Coaches Corner for May 31
Coaches Corner for May 31
This week brings our FIRST MEET of the season. Please read all the following carefully. I know we have many new families, so I will try to be very clear. As always, please let me know (on deck or by email) if you have any questions.
(1) PRACTICES
The weather was not very cooperative this week. The week ahead looks much warmer and sunnier. Remember to have your swimmers bring water to practice this week (and every practice). The practice schedule does not change.
(2) PWSL SWIM MEETS
For those who are new, welcome! I want to share the event schedule below.
In all events, boys swim before girls.
First 10 events are relays.
15-18 Free Relays are first.
Then, starting with our youngest age group, we swim medley relays.
Then, we compete in FREESTYLE events.
Then, we compete in INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY events.
Then, back, breast and fly events.
Lastly, we end the meet with freestyle relays.
Meets take about 5 hours.
(3) PARENT VOLUNTEERS
The following is from our wonderful volunteer coordinator.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR OUR FIRST MEET!!! The second meet volunteer sign up is also open.
Watch this video to learn how to sign up.
Video time stamps
3:04-5:05-Swimtopia
5:05-7:12-Changes to clerk of course and what to write on swimmer’s arm
7:40-14:20-Volunteer changes and updates
14:20-20:18-How to find and RSVP to team social events
20:20-30:00-How to attend/decline for meets, sign up for volunteer shifts
Questions about volunteering? Email Shala, Volunteer Coordinator ([email protected])
(4) PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
We will only place swimmers in the meet if their parents have completed this step. On our website, click on the meet (under upcoming events). This week’s meet is “2025 Ashland Stingrays at Barracudas.” On the next page, next to the meet, there are two places you should click. First, click on the green button “Meet Entry.” Here you can tell us if your swimmer(s) are available for the meet this weekend. Second, click on the green button “Job Signup.” See Shala’s video for more information about the jobs and the process.
(5) COACHES’ RESPONSIBILITIES (before the meet)
We will place swimmers in events during the week. If your swimmer is new to the team and new to the sport, don’t worry. We will find the right events for him/her. Each swimmer can swim a MAXIMUM of three individual events and two relays. We can only do this if parents complete the “Meet Entry” step above. Again, I will be on deck with my phone to help. We are using a new website this year, so we are all new to this.
(6) MEET PREPARATION
This year, we will not have Time Trials. TT has traditionally been our first meet, where it’s just us. This is our first meet, our first time using SwimTopia, our first home meet, etc. Be patient with your coaches, each other and our friends from Ashland.
(7) FRIDAY, JUNE 6
On Friday, June 6, we will carb load with spaghetti dinner (after, not before, practice). Also on Friday, I will meet with parents for the first 15 minutes of each practice. We had planned on doing this last Friday, but Mother Nature had other plans.
(8) MEET MORNING
Saturday meets start very early. It is important that we all follow the schedule below to ensure a smooth start and flow.
RWB Swimmer Check In 5:30-5:55am
Near the fence, we will post an entry list, in alpha order. Have one member of your family highlight the names of swimmers to show that they are present. Please stay OFF deck at this time as we set up.
RWB Swimmer Warm-Up 6-6:25am
We will divide up by age groups. Be listening for the announcements.
ASH Swimmer Warm-Up 6:25-6:55am
RWB Cheers and Relay Organization 6:55am
All swimmer meet at the diving boards.
Meet Starts 7am
Meet Ends 12 (don’t quote me)
Please see the website “Meet and Events” Tab for tons of information about parking, tents, gear, and everything you might need to know.
(9) MEET DAY
Everyone has heard me talk about the Barracuda Way. We will lead the league in nice. We will encourage personal improvement and love of the sport and one another. Let’s show up and show out.
I know you will have many, many questions. Please reach out. The parents on this team are the most wonderful people on Planet Earth. New parents, please ask questions. You will get answers and love. You are now part of the Barracuda Family, and we take care of our own.
Coach John
