Happy Tuesday, Marlins!

We are so happy to see everyone back at the pool. We have about 200 swimmers registered for the season! Some important guidelines/reminders for practice to run as safe & smooth as possible:

• Thanks for your cooperation in keeping the pool decks clear for the coaches as they establish the routine of practices with the swimmers. 
• Parents please do NOT coach your child during practice. As a former swimmer & coach, I know how hard that can be for some. Allow our paid coaches the opportunity to form bonds & trust with your swimmers. 
• If you need something answered immediately while at practice please do not interrupt the coaches. We need their eyes focused on our swimmers. Please look for a Board Member or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• If your swimmer will be out for 3 or more days, please email the coaches. Otherwise, no need to report absences.
• A representative from Texas Swim Shop will be at practice on Tuesday, May 20 to fit and sell the optional team suit or you can stop by the retail location at 10425B S Post Oak Rd, Houston, Texas 77035
• If you have not already, please declare your swimmer for meets. Not sure how to do that, log into SwimTopia (app or desktop) and see attached images.

PRACTICE CONFLICTS
While we prefer that your swimmer attends their age group practice, we do understand that May is very busy with end of school activities and other commitments. Beginning today 5/13, we will open up the North pool from 4:30-5:15 for established 9 & up swimmers who have a consistent conflict with their age group practice time. We will reevaluate this at the end of the week and adjust as needed.

THIS WEEKEND

Friday, 05/16: Swim Team Kickoff Party @ Maplewood Pool

• Party will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• 6 & Under and 7/8 age groups will have regular practice on Friday. No practice for 9 & Up.
• All registered swimmers and their immediate families are invited to a swim team private party at the pool. Please no guests outside of swim team families.
• Food options: consider supporting one of our sponsors and order pizza from LaFresca, stop by Old Hickory Inn to pick up some BBQ or order take out from The ‘401. Of course you can also bring your own dinner and drinks.
• We will provide some cold treats for dessert (concessions will not be open).

Sunday, 05/18: Parent Meeting and Photos @ Maplewood Pool

Yes, it’s a Sunday again this year. Pool availability is limited and we have to fit it in when we can. We did have to move the time up a bit, so please take note. 

• Individual photos will start at 9:00am & TEAM PHOTO will begin lining up at 9:30am sharp. If you do not get your individual done before then you can do it after the team photo. You can order online ahead of time this year but please bring your confirmation form with you. Or, order forms will be available on Sunday.
• We will be distributing pre-ordered merchandise, including the team shirts, when parents arrive. For team pictures, swimmers will wear the team shirt. 
• We will start the parent meeting as soon as the photographers begin the team photo line up process. A recap will be sent after the meeting.

STROKE JUDGE TRAINING

As mentioned in previous emails, WE NEED STROKE JUDGES! We can not hold a meet without trained stroke judges in place. Some of you may have already been volun-told and some of you may be hearing from me and/or Amy soon. We will NOT have a training at our pool this year. Please see the schedule for in person trainings. SHRSL CLINICS. If you did the in person training, you can complete the online refresher course, also linked above. Email Amy with any volunteer questions!

There will be a Marlins Minute soon addressing “time trials”. We plan to time on Wednesday 5/21 & Thursday 5/22 during regular practice times. Friday will be used as a make-up day. We will communicate the full plan soon.

Go Marlins,
Mindy Campbell