Parent Handbook

2025

Carmichael Swim Team

PO Box 581

Carmichael, CA 95609

E Mail: [email protected]

Phone: (916) 318-0592

Social Media

IG: CarmichaelBeaversSwimTeam

FB: Carmichael Beavers Swim Team

Non Profit 501c3 EIN# 68 – 0435024

Message from the President

Dear Beaver Family,

It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to another incredible season with our team. Whether you are a returning member or joining us for the first time, you are now part of a community built on dedication, teamwork, and a shared love for the water.

Our mission goes beyond winning races — we strive to help every swimmer grow in skill, confidence, and character. Each practice, meet, and team event is an opportunity to challenge yourself, support your teammates, and celebrate progress, both big and small.

This season, I encourage you to embrace every moment — the early mornings, the tough sets, the cheers from the stands, and the friendships that will last long after the final lap. Together, we will create memories, achieve goals, and continue the proud tradition of excellence that defines our team.

Thank you for your commitment, your energy, and your belief in what we can accomplish together. Let’s make this season our best yet!

GO BEAVERS!

Dean Buttry

Carmichael Beavers Swim Board President

[email protected]

Team Mission

Carmichael Beavers’ mission is to grow confidence, champion self-improvement, and create a community by teaching kids to swim the four strokes in a friendly, yet competitive atmosphere. We know that swimmers who practice hard, follow our coaches’ instructions, and perform with consistent effort will learn self-discipline, develop a strong work ethic, build self-esteem, and swim stronger and faster at every meet.

2026 Meet Calendar

Mandatory Swim Meet Check In:

Check in time is by 6:45am SHARP!

(home & away)

If you are running late:

You must check in via text by 6:45 AM and physically be present by 7:15 AM

Text: 916-318-0592

**If you arrive after this deadline, your swimmer(s) WILL BE removed from the meet. Please respect the work that must be done and meet these timelines. **

Carmichael Beavers Board of Directors

The board is made up of parents of current Beaver swimmers and is a completely volunteer position. The team depends upon these people to help keep the team running. The board is always welcoming dedicated parents who want to make a difference.

Committees: Swim families are encouraged to join. Reach out to a Board Member if you would like more information.

Coach management/Mentoring

Communications/Marketing

IT Team

Fundraising

Risk Management

Snack Bar

Spirit/Social

Carmichael Beavers Team Swimsuits and Team Clothing

The team swimsuit is not required; however, all swimmers are encouraged to wear a team suit during meets to show unity and team spirit. Please wear a red suit as an alternative to the team suit.

Suit must meet NCSL guidelinesduring all swim practices and at all swim meets. Inappropriate swimwear includes but is not limited to, tankinis, bikinis, and thong swimsuits.

Team clothing is optional and available for purchase on Swim Outlet in the Team Store.

The 2025-2026 Carmichael Beavers swimsuit is:

https://www.swimoutlet.com/collections/carmichaelb...

Carmichael Beavers Swim Team’s Board of Directors reserves the right to determine eligibility to swim.

Carmichael Beavers Team Rules

●Suit must meet NCSL guidelines at all swim practices and swim meets.

●Only swimmers, coaches, or officials are allowed on the pool deck during workouts. Spectators may sit in bleachers.

●NO RUNNING on the pool deck.

●No swimmers are allowed in the water or pool unless a coach is on duty and directs the swimmers into the water.

●No swimmers are permitted on diving boards during swim practice or meets unless approved and supervised by a member of the coaching staff

●No horseplay, profanity or other inappropriate activity will be allowed.

●No running onto starting blocks, then diving or jumping off.

●No hanging or sitting on the lane ropes. Treat all equipment with care.

●No swimmer is allowed in the diving pool during swim meets unless approved and supervised by a member of the coaching staff.

●Playing in the locker room is not permitted.

●During workouts, swimmers must remain in the pool unless directed by the coach.

●No bouncing balls on the pool deck.

●No dogs, cats, or other animals on the pool deck or at meets unless previously approved.

●No scooters on deck and no scooters at swim meets.

Please pick up your child within 5 minutes of the end of the scheduled practice time.

Volunteer Deposit

$200 per Family Volunteer Deposit:

Volunteer assistance is essential to run an efficient swim meet. Therefore, the team requires each family to fulfill ALL volunteer shift requirements:

1.Swim meets – minimum one shift each meet.

2.Championships – minimum one shift each day

Once all shift requirements are fulfilled, you will earn repayment of your $200 volunteer deposit. See list of volunteer jobs and their descriptions. If you are unable to work a required shift or have additional questions, please contact the volunteer coordinator.

Refund Policy

All refund requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected].

Summer Season:

• One hundred percent (100%) refund if requested in writing within 1 week from your registration date, or within 1 week from the start of the summer season, whichever is later.
• Fifty percent (50%) refund if requested in writing after 1 week, but before 1 month, from the start of the summer season.
• NO REFUND after 1 month from the start of the summer season unless there are special circumstances that are approved by a Board vote.

Spring and Fall Seasons:

• Because our schedule depends on the numbers of swimmers registered and pre-paid facility fees, we require a minimum of registrations and payments to be finalized one week before the season starts. Please be aware that cancellations made less than a week before the start of spring clinics cannot be refunded. If any payments need to be made in person, contact the registrar. [email protected]

Returned Check Charge Policy

A minimum collection charge of $20.00 per check will be passed on to the issuer of any returned check. It is the issuer's responsibility to fully reimburse the Carmichael Beavers Swim Team within 10 days of either verbal or written notification.

Required Parent Volunteer Shifts

To make the dual swim meets run efficiently, the Northern California Swim League encourages parents of swimmers (or their designee) to work shifts during the swim meet.

Your assistance is essential. Our ability to run an efficient swim meet depends upon a volunteer staff of parents. Therefore, we count on parents, grandparents, extended family members, and friends to volunteer at all swim meets.

The Carmichael Beavers Swim Team requires that each family volunteer for swim meets and championships. Required shifts can be accomplished in several ways:

Swap with another family to work your shift for you in the event of an absence.

Always check in with the Volunteer Coordinator by designated times and at earliest opportunity if changes need to be made.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Volunteer Sign-ups

Volunteer sign-ups can be done online by logging into our team website or downloading and signing up on the Swimtopia App on your phone.

Questions or in person signups should be directed to our volunteer coordinator by emailing your full name and the swimmer’s full name at [email protected]

Parent Volunteer Positions

Swimmer Participation Responsibilities

Establish high goals and actively train to achieve them. Winning is not as important as doing your best and having fun.

●Attend practice on a regular basis.

●Support your coaches and their training program.

●Encourage your Teammates.

●Be part of your team by participating in social activities and outings. You will have a lot of fun and make new friends.

All swimmers should be able to swim one length of a 25-yard-long pool unaided by the end of the second week of practice with the exception of the 6 & under swimmers.

Swimmers are divided into the following age groups: 4 - 8; 9 - 12; 13 - 18. The age groups are further divided by gender (boys and girls). Age groups are determined by the swimmers’ age from four to eighteen. Coaches may shift swimmers practice groups as the season progresses.

2026 Season Practice Times

Carmichael Beavers Parent / Coach Relationship

It is important that you trust the ability and judgment of the coaching staff and that you exhibit that trust and support in front of your children. We all make mistakes, so give the coaching staff the benefit of the doubt if it appears they misjudge from time to time.

Parents are encouraged to observe all workouts. However, please stay clear of the deck area while swimmers are in the pool. You may be hurting more than helping if you try to encourage your swimmer while he or she is practicing . . . that is the coach's job. If for some reason you must communicate with your child, please contact the coach or assistant coach.

If you feel that your swimmer is not receiving all that he or she should in a workout or is having some sort of difficulty which is not being resolved, talk to the coach privately after the practice, or arrange some mutually convenient time.

Coaching Responsibilities

The coaches shall model positive leadership and sportsmanship to the Carmichael Beavers and attempt to foster these qualities in the team members.

Beaver Coaches should provide instruction in all aspects of competitive swimming and assist swimmers in developing and working towards personal goals, manage practices to foster learning and a safe environment for all participants.

Disciplinary Guidelines

The purpose of these guidelines is to insure everyone has the potential to be a “WINNER”.

Swimmers are expected to follow the pool deck rules and use language and behave in a manner which is inclusive and respectful towards teammates, coaches, opposing team members, parents and meet officials.

If Swimmers do not meet the outlined expectations, depending on the level of severity, Coaches and/or Board President will discuss next steps with the Swimmers and Parents/Guardians.

If a Swimmer’s behavior is such that it risks the safety of themselves or others, the swimmer will be asked to leave the pool deck immediately until the incident is resolved.

NorCal Swim League

The Carmichael Beavers Swim Team is a member club in the Northern California Swim League, participating currently in the Nugget Conference. It is required that all our swimmers register with the league and pay a league fee of $20, in addition to the team registration you have already paid. Register at: www.norcalswimleague.com.

2026 Nugget Conference Teams

Amador Polar Bears (APB)      Carmichael Beaver (CB)

Rio Vista Sharks (RV)            Sacramento Stingrays (SS)

Northern California Swim League Guidelines

1.Every eligible swimmer (except 6 & under) who attends practice regularly as required by the coach should swim a maximum of three individual events in any Dual Meet. The coach may establish minimum attendance standards for participation in meets.

2.The first time trial will be used to establish a ranking for all swimmers.

3.Meet entries are limited by League rules that limit swimmer participation to three individual events.

4.Any posting of meet results will be coordinated with the computer coordinator.

5.All swimmers meeting the criteria set forth in the League Bylaws will swim at Championship Finals.

Swimmers must swim 2 individual events in 2 conference or league meets to qualify for our championship meet.

Swim Meet Schedule

Approximate start time: 8:30 – 9:00 AM

Swim Meet Activities

1.Swimmers are expected to be at the meet location at the time designated by the coach.

2.Swimmers must locate their team area and check the list of events they are to swim. 

3.Our team will warm up in the pool prior to the start of the meet.

4.Swimmers must remain in the designated team area and must be alert as to which events are occurring so they can be ready when their turn arrives. The swim team parents, “zoo keepers” will help the very young swimmers get to the ready bench at the proper time as long as these swimmers are in the team area.

5.Swimmers must be at the “Ready Bench” at least two events prior to the event in which they are swimming.

6.After each event, swimmers are to return to the team area.

7.It is not advisable for swimmers to eat immediately prior to swimming an event. Questions concerning this may be directed to the coach.

8.6 & Under swimmers participate in only the first half of the swim meet. Families with only 6 & under swimmers are allowed to leave after the backstroke event.

9.There are two basic categories of races: individual events and relay events. All relay races involve four swimmers on each team. The meet starts with the 6 & Under Freestyle Relay and the Medley Relay for all other age groups. The meet ends with the Freestyle Relay.

10.The individual races are broken up into six categories: freestyle, long freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and individual medley (IM). The IM consists of equal lengths of the four strokes in the following order: butterfly (fly) backstroke (back) breaststroke (breast), and freestyle (free).

Many swimmers bring:

• Sun block & a hat or t-shirt for protection from hot sun
• Two or more towels
• A sleeping bag for warmth
• Healthy drinks & snacks for hydration & energy
• Folding chairs
• Money for snack bar
• Games to keep amused between events

Meet Descriptions and Scoring System

The Northern California Swim League (Nor Cal) season is a series of two team (Dual) meets. The fastest swimmers generally swim in the first heat of each event. Points are awarded for the first heat in each event.

Dual Meet Scoring System

Only the first heat of Individual and Relay Team scores points for the team.

Only the winning relay team scores seven points.

Championship Meet Scoring

Scoring will be explained in the Championship Program.

Ribbons

At league Dual Meets, all participants will receive ribbons unless they are disqualified for a swimming infraction.

Swimmers may be given an award for participation on the Carmichael Beaver Swim Team. Awards won at League Championships will be handed out. High-point awards will be awarded to the boy and girl in each age group with the most points scored during the season. Also, an overall high point boy and girl will be awarded. All team awards must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to Awards Night.

Northern California Swim League Championships

The Northern California Swim League, Nugget Championship Meet is held at the conclusion of each swim season. Each team has specific organizing responsibilities (starter, ready bench, snack bar, etc.). Parent participation / volunteers are needed to fill operational needs in all areas in addition to the team needs.

In order to swim in the Nor Cal League Championship, a league participant must swim in at least two individual events in at least two League Dual Meets during the regular season. For the purpose of complying with this requirement, it does not matter whether the swimmer participated in an official or unofficial heat of an event.

A swimmer may:

Enter all of the individual events in his / her age group and may participate in one freestyle relay and one medley relay. The first Freestyle Relay team is made up of the four fastest swimmers in each age group or at the coach’s discretion. The Medley Relay team is made up of the four fastest swimmers of each stroke or at the coach’s discretion.

Championship events

This meet lasts for two entire days, Saturday and Sunday. Preliminary heats are conducted in the morning with the ten (10) finalists competing in the afternoon. Saturday’s events include the individual medley, short freestyle, backstroke, medley relay, 6 & under freestyle relay. Sunday’s events include long freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle relay. Parents should come prepared for a long, hot day.

Final participants

Each member of a relay team that competes in finals shall receive a place medal. A highpoint trophy will be awarded to the high-point boy and girl in each age group. Team trophies shall be given to the teams placing first, second, and third at championships. More detailed information regarding finals will be available prior to the meet.

Swim Strokes

Each of the four strokes, Back, Breast, Fly, and Free have rules governing the proper way to swim the stroke. At every meet, four stroke and turn judges will be posted, one at each corner of the pool, checking to make sure the stroke rules are being followed. Should a swimmer violate these rules in a race, he or she will be disqualified (DQ) from the race.

Individual Medley

The swimmer shall swim the prescribed distance in the following order: first one-fourth, butterfly; the second one-fourth, backstroke; the third one-fourth, breaststroke; and the last fourth, freestyle.

Freestyle Relay

Four swimmers on each team, each swim one-fourth the prescribed distance using any desired stroke(s). Freestyle finish rules apply.

Medley Relay

Four swimmers on each team, each swims one-fourth of the prescribed distance continuously in the following order: first, backstroke; second, breaststroke; third, butterfly; and fourth, freestyle. Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where applicable. At the end of each leg, the finish rules for each stroke are to be applied in each case.

Rules Pertaining to Relay Races

A. No swimmer shall swim more than one leg in any relay event.

B. In relay races a swimmer other than the first swimmer shall not start until his/her teammate has concluded his/her leg.

C. Any relay team member and his/her relay team shall be disqualified from a race if a team member other than the swimmer designated to swim that leg shall jump into or enter the pool in the area where the race is being conducted before all swimmers of all teams have finished the race.

D. Each relay team member shall leave the water immediately upon finishing his/her leg, except the last member.

E. In relay races, the team of the swimmer whose feet have lost touch with the starting platform (ground or deck) before his/her preceding teammate touches the wall shall be disqualified.

Carmichael Beaver Swim Team Records