ALBURTIS SWIM & DIVE TEAM

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Alburtis Swim and Dive Team! We are part of the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton Suburban Swim League (ABE), which consists of the following twelve teams: Alburtis, Kaybrook-Green Hills, Orchard View, Brookside Country Club, Lehigh Country Club, Saucon Valley Country Club, Northampton Country Club, Stones Crossing, Stonecrest, Northwest, Westwood Heights, and Trident. All swimmers must be members of their sponsoring pool to participate.

PHILOSOPHY

The Alburtis Swim and Dive Team is an organization formed to provide youth with an opportunity to participate in the sport of competitive swimming. The organization provides, through its coaching staff, the means for youth to develop their swimming skills in a social environment that stresses participation and personal achievement through teamwork and group support.

COACHING STAFF 

Head Coach: Kate McPhillips

Assistant Coach: Morgan Gould

Diving Coach:  Amy Kakaley

2025 BOARD MEMBERS 

President:  Daniel Huff

Vice President:  Christine Smith

Treasurer:   Kelly Fegley

Secretary:  Hilary Butz

Snack Bar Coordinator:  Iris Epstein

Volunteer Coordinator: Cassie Delong

Fundraising Coordinator:  OPEN

ABE League Representative: Cyndi Roberts

REGISTRATION

Registration begins on April 11th for all swimmers. Please email [email protected] with any questions. All swimmers in the ABE Swim League must be members of their home pool, and in good standing with both the swim team and the pool. ** A POOL PASS IS MANDATORY FOR ALL ATHLETES SWIMMING FOR THE ALBURTIS SHARKS**

Refund Policy

No refunds will be issued after registration is completed.

VOLUNTEERS

The ABE League and each team are parent-run organizations. All parents/guardians are expected to volunteer in various capacities and for a minimum of 4 meets, 1 setup or cleanup, an invitational meet to be determined by the league, and championships. You will be required to sign-up for meet volunteer positions to complete the registration process.  Parent/guardian support and participation are essential to the success of the season, as well as the experience of the swimmers. Parent volunteers are needed to participate on committees for areas such as snack bar, volunteer coordinating, team awards party, team gift, fundraising and development. Please let the board know if you are interested in volunteering for one of these committees. In addition to the volunteering, families will be asked to provide food for the home meets to support our snack bar, which is our biggest fundraiser. This usually includes water, soda, baked goods, pasta salad, cooked pasta, and cut up fruit.

PRACTICES

Times

A swimmer or diver's practice time is based primarily on ability and maturity, secondarily on age. The chart below is a general indication of practice times. Any variations are at the discretion of the coaches.

After School (begins Tuesday, May 26th) (Monday-Thursday)

Morning (begins Thursday, June 11th) (Monday-Friday)

*Dry Land training will be determined by the coaches on the day of - please make sure your swimmers are prepared daily.  Dryland conditioning will be for all groups except those that swim at 11:00 am. Swimmers must wear socks and sneakers to practice every day.

Attendances

Swimmers are expected to attend all practices. Please advise coaches of special circumstances, such as long course practice or vacation by email [email protected]. Please write“(swimmer’s name) MISSING PRACTICE/MEET (date)” in the subject line.

Conduct

All swimmers and parents are expected to respect the authority of the coaches. Coaches are responsible for the safety of all swimmers and are also responsible for the pool grounds and equipment. Additionally, swimmers are to demonstrate respect toward others and support their teammates.

If it is not your child’s time to practice, please keep them off the pool deck and out of the pool. Children and parents may stay in the grassy areas until it is their time to swim. If an older child is accompanying a younger swimmer to practice, we ask that they do not sit near the coaches during practice as it causes additional distractions. It is very difficult for coaches to keep an eye on children who are not participating in swim team practice at that moment. Please do not go on deck to talk to coaches during practice times. Distractions can be a safety issue in addition to taking time away from coaching responsibilities. If you need to talk to one of our coaches, please schedule a specific time.

MEETS

Attendance

All swimmers who are eligible to swim are asked to attend all swim meets. It is important to notify coaches at least 3 days in advance if a swimmer will not be able to participate in a meet. If you have a vacation scheduled during the season, please provide the coaches with the dates as soon as possible. The best way to notify coaches is by email, please write “(Child’s Name) MISSING MEET (date)” in the subject line.

Protocol and Timeline

On the day of a swim meet, swimmers should arrive no later than 4:15 PM. Swimmers are encouraged to get situated in the team area with their teammates, check the line-ups for the events they are swimming, and get ready for warm-ups. Swimmers should not be eating a meal at this time. A light meal is suggested prior to leaving for the meet and a light, healthy snack after warm-ups. During the meet, swimmers should be paying attention to the events so that they do not miss their own. Parents of younger swimmers should also be aware of what event their child is swimming. It is not the job of the coaches to track down swimmers. Swimmers should be at the blocks 3-4 events before their event. Parent volunteers or a coach will assist in placing swimmers in the correct event and lane. If you are not about to swim an event, you should not be up at the blocks.

Timeline

4:30- warm-ups begin

6:00- swimming events start

9:00- approximate end time of the meet

SPORTSMANSHIP

Good Sportsmanship is when teammates, coaches, parents, and officials treat all members at the swimming event with respect. The following are some things you can do to encourage and help Alburtis achieve good sportsmanship:

-Cheer for your teammates

-At the end of a race, swimmers should shake hands with swimmers in the lanes on either side of them.

-Refrain from bad mouthing the other team

-Respect the facilities whether you are home or away

-Clap for all divers no matter the team

-At the end of a meet, all teammates should remain on the deck until the score is announced, we shake hands with the other team, and our team area is all cleaned up

-Good sportsmanship extends beyond the pool. Please remember that you and your athletes are direct reflections of the Sharks. We have zero tolerance for negative comments or harassment both verbally or on social media directed at our team, the Alburtis Community Pool, the Alburtis Area Community Center, or opposing teams. If we are made aware of this occurring, the board reserves the right to issue consequences as we see fit. 

MEDICAL ISSUES AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

Any concerns regarding injuries or illness that may limit your child’s ability to practice should be discussed with the coaches. The information will remain confidential.

It is also important to note that we do follow a specific Emergency Action Plan in the event of a medical emergency. This plan requires that we contact EMS in the case of any severe illnesses (breathing emergencies, unconsciousness, cardiac emergencies, spinal injuries, and severe bleeding). You may reject the care once EMS arrives, but we are obligated to call.

If EMS needs to be activated for any reason, the swimmer MAY NOT return to practice without a doctor’s note.

PARENT GRIEVANCES We understand that you may have some concerns for our team, and we are always open to suggestions. If you have any concerns or questions, we would like to know! You may email your concerns or questions to [email protected].

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What should my child bring to practices?

Athletes should come prepared to swim with an appropriate bathing suit, goggles, towel and swim cap, for those with long hair. All swimmers should also bring a water bottle. Staying hydrated is extremely important. If your child has fins, we encourage you to bring them.

What is the point of Dryland Training?

Dryland Strength Training is crucial to building proper muscle balance for optimum swimming performance and the prevention of swimming-related injuries. Our dryland sessions will focus on balance, posture, shoulder and back stability, cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and team building.

How many swim meets are there, and how long do they last?

Our team is part of the ABE League, and there are twelve teams in the league. Over the course of the summer swim season, there will be 6 dual meets— we swim all teams once on a rotating schedule – we will not see all teams in the first season. Meets usually last about three hours, not including driving time. There is also a mini meet for the youngest swimmers (10 and under), a diving championship, and a championship meet at the end of the season.

What do we need to bring to meets?

The following is a suggested checklist for swimmers to bring to meets:

• At least two towels (perhaps a blanket or extra towels to sit on)
• Goggles
• Swim cap (if your hair is longer, it is required)
• Flip-flops
• Water bottle(s)
• Cards, music, books, etc. (Swim meets last about 3 hours and the kids need something to help pass the time)
• Healthy snacks or money for the snack stand
• Folding chairs for seating for parents
• Good Attitude! Team Spirit!

What is time trials?

Time trials are a way for all swimmers to experience what happens at a meet. For the coaches, it is a way to get baseline times for generating the first dual meet lineup. All swimmers who are eligible for dual meets should report to the time trials meet. We also have an official present at time trials. Although there are no official “DQs” at time trials, the official will gently let swimmers know if their swim would be disqualified at a dual meet.

How do I know if a meet or practice is canceled or postponed?

If it is pouring out, or storming out, practice will be canceled. If it is just off and on rain, practice will be held as scheduled. We will be using our email system and notifications via the Swimtopia App to communicate any postponements or cancellations. In the event that a meet is canceled, it is typically made up the following Tuesday. If you are unsure of a cancellation or postponement of either a meet or practice, be sure to check your email. Also, be sure your email address is current so you do not miss important information.

How do I know if my child is eligible to swim at a dual meet?

Swimmers who are able to complete one lap of the pool without assistance are eligible to swim at a dual meet. The coaches will keep in touch with those swimmers who are questioning their eligibility or are unsure if they are ready to compete.

What if I cannot make my volunteer time?

A master volunteer schedule will be posted at the pool and given out to each family. If something changes, please let us know because we will be counting on you to work in the position you signed up for. It is your responsibility to find someone to cover for you if you cannot make your time. We cannot run the meet without our volunteer parents.

What are Championships, and what happened to B Champs?

This year our league will be holding two championship meets at the end of the season. This is because we have merged two leagues together. For this reason, championship eligibility has changed slightly so as to include fewer swimmers per event.

ABE League Championships takes place the last Saturday in July. Each of the twelve teams in the League takes a turn hosting Championships. Championships include all events normally included in the regular meets, and there will be multiple heats of each event. Swimmers qualify based on their times for each stroke. This is a scored event, and the coaches will consult with the swimmers to determine line-ups, relays, and crescendos. The coaches will determine which swimmers are eligible to go to Champs.

What is the Mini Meet?

This is an invitational meet for our youngest swimmers, hosted by the ABE League. There are similar events to a dual meet, but there are extra events as well. This meet is an excellent opportunity for new swimmers who are able to swim a length of the pool. There is an entry fee for each event the swimmer plans to compete in. The purpose of this meet is to give ABE’s 10 and under swimmers the opportunity to compete in different events. It is a non-DQ meet, and times do not count toward championships.

Is there a separate championship for diving?

There is a separate championship for divers, which occurs on Wednesday evening the week before the championship meet. Divers qualify based on their diving ability. The coaches will consult with divers to determine who is diving for the championship meet.

What is the Silver Champs meet?

The Silver Champs meet is a chance for those swimmers who did not qualify for an event, or, due to the restricted event entries in the regular championship meet, to swim an event in a championship style meet. Coaches will determine eligibility for this meet. It will be held the Saturday morning before Championship weekend. A swimmer can potentially qualify for both Champs and Silver Champs in the same season.

Do I need to buy my child a team suit?

Team suits are required. They help foster and promote team spirit. You may order the team suits through D & J Sporting Goods in the Fairmont Village Shopping Center,7001 Route 309, Coopersburg, PA (610-282-5895). When you call, tell them you are from Alburtis and then verify the suit you are ordering. D & J has lots of this year’s suits in stock and most likely will have your size.

Should my child wear a swim cap?

Swim caps help keep hair out of the face and mouth of your swimmer, as well as help keep the pool and its filter system free of hair and dirt. Therefore, this year we are requiring all swimmers with longer hair to wear a swim cap at both practice and meets. We are offering team caps this year, to help foster team spirit. The caps are silicone, which prevents hair tugging and pulling. For little swimmers who are anxious about a swim cap, cloth caps are a good and easy way to achieve this requirement. Our littlest swimmers in the Tiger Shark level who do not compete in meets are not required to wear a swim cap but should have their hair tightly pulled back before the beginning of their practice time.

What should I do if I take my child on vacation during the season?

There is a Vacation Check List located with team folders. Also, please email the coaches at [email protected] and include in the subject line, “(Child’s name) MISSING MEET (date)”

What is a team folder?

The team folder is a way to communicate back and forth between coaches, swimmers, and board members. We ask that you check your child’s folder frequently, as important information such as fundraisers, date changes, ribbons, and so forth will be put in your child’s folder.

What types of awards/incentives are presented to swimmers?

Throughout the season, swimmers are presented with a variety of awards and incentives:

Meet Ribbons: After a dual meet, swimmers are awarded a ribbon for first, second, and third place finishes in their event.

Senior Gifts: these are gifts presented to graduating seniors

Championship Trophies and Ribbons: Trophies and Ribbons are given to swimmers who place well in their event at championships.

End of the Season Awards include:

Perfect Meet Attendance: given to the swimmers who have attended all dual swim meets

Team Gifts: these are presented to all members of the team in appreciation for their time and talents

Shark Awards: this is given to one boy and one girl on the team who best demonstrate team spirit, hard work, and a love of swimming

In addition, the following age group awards are given

Most improved: for the swimmer in each age group that has improved their swimming ability the most since the beginning of the season

Coaches Award: given to the swimmer that best demonstrates hard work, team spirit, and overall cooperation to the team

Most Valuable Teammate: given to the swimmer that contributes the most to the team with regards to team spirit, cooperation, hard work, and points earned for the team.

So, what’s the difference between yards and meters again?

Alburtis’ pool is 25 meters. Some opponents may have a 25-yard pool (Kaybrook). We will convert times for record keeping to 25 meters. Conversion rates are as follows:

• 25 yards to 25 meters: Time x 1.094
• 25 meters to 25 yards: Time x .9144

TERMINOLOGY

MEETS: ORDER OF EVENTS 2018

1. Girls 12 & under 200 Med. Relay 

2. Boys 12 & under 200 Med. Relay 

3. Girls 13 & over 200 Med. Relay 

4. Boys 13 & over 200 Med. Relay 

5. Girls 8 & under 25 Free 

6. Boys 8 & under 25 Free 

7. Girls 9 & 10 50 Free  

8. Boys 9 & 10 50 Free 

9. Girls 11 & 12 50 Free 

10. Boys 11 & 12 50 Free 

11. Girls 13 & 14 50 Free 

12. Boys 13 & 14 50 Free 

13. Girls 15-18 100 Free 

14. Boys 15-18 100 Free 

15. Girls 11 & 12 100 IM 

16. Boys 11 & 12 100 IM 

17. Girls 13 & 14 100 IM

18. Boys 13 & 14 100 IM 

19. Girls 15-18 100 IM 

20. Boys 15-18 100 IM 

20A. Girls 10& Under 100 Free Relay (EX) 

20B .Boys 10 & Under 100 Free Relay (EX)

21. Girls 13 & under Diving

22. Boys 13 & under Diving

23. Girls 14 & over Diving

24. Boys 14 & over Diving

25. Girls 8 & under 25 Fly

26. Boys 8 & under 25 Fly

27. Girls 9 & 10 25 Fly

28. Boys 9 & 10 25 Fly

29. Girls 11 & 12 50 Fly

30. Boys 11 & 12 50 Fly

31. Girls 13 & 14 50 Fly

32. Boys 13 & 14 50 Fly

33. Girls 15-18 50 Fly

34. Boys 15-18 50 Fly

35. Girls 8 & under 25 Back

36. Boys 8 & under 25 Back

37. Girls 9 & 10 25 Back

38. Boys 9 & 10 25 Back

39. Girls 11 & 12 50 Back

40. Boys 11 & 12 50 Back

41. Girls 13 & 14 50 Back

42. Boys 13 & 14 50 Back

43. Boys 15-18 50 Back

44. Girls 15-18 50 Back

45. Girls 8 & under 25 Breast

46. Boys 8 & under 25 Breast

47. Girls 9 & 10 25 Breast

48. Boys 9 & 10 25 Breast

49. Girls 11 & 12 50 Breast

50. Boys 11 & 12 50 Breast

51. Girls 13 & 14 50 Breast

52. Boys 13 & 14 50 Breast

53. Girls 15-18 50 Breast

54. Boys 15-18 50 Breast

55. Girls All Age Group 200 Free Crescendo

56. Boys All Age Group 200 Free Crescendo

Thank you in advance to our Alburtis Sharks family for your generous contributions and

support. And, of course, a special thanks goes to our coaches and to our

swimmers for their enthusiasm, team spirit, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.