Swim Meet FAQ
For our new families to the team, here is some information provided from the perspective of returning parents:
Welcome to the Stingrays!
Some helpful answers to frequently asked questions:
How often should my child(ren) practice?
There is no “hard and fast” rule, it all depends on what competitive level your child would like to get fromswim team. The older age groups (13 & Up) should practice 5 days per week. The younger age groups are suggested around 2-4 practices per week.This is recommended to promote continuity and sportsmanship. Your child(ren)’s desire to swim and their goals will factor into this decision as well.
What is the best way to connect with the coaches during practice?
Brief interactions are usually fine. Please remember the coaches are focusing on the swimmer’s so longer, more detailed questions are best left to a scheduled time. Parents are encouraged to communicate by email as much as possible. Please contact Ray or Jen at any time to set up a longer time to speak in person. All that being said, if there is an urgent matter let us know immediately! The Aquatics Director is also heavily involved with swim team programming and can be another avenue to communicate.
What happens at practice?
Children are grouped into skill level and work on drills. They are given instruction, feedback, and encouragement.They will spend most of the time in the pool unless the coaches pull them out to demonstratetechnique. We will also be practicing starts off the blocks during regular practices.
What happens after practice?
Children exit the pool and either shower and go home or simply go home. The swimmers will be exiting the side door near the deep end of the pool. We will have a coach at the door to release the swimmers to the right cars. No need for parents to get out of their cars.
What should my child bring to practice?
A sportswimsuit, a towel, goggles, water bottle (with their name on it) hair ties (if your child has long hair that needs to be pulled back), and a swim cap, Flip flops are recommended as well.
What to expect at a meet: Meets can last anywhere from a half a day to a full day. Plan to spend the day at the meet. Parents are encouraged to bring portable chairs, a blanket for your child(ren) to sit on, snacks, activities (books, games, etc.). We are usually in a crowded auditorium socome prepared to make yourselvescomfortable. All children are expected to wear their Stingray swimsuits and swim caps. It is recommended to bring extra towels and sweatpants, etc. to wear in-between events.
On the wall at the meet will be a printed list of events your child will be swimming in. Older swimmers and veteran parents can help show you and your child(ren) this information. Many of the children use a washable pen to write their races on their hands and keep track of their events.
At the beginning of the year,you will get a list of all of the meets. Swimmers are encouraged to attend as many meets as possible. Three competitive meets must be completed for swimmers to attend the SENECY Championship meet.
Parent involvement:
We love parent involvement, and we need parent involvement! There are many ways that parents can participate along with cheering on your swimmer.Home meets allow us to fundraise for the end of the year banquet and team gift. Signups will be emailed prior to an event for parents to volunteer to work at a food and beverage concession and for donation of goods. Please do what you can. Parents are also encouraged to assist the team during meets by volunteering to organize the bullpen, timing, and other similar tasks. Experience is not necessary to help, and you will be able to watch your child swim.Please see us for further information. We value your participation and thank you in advance for your help.
End of the year:
SENECY Championships is our final meet that, as stated previously, children need to have participated in at least 3 races to be a part of. The SENECY meet is a mandatory meet and a requirement to be enrolled in stingray’s swimming.
After this meetwe end the year with a banquet that honors swimmers, families, and staff. Parents again can help by donating dessert items, beverages, or by serving food at the banquet. It is a fun celebration of all the team’s hard work.
If this sheet did not answer all of your questions or if you need to get in contact with Ray and Jen Baker they can be contacted at: [email protected]
We are looking forward to a swimmingly good year!
