EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO LEARN ABOUT SWIMMING AT LAWRENCE PARK      BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK

1. LPST is a PARENT supported and operated swim team.   Volunteering by parents is a MUST if our swimmers expect to compete on a team that runs efficiently and smoothly.   Say YES whenever you are asked to share your time and talents with the team.  Formal training and experience may be required for a few voluntary positions, such as stroke, place judging and starter/referee; the majority of the tasks do not require formal training,  such as time timing, running, scoring and marshalling.  Remember, just say YES; you won't be sorry!                                                                                                          
2. Remember to let the coaches do the coaching.  This includes allowing the coaches to conduct all practices and meets without interruption.  Practice time is quite brief and must be committed entirely to the swimmers by the coaches.  The time between practices and during practice is NOT the time to approach the coaching staff.  Of course, should you ever have any questions or concerns, the coaches would be happy to speak with you AFTER the second practice.                                                                                                                                                                                                            
3. Anytime a swimmer is unable to attend a swim meet, please let the coaches know IN WRITING as soon as possible.  This certainly should be    done within 48 hours of the meet, preferably sooner so that the necessary changes in the line-up can be made as efficiently and as smoothly as possible.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
4. Should inclement weather threaten to cancel a swim meet, the decision to swim will be determined by the league reps of the two competing clubs in consultation with the pool manager.  Once the decision has been made, it will be posted immediately on the team's website and an email will be sent to the swim team email distribution list.  Please do not call the league reps or the coaches, since these phone lines must remain open so that decisions may be reached as quickly and as expediently as possible.                                                                                                                                                 
5. Always remember that at our home meets, the members of the opposing team are our guests and should be treated with the same courtesy, respect and hospitality that you would extend to any guest in your own home.  Treat them the way we would like to be treated when we are guests at their pools.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
6. On the BIG DAY (the morning of the swim meet):

   •  Be sure to have your swimmers at warm-ups on time (Generally between 8:30 & 9:00).       
   • Coaches will be extremely busy preparing for the start of the meet and will need every precious second; please refrain from  approaching them at this time.                                                             
   • Absolutely NO parent or swimmer from either team may approach the scorer's table before or during the swim meet.  This is not our rule, but a league rule; only the coaches may approach the scorer's table during the meet.  You are welcome to speak with the league reps at the conclusion of the meet.
   • Should some situation arise during the course of the meet, be assured and trust that your coaches and team officials are observant and will respond appropriately.

7. Sportsmanship:  

   • Swimmers learn good sportsmanship by watching and modeling the behavior of their parents and coaches.
   • Your swimmer is a vital part of a TEAM; be sure to show enthusiasm and encourage ALL team swimmers.
   • Remind your swimmer that whether they place first of fifth in their event, they should remain in the pool until the final swimmer has finished the race.  And it is always appropriate to congratulate the swimmers in the other lanes.

8. Pre-Season Practice is intended for the conditioning of accomplished swimmers; ie. those who can swim laps without assistance.  Therefore,  we ask that you not send pre-team swimmers to pre-season  practice.  If you are uncertain about your swimmer's proficiency, please speak with our team President.  He/She will help you determine if your swimmer is ready to participate in these practice sessions.                                                           
9. Last but not least:  In order to be eligible to compete, the Delco League requires ALL swimmers be members of a current bond-holding family whose swim club and swim team dues are paid-in-full by June 15th.  Any swimmer not in compliance with this rule will not be permitted to participate in any competitive event(s).

Our swim season is short, but action packed!  The above guidelines are intended to give our parents and swimmers a better understanding of the logistical issues involved in running a well-oiled, competitive swim team where the swimmers will learn and have fun.   When followed, these guidelines will provide our coaching staff and team officials with the support necessary to make your child's summer swim season a rewarding and fun experience.  MANY THANKS in advance for your generous cooperation and support!