Hey Shark Families!

I know we are preparing for the practice meet on Thursday, but I wanted to remind you of what is going on this week and next as well as when your next RSVP for our first away meet is due.

We are looking forward to our first Away Meet against Princeton Lakes on Wednesday, May 27^th.

Here is what to look for in this email:

*Practice Meet

*No Practice

*Princeton Lakes Away Meet

*Swimmers that cannot swim unassisted

*Junior Sharks

*Swim Team Shirts

Practice Meet:

I will be sending out a detailed message Thursday morning with Practice Meet details. The email will be like the one I sent last week with check in times, etc. We are still missing a lot of volunteers for the meet and the meet cannot happen if those positions are not filled.

No Practice:

There is NO PRACTICE TOMORROW, Wednesday, May 20th. We will start morning practices on Thursday, May 21st. The practice schedule is on our website so you can check those morning times.

There will also be no practice on Memorial Day, May 25th.

Away Meet at Princeton Lakes:

Our first Away Meet is eight days from today, May 27th. Details regarding the time to check in and warm up, pool address, parking, and their concessions to follow once I receive this information from their coordinator.

Please RSVP attending or not attending by Friday, May 23^rd at Midnight. You can do this by going to the website: https://somersetsharks.swimtopia.com/

If you RSVP that you are attending, please attend. We understand that sickness happens but if it does, please text me (304)593-2138 or send an email ASAP. If your kid is feeling under the weather and you are uncertain if you are going to be there let us know by Wednesday morning. That way when we are finalizing the heat sheets, we do not put your child in a relay. Once you are at the meet, do not leave until all your child’s events are finished. Leaving early leaves a relay team without a person which means those that stayed to swim cannot swim and this hurts three other kids. If you do not want to stay for those late relays you can make a note in SwimTopia that you are leaving early, not available for late relays.

We will need the following volunteer positions for the Away Meet:

*2 People – 6 & Under Bullpen

*1 Person – 7&8 Bullpen – 1^st shift

*2 People – 7 & 8 Bullpen – 2^nd shift

*1 Person – Lane Judge – 1^st Shift

*1 Person – Lane Judge – 2^nd Shift

*1 Person – Lane Manager – 1^st Shift

*3 People – Lane Manager – 2^nd Shift

*1 Person – Timer – 1^st Shift

*3 People – Timer – 2^nd Shift

If we do not have these positions filled, we cannot have a swim meet. The Somerset Sharks is all volunteer based and without volunteers we cannot have a team. The team policy is that a parent must volunteer AT LEAST TWO SHIFTS PER SWIMMER. The policy does not apply to our Junior Sharks.

Swimmers that cannot swim unassisted:

While we are allowed to have a coach in the water during our practice meet, we cannot allow this at the meets going forward. If your child is not capable of swimming unassisted, they will not be able to swim during a meet. 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 the coach can determine if your child can swim in the meet. If your child fits into this category, keep coming to practice because they will likely be able to swim in the later meets.

With a Friday, May 23^rd at Midnight RSVP deadline, you can see how your child does in the practice meet and then decide whether you can attend the away meet.

Junior Sharks:

Last year our junior sharks only attended one away meet. Once I have spoken with the coordinator, I will let you know ASAP whether you can travel to an away meet or not. If the junior sharks do not attend the away meet, we will have a race on the day of practice.

Swim Team Shirts:

We have had a delay with our shirts, but they will hopefully be in at the end of next week.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks,

Alicia Luechtefeld

Swim Team Coordinator

(304) 593-2138