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    Austin Angelfish Team Handbook

    In order to participate in Austin Angelfish Activities, ALL Athletes AND Parent(s) must:

    • Submit fees and application for Membership in US Artistic Swimming
    • Submit and update registration forms
    • Join the WhatsApp Austin Angelfish Team Chat and the Swimtopia Angelfish website to receive team announcements and communication
    • Agree to pay, in a timely manner, all applicable Fees, including:
    • Monthly Fees to the Austin Angelfish Team
    • Event-based fees as applicable to the Athlete, such as: travel, cost of hotel and car rental, registration fees for competitions, team swimsuit purchase and rentals, meal allowances, and coaches’ expenses. Note: Parent(s) will be billed monthly through email from the Treasurer, with due dates noted. Late fees will be assessed for payments not received by the due date.
    • In order to ensure a fun and successful swim competition season, ALL Athletes AND Parent(s) must agree to the enclosed Austin Angelfish Guidelines of Participation.

    Section I: General Rules for Participants

    Rule #1: Be there and be on time. This is our #1 Rule for a reason. Our pool time is limited so it is critical that athletes are on time for practice. If an athlete is not able to attend practice, notify ALL coaching staff via email, by text, or by phone so that they can make the appropriate adjustments. (Do not have the athlete tell coaches during practice as coaches are preoccupied with coaching details and will not remember.) If an athlete is ill and will not be able to attend practice, notify coaches as soon as possible by phone or text. (Do not have another athlete tell the coach at practice.)

    Rule #2: Athletes are expected to show RESPECT to ALL coaches, teammates, and other athletes at ALL times. Lack of respect causes hurt feelings, wastes time and is counterproductive to our sport. Bullying will not be tolerated.

    Rule #3: Athletes are expected to put forth 100% effort when performing group drills (in the water and decking). Land drilling with good techniques is the key to increasing synchronization in the water.

    Rule #4: Athletes are to keep their heads above the water unless directed to do otherwise. Athletes who are always under water waste time for everyone.

    Rule #5: Be ready! When a coach says “Ready”, that means you are in your position with goggles and nose clips on.

    Rule #6: At times athletes will be coaching each other. Remain focused on instructions given and give constructive corrections.

    Rule #7: Athletes are expected to help promote the Austin Angelfish Team Spirit. This means that we are cheering the advancement of ALL athletes at any competition, clinic, or practice.

    Rule #8: Athletes are guests at any pool location; they shall respect and adhere to all rules and common courtesy at pools and in dressing rooms. Keep the noise down, no horseplay, pick up your own trash, be polite to lifeguards, staff and members.

    Rule #9: Athletes are responsible for their own goggles, nose clips, suits, team wear, etc. Athletes should ensure that team suits and headpieces receive proper care (rinsing, hanging up to dry, etc.).

    Rule #10: Athletes are expected to maintain a positive attitude toward all aspects of their training and participation with the team. Every effort should be made to get along with teammates, coaches, and parent chaperones. Each athlete has a personal responsibility to contribute to the unity and team spirit of the Austin Angelfish.

    Rule #11: Athletes are to represent Austin Angelfish favorably. When attending meets, camps, clinics, demonstrations, or other synchronized swimming functions, an athlete is considered a representative of Austin Angelfish and must show good sportsmanship. The complete designated team uniform is to be worn in the correct manner as determined by the coaches. Bring all parts of the uniform to all events.

    What does the word RESPECT mean to you?All of us – coaches, athletes, Parent(s) – need to remember that we treat others with Respect when we: Listen without interruption, follow directions with a cheerful attitude, think before we speak, and consider the feelings of other people before we act.

    Section II: Rules Related to Routines

    All team and small routine assignments will be decided by the coaching staff. Assignment to a routine will be based upon a combination of factors, including, but not limited to: a) the age of the athlete; b) general experience and length of time in the sport; c) size and strength of the athlete; d) the athlete’s skills; e) the athlete’s attitude (including respect shown toward coaches and teammates), ability to focus and willingness to take corrections; f) attendance and/or recent or recurring injuries; g) ability to pay bill; h) any other factor determined to be important to the coaching staff. The coaching staff reserves the right to pull, or drop an athlete from any routines at any time during the season for any of the following reasons:

    • Poor sportsmanship, bullying or general negative attitude
    • Showing lack of respect for coaches and/or teammates
    • Medical complications that negatively affect an athlete’s ability to compete
    • Poor attendance
    • Not putting forth 100% effort
    • Inability to pay bill
    • If an alternate is available, the alternate may replace any athlete at the coaches’ discretion

    Athletes are not allowed to make changes to routines (including deck time) without permission from coaches. Athletes are not allowed to practice lifts without a coach supervising.

    If an athlete is absent from a practice, it is their responsibility to contact a teammate and learn any new choreography that may have been missed.

    Section III: Rules Related to Competitions

    The Austin Angelfish participate in several competitions during the season which often require travel both in and out of state. Our athletes’ safety is our utmost concern in these situations. Cooperation between the coaching staff, chaperones and athletes is essential to making the competition experience as smooth and stress-free as possible

    • Athletes are expected to travel on the same flight as their teammates to any competitions requiring air travel. This means that the athlete will not be allowed to fly on a different airline just because they have enough points. A parent may book the athlete's flight (instead of the travel coordinator) to use or gain points, as long as they are on the same flight as the rest of the team.
    • All athletes age 13 -14 are expected to stay in a hotel room with their teammates and a chaperone, even if the athlete's Parent(s) also have a room reserved.
    • Athletes ages 12 & under may stay with a chaperone or their Parent(s) at the same hotel as the team.
    • Athletes must arrive at the meets on time as specified by the coaches. Why arrive at meets on time?
    • It helps reduce stress for both the athletes and the coaches. If an athlete is late it affects the entire team.
    • Provides ample time for the athletes to mentally and physically prepare for competition. (Adequate time for warm up, land drilling, knoxing, make-up, etc.)
    • Allows athletes and coaches to bond and be excited about the athletes’ accomplishments.
    • Athletes must have a buddy at the hotels and meets. No athlete is allowed to wander off by themselves. A Coach or Chaperone must know where you will be at ALL times, even if you are just going to the bathroom.
    • Just as the coaches show respect to the Athletes, the Athletes shall show respect toward coaches and chaperones.
    • Athletes are responsible for their own equipment and clothing and shall keep their luggage and swim bags organized.
    • Athletes are required to pack and wear their full team uniform for the award ceremony as specified by the coaches.

    The competition schedule for the 2023-2024 Competition season has not yet been set. When we know the schedule, we will ask families to let us know to which competitions they can commit.

    Athletes who hope to attend US Junior Olympics must commit to remaining in town during May and June, and participating in all practices leading up to competition. Please do not schedule any vacations or sleep-away camps prior to JOs. Failure to do so may result in losing your position in the routine.

    Section IV: Commit to coming to Practice

    Please note that missing practices not only interrupts the Athlete’s training, it affects the entire team. When someone is absent, they miss learning a routine, or making modifications, or matching positions. The team can’t work on lifts or patterns. The absent Athlete loses endurance and strength. Typically, it takes 2 – 3 practices to catch up from an Athlete missing one practice. Some life lessons of being involved in any sport include learning time management skills and pushing through minor aches and pains. Parent(s), we ask that you assist us in ensuring that your Athlete manages their time well, so that they do not have to miss practice to catch up with other work.

    If an Athlete has an injury, but can still get in the water, then we will modify their workout to accommodate the injury. If they are injured but cannot get in the water, we ask that they come to practice and watch so that they don’t miss learning anything new.

    If an Athlete has any pain that does not subside after a day or two, earache, increase in asthma symptoms or a bad cough, please contact your Athlete’s physician as soon as possible. The sooner they receive treatment, the sooner they can get back in the water.

    COVID-19 Guidelines must be followed. Any swimmer who feels sick or has a fever should stay home from practice and do an at home (antigen) test. If the at home test is positive, the swimmer should stay home for five days from onset of symptoms or positive test result and contact Coach Cook or Coach Anne for further instructions on when they can return to practice. If rapid test is negative swimmers can return to the pool when they have been fever free without medications for >24 hours. Swimmers who have a household exposure to COVID, they should contact Coach Cheryl or Coach Anne to discuss a plan for testing. If you are at all unsure what to do, contact Coach Cook or Coach Anne for further instructions. The Angelfish will follow CDC Guidelines for returning to the pool. Please see our Return to Practice Following an Illness on our Practice Policies page.

    Section V: Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

    • Be a positive role model for your child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all athletes, coaches, officials and spectators at every competition, practice or other sporting event.
    • Never ridicule or yell at your child or other participants for making a mistake.
    • Promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of athletes ahead of any personal desire for your child to win. If you have a concern about your child’s performance at a competition or practice, address the issue with the coaches at an agreed-upon time and place.
    • Notify coaches via WhatsApp of absences due to school or family functions as soon as that information becomes available to the family. (i.e. Do not have Athlete tell coach during practice as coaches are preoccupied with coaching details and will not remember)
    • Notify coaches via WhatsApp if your Athlete cannot attend practice due to illness. (i.e. Do not have another Athlete tell the coach at practice)
    • Inform coaches of any medical or physical ailments that your daughter may have that can affect performance.
    • Make sure the Emergency Medical Form is up-to-date. Changes to insurance or contact information should be updated prior to competitions or travel.
    • Ensure on-time drop off/pick-up of Athletes. Athletes waiting for rides should wait inside the pool building until their rides have arrived. Coaches cannot leave the pool area until all Athletes have been picked up.
    • Check WhatsApp regularly for updates from coaches and parent volunteers for information about upcoming events, volunteer needs and practices. Please have your WhatsApp notifications turned on.
    • Contact the coaches if you do not understand practice or meet information - they are the most reliable source for updated information. (Please be respectful and utilize the time before and after practice.)
    • Help your Athlete meet responsibilities to the team and the coaches.
    • Make sure bills are paid on time. All bills must be up to date in order for an Athlete to be allowed to compete. Late fees will be assessed for payments not received by the due date.
    • Make sure your Athlete has all the required pieces of the team uniform, including swimsuits, headpieces, warm-ups, shorts, shirts and any other items required and approved by the coaches.
    • Contact the coaches if you do not understand routine assignments and meet obligations.
    • You are welcome to watch practice. Please do not talk to the coaches during practice as they are busy training your Athletes. If you need to discuss something with the coaches, please contact them and arrange a meeting before or after practice or at another time.
    • The success of the Austin Angelfish depends on countless volunteer hours from team families, and each family is expected to contribute time and effort to the best that they are able. Each family situation is unique, and there are a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including but not limited to: chaperoning, fundraising, donating food for events, volunteering at competitions and water shows, volunteering in a team role (fundraising, apparel coordinator, communications, etc.), serving on the team Board of Directors, etc.

    Section VI: Parent Chaperone/Volunteer Responsibilities

    • All Parent chaperones & volunteers must obtain a USAAS Athlete Safety Membership, which includes SafeSport Training and a Background check. The fee is $44.
    • All Parent chaperones & volunteers must take the Safe Sport Training and remain current (a 15 minute refresher course is required every year, and full 90 minute course every fourth year) and should review the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies located in the Resource section of the USA Artistic Swimming Website.
    • Chaperones shall refrain from partaking in alcohol or drugs during competitions and travel (Per Appendix P – Section on Ethics in the USA Synchro Rulebook).
    • Chaperones shall immediately notify an Angelfish coach when a major conflict between athletes has occurred during travel and competition. While it is the chaperone’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their charges, it is best to let the coaches handle any significant issues.

    Section VII: Consequences of Violating the Guidelines for Participation

    The consequences of Athletes and/or family members violating Austin Angelfish Guidelines for Participation are at the coaches’ discretion and may include, but are not limited to:

    • Verbal warnings
    • Time out of the pool
    • Parental contact
    • Restriction in use of locker room or other team privileges
    • Removal from a routine
    • Removal from the Austin Angelfish team

    The Austin Angelfish reserve the right to remove any Athlete and/or parent/guardian from the Austin Angelfish team if they violate any of the above rules.

    Depending on the severity of the infraction, the first occurrence may result in a verbal warning, a second occurrence will result in a meeting with the swimmer and a parent/guardian and the third occurrence may result in removal from the team. A severe infraction (including but not limited to) causing deliberate physical harm to a teammate or coach, will be grounds for immediate removal from the team.

    Section VIII: Competition Swimsuit Policy

    Competition suits are an integral part of synchronized swimming competitions. Competition suits can be expensive and are time consuming to create. Every effort is made by the team to manage suit costs and maintain an adequate inventory of suits for use by the team. Rental fees are used to defray the costs of alteration and maintenance of team-owned suits.

    All competition suit and headpiece designs must be approved by coaches for all routines.

    Team suits and corresponding headpieces will be rented by the swimmers for $50. The team will maintain ownership of the suits.

    Swimsuits for routines other than teams (i.e. solos, duets) are the responsibility of each Athlete to obtain either by renting swimsuits owned by the team for $35, or by purchasing them from another source. Athletes who choose to purchase suits from other sources assume responsibility for the full costs of the swimsuits and retain ownership of the suit. The team will gladly accept donation of the suit, should the athlete no longer need it.

    Athletes will be charged full replacement value (minimum $100 - $140 per swimsuit and $20 per head piece) for items not returned in good condition or damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Suits that are damaged or lost before the completion of the competition season are the responsibility of the individual Athlete and will be repaired or replaced by the Athlete at the Athlete's expense.

    Individual Athletes who own competition swimsuits may choose to make their own swimsuits available to other Athletes while still retaining ownership of the swimsuits. The terms of using these swimsuits will be negotiated by the participating individuals.

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