Wexford Whales: FAQ's
FAQ's
1. Q. "Where do I find the list of Meet Event Assignments or Volunteer positions?"
A. Navigate to www.gowhales.org and click on the "Handouts" tabs at the top of the page. Then Click on the WORD file "Meet Assignments" and download the file.
OR
A. Click this link
http://eteamz.active.com/WexfordWhales/handouts/.
Then Click on the WORD file "Meet Assignments" and download the file.
2. Q. “How do I get in touch with the Coach?”
A. Individual concerns are best brought to Coach’s attention either after practice OR by email. For example, Coach will appreciate knowing - with as much advance notice as possible - when your swimmer will be missing practice or unavailable for a scheduled meet. Email is the best method as it is in writing and won't rely on memory. "A" Meet question should be directed to Coach Kristin = kudicious@gmail.com
"B" Meet questions to Coach Lauren lalopez17@gmail.com
3. Q. It’s raining. Is practice cancelled? How do I know?
A. Coach may opt for dry-land practice due to inclement weather. Coach will determine when practice is cancelled. Check for an email from Coach Kristin or Gowhales@yahoo.com or a sign posted at the pool entrance.
4. Q. What is “dry land practice?”
A. Swimmers should always be prepared for Dry land practice with sneakers and a towel. Practice may consist of calisthenics, stretching, mat work, etc.
5. Q. How do I know if my kid is swimming in the meet?
A. Coaches will post a “Meet Sheet” on the Friday before an “A” Meet. Check the Official Swim Team bulletin Board - on the wall of the Pump House. “B” Meet Sheets may be posted the afternoon of the meet. Note – “B” meet Sheets tend to be very fluid so check it again at the beginning of the meet and listen carefully for changes during the meet.
6. Q. “Check the Meet Sheet”????
A. Bring a pencil and a piece of paper. Check every event in your swimmer’s age group including IM. Medley and Free Relays. Sometimes, Coach may have a swimmer “swim up” in a higher age group so keep an eye out for that too. Note the Event Number, the Lane, the stroke, and, if applicable, the Heat Number.
7. Q. How will I know when it is my kid’s turn to swim?
A. See #6 Above. Use a Sharpie (keep one in your swim bag) and write the Event #, Lane, and Stroke on your kids arm or hand. During the Meet, keep your eye on the blocks and look for the kids who swim immediately BEFORE yours. For example: 8&U Girls events always follow 15-18 Boys events. 8&U Boys events always follow 8&U Girls events. 9&10 Girls follow 8&U Boys, get it? Kids who are swimming in relays, should look for each other and get together with their relay group.
8. Q. What about “cards”?
A. Good for you, you were paying attention during Time Trials! Yes during the meet, a Card Runner will hand each swimmer a Card prior to their event. The card must STAY DRY AND OUT OF THE POOL, so if your swimmer needs help with that, please help. The Card is official and sometimes changes are made during the meet – so if the card is different from the meet sheet – go with the card. Each swimmer must turn their card into the Timer(that is the adult holding a small clipboard and a stop watch) at their lane prior to their event.
9. Q. How is a “B” meet different from an “A” meet?
A. Remember Varsity and Junior Varsity? A “B” Meet is kind of like JayVee. A “B” Meet is not scored and does not count towards the Division competition. In fact, clubs will swim outside their division and opponents are chosen more for geographic convenience than for any other reason. For example, Wexford usually swims other Cherry Hill clubs and a club could be in “B” Division or in “F” division. There are no judges so there are no disqualifications. There are often multiple heats and sometimes heats are combined so that boys and girls are swimming in the same event. Swimmers 14 and under may swim in “B” Meets. They are held on Wednesday’s at 6pm. “B” Meets give more kids a chance to swim in events. They give the coaches a chance to see swimmers in different strokes. “B” Meets always begin with kickboard races so the Turtle Squad gets a chance to try their stuff. In contrast with “A” Meets, a “B” meet is low-key relaxed and more about family-fun, trying out new strokes, new distances and getting new times. Ribbons are awarded to all swimmers!
10. Q. How do I get my Whale/Turtle in a “B” Meet?
A. A Sign-up Sheet will be posted on the Bulletin Board at the Pump House by Friday to sign-up for the "B" meet the following Wednesday. The B-Meet sign-up sheets will be removed on Tuesday afternoon. Parents may pick up to TWO strokes that their child would prefer to swim at the B-meet. Coaches will do their best to get each kid in the events he or she wants to swim, but of course they cannot make any guarantees. If you know for sure that your swimmer will NOT be at the meet, Please cross their name(s) off the sheet. If a parent cannot get to the club to sign up, they can email coach.
11. Q. What should I feed my swimmer before a meet?
A. Good Question! Here is some advice on pre-race meals from Jessica Knowles, a sports nutritionist from Evergreen, Colo., and a member of USA Swimming’s Sports Medicine Database.
Pre-race meals should always be low-fat and high in carbohydrates. Fat slows down the absorption rate in your GI tract, which is not ideal. What you want is easily digestible carbohydrates so your body can use them for energy during the race. Depending on how much time you have between when you eat and the start of your first race, there are some general guidelines for the type and amount of carbohydrate to consume. If you eat...
3-4 hours before first race: 1.5 to 2 grams of carbohydrate per pound of bodyweight. For a 130-pound athlete, that is 195-260 grams of carbohydrate. You want low fat, low fat proteins and low fiber (fiber also slows digestion). Good sources are cereal, fruit, fruit juices, breads, bagels, yogurt, non-fat milk and preserves.
2 hours before first race: 1 gram of carbohydrate per pound of bodyweight. Now our 130-pound athlete needs 130 grams of carbohydrate from low-fat, low-fiber sources of food. Good sources are again cereals, fruit, fruit juices, non fat milk, yogurt and preserves.
1 hour or less before first race: .5 grams of carbohydrate per pound of bodyweight. Our 130-pound athlete now needs 65 grams of carbohydrate. At this point, you need to emphasize liquid sources of carbohydrate and avoid protein, fat and fiber. Good sources are fruits and fruit juices.
12. Q. When do we get our ribbons?
A. There is a Ribbon Ceremony after every "A" Meet held back at the Club House. Swimmers and their families are expected to attend for recognition, annoucements and RIBBONS! "B" Meet ribbons are given out at next days practice.
