GMA Training Policies
and Procedures
The following guidelines are to
inform parents and swimmers of the coaches’ policies regarding practice.
These policies have been developed over many years and are designed to
provide the best possible practice environment for all.
1. Each training group has specific attendance
requirements appropriate for the objectives of that group. As a general
rule, the least possible interruption in the training schedule will
produce the greatest amount of success. GMA does, however, encourage
younger swimmers to participate in other activities in addition to
swimming. The expectation level of the coaches to attend practices
increases as the swimmers move into higher groups.
2. For the swimmers’ protection, they should arrive at
the pool no earlier than 15 minutes prior to their workout time. They
should also be picked up no later than 15 minutes after their practice
is over. Swimmers should be ready to swim or do dryland activities
5 minutes prior to the start of their practice
3. In case a youngster is late for practice, it is our
hope that the parents will send a note with the child explaining the
reason for tardiness. The beginning of practice is a very
important time in that many team announcements are made at that time.
4. Swimmers should plan to stay for the entire practice.
Often, the last part of practice is the most important or the most FUN.
In the event that your child needs to be dismissed early from practice,
a note from the parent for each dismissal is required.
5. Swimmers should plan to maintain practice consistency
over school breaks and holiday periods. Practices will be held
throughout these times and practice attendance will be recorded as
usual. Often, for older swimmers, school breaks and holidays afford
additional practice opportunities. These times offer swimmers excellent
chances to increase training and make athletic breakthroughs.
6. Occasionally, most of the practice group may be
attending a meet, in which case you will be notified of a practice
change or cancellation. There are also occasional schedule changes
and practice cancellations due to the community pool use of Saint
Michael’s College or Sports and/or Fitness Edge of South Burlington. The
coaches will inform all families in writing of any of these changes.
7. Swimmers and parents should limit their use of the
college athletic facilities to the pool, spectator seating, and pool
locker room areas. A swimmer found in any other part of the
building could damage the team’s relationship with the college. Only
Sports and Fitness Edge of South Burlington members are allowed to use
additional Sports and Fitness Edge of South Burlington facilities
outside of the pool and locker rooms.
8. While on the college and health club grounds, the
swimmers are the responsibility of the coaching staff.
a. During practice sessions, swimmers are never to leave
the pool area without the coach’s permission.
b. If any swimmer needs to complete homework before
practice or leave practice early to do homework, he or she must do their
homework on the pool deck or in the spectator seating area so that the
coaches will know where he or she is located.
9. The team has an obligation to act as guests while in
the college and at Sports and Fitness Edge of South Burlington (both
swimmers and parents). Every member of the team needs to do everything
possible to respect this privilege. Any damages to the college or health
club property may result in financial liability of the swimmer’s
parents. Any damage may also result in the swimmer being asked to
leave the team permanently.
10. Parents are asked to limit their time on the pool
deck to the drop-off and pick-up time immediately before and after
practices. All parents are welcome to watch practices in the spectator
seating area off of the pool deck.
Whenever possible, the coach should be informed in
advance of an absence due to illness or injury. Regardless of how
serious or trivial the injury may be, it will almost always be possible
to find a physician (or parent) who will recommend abstaining from
training and one who will recommend a modified approach. For this
reason, the coach must be the one to decide if the absence is excusable
(especially for the advanced swimmers). It is helpful to find a family
physician who appreciates the importance of participation in sports and
who understands the repercussions associated with missed meets and
training sessions. If your child will be out of the water over a long
period of time with an injury or illness, please notify Laura Matuszak
at 238-9168 so that the coaching staff is aware of the problem.
