Hello Families!!

It is almost time for our Second swim meet, and first meet of competition!! Information listed below should cover everything you need to know to be ready!!! Fun first. Fast always. Go Dolphins!!

What: Vinings Estates vs. Saddlebrook. AT SADDLEBROOK

When: Tuesday, May 26

Where: 2834 Saddlebrook Way, Marietta GA 30064

Time:5pm arrival! 5:30pm warmups. Meet begins at 6pm

Parking: Any of the cul-de-sacs may be used for parking (in outbound lanes only please) Because the neighborhood is so hilly, they will have Saddlebrook "Uber" drivers running shuttles, esp. from the further out sections of the neighborhood. Please be sure not to block any driveways or stop signs. (I suggest bringing a flashlight)

Drop Off: Feel free to drop off swimmers, chairs, etc. at the clubhouse turnaround. Pull into the circle drive so the kids don't have to cross or block traffic.

Meet arrival and logistics: We will be on the visitors side, opposite the main gate and pavilion. Bathrooms are located in clubhouse next to concessions.

Volunteers: If you are scheduled to volunteer, we will have a round table set up at the main pool entrance. Please check in with Teri Coons and look for her volunteer email.

Them: Under the Sea: Rep your dolphins blue, mermaids, and sea creatures.

What to Bring: Black Sharpie, extra pair of goggles (they do break and get lost), swim cap if you use one, two towels, sweatshirt, spf, bug spray. Cash, Venmo or Square for concessions. If you have younger swimmers, toys or games to entertain them in the bullpen while they wait for their event is a smart idea.

What NOT to Bring: NO ALCOHOL. Do NOT bring it. If alcohol is found, we can be fined and the meet forfeited.

Bullpen: There is a bullpen for 5–6-year-olds and one for 7–8-year-olds. These are tents on the grassy area (we recommend bug spray!) on the far side of the pool where the younger swimmers stay for the duration of the swim meet so they can be easily located in time for their events. We have adult volunteers supervising the bullpens. When the 5–8-year-old swimmers arrive at the pool, after checking in with the coaches, they should immediately go to the bullpen area, where a volunteer bullpen parent will supervise the swimmer. Bullpen volunteers need to bring younger kids to the their lanes FIVE TO TEN EVENTS in advance. There is no Bullpen for 9-year-olds and up. It will be the swimmers’/parents’ responsibility to make sure your swimmer is lined up and on time for their events. When 5-6 and 7-8 year olds finish races, we would appreciate parents’ help breaking down the tents and putting them in one of our coordinator’s car.

Weather: We swim when it is cold. We swim when it rains. If you have declared YES to swim, you are expected to SHOW UP!!!! I will be sending alerts via SwimTopia if there are any delays or cancelations on meet day. If there is a thunderstorm delay, please do not leave the meet location. If the meet is cancelled, you will receive an alert.

Concessions:Saddlebrook will have the following for sale: Hamburgers, hot dogs teriyaki chicken sandwiches, candy, drinks, slushies and more.

Which Events: When you arrive at the pool, each swimmer must check in with one of our coaches to get a slip of paper which will identify the events they will swim for this meet. If you have downloaded the SwimTopia App, your swimmer’s meet entries will also be available for you to view on the day of the event. For those parents and swimmers who prefer to use the App, please be mindful that you still need to check in with our coaches when you arrive. This is a very important part of our check-in process. Please note that our Head Coach, Assistant Coaches, and Head Coordinators meet each week before the swim meet and consider many factors before deciding which events are best suited for your swimmer and our team. Please know that we spend a great deal of time on individual meet entries, and we ask you to trust the Coaches’ expertise in this area. How To Mark Up Your Arms: As a swim tradition, kids mark their arms with a sharpie to keep track of their events. THE ORDER IS E / H / L (EVENT / HEAT / LANE). If you are new to swim and the team, please ask any experienced family member or coach to show you how to do this! You can also write the child’s name on his/her back with a Sharpie (this helps the Bullpen volunteers find/know the children).
Ribbons: Yes, your swimmer will receive a ribbon for his/her events! You may pick them up at practice or during Fun Day from our Ribbon Box. Lastly: A few important things. After the Intrasquad meet, I spent almost an hour picking up garbage (Any items found were put in lost and found bin.) This was entirely our families...... Please be gracious guests at Saddlebrook and clean up after yourselves and your children before leaving. And Please Declare if you Will or Will Not swim for EVERY swim meet. We are totally fine if you chose No, but we need to know every week by the deadline. It is how the coaches plan the events and coordinate with the opposing team in a timely manner.
Questions: If I have missed anything or you have additional questions, please reach out. The email is checked frequently.

Thank you, Carole