Hi Marlins!

Be forewarned-- there is A LOT of info in this email, so please read carefully!! ;-) We're very excited to kick off our season tomorrow with our Mock Meet Time Trial!  This mock meet is meant to give our team, both swimmers and volunteers, a practice run of how our meets are run.  There are MANY new families this year so you will be in good company as you learn.  We tried to place mentors/experienced families in all volunteer positions, so feel free to ask questions! Expect that it may be a little chaotic, but don't let it overwhelm-- I promise it will get easier as we go!  Parents, please refer to the email that Julie Shingadia, our volunteer coordinator, sent out previously to know your volunteer position and specific volunteer check- in time.

On top of everything else, mother nature is threatening to throw a big wrench into our plans :(  The current forecast is calling for storms for most of the day tomorrow.  We ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility as navigate the situation throughout the day and make decisions accordingly.  It will be important for your to check email regularly tomorrow as I will be sending updates via email.  We have to make every attempt to try the meet, even if that means we have to take delay breaks throughout the meet.  We will be able to swim in light/moderate rain, but will have to clear the pool deck for thunder or lightening and take a lightening delay of 20 mins..  Unfortunately, that may mean making modifications to how we run the meet- everything from set-up thru events to concessions.  We apologize if that means you may not get the experience of a full meet for our practice run, but we'll do our best and help each other out until everyone learns the ropes!  **Given the uncertainty, we're opting to go with a light concession stand-- Mostly snacks and drinks.**  Normally, we would have some more entree items available, but we don't want to spend money on a lot of food if it might go to waste. Feel free to pack and bring food from home to help get you through your time at the pool.  Thanks for understanding.  Concessions at our pool will accept cash or Venmo payments.

This Time Trial meet is unique in that all swimmers will have the chance to swim all strokes that they are eligible to swim. (Normally they are limited to 3 individual events and 2 relays).  All times will be recorded and count as an official time.  I will be sending the heat sheet (list of events) that your child is swimming on Thursday before the meet.  Again, we will attempt to complete as much of the meet as we can given the weather.  Getting times in as many individual events will be a priority tho because that will help Coach Josh seed meets in the future.  That means that if we are delayed or need to limit time, Coach may cut out relays or make other modifications.  FLEXIBILITY is the name of the game tomorrow!! ;-)

Swimmer Check- In

All swimmers must to check in at the bullpen at 4:30.  Swimmers must highlight their name on the check-in board upon arrival.  This is very important as it lets the coach know that your swimmer is present.   The bullpen area for our swimmers will be in the grassy area outside the pool gate that is opposite of the clubhouse.  Parents/spectators can set up chairs along the pool side opposite of the clubhouse.  Do not set up on either end of the pool lanes.  Meet will begin promptly at 6:00.

4:30- Swimmer Check-In

5:00- Warm-ups begin

6:00- Meet Starts!

--In the event of inclement weather during the meet **DO NOT LEAVE**.  You will be asked to wait in your cars during delay.  Officials and coaches will monitor situation and make decision to wait out a delay or possibly call the meet off.  Updates will be communicated thru word of mouth and via email, so check regularly.  ** DO NOT LEAVE** until you have confirmation that the meet has been called.  Depending on how much of the meet was completed, a decision may be made to reschedule the meet on an alternative day. 

Attachments

**I've included an attachment of what to bring to a meet and doing arm graffiti.  If your head is spinning with all this unfamiliar vocabulary, I've also included a glossary of common terms to help you out!! ;-) 

Team Shirts

Our Marlin team shirts are IN!!  A merchandise table will be set up on the upper clubhouse patio.  Be sure to stop by the table and get your swimmer's free shirt.  Pick-ups will also be available on various practice mornings and other meets for those not there this week.  Other Marlin merchandise will also be available for purchase at meet. Cash or Venmo accepted.  

Whew!  Sorry for the overload, but tomorrow may be tricky!  See attachments for more help.  Check email frequently tomorrow for weather concerns, starting in the morning for our practice times.  Thankfully, the weather looks better for our pictures on Friday morning, so hopefully we can keep that as scheduled.  Pictures will begin at 9am on Friday morning.  We will start with the team picture so be on time if you want to be included!  Wear your blue Marlin suit.  

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  We appreciate everyone's understanding and flexibility ;-)