Aims and Objectives

· To provide a team of approximately 120 children over 6 years old, up to, and including high school age, of all backgrounds with a competitive swim program of a maximum of 5 days per week for ten months of the year. Full attendance will be encouraged, but we recognize the many interests available to children in Tokyo. All children will be encouraged to compete at "friendly" meets.

· To provide a training program designed and conducted by experienced coaches, which will progress the natural abilities of each child to their fullest attainable extent.

· To encourage sportsmanship, self-discipline, team / personal goals through attainment of peak physical form.

· To alternate the training with a Fun Day at least once a month. To arrange a competitive swim meet monthly, half being "at home" and half being "away." At least one meet per season will be outside Tokyo.

· To encourage parental involvement outside training, by means of assistance during swim meets and travelling with the team on away meets. To instruct and inform parents and swimmers periodically by means including a newsletter, the swim team bulletin board, and Buccaneer logs prior to competitions.

· To form a Board each season to preside over the administration and direction of the program in consultation with the coaches and the school administration, but not to interfere with the coaches handling of the training nor content of swim meets, unless considered absolutely necessary. In matters of dispute or debate the coach shall be ultimately responsible to the president of the team.

· To foster links with other local and regional teams through swim meets, and to maintain a close relationship with the American Swim Council in Japan and the St. Mary's School administration. 

Team Philosophy

The large population of the expatriate community in Tokyo warrants a diversified athletic program, which should include swimming for children whose interest and abilities lie in this area. Competitive swimming builds a strong foundation for a lifetime of good health. General cardiovascular development is enhanced through swimming more than any other sport. Swimming is also one of the safest of all major sports because it is not a body contact sport. It is a fact that swim programs encourage children to develop a self-discipline which in term fosters a desire to maintain peak physical form.

The International Buccaneers competitive swim program tries to nurture in its swimmers the qualities of good sportsmanship. Team spirit is an important quality for the competitive swimmer, which requires commitment and a sense of responsibility to the team as well as oneself. The program will help swimmers to achieve team goals as well as personal goals. Our program strives to instill in young swimmers an appreciation for such concepts as high self-esteem, personal accountability, constructive self-motivation, goal setting, and goal achievement in training and competition. It is our belief that the process of achieving is as significant as the achievement itself. We want our athletes to be process oriented, not outcome oriented. While it takes continued hard work to maintain physical fitness, the program recognizes the need for fun and will include some fun events for the team in addition to serious competition.

Trophies, plaques, and ribbons are given as rewards at meets for personal accomplishments, but these are not over-emphasized. All efforts are worthwhile even if they do not result in something material. Winning is bettering your own time!

A swimmer learns by trial and error and skillful guidance given by his coaches. Also, enduring support from family and team members is a necessary ingredient to nurture the swimmer's development. Our program aims to be dynamic and innovative. We wish to create and maintain a positive and enhancing environment suitable for the swimmers to learn. Other objectives include establishing good relations with the American Swim Council in Japan (ASCJ), other Japanese teams, and the St. Mary's School administration.

Realistic goals need to be set early in the season. From these, team members may establish individual goals with the coaches encouragement and confidence. Our aim is not to produce a champion but to produce an atmosphere where champions are inevitable. However, swimming is a means to an end.... to build self confidence, self discipline, integrity, and courage for life.

Age group swimming is a learning experience; therefore, mistakes need to be rationalized, followed by informing the swimmer of the most efficient methods and techniques. Learning these proper stroke mechanics (turns, starts, etc.) will set the swimmer on the path to their potential. Only after the swimmer has recognized that in order to be successful, one must discipline oneself and decide to make the commitment of hard work. Once practices have been consistently endured, once preparation for meets has occurred, the swimmer may fulfill his goals. The development of this attitude will instill confidence within the young athlete. This quality shall remain as a foundation upon which to build a successful career in virtually any athletic field, academic, or professional. Once implanted, the desire to achieve knows no limitations.