SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2012-2013 SEASON
DATE	EVENT	LOCATION	Who Attends?
Oct. 19-20	National Skills Camp
Oct. 25-28	US  MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS	Sarasota, FL	Master Athletes
Nov. 10	JUDGES CLINIC/TESTING	Tucson - Jeanne's
Nov. 11	JUDGES CLINIC/TESTING	MESA	Parents
Sat., Dec. 1st	ASSOCIATION FIGURE COMPETITION	ASU Rec Center-Tempe	ALL ATHLETES
Jan. 19/20	POSSIBLE JR NAT'L TEAM TRIALS	TBD
Jan. 25-27	AZ ASSOCIATION JR/SR CHAMPIONSHIPS	MESA - Skyline Pool	ALL ATHLETES
Feb. 2 - 3	UIW @ UNIVERSITY OF AZ	U of AZ
Feb. 10 or 17	U of A and ASU
Feb. 15-17	12& U/13-15/JR NAT'L TEAM TRIALS	TBD (MESA BIDDING?)
Feb. 23-24	ARIZONA STATE INVITATIONAL(Sat nite & Sun morning)	ASU
Feb. 23 - 24	UA AWAY MEET WITH INCARNATE WORD	UIW
Feb. 28 - Mar. 3	WEST ZONE CHAMPIONSHIPS	Beaverton, Oregon	Only invited 13 & Over Comp.
Mar. 2 - 3	COLLEGIATE REGIONALS	STANFORD
Mar. 15-17	ORANGE BLOSSOM INVITATIONAL	RIVERSIDE, CA	12 & Under Comp.
Mar. 22-24	CACTUS CLASSIC INVITATIONAL	MESA	ALL ATHLETES
Mar. 19-25	COLLEGIATE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS	STANFORD
April 9 - 13	US NATIONALS (JR/SR)	Greensboro, NC	Only invited Junior Athletes
April 19-21	AZ ASSOC AGE GROUP/INTERM CHAMPIONSHIPS	TUCSON-Oro Valley	ALL ATHLETES
May 2 - 6	12& UNDER/13-15/JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM TRIALS	TBD
May 18-19	WEST ZONE REGION D AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS	Scottsdale-McDowell Mtn.	Only Qualified Comp. Athletes
June 1 - 2	SAN DIEGO INVITATIONAL	San Diego, CA	Possible Meet for Rec Team
June 14 - 15	GRAND CANYON STATE GAMES	Phoenix area	ALL ATHLETES
June 21-29	U.S. eSYNCHRO AGE GROUP NATIONALS	RIVERSIDE, CA	Only Qualified Comp. Athletes
July 9 - 13	U.S. JR/SR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS	Panama City Beach, FL	Only invited 13 & Over Athletes
Sept. 8 - 14	USAS CONVENTION	Anaheim, CA
Oct. 16-20	U.S. MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS	Albuquerque, NM  ?	Master Athletes

AZD Important Dates: 2012

Important AZD Dates

First Day of Practice: Tuesday August 21

New Parent Orientation: Thursday August 23 at 6:30 pm

Monthly Parent Meetings: the first Thursday of each month

September 6^th: Apparel and Suit Fitting: 4:30-6:30 pm

                        Parent Meeting: 6:30 pm

October 4^th:    Fundraising Meeting: 6:00 pm

Parent Meeting: 6:30 pm

November 1^st: Parent Meeting: 6:30 pm

December 6^th: Parent Meeting 6:30 pm

January 3rd: Parent Meeting: 6:30 pm

February:       No Parent Meeting

March 7^th:       Parent Meeting 6:30 pm

April 4^th:           Parent Meeting 6:30 pm

May 2^nd:          Final Parent Meeting 6:30 pm

Additional Dates:

Team Pictures: Saturday October 6^th, 8 am. Location TBA

Swim-a-thon: Saturday November 24^th, 9:00-11:00 am

Desert Dolphin Invitational: DATE CHANGED: Saturday November 3^rd at Brimhall Pool in Mesa.

2^nd Annual Tri Catching Cupid: February 9, 2013

*Our competition calendar is not set by the Arizona Synchro Association until September 23^rd. We will distribute as soon as possible.

State Meet Packet

State Age Group Championships- AZD Meet Packet

Friday- Sunday, April 20-22, 2012

Oro Valley, AZ

Friday Arrival Times:

· 4:00 pm- all solos arrive knoxed with headpiece and makeup complete.

· 5:30 pm- all 16 & Over Duets arrive knoxed with headpiece and makeup complete.

Saturday Arrival Times:

· 6:30 am- Rec Team, Loco Team and 12/U Comp Team arrive wearing AZD Swim Suit

· 8:30 am- Comedian Team, Totem Team and Dragon Duet arrive wearing AZD Swim Suit

· 9:30 am- Inception Team arrive wearing AZD Swim Suit

Sunday Arrival Times:

· 7:30 am- ALL 13-15 Duets arrive knoxed, with routine headpieces on and makeup complete.

· 9:00 am- ALL other AZD Competitive Swimmers arrive knoxed with team makeup complete.

What to arrive WEARING :

Competitive Swimmers: Please arrive at the Competition wearing the following Team Attire: Black Sweat Pants, Team Sweat Jacket and any AZD Team T-Shirt.

Recreational Swimmers: Please arrive at the Competition wearing the following Team Attire: Black Pants (or green AZD shorts) and Black AZD Polo shirt.

All AZD Swimmers: If you are arriving for warm-ups or preparation to compete, please arrive wearing your AZD Swim Suit. For figure day, you must also have Black Swim Suit in your bag ready to quickly change into. For all Warm-ups you will need an AZD Black Swim Cap (please make sure it’s in good condition before the meet).

Awards Attire: Please remember that for the Awards Ceremony all AZD Swimmers are required to wear the Green AZD Shorts and Black Polo shirt, on occasion or when deemed appropriate by the coaches, we will also require the full set of AZD Black Sweats to be worn for awards (Sweats are required by the Competitive Team only).

*** PLEASE REMEMBER- Swimmers are only allowed to wear AZD attire (good and original condition) at the pool during competition. No pajamas, street clothing, practice suits or caps will be allowed. Your swimmer will be asked to change clothing if not in proper AZD attire.

IMPORTANT items to bring:

· Team Swim Suit

· Black Figure Suit

· Black “Arizona Desert Dolphins” Swim Cap

· Plain White Swim Cap

· Goggles/Noseclips

· Warm Clothes, shoes, socks, hats, gloves, jackets, etc…

· Towels (at least 3 or 4)

· Green AZD shorts

· Black AZD Polo and other AZD shirts

· Water Bottles and Snacks (must keep in Grass area)

· Sun Screen

· Camera

· Individual Routine Costumes and Head Pieces (Team Routine Costumes are handled by AZD)

· Knoxing supplies

· Water Proof Makeup

· And a smile and good attitude!

Additional Tips from the AZD Coaches to AZD Swimmers and Families!

· Remember to remove all Nail Polish and Jewelry prior to coming to the competition!

· Pack extra towels and warm clothes (the girls will be getting in and out of the water approximately 6 times). Please remember shoes, socks, hats, gloves, jackets, etc…

· For those of you who have not attended a Synchro Figure Meet before… please understand that DURING the figure competition, everyone is asked to keep themselves quiet. Complete silence is requested to allow all the Swimmer’s and Judges to focus and concentrate on the task at hand. Please hold all cheering and applause for the ROUTINE Competition and Awards Ceremony. You are encouraged to watch the competition, but will not be allowed to sit right next to any judge.

· You may want to bring Comfortable Chairs to set up in our Team Area. Some families bring blankets to layout on the ground as well. REMEMBER: THE SWIMMERS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE COMPETITION WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM HER COACH. BE PREPARED FOR THE SWIMMERS TO BE THERE ALL DAY!

· All siblings attending the Competition need to be supervised at all times, and need to be reminded not to play around the pool or in the bathrooms! Only Athletes competing at this meet will be allowed in the pool.

· There will be approximately 200 swimmers competing at this meet, and although those are divided into age groups and categories, the majority of swimmers won’t be called up to receive a 1^st-8^th place ribbon/medal. There are NO participant ribbons at this competition. Please help us by discussing this with your girls prior to the meet.

· We are required to clean our Team Area before awards are given out. This seems to go a little quicker if we all pitch in as the day goes along. Please help the girls keep their clothes and equipment organized. It’s also easier to keep track of your swimmer’s things if they are kept in their bags and are all labeled with their names.

· A snack bar will be available on both days. Not only is this provided for the convenience of our swimmers and families, but is also used as a fundraiser to support the Arizona Synchro Association (all AZ teams). Please consider using the snack bar when planning your meals and snacks. See the following Rule from the Official Meet Announcement:

o Please keep all coolers and food in the grassy areas. Food must be consumed in designated eating areas.

· A Knoxing station will be set up in the grassy areas. Please use this area for Knoxing your daughters’ hair. When possible or specified, Knox at home. It is a lot easier and more convenient! See the following Rules from the official Meet Announcement:

o There will be a designated knoxing area posted at the pool; please be respectful of the areas and keep them clean. No knoxing is permitted in the pool area or locker rooms and you will not be able to remove your knox at the pool.

o There will be a $100 fine for any athlete found washing their hair out in the pool or the showers or removing bobby pins in the pool.

· Let’s show our swimmers that we care and support their efforts! We encourage all family members to dress in support of the DESERT DOLPHINS! Please wear Black and Lime Green if possible!

Final Meet Schedule:

Friday, April 20th

4:30-4:50 pm Lap Swim

4:50-5:10 pm All Solos Warm-up (2 warm-ups)

5:10-5:20 pm Seat Judges and Volunteers

5:20-7:00 pm All Solo Competition – beginning with Intermediates

7:00-7:10 pm 16 & Over Duet Warm-up

7:10-7:20 pm Seat Judges and Volunteers

7:20-8:00 pm 16 & Over Duet Competition

Saturday, April 21

7:00-7:30 Lap Swim

7:30-7:50 12 & Under AG/Intermediate/Masters A Figure Warm-up

7:50-8:00 Seat Judges and Volunteers

8:00-9:40 12 & Under AG/Intermediate/Masters A Figure Competition

9:40-10:00 13-15 AG/Masters B Figure Warm Up

10:00-10:10 Seat Judges and Volunteers

10:10-11:10 13-15 AG/Masters B Figure Competition

11:10-11:30 16 & Over Figure Warm-up

11:30-11:40 Seat Judges and Volunteers

11:40-12:40 16 & Over Figure Competition

12:40-1:00 Lunch Break

1:00-1:10 Intermediate/12 & U AG Trio Warm-up

1:10-1:20 Seat Judges and Volunteers

1:20-2:20 Intermediate/12 & U AG Trio Competition

2:20-2:40 13 & Over Trio Warm-up (2 warm-ups)

2:40-2:50 Seat Judges and Volunteers

2:50-3:30 13 & Over Trio Competition

3:30-3:50 Intermediate/12 & U AG Duet Warm-up (2 warm-ups)

3:50-4:00 Seat Judges and Volunteers

4:00-5:15 Intermediate/12 & U AG Duet Competition

5:15-5:25 Intermediate Team Warm-up

5:25-5:35 Seat Judges and Volunteers

5:35-6:15 Intermediate Team Competition

6:20 Intermediate Awards

Sunday, April 22

8:00 – 8:20 am Lap swim

8:20-8:40 13-15 AG Duet Warm-up (2 warm-ups)

8:40-8:50 Seat Judges and Volunteers

8:50-10:00 13-15 AG Duet Competition

10:00-10:40 All Team Warm-ups (4 warm-ups)

10:40-10:50 Seat Judges and Volunteers

10:50-1:00 All Team Competition

1:30 Awards

Okay, she loves this, but I don't get it!

I remember when I realized that my daughter had made up her mind that synchro was her thing. I thought she looked great, but the judges obviously didn’t agree. Some of the routines were a lot more boring than my daughter’s team so what’s the deal with the low scores? The coaches would tell me she was really improving, but I didn’t have a clear idea of what that meant. Then I went to observe some practices and heard corrections like, “You’re on your face.” Come again?! She was floating on her back! So perhaps, like me, you find yourself bewildered by your daughter’s thing, and of course, you want to be supportive beyond saying, “You looked really good to me!” when she asks how she did her figures…maybe this will help.

Sychronized swimming is truly an aquatic blend of gymnastics and dance. If you think about the Olympics, you know that these scores are subjective to the judge based on objectives. That means that despite rigorous judges’ training, scores will vary and remain mysterious to some of us who observe the sport. (I personally think that this is true even within the judging community.) To compensate for this, judges work in panels, the more judges, the more balanced scores will be…

Figures: You need to know that the girls’ figures scores are 50% of their overall team score. So while figure scores are individual, they are also part of the team’s overall score. What does this mean? It means that a team may have a good routine and be in 3^rd place for routines, but when awards are announced they may end up in 4^th or 5^th if their figures are weak or vice versa in 2^nd place if their figures are good. Figures are important.

There are basically two things that judges are looking for: design (body positions (in bold) + transitions+ body movements) and control (how well the design is performed). Let’s start with design; this is how the rules state the figure should be done. Our coaches are good about providing the girls with little diagrams of this, but some of us never see them. At USA Synchro’s website, you can access everything from video demonstrations to the handbook of all the rules and everything you want to know about competitions, colleges, the Olympic team, documentaries, etc… They are official; I’m just a mom, but here goes. Ballet leg, everybody has to do it so it’s easy, right? Think again.

Okay, so back layout p.54 (floating on back?)

Rule Book Description/ Major Desired Actions

1. Body extended with face, chest, thighs and feet at the surface./ Gives the impression that the body is stretched horizontally to its maximum. Front of the trunk will also be at the surface of the water.

2. Head (ears specifically), hips and ankles in line./Judgement made by checking visual points of the horizontal

alignment: ear, shoulder joint, hip joint and ankle. This imaginary line should also pass through the middle

of the side of the trunk.

So, this is just the design part of the beginning of the figure!!! The swimmer must now transition either the right or left leg into a bent knee back layout p.59

1. Body extended in Back Layout Position./In BP 1 Back Layout Position, Ear, shoulder joint, hip joint and ankle of extended leg as close as possible to horizontal alignment.

2. The thigh of the bent leg is perpendicular to the surface./90° angle between the thigh and surface, and as close as possible to 90° between the thigh and trunk. At maximum height, a large air pocket will be evident between the backs of the thigh and calf of the bent knee, and the surface of the water.

Then your daughter transitions into the ballet leg. P.55

1. Body in Back Layout Position.

2. One leg extended perpendicular to the surface./ 90° angle between extended leg and surface. Angle of ballet leg to

trunk as close to 90° as possible. Ear, shoulder joint, hip joint and ankle of horizontal leg as close as possible to horizontal alignment.

My dear fellow synchro watchers and well-wishers, allow me to pause halfway through this figure to tell you that this is near to impossible to accomplish as written. Permit me to explain the challenges: your bottom sinks as you shift the weight of a leg above it; much like a ballet dancer, it is difficult for the swimmer to judge when the thigh is at a 90 degree angle, but our girls don’t have mirrors to check themselves so they tend to “put their leg over their chest to compensate for comfort, strength, and flexibility to lift the leg AKA “on her face.” The difficulties don’t stop there, but we’ll move along.

Now let’s talk about control. I will say that control is when the swimmer “gives the impression” that what they are doing is the easiest so they are relaxed. I used to think after watching other swimmers who were receiving higher scores that this meant slow. No…but if you can do the whole thing at an even, slower TEMPO and make it look easy, stretched out= E X T E N D E D legs (no shaking) while at the same time maintaining your height in the water (no sinking); you have achieved control.

Respect your girls…figures are as much about mental as well as physical preparation & most figures require all this without breathing! Figures are brutally difficult and impossible to perform correctly without body awareness, strength and flexibility which all develop over time with effort.

Here is the link to USA Synchro’s education/education resources/FINA resources page:

http://www.usasynchro.org/Education/Educational_Resources/FINA_Resources.htm

Click on the video that corresponds to your daughter’s age group to watch a demonstration (not a 10!)

The pages that I referred to above are found in the 2009-2013 FINA Synchronized Swimming Manual (for Coaches, Judges, and Referees) I suggest looking at p.35-40 for general guidelines. P.47-53 show all figures and the body positions judges watch for in diagram form.

Now when your girl asks how she did, you can tell her, “Your extension was so much better!” or “You weren’t on your face!”

Happy Synchro, Everybody!

Pam Parron-Saletri

Spring Pictures

Hello Team!!

Pictures are up! A BIG BIG thank you to Joe for being our team photographer!!

You can browse and purchase pictures at: http://www.looking-glass-images.com/event/AZD

Password: AZD2011

Gallery: AZD-Routine-Pictures-2012

For Recreational Team Parents

2012 PKC San Diego Invitational

June 2-3, 2012

Sanctioned by USA Synchro

Saturday June 2 and Sunday June 3, 2012

Cathedral Catholic High School

5555 Del Mar Heights Road

San Diego, California 92130

San Dieguito Synchro

San Diego Imperial Association

United States Synchronized Swimming

Any swimmers registered with USSS, who are not Masters athletes.

EVENTS FOR INVITATIONAL:

AGE GROUP, INTERMEDIATE & NOVICE: Teams, Figures, Trios, Duets & Solos in:

• Novice: 10&U, 11-12, 13-15, 16& up

• Intermediate: 10&U, 11-12, 13-15, 16&Up (We will only do Intermediate B

figures)

• Age Group: 10&U, 11-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-19

• Combos: 12&U, 13&O

Note on routines: Intermediate routines will follow the 10&Under Age Group routine rules,

including time requirements and elements as listed in Appendix L of the rule book.

A swimmer can enter up to three routines. A swimmer can enter in different events and

different levels. They cannot enter the same event in different levels. This is designed to

allow swimmers to compete at the appropriate level. For example, a swimmer may enter a

age group solo and a intermediate team, but they cannot enter an age group solo and an

intermediate solo.

Clubs can enter a maximum of 3 solos in any one category.

Each club must have at least one judge or the club cannot compete

A separate Club Entry Form is to be completed for each Level (Novice, Intermediate, and

Age Group)

One copy is sent to the Scoring Chair for the meet, one copy to the Technical Chair/meet

manger for the meet.

The meet forms should be sent as follows:

Club Entry forms (one for each Category—per above) emailed or post marked to Scoring

Chair Jackie McDaniel, 2709 Crownridge Lane, Spring Valley, California 91977,

jackiemcd43@hotmail.com, by May 15, 2012.

Club Entry forms (one for each Category—per above), including judges registration emailed

by May 15, 2012 to Danielle@sdsynchro.org. Entry Fee Summary and Entry Fees (payable

to: San Dieguito Synchro) to mailed to Danielle Waite 3440 Lebon Dr. #4214 San Diego, CA

92122 postmarked by May 15, 2012.

Please use the Club Entry Form—one per Level (novice, intermediate and Age Group). List the competitors’

names in all capital letters, first name then last. Include registration number. Athlete registration will be validated prior

to the meet, and the athletes will not be able to compete if they are not registered athletes with the national organization

and the Southern California Association. AT LEAST ONE TEAM CONTACT NAME MUST BE LISTED ON THE

ENTRY FORM.

ORDER OF EVENTS: Please note times are approximate. A final schedule will be issued one week prior to the

event. We have tried to put all Novice and Intermediate on Saturday, and all AG on Sunday.

SATURDAY

COACHES’ MEETING 7:30 am

Lap Swim Warm-up 7:30 – 7:50 am

Figure warm-up for Novice 7:50 – 8:10 am

NOVICE FIGURE COMPETITION 8:15am

Followed by:

Figure warm-up for Intermediates

INTERMEDIATE FIGURE COMPETITION

NOVICE AND INTERMEDITAE TRIO WARM-UP AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

NOVICE AND INTERMEDITAE DUET WARM-UPS AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

NOVICE AND INTERMEDITAE SOLO WARM-UPS AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

NOVICE TEAM WARM-UPS AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

INTERMEDIATE TEAM WARM-UP AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

Clean-up

AWARDS

SUNDAY

COACHES’ MEETING 7:30

Lap Swim Warm-up 7:30 – 7:50 am

Figure Warm-up 11-12s and 16-17s 7:50-8:10am

11-12 AND 16-17 FIGURE COMPETITION 8:15am

Followed by:

13-15 FIGURE WARM-UP AND COMPETITION

AG SOLO WARM-UP AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

AG TRIO WARM-UPS AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

AG DUET WARM-UPS AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

TEAM WARM-UPS AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

COMBO WARM-UPS AND COMPETITION (youngest to oldest)

Clean-up

AWARDS

Directions:

From the North (5 South) – Take 5 South to Del Mar Heights Road. Go left over the freeway (away from the ocean)

and stay on Del Mar Heights Road for about 5 miles. The Catholic High School is on the right. Park in the parking lot

close to the west end and walk down the hill to the pool (behind the buildings).

From the North (15 South) – Take 15 South to Ted Williams Freeway/Parkway (56). Go right (away from the

mountains) and stay on 56 until Carmel Valley Road. Turn right (up the hill) to Del Mar Heights Road. Turn left on

Del Mar Heights Road and go about 3 or 4 blocks to the school. The Catholic High School will be on your left. Go into

the parking lot and park close to the west end and walk down the hill to the pool (behind the buildings).

From Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa - Take 15 North to Ted Williams Parkway/Freeway (56). Go left over the

freeway and follow the 56 until Carmel Valley Road. Turn right (up the hill) to Del Mar Heights Road. Turn left on Del

Mar Heights Road and go about 3 or 4 blocks to the school. The Catholic High School will be on your left. Go into the

parking lot and park close to the west end and walk down the hill to the pool (behind the buildings).

Hotels: The hotels in the area are close to the 5 freeway, for anyone wanting to stay in Del Mar.

Doubletree Hotel

11915 El Camino Real

San Diego, California 92130

Telephone: (858) 764-0273

$ 99.00 per night - Breakfast included

Reservations: 1-800-222-8733

Or

On line @: www.scandiegodelmar.doubletree.com

Reference: San Dieguito Synchro

Dead line to reserve: 5/15/11

GENERAL INFORMATION:

It is a fairly long downhill walk from the parking lot to the pool. The baseball field is on your right as you walk down the ramp to the pool. There is plenty of deck space for tents or towels or chairs, but there is no shade. So bring umbrellas, hats, sun screen and sun glasses, as it does get bright and usually warm. The morning may be overcast and cool, but it should warm up and the sun should come out before noon. There are some bleachers, but not many, so bring

chairs to sit in.

Please stay on the East side of the pool (away from the baseball field) with chairs not too close to the competitive part of the pool.

• Bathrooms are in the locker room (same level) and there are showers at the side of the building at the diving pool end.

• Competition will be in the diving part of the pool and entry will be on the West side of the pool.

• There will be a snack bar with reasonably priced, healthy foods for breakfast and lunch.

• There will be a gelling area near the snack bar area. Gelling should only occur here. There is absolutely no de-gelling.

Hotel Information for State Age Groups

Best Western Plus InnSuites

6201 N. Oracle Rd.

Tucson, AZ 85704

Tel 520-297-8111 ext 301

Fax 520-297-2935

kzelasko@innsuites.com

www.bwsuite.com

Rate: $72 a night, plus tax

USE RATE CODE: AZ State Age Group