Milestone Makos

The Greater Richmond Aquatic League (GRAL) is an organization of swimmers, coaches, and parents whose aim is to promote and participate in the sport of summer swimming GRAL provides an opportunity for young people to compete against others of similar ability in an atmosphere of fair play, good sportsmanship, and safety

The Milestone Swim Team is a cooperative effort. Cooperation between the swimmers, parents, and coaches is necessary for a successful team. Please read and discuss these expectations with your swim family.

As Milestone Swim Team Parent:

1. I am expected to volunteer my time in support of the team. At a minimum this will involve helping at six meets in some capacity for one volunteer shift (each meet has two shifts).
2. I will endeavor to see that my children abide by the swimmer’s expectations as stated below.
3. I understand that should my child’s behavior present a continuing problem, or should my child fail to fulfill his/her commitment, after efforts by myself and the coaches to resolve the difficulties, my child may not be allowed to participate in the next swim meet.
4. I understand that I may contact the parent representative should I have a question, concern, or grievance concerning the swim program.
5. If my child is unable to attend a meet because of a prior commitment or illness, I will notify the coaches, as much in advance as possible, by the requested method.
6. I will address any concerns or issues with the coaches before or after practice – not during. This is to maximize the time available for swimmer and coach interaction during practices. This is also a safety issue. Coaches are often acting as lifeguards during practice. Any concern of an administrative nature will be discussed with the parent representative.
7. I will model good sportsmanship and community spirit at meets. I will recognize and respect that meets are run by parent volunteers and that my attitude and behavior reflects on the team and our community.
8. I must check my child in at the swim meets no later than 5:30 at home meets and 6:00 at away meets.
9. I will check at the meet to see if my child is swimming in a relay and will remain at the meet until the relay is complete.
10. I will clean up my area at both home and away meets.
11. I will not approach any official during the meet. Questions will be addressed to the parent representative or coaching coordinator.

Volunteer Expectations

Junior Swim Families (swimmer is not competing at swim meets):

3 points required.

Volunteer options include movie nights, pool party, banquet, or concession donation, or monetary donation ($50 donation = 1 point). Only 2 of the three points can be from donations.

Competing Swim Families:

6 points required

Volunteer options include swim meets, movie nights, pool party, banquet, concession donation, or donation ($50 donation = 1 point). Only 1 of the six points can be from donations.

As Milestone Swim team Members:

1. To be a member of the Milestone Swim Team, I am expected to enter and exit the pool independently. I am expected to swim a form of Freestyle for 25 Meters while only touching the rope a maximum of four times. I am expected to be comfortable on my back in the water either floating, kicking, or swimming.
2. I am expected to attend practice daily and promptly.
3. I will wear proper competitive swimming attire for practice. For girls, one-piece suits, preferably sports style. Bikinis are not competitive swimming attire.
4. I will remain in the pool area during practice sessions. If it should be necessary for me to leave during practice, it is my responsibility to notify the coach.
5. I will conduct myself in a way that will not disturb others or violate established rules of conduct (as outlined by the coach) during practice sessions and during and after meets.
6. I understand that should my behavior present a continuing problem, I may be asked to leave the team or may not be permitted to compete in the next meet.
7. I will listen carefully to the coaches instructions at all times, particularly where safety is concerned and when I am being informed of those events in which I will be swimming.
8. On meet days I will make every effort to arrive at the meet on time, rested, and ready to do my best.
9. I will treat the coaches, the parents, and others with respect and I will be treated accordingly.
10. I understand that older swimmers will be expected to serve as models of good behavior for younger swimmers and to help maintain order during practice and meets
11. I will practice good sportsmanship at the meets by:

• After warm-ups I will stay in the general area (behind the blocks) so that the team can return to their area as a unit.
• I will display team spirit and go to every meet with a winning attitude.
• When I finish my race, I will stay in the water until everyone has finished the race and I will shake my opponent's hand.

As Milestone Swim Team Coaches:

1. I will treat all swimmers equally and build self-esteem in each swimmer.
2. I will maintain a high level of sportsmanship at all times and promote team spirit.
3. I will be sensitive to the needs of all children and to be aware of swimmers with special needs, and adapt expectations.
4. I will set an attainable goal for each swimmer and communicate weekly (informally), one-on-one with each swimmer.
5. I will be an active participant in each and every practice.
6. I will communicate meet entries to swimmers by the evening practice the day before the meet.
7. I will be attentive to all swimmers while swimming an event during a swim meet.
8. I will discuss a "DQ" with swimmers at practice the day following the meet. Under no circumstances should a "DQ" card be given to a swimmer.
9. I will ensure swimmers understand all competitive terminology (such as 25-meter, 50-meter, mixed relay, flip tum, IM, etc).