FAQ

Our Team
Who are the Starfish?
The Starfish Swim Club is the oldest and most established competitive swimming program in the Capital Region of New York State. It was founded in 1965 with a commitment to achieving excellence in athletics, academics, and public service.  Our goal is to develop competitive swimmers both as athletes and as well-rounded young men and women. We also offer quality learn to swim programs for all children regardless of race, color, religion, or financial means.
The club is managed by the Head Coach, the Board of Directors and its officers. The Board of Directors is elected by the parent members. Board members are elected for a two year term.
How do I join the team?


The team holds two tryouts a year: in September at the beginning of the "short course" season, and in April at the beginning of the "long course" season.  If you have any questions, contact the Head Coach, Lucky Foreman at CoachForeman@albanystarfish.org.  Click on the links below for the registration forms.
 
 ·        Online registration (update your email, register for long and short course)
 ·        Medical forms (need link)
When is swim season?
Our season is basically two seasons. The "short course" season, in which swimmers compete in a 25-yard pool, goes from September to March. The "long course" season, in which swimmers compete in a 50-meter pool, runs from April to the end of July.
What are the various squads and  how is it determined who is assigned where?

We currently have six different groups. Squad assignment is a coaching decision, influenced by many factors. Our coaches do their best to assign swimmers to the squad that is most appropriate for the individual as well as the team.
DEVELOPMENTAL (2 practices per week): The Developmental Squad is a transitional group for children moving from a learn-to-swim program to competitive athletics. The emphasis is almost entirely on stroke and skill development. Through coach’s feedback and drills, swimmers will learn proper body position, breathing and work on gross motor skills. It is the mission of the coaching staff to ensure that each swimmer enjoys his or her introduction to the competitive program.
BRONZE (4 practices per week): Bronze is similar to developmental and the focus continues to be on the development of proper technique. Here, swimmers refine their strokes and learn more about racing starts and turns. The training is more rigorous than in developmental and the practices are more challenging. Bronze swimmers are introduced to local USA swimming competitions.
SILVER (5 practices per week): Silver swimmers continue to develop their technique and racing skills, but now there is an increased emphasis on aerobic conditioning. Swimmers in this group are introdued to more complex training sets and become acquainted with teh pace clock. Silver swimmers are expected to have reached a level of maturity where they are active participants in their development -- able to set and strive toward goals and capable of understanding and applying racing strategies.  Silver swimmers compete at the local level and for some, out of district competitions are available.
GOLD (6 practices per week): Gold squad members are challenged in both their physical and mental development as competitive swimmers. Practice sessions are demanding and each member of the squad is expected to focus on perfecting skills while increasing their endurance capacity. Gold squad members are encouraged to compete in all strokes and distances and discouraged from specializing in specific events. Gold swimmers compete at the local and regional level and prepare for Senior swimming.

Senior II  (5 practices per week): The Senior II group was created especially for High School-age swimmers who want a quality training program, but are not able to meet the demands of the Senior group. The focus is on the events offered in High School swimming. As with the Gold squad, swimmers will compete at the local and regional level, with the possibility of qualifying for higher level competitions where time standards must be met to compete.
SENIOR (6+ practices per week): This is our most advanced and demanding squad, and swimmers chosen for the Senior group have chosen swimming as their primary athletic activity. Only the most dedicated swimmers are offered this level of training, and they are expected to maintain a high-level of commitment. Regional and National level competition is the goal of this group.
What equipment/apparel do I need, and how do I get it?
Each swimmer is required to have a team suit and cap for swim meets.   In addition, each squad has equipment requirements, which are listed here . Other Starfish spirit wear is also available for purchase.  Y ou can place your own order by going directly to www.thedeependonline.com , and click on “Team Locker Room”.
User Name:  AlbanyStarFish
 Passcode:  ASF01
Team caps are available for purchase throughout the season.  Please contact Jill Dougherty at swimmers4@logical.net  to purchase a team cap.
Training 

A m I required to come to every practice?
Just as teachers plan their lessons so that one builds on the former and leads to the next, coaches plan their technical training and workouts with a long-range objective. And, similar to school,  if a swimmer frequently misses practice she or he will fall behind. That said, we are conscious of the fact that swimming is an extra-curricular exercise, that our athletes sometimes have other commitments, go on vacation, get bogged down with their homework, catch colds or simply need a day to recover.  So, while we do expect a sincere commitment and regular attendance (we like to see at least 75 percent), we understand that occasional absences will occur. If you need to be absent, please inform the coach.
Meets
Am I required to enter every meet?
No. On average, swimmers attend about 1 meet per month.  At the beginning of each season, the coaching staff will review available meets and select those which are best suited to the needs of the swimmers in each squad, and to prepare them for the championship season. It is expected that parents will work with the coaching staff by signing their swimmers up for the designated meets.
In many regards, swimming is an individual sport. But it is also a team sport, and we train and compete as a team. Participation in championship meets is mandatory. Being part of a team carries responsibility and commitment -- two of the lessons we hope our children learn from competitive athletics. Should circumstances arise which may preclude a swimmer from participating, the Head Coach should be contacted by the parents as soon as it is known that a swimmer will not be available. Unauthorized absence from a championship meet may affect the swimmer’s placement the following session.
How do I enter a meet?
Click on this link to learn the procedure for entering a meet.
How do I check my entry?
Check out  Starfish Team Manager Online , and click on "Entries" along the top toolbar. If you need the password, ask the coach or any member of the board.
What should I bring to a meet?
·         Team Suit
 ·         Goggles - 2 pairs that are correctly adjusted and leak-proof
·         Towels – 4 towels to dry off after races and for showering after the meet
 ·         Warm clothes – such as team jacket and pants, flannel swim pants, long sleeved shirts.    These will help keep your swimmer warm and comfortable between races.
 ·          Sleeping bag – a comfortable place to rest between events.
 ·          Folding chairs
 ·          Nutritious snacks
 ·          Water/sports drink
 ·          Money to purchase a program ($5-$10).  Also, most meets have a concession stand where you can buy beverages, snacks, pasta, baked goods, fruit, energy bars, etc.
 ·          Activities for swimmers during longer meets – playing cards, books, I-pods/MP3 players
I’ve been assigned to time/ or coordinate a meet. What do I do?
At a meet, each swim lane has 2 timers.  The timers are the back-up system in case there is a problem with the touchpad (i.e., the swimmer doesn’t touch the touchpad hard enough to activate it.)  Each timer has 2 responsibilites.  Both timers have a stop watch to time the swimmer.   In addition, one timer records the times from the 2 stopwatches, while the second timer presses a "plunger" at the end of each race.  It is helpful for the recorder to check the name of the swimmer at the block.  This ensures that you are recording the time for the right swimmer, and helps the swimmer know that he/she is swimming in the correct heat.
How do I pay my meet fees?
Send a check made out to Albany Starfish, addressed to The Albany Starfish, PO Box 295, Newtonville, NY 12128, Attention: Treasurer.  You can also put a check in the Treasurer’s folder, which can be found at both the Niskayuna and Siena pools.  The check should include the swimmer’s name and squad on the Memo.  Some families find that it is convenient to set up a meet account at the beginning of the season. You can send a lump sum and the meet fees will be drawn from your account throughout the season.  Include "Meet Account" on the memo.
Parents
What is my role as a swim parent?
As the parent of a Starfish swimmer, you are a cheerleader, chauffer, motivator, consoler and benefactor. You are NOT, however, a coach. Please resist the natural urge to give your child advice on how to do this stroke or that one, or how to do a flip turn. Bad habits are easy to learn in swimming, and hard to break. If you think your swimmer is doing something wrong, and that the coach has not noticed, bring it up with the coach.
When can I talk to my child’s coach about his/her progress?
It is best to talk to your child’s coach before or after practice, or by email.  Parents should not try to talk to coaches during practice, as this takes time away from the swimmers.  In addition, parents are not allowed on the swim deck since US Swimming insurance only covers the swimmers and coaches.
Where can I find more information?
The Parent Handbook is an excellent resource. Additionally, always feel free to contact any member of the board. Click here for contact information.
How do I become more involved in the club?
There are lots of ways to become more involved. You can run for the board (elections are held every spring for two year terms beginning in September). You can work on a committee. You can serve as a squad manager and help plan special events for one of the groups. We can always use more help.