Happy Monday Marlins Fans!

Please pay attention...there is a lot to cover.

Tuesday, May 26 Timeline

• MEET STARTS AT 5:30PM!!!!!! (both teams are still in school)
• Swimmers should arrive and check in with the tent parent at their age group tent.
• • NO PARKING INSIDE THE GATE. Please park in the church parking lot.
  • We know school is still in session, so get to the pool when you can.
  • The head tent parent is in charge of the age group and will be coordinating the other tent parents, who will be taking the swimmers to the ready bench for their races. The swimmers must remain with their age group tent, or let the age group parent know where they will be. PLEASE notify a tent parent if your swimmer is taken home prior to the end of the meet.
  • Swimmers not checked in 15 minutes prior to the start of the meet will be scratched/replaced for the first relays.
  • Mark your swimmer with their swimmer number (see attached for numbers and marking instructions) prior to warm-ups. It’s best if swimmers are marked when they are dry and before applying sunscreen.
• 4:30p: Maplewood begins warm-up by age group (if you are late we plan to open the north pool for warm ups for older swimmers)
• 5:30p: Meet begins. Let’s go Marlins!
  • A couple changes to the regular order of events in the hopes of a quick meet (since many are still in school and taking exams on Weds).
    • At the beginning of the meet, after 6U Free relay we will complete ALL FREESTYLE RELAYS (events 61-70). We will NOT have the medley relay in this meet.
    • 11 & up swimmers heated in 2 individual events, rather than 3.
    • We are trying not to heat anyone who has an obvious DQ in breaststroke or butterfly.
    • In the event of weather delays there may be other changes - please be flexible & understanding.
  • 6 & unders will compete in FREESTYLE & FREESTYLE RELAY. They may leave after their last event, Event 20.
  • After each race, the swimmers will move to awards, in the baby pool area, to receive their ribbon. Each heat is awarded ribbons for 1st - 6th place. If a swimmer does not swim their stroke legally, they are given a participation ribbon. Swimmers should pick up their ribbon right after their race.
  • We will not pause the meet to look for a swimmer. If a swimmer is not at the block for their race, they will not swim.
  • Please practice good sportsmanship at all times. Parents, please encourage your swimmer to congratulate the winners of their race, even if they are from a different team. Cheer loud & proud!
  • If you notice any pool facilities that need attention, please let a board member know so we can address it.
• Meet conclusion: Both teams have school the next day and will do our very best to run a smooth, swift meet. As the sun goes down we will start taking tents down, please jump in and assist where needed. Each age group will have a set of items to assist with. Your help putting the pool back the way we found it is greatly appreciated!

PARENT & AWAY TEAM SET UP

As mentioned in previous emails, the only people allowed to set up inside the gates during the meet are the Maplewood Marlins swimmers & tent parents. All others must be outside the gates. We plan to have the away teams swimmers set up along the driveway under the trees, but other than that families can set up wherever they choose. The gate along the driveway will be used for swimmers to enter & exit for their events. The gate by the concession stand will be open for spectators to enter & exit. PLEASE BE PATIENT, as this setup is new to us all! 

What to Bring

• Your own popup tent if you want extra shade.
• Plenty of water to stay well hydrated and healthy snacks. The concession stand will be open and will sell pizza and usual concession snacks.
• Sunscreen
• Activities/Games to keep your swimmer occupied between events.
• Lawn chairs, picnic blankets, towels, fans....
• TEAM SHIRTS can be picked up (or purchased) near concession stand on Tuesday.

Parent Volunteers

• ALL SHIFTS FOR MEET 1 ARE FILLED. WAY TO GO GUYS!!!!!
• Please check in at the purple tent on the area between pools. Please make sure you check in when you arrive so that we know you are here (even if you aren't on until 2nd half). 1^st shift volunteers help during Events 1-34 and 2^nd shift volunteers help during Events 35-70. Relay Stroke Judges help only during relays.
• If you are unable to make your shift, please find your own replacement. If you are running late or have other questions about your shift, please contact Amy at [email protected].
• THANK YOU for your hard work in the heat! We can not do this without you.

We expect heat sheets to be available Tuesday morning. Understand that what you see in your SwimTopia app is not final until we merge the meet with the opposing team & take care of any late scratches Tuesday morning.

We appreciate your help and patience in this first meet of the season! The most important thing is that your swimmers have fun and are good sports.

I think that's it...for now...

Go Marlins,

Mindy