Dive Team
2011 DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONS
Dive with the Sideburn Run Sharks!
GO SHARKS! GO SHARKS! GO SHARKS! GO SHARKS! GO SHARKS!
FOLLOW THE TEAM ON TWITTER–GET READY TO TWEET IN 2011!
Come dive with the Sideburn Run Sharks! Are you a novice or an experienced competitive diver? SRRA hosts both swim and dive teams that teach appropriate technique, team building, and preparation for local competition with nearby community pools.
All children are encouraged to come and try diving–no experience necessary! The coaching staff will work with all levels of experience and ability. Practices are scheduled so there is no conflict with swim practices for those who want to do both! Our coaches and staff run a summer program that’s fun and challenging for all who strive to dive!
Join the Dive Team!
Participation requires a fee of $95 per diver and a commitment to volunteer at least four hours to assist the team. There is a maximum $250 registration fee per family regardless of how many children registering for dive. A family may opt out of the volunteering requirement by paying a $50 fee.
All parents/guardians must complete a Registration Form, Medical Form, and Dive Volunteer Form for their family.
The swim and dive season begins with practice on May 31 and ends July 31, 2011. For those divers that qualify the All Stars met will be held on August 7, 2011. The Annual Dive Awards Dinner will be held at the pool pavilion on August 1, to recognize all dive team members for their contributions and thank the many volunteers who make the Sideburn Run Sharks program successful. Check the calendar for more detailed information about social activities and meets.
The dive team will compete in Division 2 along with Lee Graham, Fairfax Station, Arlington Forest, Mantua, and Fairfax. The coaches have planned a season that not only focuses on improving skills and building a strong team, but also having a great time! This year we are glad to have returning Head Coaches Hally Hardtke and Andy Pratt. They will be assisted by Laura Gartrell. For questions or more information, please contact Vanessa Flory at vanessaflory@gmail.comor Renata McHugh at swaynata@cox.net (Dive Team Reps).
Who Can Dive
The dive team is open to children of SRRA bond members and summer members. Previous dive experience is not required however the child must be able to pas the pool swim test. In order to compete in the Dive “A” meet the divers must be able to perform the required dives for their age group. Private lessons may be arranged with our coaching staff for a nominal fee.
Dive Meets
Northern Virginia Swimming League (NVSL) Dive “A” and Fairfax Area “B” developmental meets allow divers to gain competitive experience and improve their individual performance while supporting their team’s efforts.
“A” meets are on Tuesday nights and teams can enter up to 32 divers. The Head Coach will determine when a diver can safely perform the dives required and is eligible to compete. The “A” meets are governed by NVSL dive rules. The top three scores in each age group count toward the final meet points. Meet results determine standing in our division.
Diving is divided into age groups for boys and girls based on their age as of June 1. The age groups and number of dives required at meets are:
| Freshman: Ages 10 & Under | 3 Dives–Forward, Backward, and one Optional |
| Junior: Ages 11 and 12 | 4 Dives–Forward, Backward, and two Optional |
| Intermediate: Ages 13 and 14 | 5 Dives–Forward, Backward, and three Optional |
| Senior: Ages 15 to 18 | 6 Dives–Forward, Backward, Inward and three Optional |
The “B” meets are on Thursday nights. They are designed to give new and developing divers a chance to compete and improve their skills. These meets are not NVSL related and are not scored. Ribbons are awarded to every diver. We hope to hold 2 “B” meets this summer, the dates are tbd.
NVSL Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded each year by the Northern Virginia Swimming League to assist NVSL graduates defray a portion of their continuing education expenses. This year the NVSL will award scholarships to graduating high school swimmers and divers to be used at the school of their choice. Scholarship applications are due by 6:00 pm on Tuesday, June 24, and will be presented at the All Star Relays on Wednesday, July 20. Scholarship information is available at www.nvsl.org.
Officials and Volunteers Needed
Dive meets require trained volunteers for both home and away meets. Meet officials receive free certification training at NVSL Officials Clinics held each year. Please consider attending if you’re interested in any official duties (see Team Contacts). We ask that everyone make an effort to attend a NVSL judges clinic. It is important to the team that parents get training to understand the judging process and assist at meets.
Volunteers for all home meets help to set up (arrive at pool by 4 pm), run the snack bar during the meet, work as a judges or table workers and tear down immediately after the meet to get the pool ready for members. For away meets we need to provide 3 judges and 2 table workers. Other non-meet opportunities to help the team include serving Monday morning breakfasts and assisting with team spirit and group activities. The Team Reps can always use some extra help!
A commitment from each family to volunteer at least four hours during the season is essential to make things run smoothly for the team. All skills and positive personalities are welcome!
Team Apparel
Our team suit is the Speedo sonic splice. Team suits are not mandatory however divers cannot wear a suit that advertises another team or high school. Suits can be purchased at SuitUp located at University Mall, 10631 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032, (703) 278-8202, www.suitupnow.com. They will also be on sale at Registration Day, May 1, 2011.
Communication
Communicating with parents and team members is done primarily through email. The website will be maintained during the season, but may not have the latest information. Always check your email and/or follow-up with the coaches and Dive Reps when in doubt. If your family doesn’t use email, please notify the Dive Reps so you can be notified by phone.
Philosophy
While competing is part of what NVSL is all about, at Sideburn Run we place equal emphasis on all parts of summer swimming and diving. Our philosophy for the season is:
Sharks, coaches and parents having fun and working hard–both
individually and as part of a team–in a respectful atmosphere.
In keeping with the NVSL’s goals and standards of conduct we hope to “develop in our children a love for the sport, advanced aquatic skills, teamwork and the principles of good sportsmanship.” We ask that all families and their swimmers and divers keep this philosophy in mind throughout the season and work together in the best interests of the team.
