You have questions? We have answers.
We understand swim team can be a little overwhelming and we want to assist in all ways possible. Here is some of the information you will need to assist you this season.
Parent Participation The organization and execution of the swim team program is a tremendous effort. Countless hours during the off-season, during the meets and between meets are required to make the season a success. It is ESSENTIAL and therefore MANDATORY that ALL PARENTS CONTRIBUTE their time and help in some way.
Parent Service Commitment Each family is required to serve a minimum of 6 credits. A deposit of $150.00 will be assessed for each family. PLEASE pay for this with a separate check during registration. The deposit will be returned after service credits have been signed off by the Volunteer Coordinator at the end of the season either during divisional or at the team party. Any unclaimed checks will be shredded after the team party. If parents do not reach their credits, then their check will be cashed and the following year they will have to leave a $300.00 check. If credits are not met and the second check ($300.00) is cashed, the family will be unable to return to StoneGators Swim Club.
Helpful Links (updated for 2014 season):
Parent Handbook
Volunteer Descriptions
NWAL Rulebook
DQ (Disqualification) Codes and descriptions
NWAL Parent/Coach Code of Conduct
Parent Code of Conduct
Parent Participation The organization and execution of the swim team program is a tremendous effort. Countless hours during the off-season, during the meets and between meets are required to make the season a success. It is ESSENTIAL and therefore MANDATORY that ALL PARENTS CONTRIBUTE their time and help in some way.
Parent Service Commitment Each family is required to serve a minimum of 6 credits. A deposit of $150.00 will be assessed for each family. PLEASE pay for this with a separate check during registration. The deposit will be returned after service credits have been signed off by the Volunteer Coordinator at the end of the season either during divisional or at the team party. Any unclaimed checks will be shredded after the team party. If parents do not reach their credits, then their check will be cashed and the following year they will have to leave a $300.00 check. If credits are not met and the second check ($300.00) is cashed, the family will be unable to return to StoneGators Swim Club.
Helpful Links (updated for 2014 season):
Parent Handbook
Volunteer Descriptions
NWAL Rulebook
DQ (Disqualification) Codes and descriptions
NWAL Parent/Coach Code of Conduct
Parent Code of Conduct
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions What is the cost?
1st swimmer: $120
2nd swimmer: $105
3rd swimmer: $ 90
15 yrs. or older: $45
Late Registration is $145 for the first swimmer and $60 for swimmers 15 yrs. and older
Refunds
Refundable Amount is registration fees, less $30 admin fee + $10 per swimmer (after shirts have been ordered):
100% of Refundable Amount until 1st practice on 4/13/15
Full refund (of Refundable Amount) extended for 6 & under swimmers until 1st practice AFTER time trials.
All other swimmers:
50% of Refundable Amount until start of Time Trials on 5/09/15.
No refunds after Time Trials start.
There will be a $20 charge for all returned checks.
How old must a swimmer be to join the team?
We have swimmers ranging in age from age 4 to 18.
What are my child's requirements to join the swim team?
Your child must be swim ready and 4 yrs or older. Your child must be able to swim unassisted from one side of the pool to the other.
Does my child need to wear the official swimsuit during practice?
No. We prefer swimmers not wear the official swimsuit during practice to increase the swimsuits longevity.
Can I sign up for text messages from the team?
Yes. Text “stonegator” to 292929
What do I need to bring to a swim meet?
You will need to bring towels, swim goggles, extra swim goggles, sun screen, mosquito spray, water, cash for snack or food, chairs, extra chair for a friend, old blank or canopy, stakes, and a hammer. You should label everything you bring. Also bring things to keep your child busy. While the majority of the parents share canopies, you are welcome to bring your own. Please make sure your canopy is secured to the ground. Teams will be selling breakfast and lunch during the meet, but you are welcome to bring your own food and snacks. Please do not bring generators, skateboards, or bicycles.
Can I bring a canopy to the away swim meets?
Yes. You are encouraged to do so, but please make sure that the canopy is secured to the ground with stakes. If you are not sure how to properly secure you canopy, please ask a board member for help.
Will there be a drop-off area for my stuff so I don't have to haul it so far from where I parked?
Yes - at home meets, the drop off is between the club house and the basketball court.
What do I need to do when I first arrive at the swim meet?
You must arrive to check in your swimmer at the registration table. You will then be given a sticker with events scheduled for your child. A volunteer will write the event numbers on your child's arm. Then find the age-group location for your child.
What is a ready bench?
This is a designated bench area to put the swimmers in the correct order/lane for the upcoming heat. There are usually two to three people helping in this area.
Where is Lane 1?
Lane 1 will be the swim lane closest to the starter at the Stonegators pool. Other pools may have different position of starter.
Why did my child get DQ'd?
Any number of reasons, but your child will be told why by the referee or coach when exiting the pool. Remember, your child should stop and ask their time when exiting the pool after a heat and then wait to check if they were DQ'd. We have provided a sheet/info to help explain what the referees are looking for during a heat.
What are Invitationals?
StoneGator Swim Club swimmers have the opportunity to participate in four invitational swim meets: Summer Champs (midseason), Pentathlon (where each swimmer swims free, back, breast, fly, and IM), and our end of year invitationals Ponderosa and AllStars. When a swimmer has a qualifying time per stroke, it will be indicated on the meet results. The invitational swim meets typically last 8 to 10 hours. invitationals@stonegators.org
What are time trials?
This is a mandatory meet for all swimmers. Under NWAL rules, no swimmer may enter an event without an official fastest time recorded at a sanctioned meet or time trial. Time trials only involve the StoneGator team, but it is run similar to an official meet to give new swimmers an opportunity to gain experience. Time trial will be held May 10th.
What time do meets start?
All Saturday dual meets start at 8:30am. Check in time is 6:30am.
Why do I have to be at a meet so early?
Swim meets last a few hours and before the meet starts, we want both teams’ swimmers to warm up in the host pool. Warm ups start at 7am (home) and 7:45am (away).
How long do swim meets last?
The dual meets last about 5 hours. Divisionals will last about 7 hours.
Do I have to attend swim meets?
The swimmer must swim at a minimum of 2 dual meets to earn a trophy.
How are the time improvement ribbons calculated?
This is for individual events only. If the swimmer gets a place ribbon (1-6) they can't get an improvement ribbon for that event.
We do not use Time Trials times for calculation. We only calculate time improvements off of dual meet times.
When will I know the results of the swim meet?
The meet results are regularly posted around the pool and will be posted on-line after the results are official about an hour after the meet.
When will I know the results of the events for my child?
The event results are posted on a board 30 to 45 minutes after the event has finished.
Are the results online?
Yes. The results will be posted online. Once you are registered you will be given a log-in to a secure site to view all results as per NWAL regulations.
Why do I need five volunteer credits?
The team needs many volunteers to help the meets run smooth. StoneGators Swim Club is a volunteer run organization.
I cannot make a swim meet that I'd scheduled to volunteer, what do I need to do?
Ask one of your fellow swim parents to fill in for you. If you can't, please contact Volunteer@stonegators.org ASAP to try to get the spot filled.
Can I trade my volunteer job with another parent?
Sure, but please notify Volunteer@stonegators.org about the change.
I don't like the job/time I was assigned, can I change?
Possibly. Talk to one of your fellow swim parents and they might trade with you. If not, contact Gina and she will see what she can do.
My child missed his heat/event. Why did this happen?
This does happen from time to time, but it is ultimately the responsibly of the parent to get the child to the ready bench. We have volunteers to assist on getting the right kids to the right spot during the meet, but if your child is not in the proper age tent and cannot be found, then the child might miss the event.
I need to leave early from a swim meet, what do I need to do?
If you are responsible for a volunteer job, please notify Amy or get a replacement ASAP. Also, notify the coach ASAP about your swimmer.
Can my child just go to swim practices and not go to any swim meets?
No. The StoneGators Swim Club is a team that wants all swimmers and families to participate in practices as well as meets.
Can my child just go to swim meets?
No.
If we miss practice during the week can my child still swim at the meet?
Yes
What is a (medley) relay team?
Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one fourth of the prescribed distance, in the following order:
1. Backstroke
2. Breaststroke
3. Butterfly
4. Freestyle
Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where applicable. Swimmers may swim in any order desired provided the proper order of strokes is maintained.
Why is my child not in the relay events for the meet?
Sometimes there are not enough swimmers to make a complete team for the event. If your child was not on the relay team for the current event, your child will be on the next relay team at the next meet.
When can I talk to the coach about my child during the swim meet?
You can talk to the coach after the swim meet. The coaches will be busy watching all the swimmers for the entire meet and recording swimmer's performance.
Where is the ribbon box?
The ribbon box will be located at the club house during the swim meets and be brought to most practice sessions.
What happens if there is bad weather?
If we suspect that there will be inclement weather before the meet, we will phone you about the meet change or cancellation. If there is a storm during the meet, the referees will remove the swimmers from the pool and there will be no swimming until the all-clear is given. Generally, 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.
My child can't swim; can we still join your swim team?
No. We would encourage you to enroll your swimmer in swim lessons.
My child is water safe, but can't swim very well. Can we still join your team?
The StoneGators Swim Club requires a child be able to swim before joining the team. Our coaches will not teach children to swim, but will teach them to swim better. Your child must be able to swim the width (not length) of the pool, unaided, in order to join the team. This is for the safety of your child as well as in the best interest of the team and other swimmers. During practice, the swimmer to coach ration can be as high as 30 to 1 or more, and aside from the safety issue, the coaches need to mostly coach to the group, not to individual swimmers. Swimmers will get some individual attention and coaching, but not enough to teach a non-swimmer to swim.
All swimmers in the 6 and under age group as well as all 7/8's that are new to the team will be required to attend Guppy School prior to the season starting. This will allow the coaches to confirm younger swimmers are able to swim to our requirements.
Do I need to purchase an official swimsuit?
Very strongly encouraged, but not required. All swimmers will be required to wear a team swim cap.
My child only knows one stroke, can we still join?
Yes.
Can my child be removed from the swim meet?
Yes. If your swimmer shows poor sportsmanship, your child will be removed from the event. We are all here to have a fun time watching your swimmer compete and unfortunately, someone with poor sportsmanship can ruin this.
When is the end of the year party?
The end of the year party is held in mid-August. This is the time our team awards will be given.
What is the Swimmer's picture day?
StoneGators will have picture day is normally the Friday prior to Time Trials. However, this date has not been set for 2014. Swimmers will wear the team swimsuit for a team photograph by the Stone Gate Rec Center swimming pool. The event will last about an hour and depending on how many small group or individual pictures. The photographer will also provide buttons of your child for swim meets.
When will I receive my photo button?
If you ordered a button at picture day, you will receive the button at the pep-rally.
Do I need to buy a heat sheet?
No, but the money does support the teams and helps the sponsor’s visibility.
Where are practices held?
Practices are held at the Stone Gate Rec Center and Pool at 11655 Canyon Green Dr.
Do the boys have to wear "Speedos"?
No, although they are still around, most boys opt for the knee-length "jammer" suit.
What if I'm involved in other sports?
Several of our swimmers participate in other activities, too. Our practices are offered several days a week to allow for more opportunities to participate.
Can I view the NWAL rulebook?
Yes - Right here.
last update: 02/11/2014
1st swimmer: $120
2nd swimmer: $105
3rd swimmer: $ 90
15 yrs. or older: $45
Late Registration is $145 for the first swimmer and $60 for swimmers 15 yrs. and older
Refunds
Refundable Amount is registration fees, less $30 admin fee + $10 per swimmer (after shirts have been ordered):
100% of Refundable Amount until 1st practice on 4/13/15
Full refund (of Refundable Amount) extended for 6 & under swimmers until 1st practice AFTER time trials.
All other swimmers:
50% of Refundable Amount until start of Time Trials on 5/09/15.
No refunds after Time Trials start.
There will be a $20 charge for all returned checks.
How old must a swimmer be to join the team?
We have swimmers ranging in age from age 4 to 18.
What are my child's requirements to join the swim team?
Your child must be swim ready and 4 yrs or older. Your child must be able to swim unassisted from one side of the pool to the other.
Does my child need to wear the official swimsuit during practice?
No. We prefer swimmers not wear the official swimsuit during practice to increase the swimsuits longevity.
Can I sign up for text messages from the team?
Yes. Text “stonegator” to 292929
What do I need to bring to a swim meet?
You will need to bring towels, swim goggles, extra swim goggles, sun screen, mosquito spray, water, cash for snack or food, chairs, extra chair for a friend, old blank or canopy, stakes, and a hammer. You should label everything you bring. Also bring things to keep your child busy. While the majority of the parents share canopies, you are welcome to bring your own. Please make sure your canopy is secured to the ground. Teams will be selling breakfast and lunch during the meet, but you are welcome to bring your own food and snacks. Please do not bring generators, skateboards, or bicycles.
Can I bring a canopy to the away swim meets?
Yes. You are encouraged to do so, but please make sure that the canopy is secured to the ground with stakes. If you are not sure how to properly secure you canopy, please ask a board member for help.
Will there be a drop-off area for my stuff so I don't have to haul it so far from where I parked?
Yes - at home meets, the drop off is between the club house and the basketball court.
What do I need to do when I first arrive at the swim meet?
You must arrive to check in your swimmer at the registration table. You will then be given a sticker with events scheduled for your child. A volunteer will write the event numbers on your child's arm. Then find the age-group location for your child.
What is a ready bench?
This is a designated bench area to put the swimmers in the correct order/lane for the upcoming heat. There are usually two to three people helping in this area.
Where is Lane 1?
Lane 1 will be the swim lane closest to the starter at the Stonegators pool. Other pools may have different position of starter.
Why did my child get DQ'd?
Any number of reasons, but your child will be told why by the referee or coach when exiting the pool. Remember, your child should stop and ask their time when exiting the pool after a heat and then wait to check if they were DQ'd. We have provided a sheet/info to help explain what the referees are looking for during a heat.
What are Invitationals?
StoneGator Swim Club swimmers have the opportunity to participate in four invitational swim meets: Summer Champs (midseason), Pentathlon (where each swimmer swims free, back, breast, fly, and IM), and our end of year invitationals Ponderosa and AllStars. When a swimmer has a qualifying time per stroke, it will be indicated on the meet results. The invitational swim meets typically last 8 to 10 hours. invitationals@stonegators.org
What are time trials?
This is a mandatory meet for all swimmers. Under NWAL rules, no swimmer may enter an event without an official fastest time recorded at a sanctioned meet or time trial. Time trials only involve the StoneGator team, but it is run similar to an official meet to give new swimmers an opportunity to gain experience. Time trial will be held May 10th.
What time do meets start?
All Saturday dual meets start at 8:30am. Check in time is 6:30am.
Why do I have to be at a meet so early?
Swim meets last a few hours and before the meet starts, we want both teams’ swimmers to warm up in the host pool. Warm ups start at 7am (home) and 7:45am (away).
How long do swim meets last?
The dual meets last about 5 hours. Divisionals will last about 7 hours.
Do I have to attend swim meets?
The swimmer must swim at a minimum of 2 dual meets to earn a trophy.
How are the time improvement ribbons calculated?
This is for individual events only. If the swimmer gets a place ribbon (1-6) they can't get an improvement ribbon for that event.
We do not use Time Trials times for calculation. We only calculate time improvements off of dual meet times.
When will I know the results of the swim meet?
The meet results are regularly posted around the pool and will be posted on-line after the results are official about an hour after the meet.
When will I know the results of the events for my child?
The event results are posted on a board 30 to 45 minutes after the event has finished.
Are the results online?
Yes. The results will be posted online. Once you are registered you will be given a log-in to a secure site to view all results as per NWAL regulations.
Why do I need five volunteer credits?
The team needs many volunteers to help the meets run smooth. StoneGators Swim Club is a volunteer run organization.
I cannot make a swim meet that I'd scheduled to volunteer, what do I need to do?
Ask one of your fellow swim parents to fill in for you. If you can't, please contact Volunteer@stonegators.org ASAP to try to get the spot filled.
Can I trade my volunteer job with another parent?
Sure, but please notify Volunteer@stonegators.org about the change.
I don't like the job/time I was assigned, can I change?
Possibly. Talk to one of your fellow swim parents and they might trade with you. If not, contact Gina and she will see what she can do.
My child missed his heat/event. Why did this happen?
This does happen from time to time, but it is ultimately the responsibly of the parent to get the child to the ready bench. We have volunteers to assist on getting the right kids to the right spot during the meet, but if your child is not in the proper age tent and cannot be found, then the child might miss the event.
I need to leave early from a swim meet, what do I need to do?
If you are responsible for a volunteer job, please notify Amy or get a replacement ASAP. Also, notify the coach ASAP about your swimmer.
Can my child just go to swim practices and not go to any swim meets?
No. The StoneGators Swim Club is a team that wants all swimmers and families to participate in practices as well as meets.
Can my child just go to swim meets?
No.
If we miss practice during the week can my child still swim at the meet?
Yes
What is a (medley) relay team?
Four swimmers on each team, each to swim one fourth of the prescribed distance, in the following order:
1. Backstroke
2. Breaststroke
3. Butterfly
4. Freestyle
Rules pertaining to each stroke used shall govern where applicable. Swimmers may swim in any order desired provided the proper order of strokes is maintained.
Why is my child not in the relay events for the meet?
Sometimes there are not enough swimmers to make a complete team for the event. If your child was not on the relay team for the current event, your child will be on the next relay team at the next meet.
When can I talk to the coach about my child during the swim meet?
You can talk to the coach after the swim meet. The coaches will be busy watching all the swimmers for the entire meet and recording swimmer's performance.
Where is the ribbon box?
The ribbon box will be located at the club house during the swim meets and be brought to most practice sessions.
What happens if there is bad weather?
If we suspect that there will be inclement weather before the meet, we will phone you about the meet change or cancellation. If there is a storm during the meet, the referees will remove the swimmers from the pool and there will be no swimming until the all-clear is given. Generally, 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.
My child can't swim; can we still join your swim team?
No. We would encourage you to enroll your swimmer in swim lessons.
My child is water safe, but can't swim very well. Can we still join your team?
The StoneGators Swim Club requires a child be able to swim before joining the team. Our coaches will not teach children to swim, but will teach them to swim better. Your child must be able to swim the width (not length) of the pool, unaided, in order to join the team. This is for the safety of your child as well as in the best interest of the team and other swimmers. During practice, the swimmer to coach ration can be as high as 30 to 1 or more, and aside from the safety issue, the coaches need to mostly coach to the group, not to individual swimmers. Swimmers will get some individual attention and coaching, but not enough to teach a non-swimmer to swim.
All swimmers in the 6 and under age group as well as all 7/8's that are new to the team will be required to attend Guppy School prior to the season starting. This will allow the coaches to confirm younger swimmers are able to swim to our requirements.
Do I need to purchase an official swimsuit?
Very strongly encouraged, but not required. All swimmers will be required to wear a team swim cap.
My child only knows one stroke, can we still join?
Yes.
Can my child be removed from the swim meet?
Yes. If your swimmer shows poor sportsmanship, your child will be removed from the event. We are all here to have a fun time watching your swimmer compete and unfortunately, someone with poor sportsmanship can ruin this.
When is the end of the year party?
The end of the year party is held in mid-August. This is the time our team awards will be given.
What is the Swimmer's picture day?
StoneGators will have picture day is normally the Friday prior to Time Trials. However, this date has not been set for 2014. Swimmers will wear the team swimsuit for a team photograph by the Stone Gate Rec Center swimming pool. The event will last about an hour and depending on how many small group or individual pictures. The photographer will also provide buttons of your child for swim meets.
When will I receive my photo button?
If you ordered a button at picture day, you will receive the button at the pep-rally.
Do I need to buy a heat sheet?
No, but the money does support the teams and helps the sponsor’s visibility.
Where are practices held?
Practices are held at the Stone Gate Rec Center and Pool at 11655 Canyon Green Dr.
Do the boys have to wear "Speedos"?
No, although they are still around, most boys opt for the knee-length "jammer" suit.
What if I'm involved in other sports?
Several of our swimmers participate in other activities, too. Our practices are offered several days a week to allow for more opportunities to participate.
Can I view the NWAL rulebook?
Yes - Right here.
last update: 02/11/2014