Black Horse Run

Parent & Swimmer Guidelines

Team Values & Goals

We function as a unified, inclusive team of swimmers, parents, and staff, fostering respect for everyone, including opponents.

• Support the team through volunteer efforts and active participation to the best of your ability.
• Make practices productive and effective by focusing on skill improvement, hard work, and a fun environment.

Swimmer Expectations

Practice Guidelines:

• Arrive on time with goggles and (for girls) hair tied up to make it easy for putting on your swim cap
• Replace horseplay with hard work and give full attention to coaches.
• Follow basic practice etiquette:
  • No talking while the coach is speaking.
  • Keep hands to yourself.
  • No foul language or inappropriate gestures.
  • Listen attentively and follow instructions.
  • No bullying or aggressive play.
• Practices are meant to be fun, but can be hard at times!—just do your best! Coaches notice effort.
• Stay for the entire practice unless a parent or designated pickup person signs you out.
• Report any misconduct or bullying immediately to coaches or team leaders.
• Notify coaches of any injuries immediately.

Meet Protocol:

• Be on time, in place, and ready to swim your events.
• Use positive and encouraging language toward all swimmers.
• Win with gratitude and lose with grace.
• Stay within designated team areas and avoid restricted spaces.
• Respect meet facilities—no vandalism or damage to team or venue property.
• Always give your best effort.
• Theft of any kind is strictly prohibited—turn in any found items, especially goggles!

Parent Expectations

Communication & Conduct:

• We have a swim team committee. The committee is open to anyone that would like to own certain roles/responsibilities over the course of the season.The swim team operates more efficiently when parents step up and bring creative ideas. 
• If you have a complaint, try to suggest a solution as well. We are all volunteers!

Volunteer & Meet Responsibilities:

• Meet Volunteer Policy:
  • Sign up for minimum volunteer requirements before the season begins.
  • Find your own replacement if you cannot fulfill your duty.
  • Arrive on time and be in place by 5:30 PM for all meets.
• Meet Etiquette:
  • Please let the coaches coach during meets. If you have a concern, please find the TSA BHR representative( Erin McGowan, Samantha Hall, or Ellen Burns)  with a complaint during a meet.
  • Expect unpredictable situations—missed events, weather delays, etc. Keep perspective—it’s just summer league!
• Conduct Expectations:
  • Please check to see if your swimmer is in relays. There are times we have to switch kids into a relay last minute if someone is sick. Please try and stay until the end of possible (7 & ups). 

Practice Attendance & Accountability:

• If a swimmer misbehaves in practice, coaches will decide on consequences, including:
  • Sitting out until behavior improves.
  • Potential suspension or removal from the team based on the severity of the infraction.
• Meet Attendance:
  • Decline your attendance in advance if missing a meet—otherwise, we assume you are coming.
  • Be patient with weather-related delays—we follow TSA guidelines and expect swimmers to remain until a decision is made.

Final Reminder: Team Over Individual

Our team operates with the best interests of everyone in mind. Each individual’s actions affect the group. Parents set the example for a team-first mindset, which trickles down to the swimmers. Let’s work together to create a positive, inclusive, and successful swim season!