We are excited to welcome you, your swimmer(s) and your family to the Seawolves family! Whether this is your first time in the sport, or your transferring from another team we hope this guide will help you become more familiar with our team and the sport.
This guide will provide you with information regarding our team and team operations, how USA Swimming is organized, the sport itself, a guide to swim meets and frequently asked questions.
At anytime you may have questions regarding the team or the sport itself, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our coaches, staff or team contacts found in this guide and on the team website.
The mission of Sarpy County Swim Club is to provide the youth of our community with a USA competitive swimming club. SCSC provides training and competitive opportunities for swimmers of all abilities to reach their individual and team goals. We are dependent on committed swimmers, family participation, a dedicated board, and a well-qualified coaching staff. We strive to provide an enjoyable environment to build sportsmanship and strength of character, helping the individual swimmer to reach their full potential in and out of the water. The goal of our team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, while promoting safety, perseverance, and integrity from novice to international competitors
Our vision is to inspire and enable our members to achieve excellence in the sport of swimming and in life. We support and value all swimmers whatever their level from novice to nationals.
Sarpy County Swim Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a member club of USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming. We serve the Omaha metropolitan area with families from Papillion, La Vista, Gretna, Bellevue and Offutt Air Force Base. SCSC was founded in 1994 as the Monarch Swim Club and has continued our standard of excellence. Today, SCSC has over 140 active members, while many of our alumni have become successful collegiate swimmers. Our coaches, staff and leadership bring over 250 years of combined swimming experience.
Papillion La Vista High School - 303 E. Cary St. Papillion, NE
Enter through the south pool doors in the alley. Click here for a map.
Parking is located in the south and north parking lots - DO NOT PARK IN FIRE LANES
Papio Bay Aquatic Center- 815 E. Halleck St. Papillion, NE
Summer Only - Papio Bay group schedules determined each year as needed
Nick Baker — Head Coach & CEO
Janet Cho — Team Administrator
Aidan Cho — Masters Head Coach, Meet Director & Marketing
Trish Higby — Bookkeeper & Billing
The Sarpy County Swim Club Executive Board consists of regular and special members of the team. The board is committed to enriching the swim team experience for all participants by working closely with the SCSC coaching and administrative staff. The SCSC board of directors exists to make sure that Sarpy County Swim Club fulfills its mission. They are also responsible for making sure the organization meets its regulatory responsibilities and files appropriate paperwork with government agencies. The day-to-day operations of the club are the responsibility of the club's staff.
To contact the SCSC board of directors, email bod@sarpycountyswimclub.com
Click here to view coach bios and emails
Nick Baker — Head Coach, Seniors
Eric Rees — Associate Head Coach, Seniors & Juniors
Barb Anderson — Assistant Coach, Competitive 3
Jeff Daniels — Assistant Coach, Competitive 1 & Juniors
Billy Salber — Assistant Coach, Competitive 2 & Juniors
Emiley Lynch — Assistant Coach, Seniors & Juniors
Helena Dorn — Strength and Conditioning Coach
Sarpy County Swim Club is committed to safeguarding all its members with the welfare of its athlete members as top priority. Safe Sport is USA Swimming’s comprehensive abuse prevention program and provides tools for swim clubs to educate their members and intervene in risky situations.
USA Swimming is committed to providing a healthy and positive environment free from abuse for all its members. USA Swimming’s Safe Sport program, a comprehensive abuse prevention program, consists of a multi-layered approach to keep kids safe, including: required policies and best practice guidelines; mandatory screening, including criminal background checks and employment screening; training and education; monitoring, supervision and mandatory reporting. These measures are informed by experts in the field of child safety and are among the strongest safeguards found in youth-serving organizations.
Sarpy County Swim Club is proud to be the first Safe Sport Recognized Club in the Midwestern Swimming LSC.
The USA Swimming Safe Sport Club Recognition program allows a USA Swimming member club to demonstrate its commitment to creating a healthy and positive environment free from abuse for all its members through the development and implementation of club governance measures, Safe Sport policies and reporting mechanisms, Safe Sport best practices and training to athletes and parents.
Clubs will be asked to share their Athlete Protection Policies and other measures they have in place to safeguard athletes.
They will also demonstrate how they screen and select staff and volunteers as getting the right people involved is a big part of successfully implementing Safe Sport.
Additionally, clubs will be awarded points when minor athletes and parents complete the Safe Sport online courses, as well as hosting in-person Safe Sport related training.
They will also detail communication to members about how to report misconduct to USA Swimming Safe Sport and the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
This recognition is renewed every other year.
All policies, procedures and guidelines of Sarpy County Swim Club are available on the TeamUnify website, or click here.
Simple — For everyone's safety
There are many reasons for this...
The Athletes
Having parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc on the pool deck distracts the swimmers from their practice
The Coaches
If you come down on the pool deck to talk to a coach (which is against this policy) it distracts the athletes and takes attention away from coaches
Being on deck puts coaches in a uncomfortable situation - our coaches know that parents/spectators are not allowed on deck and help to enforce the policy, but it makes a uncomfortable situation for everyone
Insurance
If an injury, accident or incident were to occur while a non-coach/non-administrator is on deck, USA Swimming insurance can become voided and the parent/spectator that is unauthorized to be on the pool deck will be held liable.
When can I be on the Pool Deck?
Volunteering at swim meets
Volunteering at practice when approved by an administrator
Bringing a donation (ex. pop for home meets) to the drop-off location
A medical emergency outlined in MAAPP 2.0
When Can I NOT be on the Pool Deck?
To talk to a coach or staff member
Exception: When walking to/from the pool office
To help your swimmer tie their suit, etc...
Repeat violations of this can include disciplinary action from SCSC administrators/board of directors.
As mentioned above - athlete safety is a top priority at SCSC
We do not allow parents/siblings/specators in the locker rooms at practice and meets. This creates many possible concerns, but most importantly, makes athletes uncomfortable.
Restrooms are available near the choir room/auditorium in the hallway at PLHS. SCSC coaches make every effort before practice to ensure the restrooms are unlocked, but if they are locked, simply let a coach know and they can be unlocked.
If a swimmer needs help changing into/out of their swimsuit, this should be done at home or in the restrooms near the choir room/hallway.
This also applies at away swim meets - some locker rooms may be accessible to parents, but all SCSC parents are expected to refrain from entering. Violations of any of the above may lead to disciplinary action up to membership termination with the team.
The purpose of a code of conduct is to establish consistent expectations for behavior by swimmers, parents, coaches, administrators, and board members. Swimmers and parents complete and agree to abide by the SCSC code of conduct as part of the annual registration process, in addition to the start of a new season (short course/long course). Coaches, administrators and board members also complete their respective code of conduct at the start of each season.
Failure to abide by the code of conduct can result in various disciplinary actions as determined by SCSC administrators and board members, including and up to termination from the team.
The purpose of a code of conduct for parents is to establish consistent expectations for behavior by parents. As a parent/guardian, I understand the important growth and developmental support that my child’s participation fosters. I also understand that it is essential to provide the coaching staff with respect and the authority to coach the team. I agree with the following statements:
Parents will set the right example for our children by demonstrating sportsmanship and showing respect and common courtesy at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents, and all facilities.
Parents will get involved by volunteering, observing practices, cheering at meets, and talking with their child and their coach about their progress.
Parents will refrain from coaching their child from the stands during practices or meets.
Parents understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward coaches, officials, volunteers, swimmers, parents, or members of the board of directors will not be tolerated.
Parents will respect the integrity of the officials.
Parents will direct my concerns to first to my child’s primary coach then, if not satisfied, to the head coach or board of directors.
Parents will adhere to all policies implemented by SCSC, Midwestern Swimming, and USA Swimming. These include, but are not limited to the MAAPP policies found on the Safe Sport page of the SCSC website.
Sarpy County Swim Club members and parents are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior always in both formal and informal settings. This includes, but not limited to, practices, during meets, in the bullpen, in the locker rooms, and at all team activities.
Swimmers are expected to follow the direction of the coaching staff. At no time will disrespectful attitudes, inappropriate language (swearing or derogatory comments) or lying be tolerated toward the coaching staff, fellow teammates, competitors, meet officials, or the public. The coaching staff has the discretion to ask swimmers to leave workout or impose other disciplinary actions.
Swimmers must display proper respect for swim facilities, equipment, persons, and person’s personal property. Vandalism or destruction of facility and/or personal property during swim practice, swim meets and/or other team activities will result in disciplinary action.
Swimmers are expected to refrain from alcohol, tobacco or any non-prescribed drug while participating in any team functions, including swim practice, swim meets and/or any social functions.
Swimmers will NOT use cell phones or other electronic recording devices in the locker rooms/changing areas at the high school and/or other practice and/or meet locations.
Swimmers will adhere to the USA Swimming Safe Sport Policies & Procedures posted on the team website.
As a member of the Sarpy County Swim Club, swimmers will remember that everything they do reflects their team, it's coaches, and members, and that their actions either credit or discredit their team, its coaches and members at all times. Thus, they will conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner always to better both the team and themselves.
If you're new to the sport, there's a lot to learn! We hope to make this as easy as possible for you!
Click the link below or visit the 'Glossary' tab to learn what the different swimming words/terms are and what they mean!
Volunteers are essential in youth sports, and SCSC is no exception. We rely on volunteers to help keep our club moving forward and providing our athletes an exceptional experience.
Throughout the year there will be several opportunities to volunteer time to support your swimmers and the club.
There may be a club imposed minimum requirement of hours per year per swimmer.
These can be met by any household member 18+. (13+ for Timers)
Volunteer requirements and policies can be found on the SCSC volunteer page by clicking here.
Parents are a necessity for swim meets to commence.
Home Meets
At all home meets where a family has a swimmer participating, families will be to volunteer for meet jobs, or the swimmer will not be able to participate in the meet.
This includes arriving to your shift at the listed start time
Ex: Timer, Runner, Safety Marshal, Place Judge, Concessions, etc.
Click here to view SCSC home meet volunteer positions and descriptions
Midwestern Swimming Meets
Each club is required to provide timers for the MWS championship and MWS championship challenge meets.
SCSC will create a job sign up in addition to sending an email out to families asking for timers.
If there are no volunteers signed up to time or unfilled slots, prior to the meet, unless otherwise noted, remaining slots will be filled through a lottery system. Please see the SCSC volunteer policy/guidelines for more information.
We ask that families sign up for a shift as needed in order to ensure the team is not fined.
View the below document for a step-by-step guide on how to sign up to volunteer. If the below viewer is not working, click here.
Membership dues and club registration fees account for more than 80% of our income, while home swim meets, fundraising, apparel and donations help make up the remaining 20%. Through the generous support and backing of our community and members, we are able to fundraise for various equipment, team events and many other things that help to enhance each swimmers' experience. We host various fundraising events throughout the year and previous events have included: AmazonSmile, firework stand, pie sales, raffles, GivingTuesday campaign and many other events that help promote team unity while raising funds for various goals.
All families are required to participate in the club's annual fundraiser.
Occasionally, we may ask families for donations such as pop or bottles of water to be used at home meets and events. This helps us keep costs low.
We ALL Want What is Best for Your Child
That is sometimes hard for coaches to understand. That is also sometimes hard for parents to understand. Much of the historical tension between coaches and parents can be avoided if we agree on two golden rules: first, let’s cut each other some slack and not jump on and over-react to the first unsubstantiated third-hand rumors. And second, let’s communicate, often, and not just when we may have a problem. SCSC Coaches are available by email, typically before and after practice and at team social events
Be more like the grandparent
Be more like the grandparent rather than the parent when watching your child perform. Grandparents are usually happy just to see their grandkids actively involved in about anything! They aren’t usually concerned with any outcome, they just enjoy being in the moment of the here and now, loving life.
Don't Coach Your Kids
If the swimmer is hearing one story from his coach and another from his parent, we have one confused swimmer. A swimmer must have trust in his coach and in the program, and he will not if his parents are implicitly telling him that they know best. If you have concerns about the coaching or the coaching advice, talk to the coach directly. If in the end you feel that you cannot support the coach or the program, your best course is to find a team whose coach you trust. Your swimmer has a coach; she needs you to be a parent.
Coaching your swimmer from the bleachers at practices and meets is prohibited, and agreed to in the SCSC Parent Code of Conduct.
Always Speak Positively About the Sport
And always conduct yourself in the best possible manner while at any SCSC function – including practices. The behavior of a team’s swim parents tells a lot about the team. If a parent’s behavior is determined to be detrimental to the team’s core goals and objectives, the team reserves the right to refuse service and will ask the family to leave the team. We want to make it clear that we are going to be one of those teams that other parents and swimmers wish they could become part of, and we are not going to lose sight of that.
How Can I be a Supportive Swim Parent for my Swimmer(s)?
Learn to ask the right questions of your swimmer: What did you learn today? What was the hardest part of the workout? What was the easiest? What was the most fun? Also, be sure to keep in mind that the number one reason kids swim is because they enjoy it and they have fun. The number one reason kids quit is because – you guessed it – it is no longer enjoyable and fun. The truth is many cases of parents who mean well, but who chase their kids right out of this sport and sports altogether by placing too many demands and too much pressure to perform on their kids – spreadsheets, tracking reports that would make NASA envious, etc. Every swimmer has their own individual time line when they “receive” the ability to “flip the switch” and begin to really compete – even if it is on a limited basis. In some swimmers it takes a little longer than others to develop. And don’t forget to volunteer!
Your Swimmer Wants One Thing From You More Than Anything Else...
They want to know that you are proud of them – on both the good days and especially on the days where life is delivering a lesson or two!
Logo apparel including t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and more can be purchased through ShopSCSC.com. This shop has in-stock apparel with delivery straight to the pool.
SwimOutlet has our team parkas, swim bags and swimsuits
Contact Janet Cho, Team Administrator, for more information.
There are two types of swim caps: Latex and Silicone. Latex caps are thinner than silicone and typically cheaper to purchase, while silicone are thicker and more expensive. Every swimmer will have their own preference as to which they like better.
SCSC Swim Caps
Included when you join the team is a latex SCSC swim cap
SCSC latex ($8) and silicone ($18) caps can be purchased at the pool, and will be billed to your account; or purchased through ShopSCSC.com. Contact your swimmers' coach or Janet Cho to purchase a latex or silicone cap.
Custom Caps
Throughout the year, SCSC will offer custom swim caps. These swim caps are like the standard SCSC caps, but add the option for personalization, such as a last name or nickname. Custom caps typically require a purchase of at least two caps at a time and cost more than non-personalized caps.
Contact Janet Cho, Team Administrator, for more information.
Practice Equipment
SCSC provides practice equipment such as kickboards, pull buoys, paddles, fins and equipment that is needed during our practices.
Swimmers are welcome to purchase their own equipment if desired, but is not neccessary.
Swimsuits
We recommend starting with 2-3 suits for your swimmer. These suits can be worn at practice and at meets. SCSC requires all swimmers to wear a black suit while at swim meets; one piece suit for girls, jammers or briefs for boys.
We have a team store setup at SwimOutlet.com. On the team store you can find black meet swimsuits that have the SCSC logo printed on them. Swimsuits can be purchased from anywhere.
Checkout these tips on finding the right size.
Swim Caps
There are two types of swim caps: Latex and Silicone. Latex caps are thinner than silicone and typically cheaper to purchase, while silicone are thicker and more expensive. Every swimmer will have their own preference as to which they like better.
We recommend having 2+ swim caps, as they can rip easily
Younger swimmers will need help to start, here is a video on how to put on a swim cap
The logo goes on the sides of the cap
SCSC has latex ($8) and silicone ($18) team caps available for purchase through coaches - these can be picked up at the pool and will be billed to your account
Towels
We recommend 2-3 towels to start off and add more as needed. Your swimmer will only need 1 towel at practice, but it is recommended you bring multiple to swim meets as they get used often and will be soaked by the end of the session
Goggles
We recommend buying at least 2 sets of goggles for your swimmer, as accidents happen, and they can break at any time.
During the summer long course months, many meets are held at outdoor pools, and we suggest purchasing ‘mirrored goggles’. These are like sunglasses but in goggle form so your swimmer can see where they are.
Every swimmer has (or will have) a preferred set of goggles, we recommend the Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 which comes in a kid (junior) and regular (adult) size
Goggles will fog up when swimming/stopping, and become an annoyance to swimmers Checkout this antifog spray that may help your swimmer
Bungee Straps: We recommend purchasing ‘Bungee Straps’ for your swimmer’s goggles. These straps replace the standard goggle straps and allow the swimmer to put their goggles on/adjust them easier.
We encourage all swimmers - especially younger swimmers to get these.
Please no goggles with a nose piece (aka scuba goggles) - swimmers will be asked to get a new set of goggles before their next practice. These are a safety risk when practicing starts.
All billing takes place through your TeamUnify/GoMotion account. For more information about billing and financials, please visit our website.
Our GoMotion/TeamUnify website is our primary form of communication and contains the resources and information you will need throughout each season. Team registration, meet entries, billing and account management can all be managed through our website. Our public facing website (www.sarpycountyswimclub.com) contains information for prospective members, Masters team and hosted swim meets.
https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/mwscsc/page/home
This site is our main hub for all club team members - ex. not for our Masters team
Each member will create an account and login
Meet entries/event declarations, billing, volunteer sign-up, etc are done in TeamUnify
Be sure to checkout the news sections for the latest club updates
Note: Some pages, (ex. team calendar and meet schedule) require you to be logged into your TeamUnify account
Email is our primary form of communication - please make sure you do not block or unsubscribe from emails from TeamUnify or ConstantContact, or you will miss important information. Please also ensure emails are not going to your junk/spam folder.
Your 'login' email is the primary email on your account, but you can add up to three alternate emails to receive team communication.
If your swimmer has an email account, you are more than welcome to add them as a alternate email address to receive emails. Note: all emails sent via TeamUnify to your account will also get sent to the listed alternate emails.
SCSC can be found on Facebook, Instagram and X! We recommend all parents and swimmers follow our accounts to stay up-to-date with the team!
Weather & practice cancellations will also be posted on all social media and communicated via email.
Facebook - Click here
Instagram - Click here
X (formerly Twitter) - Click here
This free app from SportsEngine connects with your website account and allows you to quickly view/pay bills from your phone, view and edit information about your swimmer, declare event status, and much more.
This is a free app from USA Swimming that allows you to view USA Swimming updates and resources, swimmer times and many other things.
The app is available by monthly or yearly subscription and gives you real-time meet results at many of the meets we attend. Please note, some meets will not be on Meet Mobile.
USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States. Membership is comprised of swimmers of every age and ability, all the way up to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches, officials, and volunteers. USA Swimming is governed by a board of directors and fulltime staff in Colorado Springs. As the National Governing Body for the sport, USA Swimming is responsible for the conduct and administration of swimming in the United States. In this capacity, USA Swimming formulates the rules, implements the policies and procedures, conducts the national championships, disseminates safety and sports medicine information, and selects athletes to represent the United States in international competition.
International - The international federation for the aquatic sports is World Aquatics (formerly FINA). USA Swimming is affiliated with FINA through United States Aquatic 5 Sports (USAS), made up of the four aquatic sports – swimming, synchronized swimming, diving and water polo.
National - USA Swimming is a National Governing Body (NGB) of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and has voting representation in the USOC House of Delegates.
Zone - We are divided into four separate zones – central, eastern, southern, and western. Each zone elects two representatives to the national Board of Directors. SCSC is in the central zone.
Local - Within the United States, there are fifty-nine (59) Local Swimming Committees (LSCs). Each LSC is responsible for administering USA Swimming activities in a defined geographical area and has its own set of bylaws under which it operates. A House of Delegates with representation of athletes, coaches, members of the Board of Directors and clubs is responsible for managing the business affairs of the LSC.
SCSC is in the Midwestern Swimming LSC (MWS)
USA Swimming - www.usaswimming.org
Midwestern Swimming - www.mwswim.org
SwimSwam (Swimming news)- www.swimswam.com
SwimmingWorld Magazine (Swimming news) - www.swimmingworldmagazine.com
The greatest contribution you can make to your swimmer’s progress is to be a supportive parent and allow them independence during the practice sessions.
We are proud of our program and what we are teaching your child and will give our best efforts to develop them to the maximum of their potential. Our progressions of teaching, training load increases, and group moves are all centered on this. We want parents to watch their children in practice only when it is not a distraction for their child and only when it does not add stressors to the environment for the swimmers, coaches or other spectators.
Our goal is for the swimmers to focus their attention on their coach during the practice session.
Please assist the coaches by not talking with or motioning to swimmers during practice. Repeat violations of this may result in disciplinary action including the swimmer and parent being suspended from practice. Coaches and parents are on the same team in regard to wanting to see a child thrive in their learning environment and the skills being taught, but the coaches must be allowed to regulate a swimmer’s swimming speed on a given length (not everything is meant to be fast or a race), lane order and address behavioral issues. At times, swimmers may be directed to “sit out” in the bleacher area with a parent or chaperone if the coach feels this is the appropriate move.
Parents are encouraged to allow their child the learning opportunities that come with group practices.
Self-regulation to pay attention to the task at hand, successes and failures, and adapting to the learning environment are all part of the process. Allowing your child to receive direction from the coach alone during the practice session will help strengthen the coach-athlete relationship and help build independence and confidence in your young athlete!
Sarpy County Swim Club enforces these guidelines through our Parent Code of Conduct.
Thanks to our team sponsors, our coaches are able to use team iPads to provide instant video feedback to swimmers. From time to time, you may see a coach recording swimmers' strokes, starts or turns on an iPad. This instant feedback helps swimmers see what they can improve on in their technique and is a incredibly valuable asset we are fortunate to have.
Thanks to our team sponsors, swimmers and coaches have access to in-water headsets that allow coaches to provide real-time feedback and instruction directly to the swimmers' ears.
What is dryland?
Dryland is the time during practice when swimmers train outside of the pool. Typically, this workout is done around the pool deck or other areas of the school.
When is dryland?
Dryland practices happen before or after practice - see the monthly practice schedule for more information
What should swimmers wear to dryland?
All swimmers MUST wear TENNIS/WORKOUT SHOES AND APPROPRIATE WORKOUT CLOTHES. Swimmers not wearing one or both of these may be sent back to sit inside the pool area for the duration of the dryland session.
Flip flops, crocs, boots, jeans, dresses, etc. are not appropriate dryland attire
What do swimmers do at dryland?
For the Seawolves groups, swimmers work on different things including core strength (ex. planks, crunches, flutter kicking, etc), light cardio, stretching and other bodyweight exercises. SCSC swimmers do not use weight until moving up to the junior and senior groups.
What is weights?
Weights is the time during practice when swimmers train outside of the pool. Typically, this workout is done in the weight room or around the pool deck. This can also be some form of cardio, such as running stadiums or biking.
Should my swimmer attend weights practices? What if my swimmer lifts weights on their own or with a trainer?
YES! All junior and senior group swimmers should attend weights everyday. Swimmers who regualarly attend our weight program see better competition and performance results. Unlike many other teams, SCSC does not charge an additional fee for our weights program.
Coach Eric Rees, Associate Head Coach, leads our weights program. Coach Eric has led weightlifting in a competitive swim team environment for many, many years and is extremely knowledgeable in using weightlifting to help swimmers in the water. Swimmers who lift weights on their own or with a trainer most likely will not see the same results as they would participating in the SCSC weights program, please contact Coach Eric if you have questions or concerns.
When is weights?
Weights happens before or after practice, or as scheduled - see the monthly practice schedule for more information
What should swimmers wear to weights?
All swimmers MUST wear TENNIS/WORKOUT SHOES AND APPROPRIATE WORKOUT CLOTHES. Swimmers not wearing one or both of these may be sent back to sit inside the pool area for the duration of the weights session.
Flip flops, crocs, boots, jeans, dresses, etc. are not appropriate weights attire
Joining the Seawolves doesn't mean you can't participate in other activities!
We believe it is important for all swimmers to be well-rounded, and that includes participating in other sports and extra-curricular activities. Our coaches are flexible and supportive of swimmers who choose to participate in multiple activities.
What your swimmer puts into swimming directly correlates to what they get out of the sport. Here are the expectations of how many practices swimmers should attend:
Seawolves Bronze, Silver & Gold: 4 out of 10 practices
Junior Bronze: 6 out of 10 practices
Junior Silver & Gold: 8 out of 10 practices
Seniors Bronze, Silver & Gold: 8 out of 10 practices
Again, what your swimmer puts into swimming directly correlates to what they get out of the sport.
Weights (juniors & seniors) and dryland (Seawolves) are not a substitution for in-water practices, they help better your swimmers' in-water performance.
Swimmers who attend weights and dryland on a frequent basis will see far better results in their performance and overall health. Swimmers are encouraged to attend weights/dryland every night it is offered.
Don't forget your swimmer is still a child and needs those core memories such as vacations! We ask that if your swimmer is qualifed for MWS Championship meets, that you schedule your vacation before/after the championship meet. Swimmers with qualifying times that do not attend these meets may not be eligible to move up to the next training group until a later time.
If you are traveling out of town, simply let your swimmers' coach know. Unless your swimmer is competing at the collegiate or national level, a few days off from swimming will not hurt. However, many swimmers want to continue swimming over vacation. If your swimmer wants to continue swimming while on vacation, and you have access to a pool/have time, here are some options:
Checkout our 'Workouts on the Go'
Go to the TeamUnify website
Log in
Go to the 'Team Resources' tab and select 'Workouts'
You can download/print workouts for your swimmer
If you're traveling for an extended period of time, some USA Swimming clubs will allow you to practice with them
Talk to or email Coach Nick or Coach Eric about this first
They may be able to help you find a club in the area you are traveling to
If asked, they may be able to introduce you to a coach from that team and help find a practice group that your swimmer could participate in
If you do practice with another team, some teams will ask for a donation, either way don't forget you are representing SCSC and it is always appreciated to get that coach/coaches a small gift.
Tip: Many families, not just at SCSC, but across the country, base their vacation times around swimming/swim meets. Good times to go include after the short course championship in mid-march, or after the long course championship at the end of July, before the first day of school.
The four competitive swimming strokes are freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. The combination of all four strokes is called medley. In the individual medley the strokes are swam as butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. In the medley relay it is swam in backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle order. Click the name of each stroke to see a video.
In freestyle events, the competitor may swim any stroke. The stroke most commonly used is freestyle, sometimes called the front crawl, which is characterized by the alternate stroking of the arms over the surface of the water surface and an alternating (up-and-down) flutter kick. At the finish, swimmers must touch with one hand.
Backstroke consists of an alternating motion of the arms with a flutter kick while on the back. On turns, swimmers may rotate to the stomach and perform a flip turn and some part of the swimmer must touch the wall. The swimmer must finish on the back.
The breaststroke requires simultaneous movements of the arms on the same horizontal plane. The hands are pressed out from in front of the breast in a heart shaped pattern and recovered under or on the surface of the water. The kick is a simultaneous somewhat circular motion like the action of a frog. On turns and at the finish, the swimmer must touch the wall with both hands simultaneously at, above or below the water surface.
Some consider the butterfly to be the most beautiful of the strokes. It features a simultaneous recovery of the arms over the water combined with an undulating dolphin kick. In the kick, the swimmer must keep both legs together and may not flutter, scissors or use the breaststroke kick. Both hands must touch the wall simultaneously on the turns and the finish.
The individual medley, commonly referred to as the IM, features all four strokes. In the IM, the swimmer begins with the butterfly, then changes after one fourth of the race to backstroke, then breaststroke and finally freestyle.
The medley relay differs slightly from the individual medley. Swimmers will swim the prescribed distance in the order of backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle.
The head coach, associate head coach and team administrator create a swim meet schedule for each season. SCSC attends a variety of swim meets, with most in the Omaha or Lincoln metro areas. There may be occasional travel meet opportunities outside of the state.
The meet schedule will be sent out around the start of each season (short course/long course) and is also posted on the team website.
All swimmers should swim at a minimum, all SCSC home meets (including intrasquads, duals, larger meets). As a competitive swim team, we expect all swimmers to swim in meets throughout the year.
What should I sign my swimmer up for?
Everything! Well, within event limits. Every swimmer should swim each stroke at least once per season. Most swimmers have a stroke that they don't like, but not entering them in the stroke at meets will only hurt them.
Below are what swimmers should swim at least once each season; if you would like more guidance when signing up your swimmer a.) talk to your swimmers' coach; b.) talk to the team administrator; c.) don't select any events when signing up and leave a note that says 'coach pick' and your swimmers' coach will select appropriate events for your swimmer.
8 & Under Swimmers - at a minimum should swim (each season)
25 Free
25 Back
25 Breast
25 Fly
100 IM
100 Free
9-10 Swimmers - at a minimum should swim (each season)
50 of each stroke
100 of each stroke
200 IM
200 Free
11-12 Swimmers - at a minimum should swim (each season)
50 of each stroke
100 of each stroke
200 IM
200 Free
500 Free
13-14 Swimmers - at a minimum should swim (each season)
100 of each stroke
200 of each stroke + IM
400 IM
500 Free
15 & Over Swimmers - at a minimum should swim (each season)
100 of each stroke
200 of each stroke + IM
400 IM
500 Free
1650 Free
View the below document for a step-by-step guide on how to sign up for swim meets. If the below viewer is not working, click here.
This list is by no means an all-inclusive list of what to bring to swim meets. We believe this is a great starting point, and will help guide you through your first couple of meets, until you and your swimmer finds what works best.
Swimsuit
Bring at least two, a backup is a must
Swimmers should wear an all black swimsuit or the team suit from our apparel vendor (preferred)
Goggles
Bring at least two, a backup is a must
Swim Caps
Bring at least two in case one rips
SCSC coaches may occasionally have extra caps for purchase with them at meets
At all swim meets, we ask that swimmers wear a black SCSC cap or a SCSC championship/sectionals team cap.
Towels
Swimmers will be getting in and out of the water often - towels will get soaked quickly!
Bring at least two or three
Sweatshirt, Sweatpants, Parka
Something to keep warm between warmups and events
Staying warm will keep muscles loose
Cash
For admission, meet programs and concessions
Most meets only accept cash
SCSC accepts cash and card at home meets
Blankets
For the floor in the crash/seating area
Folding/Camping Chairs
At a minimum - for the adults
Most crash/seating areas do not provide seating
Entertainment
Cards, books, games, etc to keep your swimmer and kids busy between warm-ups and events
Use common sense when bringing electronics - also make sure your swimmer does not let tablets, phones, etc become a distraction at the meet
Food & Drink
Snacks, sandwiches, fruits, veggies, sports drinks, water, etc.
Most meets will have concessions, and we welcome you to purchase from them, but you are also encouraged to bring healthy snacks and drinks to stay fueled between races.
Water Bottle
It is important for your athlete to stay hydrated between events
Bleacher Seat/Back
At some meets, you will be able to sit in the pool area the whole session and after a couple of hours, bleachers may become uncomfortable
Better solution: become a meet official! You'll be out of the bleachers and on the pool deck, click here to learn more.
Sharpies/Markers
To write your swimmer's events, heats and lanes on their arm
See "Your First Swim Meet" guide further down on this page.
Outdoor Swim Meets
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Coolers with drinks
Optional: Pop-up tent
SCSC has multiple pop-up canopy tents for our team area at outdoor meets, parents are welcome to bring a tent as well.
Please note, swimmers have priority seating under tents in the team area
We ask that parents help with setting up and taking down tents each day.
Typically a coach will transport all team tents to/from the meet.
SCSC expects that swimmers:
Wear an all black swimsuit or black SCSC team suit
Wear an all black SCSC swim cap, or a SCSC championship/sectionals team cap (only if they've qualified)
Wear SCSC apparel at ALL sessions
Parents are strongly encouraged to:
Dress in layers - it may be extremely hot/humid or sometimes colder in seating areas/crash rooms
After you visit pools a couple times, you will get an idea of what to expect at those teams' meets
Show your team spirit by wearing SCSC apparel!
The technical rules of swimming are designed to provide fair and equitable conditions of competition and to promote uniformity in the sport. Each swimming stroke has specific rules designed to ensure that no swimmer gets an unfair competitive advantage over another swimmer.
Trained officials observe the swimmers during each event to ensure compliance with these technical rules. If a swimmer commits an infraction of the rules that is observed by an official, a disqualification (DQ) will result. This means that the swimmer will not receive an official time and will not be eligible for an award in that event. A disqualification may result from actions such as not getting to the starting blocks on time, false starting, performing strokes in an illegal manner, or unsportsmanlike conduct. DQs are also a result of technical rules violations. They include but are not limited to:
Freestyle: Walking on the bottom, pulling on the lane rope, not touching the wall on a turn, or not completing the distance.
Backstroke: Pulling or kicking into the wall once a swimmer has turned passed the vertical onto the breast. Turning onto the stomach before touching the wall with the hand at the finish of the race.
Breaststroke: An illegal kick such as flutter (freestyle), dolphin (butterfly - except for one during the pullout), or scissors (side stroke); not on the breast; alternating movements of the arms; taking two arm strokes or two leg kicks while the head is under water; touching with only one hand at the turns or finish.
Butterfly: Alternating movements of the arms or legs; pushing the arms forward under instead of over the water surface (underwater recovery); a breaststroke style of kick; touching with only one hand at the turns or finish.
Tech Suits are a special kind of suit designed to be worn in competitions to help you swim your best. Men’s tech suits tend to look like traditional swim briefs, but instead of being loose around your thighs, they are tight to compress the muscles there. Tech Suits for women are of a similar idea, though they wrap around the shoulders as well and provide full body compression, rather than just leg compression. Tech suits are not designed for everyday use, and should only be worn at competitions. The material is not meant to withstand hundreds of swims. For swimmers who are just starting out, a tech suit is not neccesary. Please talk to your swimmers' coach if you have questions regarding tech suits.
Beginning September 1, 2020, USA Swimming implemented a new rule restricting the use and types of tech suits that 12 and under athletes are allowed to wear. Click here for a link to the USA Swimming ruling and more information on which tech suits are and are not allowed.
Short Course
25yd pool swam during the short course season (August - March)
PLHS is a 25yd pool, expandable to 25 meters by moving the bulkhead
All high school pools in the area are 25yd
Long Course
50m pool swam during the long course season (April - July)
Many local meets may swim short course yards during the long course season
Tip: at most long course meets with a 50m pool, most of the 50m events (ex. 50 free) will start/lineup from the side opposite of the timers
Local 50m/long course pools
Hitchcock Pool - Omaha
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Woods Pool - Lincoln
Fremont YMCA/Dillon Family Aquatic Center - Fremont
The Midwestern Swimming LSC establishes short course and long course Qualifying Time Standards. SCSC swimmers who meet these time standards are expected to participate in the MWS Championship Meet. Qualifying times must have been swum within 365 days prior to the starting date of the meet. MWS Qualifying times may be found on the team website. USA Swimming has separate competition by age, sex, and ability. For each age group, it has also established standard times to help promote competition among swimmers with similar abilities. These standards are known as National Age Group Motivational Times. Out-of-state swim meets and special meets may require swimmers to meet a specified minimum time standard to be entered. These requirements will be specified on the meet flyer. Questions about qualifying times for a specific meet should be directed to the coaching staff or the team administrator
Intrasquad Meet - SCSC swimmers only
Dual Meet - Two teams competing against each other (SCSC and one other team)
Invitational/Classic/Non-Intrasquad/Non-Dual - Multiple teams, some will have high point awards and prelims/finals; these meets run much longer than intrasquad or dual meets
Qualifying Time Meets - Some meets have minimum and maximum qualifying times, and the swimmer must have those times to participate
Swim meets are often categorized by the time standards required to compete in the meet.
Click here to view the SCSC time standards page
Click here to view the MWS time standards page
USA Swimming Age Group Motivational Time Standards
AAAA, AAA, AA, A, BB, B
Many local meets are categorized as B+ or B- meets. "B+" meets mean that a swimmer must have achieved at least a B time or faster in an event to enter that meet. A "B-" meet means that a swimmer's best time in an event must be slower than the B time standard to enter that meet. This type of meet might also be called a "B maximum" meet.
Some meets may be categorized as BB+, or BB-, A+, etc. It works the same way as the B+ or B- meets, just using different age group motivational time standards.
MW Championship Challenge (sometimes referred to as "D2s")
This meet has a maximum time requirement; swimmers cannot have a championship "cut"/time standard in that event, and the Championship Challenge is the last chance meet for swimmers to qualify for the championship meet.
MW Championships (sometimes referred to as "D1s")
Swimmers are required to have a Midwestern Swimming "Automatic" or "Secondary" championship qualifying time.
Automatic Time: The swimmer will be guaranteed to swim in the meet
Secondary Time: These times are to allow more swimmers to participate in the meet. If your swimmer achieves a secondary time, they will be entered into the event. Midwestern Swimming and the host team may limit the amount of secondary time swimmers allowed to participate in an event, so even though an athlete gets entered in an event with a secondary time, there is no guarantee they will get to swim.
Example: If an event allows 40 swimmers, and 29 of those swimmers have a automatic time, the next fastest 11 swimmers with a secondary time will get to swim in the event.
Swimmers may also participate in this meet without a championship cut if they are invited to swim on a relay.
Swim meet sessions can vary on time. These can range from an hour and a half to four hours or more, excluding warmup. Intrasquads and dual meets are typically shorter while invites/multi-team meets are longer.
At some meets, SCSC may participate in various relays. Typically, SCSC only participates in relays at MWS Championship meets and the WFF Summer Explosion Meet.
Relays are selected by the coaches, on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to: times, attendance, character and more. Parents and swimmers will be notified ahead of time.
If age group numbers allow, we will select relay alternates or create additional relays ("A", "B", & "C" relays")
Alternates will be asked to swim if any of the first four swimmers cannot swim.
The medley relay order differs from the individual medley: back, breast, fly and free. Relays are a privilege to swim, and are at the full discretion of the SCSC coaching staff.
Parents & grandparents can swim too!
Whether you’re looking to continue your lifelong love for the sport, to stay in shape or meet new people, the SCSC Masters team is the place for you!
SCSC provides workouts and professional coaches to help you reach your goals! Masters swimming is for anyone 18 years and older!
Learn more about the SCSC Masters Team at www.scscmasters.com
Who can answer my questions about the swim team?
Coaches can answer most questions, please begin with your child’s coach and if they are unable to answer your questions please contact the Associate Head Coach or Head Coach.
Administrative questions can be answered by the Team Administrator.
I just want my child to learn to swim better. Do they have to swim at meets?
As a competitive swim team, we expect all swimmers to compete at meets. Please discuss any concerns with your child’s coach.
What if my swimmer has other sports, camps or activities?
Not a problem! Please inform your child’s coach or team admin.
How do I contact my child’s coach?
Email is the best way to contact the coaches. All coaches and their emails are listed on the coaches page on the website. Additionally, coaches are typically available before and after practice to discuss any questions, but please do not interrupt or chat with them at practice, as this is their time to work with swimmers. At no time should you go on to the pool deck to discuss with coaches.
Is there a team uniform?
At all meets we require that swimmers wear a black suit (plain or with the SCSC logo), a black SCSC or championship/sectional SCSC cap and SCSC apparel. Parents are also encouraged to wear SCSC apparel at meets.
How often and when is practice?
SCSC practices Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend practices as scheduled by your child’s coaches. Practice schedules are sent at the beginning of the season and are posted on the team website. Changes and cancellations to practices will be communicated as soon as possible to parents through email and team social media accounts.
How many practices per week does my child need to attend?
Please refer to the group guidelines under ‘Swimmer Resources’ on the website and discuss with your coach.
How does my swimmer move up in groups?
As swimmers continue to grow, and get better and faster, they will move up throughout our practice groups. Coaches have full discretion and final say in moving up their swimmers to the next group, however they utilize the criteria available on the website under ‘Swimmer Resources’. Attendance is a key factor in these decisions. If your swimmer is only showing up to 1 or 2 practices a week, they may not be able to move up until the can commit more time to swimming.
Some swimmers may be at a performance/competitive level of a group above their current placement, but may not be at a maturity level for the next group.
What happens when practice is cancelled, postponed or changed?
Any cancellations for practice will be emailed to all parents, posted to the team website and posted on social media in a timely manner. SCSC does not practice on any days that are called as snow days/inclement weather days by the Papillion La Vista Community Schools.
Can I stay and watch practice?
Yes! We encourage all parents to attend and watch their child’s practice. Please remember that practice is when the coaches spend time with the swimmers, coaching them. Please refrain from talking to coaches during this time, and refrain from coaching your swimmer from the stands (see parent code of conduct and practice viewing section above).
Where can I watch practice from?
Swimmers, parents, siblings and spectators should enter the pool from the southeast pool doors. Parents should remain in the bleachers. Restrooms are located by the PLHS auditorium which can be accessed by going through the doors on the left when you walk into the pool foyer. Parents are not permitted on the pool deck or locker rooms at any practice or meet. The only times it is permitted for parents to be on the pool deck is 1. Any emergency circumstance exists (see MAAPP emergency circumstance definition); 2. A parent is depositing a check into the dropbox underneath the scoreboard and; 3. The parent is actively volunteering in an approved capacity.
Parents who repeatedly violate this USA Swimming policy will be referred to the Executive Board.
My swimmer needs help changing into/out of their suit, can I go to the locker room and help them?
No - parents/siblings/spectators cannot be on the pool deck or in the locker rooms. Swimmers needing help changing should do so before they arrive to the pool
How do I sign up for a swim meet?
See 'Swim Meets' section above.
When are swim meets?
Swim meets are typically on weekends, some meets may take place during the week. SCSC typically hosts some meets during the weekdays in lieu of practice.
What should my child swim?
Your child should swim a variety of distances and all strokes throughout the season. Freestyle might be the only stroke your swimmer wants to swim, but by swimming all strokes it well help them improve. When registering for a swim meet, you can select the events your child wants to swim, or you can declare them available for the meet and enter ‘coach pick’ in the comments, and the coaches will pick their events. Coaches review all entries before meets and have the final decision in what events are best for your swimmer.
What is a bullpen?
For younger swimmers, teams may operate a bullpen to get all swimmers lined up and ready to go to the blocks for their event. It is a way for meet hosts to efficiently serve dozens of young swimmers without delaying the meet.
Thank you for choosing Sarpy County Swim Club, we hope yours and your swimmer’s time here will be an exciting opportunity!
While this guide may not be a full how to in the sport of swimming or everything about our team, we think this will help get you started as you learn more about the sport and our team.
If at anytime you may have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our coaches, staff, board members or other team contacts. In the meantime, please feel free to visit our website at www.sarpycountyswimclub.com and explore what our team has to offer.