SWAT’S STAR TIMES             October, 2005

TEAM MISSION STATEMENT

SWAT is a swim team that empowers young people to excel in life through dedication, discipline, and teamwork while having fun.

Parent Information:

The following articles were taken from USA Swimming Web Site for your information.  If you want to learn more about this or other topics you can visit their web site at www.usaswimming.org.

Build Self-esteem and a Positive Self-image (9/1/2005)

Learning about oneself while enjoying the sport is one of the most important aspects of swimming. The swimming environment encourages learning and fun, helping your child to develop a positive self-image. Athletes who find their self-worth through winning will go through tough times when they lose, and everyone, even Michael Phelps, will lose sometime! It is not healthy for your child to compete only in those events where he can “win.” When the coach enters your child in new events, encourage him. He needs the experience of trying (and perhaps failing) so that he can learn how to handle defeat and develop improvement goals.  He will learn that losing does not make him a failure as a person, a big step in building self-esteem. It takes more that just encouragement on your part.  When your child fails, you must show the same unconditional love and approval as when he succeeds. Don’t praise dishonestly. Children see through that.  Just show love and approval for the child, not for his performance. Continue to encourage your child to take on new challenges.

More Information:

All Parents please remember to renew your child’s USA Swimming Membership, it is very important that your child keeps membership up to date (For Information please contact Jose Enrique Alcoreza).

Upcoming Events

-          Del Norte #1, Shawver Pool (Yarbrough & Border Highway) October 15 & 16.  Registration closes on Wednesday Oct. 5 at 8:59 P.M.  Please register online or contact Jose Alcoreza for any additional information.

-          Del Norte #2 Tentative date November 5 & 6.  We will keep you up to date for registration and location for this event.

Coaches Corner:

Coaches Quick Tips (Article taken from the USA Swimming Web site www.usaswimming.org).

What should my child eat before practice?  At meets?

The best pre-practice, or pre-meet meal should contain primarily carbohydrates.  Carbohydrate-rich foods like pasta, breads and cereal are easily digested and absorbed.  Rule of thumb: 0.5 - 2.0 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight one to four hours prior to exercise.

Meals that provide 100 grams of carbohydrates

• 1 bagel with peanut butter and 2/3 cup of raisins
• 1 cup of low-fat yogurt, 1 banana and 1 cup of orange juice
• 1 turkey sandwich with 1 cup of applesauce
• 2 cups of spaghetti with meat sauce and 1 piece of garlic bread
• 8 oz. of skim milk, 1 apple, 1 orange, 2 slices of bread and 3 pancakes
• 1 serving of Gatorade and 1 bagel

Fluid Replacement Tips

• Weigh in before and after training and drink at least 2 cups of fluid for every pound of weight lost.
• Keep a fluid bottle by the side of the pool when working out and drink between repeats and sets.
• Choose sports drinks like Gatorade that taste good, stimulate fluid absorption in the body maintain proper fluid balance in the body, and provide energy to working muscles.
• Avoid carbonated drinks, which can cause stomach bloating and may reduce fluid intake.
• Avoid caffeine-filled beverages.  They are diuretics and contribute to fluid loss.
• Check the color of your urine. Dark-colored urine may indicate you are dehydrated and need to drink fluids.
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