We are a non-profit competitive swim club and a member of the European Forces Swim League (EFSL). LIST is affiliated with NATO, Joint Command Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
Who can join the team?
Any youth between the ages of 6-19 who meet one of the following: •Children of military persons living and assigned outside of their home country; •Children of government employees who are living and assigned to positions outside of their home country; •Children of persons employed by the military or the government organization sponsoring the team and not a resident of the receiving state (This includes children of government contractors); •A youth attending a DOD, DND or a recognized equivalent school sponsored by a sending state; (CAISL falls into this category) •Children of persons assigned in NATO positions including those of the receiving state. In addition to the above criteria, swimmers must be able to pass a swim test administered by the Swim Coach or their designee.
When is the swim season?
The full swim season runs May through February. Swim meets run August through January with final qualifiers continuing through February.
What costs are involved with the swim team?
There is an annual registration fee of 100 euro for each swimmer joining the team. Registration includes a swimsuit, cap and league fees. Monthly dues are 50 Euro for each swimmer (70 Euro for non–NATO members). Monthly dues help pay for pool time and other costs involved in operating the team. Transportation costs to away meets, goggles and other items needed are the swimmer’s responsibility.
In what division of the EFSL are we?
We are in the Benelux division with ESB Brussels Octopus, Geilenkirchen Orcas, Lakenheath Barracudas, NATO Marlins and SHAPE Seals.
Must my swimmer attend every meet on the posted meet schedule?
No. For the 2009/2010 swim season, LIST has committed to attend all ROTA meets plus two other meets. For the two other meets, we have selected meets in Aviano, Italy and Ramstein, Germany. As part of the Benelux division, we are expected to attend 'Divisionals' held in Geilenkirchen, Belgium.
While we certainly hope for maximum Bullshark attendance at every meet, we would expect that you endeavor to make at least two ROTA meets and Divisionals. There are no specific requirements from the LIST for our swimmers to attend a certain number of meets to be a part of the LIST. However, if your child qualifies for, and wants to attend Champs, standard ESFL rules apply which state that the child must attend 3 official ESFL meets."
How are trips to meets arranged/managed?
The LIST travel coordinator may coordinate group booking, if required and give some guidance about tickets. Because of the small size of LIST, travel guidance will be given by the travel coordinator or the hosting team, but ultimately, lodging and travel will be the responsibility of the family. For ROTA meets, the LIST travel coordinator will submit all visitor requests to allow for access to the base.
What must a parent do for the team?
Parents are crucial to making it all work. Becoming a league official, a team statistician, or volunteering to take on one of the many duties involved in operating the team is a must. If every parent does one thing to operate the team then no one becomes overwhelmed with responsibility. This is a private organization and parent/family involvement is a must. In addition to assisting in activities (including LIST swim meets and fundraisers), parents need to complete documentation for their swimmer (registration application, emergency data card, parent / swimmer contract, medical info sheet), attend parent meetings as scheduled, foster good sportsmanship in support of LIST objectives and assist in enforcing the rules and regulations of the LIST.
What about behavior problems?
The coaching staff first handles behavioral problems with a swimmer. The coaches normally will comment to the parent if it continues. If problems persist, the president is notified and the problem will be discussed with the swimmer and parent. If problems continue, expulsion from the team could result. Swimmers and parents will sign a behavior agreement to ensure everyone understands the standards set forth.
Where does the team practice and when?
September through February, practices are held at the Complexo de Piscinas do Jamor. July and August 2009, practices will be held at the NATO JHQ pool. See the website practice schedule for more detailed information.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, you can contact us at lisbonbullsharks@gmail.com or one of the team officers listed on the About Us page.
LIST By-Laws
Article I – GENERAL
1. Organization. The name of the organization will be the NATO/JHQ Lisbon International Swim Team (hereafter referred to as LIST). The LIST is a non-profit competitive swim club. All swimmers in the club are eligible to swim in European Forces Swim League (EFSL) swim meets in accordance with league guidelines.
2. Affiliation. The LIST is affiliated with NATO, Joint Command Lisbon, Lisbon Portugal. LIST is a non-profit organization, administered and financially supported by its own members with assistance and support through US Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department (MWR) as well as NATO Moral Welfare AC.
Article II – OBJECTIVE
The NATO/JHQ- Lisbon International Swim Team (LIST) is being formed in order to foster into the youngest members of our international community a spirit of togetherness as part of an international swim team that believes in the values of conditioning, teamwork, determination and sportsmanship.
Article III – MEMBERSHIP
1. Swimmer Eligibility
a. Age eligibility is 6 up to and including age 19.
b. Each swimmer on the team must be included in at least one of the following categories:
•Children of military persons living and assigned outside of their home country;
•Children of government employees who are living and assigned to positions outside of their home country;
•Children of persons employed by the military or the government organization sponsoring the team and not a resident of the receiving state (This includes children of government contractors);
•A youth attending a DOD, DND or a recognized equivalent school sponsored by a sending state; (CAISL falls into this category)
•Children of persons assigned in NATO positions including those of the receiving state.
c. In addition to the above criteria swimmers must be able to pass a swim test administered by the Swim Coach or their designee.
d. Swimming slots are also on a space available basis.
2. Members
a. Swimmers. Those personnel who meet the minimum ability criteria established by the Board of Directors, and whose registration fees and dues are current.
b. Parents. Parents of swimmers are voting members for selection of the Board of Directors or team votes.
c. Team Captains. There will be one male and one female swimmer elected by the swimmers to serve as team captains each swim year. These two captains are voting members for the selection of the Board of Directors or team votes.
c. Other Persons. Those personnel who volunteer to contribute their time and talent to further the objectives of LIST.
3. Responsibilities
a. Swimmer responsibilities:
(1) Display good sportsmanship.
(2) Attend and actively participate in practices and meets.
(3) Inform the coach of intent not to compete at least one week prior to each meet.
(4) Abide by the rules and regulations of the LIST.
(5) Sign and uphold the Parent/Swimmer Contract.(6) Dress and remain poolside until parent or guardian is able to arrange pick-up if unable to participate in practice.
b. Parent responsibilities:
(1) Complete the following documentation for their swimmer(s):
(a) Registration application. The registration application includes permission to be on team, permission to release name and phone number on phone tree, and permission to have child photographed during team competitions.
(b) Emergency data card, which will be kept poolside for contact information in emergency cases.
(c) Parent / Swimmer contract.
(d) Medical info sheet.
(2) Attend parent meetings as scheduled.
(3) Assist in activities including LIST swim meets and fundraisers if possible.
(4) Foster good sportsmanship in support of LIST objectives.
(5) Assist in enforcing the rules and regulations of the LIST.
c. Volunteer responsibilities.
(1) Assist in activities and functions of the LIST.
(2) Assist in enforcing the rules and regulations of the LIST.
(3) Foster good sportsmanship.
4. Fees
a. The Finance Committee will recommend to the Board the recommended registration fee schedule and monthly dues schedule no later than January 30, The board will vote on the fee schedule no later than February 28th .
b. Registration fees are due in March with a half-year prorated for personnel joining team after November 1st of that calendar year. The registration fees include team swim suit, swim cap and team t-shirt for those registering before August.
c. Monthly dues are payable each month that the swimmer is a member of the team and is due on the first of the month. Swimmers whose registration and or monthly membership fees are past due may not practice or compete with the team unless prior arrangements have been made. There is a 5% discount for yearly dues paid by April 1st of that swim year (March through February).
d. The head swim coach is allocated two (2) swim scholarships that may be used at their discretion for deserving swimmers who may not be able to participate otherwise.
e. The finance committee will be appointed by the executive board and will constitute no less then 5 members.
5. Fundraising
a. Fundraising is vital to the success of the swim season. Money collected as part of a fundraising effort are used to offset administrative costs with travel expenses.
6. Meet Participation.
A swimmer shall compete in at least three (3) EFSL meets in order to be eligible for an invitation to the League Championship.
Article IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
1. Board of Directors. The governing authority of the LIST will be the Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as the Board) consisting of a minimum of five members for a term of one year.
2. Board members. Board members will be elected from the adult membership for terms of one year from 1 March to 28 February. The nominations for the new Board members will be taken at the regular general meeting held in December. The vote for the new Board members will be at the regular general meeting held in January. The March Board meeting will be a joint meeting with current and newly elected Board members for the purpose of passing down information and the turning over of all records.
3. Advisory committee. The Board may appoint advisory committees, as the need requires, serving the Board. A legal advisor may be appointed by the President or a member of the Board with the approval of the Board, and shall serve as an advisor to the Board.
4. Quorum. A quorum for transacting business at a scheduled Board meeting will consist of 5 of the total elected Board members including the head coach.
Article V – DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
1.Board procedure. The Board will be charged with formulating and acting upon all matters of policy and procedures affecting the operation of the LIST.
a. The Board will meet monthly, and as needed, with due notice to all members of the Board.
b. The Board shall consist of both elected and additional appointed officers.
c. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Head Coach, and Fundraiser Coordinator. The members of the Executive Board are elected positions, except for the Head Coach, who is appointed by the board.
d. Additional Board members may be elected by the general membership or appointed by the Executive Board as required. These positions consist of the Travel Coordinator, Meet Director, Statistician, Webmaster, Publicity Coordinator, Portuguese Liaison Coordinator, and two Member at Large.
e. The Executive Board has the authority (when convened by the President) to resolve grievances, make arrangements with individual members experiencing financial hardship, and approve all expenditures.
2. President responsibilities-preside at all meetings of the LIST. Call special meetings when necessary. Sign on the treasury in the absence of the Treasurer. Appoint, with the approval of the elected officers, various committee chairmen. Sign any contracts for the LIST when authorized by the Board. Track documented discipline grievances submitted to the Board.
3. Vice President responsibilities-Act as the President in the absence of the President and assume the office should a vacancy occur.Coordinate plans for the monthly meetings and all special activities.Submit all fundraising requests prepared by the Finance Committee and approved through the board to MWAC, JHQ Lisbon, or MWR, Rota Spain.
4. Secretary responsibilities-record the minutes of all meetings, which will be retained as a permanent record.Make copies of minutes available on the website to all Board members in a timely manner.Notify the Board of scheduled meetings and special meetings.Coordinate annual and ongoing registration of team members.Maintain team membership files.Generate team phone tree and address database including E-Mail addresses.
5. Treasurer responsibilities-receive dues and maintain a current list of membership status. Submit a monthly financial statement to the Board. Be present at fundraising events and other functions if possible to take charge of financial matters. Pay all authorized LIST bills. Maintain an accurate account of receipts and disbursements. Be responsible for all LIST funds. Have the financial records audited annually by MWAC as directed. Maintain a list of individuals with outstanding accounts to LIST with the status of each account. Maintain personal travel fund account from fund raising activities.
6. Head Coach responsibilities-serve as a voting member of the Board after being appointed by the Board. The appointment is valid until withdrawn by the board. Implement the objectives of the LIST.Comply with the policies and procedures of the Board.Maintain discipline in accordance with the parent / swimmer contract.Be responsible for training the team members.Request Board assistance when needed for practices and meets.Attend all scheduled meets and assist Meet Director / Coordinator.Ensure all practices have adequate coaching coverage.Schedule coaches meetings as needed.Be available for presentation of awards.Provide feedback to parents and children regarding progress and achievements of swimmers.Ensure daily attendance records are maintainedCoordinate with the Athletic Directors at local participating schools, to establish the requirements for earning a Varsity Letter, and to present these Letters at the end-of-year awards ceremony.Attend required league meetings and training events.
7. Travel Coordinator responsibilities-work with the President and head coach to develop a package to give to all teams of the EFSL at the President Meeting to promote teams coming to Lisbon. In addition, the Travel Coordinator must work to get hotel deals, research transportation airfares to Lisbon from other EFSL destinations, and provide packages for the President to distribute and market Lisbon.Research options for transportation and lodging to away meets, have a package to hand out at the opening season of planned away trips, and send and post such packages to the Website.Provide information of options to LIST members at meetings or via E-MailWork with Treasurer to maintain list of travel plans of individuals participating in selected events. Arrange transportation, accommodations, and meals as authorized by Board emphasizing cohesive team accommodations.
8. Meet Director responsibilities-arrange and coordinate all aspects of swim meets with the EFSL. Be responsible for coordinating volunteers.
9. Fundraising Coordinator responsibilities-research and coordinate appropriate activities for local fundraising.Schedule members and parents for each event approved by the Board.Maintain list of those participating in each event and submit this list to the Board for review and approval.
10. Publicity Coordinator responsibilities-responsible for publicizing meet result and photos after each event.Responsible for informing the Lisbon community about the Lisbon International Swim Team and recruiting new members.Place several articles in the JCL newsletter during the spring/summer months to spark some interest.
11. Statistician responsibilities-must have a strong working knowledge of computer programs.Maintain software to reflect team members’ statistics.Provide archived statistical information for coaches.Submit post meet information to EFSL sources within deadline.Assist the Head Coach in compiling and organizing data in preparation for events.Be present at meets.Be responsible for LIST laptop computer, printer, paper, set-up, and signage around statistician area for events.Coordinate with awards personnel for presentations of medals and ribbons.Provide list of events requiring medals for upcoming meets to the Meet Director / Supply Coordinator.
12. Portuguese Liaison Coordinator responsibilities-responsible for coordinating with local Portuguese agencies in supporting LIST initiatives with the Portuguese community, to include hosting of swim meets with and using Portuguese facilities for LIST events.
13. Member at Large responsibilities-attend and actively participate in all scheduled Board meetings.Be available, as needed, by the Board to implement the objectives of the LIST.
Article X – DISCIPLINE / GRIEVANCES 1. Discipline. The coaching staff is responsible for good order and discipline at practices and meets. At the discretion of the Head Coach, a member / swimmer can be removed and prohibited from participating in the next practice. All cases of disciplinary action shall be reported to the LIST President within 24 hours.
2. Grievances. Any member, coach, Board member, or member’s parent may file a grievance to the LIST Board using the following procedure: The person filing the complaint must contact an LIST Board member to serve written notice that a complaint is being filed. The Board member will contact the Executive Board to resolve the situation or the entire Board may be convened. In addition to the above, the Board may remove a LIST member from the LIST for repeated disciplinary infractions or a severe action as determined by the board: examples include but are not limited to: refusal to participate in meets or practice, fighting, inappropriate behavior, or failure to maintain good financial standing with the team. The decision of the Board is final.
Article XI – FISCAL POLICIES 1. All fiscal records will be maintained in accordance with accepted accounting procedures.
2. The LIST is a private non-profit organization.
3. In the event that the LIST disbands or in fact ceases to function, any net assets, including those in the treasury, will be placed in custodial care of the MWAC fund for a period of one year or dispersed as directed by the Board.
Article XII – MEETINGS 1. General membership meetings will be held as scheduled.
2. The Board may call special meetings of the LIST with appropriated notification.
3. Notification will be given at least ten days before a meeting of the LIST if possible.
Article XIII – RECORDS 1. Each Board member will maintain a current book of the duties and responsibilities of their office.
2. The current procedures for the day-to-day business, contacts, and phone numbers will be reviewed annually before transferring the records to a successor.
Article XIV – PASSAGE OF THE BY-LAWS 1. Initial Passage of theBy-Laws will be by majority vote of the voting membership to be held at the general membership meeting.
2. The By-Laws of the LIST may be amended at a meeting of the General Membership or by electronic voting via Email to the official email address on record with the Secretary. All voting by email will be open for 96 hours. Email voting will only be used when speed is of the essence.
