APPLICANTS FOR THE 18^th WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES

GENERAL INFORMATION - SWIMMING

Israel - July 2009

Contact Information:  Seth Baron - Overall Swimming Chairman,  SwimMaccabiah09@comcast.net

APPLICATIONS FOR ATHLETES:  The Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel web site (www.maccabiusa.com) has a downloadable (PDF file) application. The online application is available at www.maccabiusaapp.com. Athletes must register by completing an application and by sending in the $40 application fee and signature page to be eligible for selection to the team. All swimming applicants are also required to submit a Swimming Registration Form ( 18th Maccabiah Swimming Registration Form), which can be obtained from the Maccabi USA office or any member of the coaching staff.

DATE OF 18^th WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES:  July 13 - 23, 2009.  Team USA will be departing on July 2^nd and returns to the USA on July 24^th.

COACHING STAFF:
Open Swimming:  Head Women’s Coach, Jeff Poppell (jpoppell@uark.edu)
                          Head Men’s Coach, Barry Roffer (Bjr0301@aol.com)
Junior Swimming: Head Coach, Doug Markoff (swimecu@hotmail.com)
                          Assistant Coach, TBA (pending)  

SIZE OF TEAMS:  A maximum of 12 males and 12 females (for each division – Open & Juniors)
Athletes born from 1993-1996 are eligible for the Junior Girls Division. Athletes born from 1993-1995 are eligible for the Junior Boys Division. All other athletes are eligible for the Open Division.

SWIMMING COMPETITION:  This competition will take place at The Wingate Institute and will compete in a Long Course Meters format. This competition is sanctioned by FINA and recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). All swimmers selected to the 18th World Maccabiah Games team must also be a registered swimmer with USA Swimming. If you are a member of a USA Club Team – most likely you are already an athlete member. Masters athletes must also be registered athletes.

COUNTRIES PARTICIPATING:  (subject to change – to be updated in Feb 2009) Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Great Britain, Israel, Lithuania, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, United States, Venezuela

TEAM SELECTION:  There are NO qualifying times for the 18th World Maccabiah Games. Everyone interested in competing in the Games, must fill out an application to be considered. You can find this information at: www.maccabiusa.com. The team will be selected from all applications – based upon best times. All swimming applicants are also required to fill out the Swimming Registration Form, so that all events/times submitted can be verified, prior to team selection. This form can be obtained through the MUSA office or any member of the coaching staff.

SUBMISSION OF BEST TIMES: On the application – there is a space for “Recent Performance Results.” You can submit your preliminary information on the application. In addition, all swimming applicants are required to fill out a Swimming Registration Form to submit their best events/times. Best times can be submitted up until the deadline (December 31, 2008). Your performances must be from approved/sanctioned competitions. We must be able to verify your performances to be considered in the selection process. Submitted events/times must be obtained between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008 to be considered for team selection.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR SWIMMING:  ALL Swimming applications are required to be submitted NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 31, 2008. The Swim Teams will be announced no later than February 1, 2009. This deadline, includes the Swimming Registration Form.

COST OF TRIP: The cost for Open Athletes is $3,300. The cost for Junior Athletes is $6,600. This fee can be obtained in numerous ways. You can ask for donations, get a corporate and/or personal sponsor, become involved in the Maccabi USA Raffle program, etc. Upon appointment to the team, you will be given a specific timetable for your initial deposit as well as a deadline for final payments. Masters swimming has additional financial responsibilities; please contact Maccabi USA for costs associated with Masters competitions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The organizers for the 18th World Maccabiah Games and Maccabi USA delegation have a whole host of activities for all the athletes. This ranges from pre-camp tours of Israel to cultural events and social get-togethers. These activities allow the athletes to meet other athletes from around the world and share in some once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Team USA Coaches and appointed Managers serve as chaperones for these activities. Athletes usually have very little free time during the trip. All Maccabi USA sponsors activities are required for athletes and coaches.

MISSION TRIPS:  Family members planning to make the trip to Israel are welcome to attend the swimming competition. Maccabi USA also organizes Mission trips for families and supporters which includes airfare, hotel, and transportation.  The Mission Brochure will be sent to all appointed team members.

TICKETS FOR OPEN/CLOSING CEREMONIES AND COMPETITIONS:  Information regarding ticket sales for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as ticket information for the swimming competition will be provided, once details have been finalized.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE 18th WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES: www.maccabiah.com