Lindsay Lightningbolts Swim Club
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
On behalf of the LLSC Executive, I would like to welcome your swimmer to the Lindsay Lightningbolts Swim Club.
We are very excited about our upcoming season. Paula Fisher will continue to be our head coach and is assembling a team of enthusiastic assistant coaches. We are confident that your child will learn a lot, and have a great time doing it.
The Lindsay Lightningbolts Swim Club is run by a group of dedicated volunteer parents. These parents work on your behalf for the benefit of all swimmers. The executive runs the business of the club, as well as swim meets, fundraising events, social events and many other activities that help promote LLSC. We would like all parents to become involved, whether the job is big or small, to help our swimmers.
If you have any questions about club activities, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any executive member or coach. We all look forward to making this a successful and enjoyable year for everyone.
Jodie Collins, President
Lindsay Lightningbolts Swim Club
Association Profile
Association Profile
Swimming/Nation Canada (SNC)
The governing body of competitive swimming in Canada
Represents over 50,000 competitive swimmers and 350 swim clubs
An organization of 10 provincial sections
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Swim Ontario
The governing body of competitive swimming in Ontario
Represents over 10,000 competitive swimmers and 140 clubs
An organization divided into 6 regions with 3 Divisions
Our region is called "Huronia"
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Lindsay Lightningbolts Swim Club (LLSC)
Lindsay’s competitive swim club for over 30 years
Club Communication
Club Communication
LLSC Contact Information:
Mailing address: PO Box 34, Lindsay, Ontario K9V 4R8
You can also send us your questions & comments via our Contact Us page
Communications
Communications
The majority of communication of events, changes in practice scheduling, meet notification and other information is relayed via email However, urgent, last minute notifications and reminders will also be shared via social media. Members are encouraged to check their email on a daily basis as there are many important messages which may need to be responded to in a timely manner. Email addresses are taken at the time of registration and will be compiled to make an updated group email listing. Should your email address change, please notify the us so that it can be updated as soon as possible. Last minute updates and reminders will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages as well.
When and who should you contact?
- Email your questions or concerns to your swimmers' coach
- Schedule a time to come to the pool following practice and discuss your swimmers' progress/concerns with their coach
- Any swim meet questions please email our Head coach.
- If you have any registration fee or meet fee questions or concerns, please email Santai Kimakeke, our Clubs Treasurer on [email protected]
- If you have any questions regarding Fundraising and/or Sponsorship Programs, please email Jodie Collins our club President.
Swim Meets
Swim Meets
LLSC is part of Huronia Region which is comprised of nine other clubs including Muskoka, Trent, Collingwood, Barrie, Orillia, Base Borden, Owen Sound, Port Elgin and Orangeville.
Throughout the season we compete against all of these clubs, as well as others from around the province. If your child participates in a meet, you will receive notification from the coach as to the date, time, place, cost, travel and any other relevant information. Swim meets offer your swimmer an opportunity to test the skills they have learned and the training they have done over the season. Attention is paid to personal successes, and swimmers are encouraged to strive for a personal best each time they swim. This does not always mean a faster time, as speed is not the only component to swimming.
Home Meets: In-club mini meets provide an excellent opportunity for swimmers to swim competitively in a supportive and low pressure environment, as well as an opportunity for them to evaluate their skills without having to travel. LLSC depends on the participation of ALL swimming parents in order to run successful in club mini meets. These meets take place during regular swim practice times.
Officiating: Officials at all swim meets are volunteers (parents or other interested adults). It takes approximately 30 or more volunteers to run a swim meet. As part of Huronia Region, we host a regional ‘developmental’ meet, with 2 other clubs attending. In order to host a successful meet, it is necessary that parents assist in some manner. You will be contacted prior to the meet to see which job suits you the best! While many host clubs ask invited clubs to bring officials, it is important to try to involve the majority of the home team parents. If you can read a watch, then you can officiate!
Meet Expenses and Bills: Expenses include entry fees for meets, accommodations, food, and transportation. Deadlines for entries will be posted in advance, and your coach will decide with your swimmer which events to enter. Swimmers who sign up for a meet but do not attend will lose their portion of the entry fees, as these are paid in advance by the Club and are non-refundable.
Transportation: Parents will drive their own children to swim meets. Car pooling is also a possibility. If you require a ride for your swimmer, or are willing to take another swimmer with you, please let your coach know.
Regional Meets: These meets require a qualifying time, and your coach will let the swimmer know if they have qualified for the meet. We attend Huronia Short Course Regional Championships (February) and Huronia Long Course Championships (June). These meets have a qualifying standard, and you will know ahead of time if your swimmer will be attending.
Swimmer Essentials
Swimmer Essentials
Practices:
In order to improve, swimmers must practice. That’s why attending practices on a regular basis, giving your best effort and being on time is extremely important.
Practices will consist of warming up, swimming sets and drills, as well as dry land exercises as set out by coaches. Warm up is low intensity swimming designed to warm up and loosen the muscles gradually as well as increase the heart and respiration rates slowly. Following the warm up, the main set or focus of the practice is started. If a swimmer is late they miss all or part of the warm up and do not get the full benefit of that practice. Stretching is also important to enhance performance and prevent injuries. We encourage all swimmers to do stretching at home. Don’t forget to bring water to each practice as well.
Equipment:
Daily practices require equipment – practice suit, goggles, water bottle and towel are essential. Practice suits are usually loose fitting and made of long lasting material, such as polyester. Take care of your suit. Do not leave it rolled up, as chlorine reduces the life of both polyester and lycra (racing) suits. Rinse your suit in cold water after each use and hang to dry.
Goggles are worn to enhance vision and protect the swimmer’s eyes from chlorine. Better vision improves the safety of all swimmers. There are a variety of goggles on the market but the swimmer should choose ones that are comfortable – make sure to try them on first and ensure that there is suction.
When representing the club at any swim meet, it is mandatory that each swimmer have a team swim suit, team cap and team t-shirt. Put your name on your equipment!
During registration, swim suits and t-shirts will be ordered and they are included in the registration cost. Additional items such as hoodies and toques may also be available for purchase.
Gold & Silver level Swimmers will be asked to purchase a few items such as;
Fist Gloves
Snorkel
- Additional items may be required
- Swim caps will be available for purchase on the pool deck through-out the season, $10.00
Swim Meet FAQ's
Swim Meet FAQ's
As a new parent to swimming, many of us are in the dark about meets before we get to the first one. Hopefully this will answer some or all of your questions – if you still need information, please speak to your coach or an executive member.
What is a swim meet?
A meet is a swimming competition. It is hosted by a swim club, usually at their home pool.
What determines what meet my child goes to?
Developmental meets are meets usually attended by younger swimmers, who have not yet achieved a competitive time standard, although these meets are open to everyone. At this entry level, it is more important that your child be taught stroke efficiency and not be taught to swim fast without regard to stroke technique. Invitational meets are open to competitive swimmers, sometimes they have time standards which must be met. Regional and provincial meets always have time standards which must be met. Your coach determines what meets your child will go to and what races they will swim, always basing their decisions on the child’s best swimming interests.
How do we enter?
Your coach will email information about upcoming swim meets and will set a deadline for the submission of entry fees. Fees can be paid by cash or cheque (payable to LLSC). There are no exceptions to entry deadlines – if the entry fee is not in, your swimmer will not be able to attend the meet. Entry fees must be in a clearly marked envelope with your swimmers name, meet and amount. Coach Paula & our club Treasurer are the only members to accept meet fees. Once the meet entries have been submitted by the coach your meet fees are non-refundable.
How is their time/heat determined?
The first time swimmer is not ranked in their first event or meet. They will be listed in the meet program (heat sheets) as NT, which means No Time. They will be competing against swimmers who also have not competed before in that event and also do not have a time. Once they have finished the race with no disqualification, they will be ranked in subsequent events with swimmers with similar times.
Where do we go for meets?
We are part of Huronia region, which includes Trent, MUSAC (Bracebridge), Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Base Borden, Port Elgin and Owen Sound. We attend meets in the eastern portion of Huronia, usually in Peterborough and Barrie. We have also attended meets in St.Catherines, Guelph and Hamilton.
How much does it cost?
For developmental meets, there is usually a flat entry fee of $25/30 per meet, and the swimmer will swim in 2-4 races, including relays. For competitive meets, fees are charged per race and swimmers will compete in up to 4 races per day, determined by their coach. There are some ‘hidden’ costs – often host clubs sell suits, t-shirts, apparel and other keepsakes to help fundraise, as well as having a canteen, 50-50 draws and raffles.
What happens if we sign up and we don’t go?
Sometimes swimmers are ill on the day of a meet - we ask that you call your coach or another team member so that the meet organizers are aware that your child will not be attending. Unfortunately, as we pay fees for swimmers well ahead of time, fees are not refundable for missed meets.
What do we take?
For all meets, team wear is mandatory! Cap, suit and t-shirt are required, we want to be noticed on the deck and in the pool.
- Team t-shirt, team suit, cap and goggles.
- Water bottle
- Healthy snacks and/or a lunch (food is available to buy at some meets, but it's best to stick with familiar foods on racing day!)
- 2 towels
- Clothing to wear on deck ( team shirt or hoodie)
What happens when we get there?
When you arrive at the pool, swimmers will proceed to the change room and meet their coach and team on deck. Heat sheets (meet programs) are available for purchasing in the lobby or canteen area – they are usually $2-10. This is the program that lists all the races, the swimmers name, club and seed time. Parents proceed to the viewing area, or to the officials room if they are volunteering to time. Swimmers are expected to remain on deck to be ready for their events or to cheer on their teammates. Swimmers are expected to remain on deck to be ready for their events or to cheer on their teammates. Swimmers cannot leave the deck without the knowledge and consent of the coach. Parents are not allowed on deck at meets.
How long does it take?
Developmental meets are usually kept to under 4 hours - this is determined by the Swim Ontario Long Term Athlete Development Strategy. All races at devo meets are timed finals, that is, there are no preliminary races to determine the ‘winner’. Invitational meets, and other types of meets have a morning session, an afternoon session, and depending on the type of meet, evening sessions with finals (only 13 years and over).
What is a meet Package?
A meet package is a booklet (provided on-line) with all important meet information such as; Address, name of facility, the session your swimmer is in etc.... This will be forwarded to you via email, once it is made available.
Do we have to attend meets?
Swimmers are strongly encouraged to take part in every meet that is offered to them. This is an important facet of becoming a good competitive swimmer - practicing your racing skills and technique in a meet situation.
How do we know who wins?
Meets are not a place where you win or lose – swimmers are always swimming against the clock and themselves, and are always aiming for their best time, or their best technical race. If you swim your best, you win!
Your Role As A Parent
Your Role As A Parent
Competitive swimming programs provide many benefits to young athletes. They develop self-discipline, good sportsmanship, and time management skills. Competition allows the swimmer to experience success and to learn how to deal with defeat, while becoming healthy and physically fit.
As a swim parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable and supportive environment. This positive environment will encourage your child to continue. Show your interest by making sure your child attends practice and meets regularly.
Parents are not participants on their child’s team, but instead contribute to their success. Parents serve as role models and their children often emulate their attitudes. Be aware of this and strive to be positive models. Most importantly, show respect and good sportsmanship at all times toward coaches, officials, opponents, teammates and volunteers.
Be enthusiastic and supportive. Remember that your child is the swimmer. Children need to establish their own goals, and make their own progress towards them. Be careful not to impose your own standards and goals.
Do not overburden your child with winning. The most important part of children’s swimming experience is that they learn about themselves while enjoying the sport. This healthy environment encourages learning and fun, which will develop a positive self-image within each child.
Club Activities
Club Activities
LLSC has a number of activities from which both swimmers and parents will benefit:
Swimmers will enjoy attending practices, in-club mini meets, away meets, team building activities – there are plenty of opportunities for fun, fitness and friendship for all swimmers.
- Halloween Costume Pool Party near the end of October
- The Lindsay Christmas Parade
- Christmas Pool Party
- End of Season Awards BBQ
Fundraising
Fundraising
Like most non-profit organizations, revenues from registration fees only cover about 50% of our annual expenditures. Fundraising is essential to our club to carry on our operations. To generate revenue from other sources, our club requires the swimmers’ participation in the following activities:
2 Raffles: Each swimmer will be required to purchase raffle tickets and in turn sell them and keep the money (you did already buy them) or simply put your name on them for the chance to win President's Choice Gift Cards! The first set of raffle tickets will be available shortly after registration and the second set of raffle tickets will be in the spring with the draw taking place at the End of Season BBQ
Swim-A-Thon: Our annual Swim-A-Thon is a provincial fundraiser for all swim clubs taking place each spring. This is an important event for our club! Swimmers collect pledges for the amount of laps that they swim during the 1½ - 2 hour time period. Our club gets to keep 90% of funds raised! More information is provided in late Fall early Winter. This is mandatory and we will also need parent volunteers on the day your swimmer swims to help count laps. Corporate sponsorship is not applicable for personal fundraising. A minimum fundraising requirement of $100/swimmer. Families with 2 or more swimmers in Bronze, Silver or Gold must raise a minimum of $150/family. RedFish/BlueFish must raise a minimum of $25/swimmer.
Tag Days: September- Swimmers will be supervised at a local store location while asking for donations. Your commitment of 1 hour is mandatory for each tag day. We encourage parents to help with supervision.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship
In order to raise money to assist our team, we have developed the L.L.S.C. Advertising Program.
In exchange for your advertising commitment of $500,-, we are prepared to offer you:
- Space for your business logo on our Website and Facebook page
- Your logo advertised on our meet package, which will be available at all our home meets.
- Your "large" logo will be advertised on our sponsorship banner located on the pool deck at all practices and swim meets.
In exchange for your advertising commitment of $300,-, we are prepared to offer you:
- Space for your business logo on our Facebook page
- Your logo advertised on our meet package which will be available at all our home meets
- In advertising with our L.L.S.C., not only will your business receive affordable exposure to hundreds of swimmers, their parents and officials, they will see your important support of Lindsay's youth athletic development in our community.
Thank you for considering this fundraising initiative.
Discipline Policy & Procedure
Discipline Policy & Procedure
During practice the coach will enforce the 3-strike rule;
If a swimmer is disruptive during practice they will be dealt with in the following manner:
- 1st Time - the swimmer will receive a verbal warning.
- 2nd Time - the swimmer will be reminded with another verbal warning.
- 3rd Time - the swimmer will be required to sit on the deck for the remainder of the practice.
In the event the coach experiences a discipline problem with a swimmer the following procedure will apply:
- 1. If a discipline issue arises the club executive will be kept advised of all matters.
- 2. Coaches will deal with situation by advising head coach
- 3. President, Head Coach and swimmer’s coach will meet to discuss the concern with the swimmer and the parent(s).
- 4. If necessary, the President will form a committee of executive members to hear from the coaches, swimmers and parents and to make a recommendation back to the club executive.
- 5. The decision of the club executive will be final.
If parents are concerned about disciplinary or other issues:
- 1. Talk to the coach to resolve the issue.
- 2. If necessary, inform the president and if the situation warrants, the president will form a committee to review the concerns and make recommendations back to the executive.
- 3. The decision of the club executive will be final.
Glossary of Swimming Terms
Glossary of Swimming Terms
Age Group Swimming: The program through which SNC (Swim Canada) provides fair and open competition for its younger members. It is designed to encourage maximum participation, provide an educational experience, enhance physical and mental conditioning, and develop a rich base of swimming talent. Nationally recognized age groups are 11-12, 13-14, 15-17 and senior. Local meets may also include events for 10 and under swimmers.
Blocks: The starting platform.
Bulkhead: A wall constructed to divide a pool into different courses, such as a 50-metre pool into two 25-metre pools.
Coach: A person who trains and teaches athletes in the sport of swimming.
Code of Conduct: An agreement outlining behavioural guidelines, signed by a swimmer and his/her parent/guardian as part of membership in the swim club.
DQ: Disqualified. This occurs when a swimmer has committed an infraction of some kind (e.g. freestyle kick in butterfly). A disqualified swimmer is not eligible to receive awards, nor can the time be used as an official time.
Dryland Training: Training done out of the water that aids and enhances swimming performance; usually includes stretching, calisthenics and/or weight training.
Entry Form: Form used by the coach to enter swimmers in a competition.
False Start: Occurs when a swimmer is moving at the start.
Final: The championship heat of an event in which the top six or eight swimmers from the preliminaries compete, depending on the number of lanes in the pool.
Finish: The final phase of the race – the touch at the end of the race.
Flags: Backstroke flags placed 5 metres from the end of the pool. They enable backstrokers to execute a backstroke turn more efficiently by counting their strokes to the wall.
Freestyle: Also known as the Front Crawl.
Goal: A specific time achievement a swimmer sets and strives for; can be short or long term.
Gutter: The area along the edge of the pool in which water overflows during a race and is recirculated through the filtration system.
Heat Sheets: These are the programs which outline all events, swimmers and their times for the meet.
I.M.: Slang for individual medley, an event in which the swimmer uses all four strokes in the following order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.
Lap Counter: A set of plastic display numbers used to keep track of laps during a distance race. The person who counts for the swimmer is stationed at the opposite end from the start.
Long Course: A 50-metre pool in length.
Long Distance: Any freestyle event over 1500 metres, normally conducted in a natural body of water, such as a lake, river or ocean. Also called open water swimming.
Marshalling: Where swimmers are organized and lined up before their race.
Meet: Competition designed to be a learning experience. By implementing what has been learned in practice, the swimmers test themselves against the clock to see how they are improving.
Middle Distance: Term used to refer to events of 200 metres to 400 metres in length.
Negative Split: Swimming the second half of the race faster than the first half.
Official: A judge on the deck of the pool at a sanctioned competition who enforces SNC rules.
Pace Clock: Large clock with a large second hand and a smaller minute hand, used to check pace or maintain intervals in practice (may also be digital).
Prelims: Slang for preliminaries, also called Heats or Trials – those races in which swimmers qualify for the championship and consolation finals in an event.
Q-Time: Qualifying time necessary to compete in a particular event and/or competition.
Relay: An event in which 4 swimmers compete together as a team to achieve one time.
Scratch: To withdraw from an event in a competition.
Short Course: A pool 25 metres in length. SNC/Swim Ontario conducts most winter competition in short course pools.
Split: A swimmer’s intermediate time in a race. Splits are registered every 50 metres and are used to determine if a swimmer is on record pace. Under certain conditions, initial splits may also be used as official times.
Sprint: Describes the shorter events (50 and 100m). In training, it means to swim as fast as possible for a short distance.
Streamline: The position used to gain maximum distance during a start and/or push-off from the wall in which the swimmer’s body is as tight as it can be.
Time Trial: A time-only swim, which is not part of a regular meet.
Touch Pad: A large sensitive board at the end of each lane where a swimmer’s touch is registered and sent electronically to the timing system.