Team Rules

Our rules strive to maximize the time we have with our swimmers. The biggest drawback we have is a small pool; on the other hand, the small pool allows the coaches to move around easily and work more with individual swimmers. However, if our swimmers can’t behave we can’t coach!! Misbehavior in such close quarters creates a major distraction for swimmers and coaches alike.

• Obey your coaches. Disobeying a coach is not tolerated; swimmers who continually do not listen to the coach(es) on deck will be pulled from the pool.
• Listen to your coaches.  Swimmers who do not heed the coaches’ instructions on drilling verses racing will be removed from the pool. This is considered a disruption of practice and is not tolerated. Impeding other swimmers in a lane, continual cheating and other similar behaviors are also considered to be disruption of practice.
• No fighting. Fighting, intentional touching or hitting will result in immediate removal from the pool and if warranted, practice.
• Respect others belongings. Touching anyone’s belongings whether on the pool deck, in the locker rooms, or elsewhere is prohibited.
• Proper behavior is expected. Foul language and obscene gestures are not tolerated.
• Spitting anywhere in or around the pool is unacceptable.
• Good sportsmanship from coaches, swimmers and parents is expected at all times.  Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated whether directed towards oneself or others.
• Be polite and respect others.  Swimmers, coaches or parents who are disrespectful to any official, coach, parent or other swimmers will be suspended from competition.

A swimmer’s first offense may result in being sent home early from practice. Subsequent offenses will be handled with a meeting between the coach and swimmer and parents.  All serious offenses will automatically require the attention of the Aquatics Director as well as the Branch Director.

PSL coaches will…

• Stress school first!!  Education is a higher priority than swimming. If at any point the swimmer’s grades suffer due to swimming, the coaching staff will do everything in its power to accommodate the student.  Though swimming is a fantastic life long sport, education comes first. When a child has difficulty balancing schoolwork and swimming, please let the coaching staff know as soon as possible.
• Display a positive and healthy attitude.
• Attend to the physical and mental well being of each athlete.
• Provide swimmers feedback continually as they progress toward their goals. Feedback will be positive as much as possible.
• Keep it fun, fresh, and productive.
• Help swimmers and parents keep swimming in perspective.
• Place fitness and technique before speed.
• Coordinate any significant change in a swimmer’s training regimen with the Head Coach.
• Always err on the side of caution when there is a likelihood of aggravating an injury or sickness.
• Communicate with swimmers, other coaches, parents, and officials in a respectful & polite manner.
• Discipline swimmers fairly.

PSL swimmers will…

• Contribute (in a positive way) and not detract from the team effort.
• Always congratulate the swimmers on either side of your lane after each race.
• Not aggravate, tease, or annoy anyone.
• Support every member on the team.
• Continually demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship.
• Communicate with other swimmers, coaches, parents, and officials in a respectful and polite manner.
• Keep an accurate training/nutritional diary.
• Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for dryland.
• Come to practice to practice -- not race, goof around, or be disruptive.
• Practice proper lane etiquette no matter if it’s during practice or competition warm-ups.
• Never sacrifice technique for speed.
• Participate in all activities at practice to the best of their ability.

PSL Team Captain(s) will…

• Lead by example.
• Maintain a positive attitude and insist teammates do the same.
• Maintain an active role in the direction of the team.
• Lead various warm-ups.
• Provide a communication conduit for the team especially if individuals are apprehensive about approaching the coaches.
• Help select individuals who best deserves to accept trophies for the team.
• Encourage senior swimmers to provide coaching feedback to teammates.