Meet Questions
1)I didn’t opt my child in for the meet, Can I just show up?
No. Your child may not have a race to swim in. Our coaches work hard to make the heats the most effective for the meets. They go with the swimmers who have committed to attending the meet so that we don’t have to default(scratch) out of events and lose points. If you shark is not committed, they then cannot be depended on them to attend the meet. It is heart-wrenching to explain to a young shark they can’t swim their relay race because so and so didn’t show up.
2)My child became ill the day of a meet, what do I do?
Life happens. We understand that. Sometimes missing a meet you’ve committed to is unavoidable. Notify the coaches or team director as soon as you can so that we can rework events to make sure we have swimmers. This way we avoid heartbreak of not being able to swim an event.
3)I want to get my child when they are done swimming and take photos.
Sure you can do this. In the team area. Not in the ready bench area for heats and not at the finish of the races on deck.
4)Can I hang out on the heat benches with my child? Can I stand at the finish and take pictures?
NO. If you want to hang out with your child on the heat benches, volunteer to help with ready bench. Of course this means you become a mother shark to more than just your child.
No. Standing in official deck areas impedes the scoring and running of the meet. Scorekeepers and meet officials have to have a clear line of sight for finishes and starts and if we have parents taking pictures etc, this will be impeded. Trust the team staff.
5)My shark is a pre swimmer/ 6& under, can they leave when they are done?
Sure. As long as they have finished all their MARKED races. But always feel welcome to hang out and show them some of the big kids swimming. They will be there one day soon!
If you have other questions, please feel free to ask. [email protected]
MEET FAQ’s
1)Arrive on time. Rushing into events is not good for anyone. Please have your swimmer dressed and ready to go. If you can apply sunscreen after they are marked, it works better. EVERY SWIMMER needs to check in with the ready bench moms and get marked.
2)Warm –ups:
a.6 & Under and half-lappers do not warm up before a meet. Half Lappers only swim prior to the home meets, starting at 5:45pm.
b.All other swimmers warm up prior to the meet.
3)All meet events begin at 6:00 PM. Swimmers need to be at the pool at 4:30 p.m. for home meets and 4:45 for away meets.
4)It is unacceptable to no-show at a meet. The coaches have to prepare fair and competitive heat sheets for each meet. If you must miss due to an emergency, please call
5)Follow parking signs and rules. Remember, EVERYONE who is swimming is trying to park. You can drop off in the front, but need to park outside of the no parking areas and not block driveways.
6)Kids sit together as a team under the tents or assigned area. IF you want to sit with your child, ONE parent can do so. The remainder of any spectators need to find a place on the deck that does not impede movement or block the side. Bring your own chairs. IF you are sitting with your child under the tents, please help us by keeping an eye on them, trash cleaned up etc.
7)Remind your kids to stay with their group. Ready Bench moms spend a LOT of time chasing kids down. All sharks should be checked in with ready bench moms before heading to the heat area. If they need a snack or to go to the bathroom. Have them tell a Ready Bench Mom so someone knows where to begin the hunt. If your child is missing and doesn’t make their heat, they will not have a redo opportunity.
8)What to bring:
a. Swimmers should bring goggles, a cap, their towel (name on it somewhere, please), healthy snacks, water and entertainment for long waits (cards, books, games, etc.). Do not bring items that can be damaged or lost. The swim team is not responsible your swimmers items.
b.Bring cash for concessions as all pools run a concession stand. Please keep your area clean and throw away your trash.
9)Swimmer’s Responsibility:
a. It is the child’s responsibility to be ready to swim at race time. Swimmers must remain with their age group until all THEIR events are completed. If your child comes to talk to you during the meet, please direct them back to the ready bench area. Our ready bench parents can not hunt swimmers down for a race. If your child misses a race, they let down their team.
b.Swimmers are responsible for the items they bring to the meet, keeping their area clean and leaving it clean at the end of the meet.
10)If you have a younger swimmer or only swimming one event, you may leave when your swimmer is finished.UNLESS, you have volunteered for an on deck position. These have to stay for the entire shift unless an emergency occurs.
11)Be respectful to ALL volunteers. This is our ready bench moms, judges, runners etc. Our team is run by volunteers. Make sure your children understand this as well. They represent our neighborhood and their behavior reflects this. If there is an issue with the meet, find the team rep, team director and we can help guide to get things addressed. Do not directly address meet officials (judges, place judges) OUR TEAM CAN BE DISQUALIFIED IF PARENTS DISRUPT THE MEET.