Well the first week of practice is under our belts and I'm already excited about how the team is looking.  The weather held out and our first meet is quickly approaching.  This season we are changing a few things from how they have been done previously.  We are attempting to continue to move to a more web based system to help streamline and organize everything. What does that mean for you.

  First, we are changing the way we have done volunteering in the past as well as meet sign-ups.    For volunteering, we are no longer using "sign-up genius".  Volunteering for meets will be done via our website (electricrays.swimtopia.com).  Click on the swim meet you wish to volunteer for (found under the "swim meets" tab or "upcoming events"), select "Job signup", select the family member volunteering, then select the role you would like to perform.  All the swim meets are currently "open" so feel free to sign up for whichever one fits yours schedule best.  Remember that unless you opted-out of volunteering while registering, one person from your family is required to volunteer at least once (it's not that bad).  In addition to the volunteer roles there are also concession stand needs listed (food, drink, etc) that you can sign up for.  There are little info bubbles next to each item which  help explain exactly what we are looking for (you have to hover your cursor over them) but if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.  

Second, we are changing the way we have signed up for meets in the past.  This will also be done via our website (electricrays.swimtopia.com).  Each family will have to go into each meet individually and select whether or not their child will be able to attend the meet.  I will create the swim lineup from this list (usually 2 days before the meet).  If you have not selected that your child will be at the meet I will not have them listed as an option and they will not be put into the meet.  Obviously things can (and do) change at the last minute and we can work with that but generally speaking if you are planning on being at the meet select that your children will be eligible.  If you are going to be on vacation select your children will not be eligible.  This option is available for every meet as well so you can knock both volunteering and meet signup out in under 5 minutes.  Select the swim meet, and select "Meet Entry" it should show a list of your swimmers.  Select edit, then select whether they will be at the meet or not.  If you have any questions regarding this please don't hesitate to ask.

Third, the weather cooperated last week and I'm hoping it will this upcoming week as well but remember to sign up for the "rained out" texting service since that is how we will communicate when/if we cancel practice.  The weather is always unpredictable this time of year.

Fourth,  I will be out of town this week for business; however, I will periodically check my email.  I will leave the practices in Coach Stahr, Caroline, Sara, and Rebecca's extremely capable hands.  

Finally, for those that have swimmers who can't quite make it one length unassisted yet, we will have a trial run on Wednesday.  If Wednesday proves to be unsuccessful we will have another one on Thursday.  If that proves unsuccessful as well, I will talk with my assistant coaches and we will begin discussing with you possible options.  It is not my goal to kick anyone off the team and I want to give everyone the best opportunity to be on the team as much as possible.  However, there has to be a minimal swimming level ability in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

As always if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask.  I'm looking forward to 2018.