Hello Sharks,

A week from today is our practice meet! Our practice meet will be held, Thursday, May 21st. The practice meet is so important for not only the swimmers, but also the coaches and volunteers. We have an actual meet, except that there is not another team. This allows the swimmers to know when and where to be for their events and how each event is started, etc. The times collected during the practice meet will help the coaches with future line-ups. The coaches will be assessing during the practice meet which kids can swim unassisted.

While we can let the kids hold lane lines or be assisted during the practice meet, we cannot allow this at the other meets throughout the season. If a child is not capable of swimming unassisted, they will not be able to swim at a meet. The Cobb County Swim League rules state that swimmers must be able to swim the length of the pool (25 yards) unassisted, no matter the age, to participate in meets. The athletes may briefly stop and hold on to the lane rope before continuing. If you are not sure if your child can swim the length of the pool, make a note when you RSVP so that our coaches are aware. And they can determine if your child can swim in the other meets. If your child fits into this category, keep coming to practice because they will likely be able to swim in the later meets.

The practice meet also gives parents the opportunity to see what the volunteer positions are, and how a meet is run. The practice meet is a shorter meet which is a great opportunity to volunteer! Remember, over the course of the season a parent must volunteer AT LEAST TWO SHIFTS PER SWIMMER. Volunteer sign-ups will be done via the team website:https://somersetsharks.swimtopia.com/ or the SwimTopia app https://www.swimtopia.com/tour/swimtopia-mobile-app/

Please RSVP whether your child is swimming in the meet as well as any volunteer positions by midnight on Monday, May 18th. You can RSVP via the website or Swimtopia app. If you do not register your child, they will not be able to participate in the practice meet. Please RSVP yes or no, this will save us time from checking whether you plan to attend.

There is no need to RSVP for Junior Sharks (3&4s) just show up!

The best way to stay up to date on weather updates or communications is to subscribe to Remind. Send a text to 81010 and @936c678 I will send emails about all the information if practices or meets are postponed or canceled due to weather, I will be posting on Remind and the Facebook page first. Remind will act as a text so you will get that immediately.

We will also send updated via the Somerset Sharks Facebook Page.n Here is the link to the page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1427191040875937/

We also have an Instagram page where we will be posting different social media posts. You can request to follow here: https://www.instagram.com/somerset.sharks?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

What you need to know for meet days:

Arrival Time and Warm Up:

The meet will begin at 6:00 pm.

Athletes can arrive at 4:50 to begin checking in. Warm-ups will begin at 5:10. Volunteers (aside from those helping with meet set up) can check in with Brandy Pavelka starting at 5 pm.

Junior Sharks get to swim at this meet and their race begins at 5:45.

The Pool Deck:

*The baby pool, deep end and diving board will be closed during the meet.

*Parents and swimmers are not allowed on the deck area next to the tennis courts. This area is reserved for coordinators, coaches, scorekeepers, announcer/starter and the County Referee.

The Bullpen:

*Swimmers are supposed to stay in the bullpen during meets, so volunteers can locate them and line them up for their events. If you have smaller children, bring games or things to help them entertain themselves during the meets.

*For home meets, the Somerset Bullpen is located on the side away from the tennis court.

What to Bring - Parents:

*Folding Chairs

*Cash or Venmo account for concessions. We have an amazing concession stand. I will be sending the menu out before the meet.

*Your own Sharpie marker to write events on your swimmer’s arm, and name on their back (I will send additional information about this closer to the meet).

*Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.

What to Bring – Swimmers:

*Swim cap, goggles, and towel (Reminder – no suits or caps from other teams are allowed (high school, year-round, etc.)

*T-shirt to wear in between events

*Sunscreen

Parking:

Please observe the NO PARKING signs that will be placed in the parking lot and neighborhood streets on meet day. Be prepared to walk a good distance from where you park to the pool. The pool parking lot will be closed! Only those with designated spots will be able to park at the pool.

Food and Drinks:

We have an amazing concession stand. We offer a variety of food, snacks, and drinks for everyone at the meet. The concession stand will accept cash or Venmo payments. You are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks if you prefer. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Cobb County meets. No glass containers are allowed on the pool deck. You will not have access to the clubhouse or kitchen during the meet.

Meets are Not Mandatory:

If your child is unable or does not want to participate in any or all the meets, that is just fine. They can just come and cheer on their friends or enjoy the night off. Make sure to RSVP “not attending” by May 18th.

Volunteering:

We are still in need of volunteers. As I have mentioned, the meet CANNOT happen if we do not have volunteers. This is a very short meet and a great time to get one of your requirements for the season finished.

We still need the following volunteers:

*1 Person – 7&8 Bullpen

*3 People – Concessions – help serve and sell during meet

*2 Person – Concessions – help serve and sell during meet – Second shift

*1 Person – Lane Judge – Second Shift

*2 People – Lane Manager – Second Shift

*2 People – Meet Clean Up

*2 People – Meet Clean Up Concessions

*1 Person – Clean Up Trash During Meet

*4 People – Meet Set Up

*3 People – Timer – Second Shift

Please sign up to volunteer if you would like to help with these positions. If we do not get these positions filled we cannot have the meet.

No Practice:

We will not be having practice on May 20th. This is the last day of school for Cobb County. Morning practices will start on May 21st. I will be sending out additional reminders of this.

I know this is a lot of information, but I want you to be truly informed for the meets.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,

Alicia Luechtefeld

Swim Team Coordinator

(304)593-2138

[email protected]