Let us take this opportunity to welcome you to the Tullahoma Swim Club (TSC). We look forward to meeting you and working with your swimmer(s). Our Club is a year‑round age group and senior competitive swimming team offering instruction, training and competition to young people of all ages and abilities. The Club is a privately financed, non‑profit organization and is governed by an elected board of officers and directors. Over the years, the Tullahoma Swim Club has established itself as one of the top teams in the state of Tennessee and in the southeast. The team competes locally and regionally in competition sanctioned by United States Swimming, Inc. (USS), the national governing body for amateur swimming in this country. In addition the team competes in a summer league, the Tennessee Valley Conference (TVC), composed of teams from middle Tennessee and northern Alabama. This handbook will help familiarize you with all facets of the Tullahoma Swim Club and competitive swimming in general. As you look through the following pages, you will be introduced to our history, philosophy, team policies, and to basic information concerning your day‑to‑day participation in the TSC program. It is our hope that this handbook will help you better understand and enjoy the Tullahoma Swim Club and the world of amateur swimming.

Club History

In the late 1950's, H. K Matt, a German rocket engineer at Arnold Engineering Development Center, moved to Tullahoma from Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base. His two oldest teenage sons and two Huntsville, Alabama brothers organized a relay team and traveled around the southeast competing in Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) swim meets.

In 1959 Mr. Matt discussed with Mrs. Beverly Shelton, the Tullahoma City Pool Manager, the possibility of organizing a local swim club. His sons solicited a few promising young swimmers to form the nucleus of such a group. Mr. Matt, Mrs. Shelton, the J. B. Pucketts, the Les Mitchells and the Joel Ferrells organized the Tullahoma Swim Club and registered it with the Southeast Amateur Athletic Union (SEAAU). Their first meet was August 1959 in Oak Ridge. Of course the only ones to place were the Matt brothers.

In the summer of 1960, official by‑laws were written. Mr. Matt was elected president. The first summer meet in 1960 was the Tennessee State AAU meet in Memphis. The first team trophy was awarded to TSC's 8 & U boys' team in the Oak Ridge meet. The TSC solicited and obtained some financial aid from the city. The parents spent hundreds of hours improving the status of the City Pool (located next to the Coffee County Lannom Memorial Library). In 1963 they rebuilt the dressing rooms. The chief money‑raising project was an annual Water Carnival, which was most successful and attracted people from surrounding counties.

In 1960‑61 the team was bused to practices at the University of the South one or two times a week in the winter months. Later, regular practices were held at Webb School until the team was allowed to use the pool at the Tennessee Vocational School for Girls.

In 1963, 1964 and 1966, the Tennessee State AAU meet was held at the Tullahoma City Pool. Some 800 swimmers attended each year, and TSC was recognized as hosting the biggest and best ‑ using computers for record keeping for the first time.

The Tullahoma Swim Club has, through the years, produced excellent swimmers, many of whom have gone on to swim throughout their college years and who have held various SEAAU or US Swimming records.

In 1970 the Tennessee Valley Conference (TVC) was organized. TSC has never placed lower than third in this conference.

In the mid 1970's, the indoor pool at the D. W. Wilson Community Center was built. In 1979 the Joel Ferrell Municipal Pool, an excellent outdoor Olympic‑size pool, was opened.

Beverly Shelton served as TSC's coach until the mid 70's, using former swimmers as her assistants. Other coaches have been Lanny Goodwin, Jim Norman, Ronnie Smith, John Riley, Steve Potter, Marilyn Bums, Tommy Northcutt, Tommy Lo, Mike Smotherman, David Hanas, Brian Myruski, Mark Jechura, Laurie Hamilton, Mandy Iles and Sue Hiscock.

There is no doubt that the influence of the TSC's swimmers and its parents' organization has had a great impact in Tullahoma. The city is fortunate to have this active club which has helped make fine swimming facilities possible and which has helped, since 1959, put its "name on the map" in swimming throughout the southeast.

Club Philosophy

The TSC program is concerned with guiding and directing individuals toward maximum development of their talents and abilities. The TSC coaches endeavor to teach, train, and motivate young people to achieve their ultimate potential in swimming, in the belief that this experience will prove valuable to them as they grow and develop. The TSC program strives to instill in young swimmers an understanding of and appreciation for such concepts as high self-esteem, personal accountability, constructive self‑motivation, goal setting, and goal achievement as these ideas relate to their success in training and in competition. It is our belief that the process of achieving is as significant as realizing the achievement itself At each level of the TSC program swimmers are instructed to strive for excellence. Excellence in this sense represents the achievement of that level at which you know that you have done your utmost to become the best you are capable of becoming. This philosophy is consistent throughout the program, and every TSC swimmer, novice to expert, is encouraged to "be the best you can be”.

Club Objectives

Personal and Physical Development

1. To provide an opportunity for young, people in the Tullahoma area to engage in a wholesome, lifesaving, lifetime sport and recreational activity.

2. To promote physical fitness and encourage proper conditioning and health habits.

3. To provide opportunities for healthy social, emotional, and educational development, and encourage peer and family participation.

4. To foster the development of high self-esteem and help cultivate positive self-images.

Competitive Development

1. To create an environment in which the desire for self‑improvement and goal achievement motivates the individual to fully develop his natural abilities and help others do likewise.

2. To provide opportunities to learn the values of hard work, dedication, self-discipline, and perseverance.

3. To promote the ideals of honesty, integrity, good sportsmanship, and team loyalty.

4. To provide quality instruction, training, and competition at all age and ability levels.

Community Involvement

1. To promote maximum involvement in age group programs of all children, adults, physical educators, recreationists, physicians, and others concerned with the development of young people. And to encourage maximum cooperation among these individuals in the scheduling of aquatic facilities and programs in the Tullahoma area.

2. To cultivate the support of community oriented individuals, corporations, and foundations to help fund programs and improve facilities.

State and Regional Administration

1. To participate in the direction and management of Southeastern Swimming (SES), our region division of USS, and the Tennessee Valley Conference to further the growth and development of competitive swimming in the state and region.

2. To maintain communications and rapport with other teams in our state and region.

National and Regional Affiliations

The Tullahoma Swim Club is a member club of United States Swimming. Each member of a club affiliated with United States Swimming must also become an athlete member of this organization. When your swimmer becomes a member of Tullahoma Swim Club, you will also be asked to join our National Affiliation with. United States Swimming through our local swim committee, Southeastern Swimming. This affiliation provides the swimmer with insurance coverage while at practice and during meets as well as the capability of participating in swim meets sanctioned by USS.

Membership in United States Swimming also provides many programs and services to its membership including: Coaches and athletes training information, swimming camps and clinics, yearly updates of USS Rules and Regulations (the final word in technical swimming rules), Sports medicine programs, Video resources, and Publications.

United States Swimming (USS)

United States Swimming (USS) is a volunteer organization of 225,000 athletes, 20,000 non‑athletes, and 2500 clubs nationwide dedicated solely to the sport of competitive swimming in this country. The athletes range in age up to 30.

U.S. Swimming is the National Governing Body of amateur competitive swimming in this country and a Group A member of the United States Olympic Committee. It was created by an act of Congress (the 1978 Amateur Sports Act) and specifically charged with fielding US national teams for all international competitions and for the age group program.

USS is governed by an elected, 700 member House of Delegates. The House, which represents 59 Local Swimming Committees (LSC's) elects seven members of the Board of Directors every two years who serve with other elected Board members representing the athletes, LSC's and various designated interests of swimming.

Making up the Executive Committee are the President, Treasurer and five Vice-Presidents, each charged with overseeing a specific portion of the U.S. Swimming constituency, and a nonvoting secretary/ legal counsel for the corporation.

Administering this vast volunteer network is a small headquarters staff in Colorado Springs, Colorado, located on the grounds of the U.S. Olympic Training Center.

Southeastern Swimming (SES)

Southeastern Swimming (SES) is one of the 59 Local Swim Committees (LSC's) which are governed by USS. SES is the regional governing body for the states of Tennessee, Alabama and northern Florida (primarily the panhandle region). There are nearly 5100 swimmers within our LSC belonging to over 50 clubs. Our membership in USS goes through SES by virtue of our location in the state of Tennessee. A group of LSC’s in this area of the country are also members of the Southern Region. Some additional meet opportunities are available to the Tullahoma Swim Club through this affiliation.

SES is governed by a House of Delegates whose membership is composed of delegates from each club in the region. Each team (large or small) has one vote in the House of Delegates. The House elects a Board of Directors once a year which consists of a Chairman, Senior Vice Chairman, Age Group Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. The Chairman in turn appoints various committee chairmen who serve on this Board. No person may serve more than 4 consecutive terms in office.

An Executive Secretary administers the collection and distribution of information for SES. The responsibilities of that official include distributing information to member clubs and providing the SES News to all members of USS within our LSC.

Tennessee Valley Conference (TVC)

A third affiliation for the Tullahoma Swim Club is as a member, along with 8 other teams, of the Tennessee Valley Conference. This league is not affiliated with United States Swimming, and it is a summer league program only. It is a locally formed league consisting of teams in Tennessee and Alabama. Some of the teams are USS affiliated and some are not due to their "summer only" status. The TVC season usually runs in June and July with team Championships being held in mid‑to‑late July. Since TVC meets are team oriented (usually one team competing with another team at a time) rather than individual swimmer oriented, they provide an excellent means for all swimmers to participate and gain "team" comradeship. Swimmers can compete in individual events and relay events to earn team points.

Facilities and Equipment

The Club leases the use of two pools from the Tullahoma Parks and Recreation Department for practices and meets. Both pools are located at the D. W. Wilson Community Center. One pool is a six‑lane 25‑yard indoor pool and the other is the Joel Ferrell Pool (named after one of the founders of the Club), an eight‑lane 50‑meter outdoor pool. These pools are reserved for a specified number of hours for the Club's use.

The Club has an extensive inventory of aquatics equipment including lane dividers for both pools, a complete electronic timing system, computers, and other equipment necessary to conduct practices and meets. This inventory is owned and maintained by the Club.

Coaching

The TSC is committed to providing quality instruction and training for swimmers at each and every level of the program. Even more important, the TSC is committed to providing a safe environment for our swimmers to develop their talents. This commitment to safety is encouraged by USS, which now requires registered coaches to have certification in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Safety Training for Swim Coaches. As a member club of USS, the TSC must have a registered coach on duty at practices. Safe, quality instruction and training can only be accomplished by coaches with backgrounds in competitive swimming and training in water safety. The Club has worked hard to recruit qualified coaches who will help build a strong program.

Assistant coaches are hired by the Club to help with particular groups, such as entry level swimmers who need additional supervision and instruction. Selection of an assistant coach is based on the individual's qualifications and how well the individual will complement the head coach.
Training Program

Team Structure

In keeping with our philosophy of providing a well‑rounded, quality competitive swimming program for youngsters of all ages and abilities, the TSC offers several levels of professional technique instruction and training.

Swim America Group

This group is composed of the youngest swimmers in the TSC program. Emphasis is on developing the fundamentals of the four competitive strokes by means of drills and games that create an enjoyable atmosphere for instruction.

Group A

This group is for youngsters who can legally perform the four competitive strokes and have completed all ten Swim America stations and who are ready for more advanced stroke instruction.

Group B

This group is a transitional level in which swimmers move from primarily stroke instruction to actual competitive training. Careful attention is still devoted to stroke technique, but an equal emphasis begins to be placed on learning how to train.

Group C

This group constitutes the level of the TSC program at which training is emphasized over instruction. Swimmers of this level are provided with a strong conditioning regiment.

The coaching staff is responsible for placing swimmers into the group that best matches their needs and for deciding when swimmers are ready to be moved to the next level of training.

Practice Schedules

Practice schedules for each group are determined by the coach. These schedules are designed to satisfy the needs of each training group, and to efficiently use available pool time. Practice schedules often change due to a variety of reasons, such as the availability of a coach, a change in allocated pool time, and the changing sizes of the different groups. All swimmers are given a copy of the current schedule for their group assignment. Changes in practice times will be communicated to you or your swimmer, orally, by phone, or by newsletter. A copy of the current schedule is normally posted on the TSC bulletin board at poolside.

Practice Attendance

1. How often a swimmer attends practice depends on both his/her age and group assignment. The following attendance guidelines for the fall/winter/spring seasons are designed such that your swimmer(s) will improve:

Swim America Group

Swimmers are encouraged to America attend at least two or three of the Group practice sessions offered each week.

Group A

It is recommended that this group attend three or four of the practice sessions available each week.

Group B

Swimmers are encouraged to participate in four of the practice sessions offered each week.

Group C

Swimmers in this group are encouraged to participate in five of the practice sessions offered each week.

2. Swimmers should be present at the pool 10 minutes before the start of practice so that practice can start on time and pool time will be utilized efficiently. Swimmers required to do land drills will generally be asked to arrive earlier to accomplish this. Time should also be allowed to warm up as necessary.

3. Swimmers should stay the entire practice. The end of practice time is very often the most important and announcements are made at this time.

4. In case your swimmer will be out of the water over a long period of time with an injury or illness, please notify the coach so that he/she is aware of the problem.

5. The coaching staff will often attend weekend meets and will not hold Friday and Saturday practices. The swimmers or parents will be notified of these cancellations.

6. Swimmers are limited to the practice sessions for their group and should not attend other sessions. We realize swimmers have conflicts and may miss practices but swimming makeups with other groups diverts attention of the coach that he should be devoting to the scheduled groups.

7. The training program offered during the summer season is more intensive with twice‑a‑day practice being offered to those groups which would benefit from this training.

8. Swimmers must be picked up no later than 10 minutes after the end of their scheduled practice session.

9. The TSC is not a baby-sitting service, and swimmers must not be left to roam the area unsupervised or be dropped off to "hang around" when they are not scheduled for practice. This is a safety issue, as well.

Practice Equipment

All practice groups are expected to be at their designated starting place with their practice equipment ready to start practice on time. Standard equipment for all groups is a swim suit (any make, any color), swim cap (optional), goggles (optional), kickboard, and towel, Additional training equipment is sometimes required for swimmers beyond the introductory level. The coaching staff will inform swimmers when this equipment is needed. Every swimmer is expected to purchase his/her own personal equipment. The Club keeps an inventory of many of these items which are purchased in quantity. In order to purchase items from the Club, ask the coach whom you should contact. Prompt payment for equipment is expected. It is recommended that each swimmer's name be placed on their equipment.

Practice Behavior

1. Swimmers are encouraged to support their teammates at practice as well as in competition. Working together as a unit for the benefit of all individuals in the group is an important part of team spirit.

2. Swimmers are expected at all times to follow the oral directions of the coaching staff. At no time will any swimmer tolerate disrespectful attitudes.

3. Abusive language, lying, stealing, or vandalism is intolerable. These types of behavior are directly contrary to the objectives of the TSC and are detrimental enough to the group to warrant strict disciplinary action.

4. Swimmers may leave practice only with the coach's permission. This is for safety as well as discipline.

5. Swimmers are not permitted in the Weight Room unless a member of the coaching staff is present.

6. Swimmers are expected to follow the D. W. Wilson Community Center Pool rules and regulations that are posted at poolside.
Swim Meet Information

Philosophy of Competition

The TSC swimmers engage in a multilevel competition program with USS and in team competition in the TVC summer league, that, like our training program, attempts to provide challenging, yet success‑oriented competitive situations for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The following policies outline our philosophy:

1. We emphasize competition with oneself. Winning ribbons, medals, or trophies is not our main goal. Even if the swimmer finishes first, but has swum poorly in comparison to his/her own past performances, he Is encouraged to do better. The individual's improvement is our primary objective.

2. Sportsmanlike behavior is of equal importance to improved performance. Respect for officials, congratulations to opponents (other competitors), encouragement to teammates, determined effort; and mature attitudes are examples of behaviors praised and rewarded.

3. A swimmer is praised for improving his/her stroke or time. It is the coach's job to offer constructive criticism of a swimmer's performance. It is the parent's responsibility to provide love and encouragement that bolster the swimmer's confidence along the way.

4. Swimmers are taught to set realistic, yet challenging, goals for meets and to relate those goals to practice to direct their training efforts.

5. Swimmers are prepared and encouraged to compete in all swimming events, distances, and strokes. This policy promotes versatility and encourages the swimmer to explore his potential in the wide range of events offered in competitive swimming.

Types and Classification of Meets

Age‑Group Program (Invitational Meets)

The age‑groups established by USS are: 10 & under, I I & 12, 13 & 14, 15 ‑ 18, and Senior open. The Senior age group includes any age USS registered swimmer who has achieved the prescribed qualifying time for the event. Our local swim committee, SES, which has jurisdiction of USS meets held in Tennessee, Alabama, and the panhandle region of Florida, has established an additional age group, 8 & under. Age on the first day of the meet will govern the swimmer's age for the entire meet. Within each age group there are different "ability levels" or "classifications". Time standards for each classification are specified 'each year by USS. Eight & Under time standards are specified by SES. In order to swim in a certain meet a swimmer must have the qualifying times for the particular meet classification. Current meet classifications and qualifying standards are as follows: (as of 6/99)

Open Meets ‑ These meets are open to all swimmers who compete against each other by sex in their age group, regardless of times.

"A" Meets ‑ Only swimmers who have attained an "A" time in a particular event are allowed to participate in that event.

"BB" Meets ‑ Any swimmer who has not attained an "A" time in a particular event can enter that event.

"B" Meets ‑ Any swimmer who has not attained an "A" or "BB" time in a particular event can enter that event.

Combinations ‑ Meets are frequently held with more than one classification, i.e., A/BB or BB/B. The coaches will decide which swimmers will participate in these events. Many of these invitational meets are held in nearby cities (Nashville, Huntsville, Knoxville, Chattanooga as well as Tullahoma).

Dual Meets

The TSC is a member of a summer league, the Tennessee Valley Conference (TVC). Other member cities of the TVC are Athens, Oneonta, Cullman, Decatur, Florence, Jasper, and Sheffield in Alabama. During the TVC season, which begins in June and ends in mid‑July, the TSC competes against each member in a dual meet with one or two meets scheduled per week (Tuesday and Thursday evenings). In these dual meets each team is limited to three swimmers per individual event and one relay team per relay event. Each swimmer can compete in a maximum of three individual events and two relay events. Swimmers competing in the dual meets are selected by the coach.

TVC Championship Meet

The TVC season terminates with a championship meet in which all member teams participate. This meet determines the league champion and is hosted by one of the member clubs in late July. Again, as in dual meets, teams are limited to three swimmers per individual event and one relay team per relay event Swimmers are limited to three individual events and two relay events. Competing swimmers are selected by the coaching staff.

Sunfish‑Dolphin Meet

This meet is an intrasquad dual meet in which the team is divided into two teams selected by the coaches. It's traditionally held near the beginning of the summer season.

Time Trials

At the request of the coach, the Club will hold a time trial or mock meet. These meets allow both the swimmer and the coaches to evaluate the effectiveness of their training program. Also by simulating a real meet situation, these meets allow inexperienced swimmers to become familiar with what to expect in an actual meet environment.

Meet Schedule

USS sanctioned meets are divided into two seasons, a short course season (September‑April) in which events are swum in 25‑yard or 25‑meter pools, and long course season (May‑August) in which events are swum in 50 meter pools. Each season's meet schedule for SES is published in the SES Newsletter which every swimmer receives quarterly in the mail and is also posted on the poolside bulletin board.

1. We encourage all swimmers to compete once every three or four weeks in a USS meet. The SES attempts to schedule meets with this philosophy in mind.

2. As a general rule, we ask youngsters not participate in competition on two successive weekends (except in championship meets).

How to Enter Invitational Meets

1. Meet information is posted on the bulletin board when received from the host club. If the meet is for your classification, read all information carefully.

2. Fill out the posted entry form before the established deadline by checking each event desired as recommended by your swimmer's coach, except relay events. Relay teams will be selected by the coach from those entered in the meet. The number of individual events that may be entered each day is set by the meet invitation.

3. The Records Committee will remove the posted entry form on the deadline date, fill out the official meet entry form with the swimmers entry times, and mail entries to the host teams.

4. The Records Committee forwards a copy of the entrants to the Treasurer who will bill you for entry fees charged by the host club. For selected competition, the treasurer may bill you in advance of the meet. Once the entry fees are sent you will be responsible for this amount, even if your swimmer later elects not to compete.

Behavior at Meets

1. Whenever a TSC swimmer competes, he should remember that his actions and words reflect on the Club and should behave accordingly.

2. As a matter of courtesy to the officials and meet hosts, it is preferable that swimmers, and parents alike, stay off the deck and competition venue unless they are competing or serving in an official capacity.

3. Similarly, as a matter of courtesy, all questions that swimmers or parents may have concerning meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of a meet, should be referred to the coaching staff. They, in turn, will pursue the matter through proper channels.

4. As a matter of pride, leave the rest area and the pool in a neat and clean condition at the conclusion of each session of the meet.

5. With regard to which events a swimmer competes in, the coaching staff shall have the final word. TSC swimmers should not scratch or late enter without consulting the coaching staff.

6. In a meet with preliminaries and finals, it is expected that any TSC swimmer qualifying to swim in the finals will do so.

Swim Meet Procedures

The following procedures will assist the swimmer and their parents in expediting their time at a meet.

1. Set your goals for each of the events entered. Each race is an opportunity to achieve one of these goals.

2. Arrive ten (10) minutes before the warm‑up time.

3. Obtain a heat sheet and check to see if you are properly entered in your events. If there is a mistake, discuss it with your coach so he/she can take corrective action.

4. Complete your stretching routine and report to the TSC lanes for warm‑up.

5. Warm‑ups are conducted by the TSC coaching staff. Team members are required to warm‑up with the team. It is important that swimmers and parents alike understand that a good warm‑up is an essential part of a successful performance. If a TSC coach is not present at a meet, report to the meet referee. Because of safety reasons, he/she will assign you to a warm‑up group with a USS certified coach.

6. It is customary for the TSC swimmer to have a "team area" at meets and to sit together as a group. This helps promote team unity and team spirit.

7. All TSC swimmers are required to wear the team swim suit and team swim cap (if a cap is worn) in competition. All other team apparel is optional.

8. Each TSC swimmer is responsible for knowing which events he/she is swimming and being present on time to swim. It is customary to write a swimmer's event numbers, heat and lane assignments in ball point pen on the back of their hand for reference.

9. If possible, before a swimmer reports to the blocks, he/she should confer with a member of the coaching staff to review race strategy and goals.

10. At the conclusion of each race the swimmer should ask the lane timers for his unofficial time. Upon receiving this time, the swimmers are asked to come immediately and directly to the coaching staff present at the meet. This gives the coaches an opportunity to discuss the race with the swimmer and add positive comments concerning splits, stroke technique, race strategy, etc. If a warm‑down area is available, swimmers are encouraged to warm down first, then report directly to the coaches.

11. In between races, swimmers are asked to rest and stay warm. All energy is to be stored up and used in competition. If swimmers must eat, a light snack is recommended.

12. It is very important that parents check with the coaching staff prior to leaving the swim meet, making certain that their child has not been placed on a relay. If for some reason a swimmer must leave early, please notify the coaches as soon as possible so that other swimmers may be informed as to whether they too will be needed for a relay. The building of a relay team is the sole responsibility of the coaching staff and, good or bad, there are many variables to be considered One is the attitude of the swimmer, secondly, his best time; thirdly, his ability to perform under pressure; and finally, the type of meet the swimmer has had for that particular day and occasion. Even with these variables being considered, it is often very difficult to select the top four people for a relay.

13. What to bring:

TSC team swim suit
TSC team swim cap
Goggles (optional)
2 towels (or more)
Old blanket or sleeping bag
Quiet games or books
Food and Drink ‑ you may want to bring a nutritious snack
Money for heat sheets ($3.00 $8.00)

Swimmer Recognition and Awards

Club Philosophy

Recognition of a youngster's development as an individual and as a swimmer is an important part of the TSC program. This recognition builds self-esteem, offers gratification, and encourages participation and development of their talents and abilities. The TSC program not only recognizes the quality of performance of a swimmer, but also commitment or dedication, improvement, enthusiasm, and goal achievement which are equally important. This recognition is achieved by a number of means which are described in the following sections.

Meet Awards

Each participant in a TVC dual meet who finishes first, second, or third earns a ribbon for him/herself At the TVC championship meet, medals are presented for first through sixth places and ribbons for placing seventh and eighth. At USS sanctioned meets, ribbons are presented for placing, and occasionally, medals are given for placing first through third. The number of placement awards presented is dependent upon the number of lanes in the pool. For instance, if competition takes place in an eight-lane pool, awards are given to the top eight finishers. At 'BB' and 'B' meets, standard breaker ribbons are given to all swimmers who break the minimum time standard in lieu of a placement ribbon, and lifetime best ribbons are given to swimmers each time they break their best time in an event. At many 'A' and open meets, high point trophies are given to the boy and girl of each age group. High point winners are determined by summing the points accumulated in all individual events for that meet. Point scoring is defined by USS rules (see Point Earning). If a swimmer breaks a time standard at a meet that does not give standard breaker ribbons, the TSC will present that swimmer with a standard breaker ribbon to recognize that accomplishment.

TSC Top Ten

The TSC maintains a list of swimmers with the ten best times achieved during the Club's history. A top ten list is kept for most events for boys and girls in all age groups.

Publicity

Publicity is an important means of offering swimmers recognition outside the confines of the Club. Because of its importance, a Publicity Committee is appointed each year by the club President. This committee has the responsibility to compile meet results and submit them to the local newspaper and to make sure that special Club functions and swimmers receiving special awards get recognition in the newspaper.

Point Earning

Invitational Meets

Meet scoring is defined by the USS swimming rules and is a function of the number of lanes in the pool. Scoring is accomplished as follows:

Points Earned For Place	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
6 Lane Individual	7	5	4	3	2	1
6 Lane Pool Relay	14	10	8	6	4	2
8 Lane Individual	9	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
8 Lane Pool Relay	18	14	12	10	8	6	4	2

An individual would earn 1/4 of the relay team points for each event. To calculate the number of points for each TSC swimmer, points earned at invitational meets are weighted as follows:

Open & 'A' Meets - Points Earned X 10
'BB' and 'B' Meets - Points Earned X 2
'BB' Meets Standard Breaker - First Place Points X 4
'B' Meet Standard Breaker - First Place Points X 2

In addition, to encourage participation in meets, 5 points will be awarded for each individual event entered. In a BB/B meet, relay points are weighted as "B" points. In an A/BB meet, relay points are weighted as "A" points.

Non USS Meets (e.g. TVC)

Dual meets are scored as follows:

Points Earned

For Place

Individual Events

Relay Events

An individual would earn 1.75 points as a member of the first place relay team and 0.75 points as a member of the second place relay team.

The TVC Championship meet gives awards to the first eight finishers in each event, and the scoring is as listed for an eight lane pool under USS rules.

Meet points are weighted as follows:

All Dual Meets:

Points Earned X I

Championship Meet:

Points Earned X 5

Participants will get 5 points for away meets.
Multi‑team Meets:

Points Earned X 2

Other Meets (e.g. Sunfish‑Dolphin Meet)

Bonus points (Intramural Meets)

Ÿ Every event entered gets I point

Ÿ Events entered for first time gets 2 points

Ÿ Every time broken will get 3 points

Annual Awards

All annual awards are presented at the annual Award Banquet, held in the early Fall, with the exception of the Jelly Bean Awards, which are presented at the annual meeting and picnic held in August. These awards are based on performances during the prior swim year (September‑August).

The Records Committee is responsible for accumulating the statistics for the prior year and supplying that information to the Awards Committee which is appointed each year by the Club President to select the recipients.

High Point Trophy

This trophy is based solely upon points that are obtained during one swim year (September ‑ August). The individual swimmer who has the most points earned at invitational meets and dual meets combined will receive this award.

High Point Runner‑Up Trophy

This trophy is presented to the swimmer who is runner‑up for the most points earned during the swim year (September‑August).

Matt Award (Junior Swimmer of the Year Award)

This trophy is presented to the swimmer who is in the 12 or below age group and has not obtained the age of thirteen by July 31. Points are not involved in determining the recipient. It is based on:

25 percent Quality

25 percent Commitment

25 percent Leadership

25 percent Attitude and Behavior

This is a rotating trophy that is accompanied by a permanent, personal trophy at the end of the year's tenure. This trophy is not necessarily awarded every year but only when the Awards Committee so recommends. It is to be based on the current year's performance only.

Ferrell Award (Senior Swimmer of the Year)

This trophy is presented to the swimmer who is in the 13 or above age bracket. The same rules apply to the selection of this recipient as for the Matt Award (see above).

TSC Letter

A swim letter will be awarded to all swimmers who have earned fifty (50) or more points during the swim year (September‑August) and who have been a member of the Club from at least May 1st of that year. It is accompanied by the swimmer pin if the child has not previously earned it.

Swimmer Pin

The swimmer pin shall be awarded to the child who has participated regularly in the Swim Club from May I of the swim year and has not lettered or previously earned a swimmer pin.

Letter Bar

After the first year's letter has been earned, for each following year during which the swimmer earns at least fifty (50) points, a Letter Bar will be awarded. These bars are to be placed below the Swimmer Pin on the TSC Letter.

Improved Boy's Trophy

This trophy (or trophies as deemed by the Awards Committee) will be presented to the boy(s) who has demonstrated outstanding improvement during the swimming year. Both seconds improved and number of improved times will be considered for the award. It has nothing to do with points.

Improved Girl's Trophy

This trophy is based on the same requirements as the Improved Boy's Trophy.

Dedicated Boy's Trophy

This trophy will be presented to the boy(s) the Awards Committee recommends. It is to be based on:

33 percent for Attendance at practices

33 percent for Participation at swim meets

33 percent for Spirit, Effort, Enthusiasm, Attitude, and Behavior

All ages will be considered equally when deciding its recipient(s). More than one trophy can be awarded as so deemed by the Awards Committee.

Dedicated Girl's Trophy

This trophy is based on the same requirements as the Dedicated Boy's Trophy.

The Spirit Award

The Spirit Award, first awarded in 1998, is sponsored by Marilyn and Terry Penn. The award itself will be an item which the recipient will be able to use in everyday life. The recipient of the award will be selected by the following criteria:

1. Team Participation:

Demonstrates enthusiasm toward team activities
Encourages the contribution of others
Promotes team esprit by behavior example

2. Personal Training Habits:

Attends scheduled training with limited absences.
Commits to striving to continuously improve
Contributes best effort without having to be reminded by the coaches

3. General Attitude:

Has fun in all aspects of team activities ‑ training, individual competition, and team competition ‑ without disruption to structured activities.
Strives to improve
Accepts training schedules and workout routines without complaint
Accepts instructions and critical suggestions from the coaching staff.

Point Club

A 250, 500 and 1000 Point Club shall be established for each year. To obtain membership in this club, a child must earn 250 (or 500 or 1000) points during the swim year. Patches designating the points earned and the swim year in which they were earned will be awarded.

Swimmers receiving the 250-point patch will have earned at least 250 points but not more than 499 points. Swimmers receiving the 500-point patch will have earned at least 500 points but not more than 999 points. Swimmers receiving the 1000-point patch will have earned 1000 points or more during a year.

The Point Club is offered to encourage each swimmer to participate in invitational meets as well as dual meets, since this award is based entirely upon points. Each year the members of each point group will be noted at the Awards Banquet along with the points they earned during the year.

Jelly Bean Award

These awards have traditionally been presented at the end‑of‑the‑summer family picnic. They are awarded to each child for the number of improved times during the swim year. One jelly bean will be awarded for each improved time a swimmer obtained during the year. The child with the most improved times and the runner‑up for most improved times shall be awarded a Plaque.

Fun Awards

Fun awards may be given to any member of the swim team at the discretion of the Awards Committee. These may be funny or complimentary. Suggestions are welcome from the membership.
Parents' Role

Over the years the TSC has been fortunate to have an active group of parents who have committed themselves to maintaining and improving this excellent youth program. To continue this effort requires a commitment from every parent to do his/her share. The TSC parents are involved in a variety of activities such as assisting at practices, helping at meets, and serving as officers on the Board of Directors. The Swim Club is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to enjoy an activity.

Organization

Board of Directors

As organized by the constitution, the TSC is governed by a Board of Directors who are elected from and by the parent membership. The Board consists of the President, 1st Vice‑President, 2nd Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, four Directors, the immediate Past President, and the SES Representative. The officers are elected for one‑year terms and the directors for two‑year terms. The directors are staggered so that two directors are elected each year while the other two directors have one year remaining. The responsibilities of the officers are listed in the constitution (see Attachment). The Board is charged with the responsibility for directing financial affairs, setting policies, and managing the team. The Board generally meets once per month to perform its duties in addition to serving on the various standing committees. Board meetings are open to all parents, and all parents are welcome to attend.

Standing Committees

A variety of standing committees exist to assist the Board with performing its many responsibilities. These committees are usually, but not always, chaired by a Board member. These committees and their duties are listed in the constitution (see Attachment).

Parent‑Swimmer‑Coach Relationship

To have a successful program there must be complete understanding and cooperation among parents, swimmers, and coaches. The progress your youngster makes depends to a great extent on this triangular relationship. It is with this in mind that we ask you to consider this section carefully as you join the TSC.

Parents Guidelines

You have done a great deal to rear your child. You have created the environment in which he/she is growing up. Your child is a product of your values, the structure you have provided, and the model you have been. Human nature, however, is such that a person loses some of his ability to remain detached and objective in matters concerning his/her children. The following guidelines will help you keep your child's development in the proper perspective.

1. Every individual learns at a different rate and responds differently to the various methods of presenting skills. The slower learner obviously takes more time to learn, and this requires more patience on the part of the parents and coaches, who must remember that his/her ultimate swimming potential may be as great or greater than that of the faster learner.

2. When an athlete first comes out for the team and starts practicing, it is possible for him to worsen rather than improve. In the case of team members in the beginner groups, this is likely due to the emphasis placed on stroke techniques in these groups. It takes a great deal of the swimmer's attention to master these skills. These new set of habits are the basis for later improvement. As training proceeds into conditioning, additional stress is placed upon the muscles. The muscles will at first break down under the demand of additional work and this can explain an initial lack of improvement. As the need for improvement is realized, the muscles will gradually strengthen and the athlete's performance will improve.

3. Plateaus can occur at one time or another in every swimmer's career. Plateaus can be both in competition and in training. A plateau signifies the swimmer has mastered lower order skills, but they are not yet sufficiently automatic to leave the attention free to attack newer, higher‑order skills. It is important to explain to the athlete that plateaus occur in all fields of physical learning. The more successful athletes are those who work through this momentary delay in improvement, and go on to achieve greater performance and approach their personal potential.

4. Ten and Unders are the most inconsistent swimmers and this can be frustrating for parent, coach, and swimmer alike! We must be patient and permit these youngsters to learn to love the sport.

5. Parents must realize that slow development of competitive drive at an early age is normal and perhaps more desirable than forced early development. It is important that everyone learn to compete and develop some competitive spirit. It is also important for children to learn to adapt to reasonable levels of emotional stress. The small disappointments they must learn to handle as youngsters prepare them for the larger ones they are certain to experience as adults.

6. It is the coaches' job to offer constructive criticism of a swimmer's performance. It is the parents' job to supply love, recognition, and encouragement necessary to help the young athletes feel' good about themselves.

7. Parents' attitudes and models often dictate those of their children. A child might not be consciously aware of what is taking place while subconsciously absorbing powerful messages about their parents' desires. For example, be enthusiastic about taking your child to practices and meets, fund‑raising projects, meetings, etc. ‑ don't look at these functions as chores.

8. If you have any questions about your child’s training, contact the coach after practice. Criticizing the coach in front of the youngsters undermines the coach's authority and breaks the swimmer‑coach support necessary for maximum success.

9. No parent should behave in such a way as to bring discredit to the child, the team, or competitive swimming. Any disagreement with a meet official should be brought to the attention of the coach, and handled by the coach.

10. Be sure that your youngster swims because he/she wants to. People tend to resist anything they "have to do". Self‑motivation is the stimulus of all successful swimmers.

11. The etymology of the word "competition" goes back to two Latin words, "com" and "petere", which means together to strive. Avoid to playing" your child against their nearest competitors, thereby creating vendettas within the team and swimming community. Close competition provides two great services for the athlete: it brings out the best in them and shows where improvement is needed.

12. The communication between coach and swimmer is very important. A two‑way relationship must exist daily at practice and it is imperative that the coach has the swimmer's full attention at these times. It is for this reason that we ask parents to watch practice only from an area where they will not distract the swimmer. Parents are not to participate in the coaching in any manner, and are to refrain from talking to the coach until after practice. In general, it is best for parents to refrain from making stroke corrections or trying to coach their swimmer. When parents interfere with opinions as to how the swimmer should swim, it causes considerable, and often insurmountable, confusion as to whom the swimmer should listen to and respect. If you differ with something, please confer with the coach. Our coaches would enjoy the opportunity to further explain stroke mechanics to you

Remember, particularly for younger swimmers, that attitude and behavior of the parents in regard to their outlook on the sport has an important effect on the child. In swimming, as in life, nobody can "win" or succeed all the time, there will always be some disappointments.

Every youngster can gain from his experience whether or not he ever wins a single race. The important thing is to keep on striving to do better next time. The secret is not only to produce great swimmers, but rather, produce great young people who swim.

Parents bringing non‑swimming children to practice (children who are not USS registered athletes) are responsible for their supervision. For their safety, the supervising parent must keep these children off the pool deck (behind the railing in the indoor pool and outside the fenced area at the outdoor pool).

Coaches' Responsibilities

The coach's job is to supervise the entire competitive swim program. The TSC coaches are dedicated to providing a program for youngsters that will enable them to learn the value of striving to improve oneself ‑ "to be the best you can be". Therefore, the coaches must be in firm control in matters affecting training and competition.

1. The coaches are responsible for placing youngsters in practice groups. This is based on the age and ability level of each individual. When it is in the best interest of the swimmer, they will be placed in a more challenging training group by their coach.

2. Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and the training regiment rests with the TSC coaches. Each group's practices are based on sound scientific principles and geared to the goals of that group.

3. The coaches will suggest which meets TSC swimmers should attend. With regard to which events a swimmer competes in, the coaches will also assist.

4. At meets, the coaches will conduct and supervise warm‑up procedures for the team. After each race, the coaches will offer constructive criticism regarding the swimmer's performance. (It is the parent's job to offer love and understanding regardless of their youngsters’ performance.) The building of a relay team is the sole responsibility of the coaches (see Swim Meet Procedure). The coaches are constantly updating and improving the TSC program. It is the youngster's and parent's responsibility to make the most out of the excellent opportunity this program provides for success in swimming.

Parent's Communication

An important link of the swimmer, coach, and parent triangle is the parent‑coach communication line. Parents are kept informed of club activities through newsletters, posted notices on the bulletin board, and phone communications. If any question or problem should arise, the lines of communication between the coaches and parents will always be open. Feel free to call any coach or board member about problems or suggestions concerning your youngster. It is very important that you let us know if there is anything we can do to aid your swimmer in his full enjoyment of the sport, from which he will realize greater success.

Other Parent Activities

Officiating

With the large number of meets we host each year and the quality of competition at these meets, it is essential that the TSC have a large contingent of officials. Those officials functioning as referee, starter, and stroke‑and‑turn judges must be certified under the USS program to corresponding certification level. Levels of certification include timer, stroke‑and‑turn judge, starter, and referee. Parents can become certified by training with a certified official and taking a certification test that can be obtained from our SES representative. The test is open rule‑book and open friend. Becoming a certified official is one way parents can really help our program, and we encourage our parents to fill these roles.

Hosting Swim Meets

Over the years, we have developed a well‑deserved reputation for conducting excellent USS meets. When the TSC hosts a meet, the swimmers' needs are always the number one priority. The key objectives are efficiency and hospitality. The TSC is proud of this reputation and makes every effort to ensure that all meets are well staffed, run on schedule, and that our visitors enjoy themselves and want to come back. The revenue produced by the USS meets we host is vital to continue the high caliber of our program, and it is important that every parent do his/her share by volunteering to help at all meets.

Parents' Club Meeting

The constitution of the TSC calls for at least one membership meeting annually. This annual meeting is held during August for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors.

Financial Obligations and Considerations

The Board of Directors establishes the membership dues. The membership year for dues commences on September 1st with the year divided up into trimesters (3 segments of 4 months each). Each family will be billed the month of the beginning of the trimester. A late payment penalty may be applied at the discretion of the Board. New members starting during a trimester will have their dues prorated. No dues adjustment or credit is given for a swimmer's absence or when the TSC suspends practice for holidays or between season breaks. Likewise, membership dues are not refundable when a swimmer chooses to discontinue the program.

The Club Treasurer or President will answer any questions concerning membership dues. Please make checks payable to the Tullahoma Swim Club and mail to the address on your statement.

Fund Raising

The Board of Directors administers the financial affairs of the TSC. Each year the Board of Directors develops a budget that is in keeping with the goals of the Club and within the regulation of a non‑profit organization. Income is produced from swim meets, dues, and fund raising activities to meet the expected expenses. The dues and swim meet revenues cover only a part of the total cost. Therefore, fund raising activities are accomplished to raise additional revenue. We ask for the active participation and support of everyone in the organization. The alternatives are increased dues or a reduction in the quality of our program.

Equipment and Suits

Every swimmer is expected to purchase his/her own personal equipment (see Practice Equipment) and suits. All swimmers are required to wear the team suit in competition. Team shirts imprinted with the TSC logo are available to club members. The Club keeps an inventory of practice equipment, suits, and team shirts that are purchased at bulk rates with discounts being passed on to our members.

Entry Fees

Parents are responsible for paying entry fees at USS meets (which will be listed on meet invitations) and a surcharge levied by SES. These fees are paid by the Club when the club entries are mailed to the host club. Parents will be billed for these fees on their next statement. Once the club entries are sent, the money is owed to the Club even if the swimmer is unable to participate.

USS Registration/Membership

As a USS member club, all swimmers in the club are required to register with and become a member of USS once a trial period has been completed. Athletic membership is renewable each January 1st for a fee established by USS. This fee includes accident insurance that covers the athlete at any sanctioned event or supervised practice. All swimmers in the Club are registered by the Club and you are billed for the registration fee. Meet officials are also required to obtain a nonathlete membership in USS to protect them against any possible liability. Each certified official is responsible for registering, and forms are obtained from our SES Representative. The non‑athlete membership is renewable on January 1st and for a USS established fee which includes a copy of USS Rules and Regulations.

Travel to Meets

Parents are responsible for transportation, lodging, and meals at all out‑of‑town USS and TVC meets. During the TVC season, the Club charters a bus to transport our swimmers (and parents when room is available) to some of the more distant meets. Riding the bus is optional, but is usually cheaper than driving yourself and more fun for the youngsters. Cost of chartering the bus is distributed among those riding and sometimes subsidized by the Club.
Glossary

Clerk of Course ‑ An area at the meet where swimmers report before their event to be arranged into their heat and lane assignments.

Entry Times ‑ The times a swimmer uses to enter a meet. This time determines heat and lane assignment for each particular event.

Finals ‑ The session of a meet where qualifying rounds were held previously to determine the finalists. The finalists compete to determine the winner.

Heat Sheet ‑ A listing of all swimmers by event number, heat, and lane assignment in the meet. These are available at the beginning of a meet and are purchased for $3.00 to $8.00.

Long Course Pool ‑ A type of competitive pool which is 50 meters long.

Prelims ‑ In certain meets, the qualifying rounds held for each event to determine the finalists.

Referee ‑ The USS official who has the authority over all officials at the meet. He makes all final decisions and sees to the efficient running of the meet.

Short Course Pool ‑ A type of competitive pool which is 25 yards or 25 meters long.

Southeastern Swimming (SES) ‑ The name of the local Swimming Committee (LSC), charged by USS to govern competitive swimming in Tennessee, Alabama, and the panhandle area of Florida.

Split ‑ A per lap time that coaches often record for teaching the concept of pacing.

Standard Breaker Ribbon ‑ Given to a swimmer for progressing from one time standard to another (see Time Standards).

Starter ‑ The USS official at a meet responsible for starting each heat and calling the next heat to the blocks.

Stroke Judge ‑ A USS official who determines the legality of swimmers' stroke and disqualifies those who do not conform to USS rules.

"Swimming World" ‑ A monthly magazine with articles and stories about competitive swimming as well as some regional and all national meet results. Write "Swimming World, P.O. Box 45497, Los Angeles, Ca. 90045.

Timed Finals ‑ Competition in which only heats are swum and final placings are determined by the times performed in the heats.

Time Standards ‑ Certain qualifying times which have been established by USS for all events in all levels of meets to insure that all competitors are near the same ability in their respective meets. A swimmer should set goals to progress from one standard to another, such as from a 'BB' standard to an 'A' standard.

Touch Pad ‑ The part of an electronic timing system that rests in the water at the end of each lane. Swimmer's times are recorded when the pad is touched.

TVC ‑ The abbreviation for the Tennessee Valley Conference, a summer league of which TSC is a member.

Unattached ‑ The status a swimmer receives during a specified waiting period when changing from one USS Club to another.

USS ‑ Abbreviation for United States Swimming, Inc., which is the governing body for all amateur swimming in the United States.

USS Number ‑ The personal registration number of each athletic member in USS. The formula for deriving your USS number is: birth date, first 3 letters of first name, middle initial, and first 4 letters of last name. For example, John A. Smith was born Sept. 1, 1979. His USS number is 090179JOHASMIT.
Constitution and By-Laws of the Tullahoma Swim Club

Article 1 - Objectives, Jurisdiction, Affiliation

1.1. Objectives ‑ The objectives of the Tullahoma Swim Club (hereafter referred to as TSC) shall be the education, i.e. instruction and training, of individuals for the purpose of developing and improving their capabilities in the sport of swimming. The TSC shall promote swimming for the benefit of swimmers of all ages and abilities, in accordance with the standards and rules prescribed by the Federation Internationale de National Amateur (FINA), United States Swimming, Inc. (USS) and the Local Swim Committee, Southeastern Swimming, Inc. (SES).

1.2. Jurisdiction ‑ The TSC shall be responsible for swimming of a competitive nature as described by the Rules and Regulations of USS, Inc. It is the intent of the TSC to work in cooperation with the City of Tullahoma through the Parks and Recreation Department to promote the sport of swimming.

1.3. Affiliations ‑ The TSC is a member of United States Swimming and functions under the rules and regulations of that national organization. The TSC also has an affiliation with the Tennessee Valley Conference (TVC) summer swimming league.

Article 2 - Membership and Dues

2.1. Memberships ‑ Membership in the TSC shall be open to all persons indicating their willingness and desire to abide by and contribute to the objectives of the Club. Acceptance of new membership shall be determined by the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Membership Committee. The following different types of memberships shall be available in the TSC:

2.1.1 Participant membership ‑ shall be open to swimmers who wish to swim competitively. They must have dues paid up in full to the TSC and must also register as swimmers of USS.

2.1.2 Voting membership ‑ shall be open to families who have dues paid in full and have understood and agreed to the objectives of the club. Each participating family shall have one vote.

2.1.3 Honorary membership ‑ may be granted by the Board of Directors to any persons whom the Board deems worthy, in need, or whose services have been or may be significant to the objectives of the TSC.

2.1.4 Advisory membership ‑ shall include the coach(s) of the TSC and other persons who might have specific direction for the club (i.e. Director of Parks and Recreation).

2.2 Dues ‑ Membership dues will be established by the Board of Directors. The membership year for dues purposes will commence on September 1^st with the year divided up into trimesters (3 segments of 4 months each). New members joining the Club during a trimester will have their dues prorated,

2.3 Termination Of Membership Upon mutual agreement of the Board of Directors and the coach, membership may be rescinded.

Article 3 - Management

3.1 Board of Directors ‑ The Board of Directors of the TSC shall consist of the President, 1st Vice‑President, 2nd Vice‑President, Secretary, Treasurer, four Directors, the past president, and a representative to Southeastern Swimming. The Coach(s) of the Swim Club shall be ex‑officio member(s) of the Board of Directors.

3.2 Duties ‑ The Board of Directors shall act on behalf of the membership of the TSC. The Board shall have the power and it shall be its duty:

a. To establish and implement programs and policy in accordance with the Constitution and By‑Laws and to inform the General membership of changes or additions to such programs and/or policies.

b. To call regular or special meetings of the Board of Directors

c. To hold at least one meeting a year with the entire membership of the club.

d. To admit eligible members who have properly applied and been recommended by the Membership Committee.

e. To hire and discharge coaches and staff as required to support the TSC activities.

Article 4 - Officers

4.1 Titles ‑ The elected officers are President, Ist Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, an SES representative and four Directors.

4.2 Eligibility ‑ Only current voting members of the TSC are eligible to hold office.

4.3 Terms of Office ‑ The President, 1st, and 2nd Vice‑Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer and SES representative shall be elected to one year terms. The Directors are elected to two year terms of office. These terms are staggered so that two Directors will be elected to office each year and the other two Directors will have one year of office remaining.

4.4 Nomination ‑ The slate of officers to stand for election will be prepared by a Nominating Committee, with a minimum of three serving. The Nominating Committee will be appointed by the President of the TSC with the permission of the Board of Directors. Nominations will be presented to the club membership at least two weeks prior to the election of officers in order that additional nominations may be considered by the voting membership. Additional nominations may come from the floor at the annual meeting to elect officers.

4.5 Election ‑ Election of officers will be held in August at the Annual Swim Club Picnic. Newly elected officers and directors shall take office on September I of each year.

4.5.1 Vacancies ‑ Vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled by appointment of a TSC member by the President and approval of the Board of Directors until the next general election.

4.6 Duties ‑ The duties of the officers, directors, and SES representative shall consist of but not be limited to the following:

4.6.1 President ‑ The President shall call meetings of the Board of Directors and Membership when and where deemed necessary and preside at said meetings. His further duties include:

a. Appointing the required committees and any others he deems necessary to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the TSC with the approval of the Board of Directors.

b. To authorize the expenditure of minor sums of money for improvements, repairs, and other needs which are to the benefit of the TSC.

c. To maintain close contact with the Director of the Tullahoma Parks and Recreation Department in order to coordinate activities of the club with the city facilities and personnel.

d. To maintain close contact with the SES representative of the club in order to maintain close communications with the USS‑SES affairs which concern the club.

4.6.2 1st Vice President ‑ The 1st Vice President is empowered to assume the duties of the President in his absence or at his request. His other duties shall include:

a. To be a liaison with the community in helping secure outside support for the TSC.

b. To coordinate parent help as needed by the Coach(s) for poolside activities or swim meet facilities.

4.6.3 2nd Vice President ‑ The 2nd Vice President shall be known as the Team Manager. He is empowered to assume the duties of the President in the absence of the 1st Vice President, or at the request of the President. His primary job shall be the liaison with the Coach(s) of the TSC and its Board of Directors. His other duties shall include:

a. Maintaining the inventory of all club property including such items as lane markers, starting blocks, swim jackets, stop watches, electronic timing equipment, backstroke flags, etc.

b. Maintaining the club property in good repair.

c. Assisting the TSC Coach(s) in making arrangements for use of the swimming and diving facilities.

d. Assisting the TSC Coach(s) in activities outside of swim instructions as required. The responsibility of this position is not to be confused with that of the Coach(s). The Team Manager shall not instruct swimmers or divers except at the request of the Coach(s). In order to do this, further eligibility for this office includes USS membership and training.

4.6.4 Secretary ‑ The Secretary is responsible for keeping a record of all meetings, conducting office correspondence, issuing meeting notices (or telephoning notices) and copies of minutes to the Board of Directors, and distributing information (either by telephone or newsletter) to members of the club. The Secretary shall keep acquainted with the actions of the TSC and shall remind the President of old business pending and be sure activities of the club are in accordance with the by‑ laws and previous actions of the club.

4.6.5 Treasurer ‑ The Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping books on all bills and moneys, both incoming and outgoing for the Tullahoma Swim Club. His duties include the following:

a. All incoming moneys shall be properly deposited in a proper bank and all outgoing payments shall be in the form of checks signed by the Treasurer or President in the Treasurer's absence.

b. He shall bill the members of the TSC in accordance with instructions of the officers of the club.

c. He shall devise and maintain a simple form to be used by members of the TSC when reimbursable expenses occur. It is not the intention to require detailed accounts as to these expenses, but merely to have a record of the amount, the purpose of the expense, and to whom it is paid.

d. He shall be responsible for writing a letter to the various establishments holding moneys of the TSC notifying them of changes in authorized signatures of club officials required for money transactions.

e. He shall maintain club membership applications, forwarding information to the Membership Committee after extracting the necessary information for his records.

4.6.6 SES Representative ‑ The SES representative shall be a liason between the TSC and the Southeastern Swimming Local Swim Committee of the United States Swimming, Inc. The duties of this job shall include the following:

a. Attendance at and participation in SES meetings as they occur during the year bringing back pertinent information to the TSC as well as carrying the voice of the TSC to the SES.

b. Representing the TSC in bidding USS invitational meets and on other official business involving the USS.

4.6.7 Directors ‑ It shall be the responsibility of the at‑large Directors of the TSC to attend all Board meetings representing club membership, to aid in the decision making of the club, to chair committees as requested by the President of the club and to help maintain continuity over the two ear period for which they are elected

Article 5 - Committees

All Committees of the TSC shall be appointed by the President of the club with the approval of the Board of Directors. He may appoint committees as deemed necessary to serve the needs of the club; however, he shall always appoint an Awards Committee, a Records Committee, a Membership Committee, a Publicity Committee, a Finance Committee, a Nominating Committee and a Telephone Committee.

Duties of the appointed committees of the TSC shall consist of, but not be limited to:

5.1. Awards Committee ‑ The Awards Committee shall make recommendations for special club awards on the records kept by the Records Committee, coach(s) perceptions of the swimmers and on personal knowledge of the individual participants' ability, attitude, behavior, and attendance at practices and meets. Letters and participation certificates shall be presented annually to deserving swimmers/divers. The committee shall acquire (and engrave) trophies and other awards, and establish a permanent record for their distribution.

This committee has a tenure that is offset from the normal TSC term, in that this committee begins its functions after the Annual Awards Banquet (in the fall) and is concluded after the Awards Banquet in the following fall.

The committee shall consist of at least four members of the TSC. Two of the members shall be the Team Manager and the Chairman of the Records Committee. Other members shall be appointed by the President. The Coach is automatically a member of this committee and has direct input to the committee for awards selection. A chairman of this committee shall be selected from its members by mutual agreement of these members.

5.2. Records Committee ‑ The Records Committee shall maintain complete and accurate records of the performance of the individual swimmers and divers and that of the team as a whole in meet competitions throughout the swimming/ diving season. This committee shall provide assistance, as required, in maintaining records of the swimmers times and progress during practice sessions. Members shall coordinate swim meet entries with the coach.

5.3. Membership Committee ‑ The Membership Committee of the TSC shall, with the Treasurer, maintain an up‑to‑date listing of the members of the club. Copies of this listing shall be made available to all Board members, Committee heads and Coaches. The committee shall talk to each new or prospective member of the TSC to explain the club purpose, activities, costs, organization, etc. A TSC information guide and application will be presented to each prospective member. The committee shall consist of at least two members along with the Coach of the TSC. A chairman shall be selected from its members by mutual agreement of these members. The members shall be appointed by the President. The coach shall make recommendations for membership to the committee based on his appraisal of their performance at a tryout session.

5.4. Publicity Committee ‑ The Publicity Committee of the TSC is a committee which shall make arrangements with the local newspaper and radio media to publicize the activities of the club including swim/diving sessions, swim/diving meets results, banquet information and awards earned, election of officers, Southeastern Swimming actions as they pertain to the TSC, etc.

The Publicity Committee is appointed by the President, and at least one member should already be a member of the Board of Directors so he will have ready access to board actions.

5.5. Finance Committee ‑ The Finance Committee shall be in charge of tracking the financial standing of the TSC and reporting regularly to the Board of Directors and on a yearly basis ‑to the General; Membership. An audit of the books should be done periodically. It shall also be in charge of: any financial solicitations for the purpose of bringing revenue into the club.

The Treasurer of the TSC shall be one of the members of this committee which shall also consist of at least one other TSC member.

5.6. Nominating Committee ‑ The nominating committee shall be selected to nominate at least one person to run for each elected office of the club on a yearly basis. The committee shall be appointed by the President of the TSC and shall consist of at least three TSC members. A chairman of this committee shall be selected by mutual agreement of the members of this committee.

5.7. Telephone Committee ‑ The Telephone Committee of the TSC shall contact each member of the club as required by the Coach, Team Manager, or President. The purpose of the committee is to assist the Secretary in informing the TSC membership of changes in swim practice, to make requests of members (picnics, banquet arrangements, etc.) and to make surveys concerning membership interests and/or desires. The Telephone Committee shall consist of at least three TSC members. A chairman shall be selected from its members by mutual agreement of these members. The members shall be appointed by the President.

5.8. Other Committees ‑ Other committees may be appointed by the President of the Club with the consent of the Board of Directors as the need or will arises.

Article 6 - Coaches

There shall be a Head Coach of the TSC with Assistant Coaches as the need demands. Duties of the Coach(s) of the TSC shall consist of, but not be limited to:

6.1. Head Coach ‑ This coach shall provide the overall program for the swimming instruction of the TSC. He shall instruct members of the TSC with the intent of producing swimmers qualified for competitive events. Emphasis must be given to sportsmanship and team spirit, however.

The Head Coach must be a member of USS and be trained under the rules and regulations of this national organization.

His specific duties shall include the following:

a. To be in charge of planning and implementing the swimming program at all levels.

b. To supervise, guide and direct all assistant coaches and other helpers.

c. To answer to the TSC Board of Directors about actions with the swimmers or concerns of the parents

d. To assign swimmers to the various practice groups and practice times.

e. To conduct or assign warm‑ups at meets attended by the coach.

f. To critique swimmers performance at meets and practices.

g. To assign or delegate the assignment of positions on relays at meets.

h. To assign or delegate the assignment of individual swimmers to events in TVC dual meets as well as in the TVC Championship Meet.

i. To keep the pool area in a condition acceptable to the Tullahoma Parks and Recreation Department (kickboards, lane ropes, etc.)

j. To be responsible for developing individual swimmer improvement programs with specific goals.

6.2. Assistant Coaches ‑ The Assistant Coach shall aid the Head Coach in his duties in whatever way the head coach deems best and is consistent with the Board of Directors of the TSC. The assistant coach shall, with the approval of the Team Manager (or other official representative), fill in for the Head Coach whenever that coach cannot be present at a team practice or a swim meet The assistant coach must also be a member of USS swimming with the training required by the rules and regulations of that organization.

Article 7 - Meetings

7.1. Membership Meetings ‑ There shall be at least one annual meeting for the entire membership of the TSC. It shall be held at the Annual End of the Year Picnic in August. Called meetings of the membership may be held at the discretion of the President of the club with the approval of the Board of Directors or at the request of the majority of the membership.

7.2. Board of Directors ‑ There shall be monthly meetings of the Board of Directors of the TSC. The time and place of the meetings shall be determined by the elected Board at the beginning of their elected term. Regular meetings shall be open to all voting members of the club.

Called meetings of the Board may be held at the discretion of the President of the Club when deemed necessary.

7.3. Notices of Meetings ‑ The Secretary of the Club shall inform the members of meetings.

7.4. Special Meetings ‑ Should the President fail to call a regular meeting or should special meetings be required, meetings may be called upon request of any three officers or at the request of the majority of the membership.

Article 8 - Amendments to the Constitution and By‑laws

This constitution and its by‑laws may be amended by approval and recommendation of the Board of Directors and then by two-thirds majority vote of the entire membership. These changes will be presented to the membership and voted on by written ballot.

TSC Handbook (Redbook)