Time Trials Reminders from Coach Natalie

As we get ready for time trials, here are a few reminders to help make the day fun, successful, and a great learning experience for everyone!

1. Stay in the Water Until the Heat Is Finished

Please remind your swimmer to stay in the water at the end of their race until all swimmers in their heat have finished. Once everyone is done, swimmers should shake hands with the swimmers on both sides of them before exiting the pool.

2. Stay with the Team

We would like swimmers to remain in the team area as much as possible. This is great practice for a real swim meet! If your swimmer needs to use the restroom or check in with a parent, please have them let a coach know first. We need to know where our swimmers are so we can have them ready for their events. Except in rare cases, parents should stay in the stands and out of the team area.

3. Don't Forget Caps and Goggles

Please make sure swimmers bring their goggles and cap. I encourage all swimmers to wear a cap! Not only can it help them move through the water more efficiently, but it also helps them feel like a swimmer and look extra fast, focused, and race-ready. If wearing a cap is a battle, don't force it, but it's a great habit to start introducing.

4. Hydrate!

Please make sure your swimmer arrives with a water bottle and is well hydrated before and during the meet. 

5. Cheer for Your Teammates

We want everyone cheering for one another and celebrating each other's efforts and successes. Positive energy and encouragement make our team stronger!

6. Show Your Team Spirit

Team spirit is highly encouraged! Wear your yellow and blue, decorate yourselves, and have fun. Remember—no one is too cool to show team pride!

7. Ask for Feedback

Swimmers are always welcome to ask me for feedback after their races. If I don't get a chance to talk with them during the meet, I will make notes and follow up at practice.

8. DQs Are Learning Opportunities

Disqualifications are not failures—they are opportunities to learn and improve. Swimming has a lot of rules, and mistakes are part of the learning process. If your swimmer is upset about a race or performance, please let me know. I want to help them develop a plan for improvement while also celebrating their effort, hard work, and courage to compete. We will note DQ's and work with swimmers to correct them.

9. Be a Great Teammate

Please remind our older swimmers to be positive role models and spend time encouraging our younger swimmers. One of the best things about swim team is that athletes ages 4–18 can support one another, learn from each other, and celebrate together!

10. HAVE FUN!

This is the most important reminder of all. Enjoy the experience, cheer loudly, race hard, learn something new, and have fun!

I am so excited for our summer together and can't wait to see all of our swimmers grow, improve, and make great memories this season.

Coach Natalie