2011 Convention Report

ACTION NEEDED:
1. Required paperwork –also in attachment

1. Club & Membership Registration – Due by first competition

2. Team Rosters – Due February 1st

3. Proof of club and membership registration – Due February 1st

4. Playing season declaration – Due February 1st

5. Meet Results – Due no later than 48 hours after the meet

6. Student Statements & Tech Affidavit (will be online) – Due Feb 1^st

Note: Student Athlete Statements - Staff are working hard to make sure these forms are added as part of a online registration. This will save paper, postage, and time. Please continue to check your email and the collegiate blog for updates.

2. See attached for an updated version of the collegiate manual.

3. Email all meet schedules to Barbara McNamee at barbsync@gmail.com.

RULE CHANGES/ADDITIONS:
CO 2.1 Categories for Technical Competition:
CO2.1.1 Competitors shall move into 1 of the 4 categories on the basis of an average of all of the Technical scores from their most recent season.

CO2.1.1 Competitors shall move into 1 of the 4 categories on the basis of an average of all the their qualifying average Figure and Technical Element category score from their most recent competitive season.
CO 2.1.2 Movement between Technical Categories:

1. A competitor may, at any time, choose to compete in a higher Figure and Technical Element Category than the competitor’s scores from the previous season. Movement between these categories can be made at any time.
2. A competitor placing first in a category at the U.S. Collegiate Championship shall automatically move up to the next Technical Category in the next competitive season and the remainder of their collegiate career.
3. Once a competitor achieves a qualifying average Figure and Technical Element Category score for a competitive season, they must compete in that category (or higher) for the next competitive season and the remainder of their collegiate career.

2. A-Element descriptions and counts have been added to the Collegiate Manual pages 6-10.

3. All proposed rules were passed and are attached, please read.

DISCUSSIONS:
1. Team logo suits vs. full glitz suits: Proposal to have all teams wear none sparkle suits with team logo was voted down. The collegiate group voted to continue wearing the full glitz suits and headpieces as has been done in the past. Rationale: the group was split but felt it was best to go with what the athletes preferred which was to continue wearing full glitz based on survey results.

2. Should club teams be allowed to join for competition: Proposal to allow club teams to join for competition (ex Babson combines with Clark and competes under one name) was voted down. Rationale: some club programs have rules restricting this option. The group felt it would be unfair to allow some programs to combine while others cannot. The group also felt that it would hinder the growth of the collegiate group.

3. Program Development: Thanks to Jenn Hat, the collegiate group now has both a collegiate brochure and poster which will be distributed to all age-group club teams. We will be adding additional info to the packet and labeling it a collegiate tool kit. Any ideas please contact our Program Development Advisor Nancy Wightman at nanwightman@empacc.net.

FIGURES FOR COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE 2011-2012 SEASON

A - ELEMENTS

Elements as listed in the US Collegiate Programs Manual (page 6)

1. Thrust, Twirl to Bent Knee

2. Nove, Spin up

3. Porpoise Lift, Full twist, Split, Walkout

4. Rocket Split, Twirl

B – FIGURES – Group 3

1. Kip Split Closing 180

2. Ibis Continuous Spin (720)

3. Flying, Fish

4. Catalina, Twirl

C – FIGURES – Group 3

1. Walkover Back

2. Porpoise Spinning 360

3. Barracuda, Spinning 180

4. Flamingo, Bent Knee

D – FIGURES – Group 3

1. Ballet Leg Single (R/L)

2. Walkover, Front

3. Neptunus

4. Barracuda

CONVENTION AGENDA

2011 CONVENTION

Collegiate Agenda

Introduction and Welcomes

Student-athlete Statements

We are working to make it part of our swimmer registrations for THIS season updates will be sent.

USSS Rulebook

Review wording as voted in by the group at Collegiate Nationals and VOTE.

Collegiate Manual Additions

Reminders (additions highlighted in the manual will be enforced for the 2011-2012 season)

Nova Spin/Elements

Will be performed by starting with a kick out on the back as listed in the Collegiate Manual. Swimmers will report to the collegiate manual for count guidelines, but each swimmer will perform the element as best possible, trying to align with FINA descriptions.

Movement between technical categories

What wording to use?

Program Development

Website updates

Should we allow club programs to combine with other teams for competition?

Team Suits VS Sparkle Suits

Review results from 2nd survey given to the athletes

Collegiate programs and USA Synchro

Open Coaching Position - Cambridge Synchro

The Cambridge Synchro swim club is seeking a Head Coach starting September 2011. Cambridge Synchro is a growing competitive age group and recreational synchronized swimming team that swims out of the War Memorial Pool in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Going into next season, we have a roster of approximately 20 age group and intermediate swimmers and a robust novice program along with a dedicated and experienced group of parents. Our club values a compassionate leader who will be dedicated to developing our swimmers into strong competitors through teamwork and personal commitment, while encouraging their passion for the sport of Synchronized Swimming.

This position is a direct report to the City of Cambridge Recreation Activities Manager and the candidate will be required to follow the rules and policies established for programs held at the Recreation Center where the War Memorial Pool is located. The City requires a mature leader with demonstrated skill in building a synchronized swim program and nurturing young athletes. Prior competitive experience at collegiate or national level is a plus. Preference will be given to individuals who have managed a program and mentored assistant coaches. Responsibilities include developing a comprehensive training program, including skill based workouts, conditioning plans, land drilling, choreography for routines, oversight of organizational chores such as suit selection and athlete registrations, as well as providing timely and clear communication and guidance to the parents association.

The Head Coach should be, or plan to be, certified in the required USA Synchronized Coaching Program, including CPR and continue their professional development as a USA Synchro official. Candidates should be prepared to commit at least two full years to the program. The club receives an annual stipend from the City to be used towards club expenses such as warm up suits. In addition, the fees for travel, food, and hotel used by the Head Coach for competitions and clinics are covered through the parent association.

Hours are currently Tuesday/Thursday 7 to 9pm, and Saturdays 8 to 11am. Depending on enrollments, there is potential to add more pool time and separate dry land drilling area TBD by the Recreation Activities Manager. Salary is negotiable. Pension program through the City of Cambridge. Position is paid through the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The City of Cambridge is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. City of Cambridge residents especially are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals should send their letter of interest and experience to Leslie Sciascia via email: lessciascia@yahoo.com or mail: Leslie Sciascia, 108 Oliver Road, Belmont MA 02478.

Selected candidates will be interviewed by a small committee representing the City of Cambridge, current and/or former coaching staff, and parents.

UIW Assistant Coaching Position - Apply NOW!

For interested candidates, go to www.uiw.edu and at the bottom of the page there is a section for employment. Click on that and that will take you to a search page where you then will need to select Administrative. Once you click on that, it should be one of the first few positions posted. Then you can view and apply for it online.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Head Coach, Kim Lo Porto at kwurzel@uiwtx.edu or call me at 210-829-2796.

Practice with Music Schedule

7:45am Doors open – Lap swim/Open Pool

8:00-8:12am University of Arizona

8:13-8:41am University of Minnesota

8:42-9:18am Canisius College

9:19-9:40am University of Florida

9:41-10:05am Wheaton College

10:06-10:27am University of Pennsylvania

10:28-10:48am Boston University

10:49-11:22am The Ohio State University

11:23-12:00pm BREAK / OPEN POOL

12:01-12:29pm Stanford University

12:30-1:03pm University of The Incarnate Word

1:04-1:25pm Arizona State University

1:26-2:07pm Lindenwood University

2:08-2:12pm University of Tampa

2:13-2:29pm Smith College

2:30-2:54pm Carleton College

2:55-3:15pm BREAK / OPEN POOL

3:16-3:28pm George Mason University

3:29-3:53pm College of William and Mary

3:54-4:10pm University of Mary Washington

4:11-4:27pm University of Richmond

4:28-4:44pm Miami of Ohio

4:45-5:01pm University of Michigan

5:02-5:18pm Penn State University

A-Element Counts 2011 (correct collegiate version)

A. THRUST TO BENT KNEE: DD – 2.3.

Begin underwater in a Back Pike Position with the legs perpendicular to the surface. A Thrust is executed to a Vertical Position, maintaining maximum height a Twirl is executed as one leg is lowered to a Right Bent Knee Vertical Position. A Vertical Descent is executed as the bent knee is extended to meet the vertical leg at the ankles, submerge with the same tempo as the Thrust. The Twirl must be executed toward the left shoulder (left shoulder back).

Judging Factors not otherwise described in the USSS Rulebook: Judging begins as the toes break the surface (count 8). The Thrust from the Back Pike Position to the Vertical Position should be a direct 1-count move, i.e. minimal “rocking over face” is desirable in the thrust action. The Thrust, Twirl and Vertical Descent are rapid.

Element Counts – Thrust to Bent Knee:

8, Toes touch the surface (competitor assumes underwater position just prior to this count)

1, Thrust to Vertical Position

2, Twirl at height to Right Bent Knee Vertical Position

3, and Descend to ankles

4 Under.

B. NOVA, 1080° SPIN, SPIN UP 180°: DD – 2.9.

Surface with a side stroke kick (flat, on left side with back to the judges, with breath), then backstroke with right arm to Back Layout Position. Initiate the dolphin beginning through the Right Bent Knee Surface Arch Position as per the Nova description. While the hips remain stationary, the legs are simultaneously lifted to a Vertical Position as the right bent knee is extended. A Continuous Spin of 1080° (3 rotations) is executed until the heels reach the surface, without submergence, followed by a rapid Spin Up 180°. A Vertical Descent is executed at the same tempo as the Spin Up 180°. The continuous spin has three (3) 360° rotations and is performed with counts and water levels as described below.

Judging Factors not otherwise described in the USSS Rulebook: Judging begins in the Back Layout Position. There is a pause in the Right Bent Knee Surface Arch Position and in the Vertical Position prior to the Continuous Spin. The bent knee should slide evenly to vertical position.

The Vertical Position at the beginning of the Continuous Spin and the Vertical Position at the end of the Spin Up should be at maximum height, stationary, still and extended. In addition look for the athlete’s ability to maintain counts and designated water lines on the spin. These are listed in order of importance (i.e. the athlete who performs this element high, stationary, and with clarity of Bent Knee Surface Arch Position and Vertical Positions, while maintaining counts and all water levels, should be given the highest score).

Element Counts - Nova, 1080° Spin, Spin Up 180°:

1, 2 Competitor surfaces with a side stroke kick (flat, on left side with back to judges, with breath)

3, Backstroke

4, Back layout

5,6 Dolphin down

7,8 Nova to the completion of the Right Bent Knee Surface Arch Position

1, Hold Right Bent Knee Surface Arch Position

2,3,4 Legs simultaneously lift to Vertical Position as the right bent knee is extended

5,6 Hold Vertical

7,8,1,2,3,4 Continuous Spin of 1080° (1 count per half)

5,6 Hold at heels

7,8 Rapid Spin Up 180° to height

1,2,and Descent

Counts and height level for spins:

7,8 1^st spin -- height to above the knee

1,2 2^nd spin -- above the knee to mid-shin

3,4 3^rd spin -- mid-shin to heels

5,6 Hold vertical at heels

7, Begin Spin Up -- heels to above the knees

8, Finish Spin Up -- above the knees to hips

1,2 Descent

and Under

D. PORPOISE, FULL TWIST, SPLIT WALKOUT: DD – 2.9.

Entry to pike position should be performed with a quarter turn (without coming up for air) with a small breast stroke pull, and kick, to achieve the Surface Front Pike Position with the hips, legs, and feet at the surface. A porpoise lift is executed to a Vertical Position. A Full Twist is executed, then the legs are lowered symmetrically to a Right Split Position. A Walkout Front is executed, with the hips remaining stationary as the front leg moves in an arc over the surface to meet the other leg in a Surface Arch Position. An Arch up is executed to a Back Layout Position. A back tuck somersault is used to exit (this is not judged). The Full Twist must be executed toward the left shoulder (left shoulder back).

Judging Factors not otherwise described in the USSS Rulebook: Judging begins with the Surface Front Pike Position. Look for accurate body position during the porpoise lift. Maximum height should be maintained during the Full Twist. Legs should open symmetrically and simultaneously during the leg lowering to the Right Split Position. As the legs pause in the Right Split Position look for “Gold” Standard. There is a pause in the Surface Arch Position on the completion of the walkout. All positions should be fully extended. Judging is completed in the Back Layout Position.

Element Counts – Porpoise, Full Twist, Split Walkout:

5,6 Pull forward (no breath)

7, Assume Surface Front Pike Position

8, Hold Front Pike Position

1,2 Porpoise Lift to Vertical Position

3,4 Hold Vertical Position

5,6,7,8,1,2 Full Twist (by thirds, hit halfway on count 7)

3,4 Hold Vertical Position

5,6,7 Lower legs to Right Split Position

8,1,2 Hold Right Split Position

3,4,5,6 Walkout (should be Knight position on 4, surface arch on 6)

7,8 Hold Surface Arch Position

1,2,3 Arch up to Back Layout (face surfaces on 3)

4,5 Back Layout and torpedo

6 Back tuck somersault and exit panel (not judged).

E. ROCKET SPLIT, TWIRL: DD – 2.6.

Begin underwater in the Back Pike Position. A Thrust is executed to a Vertical Position, maintaining maximum height the legs are split rapidly to assume an Airborne Split Position. Maintaining maximum height the legs are lifted to a Vertical Position as a Twirl is executed with a rapid Vertical Descent. The Airborne Split Position is executed with the right leg split forward and the left leg split back. The Twirl turns towards the left shoulder (left shoulder back).

Judging Factors not otherwise described in the USSS Rulebook: Judging begins as the toes break the surface (count 8). The Thrust, Airborne Split Position, join to Vertical Position, Twirl and sink are all rapid, separate movements with three clear, fully extended positions - Vertical, Split, Vertical. Maximum Height is desired at the completion of the Thrust in the Vertical Position, the Airborne Split Position and the rejoin to Vertical Position during the Twirl.

Element Counts - Rocket Split, Twirl:

8, Toes touch the surface (competitor assumes underwater position just prior to this count)

1, and Thrust to Vertical Position “and” Split at maximum height

2, Join legs to Vertical Position as the Twirl is executed at maximum height

3, 4 Descend.

Calling all Volunteers!!

We've completed the collegiate strategic plan and are ready to start the job! Thank you to all those who helped, it was a TON of work but the result was worth it. If you'd like a copy just send me an email. In order to start putting the work into action we need to have at least 2 volunteers to act as Program Development Advisors.

If you'd like to be considered for this position, or would like to learn more about it, please send me an email at story_rebecca@wheatonma.edu.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Rebecca Story
USSS Collegiate Programs Chair