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SHAPE SEALS
INTERNATIONAL SWIM TEAM
Team Handbook
2014-2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................... 3
FROM THE TEAM PRESIDENT .............................................................................................................. 4
COACHES’ CORNER ............................................................................................................................... 5
BASIC POOL RULES................................................................................................................................ 6
SWIMMING GROUPS .............................................................................................................................. 7
PRACTICE TIMES ................................................................................................................................ 7
TEAM MEMBERSHIP .............................................................................................................................. 8
REGISTRATION & FEES ......................................................................................................................... 9
EVENTS, MEETS & STATISTICS ......................................................................................................... 10
EVENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 10
MEETS ................................................................................................................................................. 10
STATISTICS ........................................................................................................................................ 12
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A MEET .......................................................................................................... 14
PARENTS: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 15
SHAPE Seals Swimmer Code of Conduct ................................................................................................ 17
SHAPE Seals Parent Code of Conduct ..................................................................................................... 18
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................................. 19
POOL LOCATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 19
2014-2015 EFSL CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES ..................................................................... 20
2014-2015 LONG DISTANCE CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES ............................................... 22
ORDER OF EVENTS AT A REGULAR MEET ................................................................................. 23
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ............................................................................................... 24
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CONTACT INFORMATION
SEALS BOARD
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President: shapeseals@hotmail.com
Executive Board: board@shapeseals.com
COACHING STAFF
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Gold/Technical: shapesealscoach@gmail.com
Silver: sealssilvercoach@gmail.com
Bronze: sealsbronzecoach@gmail.com
WEBSITE
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www.shapeseals.com
FACEBOOK

SHAPE Seals 2014/2015
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FROM THE TEAM PRESIDENT
The SHAPE Seals International Swim Team is a truly 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.
The objective of the Team is to develop physical fitness, sportsmanship and to promote the enjoyment of
the sport of swimming in a competitive environment, provided mainly through membership in the
European Forces Swim League (EFSL).
My objective as the President is to build team spirit amongst our swimmers and the families that support
them. This is truly a lifelong activity that encourages commitment and physical dedication; swimming
also rewards effort as we see children improving throughout the season. We encourage participation from
Parents – the Board is always looking for enthusiastic swim parents to help out and drive the direction of
the team – and we look for you to volunteer and help out at swim meets and social events.
If you are new to competitive swimming then I would encourage you to speak to those who have been
involved with SHAPE Seals and the EFSL. We compete in the Benelux Division of the EFSL with 2
other Belgian teams, NATO Marlins and Brussels Octopus, GK Orcas from the NATO Headquarters in
Brunssum, the Netherlands, and the Lakenheath Barracudas located at Lakenheath, England. This allows
our team to travel around Europe - we also have 2 meets in Germany, Wiesbaden and Berlin, this season.
There are 3 different championship meets this year. The first is the Long Distance Championship, which
will be held in Italy in late November. We then have our Divisional Championship at the beginning of
February for the whole team, and the EFSL Championship for qualifying swimmers at the end of
February. As your President, I consider the Divisional Championship as the highlight of the season
where the whole team competes with our friends from the Benelux Division.
From all on the Board, welcome, keep calm and swim on.
Yours,
Allen
A G A WILSON
President of SHAPE Seals
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COACHES’ CORNER
Parents are reminded of a few policies related to swim practices:
The coaches’ primary focus while they are on deck are your children. They are not always able to speak
to parents directly before or after practice because sometimes they have coaching related matters to
discuss, and sometimes 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 the coaches would prefer you
contact the Lead coach for their level 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
Gold and technique questions: Coach Cassie: shapesealscoach@gmail.com
o
Silver: Coach Axel: silversealscoach@gmail.com
o
Bronze: Coach Kelly: bronzesealscoach@gmail.com

Please do not interfere with, or distract, coaches or swimmers during practice.

If your child cannot attend practice, please notify their lead 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 lead coach know in advance

Swimmers are expected to participate in all home meets. If you cannot attend a meet please
notify your child’s lead coach in advance. Swimmers are expected to arrive at meets on time for
warm up.
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BASIC 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.
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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.
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SWIMMING GROUPS
There are 5 group divisions for the SHAPE seals swim team:
8 & under: will swim with the Bronze group but will practice for 1 hour vs. 1.5 hours. 8 year olds can
request approval from Coach Cassie to practice for the full 1.5 hours.
Bronze: 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.
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 3 days per
week is required to swim with the Silver group; 4 days per week is strongly suggested.
Silver Plus: There is a small number of very motivated swimmers who still require enough technique
improvement that they are not ready to swim with the Gold group every practice. However, because of
the effort and dedication they give to the sport, they swim with the Gold group 2 days per week and Silver
group 2 days per week. A commitment of 4 days per week is required to swim with the Silver Plus group.
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 4 days per week is required to swim with the Gold group; 5 days per week is highly
recommended.
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.
PRACTICE TIMES
Monday
1600-1730
Bronze
1900-2030
Gold/Silver
Tuesday
1600-1730
Bronze
1900-2030
Gold/Silver
Wednesday
1600-1730
Gold
*8 and under from 5 Sep (Gold will move to 1900 slot)
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Thursday
1600-1730
Silver
1900-2030
Gold/Bronze
Friday
1600-1730
Gold*/Silver
1900-2030
Gold
TEAM 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, provided mainly through membership in
the European Forces Swim League (EFSL).
What is the EFSL?
The European Forces Swim League (EFSL) is an outgrowth of Forces, NATO & European Communities'
teams throughout Europe. 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, please visit
their website at http://swimefsl.org.
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, currently held in Eindhoven,
Netherlands, must attend a minimum of 4 meets including Divisionals.
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REGISTRATION & FEES
 TEAM FEES: 350 Euros (€) per swimmer.
•
There is a 50€ discount for each additional child (i.e. 1st: 350€, 2nd: 300€, 3rd: 250€, etc.)
 VOLUNTEER DEPOSIT: 200€ per family
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Refundable after 40 hours of volunteer time
•
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 01 October 2014.
•
Dues that are more than one month in arrears constitute grounds for suspension from the
team until cleared.
•
No swimmer will be allowed to compete in an official swim meet unless dues have been
paid.
 SHAPE SEALS Bank Account Details:
Account:
IBAN:
BIC:
643-0048328-02
BE32 6430 0483 2802
BMPBBEBB
 Championship Splash Fees
•
All parents are to note that individual EFSL Championship races incur a Splash Fee of
$20 per race
•
This is not included in your Team Fees
•
Therefore, if your child swims in 4 individual events you would be due $80
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EVENTS, 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 1 Jan of the year of Champs (e.g. for the 2014/2015 competitive season 1 Jan 2015).
LONG DISTANCE
The long distance events are also different depending on the age of swimmers. For swimmers 10 &
Under, there is only one long distance event, 400 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 2014/2015 season 29 Nov 2014).
MEETS
There will be different types of meets throughout the season:
 Regular season meets
 Divisional meet (“Divisionals”)
 Championship meets
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.
Standard Meets
Most regular season meets are “Standard” meets. In a standard meet, a swimmer can swim up to
three individual events (from the 8 short distance events listed above) and two relays. The
composition of the relays is decided by the coaches.
Pentathlon
Another type of meet is the “Pentathlon” meet. In a Pentathlon meet, a swimmer can swim up to
five individual events, but from a restricted list of events. The five events for 12 & Under are 50
meters of all strokes and 100 IM. The events for 13 & Above are 100 meters of all strokes and
200 IM. There are no relays. The pentathlon events are especially important because EFSL keeps
record of every swimmer’s pentathlon score during the season. The pentathlon scores are
calculated by adding together the best times in the pentathlon events. The best “Pentathletes” in
every age group receive the very prestigious pentathlon award at Champs.
Dual Meet Shell
Some meets are run as a combination of the two meet programs above (“Dual Meet Shell”). It
means that a swimmer can swim any three events available in her/his age group, or the pentathlon
events.
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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 regular
Champs. 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 (on 29-30 November for the 20142015 season). Swimmers will compete in the long distance events described above. 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 held at some practices.
CHAMPS
The EFSL Championship Meet is held in February (on 28 Feb–1 Mar for the 2014-2015 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_swimming@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. See the Appendix for the order of events at swim meets. (Note: there
is usually a 20-30 minute break after event 20)
 Try to diversify and make sure that the swimmer tries all individual events in the season. Every
swimmer has favorite events, but it is not a good idea to always swim the same. 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
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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 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.
You can also follow the status of the total number of points achieved by the swimmers in the season, the
number of times a swimmer improved her/his personal best time, the seasonal best times in every event,
SHAPE records and the USA Swimming Motivational Time Standards achieved by each swimmer.
MOTIVATIONAL TIME STANDARDS
USA Swimming, the National Governing Body for swimming in the United States, issues age group time
standards designed to encourage age group swimmers to step their swimming up to the next level. These
time standards guide swimmers from just starting out in their age group to reaching their highest
potential. They go from Level B, through BB, A, AA, AAA, and up to Level AAAA times. The time
standards are reviewed every four years, following the Olympic year. These time standards form the basis
for the qualification times for Champs. Unless otherwise decided by EFSL the qualification times equal to
the BB standards, and the pull up time to the B standards. The USA Swimming Motivational time
standards for 2013-2016 are shown at the following link, http://www.shapeseals.com/statistics, under
“Motivational Time Standards”.
CHA
S SEE
N
ROCE
RES
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 swum 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.
To 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.
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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 (www.swimefsl.org) The EFSL records are kept in the following agegroups: 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 in 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.
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WHAT TO EXPECT AT A MEET
EFSL competition follows USA Swimming rules with some modifications. The typical 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.
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. Teams are always looking for volunteers, and the
away meet hours count toward your volunteer requirements!
Finally, SEALS are expected to leave the swimming pool building as neat as we found it. Basically, it is
our responsibility to clean up after a meet, not the lifeguards.
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.
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PARENTS: 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.
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.
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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.
At 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.
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SHAPE Seals Swimmer Code of Conduct
2014-2015
As a SHAPE Seals Swimmer, I agree to the following:
I.
I will respect my body:
a. Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and misusing drugs of any kind will not
be tolerated and are grounds for immediate dismissal from the Seals Swim Team.
b. I will respect the EFSL curfew of 2300 hrs the night prior to a swim meet.
c. I will respect pre-meet curfews set by the Seals coaching staff.
II.
I will respect the coaches:
a. Decisions made by the coaches are final (Concerns must be brought to the team
president)
b. I will correct my behavior and attitude if found inappropriate.
c. I will not enter or leave the water until told to do so.
d. I understand that not following coaching staff directions I may be subject to
disciplinary action.
III.
I will respect others and myself:
a. I will not use crude or offensive language or gestures.
b. I will honor the house rules set by my host family.
c. I will display good sportsmanship at all times.
d. I will not intentionally interfere with another swimmer, physically or verbally.
e. I will not take or use another swimmer’s property without their permission.
f. I will refrain from excessive public displays of affection at team practice and
meets.
IV.
I will respect the team:
a. I will support, assist and encourage my teammates at meets and at practice.
b. I will support our team captains and help foster team spirit.
c. I will not wear clothing, swimsuits or caps that reflect negatively on the team.
V.
I will respect the meet officials:
a. I will abide by the rules of the host team.
b. I will follow the directions of the Clerk of Course, Marshal, and Meet Director.
c. I will treat all officials with respect and will abide by decisions of the Head
Official.
d. I will direct any issues I may have with any meet official to my Head Coach.
VI.
I will respect the pool rules:
a. I will not participate in horseplay.
b. I will only enter the locker room appropriate for my gender.
c. I will not vandalize or remove pool property.
d. I will be courteous to the pool management.
17
SHAPE Seals Parent Code of Conduct
2014-2015
As the Parent of a SHAPE Seals swimmer(s), I agree to the following:
I.
II.
To abide by the guidance set forth in the Seals Team Handbook.
To attend regularly scheduled parent’s meetings, normally held once a month.
III.
To ensure my swimmer(s) attend regular practice sessions on time with appropriate
equipment. I will promptly pick up my swimmer(s) after practice. Transportation to all
practices and meets are 100% parent (or swimmer) responsibility.
IV.
To respect coaches on deck. I will not interrupt a coach during practice. I will wait until
after practice to have any discussion and will do so respectfully.
V.
To treat pool staff, our swimmers, visiting teams, visiting coaches, and visiting families
with respect.
VI.
Follow the rules of the hosting pool, team president, and referee wherever the swim meet
may be.
VII.
VIII.
To notify the coaching staff of planned absences from meets and practices. In case of
illness, I will contact the coach as soon as possible.
To abide by the guidance of the Meet Director and Officials during a swim meet.
a. If you have concerns ask our Meet Director for help.
b. For technical matters, ask a coach.
c. For issues with any meet official, ask the coach; do not approach the meet official.
IX.
To make every effort to ensure my swimmer(s) attends all regularly scheduled EFSL
meets.
X.
To assist with home and away swim meets as a timer, runner, marshal, stroke and turn
judge, starter, awards, etc.
XI.
To provide a healthy environment for our swimmers, refrain from smoking at any activity
where they are present, hotel rooms, meals as well as formal, informal and impromptu
gatherings.
18
APPENDIX
POOL LOCATIONS
For detailed information on EFSL Swim Teams and their associated websites, visit the EFSL website at
http://swimefsl.org/#directory.
Benelux Division
Location
Brussels, Belgium (ESB)
Team
OCTOPUS
Geilenkirchen, Germany (GKN)
ORCAS
Lakenheath, United Kingdom (LKH)
BARRACUDAS
NATO (Brussels), Belgium (NATO)
MARLINS
SHAPE, Belgium (SHP)
SEALS
Address
European School of Brussels
Piscine du Ceria
Rue des Grives 51
1070 Anderlecht
Rimburgerweg 30
AFNORTH Bldg. H605
6445 Brunssum, Netherlands
IP31 1 St. Edmundsbury
(Honington)
Royal Air Force, Honington, United Kingdom
NATO HQ Staff Center
Avenue D. Bourget/Bourgetlaan
1110 Evere, Belgium
NATO – Avenue De Berlin
SHAPE Gymnasium & Pool
7020 (Maisières) Mons, Belgium
2014-2015 Season (Other Meet Locations)
Location
Berlin
Team
Bear-A-Cudas
Address
Schwimmhalle “Stadtbad Tempelhof”
Wiesbaden, Germany (WSN)
WAHOOS
DIVISIONALS
N/A
Gonsenheim Pool
Hallenbad und Freibad
Am Großen Sand (in Mombach)
Obere Kreuzstr. 11-13
55120 Mainz-Mombach
GKN
Long Distance CHAMPS
N/A
Lignano, Italy
CHAMPS
N/A
Nationaal Zwemcentrum de Tongelreep
Antoon Coolenlaan 1
5644 RX Eindhoven, Netherlands
19
2014-2015 EFSL CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES
GIRLS
“BB” STANDARD (Qualification Times)
Girls QT
8 & Under
9 Years
10 Years
11 Years
12 Years
13-14 Years
15-16 Years
17-19 Years
50 FR 100 FR
0:49.00 1:54.69
0:42.12 1:40.59
0:39.39 1:29.59
0:36.87 1:22.29
0:35.09 1:15.49
0:33.69 1:13.29
0:33.19 1:11.79
0:32.89 1:11.19
200 FR
4:24.99
3:54.59
3:16.99
3:06.49
2:45.39
2:38.19
2:35.39
2:33.79
400 FR BACK BREAST FLY 100 IM 200 IM
0:59.55 1:06.32 1:01.79 2:04.70 4:37.19
0:53.67 0:59.19 0:56.45 1:52.44 4:03.79
0:47.79 0:52.79 0:46.79 1:42.99 3:37.99
0:44.08 0:48.19 0:41.29 1:33.79 3:23.19
0:39.79 0:44.79 0:38.19 1:27.79 3:07.29
5:34.59 1:20.39 1:32.19 1:19.79
2:58.39
5:26.69 1:18.29 1:29.79 1:18.19
2:53.89
5:24.59 1:17.29 1:28.19 1:16.89
2:51.69
“B” STANDARD (Pick-Up & Alternate Times)
Girls QT
8 & Under
9 Years
10 Years
11 Years
12 Years
13-14 Years
15-16 Years
17-19 Years
50 FR
0:52.95
0:42.12
0:43.59
0:39.47
0:37.69
0:36.29
0:35.69
0:35.39
100 FR
2:05.39
1:51.29
1:40.29
1:28.09
1:21.29
1:18.89
1:17.29
1:16.69
200 FR
4:49.19
4:18.79
3:41.19
3:19.19
2:58.09
2:50.29
2:47.39
2:45.59
400 FR
6:00.39
5:51.89
5:49.49
20
BACK BREAST FLY 100 IM
1:05.45 1:12.72 1:04.85 2:14.09
0:59.57 1:05.59 0:58.97 2:04.64
0:53.69 0:59.19 0:53.09 1:55.19
0:47.18 0:51.69 0:44.29 1:40.49
0:42.89 0:48.29 0:41.19 1:34.49
1:26.49 1:39.29 1:25.89
1:24.29 1:36.69 1:24.19
1:23.19 1:34.89 1:22.79
200 IM
4:55.09
4:29.29
4:03.49
3:37.59
3:21.69
3:12.09
3:07.29
3:04.89
2014-2015 EFSL CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES
BOYS
“BB” STANDARD (Qualification Times)
Boys QT
8 & Under
9 Years
10 Years
11 Years
12 Years
13-14 Years
15-16 Years
17-19 Years
50 FR 100 FR
0:47.83 1:51.49
0:41.42 1:37.89
0:38.59 1:27.69
0:36.69 1:19.69
0:33.99 1:14.09
0:31.19 1:08.09
0:29.69 1:04.89
0:29.09 1:03.49
200 FR
4:03.59
3:45.69
3:08.09
3:02.39
2:41.29
2:28.29
2:22.29
2:19.59
400 FR BACK BREAST FLY 100 IM 200 IM
0:59.55 1:07.09 0:59.39 2:03.69 4:36.69
0:53.67 0:58.79 0:51.59 1:51.39 4:03.09
0:47.79 0:52.49 0:45.79 1:40.09 3:37.89
0:43.19 0:48.49 0:41.79 1:32.39 3:21.09
0:39.79 0:44.59 0:38.39 1:25.19 3:05.69
5:16.49 1:15.49 1:24.79 1:14.09
2:46.89
5:05.09 1:11.49 1:21.29 1:10.59
2:38.29
4:59.29 1:09.49 1:19.39 1:09.09
2:35.19
“B” STANDARD (Pick-Up & Alternate Times)
Boys QT
8 & Under
9 Years
10 Years
11 Years
12 Years
13-14 Years
15-16 Years
17-19 Years
50 FR
0:48.25
0:45.42
0:42.59
0:39.29
0:36.59
0:33.49
0:31.99
0:31.29
100 FR
1:58.19
1:47.99
1:37.79
1:25.39
1:19.79
1:13.29
1:09.89
1:08.39
200 FR
4:44.09
4:06.49
3:28.89
3:14.79
2:53.69
2:39.69
2:33.29
2:30.29
400 FR BACK BREAST FLY 100 IM 200 IM
1:05.45 1:11.39 1:03.19 2:13.79 4.53.39
0:59.57 1:05.09 57.39 2:02.49 4:28.19
0:53.69 0:58.79 0:51.59 1:51.19 4:02.99
0:46.49 0:52.29 0:45.09 1:39.09 3:36.19
0:43.09 0:48.39 0:41.69 1:31.89 3:20.79
5:40.89 1:21.29 1:31.29 1:19.79
2:59.79
5:28.59 1:16.99 1:27.49 1:15.99
2:50.49
5:22.29 1:14.79 1:25.49 1:14.39
2:47.09
21
2014-2015 LONG DISTANCE CHAMPS QUALIFICATION TIMES
GIRLS
Girls QT
10 & Under
11 Years
12 Years
13-14 Years
15-16 Years
17-19 Years
400 IM
400 FR
8:51.75
8:04.89
7:39.64
7:14.80
7:03.07
6:59.85
800 FR
1500 FR
14:22.29
13:49.94
13:13.37
12:57.50
12:52.10
29:14.00
26:34.00
25:01.43
24:31.76
24:26.24
800 FR
1500 FR
14:13.65
13:36.72
12:32.55
12:06.21
12:01.27
28:42.39
26:15.83
23:51.39
23:07.23
22:47.68
BOYS
Boys QT
10 & Under
11 Years
12 Years
13-14 Years
15-16 Years
17-19 Years
400 IM
7:52.49
7:28.49
6:47.09
6:32.14
6:22.67
400 FR
8:18.27
22
ORDER OF EVENTS AT A REGULAR MEET
Event #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Event
Mixed 10 & Under 200 Medley Relay
Mixed 11-12 200 Medley Relay
Mixed 13-14 200 Medley Relay
Mixed 15-19 200 Medley Relay
Girls 12 & Under 100 IM
Boys 12 & Under 100 IM
Girls 13-19 200 IM
Boys 13-19 200 IM
Girls 12 & Under 50 Freestyle
Boys 12 & Under 50 Freestyle
Boys 13-19 50 Freestyle
Girls 13-19 50 Freestyle
Girls 12 & Under 50 Butterfly
Boys 12 & Under 50 Butterfly
Girls 13-19 100 Butterfly
Boys 13-19 100 Butterfly
Girls 12 & Under 200 IM
Boys 12 & Under 200 IM
Girls 13-19 200 Freestyle
Boys 13-19 200 Freestyle
Girls 12 & Under 50 Backstroke
Boys 12 & Under 50 Backstroke
Girls 13-19 100 Backstroke
Boys 13-19 100 Backstroke
Girls 12 & Under 100 Freestyle
Boys 12 & Under 100 Freestyle
Girls 13-19 100 Freestyle
Boys 13-19 100 Freestyle
Girls 12 & Under 50 Breaststroke
Boys 12 & Under 50 Breaststroke
Girls 13-19 100 Breaststroke
Boys 13-19 100 Breaststroke
Girls 12 & Under 200 Freestyle
Boys 12 & Under 200 Freestyle
Girls 13-19 400 Freestyle
Boys 13-19 400 Freestyle
Mixed 10 & Under 200 Freestyle Relay
Mixed 11-12 200 Freestyle Relay
Mixed 13-14 200 Freestyle Relay
Mixed 15-19 200 Freestyle Relay
23
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.
What are the dues for the swim season and what do the dues pay for?
The dues are 350 Euros per swimmer (there is a discount of 50 Euros for each additional child). There is
also a 200 Euro Volunteer Deposit per Family (refundable after completion of 40 Volunteer Hours). The
dues pay for life guards, coaches, swimming pools fees when required, misc fees for EFSL, one swim
suit, one cap, one t-shirt, and EFSL qualified and Long distance qualified swim caps. They also pay for
swim ribbons, end of year trophies, team parties (augmented with family contributions), and a variety of
other items that may or may not be needed for the swim season including, but not limited to, clip boards,
coach shirts, officials training, timers, batteries, concessions materials, tables, chairs, reproduction costs.
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 so that our Treasurer can mark you as paid.
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 ontime to ensure they get the most out of the practice. If you are going to be late, you should email your
coach:
• Gold: shapesealscoach@gmail.com
• Silver: sealssilvercoach@gmail.com
• Bronze: sealsbronzecoach@gmail.com
24
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.
Can you explain Age-Up Date?
The age up date for the EFSL is 01 January 2015; if your swimmer turns the next age before 01 January
2015 they will be required to qualify at that age. Until then most teams set their meets up with an age up
date as the day of the meet, others go ahead and age it up IAW the league age up date. Most importantly
for your swimmer to swim at the individual championship meet in February they will need to reach the
qualifying time for their age group as of the 01 January 2015 date. If your swimmer changes their age
after 01 January 2015 they will be classified as the lower age, for example if your swimmer is 12 years
old but turns 13 on 2 January 2015 they will be classified 12 years old until next swim season. Another
example is if your swimmer is 12 years old today and we have a meet on 6 November and their birthday
is 12 December they will swim as a 12 year old for that meet, but must meet the qualifying time of a 13
year old to swim at individual championships.
25