RANCHO COLORADOS SWIM TEAM GUIDEBOOK 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction page 3
Swim Team Committee Information page 3
The Coaching Staff page 4 & 5
Swimmer Eligibility and Expectations page 6
Workout Information page 7
Beginner Swim - Gutter Guppy Program page 8
Swim Lessons page 8
Types of Meets page 9
Meet Sign-Ups page 10
Meet Terms, Meet Entries, Warm-Ups page 11
Meet Scoring and LSC Awards page 12
Meet Survival Tips page 13
Parent Commitment & Jobs page 14
Spirit and Social Events page 17
Awards and Recognition page 19
Team Contacts page 20
2 Rancho Colorados and the Legend of the Wahoos
Introduction
Rancho Colorados Swim Team is a family-oriented, parent-supported swim team. Rancho is committed to providing a fun and nurturing environment where instruction and competition are balanced with family-oriented activities and team building. Our aim is to have an opportunity for each swimmer, regardless of ability, to do his or her best, to gain recognition for his or her efforts, to foster fellowship among members, and to promote sportsmanship and fun. Parent participation is the engine that makes swim team run!
2019 Swim Team Committee • Swim Team Co-Director/Board Representative Leah Kao • Swim Team Co-Director Heather Tzortzis • Past Swim Director/Big Meet Director Kim McLellan • Junior Coach Liaison Romi Smith • Meet Operations Director n/a • Spirit/Social Director n/a • Registration Coordinator Sarah Chang • Parent Jobs Coordinator Courtney Bellias • Treasurer Christina Felsing • Age Group Activities Director Anne Hawkins • Meet Scheduler Sarah Cusumano • LSC Conference Representative Veronique Kuhner
Purpose of the Swim Team Committee The Swim Team leadership is structured to divide responsibilities, serve the needs of the membership and improve communication. The committee members are representative of various ages and abilities. Responsibilities of the Swim Team Committee: • Report to the Rancho Colorados Pool and Tennis Board • Assist with Swim Team Parent concerns • Assist with Swim Team Participant concerns • Provide leadership for running meets and team activities • Agree and implement improvements to the process
Communication – Website, Email and Family Folders You will receive regular email announcements with swim team information throughout the season. Additionally, each family has an individually labeled folder filed alphabetically outside the coach’s office. Please check your folder regularly. Swimmers will receive ribbons, flyers, and team information in their folders. A lot of information and forms will also be posted on the website at www.teamunify.com/rcw.
If you have comments or concerns regarding swim team please contact: [email protected]
If you have comments or concerns regarding workouts, lessons or coaching, please contact Head Coach Tommy Rotticci via email: [email protected] *Please do not interrupt coaches during workouts or lessons.
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The Coaching Staff
Tommy Rotticci (Head Coach): Tommy grew up in Orinda and swam for Orinda Country Club. He then proceeded to coach at OCC for eight years assisting at all age levels and was the lead coach of the 6 & unders for two years. Tommy graduated from UC Davis in 2010 with a BA in Film Studies with an emphasis in production. He has been coaching at Rancho for the past six seasons as Assistant Coach. Tommy is excited to bring his experience, enthusiasm and knowledge to the Rancho Wahoos and we are thrilled to welcome him as our new Head Coach.
Blake Rotticci (Head Assistant Coach - 11 & ups): Blake is excited to be joining the Rancho coaching staff this swim season. Blake is a former National Champion and American Record holder from Cal Berkeley and Olympic Trial qualifier in 2004 and 2008. After college she was a Assistant coach at Orinda Country club for 4 years. Blake is currently a teacher at Growing Tree preschool and yoga instructor at CorePower yoga. We are delighted to have Blake join the coaching staff this season!
Wayne Hawkins (Head Assistant Coach - 10 & Under): Wayne is a long time former Rancho swimmer, Wild Wahoo helper and beloved Junior Coach. This will be his second year as an Assistant Coach. Wayne's 4 other siblings all have swam or swim at Rancho and he is proud to be a Wahoo! Wayne studies at Clemson University in South Carolina.
Emma Hathaway (Assistant Coach): Emma has enjoyed swimming at Rancho for 13 years, and coaching for 4 years. She is very excited to become an Assistant Coach this summer. Emma is currently a senior at Acalanes High School, and will be attending Loyola Marymount University next year. She is thrilled to come back for another amazing season at Rancho!
Michael Williams (Assistant Coach): Michael started swimming when he was 10 years old, for Sun Valley Swim Team. Three years ago he switched to Rancho to join his friends and has loved the club ever since. Michael has been a swimmer, junior coach, and this will now be his first year as Assistant Coach. His passion for swimming did not truly develop until his last years of high school, and so at the last minute he decided to opt out of CU Boulder to attend Diablo Valley College and pursue swimming. Michael hopes to transfer and swim in college if the opportunity comes his way. He is looking forward to a fun summer and we are very excited to have him join our team of Assistant Coaches this season!
Jeremy Hathaway (Assistant Coach): Jeremy has been swimming for Rancho since he was 4 years old. He started coaching as a Wild Wahoo 5 years ago and loves teaching swimming as well as basking in the Rancho team spirit every day. He is currently attending Humboldt State University as a Marine Biology Major while minoring in Oceanography and Scientific Diving. Jeremy is very excited to be an Assistant Coach this season!
4 Peter Brassinga (Assistant Coach): Peter is the oldest of four siblings and started swimming at the age of five. He won County in the 50 breast when he was twelve and fourteen years old. During his time at Campolindo high school, Peter was the top breaststroker for varsity all four years, helping relays win NCS and placed top three at the state meet. Peter is a DFAL champion and an NCS finalist in the 100 breaststroke. Peter swam for Orinda Aquatics from his sophomore year to his junior year. During his time at OA, he qualified for Junior Nationals in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 57.43 and went a 2:07.14 in his 200 breaststroke and a 25.74 in his 50 breaststroke. Peter made first team DFAL and the All American list while he was swimming at Campo. He then swam at Rancho his senior year summer before college. Peter is also an accomplished water polo player, as he helped the Cougars reach four consecutive championship games, as well as winning two championships. He was the leading goal scorer for a season and a top goal scorer for two other seasons, as well as the mvp his senior year. He received first team NCS and another All American award while he was playing at Campo. Peter's club polo team finished second at Junior Olympics his junior year summer. Peter played D1 polo at Long Beach State his freshman year and is currently in his second year at Long Beach. He is planning on going into Navy Special Forces after college. Peter has coached club polo and was a junior swim coach for a few years for various teams. He is honored to be a part of the Rancho Wahoos and is ready to make a positive impact this summer. We are excited to have Peter on as an Assistant Coach this season!
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Swimmer Eligibility and Expectations
Eligibility All children of Rancho members, in good standing, are eligible for swim team provided they are 4-18 years old as of June 15, 2019. The swimmers must fulfill these other eligibility requirements: • Swimmers (other than high school and college swimmers) may not compete as members of a year-round swim team or train with a year-round swim team after December 31, 2018. These swimmers MAY NOT compete in any USA swim meets after December 31, 2018 and until August 18, 2019. • High school swimmers who are members of their scholastic teams may continue to train with a year-round swim team until February 15th. High School and college swimmers may swim in USA meets unattached until February 15th. • Swimmers assisting with the coaching of participating teams may compete, provided they meet all other eligibility rules and are bona fide members of the team they represent. • LSC ELIGIBILITY: In order to swim at the LSC Championship meet, swimmers must swim in at least two (2) dual meets during the season, prior to LSC.
What is expected of swimmers? 1. Be focused – strive for improvement 2. Develop pride in your workout and meet performance 3. Help create a positive environment among your teammates 4. Remember – “Perfect practice makes perfect strokes” 5. Show good sportsmanship at all times
What is expected of parents? 1. Make sure your child is on time and prepared for practices and meets. 2. Understand the top 3 reasons kids participate in sports are to have fun, make friends, and learn new skills. 3. Remember that a winner is someone who tries one’s hardest and shows improvement. 4. Be an example of good sportsmanship. No matter what, show respect to coaches, swimmers, officials and opposing teammates. 5. During meets limit your comments to encouraging your child and other teammates.
6 Workout Information
Please note: Times are subject to change if adjustments are necessary. Swimmer age groups are determined by their date of birth before June 15th. All practice assignments will be made by the head coaches according to ability and comfort level.
*Swimmers are expected to practice during the workout time when their age group is swimming. Swimmers will not be allowed to move up for workouts with siblings or for other reasons. If you have a scheduling conflict, please speak to Head Coach Tommy Rotticci. All workouts will be designed to meet the ability levels of all swimmers in each age group.
*Coaches are not responsible for children who are not participating in workouts. Please help to limit distractions and keep Rancho safe by having your children exit the pool area after workouts until the lifeguards arrive for the day. Regardless of their age, children are not allowed to hang out without adult supervision when the pool has not opened yet. Children 7 and under may never be “dropped- off” at workouts.
2019 Swim Team Pre-Season Workouts (April 8 – June 6) 7 & 8 year olds: 3:30 – 4:15 pm 6 & under: 4:15 – 4:45 pm 9 & 10 year olds: 4:45 – 5:30 pm 11 & 12 year olds: 5:30 – 6:30 pm 13 & up: 6:30 – 7:45 pm
2019 Swim Team Summer Workouts (June 10 – July 26) 11/12s: 7:30 – 8:30 am 13 & up: 8:30 – 9:45 am 9/10 II: 9:30 – 10:30 am 9/10 I: 10:15 – 11:15 am 7/8 II: 11:15 – 12:00 am 7/8 I: 12:00 – 12:45 pm 6 & under: 12:45 – 1:30 pm
County Meet Workouts The 2019 County Meet Workouts will be held July 29 - August 2; times will be announced. These workouts are for County Meet Qualifiers and selected relay team participants only.
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Beginner Swim Program
Gutter Guppies
Gutter Guppies is an introductory swim program for swimmers ages 3-6 years old where fundamental skills for swim team will be taught. Swimmers MUST be potty trained. All lessons are 15 minutes long and are 1:1 with a Rancho Wahoos Junior Coach—and can be scheduled in the morning from 10 am - 11:15 am, four days per week. Your child will be assigned a lesson time slot after registration. Fridays will be a group lesson offered at 10 - 10:30 am or 10:30 - 11 am depending on your assigned time slot.
There will be a fun Gutter Guppy Meet, which will be held on July 22, 2019.
There will be a parent information meeting in May to discuss the program, lesson time requests and answer any questions.
*Please see the website and emails for any non-lesson dates this summer due to holidays or team events.
Private Swim Lessons
Private one-on-one competitive lessons are offered for children currently on the swim team by our swim coaches. The goal is to work on skills that children might have difficulty mastering and to reinforce techniques learned in swim practice. One lesson per week is the limit.
Each coach manages his or her own lesson times and fees. If you are interested in lessons, contact the coaches directly to set up your time. Checks are made payable to the individual coach and costs may vary per coach.
During the summer season, some coaches will put out a lesson book with a calendar of available times for you to select from. Keep an eye out for lesson books after summer workouts begin.
8 Types of Meets
Time Trials – Sunday, May 19, 2019 This meet gives each swimmer the chance to establish a baseline time in all of the individual events: Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke, Butterfly and IM/Individual Medley (IM is for 7 & older). Every swimmer is encouraged to swim all of the events. These are not official times and cannot be used for a County qualifying time.
Conference Meets Rancho Colorados is a founding member of the Lafayette Swim Conference (LSC), entering it’s sixth year of existence. Other members of the conference are LMYA, Oakwood, Springbrook and Sun Valley. Throughout the season, Rancho will participate in dual and tri meets with teams in our conference. These meets are not scored.
Non-Conference Dual Meets In addition to our Conference meets, Rancho swimmers participate in dual meets with other clubs in the area as our schedule permits. These meets are not scored and swimmers are encouraged to try for best times.
Battle Of The Ages – June 22-23, 2019 * @Pleasant Hill Dolfins This two-day “Big” meet allows swimmers to compete with other swimmers in the county that are exactly their age. The age of the swimmer on June 15 will determine which age group the swimmer will compete in (9 year olds swim against 9 year olds and 10 year olds against 10 year olds, etc.) This meet is an excellent opportunity for younger swimmers to participate in a “Big” meet before our Conference Championship in late July. All Rancho swimmers are strongly encouraged to participate.
Springbrook Pentathlon – July 14, 2019 * Sponsored by Springbrook, the Pentathlon is an invitational with six participating teams. Each team is represented by 5 swimmers per age group and gender. Each swimmer participates in all strokes, with prizes awarded to swimmers based on their cumulative times. *The coaches select Rancho’s representatives for this meet.
Lafayette Swim Conference Championship – July 27-28, 2019 * @Acalanes HS The culmination of the swim season is the Conference Championship Meet. This is the most important meet of the summer, and we hope all families will make an effort to participate. The week of the meet, Spirit Week, is a time for team building and fun, and the weekend is the culmination of each swimmer’s hard work over the summer. Each swimmer is encouraged to swim 3 individual events. There are final heats for the top twenty qualifiers in each event and team relays in the afternoons. This is a fun meet for all swimmers, with lots of hype, spirit, and friendly rivalries. This meet is scored – we need every swimmer on deck! Please try to avoid vacations on this date.
Contra Costa County Championships – August 2-4, 2019 * @Acalanes HS The Contra Costa County Championship Meet has been the county’s premiere invitational meet for the last 55 years and is open to all recreational swim teams in Contra Costa County. Swimmers must qualify for this meet by achieving a County "gold" time in an event. Training and social activities are organized for the week of the meet. Some swimmers who have not qualified may still be placed on a relay team for Rancho.
* Alcoholic beverages are NOT allowed at “Big” meets. This rule is strictly enforced!
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Meet Sign-Ups
Signing INTO a Swim Meet ONLINE Please SIGN IN to the meets by the posted deadline that your swimmer(s) will attend through the Team Unify Website www.teamunify.com/rcw. A sign-in deadline for any upcoming meets will be posted. It will usually be one week prior to the meet. Some meets, such as Battle of the Ages and the Conference Championship require an earlier sign-in deadline.
You will be able to request a certain number of swim events for your child. Please remember that your preferences are requests only. The coaches will consider your requests for strokes, but the decision for final entries and any relays will be made by the coaches.
After scheduling the meet, the Meet Entries will be posted online under the Meet Info tab – this will indicate what events your child is swimming in that meet. Please review the entries and double check if your child is placed in any relays.
The coaches’ computer entries are based on available swimmers. These computer entries must be submitted several days prior to each meet. If a child is not signed in by the posted deadline for a meet he/she will not be allowed to swim in that meet. Sign in early!
Does my child have to swim in meets? No. Your child does not have to participate in swim meets. But please be sure to SIGN OUT your child of the meets through the website. If your child is not swimming in a meet, you still must fulfill your parent work obligation whether your child is swimming in that meet or not.
My Child is not Swimming, do I have to work? SIGNING YOUR CHILDREN OUT OF A MEET THAT YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO WORK DOES NOT EXCUSE YOU FROM YOUR PARENTAL JOB COMMITMENT AT THAT MEET.
What if it is too late to sign your swimmer out of a meet that you thought they could attend? Who should they contact? If you know your child cannot swim in a meet that they were signed into you can email Coach Tommy if it is more than 48 hours before the scheduled meet.
My Child is Sick or Injured Please notify Head Coach Tommy if your swimmer is sick or injured within 48 hours of a scheduled meet and will not be able to swim.
Getting your Child to Their Lane (Shepherds) Parents of 8& under swimmers are responsible for insuring that the swimmers report to their shepherd when the bell rings for their event. Shepherds are not responsible for tracking down swimmers. They are responsible for lining swimmers up so that they can be brought to the proper heat and lane at the correct end of the pool (this is amazingly hard to do with over 100 5-8 year olds!). They will also be reminded which stroke they are swimming. Swimmers who do not come when the bell rings may miss their event.
10 Definitions of Meet Terms
Lafayette Swim Conference (LSC) The LSC is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to establish, organize and hold meets for summer recreational competitive swimming within its membership (currently 4 teams) to enhance community spirit, camaraderie and friendly competition.
DQ A disqualification (DQ) of a swimmer is decided by a stroke & turn judge for using improper stroke technique, false starts, or for illegal touches at the wall for either turns and/or finishes.
Events, Heats and Seedings • Swim meets have events (e.g., 9/10 Boys Freestyle), and events have heats (e.g., Heat 2 of 4) • An event is an age group swimming a particular stroke and divided by gender. • The heats are organized or seeded so that swimmers are grouped based upon their times.
False Start • Swimmers must get into their start position and remain perfectly still until the start. • A false start occurs when a swimmer moves or dives before the start is sounded.
Individual Medley (IM) Only 7 and ups swim IM. In IM, swimmers swim a total of four laps: a lap each of butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle—in that order.
Meet Entries Where will I find the swim meet line-up and the swimming event assignments? The dual meet line up will be posted on the team bulletin board the day before the meet. This indicates what events the swimmer is entered in. Heat sheets will be posted on the team website the day of the meet or night before. The heat sheets indicate which heat and lane your child will be swimming. The heat and lane assignments will also be posted on the team bulletin board (both at home and away meets) at the beginning of each meet.
In Big Meets (Battle of the Ages and Conference Championship), heat and lane assignments will be printed in a program book that will be sold at the meet.
Meet Warm-Up Times **Times to be confirmed in pre-meet email. The coaches want all swimmers at warm-ups.
Home Meets: Wednesday – Be at the pool by 4:15 pm for warm-up Saturday – Be at the pool by 7:45 am for warm-up
Away Meets: Wednesday/Thursday – Be at the pool by 5:00 pm for warm-up Saturday – Be at the pool by 8:15 am for warm-up
11 Meet Scoring
Scoring Our conference and non-conference regular meets are not scored.
Conference Championship Meet Scoring Individual Events: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th Championship Heat* 24 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 Consolation Heat 11 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Relay Events 48 42 40 38 36 34
*The Championship Heat has the swimmers with the ten best qualifying times. A swimmer in the Championship Heat will finish no lower than 10th place unless disqualified. The Consolation Heat has the swimmers with the eleventh to twentieth best qualifying times. The winner of the Consolation Heat is awarded 11th place. LSC Conference Championship Awards
Lafayette Conference Championship Ribbons, Rosettes, and/or Medals at “Big” meets are normally awarded only to those swimmers who make it into the final heats.
LSC Conference Championship Team Awards • Championship Winner (3) – The Team with the highest combined individual and relay points across all age groups will be awarded the Champion’s plaque. Second and Third place winners will also be awarded plaques. • Age Group Winner (6) – The Team that earns the most number of combined individual and relay points in each age group will be awarded a perpetual plaque that rotates annually to the new winner. Second and Third place winners will also be awarded Perpetual plaques. • Most Points Per Swimmer (1) – The Team with the highest result when dividing total points earned by total number of entered swimmers on the Team will be awarded a trophy. Second and Third place winners will be announced but no trophy given. • Pop Time (3) – The Team that has the highest percentage of improved swims over its entered seed times will be awarded a trophy. Second and Third place winners will be announced but no trophy given. • Spirit (1) – The winner of this award will be determined by vote by the Conference Board. Each Team shall have only one vote, using a scoring sheet created prior to the Meet and approved by the Board. Board members may not vote for their own Team. The winner will be awarded a banner/flag that rotates annually to the new winner.
*For awards and recognition for other meets and throughout the season, See the Awards and Recognition section.
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Meet Survival Tips Be Prepared! Don’t miss your event. Know when and what events your kids are swimming (check the posted Heat Sheets beforehand). Only 6 & Unders and 7/8 age groups are shepherded to the blocks at regular meets, and only if they can be found. They should stay in the team area at all times! There are no Shepherds at Battle of the Ages, Conference Championship, or County Meet. At these meets, parents are responsible for getting their own young swimmers to the Clerk-of-the-Course for event check-in at the proper time.
Keep Warm! After warm-ups and between events, wear clothing and shoes. 80% of body temperature is lost through the head, hands, and feet. Be prepared with the appropriate clothing and covering. Bring more towels then you think you need, and parkas (some bring sleeping bags) to help stay warm.
Bring Games, Cards, Books, etc. for entertainment between events, particularly at big, long meets.
Big Meets: Check-in at Clerk-of-the-Course All swimmers must check in on time with the Clerk-of-the-Course for each event at Battle of the Ages, LSC Conference Championship and County Meet. If a swimmer fails to check in on time they will not be allowed to swim in that event. Each big meet requires younger swimmers to write on their hands or back their name and the events they are swimming. Directions for how to do this can usually be found in the program for that meet.
What to Bring to a Meet - Label Everything! • Suit • Towels - Extra towels are always a good idea • Cap, Goggles (extras just in case) • Sharpie pen – for writing heat/lane assignments on younger swimmer’s hands • Sweats, parka, Flip-flops or warm slippers • Sun Screen • Swim Bag • Money for snacks • Lightweight Tents and Folding Lawn Chairs, Blankets can make spending time at away and “Big” meets more comfortable for swimmers and parents.
Wahoos Show Sportsmanship and Courtesy – Represent Rancho • Look like a team! Always wear team suits, team caps, t-shirts and Rancho gear to the meets. • Keep the area clean! No one wants to stay late to clean up after you. • Show Good Sportsmanship and common courtesy to other swimmers, adults, coaches, and meet officials. If you have a problem, tell the coach or an adult in charge. • Always tell a coach before you leave. Many times swimmers miss an event by leaving early. It is important that the Coaches are aware of your departure in order to field the relays. • Show WAHOO Spirit!!! Cheer for your fellow teammates and swim your best each time. Go for your goals!!! • Share parenting responsibility with friends, and don’t ever leave an unattended child under 10 at a “Big” meet. Unattended children at these meets will be sent home. • Swimmers should remain in the designated team area at big meets between events.
13 Parent Responsibilities
Parental support is the foundation of any successful swim program. Parents are needed in many areas for the team to function efficiently. All families and parents are required to contribute in areas such as meets, team socials and coach appreciation.
Parent Participation (Jobs) Swim meets can only be held with the help of every family. It requires over 40 Rancho parents to host and run a home meet, and almost the same number to work at away meets. Families who only have Learn-to-Swim, Gutter Guppies or 15-18 swimmers are not required to work jobs.
Job Sign Ups Job sign-ups will happen via our team website. An email will be sent prior to the date to let you know how many meet jobs, big meet jobs, and social jobs you will need to sign up for. Please note: if you are a new family, please DO NOT sign up to work at Time Trials. This is a good opportunity for you to get to know how a meet works!
Unable to Do Your Job? If something comes up that keeps you from fulfilling your job at any meet, it is your responsibility to make arrangements to trade your job with another family or hire a suitable substitute. Please refer to the Job Descriptions below to determine if a suitable substitute is allowed or if the job must be filled by a parent. Do not ask the Directors or the Meet Captains to find a replacement for you. You must notify the designated meet captain of any changes. Failure to show for your assigned job or to make suitable alternate arrangements can result in a fine. All fines must be paid before your swimmer will be entered in another meet. Types of Jobs Parent Team & Meet Jobs Every Parent not holding a Chair position or big job listed below is required to complete all Parent/Team Jobs signed up for. The number of meet jobs required varies each year depending upon the number of meets and the number of families on the team.
Swim team runs only with the help of every family. It requires over 40 Rancho parents to host a single home meet, and over 20 to work each away meet. There are also countless behind the scenes jobs that make our meets run smoothly and numerous social events throughout the season that all of our swimmers look forward to each year. Running a swim team requires all hands on deck!
N/S (No Sub) = Job must be filled by a parent. Jobs MAY be traded with another parent.
SUB = A suitable substitute may be hired. Substitutes must be at least 14 years old (16 for LSC, 18 for Cafe). Sub fee is $60. A substitute list is posted on our team website.
Announcer – Must be comfortable using P.A. system to announce race results and other brief announcements. Work with computer desk team to check generated results against manual time slips. May require previous experience or training. NO SUB
Awards (Big meets only) – At the end of big meets, pick up Rancho team and swimmer awards. Distribute back to family folders at Rancho day of or next day. SUB
Cafe Staff – Various jobs will be assigned to you by the Wahoo Cafe Managers. (SUB 18+)
14 Clerk of the Course (Big meets only) – Help in the tent where swimmers check in and help line kids up in correct order. Specific tasks assigned on site. Must not share this job with anyone, nor have any kids to take care of. Job will require full attention the entire time. May sub out, but subs must be 16 or older. SUB 16+
Computer Desk – Responsible for team and timing system computers and score keeping at each home meet. Training and/or previous experience required. NO SUB
Griller – Run the barbeque for the Cafe at our home meets. NO SUB
Head Timer – Supervises and provides backup stopwatches for Timers at home meets. Able to use two stopwatches accurately and focus attention on the start and finish of each race. Must be able to communicate with the Timers, Starter, and Runner. Previous timing experience helpful, but not necessary. NO SUB
Meet Assistant/Hospitality – Responsible for meet clean up, computer desk and coaches hospitality (dinner, replenish cooler), shepherd and ribbon desk back up and other support where needed. SUB
Ribbons – Prepare the event ribbons until all meet results are completed. At away meets duties may differ slightly. File ribbons in the family folders at the pool the day of or day after the meet. SUB
Runner – Able to proofread the lane slips and put them in proper order for computer entry. Must be able to communicate with Recorders (to ensure lane slips are accurate) and also with Starter, Head Timer, and Computer Desk. Not a job for those with small children to supervise at meets. SUB
Set-up/Takedown – Set up and then take down tents and chairs at home meets, or set up/takedown pop-up tents at away big meets. For away big meets, you will pick up or bring back the pop-up tents from Rancho storage. SUB
Shepherd – This job is especially good for parents of 8 & under swimmers. The shepherds round up the children for their races by ringing the bell and announcing the upcoming event. The shepherds help line the kids up in the correct heats and lanes and bring them to the starting blocks. NO SUB
Starter – Calls swimmers to the blocks using a P.A./starting system to initiate the races. Must be able to communicate with Computer Desk, Head Timer and Runner. Training and/or previous experience required. NO SUB
Stroke & Turn – Must be able to closely observe all races for swimming infractions. The League’s training session will be held on TBD. Training required. NO SUB
Stroke & Turn Runner – Must be constantly checking with Stroke & Turn officials to collect DQ slips to turn in to computer desk. SUB
Timer/Recorder – Must be able to use a stopwatch or electronic timer’s button accurately and focus attention on the start and finish of each race. Must stand at the edge of the pool for an accurate recording of the finish. Help younger swimmers out of the pool at the end of races if necessary. Complete race lane slips accurately if you are Recording. Not a job for those with small children to supervise at meets. SUB
Various Social Jobs – In addition to meet jobs, parents are required to help with social events which may include assisting with an age group social, helping with Pop time awards, working Pizza Thursdays, working at a Spirit week event, etc. SUB
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Committee Chair Jobs At Rancho we ask some parents to volunteer for more than just the required jobs to hold a swim meet. These jobs often take a considerable amount of time planning prior to and during the season and we are thankful to those of you who step up each year to play a larger role in the management of the Rancho Wahoos.
• Registration & Jobs – Organizes online registration and job sign ups. • Computer Desk – Coordinates all computer set up, take down and operations at meets. • Computer Entries – Prior to every meet, inputs all entries, posts meet sheets, prints. • Meet Captains – Sends out reminders for jobs and coordinates meet workers every meet. • Head Wahoo Café – Plans menu and coordinates snack shack purchasing and workers. • Spirit – Coordinates events to enhance team moral and enthusiasm, e.g. Spirit week. • Social – Plans social events for the whole team. E.g., Breakfast of Champions, Root beer Floats & Relays, LSC Celebration) • Achievement–Manages pop time and other recognition throughout the season. • Awards – Manages ribbons & meet awards, plans awards night and maintains record board. • Apparel – Interfaces with vendors to determine and order team shirts, sets up suit fittings at pool and selects spirit wear for pre-season orders. Takes orders & distributes items. • Pizza Day – Coordinates Thursday Pizza Days at the pool. Responsible for ordering and picking up pizza, purchasing sides and snacks, managing money and organizing volunteers. • Conference Representatives – Represents Rancho on the Lafayette Swim Conference board.
If you are interested in helping with a big job for next season, please let the Swim Director know!
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Spirit and Social Events
Team Socials
Team Kick-off Event An event to bring the team together for a spirited kick-off! ALL team members are encouraged to attend. Coaches will be present and team building activities will be run for all to enjoy.
Skit Night & Cake Contest During Spirit Week, Rancho will host our annual talent night which will highlight the special “gifts” of our swimmers, coaches and parents! We will also celebrate our culinary prowess with our traditional cake-decorating competition. Come for an evening of entertainment and yummy dessert!
LSC Championship Meet Pasta Feed – Thursday of Spirit Week On the Thursday night before the Conference Championship, we will socialize, build team spirit and load up on those all-important carbs at the pool. The pasta feed is a pot-luck and each family attending signs up to bring either pasta, salad or dessert.
LSC Post Meet Celebration – Sunday night after conclusion of LSC After the LSC trophy presentation Sunday evening, join our entire swim team family for a post conference meet celebration back at Rancho - you deserve it!
Team Activities
Team Photo Day Wear your team suit and join the team for our annual team photo. Individual photos are taken during practice after the team photo is completed. Please look for the photo day sign up & order forms posted on the team bulletin board and in the team folders.
Spirit Week – lead up to LSC During the week prior to our Conference Championship Meet, there are many great activities planned to get the swimmers excited to compete. These include pancake breakfast, craft activities and games, car painting and sign making as well as the pasta feed dinner, skit night and cake contest.
Age Group Socials Each age group will have their own social event – check the calendar and look for more details to come from the age group organizers.
Day at Waterworld The Monday after LSC, celebrate the end of the season by hitting the slides at Waterworld! This informal gathering has become a favorite tradition to end the season with a splash! (Note: it is not a team organized event).
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Wahoo Cafe
Pizza Days On Thursdays, the Wahoo Café will offer pizza on the patio. During the summer workout season every Thursday you may purchase a lunch including pizza, fruit and drink. This is a nice break from packing lunches. It’s also fun for the kids to hang around and have lunch together with their friends.
Lunch with the Coaches!
Sign up to have lunch with the coaches any day during the summer (with the exception of Thursdays). You can sign up on your own or with another family to bring lunch to our Head coach, Assistant coaches and the junior coaches. It is a great opportunity for you and your kids to sit down with the coaches and get to know them outside of the pool!
Sign-ups for this will be sent via email at the beginning of June.
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If you have any questions related to meet ribbons and awards throughout the season, please contact our Awards chair Lisa Hom at [email protected].
Pop Time Achievements/Pop Time Thursdays Any time a swimmer achieves a best time a time in an event, he/she has “popped” that time. We recognize pop times every Thursday with a pop recognition on each eligible swimmer’s team shirt. This is a fun way to encourage the kids to track and strive for their goals.
During the summer on Thursdays between 9:00 am – 12:45 pm, remember team shirts each Thursday, and remind your swimmers to be courteous while waiting and arrive early prior to practice time. A running total will be recorded by the Achievement Team, so if you miss a Thursday, you can get your shirt stamped the following Thursday. If a swimmer achieves a gold or silver time, a special stamp will be awarded.
Our Achievement team, will have “pop” awards each Thursday that your swimmer will not want to miss!
Goal Star Times Goal Star Times are listed on our website. Each age group has specific goal time colors by stroke - white, red, blue, silver, and gold (County qualifying times). Goal times are intended to help each swimmer to recognize that individual goals are attainable and important.
End of Season – Awards Night
Awards Night – typically in August, date to be announced Everyone is invited to bring dinner to the barbeque area around 4:00 pm. The awards presentation begins promptly at 5:00 pm. Every child on swim team will be acknowledged, and we celebrate the season with a slide show. In addition, the following special awards will be presented: • MVP Awards - based on the highest cumulative point total/places for the season. • Most Improved - based on total time improvement for the season. • Coach’s Awards - based on team spirit, good work ethic, and a positive attitude. • Event Trophies - based on excellent fundamentals in a particular stroke. • 5 Gold Award - for those who achieve Gold Times in all 5 events (4 for 6&U) • Bruce Little Wahoo Award - based on leadership and dedication to the Rancho Team over several years, in honor of retired pool manager Bruce Little. • Larry Gruver Award - Rancho’s perpetual trophy for our own highest County Meet achiever, in honor of Rancho’s first swim coach. • Suzy Hansen Award - awarded to the volunteer who has gone above and beyond!
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Team Contacts
Tommy Rotticci Head Coach [email protected]
Blake Rotticci Assistant Head Coach [email protected] 11 & ups
Wayne Rotticci Assistant Head Coach [email protected] 10 & under Leah Kao Co-Swim Team Director/Board [email protected] or Representative [email protected] Heather Tzortzis Co-Swim Team Director [email protected]
Kim McLellan Past Director/Big Meet [email protected] Coordinator/Website Support Romi Smith Junior Coach Liason/Admin [email protected] Support n/a Meet Operations Director n/a n/a Spirit and Social Director n/a
Christina Felsing Treasurer [email protected]
Sarah Chang Registration Coordinator [email protected]
Courtney Bellias Jobs Coordinator [email protected]
Anne Hawkins Age Group Activities Director [email protected]
Sarah Cusumano Meet Scheduler [email protected]
Veronique Kuhner LSC Conference [email protected] Representative Linda Choi Computer Entries Head [email protected]
Lisa Hom Ribbons & Awards [email protected]
Katerina Tzorbatsakis Pop Time Achievement [email protected]
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