New "A" Elements are Here!

The videos of the elements for "A" figures are below.

Synchro Watershow and Silent Auction

Props to UIW and the Cygnets of San Antonio for taking us one step closer to meeting our goal of building age-group/collegiate contact. Below you can read a short post from UIW's, Emily Van Vleck, on what it is that these two teams do every season to help not only promote their programs but also fund them. Great job UIW and CYGNETS!

The two teams generally do a show at 2pm and one at 8pm, alongside 2 silent auctions towards the end of October. Each year, the show is themed differently. This year, the theme was "Music and Me, a Tribute to Michael Jackson." In the past it has been "Around the World," and "Calendar Girls. Both teams spend the few weeks prior, choreographing numbers for the show and include trios, duets, 5-somes, teams, combos...anything goes. UIW and the Cygnets generally swim the opening number, the finale, and one large team routine together. Aside from those few routines, they swim separately. The entire show, with intermission, runs about an hour and 15 minutes.

Both teams spend about 1-2 months preparing for the show and auction. The Cygnets and UIW each have their own separate auctions, with separate items, and separate profits. They collect donated items from local shops, restaurants, campus event coordinators, etc. Those donations usually include nail salon treatments, restaurant gift certificates, coffee and coffee mugs, signed UIW Football gear, UIW sweatshirts and clothing, or gift baskets donated by stores or families of the athletes. After the show, the teams send thank you letters to each company with their University's tax id# so their donation can be tax deductable.

Even swimming only a few routines with the Cygnets, the UIW girls form close relationships. They are friendly, supportive, and very helpful towards each other. But the the relationship doesn't end there, a lot of former UIW athletes end up coaching for the Cygnets. I can't help but see the true benefits from this; it creates consistency in coaching, styles, and expectations throughout San Antonio.

To read the full document (includes music selection, times, etc.) please contact Rebecca Story at story_rebecca@wheatonma.edu.

OPEN COACHING POSITION

Are you looking for a job with a view?

Love wine?

Want to get your collegiate start with a supportive athletic department?

If you answered yes, then Keuka's the place for you!

Keuka College invites applications for the position of Head Synchronized Swimming Coach. This is a part-time position (possibly transitioning to full-time at a later date). Keuka College is a Division III member of the NCAA and a founding member of the NEAC. The college is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York State, 50 miles southwest of Rochester, NY.

The Head Coach will be responsible for all phases of a successful synchronized swimming program including but not limited to: recruiting, arranging travel, managing budgets, coaching, instructing, strength training and conditioning, tracking equipment and developing alumni contacts.

The successful candidate will exemplify leadership in the management of a successful collegiate synchronized swimming program. A Bachelor's degree with a strong background in synchronized swimming is required. Candidate must possess excellent organizational skills and outstanding written and verbal communication abilities

Serious candidates may inquire by phone.
Please call Director of Athletics at 315-279-5682.

To apply for this position, send cover letter, resume and references to:

Human Resources

Keuka College
141 Central Avenue
Keuka Park, NY 14478
Email: jfolts@keuka.edu
Fax: 315-279-5326
www.keuka.edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. AA/EOE

A Elements - Final Counts

Thrust to Bent Knee

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

1, Thrust to Vertical Position

2, Twirl at height to Bent Knee Vertical Position

3, and Descend to ankles

4, Under

Nova

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

3, Back stroke

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 1st spin -- height to above the knee

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

3,4 3rd 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

Porpoise 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 in 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

Split Rocket

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

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

2, Join legs to Vertical Position and Twirl 180° at maximum height

3,4 Descend

Changes made at Convention - NEW RULES

1. No competitor in any routine may execute stacks, towers or human pyramids during the deckwork. A 1 point penalty will be applied if they do.

2. Qualification from US Collegiates to US Nationals-now based on FREE routine score.

3. US Collegiates-Varsity programs must attend a minimum of 6 competitions (down from 8), 2 of which must be collegiate competitions, one must be regionals. (no change for clubs which remains at 3, 1 of which must be regionals)

4. All programs will follow rules set by their institution.

Mandatory Certification for ALL coaches

Please be advised that starting January 2010 ALL coaches on deck must be at least level 1 CCP ceritfied and hold up to date saftey credintials.
For information on taking CCP level 1 and credintials, go to:

http://www.usasynchro.org/Education/Coaching_Certification_Program.htm

NOTE: The USSS Foundation was VERY, VERY generous and is providing 1 CCP testing for EVERY registered USSS Club (a $75 value).

COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIGURES FOR THE 2009-2010 SEASON

A – ELEMENTS (71.00-higher or National Team Competitor)
Thrust, Twirl to Bent Knee
Nove, Spin up
Porpoise lift, full twist, split, walkout
Rocket Split, Twirl

B – FIGURES (64.0-70.999) – Group 1

Fig # Figure Name
313 Kip Split Closing 180
112f Ibis Continuous Spin (720)
336 Gaviata Open 180
436 Cyclone

C – FIGURES (59.00-63.999) – Group 1

Fig # Figure Name
420 Walkover Back
355e Porpoise Spinning 360
342 Heron
311a Kip 1/2 Twist

D – FIGURES (58.999-lower) – Group 1

Fig # Figure Name
101 Ballet Leg Single
360 Walkover Front
321 Somersub
315 Kipnus