TEAM HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome

Piranha Board and Key People

Swim Meet Officials and Key People

Team Parents

Committee Chairs

Meet Schedule and Special Events

Key Meet Personnel

Special Event Descriptions

Parent Volunteers

Attendance

Swimsuits, Clothing

Code of Ethics

Swim Meets

Relays

Individual Races

Order of Events

Ribbons

Disqualifications

Disputing Disqualifications

Championships

Qualifying Times

Individual Events and Relays

Work Schedule

Ribbons

Strokes

Breaststroke

Butterfly

Backstroke

Freestyle

Individual Medley (IM)

Relays

Team Cheer

PIRANHA FAMILIES

The Elk Grove Piranhas Swim Team Volunteer Board welcomes everyone to the 2008 swim season.  We have put together this booklet to provide as much information for our swimmers and families as possible. Please keep this for the entire season as it contains important information on team expectations, meet officials, certain league rules and DQ information.  It also contains links to directories of our swimmers and families.  Please remember that this is confidential information provided solely for communication of swim team related matters among the swim team families.  Its use for any other purpose is not authorized.  When using this directory, please be considerate of the individual family's schedule.

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ELK GROVE PIRANHA SWIM TEAM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Key People

SWIM MEET OFFICIALS & KEY PEOPLE

TEAM PARENTS

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

MEET SCHEDULE AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Please link to the Meet Information page for the most up-to-date schedule and links to location and directions for away meets.

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KEY SWIM MEET PERSONNEL

Meet Director  -  Responsible for overseeing the meet, as well as making sure each person does their job.

Meet Referee  -  Acts as a decision maker in disputes over placing, disqualifications, and any other problems that may arise.  Responsible for signing all DQ slips.

Deck Marshall  -  Patrols the competition pool and surrounding areas to ensure that no swimmers or other individuals are violating meet or team rules, or otherwise engaging in inappropriate conduct.

Head Starter  -  The home team provides the individual for starting the races.  This job requires that you attend a short training class put on by the league.

Stroke & Turn Referees  -  These individuals are on the pool deck during the meet to watch that strokes are done properly.  This job requires that you attend a training class of approximately 2 hours put on by the league.

Head Ribbon Writer  -  Coordinates ribbon writers for both home and away meets.  Keeps inventory of ribbons on hand at end of season or in February when ribbons are ordered from the League.  Ribbon writing consists of placing printed labels onto the back of a place ribbon and filing the ribbon into the swimmers file.

Head Timer  -  Coordinates and schedules all timers for home and away meets.  Ten to fifteen parents are needed for each meet to time the swimmers in their events.  More are needed for Championships

Head Computer  -   Prior to the meet, sets  up swimmers into the computer to swim events as per head coach.  Works closely with computer people from hosting teams.  Two people are needed for every home meet to enter DQs, post results, run and print reports and labels.

Clerk of the Course  -  Using the Meet Program, verifies names and lane assignments of swimmers as they approach the starting blocks.           

Announcer  -  Announces the swimmers and lanes during their events, calls for swimmers to the ready bench and any other announcements or paging needed during the meet.

Facility Monitor  -  Monitors recreation pools to keep all swim team participants and family members out of them.  Without this monitoring, there is a possibility of losing our privileges at the Aquatic Center.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Boy/Girl Meet  -  Swimmers pick three events they would like to swim.  If they get a personal best in that event, points are awarded.  Points from the Boys and points from the Girls are then tallied up (weighted, of course, because there are usually more Girls than Boys.) The group with the most points wins the meet.  The winner is announced at our Annual Awards Night.

Piranhathon  -  Our Annual Fund Raiser.  Swimmers get pledges for the number of laps they will swim.  After food is served, swimmers swim their laps.  Lap counters count the number of laps for each swimmer.  Swimmers collect their pledges.  A raffle or silent auction is usually held on this evening.  Swim families are asked to donate one item of $20 or more for the raffle or auction.

Split the Pot  -  Revived in 2003, at our HOME meets raffle tickets are sold for a certain amount.  (An arms length for $10.)  The amount collected from these tickets is split in half.  The team gets half and the holder of the winning ticket gets the other half.

Pictures  -  A sports photographer comes out to the pool and takes individual pictures of your swimmer(s), and then a team picture is taken.  Team suits are worn, and typically practice is not held that evening.  Parents can order pictures offered in several different packages and items. Packets are usually available the week prior to Picture Day.

Awards Night  -  All swimmers will receive a trophy.  Championship medals and special awards are also presented.  The traditional Piranha Video, capturing all the wonderful swimmers and moments during the swim year, ends the evening.

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PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Parent participation plays a vital role in the success of our meets and our team.  We could not keep our team running without many willing parents and also an active parent board that works all year long.  Your $75 volunteer deposit is refundable to you when you have completed 20 hours of service to our team AND have participated in at least one set-up or take-down at a home meet.  (Your set-up/take-down hours will count toward the family's total of 20 volunteer hours.)

A time card is available for you to keep track of your hours and to have the committee or position Head sign off.  This card is then given to the Board Treasurer who will issue you a refund.  If you signed up for more than one committee, as most of our parents do, keep in mind that you may receive calls from several coordinators.  Just let them know that you are already committed for a particular meet.  If you are able to do more than one job at an event, it would help out.  Thank you.

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ATTENDANCE AT PRACTICES AND MEETS

Regular and prompt attendance is very important to each swimmer and for the team.  A swimmer who does not attend practice is not going to swim his/her best at meets.  A swimmer who is not available at meets, deprives the team of his/her contributions and may also deprive other swimmers of the opportunity to swim.  It is the policy of the Elk Grove Swim Team that to be eligible to swim in a meet, the swimmer must attend a minimum of 3 practices the week prior. (The coach may use this criteria in determining how many events a child may swim).

Parents and Guardians are asked to refrain from talking with coaches during practices.  This is a distraction to both coaches and swimmers and could result in safety issues.  Parents and Guardians are to remain outside the deck area until practice is finished.  The best way to communicate with the coach is either by e-mail, phone call, or between practice sessions.

Swimmers are seeded into meet events two to three days prior to the swim meet.  There is a coordinated effort between both teams coaches and the head computer person to get all swimmers into as many events as allowed.  Many pools have time restrictions and/or have large enrollment is some age groups.  This may affect the number of events a swimmer is scheduled to swim.  The maximum number of individual events per meet is 3.  The maximum number of relay events per swimmer is 2. 

If you will be unable to participate in a meet, it is requested that you sign the Miss-a-Meet Binder at least 10 days prior to the meet.  This binder is available at regular swimming practices.  Writing your swimmer's name on the appropriate meet page will ensure that he/she does not get seeded into any events for that meet. 

It is recognized that swimmers will occasionally be forced to cancel attendance at meets due to illness or other unforeseen situations; however, please limit last-minute cancellations to emergencies only.  When a swimmer notifies the team within hours of the meet, it is often too late to schedule a substitute swimmer and the team is forced to leave a lane open or scratch a relay team. A no-show at the meet will cause a scratch and may have a domino effect.  At a minimum, you MUST notify the Team Parent for the swimmer's age group.

Promptness is also important to the team’s ability to perform well at meets.  Swimmers who do not check in on time may be scratched from the entire meet. Again, this may have a domino effect on other swimmers.

Failure to follow the above policy concerning missing a meet will result in the swimmer not being allowed to swim in the next two swim meets.

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SWIMSUITS, CAPS, AND TEAM CLOTHING

Swimmers are encouraged to wear team suits and team caps for meets.  A Team Suit Flyer will be posted to the Piranha Wear page each year with pricing and purchasing information.  Team Parkas will also be available for purchase each year, usually at one of the parent events prior to the start of the season.  Sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, and ball caps, along with goggles and swim caps are available at the Piranhas Store during all home meets and events and some swim practices.

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PIRANHA CODE OF ETHICS

For over 35 years, the Elk Grove Piranha Swim Team has been dedicated to the promotion of youth recreational swimming.  The success of the team is not only measured by the number of wins and losses during the season, but more importantly, by the personal physical and emotional growth of each swimmer and the enjoyment provided for the entire family.  The Team strives to provide the environment in which each swimmer can improve his/her performance through the season and above all else, to have fun and learn the importance of good sportsmanship.  In many respects, the entire Team is a “family” since we work and play together for almost four months (or more) during a year.

To help achieve these goals, we ask that you and your swimmers understand and agree to the following Code of Ethics.

SWIMMERS

Regardless of race sex creed or ability, you agree to:

PARENTS

In addition, swimmers and their parents are responsible for maintaining a COOPERATIVE AND POSITIVE attitude at all practices, meets and swimming events.

COACHING STAFF

The coaches shall provide examples of leadership and sportsmanship to the Elk Grove Swim Team and attempt to foster these qualities in the team members.  They will also:

DUAL SWIM MEETS

PRIOR TO SCHEDULED MEET

Swimmers are placed into meet events by the Head Coach.  This process begins the Monday prior to the swim meet and is a coordinated effort between both participating teams.  Swimmers are seeded into their events by the Friday prior to the meet.  All meet check in sheets are prepared from this seeding process.

MEET DAY

Check-In is promptly at 7:00 am. (Earlier check in times may be announced prior to a meet, i.e. Championships).  Swimmers must check in at the Team Check-In table and then with his/her Team Parent.  At or around 7:15 am, the coach will start scratching swimmers and replacing them with swimmers in attendance. Team Parents will receive their Check In/Event sheets after all scratches have been made.  It is the swimmer’s/parent’s responsibility to check with their Team Parent for event assignments.  The Team Parent may want to devise their own list of swimmer names to use as a check in prior to receiving the Event sheets.

Team warm ups usually start at 7:30 with the HOME team going first and VISITING team going last.  Warms ups are by age group.  The age groups will be called to the pool by the announcer or the coach. 

Starting time for Dual Meets is 8:30 am.  Most teams make all scratches directly onto the computer and then print all meet programs and lane sheets at pool side.  It is because of this that the scratch process begins early.  A delay in the scratch process means a delay in the meet start time.

It is wise to bring some kind of shade canopy or umbrella to the swim meets.  At HOME meets, a shaded team area will be provided.  A designated team area is provided at all AWAY meets, but the area and facilities will vary.  Be prepared for wet grass, hot cement, shade trees or direct sun light.

Swimmers should have at least two towels, sun screen, water, a sleeping bag to rest on, a dry pair of clothes to wear after the meet, snacks and/or lunches, and some sort of foot protection for walking to and from the ready bench area.  Most teams provide a Snack Bar.  The Aquatic Center runs a snack bar at all our home meets.

Swimmers must remain in the designated team area.  They must also be alert as to which events are in progress so they can be ready when their event is called.  The Team Parent will help the younger swimmers to get to the ready bench at the proper time.  Swimmers should go to the ready bench when the announcer calls their event.  After their event, they should return to the team area.  Be prepared to stay with or in the vicinity of your Team Parent.  If you stay away from your group, make sure you check in with your Team Parent on a regular basis.  If there are any further changes to the events, the Team Parent will be notified and the Team Parent  will advise the swimmer/parent of the change.  All swimmers should remain through the meet and participate in supporting their teammates.  Leaving early may leave a relay team short a swimmer, causing the entire team to be scratched.

When meets start on time, most meets end between 12:30 and 2:00 pm.

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RELAYS

All recognized relay races involve four swimmers on each team.  The most common relays are the Medley and the Freestyle.  In the Medley, each of the four swimmers swim an equal distance in a different stoke.  The first swims Backstroke; the second, Breaststroke; the third, Butterfly; and the fourth,Freestyle.  A relay team will be disqualified if a swimmer leaves the starting block (deck) before the preceding swimmer has touched the wall or if any swimmer violates the rules governing that stroke.

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INDIVIDUAL RACES

There are five categories of individual races (strokes).  Freestyle (Free), Backstroke (Back), Breaststroke (Breast), Butterfly (Fly) and Individual Medley (IM).  The IM consists of equal lengths of each of the fours stokes to be swum in the following order: Fly, Back, Breast, and Free.

In the 6 & under age group, swimmers participate in Freestyle, Backstroke and a Coed Freestyle Relay.  In the 7/8 age group, the IM is not swum.  The other age groups swim all of the events.

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ORDER OF EVENTS

Even event numbers are events for Girls (F), and odd event numbers are for Boys (M), with the exception of event # 1 which is Coed.  We run the Medley Relays, Individual Medleys (IM), Short Free, and Back as the first half (or first shift).  The Long Free, Breast, Butterfly and Free Relays are considered the second half (or second shift).  Shift volunteers will either report at the start of the meet or at the end of the Backstroke.

Younger age groups go first, starting with the girls of that age group, then the boys.  6 & Under (6&U) swimmers only swim the 25 yard Free and the 25 Yard Back.  After they have swum the Backstroke, these swimmers are free to go home from the meet.

7/8 and 9/10 swimmers swim 25 yard lengths with a 50 yard Long Free.  11/12 and 13/14 year old swimmers swim 50 yard lengths with one 100 yard Long Free.  15 thru 18 year olds swim 100 yard lengths with the exception of the Short Free and Butterfly which are 50 yards.

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RIBBONS/DUAL MEET SEASON

Place ribbons are issued to every swimmer based on how he/she places in a heat.  Only first heat swimmers earn points toward the total Team Points.  Points are awarded as follows: 1st = 5 points; 2nd = 3 points; 3rd = 2 points; 4th = 1 point.  1st place relay teams earn 7 points. Points are only awarded to the first place relay team.

The home team is responsible for furnishing the ribbons for each swimmer.  Swimmers and parents should not go to the scoring table during the meet for ribbons.  However, after the meet is over, if the Head Ribbon Writer is still available, you may be permitted to get your ribbons.  Otherwise, the ribbons are usually available at the next few practices.

Ribbons are best picked up at the first couple of practices after a meet.  A “ribbon box” will be set up with a folder marked with the last name of every swimmer (family).  The ribbons will be placed in this folder along with any important information regarding your swimmer or the swim season.  It is a good idea to get in the habit of checking this folder on a regular basis.

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DISQUALIFICATION

Swimmers that are disqualified (DQ’d‍) during their races (events) will not receive a ribbon.  In the past the Piranha swim team has not officially DQ’d swimmers 8 and under. While they received a DQ slip as an instructional tool, they still received a ribbon.  In 2006 the League voted to have all swimmers, regardless of age, DQ’d and no ribbon awarded.

It is the thought of the League that all swimmers need to learn the correct way to swim in their events and not be rewarded with a place ribbon.  These younger age swimmers will be DQ’d at Championships and only the Heat Winner will receive a ribbon.  This procedure will be a tool for us to help gear our swimmers for Championships.   The swimmer will receive a copy of the DQ slip and it is encouraged that the swimmer talk to the coach at the first practice after the meet regarding his/her DQ.  This will ensure that the swimmer understands why he/she was DQ’d and will allow the coach some time with the swimmer for instruction.

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DISPUTING A DQ

The proper procedure to dispute your swimmer's DQ is to go through the coach.  If you believe the DQ is in error and would like it removed, you MUST take care of it during the dual meet.  Please see the Team Coach with your concern.  The coach is then responsible to pursue the disagreement with the Meet Referee.

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CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Northern California Swim League conducts a championship meet for each Conference at the conclusion of the swim season.  The Piranhas are in the Gold Rush Conference along with 4 other teams.  Conference meets are indicated on the annual schedule.  Everyone on our team is welcome to participate.  To qualify for participation at Championships, a swimmer must swim in at least two conference meets. The board member in charge of records keeps track of all swimmers to make sure everyone meets this league requirement.

The Northern California Swim League charges our team to participate in the League.  At some point you may hear about “entry fees”, however, these fees are paid by our team and are part of the Team Fee you paid at Registration.

Swimmers and parents should maintain an atmosphere conducive to recreation and good sportsmanship.  Inappropriate behavior on the part of a swimmer or spectator may be grounds for removal from the meet.

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QUALIFYING TIMES

Qualifying times are rarely used.  Check the Piranha Press for any qualifying times required for swimming events at Championships.

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INDIVIDUAL EVENTS AND RELAYS

Championship meets last for two days (Saturday and Sunday) from approximately 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with check in at 6:30 a.m. on both days.  These times are estimates; however, do plan on being there for the better part of the weekend.  Prior to the Championship Meet, we will provide updated information regarding the schedule.  The Order Of Events is different for the Championship Meet.

Saturday Events start with the Preliminaries for IM, Short Free, and Back.  There is a short break and then Finals for IM, Free, Back, and  Medley Relays are ran.

Sunday Events start with Preliminaries for the Long Free and continue with Prelims for Breast and Fly.  After a short break the Finals for Long Free, Breast, Fly and Free Relays are held.

Events for 6 & Unders are on Saturday only.  Once you have determined that your swimmer is NOT in the Final Relay, you are free to leave.

Participation in the Relays at Championships is determined by the Coach on the day of the event.  Swimmers/Parents will be notified by the Coach, Team Parent or Board Member if your swimmer will be scheduled in a relay event.  Please do not leave the meet without checking with the coach, Team Parent or League Rep to verify your swimmer is or is not in a Finals Relay.  A missing swimmer will cause a relay team to scratch and forfeit any chance for Team points or individual medals.

Championship Programs will be available (for a price).  The program will list the events along with the swimmers names, heat and lane assignment and seeding time.  Championships T-shirts, sweatshirts and other clothing, caps etc. are usually available (also for $).

Depending on the number of lanes used at Championships, finalists can be the swimmers with the top 8-10 best preliminary times.  Typically two alternates are selected in case a finalist is unable to swim or does not show.  If you are a finalist or alternate, you must remain at the meet and report to the ready area for finals in order to compete.  If a swimmer has made the finalist list and does not swim in the Finals Race, he/she will be scratched from the remainder of the Finals for that day.

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CHAMPIONSHIP WORK SCHEDULE

Just as in a dual meet, the Championship Meet takes an incredible amount of time and effort on the part of the parents.  Each team in the League is responsible for several major job functions, such as organizing the food concessions, meet set up etc.  As you can see, these are major duties.  We, on behalf of the Elk Grove Swim Team Board, ask all of our parents to actively participate in the Championship Meet requirements.  You will be asked to sign up for certain jobs, usually one that you participated in during the dual meet season, such as timing , lane writing, or stroke and turn.

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RIBBONS FOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Participant ribbons or pins will be awarded to each swimmer who participates in Championships.  Place ribbons, as given out at dual meets, are not given at Championships.  A Blue “HEAT WINNER” ribbon will be awarded to all swimmers placing first in their heat.  Swimmers in the Finals events (including relays) will received a Place Medal.  Usually, only the top 8 or 10 Relay teams will place, earning medals.  This is determined on the number of lanes used and the number of relay teams participating in the relay events.

CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALS WILL BE AWARDED AT OUR ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT.   THIS IS A FUN CLOSING EVENT FOR OUR TEAM.  EACH CHILD IS RECOGNIZED WITH A TROPHY AND THERE ARE MANY “SPECIAL AWARDS” GIVEN INCLUDING “MOST IMPROVED,” “MOST SPIRITED,” AND “MOST VALUABLE”.

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STROKES

Each of the four strokes have rules governing the proper way the stroke is to be swum.  At every meet, stroke and turn judges will be posted at each corner of the pool, checking each swimmer to make sure the stroke rules are being followed.  Should a swimmer violate these rules in the race, he/she will be disqualified (DQ'd) from the race.  The stroke and turn judges look for the following:

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BREASTSTROKE

1. Start: The forward start shall be used.
2. Stroke: From the beginning of the first arm stroke after the start and after each turn, the body shall be kept on the breast and both shoulders shall be in line with the water surface.  The arms shall move simultaneously and in the same horizontal plane without any alternating movement.  The hands shall be pushed forward together from the breast on, under, or over the water and shall not be brought beyond the hip line, except during the first stroke, after the start, and on the first turn.  Some part of the swimmer’s head shall break the surface of the water at least once during each complete cycle of one arm stroke and one leg kick, in that order, except after the start and each turn the swimmer may take one arm stroke completely back to the legs and one leg kick while wholely submerged.  The head must break the surface of the water before the hands turn inward at the widest part of the second stroke.
3. Kick: All vertical and lateral movements of the legs shall be simultaneous.  The feet must be turned outward during the propulsive part of the kick movement.  A scissors, flutter or Butterfly kick is not permitted.  Breaking the surface with the feet shall not merit disqualification unless followed by a downward Butterfly kick.
4. Turns: At each turn, the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface, and the shoulders shall be in line with the water surface.  The head may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the surface at some point during any part of the last complete or incomplete cycle preceding the touch.  Once a touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner desired.  The shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the feet leave the wall in the form prescribed in 2. above and must be attained from the beginning of the first arm stroke.
5. Finish: At the finish the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously, at, above, or below the water surface.  The body shall be on the breast and the shoulders in line with the water surface.  The head may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the surface of the water at some point during any part of the last complete or incomplete stroke cycle preceding the touch.

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BUTTERFLY

1. Start: The forward start shall be used.
2. Stroke: After the start and after each turn, the swimmer’s shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast.  The swimmer is permitted one or more leg kicks, but only one arm pull under the water, which must bring him to the surface.  From the beginning of the first arm pull, the swimmer’s shoulders shall be in line with the water surface.  Both arms must be brought forward over the water and pulled back simultaneously.
3. Kick: All up and down movements of the legs and the feet must be simultaneous.  The position of the legs and feet need not be at the same level, but they shall not alternate in relation to each other.  A scissors or Breaststroke kick is not permitted.
4. Turns: At each turn the body shall be on the breast and the shoulders in line with the water surface.  The touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface.  Once a touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner desired.  The swimmer’s shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the feet leave the wall.
5. Finish: At the finish the touch shall be made with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface.  The body shall be on the breast and the shoulders in line with the water surface.

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BACKSTROKE

1. Start:

   • The swimmers shall line up in the water facing the starting end, with both hands placed resting either on the end or edge of the pool, or any part of the starting platform or block, or the starting grips.
   • The feet may be placed in any position on the end of the pool.  The swimmer may assume any, desired starting position which does not remove either foot completely from the water; nor either foot from contact with the end of the pool; nor either hand from the starting grips, pool edge, or starting block.
2. Stroke: The swimmer shall push off on his back and continue swimming on the back throughout the race.  Some part of the swimmer must break the water surface throughout the race, except it shall be permissible for the swimmer to be completely submerged during the turn and for a distance of not more than 15 meters (16.4 yards) after the start and each turn.  By that point, the head must have broken the surface of the water.
3. Turns: Upon completion of each length, some part of the swimmer must touch the wall.  During the turn the shoulders may turn past the vertical toward the breast.  If the swimmer turns past vertical, such motion must be part of a continuous turning action and the swimmer must return to a position on the back before the feet leave the wall.
4. Finish: The swimmer shall have finished the race when any part of his/her person touches the wall at the end of the course.

FREESTYLE

1. Start: The forward start shall be used.
2. Stroke: Freestyle means that in an event so designated the swimmer may swim any style; except that in a Medley Relay or individual relay event, Freestyle means any style other than Butterfly or Backstroke.
3. Turns: Upon completion of each length the swimmer must touch the wall.
4. Finish: The swimmer shall have finished the race when any part of his/her person touches the wall after completing the prescribed distance.

INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY (IM)

The swimmer shall swim the prescribed distance in the following order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle.

1. Start: The forward start shall be used.
2. Stroke: The stroke for each one-fourth of the designated distance shall follow the prescribed rules for each stroke.
3. Turns:

   • Intermediate turns within each stroke shall conform to the rules of that stroke.
   • The turns when changing from one stroke to another shall conform to the finish rules for the stroke just completed, and shall be as follows:

   • Butterfly to Backstroke  -  may turn in any manner desired, but the shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the back when the feet leave the wall.
   • Back to Breaststroke  -  the swimmer must touch the wall while on the back.  Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner but the shoulders must be at or past the vertical toward the breast when the feet leave the wall and the prescribed Breaststroke form must be attained prior to the first arm stroke.
• Breaststroke to Freestyle  -  The swimmer must touch with both hands simultaneously at, above, or below the water surface, and the shoulders shall be in line with the water surface.  The head may be submerged after the last arm pull prior to the touch, provided it breaks the surface at some point during any part of the last complete or incomplete cycle preceding the touch.  Once a legal touch has been made, the swimmer may turn in any manner.
4. Finish: The swimmer shall have finished the race when any part of his/her person touches the wall after completing the prescribed distance.

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RELAYS

1. Freestyle  -  Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one-fourth of the prescribed distance using any desired stroke(s).  Freestyle rules apply.
2. Medley Relay  -  Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one-fourth of the prescribed distance continuously in the following order.  Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly and Freestyle.  Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where applicable.  At the end of each leg, the finish rule of each stroke applies in each case.
3. Rules pertaining to Relay Races:

   • No swimmer shall swim more than one leg of an event.
   • When automatic relay, take-off judging is used, each swimmer must touch the touch plate or pad in his lane at the end of the course to have finished his leg of the relay race.
   • In relay races a swimmer other than the first swimmer shall not start.
   • Any relay team member and his relay team shall be disqualified from a race if a team member other than the swimmer designated to swim that leg shall jump into or enter the pool in the area where the race is being conducted before all swimmers of all teams have finished the race.
   • Each relay team member shall leave the water immediately upon finishing his leg, except the last member.
   • In relay races the team of a swimmer whose feet have lost touch with the starting platform (ground or deck) before his preceding teammate touches the wall shall be disqualified.

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We Hope this Handbook contains all the information possible to make this season a memorable one.  Keep in mind that this is all done for the sake of our children in:

Suggestions and parent participation are always welcomed.

Thank You from The Elk Grove Piranha Board of Directors.

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THE PIRANHA TEAM CHEER

by Phillip Dawkins, former Piranha

Hey, yo, other fish

Listen up and get dished.

This is how we get around,

So listen up or hit the ground.

Piranhas fight.

Piranhas win.

Piranahas kick some serious fin.

Piranhas show their gruesome teeth,

And you may never be released.

Goooooooo... Piranhas!!!!

 

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