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MACS Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you place swimmers in groups?
We strive to place swimmers in a practice group in which they will
receive the practices necessary for their level of stroke
technique, endurance, and maturity. Group placement is a coaching
decision based on what is best for each individual and the practice
group. As the swimmers move up through the groups other factors
will also come into play such as their attendance percentage, work
ethic, and training pace.
In early years emphasis is on technique and love of the sport,
later years consist of more demanding physical and psychological
challenges so that swimmers can achieve their maximum potential.
Here is a description of each practice group. For more
information on the different MACS groups,
click
here.
2. How often are group changes made?
We typically move swimmers within our group structure twice per
year: September and late March or early April. Moves to the Senior
groups are typically only once per year: September.
3. May parents attend practices? What is our
role?
Spectators are not allowed on the pool deck. You are welcome to
come watch for the first couple weeks, but after that if you need
to wait at the pool please do not wait on the pool deck. While at
practice it is best for the children to have one authority figure
in sight so that they are paying attention and developing a good
athlete/coach relationship. It is important that your child has one
coach and does not receive mixed messages or different advice than
what our professional coaches are giving them. We ask that you
respect this relationship and we recommend that you come to us with
any questions or concerns as they come up. The best thing you can
do for your child is to encourage his/her commitment and let them
know you support and love them no matter how they perform. Our
coaching staff will take care of all of the correction and
teaching. Swimming is a difficult sport and the kids will learn a
lot about success and failure and how to deal with both.
4. What is the coach’s role?
The coaches are responsible for placing swimmers in practice
groups. This is based on the age, maturity, commitment, and ability
of each individual.
Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and training rests with
the coaching staff. Each group’s practices are based on sound
scientific principles and are geared to the specific goals of that
group.
The coaching staff will make the final decision concerning which
meets swimmers may attend. Coaches direct and make final decision
regarding meet entries.
At meets, the coaching staff will conduct and supervise warm-up
procedures for the team.
Immediately following each race, the coaches will offer
constructive criticism regarding the swimmers performance.
Relay team members are selected by the coaches.
For more information on our coaches’ credentials,click
here.
5. What is MACS practice attendance
policy?
We do not have an attendance policy for Mini Macs, Group 1, Group
2, or Seniors. The rest of the groups have a policy and you can get
this from the groups’ coach. Of course we recommend that you
try to get to as many practices as possible in order to see the
most improvement and to feel a member of the group. The swimmers
who are most likely to quit the sport are the ones who have the
lowest attendance. It can be frustrating when a child feels behind
the group because he/she has not been there on a regular basis. We
also realize that at the beginner level, many kids are involved in
other activities too and we believe this is good for them and do
not expect them to choose one activity. For mini macs and group 1
swimmers we offer 3 practices per week and we recommend attending
2. For swimmers who are close to moving up to Group 2, swimmers
should start attending 3 days per week. Group 2 swimmers are
beginning to do more structured workouts and longer swimming so
they will feel the effect of their attendance much more than mini
macs and group 1 swimmers. We recommend they commit to at least 3
of the 4 practices they are offered. Senior swimmers will also be
involved in more difficult practices and building a lot of
endurance so it would be a good idea to strive to attend at least 4
of the 5 offered practices.
Here are some helpful practice guidelines:
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.
Occasionally, most of a practice group may be attending a meet, in
which case you will be notified of a practice change or
cancellation.
While at practice, the swimmers are the responsibility of the
coaching staff. During practice sessions, swimmers are to stay in
pool area.
Spectators are not allowed on the pool deck unless it is an
emergency. Spectators may sit in designated areas. This encourages
attention level and swimmer-coach communication.
Coaches need to be contacted if swimmer is to be out of the water
for an extended period of time due to vacation, illness, or
injury.
Swimmers are required to bring specified equipment to practice
(i.e. goggle, fins, etc.). Swimmers are also responsible for their
equipment.
6. Do we need any equipment?
Each group uses different equipment. You will need to ask your
group coach what equipment he or she requires. The equipment listed
below will help get you started:
Swim Suits: For practices you will need a suit. We recommend
wearing a different suit for practice than meets because suits do
wear out with extended use. Try to find a less expensive practice
suit and keep and another tighter fitting suit exclusively for meet
use. MACS places an order for team suits several times of year.
These suits are navy blue and have the MACS logo on them. Boys:
Swim trunks are not recommended because they weigh a lot and make
swimming with proper body position extremely difficult. Many boys
prefer to wear a pair of jammers (the thigh length tight suits)
instead of a regular speedo. All our boys have their own
preference.
Goggles: Every swimmer need goggles during practice and competition
to enhance vision and protect their eyes from the effects of
chemicals in the water.
Cap: A latex or lycra swim cap is recommended for practice and
meets to cut down resistance and to protect the swimmer’s
hair from the effects of chlorine. At meets we require MACS caps if
the swimmer wears a cap. (some boys do and some don’t)
Swim Fins: These are used in all groups. Fins are worn on the feet
and used for stroke technique and speed assisted training. If you
buy fins on your own please be sure they are swim fins and not dive
fins.
Pull Buoy: Usually made of Styrofoam, this device is placed between
the legs to isolate the use of the arms. The pull buoy is used to
strengthen the arms and is sometimes used for stroke work.
7. Where do we get the equipment?
MI Sports is our preferred equipment provider. MI Sports out of
Loveland is usually at most of the bigger meets in the Denver area
including of course our own MACS meet in October. MI sports
sponsors many Colorado Swimming function s and their prices are
more than competitive, plus MACS gets a discount. If your swimmer
does not attend the larger meets and you still need equipment you
can shop MI sports on line at swimmisports.com. To save on delivery
charges they can often arrange for another teammate to pick up the
order at an upcoming meet. They can also be reached at 1-800-
693-3539.
MACS orders team suits several times a year. They are navy with
MACS logo on them. You will be notified when ordering is taking
place and you swimmer will be given an opportunity to try on
various suit styles. If you miss the order and need a team suit
contact MI sports directly. (there are additional set up charges
but are still fairly reasonable)
If your need is urgent and you can’t wait, Swim N Things
located near Evans and Holly has a good selection year round.
Sports Authority also offers a small assortment in swim season. You
may find other sources on line as you better understand exactly
what size, style and maker your swimmer desires.
8. Does MACS have team apparel?
W e know swimmers and their families are PROUD TO BE MACS, so
throughout the year MACS will sell team apparel and spirit items
including team shirts, towels, water bottles, tattoos and a few
other fun items. Due to budget restraints we take orders for these
items in advance of the purchase. Watch your emails for details.
Parents: It is much easier to identify other MACS parents at swim
meets if everyone is wearing a MACS shirt.
9. Where can we find answers to our
questions?
You will have many questions about MACS and the sport of swimming
in general. We have various methods of communication available to
help you answer them.
Coaches: You can always ask your coach before or after practice or
at a time that is convenient for both of you.
Website: We have a great website where you can find all kinds of
information such as team updates, meet information and results,
volunteer opportunities, forms, our newsletter, and various helpful
links.
Newsletter: We generate a monthly newsletter distributed via
e-mail. It contains swimmer’s achievements, current
fundraising efforts, kid’s quotes, and coach’s
notes.
Practice Group Liaison: A practice group liaison is a parent of a
swimmer in each MACS level who is available to answer questions and
to pass on important team information.
10. How do I communicate with MACS?
Your registration packet includes contact information for board
members and coaches. E-mail is the primary method of communication
for MACS. It is the most efficient and effective way to pass on
information with speed and accuracy. It will be used for billing
and to communicate practice changes, meet details such as warm up
times, parking information, and more.
11. What is MACS’ philosophy on
competition?
MACS engages in a multi-level competition program with USA
Swimming, that like our training program, attempts to provide
challenging, yet success-oriented competitive situations for
swimmers of all ages and abilities. The following outline our
philosophy:
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 potential, he/she is
encouraged to do better. The individual’s improvement is our
primary objective.
Sportsmanlike behavior is of equal importance of improved
performance. Respect for officials, congratulations to other
competitors, encouragement to teammates, determined effort, and
mature attitudes are examples of behaviors expected and
praised.
Swimmers are praised for improving a time, but they can also have a
good swim without improving on their best time. There are different
goals for each meet and each swim based on what we are working on
in practice, time of year, and age and experience levels.
Swimmers are taught to set realistic, yet challenging goals for
meets and to relate those goals to practice to direct their
training efforts.
Swimmers are prepared and encouraged to compete in all swimming
events, distances, and strokes. This policy promotes versatility
and encourages the swimmer to explore potential in the wide range
of events offered in competitive swimming. Often times, a
swimmer’s best stroke changes as his/her body goes through
physical changes.
12. How often and when are meets held?
We aim to offer one meet per month for all of our swimmers, and
there may be some months where we attend two. Beginner swimmers
will not be encouraged to attend a meet until they have been on the
team for a couple of months. Meets are chosen by the coaching
staff. USA Swimming, Colorado Swimming, and the Suburban Swim
League offer different levels of competition and we choose the
appropriate meets for the swimmers we send. Many meets have either
minimum or maximum qualifying standards. So, we do not all attend
the same meets. Every meet we hand out will have a coach in
attendance. This season’s meet schedule will be finalized and
out early in October following Colorado’s scheduling
meeting.
Most meets for group 1 and mini macs will be held Sunday mornings
and are sponsored by Suburban League Swimming. These meets are in
the Denver Metro area. They typically have a 7:00 am warm up and
8:00 start and last until approximately 11:30 or 12:00. Most
meets for groups 2,3,4, and the Senior groups are held Saturday and
Sunday with 12 and under athletes in the morning and 13 and older
athletes in the afternoon. These meets are held in the Denver Metro
area, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.
13. How do we sign up for a swim meet?
Your coach will give you meet sign-up sheets at practice. Meet
information and sign-up sheets will be available on the
website. Please ask for assistance in filling it out the
first few times. We have swimmers choose their events, but we check
them and may make necessary changes, especially as you are
beginning your involvement in the sport.
14. What meets do the most advanced swimmers participate
in?
Qualification meets have some type of time standard that a swimmer
must meet in order to enter.
Silver State. Short-course. Min and max qualifying time
standards
Zone 2. Long course. Similar minimum qualifying standards but no
max. Colorado Swimming is divided into 5 geographic zones. Metro
Denver is in Zone 2.
State +% (min and max)
State Championships. Short-course 14 & Under. Long course all
age-groups
Mid-Western All-Stars. Colorado selection meet for swimmers 14 and
younger. Currently, CO selects the top 10 swimmers in each
age-group and gender based on times swum during the short-course
season up to the entry deadline.
Zone Championships- team selected by Colorado’s current
criteria. At this time the requirements are 3 zone qualifying
times, one priority qualifying time (set by Colorado), or 2 zone
qualifying times and a top 3 finish in one of those races at long
course state
USA Sectional Championship Meets. USA Swimming is divided into 8
geographic sections. Each section holds its respective Sectional
Championship meet twice annually. Colorado competes in the Western
Blue Section with AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, and WY
US Open, Olympic Trials, Pan-Am, Pan-Pac, etc. are additional meets
which USA Swimming members at this level attend.
15. What is swim meet protocol?
Find coach and let him/her know you’re there
Be on time for warm-ups
Sit with team at meets
Buy meet program
Write event numbers, heat, and lane on body
Warm-up with team
Listen or look for first and last call board if there is one
Have child speak with coach prior to and immediately after
events
Disqualification (DQ) is a part of learning the sport of swimming.
This occurs when a swimmer has committed an infraction of some
kind; e.g.freestyle kick in a butterfly event. A disqualified
swimmer is not eligible to receive an award for that event nor can
their time be used as an official time
Parents are not allowed on deck unless they are serving in an
official capacity
All questions regarding meet results, an officiating call, or the
conduct of the meet, should be referred to the coaching staff
Session typically last 4 hours
If relays are included, they are usually at the beginning or end of
session. Please check with your coach to verify your swimmers relay
status. Do not sign up for relays on entry form; coaches pick them
and you will be billed for participation after the meet
Swimmers are expected to stay hydrated during competition
Swimmers should come prepared to meets. This includes their team
suit, cap, goggles, sweats, socks, and towels (please bring more
than one of the pre-mentioned, as they can fail or become soaked).
Blankets, chairs, and other items to stay comfortable between
events is highly recommended. Games, books, cards, and other items
to keep swimmers occupied with teammates is also highly
recommended. Please pack healthy food and snacks, and water.
Parents: the pool area is usually very warm. Dress appropriately.
Meets can be long; a book or project can keep the time between
races from going slowly!
16. Who participates in championship
meets?
One of our team goals is to qualify and send as many swimmers as
possible for the Championship meet(s). The Championship meet is a
special experience and extremely important in the athletes
development. If a swimmer works hard to qualify please send him/her
to the meets the coach is encouraging him/her to attend. It is a
let down to miss the championship meet if a swimmer has properly
prepared for it and it will cause a decrease in motivation for
future preparations. To insure that our swimmers are properly
prepared for their championships:
Meet attendance and participation throughout the entire season is
important. USA Meets offer the experience necessary to prepare for
the championships.
Practice habits must be within our recommendations for the group
the swimmer trains on. Consistency is the key word.
There is always a higher level to strive for; for many swimmers the
state championship is not the ultimate goal. It is a seasonal goal
that will lead to Zones, Junior and Senior Nationals and beyond.
The goal is to be as prepared as possible and perform to the best
of one’s ability at the meet, not just to
qualify for the meet.
17. What about team travel?
Most seasons MACS swimmers are able to travel for swim meets,
typically one per year for group 3 or 4 level swimmer. More
experienced and older swimmers can travel up to 5 times per
year.
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