Ojai Heat Program Description

What is Swim Team and Jr. Swim Team?

We are an age group (6-14) novice swim team that introduces children to competitive swimming with an emphasis is on education, achievement, and FUN.

Our Goals:

  • Teach stroke technique, swim etiquette and sportsmanship
  • Create enthusiasm for future competitive swimming
  • Provide a positive opportunity for physical activity and achieving goals through swimming
  • Build self-confidence, motivation and self-awareness

Format

We begin with a 10-minute warm-up and then move on to technique drills and a workout. Every Friday, after warm-up and a shorter workout we have relay competitions for fun. We strive to provide a work out and technical training while balancing the skill level, ages and abilities of the individual swimmers. We also help children develop motivational skills through personal goal setting and team spirit. The team is separated in two levels A’s, B’s, Please see the following page for detailed level prerequisites, goals and expectations.

Swim Meets

We are members of the Channel Islands Swim League. We compete inone/ two swim meets per month at home and away, with a Championship at the end of each season. Swim meet attendance is encouraged but optional. Home meets require parent volunteers for timing and ribbon writing once each season.

Practice Schedule

  • 3-12 week sessions –Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer
  • A’s MWF 3:45: to 5:00 pm
  • B’s MWF 4:00 to 5:00
  • We follow the OUSD school schedule and have breaks during school holiday periods 

Ways parents can support their child in the swim program

1.   Make sure your child has the proper equipment ready for swim practice:

  • A one piece bathing suit for girls
  • Speedo or Jammer trunks for boys.
  • Goggles that fit well, and a swim cap, Team logo swim caps are available for $7.00.
  • Items are available in the OVAC Pro-Shop (The Nook).
  • Team suits and parkas are available by special order throughout the year

2. Arrive on time for each practice.

3. Encourage your child to come to practice consistently.

4. Parents must pick up their child no later than 5:05 either on deck or at a pre determined spot. Please notify the coaches on your pick up plan. This rule is essential for safety reasons.

5. Explain to your child that we have been given permission by the club administration to allow the students to warm up in the ADULT hot tub for five minutes before and after class. CHILDREN MAY NEVER BE LEFT IN THE HOT TUB TO WAIT FOR A PARENT.

6. Encourage them to participate in our swim meets (for more information on swim meets ask Coach Elin)

7. Communicate all needs and concerns and suggestions to the coaches after class or by E-mail. Communication is the key to success! Please make sure Elin has your current email. 

Ojai Heat Swimming Levels

B’s: Entry level, developing competitive swimming skills
Age: 6-12

Pre-Requisites:

  • 2 lengths(50 yards) of freestyle with side breathing
  • 1 length of Back swimming non-stop
  • Tread water in deep end for 30 seconds
  • Streamline off wall under water for 5 meters

Group Goals and Requirements:

  • Enjoy swimming and demonstrate sportsmanship and teamwork
  • Learn basic fundamental technical aspects of all four strokes
  • Swim a 100 I.M. with proper technique
  • Perform basic starts and turns (racing starts, flip turns, open turns)
  • Learn practice etiquette

Expectations:

Athletes: Treat others with respect and care. Always arrive 5 min. earlier than the practice. Be open to try new swimming techniques and drills. Be willing to learn to compete. Demonstrate a positive attitude. Participate in practice on a regular basis.
Parents: All fees must be paid in a timely manner. Parents should treat other parents and coaches with respect and are encouraged to communicate all concerns. Parents should bring swimmer to practice on time and regularly to encourage growth in ability.

A’s: Basic Competitive Development
Age: 8-12

Pre-Requisites:

  • 4 x 50 Free @ 1:20
  • Swim 100 I.M.
  • 200 Free with flip turns breath every 3
  • At least one “white” times

Group Goals and Requirements:

  • Enjoy Swimming with a positive attitude and demonstrate team spirit
  • Demonstrate and perform all strokes proficiently
  • Attend at least ONE competition per season as noted in the meet schedule
  • Streamline up to 10 Meters off wall with proper technique
  • Achieve at least ONE “red” time
  • Master interval training on specific practice intervals (know the clock)
  • Open to share your personal swimming goals with your coach

Expectations:

Athletes: Treat others with respect and care. Always arrive 5 min. earlier than the practice and be ready to swim. Be able to demonstrate new swimming techniques and drill. Demonstrate positive attitude and be willing to accept stroke correction.
Parents: All fees must be paid in a timely manner. Parents should treat other parents and coaches with respect and are encouraged to communicate concerns. Bring swimmer to practice on time ready to swim. Assist at home meets once a season either timing or ribbon writing. Be positive about swimmers efforts. Read Ojai Heat e-mail communication and respond accordingly.