MMSC executive
An executive board of volunteer members runs Markham Masters Swim Club. This is a non-profit organisation and we aim to break even each year. Whilst costs of pool rental and coaching are fixed for the year, income through membership fees and an annual fundraiser fluctuates.
The executive team for the 2011/12 season is as follows:
- President Clare Atkinson
- Treasurer Karen Ritcey
- Registrar Tom Meisner
- Team Clothing Ruth Russell
- Swim Meets Dan Filgiano
- Web Site Dean Mackie / (Adriana Kulcsar)
Communication within the club is generally by e-mail newsletters. There will also be announcements made at the pool during practices.
We hold an annual general meeting early summer to which all members are invited.
If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions please feel free to approach any of us at any time. We run the club for you and want to make it work for you.
Introducing the Coach
Our coach, Steve Downs, is a qualified, professional swim coach for whom swimming is a full time career. He has been coaching children and adult teams since 1989, and has been with Markham Masters since February 2003. Steve is very approachable and willing to discuss techniques and training at any time during practice.
Locations/times
Practices are held at the Markham Centennial Pool on Bullock Drive on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30-10pm and at the Angus Glen pool on Major Mackenzie Drive on Sundays from 8:30-10pm. Check the registration information for details of pool closures affecting our practice schedule. Please aim to be changed and ready on the pool deck prior to the start time.
Car pool to the pool
We encourage members to car pool to the pool. The advantages are as follows:
- You save money.
- There is a benefit to the environment of fewer car journeys.
- You can make a friend.
- You will be more motivated to come to practice regularly, especially through the winter months.
What to bring
The obvious things: swim suit, towel, goggles, water bottle. In addition you may want to wear a swim cap, and flip-flops for wearing on deck are a good idea. You will be using kick boards and pull buoys during practice--these are available at the pool, but some people like to bring their own.
If you need to purchase swim suits or equipment we recommend OMNI Swim which is located at 1085 Unit #11, Bellamy Road in Scarborough. MMSC members receive a discount. This is the best place to go for a wide selection and expert fitting for goggles and suits.
Each year in the fall the club chooses a team suit, which we order at a discounted rate. You can order a suit even if you do not plan to participate in swim meets.
What to expect
The pool is divided into 6 lanes and you will be placed with swimmers of similar ability to yourself. The coach, Steve Downs, will provide a structured and balanced workout for the development of our swimming over the course of the season. If you are unable to keep up for the whole workout at first I recommend you try to stay for the full 90 minute session but take extra rest breaks when needed. That way you will experience the balanced workout as Steve planned it. If you attend practice regularly you will quickly improve. Steve will also coach individually on stroke technique as required.
Lane etiquette
If you are new to the club or moving to a new lane introduce yourself and find out the names of your lane mates.
We swim down one side of the lane and back the other. Neighbouring lanes should coordinate so you are swimming in the same direction as the people on the other side of the lane rope. When pushing off at the start of a set leave 5 to 10 seconds between swimmers. Do not swim too close to another swimmer to avoid causing a drag effect and to avoid collisions as you turn.
You will soon figure out the best order to push off in, however there are times when a swimmer catches up with the person ahead. In this instance hold back until you are close to the wall then gently tap the toes of the swimmer in front. He or she will then hesitate at the wall to allow you to pass.
If you need to take an extra rest mid way through a set please leave room at the wall for others to turn and be courteous when rejoining the swimmers in your lane.
Lane ropes
It is the duty of members to help pool staff put the lane ropes in place at the start of practice. Watch how it is done a couple of times and you'll soon get the hang of it. Here are some tips on how it is done:
- One person takes the first end off the roller and walks down the length of the pool passing the lane rope over the railings at the steps. At centennial you also have to step over the slide but it's not slippery when it's dry so not a problem.
- When you get near the far end of the pool stop and look back to see that your partner has the other end of the rope released. Sometimes the ends are a little awkward to unhook so give them enough time before you move off again.
- The person who gets the adjustable end should release the catch so the cable unwinds giving you a bit more length to play with.
- When both of you are ready step sideways across the pool till you reach the furthest rope position. The person with the non-adjustable end hooks into the wall first. The other end attaches to a metal hook before going into the wall.
- Tighten with the wrench - there's a right way and a wrong way - if it doesn't work flip it over and it will.
Hydration
It is important to consume fluid during any form of exercise and swimming is no exception. Please bring a water bottle to practice and use it. The fluid of choice during swim practice is water.
Warm up/cool down
To help prevent injury our practices always begin with a warm up session and end with a cool down. These generally take the form of gentle swimming using the full range of movement. It is important to arrive at practice in plenty of time to participate fully in the warm up and to remain in the water until cool down is complete.
Stretching
Stretching is another important way to reduce the risk of injury. It is a good idea to stretch after the warm up and again after the cool down. If you are not familiar with stretches for swimmers feel free to ask Steve.
Competitive swimming
Markham Masters offers the opportunity for all members to participate in competitive swimming events. No experience is necessary and you do not need to swim at a certain level. Swimmers of all ages and abilities attend Masters meets. Dates of swim meets the club will attend will be announced in the e-mail newsletters.
Many of our members are experienced triathletes. If you are interested in learning more about this sport feel free to ask around.
Social events
Once or twice a month we have a pub night after practice at a pub close to the pool. Attending pub night is a good way for new members to get to know other swimmers, particularly those in other lanes.
The club holds a party in the winter and a summer BBQ.
Once in a while other events will be posted in the newsletter.
MMSC Photo album
We are compiling a club photo album which will be available to view at social events. If you have pictures from swim meets, triathlons, social events or any other swim related snaps we would appreciate it if you could supply us with a copy for our album.
Summer Swimming
Summer swimming takes place in July and August. Steve will set the workout but will not be formally coaching the session. Whilst we do not budget to cover the cost of summer swimming in your membership fee we have recently been in the exceptional position of being able to offer summer swimming free of charge to members. An announcement will be made in spring regarding the plan for this year.