Below is a summary 'to know' for our first dual meet tomorrow, reminder about 10 and under bash Friday, and note on Sponsorships Incentive...

For Every Meet, you will

1.  RSVP your swimmer(s) at least 48 hours before the meet and Sign up for a volunteer spot for at least 1/2 meet - Done for this week :).  If you don't get RSVPed - you will not be able to swim at the meet and we NEED EVERY swimmer to swim at EVERY meet they can.

2.  Bring:  Make sure to wear your meet swimsuit (don't have one? go to swim and tri ASAP to purchase), bring your gulf park cap (see me if you haven't got yours yet), goggles (and maybe extra goggles in case), towel, chair(s), tent (if you prefer), sweat shirt/warm cover up, can even bring hand-warmers for those wet and chilly nights like this week.  You will also want at least 1 sharpie (see below for why).

SWIM SUIT AND CAP
You'll get a free swim cap from us when the season starts. It has been a few years, so we have a new swim suit design this year. You can buy the team swim suit at http://swimandtri.com - click "Team Portal" on the left navigation and enter "sharks" to see ours. You'll see the TYR Swarm Blue (girls/jammer) and Plexus brief suit there for the team.

2. Arrive by 5 - for AWAY meets (will be 4:30 for home).  See meet director email for address and parking instructions.  This week we will begin warmups at 5:30 - but you need to arrive on the Sugarwood pool deck by 5 so you have time to check in - see next steps..

**CANCELLATIONS AND TEXT ALERT SYSTEM

We swim in the rain! However, thunder and lightning can cause a delay if at, so a stormy day could cancel practice of delay a meet. If practices cancel, we'll notify you via text and Facebook. Assume the meet/practice is ON until official word is sent.

Subscribe to text alerts: Text GPSHARKS to 84483 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/GPBlueSharks

3.  When you arrive - make sure to go to our team's (Visitor this week) section - see meet director email for details and Check in with Volunteer Coordinator and listen for Workers Meeting announcement - Check in your swimmer(s) on the posted Heat Sheet (put a check by your swimmers names and note what event(s) they are swimming.  Note that there will be one print out with boy/girl (may be separate sections) swimmers and individual events, relays are usually printed on a separate sheet.  All swimmers should have 4 events - if you have less - double check with clerks/coaches.  Enter the sharpie:  Younger swimmers usually write their names and age on their back, which helps greatly when trying to organize them. Parents will write events on their hands also, which prevents having to keep up with something written.  Kids will also write competitive phrases and funny stuff like “eat my bubbles.” 

What is a Heat Sheet?

A heat sheet is kind of like a line up or a program for a play. It lists all the events, all the times, all the heats, and every individual swimmer at the meet. This is how you know what the event number is, what heat and lane your child is in. The first number is the event number, followed by a description of the event, then the Heat number/Lane number. When in doubt - just ask and we will help you figure it all out :).

4.  Stay for WHOLE meet - relays are at the end of the meet for ALL ages - we need ALL swimmers to stay.  If a swimmer leaves early, their WHOLE relay team CAN'T compete.

5. Some Swim Team Terminology

IM – This stands for “Individual Medley” – The swimming event where the swimmer swims all four strokes (in this order): butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle.

Medley Relay – The relay that includes all four strokes – with one (of the four) swimmers swimming each stroke in the relay.

DQ – This is short for “Disqualified.” Stroke and Turn Judges are required to watch all swimmers and make sure that all strokes and turns are “legal.”

About those DQs

There is absolutely no shame in getting a DQ in a meet! It’s the same as misspelling a word on a spelling test. You made a mistake, they wrote the thing to correct down, and you learn and improve.

6.  After the Meet 

Meet Ribbons

Every swimmer 12 and under gets a ribbon denoting how they did at dual meets (like a 1^st place or 6^th place ribbon). If your younger swimmer does NOT want the ribbons, let us know. Also if your OLDER swimmer does want them, we’d be happy to provide them – just let us know!

Pictures!

We always do an end-of-the-summer banquet complete with photo slide show – so be sure to get some great pictures and send them in!

We also take professional individual and team photos so that you can have a great lasting memento of this summer. It is so much fun to look back at those pictures as your kids grow. Watch for information about when picture day is scheduled.

6. 10 and Under Bash FRIDAY 6pm-8pm Family Bowl - $10 per child  - Please RSVP on the website and join us for this fun time with our swim friends and families.  We would LOVE to have a get together for 11&up as well - if you are able to help with, coordinate or plan this event please let us know ASAP!

7. SPONSORSHIP INCENTIVE!

There is no one more convincing than a SHARK, so we thought YOU could bring in some sponsors! If your family brings in a new Silver sponsor or higher ($250 and up), that will cover one of your swimmer's fees for this summer! Plus the team and pool will get the remainder for improvements and parties, and the sponsor will reach a great new audience of families... it's a win-win-win! Let me know at [email protected] if you have a sponsor to sign up, need more details, or have questions.

As Always GO SHARKS!

Jennifer Manrod

Swim Team Director

Gulf Park Blue Sharks