Oak Valley Orcas

What is the order of events for each meet?

• 100 Free relays (6&U)
• Medley Relays (10&U - 100, over 11 - 200)
• 25/50 Freestyle
• 25/50 Butterfly
• 100 IM
• 25/50 Backstroke
• 25/50 Breaststroke
• Distance free (50/100)
• Free relays (10&U - 100, over 11 - 200)

How many events can my swimmer swim each meet?

Each swimmer is allowed to swim in 3 individual events and 2 relays if asked by the coaches to represent the team in relays.  

What are the order of events for Individual Medley (IM) and Medley Relay?

Individual medley - Fly, back, breast, free (25 each)

Medley relay - Back, breast, fly, free

Why are our swimmers' times slower than those swam at other meets/pools?

Our pool is a 25 meter pool (short course meters).  Some of our opposing teams swim in a 25 yard pools, therefore times may appear to have discrepancies.  As such, Oak Valley records represent only the times that were swam at our home pool.

Can we request events Johnny prefers to swim for the upcoming meet?

If there are specific events your swimmer feels uncomfortable about or strongly feels they would like to swim, you can note it on the note section and the coaches will take it into consideration. Swimming is a team sport and with limited spaces available for each event  sometimes more skilled swimmers end up swimming events they that are more difficult to fill. Sometimes allowing swimmers to step out of their comfort zone allows their confidence to grow and that is one of the coaches' top priorities!

How do I mark my swimmer's events so they won't miss their events?

We recommend your swimmers marked with a Sharpie on back of their hand or forearm with he information below (Event number, Heat, Lane, and event itself such as 100 IM)

If we are unable to make a meet do we need to respond to the meet registration email?

Yes - please respond with both definite YES or NO as it is very helpful for coaches to know who is definitely available.  Events and relays are selected based on available swimmers to maximize swimmers' and team's chances of success and is very helpful to have a definitive list with which to work.  

Are head catchers allowed in our league?

Yes - head catchers are allowed for all backstroke events for 10 and under swimmers.  They must be at least 16 years or age, and not a coach.  Only one hand must be used, flat against the wall to dampen the impact but cannot be free floating and impede on swimmers finishing their races.

What are some of the common reasons a swimmer gets disqualified (DQ'ed)?

There are specific rules for GFSL as delineated in the attached documents below, however here are some of the common disqualifications for each stroke/event:

• Butterfly - non-simultaneous arms (arms do not come back at the same time), underwater recovery (including quick pull/skulling to catch extra breath for younger swimmers), one hand touch at turn or finish, flutter kick at anytime during the stroke (most commonly after dive and turn underwater). 
• Backstroke - turning on stomach especially younger swimmers before they get to the wall, extra pull on stomach after initiation of turn (only one is allowed). One difference from US Swimming or High School swimming rule is that the swimmer can glide or kick into position after turning over as long as only one pull is used.  
• Breaststroke - scissor kick or kick not in same plane, one hand touch, hands past the hips after pullout, and illegal pullout (one dolphin kick, one full pull, and one breaststroke kick allowed prior to breaking out).  
• Freestyle - pulling on lane rope or kicking off the bottom with forward momentum.  Swimmers can stop, rest, and catch their breath, but they are not allowed to gain advantage by propelling forward using the lane rope or the floor of the pool.  This one applies mostly for 6 and unders. 
• IM - Each stroke as above.  In addition, turning over on backstroke for a turn is illegal for IM.  Each stroke must be finished separately on each length of pool.
• Relays - False start/early take off

My swimmer was DQ'ed - that's bad, right?

Yes and no.  If a swimmer is disqualified for an event, they will not score or receive a ribbon even if they finish the race in those scoring positions.  However DQ slip will be provided to the coaches to let us know what they were disqualified for - and it will give us an opportunity to work with the swimmer to improve on their stroke.  While it is upsetting for the swimmer, it is a great opportunity to make necessary adjustments so they can swim legally down the road!  The swimmers (and coaches) are occasionally unaware of small, well hidden habits which may be illegal.  There are very few accomplished swimmers that have never been called for a DQ in their past - be patient, stay positive and keep encouraging them!

As Michael Phelps Said: "Things won't go perfect.  It's all about how you adapt from those things and learn from mistakes."

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