CGCSA Resources & Links

CGCSA Athlete & Parent Resources

All CGCSA athletes are held to a high standard of respect and integrity. This includes but is not limited to:

Following the Canada Games Centre User Code of Conduct.
Treating coaches, officials, opponents, administrators and parents with respect and honesty.
Treating all teammates with acceptance, respect and friendship.
Taking an active interest in their own development; communicating with their coach to problem solve and learn.
Having a positive attitude and willing and open to learning. Contribute positively to the team atmosphere.
Always bringing forth their best effort.
Leading by example for younger athletes.
Be an engaged bystander, acting to ensure that everyone abides by the values of the team and team philosophy.
Discrimination, harassment, disruptive behaviour and use of profanities will not be tolerated. Please refer the Behavioural Guidelines in the CGCSA Athlete/Parent Handbook, in addition to Swimming Canada’s harassment policies.
Practicing good sportsmanship at practices, competitions and team activities.
Encouraging other’s effort, personal improvement and good sportsmanship.
Understanding that winning does not define the success of an athlete.

All CGCSA Masters Swim Team athletes must follow the Canada Games Centre User Code of Conduct.

Punctuality

Although there is not a designated activation time, I encourage you all to take the time to do some dynamic stretches before getting in the pool.
Even if you cannot be early, please be mindful of your teammates and coaches and show up on time.
There will be a short warm-up at the beginning of each practice, which is essential in preparing your body and mind for the workout, as well as preventing injury.

Lane Sharing

Lanes may be assigned according to skill and speed by the coach and could be changed at any time.
Circle swimming is the standard for competitive swimming training and is the safest option for lane sharing. It is safe for as many as 5 adult swimmers to share a lane when circle swimming.
Circle swimming will be the standard for the warm-up period, and lanes may be adjusted for attendance by the coach after the warm-up.
When turning, be sure to move from the side of the lane to flip on the middle of the wall and push off on the other side of the lane.
If you are finished, please ensure to move to the side of the wall so that your teammates can turn or touch on the wall.

Passing

If you need to pass a teammate, tap them on the bottom of the foot which you can reach to let them know.
If there is sufficient space, you may pass in the middle of the lane. If the lane is not clear, the passee will stop at the closest wall and move to the side, allowing the passer to turn ahead of them.

Pace and Rest Times

The practices will be written using pace times and rest intervals, which will require an understanding of the pace clock.
Swimmers should leave the wall at the instructed start time and leave 5 or 10 second intervals between each swimmer, depending on the number of swimmers in a lane. With 3 or less swimmers in the lane, 10 second intervals are possible. With 4 or more swimmers, 5 second intervals are optimal.
Make sure to follow the pace times or rest intervals, both for your own workout and to respect your teammates and coach.
If you need an extra moment of rest, please feel free to do so. However, please move to the side of the lane so that your teammates can turn or touch on the wall. Also, be cautious when rejoining the lane.

Here’s a list of helpful resources and links for information relating to the CGCSA philosophy and provincial sport organizations.

Sport For Life – sportforlife.ca

Long-Term Athlete Development 3.0 – original consultation paper that started the Sport For Life movement
Parent resources – explaining Physical Literacy and the Long-Term Athlete Development stages

Sport Nova Scotia – sportnovascotia.ca

Swim Nova Scotia – swimnovascotia.com

Nova Scotia Lifesaving Society – sport.lifesavingns.ca

Swimming Canada – swimming.ca/en/