Welcome to a new season of Park Wolfpack girls swimming and diving.  We hope you had a great summer and spent some time getting ready for the upcoming season.  We hope you are ready to work hard in the upcoming months towards another successful season!  In this packet you will find our team expectations, lettering standards, season goal sheets and an athlete parent signature form

It is the goal of every coach to help teach and create positive behavior traits for our athletes that can be carried outside of the pool and into everyday life.  Time management, dedication, responsibility, perseverance and leadership are just a few of the many skills that can be learned from a sport.  In this spirit, team goals and expectations will work to instill these many traits in Park Wolfpacks swimmers and divers.

While understanding that academic performance will vary from year to year, it is our expectation that students, parents and coaches make academic performance their first priority while still adhering to the team’s rules and expectations.  With the use of proper time management and personal dedication, swimmers/divers can and will find a balance between both academics and swimming/diving where neither commitment is neglected.

Attendance

• Athletes should be at EVERY practice on time.  All swimmers and divers are expected to be ready and on deck before the start time of each practice.  Being in locker room at start time is not allowed.
• Unexcused absences will not be allowed.
• Athletes arrive with a positive attitude.
• Only coaches can excuse a swimmer/diver from practice or a meet.
• If you attend school, you are expected to attend practice
• If you miss a practice for any reason the day before a meet, you will not be able to compete in the meet the following day.
• If you need to see a teacher for school help, please do so before school instead of after if possible.
• If there is a school function, please notify your coach as soon as possible.
• Please schedule appointments around practice times if possible.
• If you have a job, please let your employer know your practice and meet schedule in advance.

Meet Expectations

• Swimmer/divers need to attend at least half of a school day to be able to compete in a meet or practice.  (field trips are exempt)
• Swimmers and divers are required to ride the provided bus to and from for away meets. This is a South Washington County rule, not a specific coaching rule.
• Before home meets, each swimmer/diver is expected to arrive early to help set up the pool.  This is usually around 4:15 for 6:00 meets.
• Swimmers and divers are responsible for knowing what events they are participating in, what lane they are in, and what heat they are in.  No IPod, phones, or other electronic devices are allowed on deck.
• During the meets, swimmers/divers are required to stay on the pool deck in your suit for the entire meet.  In order to perform like a team we need to stay together like a team.
• Swimmers and divers are required to stay at meets until the meet is finished.  Events can get disqualified if swimmers leave before meet is over.
• Good sportsmanship is an expectation from all swimmer/diver.  You are expected to shake the hands of the opponents after every event and at the conclusion of the meet.
• After home meets all swimmer/diver are expected to help clean up and tear down.

Parents and Spectator Expectations

• If a parent has any concerns about their daughter, please contact the coaches.  The coaches are more than willing to sit down and discuss your concern.  Please arrange for this meeting after practice so it doesn't interfere with our training schedules.
• Parents are not allowed on the pool deck during meets unless you are volunteering.
• Never approach a coach during a meet.  If you have something to discuss please contact coaches after meet is over.
• Parents please make sure to check Sign Up Genius for volunteer opportunities during home meets (the deck seats and timing are the best seats in the house!).
• Parent’s must have good sportsmanship with the athletes, coaches, refs, and other parents

Teamwork and Sportsmanship

Teamwork and Sportsmanship- Provide good examples to your teammates by 'arriving to practice on time, being supportive to all team members, and showing leadership and commitment throughout the entire season.

Chemical Eligibility

A student shall not consume, use, or have in their possession alcohol, tobacco, or any other controlled substance, this includes vaping.  A two-week suspension or two consecutive contests, whichever is greater, will result. Minnesota State High School League rules apply here.

Academics

As a part of the Park Swimming and Diving Team, you are representing not just our team, but also Park High School. Athletes must maintain academic eligibility to participate in athletics. In accordance with Minnesota State High School League and Park High School policies, if you become ineligible you must participate in an intervention (coaches will work with the student, school and teachers to create a plan) to improve your grade. 

If any athlete is having problems keeping up with their academics, please let your coaches know as soon as possible. Your coaches will be checking up on your grades and behaviors in class periodically throughout the season.

Behavior

The coaches will not tolerate inappropriate behavior. Each athlete is expected to follow the team rules, use appropriate language, respect their coaches, teammates, officials and other teams and set a good example. If there is a behavior problem or the athlete embarrasses the team or coaches in any way, the athlete will first be given a warning and/or be suspended from the team. If problems persist, removal from the team may be necessary at the coaches' discretion. Any athlete behaving in an inappropriate way affects the entire Park High School team.

Cell Phones

Minnesota State High School League rules prohibit cell phones from all locker rooms and changing areas. Swimmers and divers will not be permitted to use their cell phones during practice times or at meets except under emergency circumstances.

Athletes are encouraged to meet directly with the coaches if you have questions, comments or concerns about anything that directly affects the team and the success of the team. Team Captains may also be consulted and they will bring to the coaches if needed.  Parents if you have any questions, comments or concerns please direct them to the coaches.