Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does my swimmer have to purchase the team suit?
A: No, swimmers are not required to purchase the team suit. For girls, any one-piece suit may be worn. For both boys and girls, no high school or year-round (Stingrays, Marlins, Gold, etc.) suits may be worn. If a swimmer has a Gator suit from last season, it may be worn this season. The team suits are available at Registration and at Kast-A-Way Swimwear at the corner of Sandy Plains and East Piedmont.
Q: Are private swim lessons available and what is the cost?
A: Yes, private swim lessons are available from the coaching staff. The coaches usually have a notebook available for signups, or you may discuss directly with a coach prior to or after practice. The coaches set their own pricing for private lessons.
Q: Is seating available at swim meets?
A: Seating is usually very limited (and crowded) at swim meets, both home and away. Please plan to bring your own seating to the meets.
Q: Does my swimmer have to be at every practice throughout the season?
A: No, attendance at all practices is not required. It is summertime, and we realize that families have vacations and other activities planned.
Q: Does my swimmer have to be present for every meet?
A: No, swimmers are not required to be present for every meet. However, the Head Coach must be notified as soon as possible of any planned meet absences.
Q: Is food available for purchase at all meets?
A: YES, food is available for purchase at all meets. This is an important way that swim teams increase their income and keep their registration costs down. You are allowed to bring your own food and beverages (non-alcoholic) to meets, but we encourage you to purchase from the delicious Gator concession stand. As always, if you have ideas about concession offerings, we would love your input.
Q: Does each family have to volunteer at the meets?
A: Volunteers are crucial to running efficient meets, and each family is required to provide a volunteer to work a shift at every meet. We do our best to honor your volunteer requests, but there are times when reassignments are required. We appreciate your flexibility.
Q: Where do we park for swim meets?
A: When you enter the neighborhood, you will be directed toward the pool area for swimmer dropoff. You may park on the designated side of the street throughout the neighborhood. Due to the large number of cars, carpooling is encouraged.
Q: When is my beverage donation due?
A: The requested beverage donation (one per family, not one per swimmer) is due the first week of swim practice. Last name assignments will be given out in mid-April. Please mark your donation with your name.
Q: Do the parents stay for practice?
A: Many parents stay for the practice session, but you are allowed to drop off your swimmer(s) for practice. They should be picked up when their practice session is over. Swimmers who are not in a practice session should not be left unattended at the pool. The coaches are responsible for the safety of all practicing swimmers in the pool during a practice session, but they cannot be responsible for children who are not in the pool or who are playing in the shallow step area of the pool. We have several parents who walk, run or play tennis during practice. You are welcome to join in these groups.
Q: Can parents provide input during the practice sessions?
A: While parent input is welcome, we request that you not interrupt during the practice sessions. The coaches need to establish a proper coach/athlete relationship where the swimmers are getting their direction from only the coaching staff. When parents offer coaching tips to their children during the practice session, it undermines the effectiveness of the coaches. Parents are encouraged to hold their discussions with the coaches either before or after practice sessions.
Q: Is practice ever canceled due to weather?
A: If there is only a light drizzle with no lightning, practice will be held. If there is lightning/thunder, we are required to clear the pool and wait at least 20 minutes with no lightning occurring before swimmers may return to the pool. If the lightning continues into the practice session, the coaching staff may decide to cancel the practice. If there is a heavy downpour at the pool, practice is canceled. If in doubt, check the website for information on the current day's practice status or check for an email from the Gators.
Q: On the registration forms, why does the schedule list new 7,8's and new 9,10's with the lower age groups?
A: When we have swimmers who are new to summer league swimming, we often start them for the first week or two in the lower age group to ensure that they have a basic skill set before moving them to their appropriate age group.
