Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team Handbook
Swimmer/Parent Handbook
Rev. 9/2025
Chicopee Amberjacks
Swim Team
Swimmer/Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
Welcome......................................................................................Section 1
Financial Responsibilities ...........................................................Section 2
Team Policies, Procedures, Regulations & Issues ......................Section 3
Chicopee Public Schools Policy Manual ....................................Section 4
How a Swim Meet Works ...........................................................Section 5
Parents’ Meet Responsibilities ....................................................Section 6
Parents Role ................................................................................Section 7
Zero Tolerance Policy .................................................................Section 8
Bryant Smith Award ....................................................................Section 9
Tyler Chateauneuf Sportsmanship Award ………………………..Section 10
Directions ..................................................................................Section 11
For practice or meet cancellations go to:
Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team
A Not-For-Profit Competitive Swim Team
Our Mission: It shall be the mission of the Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team Swim Board of Directors and Coaching Staff to seek an atmosphere which will develop discipline in swimmers, foster a positive team attitude which will allow all swimmers to enjoy the sport of swimming for its physical, social and emotional benefits.
1. Welcome
Hello to all of our swimmers and parents,
On behalf of the Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team Board of Directors, Welcome to the Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team!
We are getting ready for another great season and we hope you are also. The swim season is an exciting and fun time for the swimmers. The Chicopee Amberjacks
Swim Team swims in the \Pioneer Valley Swim League (PVSL). All of our practices and dual home meets are held indoors at the Chicopee High School Pool (CHS).
As you read through this handbook, you will find the answers to most of
the commonly asked questions. If you have any additional questions, please feel free
to speak with either of the coaches, or any member of the Swim Team
Board of Directors.
The swim board and coaching staff look forward to working together with our parents to improve the Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team at the individual level as well as the team level.
Please remember to thoroughly read through this “Amberjacks Swimmer/Parent Handbook” with your child. Both swimmer(s) and parent(s) are required to follow the rules as set forth in the handbook. Please remember these rules and regulations are for everyone’s safety and enjoyment and will be enforced throughout the season.
It is our hope that the Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team be structured enough to persuade personal improvement and still remain fun - to plant great memories for our swimmers and parents.
2. Financial Responsibilities
The Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team is a Not-for-Profit, competitive swim team which relies solely on its dues and fund-raising to meet its seasonal financial obligations. Dues collected and funds raised are used to cover costs of such items as pool rental, insurance, coaches’ salaries, meet entry fees and much, much more. No person other than the coaching staff is compensated financially by the monies collected.
A. Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team Dues
The dues for the swim season is as follows:
1 swimmer - $275.00
2 swimmers - $525.00
3 swimmers - $750.00
High School Swimmers in the Winter Season ONLY receive a reduced Team dues of $200. High school swimmers must be able to be verified by December of the winter season to receive the reduced dues. This will be verified through an MIAA accessible roster for the team they advise they swim for. Should the swimmer not appear on the roster they will be subject to the regular Team dues as listed above. This does not apply for Summer season dues.
The above dues amount does not include the mandatory fundraiser responsibility.
B. Championship Dues
Championship Dues will be paid by the team. However, If you do not pay your dues on time within two weeks of Championships, your swimmer will not be allowed to participate in Championships.
The Swim Team offers 2 payment options, they are as follows:
Option I - Pay in Full Plan
There is a $50.00 non-refundable registration fee per swimmer. This fee is collected during the registration process. This fee is deducted from the above dues amount.
Option II - 3 Installment Payment Plan
There is a $50.00 non-refundable registration fee per swimmer. This fee is collected during the registration process. This fee is deducted from the above dues amount. After the registration fee is paid, if you choose the “3 Installment Plan”, payments must be made as follows:
1st Payment of 1/3 due on or before the assigned deadline.
2nd Payment of 1/3 due on or before the assigned deadline.
3rd Payment of 1/3 due on or before the assigned deadline.
All swimmers dues must be paid in full by assigned deadline, any swimmer whose dues are not up to date will not be eligible to participate in practices and/or meets. A $25.00 late fee will be assessed after this date. We urge all parents to make the necessary arrangements to keep their account current.
A Note about Making Payments – Every effort is made to have at least one board member present each evening between 6 and 7pm during the payment weeks to collect payments.
However, this is not always possible.
All Checks should be made payable to : Chicopee Amberjacks
PLEASE INCLUDE THE SWIMMERS NAME ON CHECK.
B. Mandatory Fundraiser
Each season the Swim Team Board organizes a fundraiser and asks each family to raise funds for the Swim Team. This money is used to support the needs of the team, i.e., stop watches, timing and place cards, meet scoring supplies, etc. It also funds the ribbons, and the end of season awards for the swimmers. The Swim Team requires all families to participate in fundraising. Detailed information about each seasonal fundraiser will be announced during
registration. We must have everyone’s participation.
C. Team Suits
All swimmers are encouraged to wear a Team Suit when competing during meets. The suits will be ordered early in the season to be available by the first swim meet. Although suits are not mandatory they are recommended. The Amberjacks have a team store on SwimOutlet that the latest team suit is linked to. If you purchase the suit through the team store, which is also linked on the Amberjacks website, a percentage of the purchase goes back to the team.
D. Caps
Team caps are available for sale and are optional.
E. Team T-Shirts
Team T-Shirts are optional but they sure are a great way for parents and swimmers to show their team spirit. We typically run a Team Store during each Winter Season.
F. Team Pictures
Each winter season, we have a photographer come for individual pictures and a team picture. There is no obligation to purchase individual photographs, however, we would like everyone to be in the team picture wearing his/her team suit. Information will be available as the date gets closer. We ask that swimmers make every effort to attend on this night so that our team picture can be as complete as possible.
3. Policies, Procedures, Regulations & Issues
A. Practice
In terms of extracurricular activities, Amberjacks must be your number one priority. Swimmers are required to attend a minimum of two practices per week. If you are unable to attend the minimum requirement of two practices per week you must contact the coach. Practice is offered Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Which practice group a swimmer practices in is determined by evaluating a combination of their ability and age and will be determined by the Head Coach.
Practice Times are as follows:
WINTER
1st practice – arrive at 5:30 (no earlier), swimmers proceed to enter the pool
from 5:40 till 6:40.
2nd practice – arrive at 6:40 (no earlier), swimmers proceed to enter the pool
at 6:45 till 8:00.
SUMMER
Practice – arrive at 5:45 (no earlier), swimmers proceed to enter the pool
from 6:00 till 7:30.
Swimmers should be suited up and ready to begin at the appropriate time. If you are late for practice, it is the discretion of the coaches to determine if the swimmer will be allowed to swim. Swimmers can not exit the pool during practice without the approval of a coach.
During practice, the following must be observed.
- Bathing caps must be worn by both girls and boys if hair is below ears.
- There is NO FOOD of any kind allowed in the pool area and the locker
room.
- WATER ONLY is allowed in the pool area.
- No open wounds in the pool.
Practice is where swimmers and coaches work together to establish and build a solid swimming foundation through drills for starts, turns, stroke form, and competitive techniques. It is our expectation for swimmers to learn that it is through consistent practice, they are guaranteed improvement therefore achieving their goals.
B. Practice Discipline
Swimmer will be first given a verbal warning. If swimmer continues to be a discipline problem after the verbal warning, they will be asked to sit out of practice on the bench for a period of approximately 5 minutes. If swimmer continues to be a discipline problem parent will be asked to remove the swimmer from the premises. Two dismissals from practice may result in expulsion from the team. DUES WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
C. Practice Safety
A parent, guardian, or other designated adult in your absence, must be present at practice. Coaches are not responsible for swimmers once they exit the pool deck. Children are not to be outside the pool deck without a parent, guardian or other designated adult. All swimmers should be accompanied from the pool deck by their parent, guardian or designated adult. This policy is for the safety of your Child.
D. Meets
First and foremost swimmers must sign up to swim in weekly meets. A meet signup sheet will be available for the upcoming meet. If the swimmer has not signed up for the meet by the specified date they will not be included in the meet. If a swimmer cannot attend a meet or will be late, the coach must be notified as soon as possible.
WITHOUT PARENTS WORKING WE CANNOT HAVE A MEET
All parents must volunteer to work at meets. Due to the large size of our team it is necessary to be on time, this means: checked in, suited and ready to swim when warm-ups start. Check in time is 15 minutes prior to the start of warm-ups. Swimmers not checked by the start of warm-ups risk being scratched from their events. Swimmers who are not present will be scratched from the meet line-up and alternate swimmers will be designated. Once a swimmer has been scratched they will not be reinserted into their event if they have already been replaced.
PLEASE NOTE: IF A SWIMMER DOES NOT NOTIFY THE HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACH OR BOARD MEMBER THAT THEY CANNOT ATTEND A MEET- AND DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR THE MEET- THEY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO SWIM IN THE NEXT
MEET AT THE DISCRETION OF THE HEAD COACH. HOWEVER, THEY MUST STILL SHOW UP FOR THE MEET THAT THEY ARE SITTING OUT. IF A SWIMMER DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR THE MEET THEY ARE SITTING OUT, THEY WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO SWIM IN ANOTHER MEET. THIS RULE WILL CONTINUE AND THE SWIMMER WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO SWIM UNTIL THEY SHOW UP TO SIT OUT A MEET.
We have this policy because no-call/no-show swimmers are extremely disruptive to the meet, both for our team and for our opponent, as the coaching staff must constantly redraw the meet line-up at the last minute. If a swim meet is in question due to weather conditions, please contact either coach or any board member. Please note that late afternoon thunderstorms or snow storms are difficult to forecast so often a meet is not cancelled due to weather until the very last moment. Often this may not be until after the scheduled start time. Unless there is thunder and lighting, swim meets DO continue even if it is raining. All swimmers are expected to show up unless notified otherwise. Home meets are held here at the Chicopee High School Pool. Directions to all away meets are further in this handbook. The meet schedule will be posted as soon as it becomes available.
4. POLICY MANUAL-CHICOPEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Section D
RENTAL AND USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS POLICY
Applicants must read, understand, and abide by said regulations
1. Applicants must be 21 years of age or over.
2 Applicants receiving permission to use property shall be directly responsible for the proper conduct of persons in the school building occupied, and for the care of all equipment used during the assigned period of use.
3. Sufficient supervision and protection must be provided by the applicant during the assigned period of school property occupancy.
4. Only designated school facilities as applied for in application may be used.
5. Designated school property shall be used only during the hours requested in application. (Custodians are not allowed to permit use of school property before or after hours applied for on application.) The building must be vacated promptly at the expiration of the event.
6.No school property may be used without a school custodian in the building during the period of occupancy.
7. Any damages caused to school property during the period of use shall be borne by the applicant
A certificate of insurance indicating personal injury and property damage coverage will be required for all parties seeking to use the buildings or grounds at liability limits of not less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence, and Three Million Dollars in the aggregate. Insurance will not be required when the premises is used by a non-profit organization for recreational purposes when no charge or fee is imposed. The applicant will be responsible for all costs of this premium and a certificate in the established amount showing the City of Chicopee and the Chicopee School Committee as the named insured must be received by the Superintendent of Schools or her designee at least two (2) weeks before the event is to occur. (MGL-Chapter 21, Section 17C-Recreational Use Statute)
8. In the event it is necessary to cancel an event, the Maintenance Office, 180 Broadway. must be notified in writing at least 48 hours prior to the requested event
9. When a gymnasium is used sneakers or rubber-soled shoes must be worn.
10. There shall be NO SMOKING on school property.
11. KITCHEN FACILITIES: When a cafeteria is used for a banquet, and kitchen facilities are used, a school lunch employee must be on duty to supervise, at time and one half. A cafeteria may be used without kitchen facilities, if catered, or if food is brought in. Caterers cannot see kitchen facilities without a school lunch employee. If caterers use the cafeteria only, no school lunch employee is needed.
12. Priority for payment of building use will be as follows:
City-based organizations (City-based profit making organizations must produce documented evidence uроn request and to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of Schools or designee that they materially and substantially conduct their business activities in the City of Chicopee. Parks & Recreation Department activities School Dept
13. SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Upon receipt of a listing of scheduled activities, scouts, if any, will be paid for by the organization requesting use of the building.
14. PARKS & RECREATION ACTIVITIES; Parks & Recreation Department will pay custodial costs according to the priority for payment schedule or whenever a custodian is not normally assigned
15. City-based, non-profit groups will be free of charge unless scheduled during non-normal work hours, or the Director of Maintenance requires an additional custodian to cover the activity. (See fee schedule)
16. TIME ALLOWANCE: Requests must be made, in writing, at least four weeks in advance at the Office of the Director of Maintenance, 180 Broadway, Chicopee.
17. The policy of denying the usage of school buildings during school vacation will be reviewed on an individual basis.
18. When the building is used by the general public for purposes such as plays, sherws, dances, public hearings and meetings, a police officer is to be on duty. A check made out to the City of Chicopee is to be presented to the officer at the end of the event. Written proof of an officer assigned is to be submitted within 5 days of approval.
19. All school activities will take precedence. Applications will be accepted only after the school year begins. The School Department will make every effort to notify applicants as Inast 48 hours prior to the cancellation of an event.
20. All groups using the swimming pool must have a Certified Senior Lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor on duty.
21. No plug-in electrical equipment will be permitted in the pool area, with the exception of an approved portable P.A. system.
22. Food or beverage of any kind is not allowed in auditoriums, classrooms, gymnasiums, or pool areas. Food and drink may not be sold except by written permission from the Director of Maintenance at time of application.
23. During meets, games, and practices, spectators are restricted to using the facilities requested in the application and are the responsibility of the applicants.
24. Spectators shall be limited to the number posted in the specific area, as per city/state-mandated regulations. The School Department or its agent has the right to limit access up to the posted limits even though tickets may have been sold in excess.
25. All spectator children must be accompanied by an adult.
26. Locker rooms, additional classrooms or utility rooms must be supervised by an adult as specified in the application.
27. Any activity that requires a license shall be referred to and acted upon by the proper licensing authority before an application is approved.
28. All decorations, scenery and special equipment must meet the specifications of the Fire Department.
29. Requests for use of facilities by established groups for regularly scheduled activities shall be submitted annually by October 1.
30. The School Department reserves the right to re-assign facilities when, in its judgment, alternate facilities to those requested are more suitable.
31. The School Department reserves the right to accept or reject any application, to change and/or amend these regulations or vote an exception to any or all of these regulations.
32. Failure to comply with any of the above regulations will necessitate the immediate cancellation of future use of school property.
33. FEE SCHEDULE-City-Based Profit-Making Organizations:
Auditorium $80.00 per hour
Individual Rooms 10.00 per hour
Cafeteria 30.00 per hour
Kitchen 20.00 per hour
Gymnasium 50.00 per hour
Library 25.00 per hour
Locker Rooms 20.00 per hour each
Athletic Field 100.00 per hour
Field Lining 150.00 per hour
Swimming Pool 50.00 per hour
City-Based Non-Non-Profit Organizations: (no revenues generated) Reviewed on an individual basis. When scheduled during non-normal work hours, fee for staff and utilities will be charged.
City-Based Organizations Charging Admission will be charged a $100.00 application fee along with the above per hour usage costs.
The use of auditoriums for rehearsals and show times, as requested on the application, will be billed at $80.00 per hour plus a flat fee of $470.00. If the event includes a Sunday, the flat fee will be $690.00. This cost includes the auditorium, custodial staff clean up and the use of two rooms adjacent to the auditorium. If the cafeteria is used, an additional cost of $50.00 per day will be assessed. Audio-visual costs will be paid by the renter. The School Department will schedule a professional company to do this work. The building will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the event and close 1 hour after the end of the event. Set up time of up to 4 hours will be allowed for each studio. This time is restricted to set up only. Violation may result in cancellation of the event.
Organizations applying for rental shall submit with their applications, proof of their tax exempt status along with location of their organization.School related activities will pay for costs incurred only.
34. The estimated charges listed on the letter of approval must be paid prior to the scheduled event or it will be subject to cancellation. All payments must be made by money order or bank check. No personal checks accepted.
Note from Board of Directors for transparency: There is a minimum of 1.5 hours charged for every day of rental regardless of the length of the rental. Cancellations must be made before 3 PM day of in writing to the Building Rentals Department in Chicopee Maintenance or the rental fee cannot be waived.
5. How a Swim Meet Works
1. On the day of the meet, arrive 15 minutes before warm-ups for check in. All swimmers must sign in at the score table. Parents who are signed up to work at a meet are asked to check in also. It is very important that we know if anyone is missing as early as possible.
2. Warm-ups begin 30 minutes prior to the meet start time. All swimmers are expected to participate in warm-ups.
3. As soon as we have finalized the Event Sheet, it will be posted. We ask that both swimmers and parents do not approach the score table or coaching staff about your events. We will post the schedule as soon as it has been finalized.
4. Just prior to the start of the meet, all swimmers will gather in a designated area where the older swimmers will lead all swimmers in our team cheer.
5. Bullpen moms/dads will now start lining up swimmers. Swimmers in events #1 thru #10 must line up immediately. Check the board behind the starter regularly, the event being swam at that time will be posted. We start to line up swimmers 10 events ahead of their scheduled event.
Example: If the board next to the starter says #22, swimmers in event #32 should be in the bullpen to line up. Bullpen moms/dads, other swimmers, coaches, etc., are not responsible for going to look for swimmers. It is the swimmers responsibility and/or the parent’s
responsibility to make sure that swimmers are at the bullpen at the appropriate time.
6. Half way through the meet, a very brief time out is taken so that second half volunteers can relieve the first half volunteers. Please, if you are scheduled to work the second half, be ready.
7. Swimmers are required to swim all events that they have been assigned.
8. There is absolutely no loitering in the locker rooms. This applies to both at home meets and away meets.
6. Parents’ Meet Responsibilities - Each Meet is divided into Two Half’s. Sign up sheets for parent volunteers will be available prior to each swim meet. Parents are encouraged to sign up in advance and will be assigned a role the morning of the meet. Volunteers will rotate through timer, back up timer, runner, and bullpen. Training will be provided for all roles and no experience is necessary to volunteer for any of these positions. Parents are HIGHLY encouraged to attend a stroke and turn certification class offered through the league to ensure all roles can be filled.
Timers: At each meet we need to have twelve timers. Six timers for each half of a meet.
Each lane of the pool needs one timer from each team. Timers need to use a stopwatch
to time the events of the children in their lane and then record the times onto the event sheets.
Back-up Timer: At each meet we need to have 2 back-up timers. The back-up timers
time each event, they start the timer and look for a regular timer to raise his/her hand
which indicates that their timers stop watch has malfunctioned. At that point the backup timer
goes over to that lane and finishes as the regular timer.
Bull Pen Persons: At each meet we need four parents to run the bullpen. Two for each
half. The bull pen person hands out the event cards to the swimmers.
Runners: At each meet we need two runners. One for each half. The runner collects the
event sheet from each timer and the disqualification slips from the stroke and turn judges after each event and brings them to the score table.
Score Table/Computer: At every meet we need four parents to work the score table. Two for each half. This job requires a bit of training, if you are good in math, this is your calling!
Snack Bar: At every home meet we need six people to work at the snack table. Three
for each half.
Stroke and Turn Judges: At each meet we need four Stroke & Turn Judges. Two for
each half. This position does require training. If you are already trained as a stroke and
turn official, please let the Meet Director know ASAP. If you swam in the past you would
be an ideal candidate. If you are willing to be trained, please see the Meet Director ASAP.
Chuck-a-Duck: At each home meet we will need at least one person to sell ducks
until the end of the 1st half. The Chuck-a-Duck is held at the brief intermission between 1st
and 2nd half.
Locker Room Attendants: At each meet we will need at least two males and two female
parents to monitor the locker rooms. Swimmers should not be “hanging around” in the
locker rooms during a meet.
Warm up Attendants: At each meet we will need at least one person to watch the “littles” during warm ups. Giving a second set of eyes in the water. This volunteer role is only available for parents with a swimmer in the 8 and under group.
7. Parent’s Role
1. DON’T COACH- Leave coaching to coaches. This includes pre-racepsyching, motivation, after race critiquing, setting goals, enforcing additional cross training, etc.
2. SUPPORT THE COACH- Your coaches are the experts. They need your support for everyone to “win”.
3. SUPPORT THE PROGRAM- Get involved. Volunteer. Help out at meets, fundraisers, etc.
4. BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST FAN- Support your child unconditionally. Do not withdraw love when your child performs poorly. Your child should not have to perform to win your love.
5. SUPPORT AND ROOT FOR ALL SWIMMERS ON THE TEAM- Foster Teamwork. Your child’s teammates are not the enemy. When they go faster than your child, your child now has a wonderful opportunity to improve.
6. DO NOT BRIBE OR OFFER INCENTIVES- Your job is not to motivate. Leave this to the coaching staff. Bribes will distract your child from proper race concentration.
7. TAKE YOUR CONCERNS AND PROBLEMS DIRECTLY TO THE COACHIf you have a problem with the coach, do not go to other parents to discuss it. Go straight to the coach involved. Talking behind the coach’s back will not get you what you want.
8. UNDERSTAND AND DISPLAY APPROPRIATE MEET BEHAVIORRemember your child’s self-esteem and race performance is at stake. Be supportive and cheer but always be appropriate.
9. MONITOR YOUR CHILD’S STRESS LEVEL AT HOME- Keep an eye on your Swimmer to make sure he is handling stress effectively from various activities in his life.
10 . MONITOR EATING AND SLEEPING HABITS- Be sure your child is eating the proper foods and getting adequate rest.
a. HELP YOUR CHILD KEEP HER PRIORITIES STRAIGHT- Help your child maintain and focus on schoolwork, relationships and the other important things in life besides swimming. Also, if your child has made a commitment to swimming, help her keep the priorities around this in mind.
b. “REALLY TEST” FOR YOUR CHILD- If a swimmer comes out of the pool with a personal best time and a last place finish, help him understand that this is a “win”. Help him keep things in their proper perspective including losses, disappointments and failures.
10. KEEP SWIMMING IN PERSPECTIVE- Swimming should not be larger than life for you. If your child’s performances elicit strong emotions, keep these away from him. Remember your relationship will continue with your children long after their swimming days are over. Keep your goals and needs out of the pool.
11. BE AN APPROPRIATE LIAISON TO THE COACH- Keep the coach informed as to how your child is responding to the experience (when appropriate). If your child is having trouble with something that happened in the pool or with something the coach said, help the child deal with it and if necessary, speak directly to the coach.
8. AMBERJACKS SWIM TEAM ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
Because of physical and verbal abuse in sports, the Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team has adopted the following ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY. This policy applies to all coaches, swimmers, parents and other supporters. Abusive and obscene language, violent play, violent conducts, fighting and other behavior (including but not limited to sarcasm, taunting, etc.) deemed detrimental to the Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team daily practice, swim meet or any other team events between the above mentioned groups will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of the Coach(s), and/or a Swim Board Member(s) In attendance to provide spectator control. This policy will apply to all times prior to, during and after practices, swim meets or other team events and its immediate surrounding areas.
PARENTS / SPECTATORS:
NO PARENT OR OTHER SPECTATOR SHALL DISTURB THE COACH(S) WITH A NON-SAFETY ISSUE DURING A PRACTICE, SWIM MEET OR OTHER TEAM EVENT
AT ANY TIME!
This includes but is not limited to:
No spectators making derogatory comments to swimmers, coaches, other officials or parents of either team.
No disputing scheduled swimming events during a swim meet.
No yelling at the coach, EVER, including no criticism, sarcasm,harassment, profanity or intimidation during practice, meet or other team event.
The only allowable exceptions to the above are:
Responding to a coach who has initiated a conversation with a parent or spectator.
Pointing out emergency, medical or safety issues.
THE FOLLOWING IS ALLOWABLE - BEFORE OR AFTER PRACTICE, MEET OR OTHER TEAM EVENT:
Polite and friendly concern can be exchanged with the coaches. If the polite tone of the conversation changes, the coach may abandon the exchange at any time.
Positive feedback or questions are encouraged before or after practice, meet or other team events.
COACHES/ASSISTANT COACHES/COACHES AIDS:
It is the responsibility of Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team coaching Staff to maintain the highest standards of conduct for themselves. Failure to do so undermines their authority and the integrity of the Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team and will be considered as grounds for dismissal.
SWIMMERS:
It is the responsibility of all Chicopee Amberjacks Swim Team Swimmers to act in a sportsmen like manner to all swimmers, coaches, other Officials or parents of either team at all practices, meets and all other team events. All swimmers should encourage each other to build a strong sense of team spirit.
PENALTIES:
Depending on the severity of the offense, the Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or any in attendance Board Member may take any of the following actions:
Issue a verbal warning to the offending party.
Stop the practice, meet or other team event and instruct the parent spectator to leave the area.
The Coach, Assistant Coach or any in attendance Board Member should stop the practice, meet or other team event and call the police, if a belligerent spectator does not leave the area after having been instructed to leave.
The Coach(s) and the team Swim Board of Directors will meet at an “Urgent Situation Meeting” as soon as possible following the incident. Any additional penalties associated with the incident will be discussed and implemented immediately.
9. Bryant Smith Award
This award is presented in the Amberjack’s Summer season
Bryant Smith was a former Chicopee Amberjack. He was a dedicated swimmer. It was the one sport he truly loved. Bryant was a 4th grader at Bowie School when he was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 9. He continued to swim and competed in the Summer Swim Championships in 2001. He swam in the evenings, even after receiving chemotherapy or
radiation treatment. Nothing prevented him from continuing to participate in the sport that he loved. He was a well-loved young man.
Bryant went to Boston in Sept of 2001 for a bone marrow transplant. He passed away on Dec 3, 2001 at the age of 10, following complications from the transplant. His spirit lives on in every swimmer. He has inspired his brother Marvin and his sister Samara to continue on in his absence. His unwillingness to let this disease stop him from doing the things he loved and
his dedication to the sport of competitive swimming has inspired the Amberjacks Swim Team to develop an award each season, “The Bryant J. Smith Team Spirit Award”.
The Smith Family
This award is given each season to the Amberjacks Swimmer who displays a competitive spirit, care and concern for fellow swimmers, respect for coaching staff, workers and officials and
who sets the best example for up and coming swimmers. This swimmer must also display an overall great attitude for the sport of swimming, the Amberjacks team and fellow Swimmers.
10. Tyler Chateauneuf Sportsmanship Award
This award is presented in the Winter Season.
Tyler Chateauneuf was a former Chicopee Amberjack. Tyler started swimming when he was 6 and never stopped. Tyler passed away unexpectedly in 2023 at the age of 14 from an undiagnosed heart condition, just as he had completed his first season for Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Swimming was Tyler’s passion. He loved the water. He especially loved Breaststroke and his friends on the Amberjacks meant the world to him. He inspired his sister Kacey to become a state level swimmer for Chicopee specializing in Breaststroke and a record breaking Amberjack swimmer.
This award is given to a swimmer that demonstrates sportsmanship and a love for the sport. They cheer for their teammates and others no matter their age and experience. They truly understand what it means to be a part of a team and they treat their teammates like family. They are dedicated to the sport of swimming and help others by inspiring them to be the best they can be.
11. Directions to Team Pools
Amherst - United
Amherst Regional Middle School
170 Chestnut St , Amherst, MA 01002
Take I-91 N toward Holyoke/Greenfield. Merge onto RT-9 via EXIT 25 toward
Amherst/Hadley. At traffic circle take the first exit onto MA 9 E/Bridge St. Turn Left onto S. Pleasant St. Then at the traffic circle continue straight onto E. Pleasant St. Turn right onto Chestnut St. turn Left onto Eames Pl. Turn Left into the Amherst Recreation parking lot. The entrance to the pool is near the school bus parking area.
Agawam – Piranhas
Agawam Jr. High School
1305 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA 01001
Take 91 South or Route 5 to Route 57 all the way to the end. Take right. At 2nd
set of lights take a right. The school entrance is across the street from Stop & Shop.
Belchertown – Stingrays
Chestnut Hill School
59 State Street, Belchertown, MA 01007
Take Memorial Drive (Rt. 33) to South Hadley light at intersection Rt.202. Take
right onto Rt. 202. Continue on Rt. 202 thru South Hadley and Granby until you enter Belchertown. Continue on Rt. 202 in Belchertown, Chestnut Hill School will be on your right.
East Longmeadow - Marlins
East Longmeadow High School (Winter Season)
180 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Take 91 South to Longmeadow Exit (exit 1)
Proceed straight through one set of lights (Picknelly Field is on your left)
and at the next set of lights take a left onto Converse St.
Proceed straight till the end and take a right at the stop sign onto Dwight Road.
Take an immediate left at the next set of lights (Maple Street).
Continue straight and HS is on the right hand side.
Pine Knoll Pool (Summer Season)
1974 Allen St. Springfield MA 01118
Take Memorial Drive to Fuller Road. On Fuller Rd. turn Right onto the American Legion Memorial Bridge. Turn Left on East Main St. Turn Right onto Bircham St. Turn Left onto Page Blvd. turn Right onto Pasco Rd. Turn Right onto Parker St. Turn Left onto Allen St. Turn Right into the Pine Knoll Recreation area. Parking is at the top of the hill and overflow is past the recreation center. Be prepared to climb hills and stairs to get to the pool area if you are in overflow. NOTE: This is an outdoor pool. Bring bug spray. Lots of it.
Hampden/Wilbraham – Falcons
Minnechaug Regional High School
621 Main Street, Wilbraham
Take the I-91 S/US-5 exit toward Longmeadow/Hartford, CT. Keep right to take
the RT-83 S ramp. Stay straight to go onto RT-83 E. Turn right onto Sumner
Ave/RT-83/RT-21. Continue to follow RT-21 N. Turn slight right onto Allen Street.
Turn left onto Porter Road. Porter Road becomes East Longmeadow Road. Turn
slight left onto Sony Hill Road. Turn right onto Tinkham Road. Turn left onto Main
St. 621 MAIN St is on the left.
Longmeadow Aquatic Club
Longmeadow High School
95 Grassy Gutter Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106
Take Rte. 91 South to exit 1, Forest Park/Longmeadow. At 5th light take a left
onto Bliss Road. Go straight through the first light. Take fourth right onto Grassy Gutter Road. Go to end, at stop sign take left onto Williams St. Parking lot entrance is immediately on left
Ludlow – Sea Lions
Ludlow Boys & Girls Club
91 Claudia’s Way, Ludlow, MA 01056
Take Massachusetts Turnpike (Rte. 90) east to Exit 7 Ludlow. After toll booth go
to light and take right onto Center Street. Go to next light and take a right onto
Chapin Street. At next light take left onto Sportsman Rd... Follow that road about
½ mile. Boys & Girls Club will be on your left.
Monson - Dolphins
Quarry Hill School
43 Margaret Street, Monson, MA 01057
Take Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90) East to exit 8 (Palmer-Ware).
Go through the tollbooth at light take left (Thorndike Street).
Turn left onto Park Street and right onto Stone Street
turn left onto South Main Street (@ 3 miles),
turn right onto Thompson Street and right onto Margaret Street
Montague - Bluefish
Turners Falls High School
222 Turnpike Road, Montague MA 01351
Take I-91 North to exit 24 (US-5/MA-10) towards Deerfield. Turn right onto MA10 N/US-5 N (7.4 miles). Turn right onto Cheapside St. (1 mile). Turn right onto
Montague City Rd. (0.7 miles). Turn right onto Turnpike Rd.(1.6 miles) Turners Falls
High School is on the right.
Palmer - Stripers
Quarry Hill School
43 Margaret Street, Monson, MA 01057
Take Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90) East to exit 8 (Palmer-Ware).
Go through the tollbooth at light take left (Thorndike Street).
Turn left onto Park Street and right onto Stone Street
turn left onto South Main Street (@ 3 miles),
turn right onto Thompson Street and right onto Margaret Street
Smith College Championships
Dalton Pool/Ainsworth Gymnasium
College Lane, Northampton, MA 01060
Take 91 North to Exit 18 (Northampton Center - Rt. 5). At the light at bottom of
ramp take a left (Rt. 5 North). At Pleasant Street Car Wash take left. Follow Rt. 9
west. At next light take left onto Old South Street (following sign - Williamsburg,
Easthampton). At light take right onto New South Street (North 10 to 9). At next
light take left (Williamsburg, Pittsfield Rt. 9 West). Continue on RT. 9 up small hill,
continue through the first light. Go thru two more lights then look for sign “Smith College
Main Entrance” (College Lane). When you approach Sage Hall bear right downhill.
Anisworth/Scott Gymnasium will be at the bottom of the hill on the left.
Springfield - Sharks
Sci-Tech High School
1250 State St. Springfield, MA
Directions: From Rt. 33 - Route 33 (turns into 141) stay straight to go onto
Broadway, stay straight to go onto East Street. Turn slight left onto Roosevelt
Ave. Follow Roosevelt Ave to American International College. Just before the
underpass, turn left onto Gaucher St. The entrance to the school will be on the
left. The pool entrance faces the parking lot.
TRI-Y Torpedoes
Tri-Community YMCA
43 Everett St, Southbridge MA 01550
Take I-90 E towards Worcester/Boston. Take Exit 78 for I-84 W towards Hartford/ NY City. Merge onto I-84. Take Exit 6B for US 20 W towards State Route 131/ Sturbridge/ Palmer. Merge onto US 20 W. turn left towards MA 131 E/ Main St. Merge onto MA 131 E/ Main St. Turn right onto Everett St.
Westfield – Rapids
Westfield Boys & Girls Club
28 West Silver Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Take Massachusetts Turnpike West to Exit 3. After going thru Toll Booth take a
right at the light. Proceed downhill to light. Continue straight, go past McDonald’s.
You will go over a green bridge. Continue straight thru downtown to rotary. At
rotary go straight onto Broad Street past the fire station on your left. Go thru the
next light (post office will be on your right). Entrance to Boys and Girls Club is after the post office on the right, behind Amelia Park Skating Rink.
West Springfield – Torpedoes
West Springfield High School
425 Piper Road, West Springfield, MA 01089
On route 5 (Riverdale Road), in West Springfield, go to light at “Showcase
Cinemas”. Take Morgan Road to 2nd light, take a left onto Piper Road. West
Springfield High School will be on your right.