TEAM HANDBOOK

 

Welcome to Thundering Herd Aquatics we are thrilled to have you as a new member.  This handbook will act as a quick start and reference guide for new team members and parents.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote and encourage sportsmanship, integrity, and excellence in and out of the water for a lifetime.

Vision Statement

Key Values

Character: As a team we would like to help our swimmers reach their full potential and promote team spirit, competitive spirit and sportsmanship.  We want to help our swimmers become leaders in and out of the water.

Respect: We will treat each other with respect and fairness.  We will be mindful and respectful of our coaches and officials. 

Integrity: We adhere to honesty, fairness, and doing the right thing; even circumstances make it difficult.

Safe Sport: We seek to create a healthy, supportive environment for all of our swimmers in and out of the water.

Sportsmanship: We will treat teammates and opponents with respect.  We will encourage all swimmers to do their best.  We will tell our competitors “good job.”

Excellence: We strive to achieve excellence through hard work, determination, and perseverance.

Swim Season

Short Course Season

Dates: September – March

Short course meets are held in 25 yard pool facilities.  Events are recorded in Short Course Yards (SCY). 

Long Course Season

Dates: April – July

Long course meets are held in 50 meter pool facilities.  Events are recorded in Long Course Meters (LCM).

Committing for a Swim Meet

Sports Engine is an app available on the app store that you can use to commit for a meet.  You will also receive a link from Team Unify that will allow you to select your child’s commitment for the upcoming meet.

  • To commit click on the link. 
  • Once you click on the link you will select the upcoming meet and you will click on declare.
  • You will either commit to the meet or select that you will not be participating.
  • If you commit to the event you will then select your swimmer’s events.
  • Choose the days and sessions your swimmer will participate and select save.  You will be able to edit this until meet registration is closed.
  • You are able to click on the meet packet for event details and dates.
  • Once your swimmer is committed and registration is closed you will receive an invoice through Team Unify to pay for the meet.

If you have questions about what events your child should swim please reach out to the coaches.

Parent Expectations

Monthly Fees

Parents will receive an invoice that will be paid for the monthly membership.  Membership pricing is dependent on the group that the child swims in.  Thundering Herd Aquatics has three training groups: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.  Training groups are based on age and/or skill level.

Meet Fees

Parents will receive an invoice for meet fees once registration has closed.  Meet fees vary depending on the meet and the number of events the swimmer enters.

Swimmer Expectations

Practice

Swimming is both a team and individual sport.  Swimmers are expected to be supportive and encouraging to their teammates.  Swimmers should come prepared for practice with their equipment.  Swimmers should be respectful of their coaches and listen to the coaches’ feedback. 

Meet Requirements

While at meets, it is important to show our team spirit & support our teammates. Keep these items in mind for meets.

  • Support team mates – Cheering on all swimmers
  • Check in with your coach before and after each swim. Warm up/down as directed by the coaches.
  • Wear Thundering Herd Aquatics apparel – Represent your Team!
  • Eat Healthy Food & Drinks lots of water during the meet! 
  • Be on time for Warm- ups! Arrive 20 minutes prior the posted warm up time for stretching!
  • Keep warm, wear clothes during the meet!

Swimmer Equipment

Bronze

  • Goggles
  • Swim Cap
  • Kick Board
  • Fins

Silver

  • Goggles
  • Swim Cap
  • Kick Board
  • Fins
  • Pull Buoy

Gold

  • Goggles
  • Swim Cap
  • Kick Board
  • Fins
  • Pull Buoy
  • Snorkel
  • 2-3 lb weights (2)

Swim Meets

What to Bring

Each pool hosting the various meets is different. It is recommended to bring a variety of seating options depending on the meet location. Recommendations include:

  • Bench seats, stadium seating or folding chairs
  • At least 2 towels
  • Pens and highlighter for marking programs
  • Healthy food & drinks – swimmers must have fuel for racing. Pack a variety of healthy snacks and drinks for the meets.
  • Swimmers should bring a variety of clothes for the meets (shorts, sandals, team warm-ups , extra towels, goggles, caps, suits, hats)

Meet Mobile

Meet Mobile is an app that can be purchased.  It is a monthly or yearly subscription.  Meet Mobile will show heat sheets and will provide your swimmers time and placement during most meets.  You do not have to purchase the app but it is recommended.

USA Swimming Goal/Cut Times

Goal or cut times are Qualifying standards; a time set for entry into a swim meet or event.  USA swimming provides goal times for age groups and they can be found at USA Swimming. http://websitedevsa.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/timesdocuments/time-standards/2025/2028-motivational-standards-age-group.pdf

Other Goal Times

http://www.usaswimming.org/times/time-standards#:~:text=USA%20Swimming%20sets%20time%20standards%20for%20a%20variety%20of%20meets

 

Actions During Meets

Whenever possible try to wear team apparel or team colors.  Encourage and support your swimmer.

 Supporting Your Swimmer

Encourage your swimmer before and during the meet.  Be aware of what events and heats your swimmer is in.

Our LSC

West Virginia Swimming

https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/szwvslsc/page/home#:~:text=Welcome%20to%20the%20home%20of%20West%20Virginia%20Local%20Swimming%20Committee,

Our LSC runs the short course and long course championships.  Swimmers qualify for age group and senior zones during the short course championships through their Hytek points.  Families are notified if their child qualifies for these teams.