she began swimming in Baltimore, Maryland, by participating in competitive year- round and
summer YMCA programs. Currently, she is the Head Coach of Creekside High School’s Swimming
and Diving program. Prior to joining the Julington Creek Porpoises staff she was the Head Coach of
the Marsh Landing Marlins, Kirby-Smith Middle School Girls Swim Team, an Assistant Girls’ Swim
Coach for Sandalwood and Mandarin High School, as well as a private swim instructor with clubs
like The Lodge & Bath Club at Ponte Vedra, Eagle Harbor, UNF, and Mount Pleasant Recreation in
Charleston, SC. Coach Tracy presently holds certifications with the American Swim Coaches
Association, Florida High School Coaching Association, and as a Water Safety Instructor.
Swimming is a sport that builds strong self- esteem and goal setting strategies that stay with an
individual throughout their life. By combining my teaching background and a love of swimming, I
feel that I can successfully combine individual focus on a swimmer by utilizing in the water coaching
and proficient stroke technique training, while encouraging the enthusiasm of being a member of a
great spirited team.

How does the team communicate? There are several different ways use to communicate
with the team:
1. Emails as needed - please read each email. They contain important information that
shouldn't be missed. Check that our email is not going into your spam folder.
2. Web Page - Information includes: News, Meet Schedule, Practice Schedule, Meet
Results, and Volunteer Schedule. Website is http://pcporpoises.swimtopia.com
3. Facebook Page is https://www.facebook.com/JCPPorpoises/
4. Twitter account is @PCP_Porpoises
5. Filing Boxes contain a folder for each swimmer's family and will be filled with meet
ribbons, notes, etc. Please leave your folder in the box after retrieving contents. These
will be located on a table during practice.
6. Handbook (online) - filled with lots of important, interesting information.
7. Word of Mouth - parents are encouraged to drop by the pool and talk with board
members or coaches (after practice).
8. Please check the website, Facebook page and/or Twitter account daily, if weather looks
bad we'll announce delays or cancellations on the website so it is important you check
there for all important news and updates!
How do meet entries happen?
First, we need to hear online only from every single swimmer each meet whether they are swimming
or not swimming. Deadlines to register or opt out of a meet are approximately 7 days prior to the
meet.

Why do I need to sign out my swimmer at least seven (7) days before a meet?
Fill out the form online to register your child for a meet at least 2 weeks in advance. If you signed up
for a meet, and are going to be absent, please email the Computer Operator and Coach Tracy ASAP!

Steps to Entering Swimmers in Events for a Meet

Step 1: Register your swimmer online (takes 2 minutes) .

Step 2: Coach and computer operator run a report and enter swimmers in their individual events
(takes 3-6 hours) .

Step 3: Four days prior to the meet, take out all swimmers that are signed out.

Step 4: Coaches put Relays together (Each swimmer may swim a maximum of 3 individual events
and 1 relay or 2 individual events and 2 relays; step takes 2-4 hours) . Only the top swimmers may
be asked to swim in relays. This is a coach’s decision. Please be sure to see if your child is an
alternative on the relay list.

Step 5: Forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meet we must submit our entries to the host team’s
computer operator. This person will merge the entries for both teams, and prepare the heat sheets.
When swimmers are pulled from the meet during the forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meet, it
changes relays and changes have to be made to the entries and heat sheets. A tremendous
amount of man (or woman) hours goes into preparing entries for the meet. Thank you for help with
signing out!

How do I enter my child in a swim meet? To sign a child up for a swim meet click on Swim
Meets on the website. Once on the swim meet page scroll down to the swim meet you are entering
your child and click on the green Meet Entry button. Next screen, click on Edit and then make your
declarations for your swimmer(s).

How did my child get entered in the events he/she is entered in?
Each swimmer may only swim a maximum of 3 individual events and 1 relay or 2 individual events
and 2 relays. New swimmers will swim freestyle and back. As they improve, butterfly and
breaststroke will be added. We try to get every child to swim every event at least once.

After a swimmer masters all four strokes, they will be entered in the IM (Individual Medley). They
must be able to swim all four strokes legally. As the season progresses, the coaches will try to
determine a child’s best events for the championship meet. Every child must swim all events at least
once. You never know if an event could be your child’s forte or favorite new stroke.
What if it rains during a practice? If there is only rain we practice. If it is pouring and we
cannot see the bottom of the pool the kids will be pulled from the pool. If thunder is heard, deck is
emptied for 15 minutes. If lightning is seen, deck is emptied for 30 minutes. At this time the coach
and pool employees will decide whether to keep pool open. Days where weather is questionable
always refer to the website for schedule delays or cancellations. All practice delays or cancellations
will be announced on the website so check their first!

What if it rains prior or during a meet? If there is only rain and no lightning, the meet will
continue. If our lightning tracker detects lightning or if we hear thunder, swimmers and spectators
will clear the pool area. The referee and coaches will consult radar, etc. to determine if the meet will
continue after the storm/lightning blows through our area. The league representative and coaches
will -call the meet if needed. Days where weather is questionable always refer to the website for
schedule delays or cancellations.

How are relays put together?

Swimmers are entered in their best events (Coach Tracy confers with the other coaches to
determine best events). The computer then puts the four (4) fastest swimmers in Relay A, Relay B,
Relay C. After the relays are compiled, Coach Tracy can mix-up and swap swimmers at her
discretion. Sometimes she may pick the hardest worker-there are no favorites, nothing political
about it. At Champs, there will only be one (1) free relay and one (1) medley relay for each age
group (no A, B, nor C relays). The top four swimmers will fill the relay events. Sometimes this comes
down to a difference of mere tenths of a second. Alternates may also be selected.

Relay problem - missing swimmers. Parents sometimes leave with their kids before the
meet is completely over and without notifying/asking the Coaches if okay to leave. Our coaches
would like you to stay until the end of the meet or at least until the end of your child’s age group’s
relay. You never know when they will need a substitute swimmer. This might be an unexpected
opportunity to swim in a relay.

When may I speak with the coaches? Your child’s safety is our top priority. Please do
not engage coaches during practice especially while swimmers are in the water. Please wait until
practices have ended.

What is a "Heat"? Why my child did receive a heat ribbon, but did not come in
first place? Each event is divided into heats based on the number of swimmers in an event. With
only six (6) lanes and forty-two (42) swimmers, there will be seven (7) heats. Swimmers are placed
in a heat based on their seed time. The last heat is made up of the fastest seed times. A swimmer
may win their heat, but place seventh (7th). Places are determined by time.

What goals should my swimmer have? A swimmer’s goal or main concern should be to
perform and master the strokes accurately. With proper stroke technique, a swimmer’s next goal is
to get faster each week (-drop their time1 and achieve a personal best).
Coaching

Please avoid the temptation to coach your kids. You are paying our coaches for that. They are
up-to-date and certified. When your kids are swimming outside of practice, let them play, not
work!

Ready Bench

IT IS THE PARENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO WATCH THE EVENT NUMBER POLES AND TO

LISTEN TO THE ANNOUNCEMENTS IN ORDER TO SEND/DELIVER THEIR CHILDREN TO
THE CLERK OF COURSE. The meet may not be held up to wait for a late swimmer. If the swimmer
does not show up at Clerk of Course when needed it is very possible the swimmer will be scratched
from the event.

However, please do not approach the Clerk of Course during a swim meet. They will make sure
swimmers are where they need to be, handle problems, etc. once your swimmer reaches the ready
bench area. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Caution Tape around the pool: Please stay away from areas of the pool roped off by
caution tape. It is for the protection of the timers, stroke judges, runners and swimmers.
Stroke judges- These volunteers have been certified by a swimming official. They are in charge of
making sure the rules set forward by the USS swimming organization are being followed for a fair
competition. This is not the NFL. There are no instant replays. If a stroke judge makes a call for a DQ
(disqualification of swimmer) only the coach of the swimmer may ask for a clarification.

Championships: This is the final meet of the season and determines the overall champion of the
SJSSL League, regardless of season record.

To qualify to participate in the Championship meet your child must have participated in 3 regular
meets during the season. The Championship meet has been held at Cecil Fields for the last several
years. It is the best meet of the season and imperative that all swimmers make it a priority to attend!!

All the information about championships will be posted on our website at

pcporpoises.swimtopia.com

End of the year party is generally held on the Sunday Following Championships, at the practice
pool. It is a great time to gather one more time and to congratulate one another for a great season. It
is a couple hours of playing pool games and eating cake.

Medals/End of Season awards: For your child to receive a medal they must swim in 3
regular meets, the swimmers’ family must also have met their volunteer requirements, and the
swimmer must swim in our championship meet at the end of the season.