FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

General:

What is our mission?

The Manchester (MSRC) Marlins is a fun and enjoyable summer swim program for children to be further exposed to competitive swimming, improve their swimming skills, learn about team spirit, and represent the community of MSRC. The Manchester Marlins is open to residents outside of Manchester/Trappers Creek/Northchester as long as they are paying members of the Manchester Swim and Raquet Club (MSRC.)

The Manchester Marlins Swim Team was founded in 1986. Each year, approximately 85 swimmers (ages 3 through 18 years) join us for our summer swim season May through July. We offer weekday practices in the AM and PM and six Tuesday night swim meets over our summer season.

We are members of the Tarheel Swimming Association (TSA), North Carolina's largest summer recreational youth swim league of over 80 swim teams from private, non-profit clubs in the Raleigh/Wake County area. Teams are placed into divisions of 4 teams each based on the past year’s performance in dual meets. We are in the North Division.

We are looking forward to another fantastic summer swim season! GO MARLINS!

How much is the Registration Fee? Do you have to be a resident to register?

Registration fees can be found on the Registration page. Registration fees are used to pay for our operating costs including coaches, equipment, league fees, technology (websites/timing systems), ribbons, and banquet costs to name a few.

2023 Registration Fees:

$125 each swimmer

$115 each additional swimmer per family

Included in registration fees, each swimmer will receive the following:

8 fun-filled weeks of swimming instruction and 6 consecutive, weekly dual-team swim meets.
Qualified Coaching Staff. Our Head Coach is a SafeSport trained Lifeguard. She is a current TSA swimmer (14 years.) She has experience as a high school swim team member (Varsity Letter 4 years) and is a year-round swimmer (11 years.) She has experience in coaching various local swim clinics and has 4+ years' experience providing swim lessons to young children through MSRC, the Marlins of Raleigh and her swim club where she works. This will be her 3rd year as Head Coach
Manchester Marlins Swim Cap
End of Season Recognition Award
End of Season Swim Banquet

** When you register your child(ren), you are agreeing to work at 3 swim meets. The Manchester Marlins will appreciate and welcome you to help above and beyond 3 meets, but 3 meets is the minimum requirement of each swim team family. If you are unable to fulfill this commitment, please contact your Team Manager

Do you have to be a Manchester Resident to register? Can I register my grandchild?

The swim team is open to all children who are members of MSRC. If your grandchild is living with you in your house for the summer and you are a member of the MSRC, then you may register them for the swim team and you are responsible for fulfilling your three volunteer jobs.

Do I need to buy a team suit? What other equipment do I need?

The team suit for the 2023 Season will be a patterned blue swimsuit (Helix) and jammer by RISE. Please see the Swim Suit section under the Practices tab on our team Swimtopia site.

Team suits are NOT required, but we look pretty great if we are all matching. If you prefer, you can also order a solid blue or black Speedo or TYR brand suit/jammer on your own.

Each registered swimmer will receive one team swim cap.

Note: it’s important to get your team suit (or solid blue or black suit) as soon as possible so you have it for the first swim meet. You do not have to wear the team suit to practice – just wear any one piece/jammer!

Swimmers will also need to bring goggles, a towel, and a water bottle to each practice. See FAQ for suggestions of what swimmers and parents should bring (and not bring) to a swim meet.

Who are the Coaches?

Please see the Photos & Bios on the About tab on our team Swimtopia site to learn more about each of our wonderful coaches!

What is Swimtopia?

Swimtopia is our new website platform. All swim clubs that are part of the Tarheel Swim Association (TSA) are now required to run their Team Management under Swimtopia.

For parents, it gives you a way to declare if you are coming to a meet (and sign up for volunteer positions), as well as a one-stop-shop for information & communications, including weather alerts which eliminates the need for Remind. It is designed to be a one stop shop for all things Marlin!

You can also visit the Swimtopia Parents Help website for more tutorials.

Our old website (www.msrcnc.org) will now redirect to our new Swimtopia website (www.manchestermarlins.swimtopia.com).

Swimmingly is still our timing system. While Swimtopia is the Team Management tool, it is aligned with Meet Maestro for Meet Management (heat sheets, results, scores, etc.) Since this is all new we will have to figure out how Swimmingly timing will interface with the TSA required Meet Maestro tool.

How will parents receive team communications throughout the season?

E-mail and alerts sent from the Manchester Marlins Swimtopia web account will replace REMIND and emails sent directly from Team Managers. The News section of the website will be used to convey information throughout the season. Please check both for important information. It is vital that to receive all necessary information you download the Swimtopia Mobile App and accept notifications. Information about the app can be found on the side bar of our team website.

Swim Team contacts can be reached means specified under Contact Us on our website.

What are our Manchester Team Records?

All Team and Pool records have been uploaded under the Pics and Records tab. They are updated after each swim meet.

Where can I find Team Photos?

Photos are uploaded under the Pics and Records tab. Please feel free to send any pictures taken throughout the season to either Coach Sam ([email protected]) or Jackie Miller ([email protected]). There will also be team pictures posted under our new Facebook page (Manchester Marlins) and our Instagram page (to be created and run by Junior Coaches.)

*** If you are not confortable with your swimmers pictures being posted, please reach out to Jackie Miller ASAP.

How do I become a Sponsor ?

Our website has a Sponsors page and we can also showcase them on the right had sidebar of our site!

Becoming a Manchester Marlins Sponsor is an excellent way to promote your business and show community support.

Contact your Fundraising Chair for details.

Who do I ask if I have a question?

If your questions are related to workouts, meets, events, goal setting, and other swimming related needs, please contact one of the coaches directly (individual email addresses listed in our bios on the website). Please be mindful that during practice, Coaches need to focus on the swimmers in the water and can answer your questions before or after all practices are completed for the day. You can also text (best) or email your Head Coach. Coaches are always willing to speak to parents about any questions, concerns or issues.

For all other questions related to administrative, such as dues, safety, or policy issues, please contact one of the board members at MSRC. The names and contact info will be included on the Contact Us Page (currently being built.)

Are there year round swimming opportunities for my child?

Many of our swimmers participate in year round swimming teams and/or local high school swim teams. Summer swimming is the gateway for many swimmers into these programs. Below are links that may be of interest to you for opportunities outside of the summer swim team. Feel free to ask any of the Manchester Coaches or Managers if you have questions.

Practice:

When is Practice?

Practice is offered once a day Monday through Thursday PM for the first few weeks of the season. After traditional schools are out, Practice is offered two mornings a week on Tuesday and Friday.

Check out our Practice Schedule page for dates/times by age group.

We understand that scheduling conflicts arise, or swimmers may not have aged up with their friends who moved to a new practice group. Our Coaches have always been very flexible with swimmers and their needs. If you would like to request that your swimmer practice with a different practice group please contact your Head Coach. Please note that this is for Practice only- at meets they will swim with their age group according to their age on 6/1/2022.

In the case of inclement weather, the managers will send a cancellation email and an alert (for those who downloaded the app and have notifications enabled.)

Does my swimmer have to come to every practice?

No. But it’s important to come to as many practices as they can to improve their skills. We understand that families go on summer vacations and sometimes your swimmer may have other obligations. Coaches do not take an official practice attendance. You do not need to notify your coach if you will miss a practice (you do however, need to declare your swimmer as a yes or no for each swim meet using the Swimtopia website).

Does my swimmer have to attend the practice time for their age group?

Special requests to attend a practice with a different age group will be reviewed on a case by case basis with the Coaches and Managers. For example, year-round swimmers age 9 and above are encouraged to swim with the older age group.

Are Parents Required to Stay at Practices?

Parents should stay on deck at practice if your child is under the age of 7 and/or cannot swim unassisted. Please note: Younger siblings are not permitted in the pool unless there is a lifeguard on duty. Also, no non 6 and unders swimmers are allowed in the pool, during the 6 and under practice time.

If your child is 7 or older and can swim unassisted, then parents do not need to stay at practice. Parents are always welcome to stay and watch swim practice, as well. You may “drop and go”, but are required to pick your child up directly after practice. If your child is over the age of 7 and can swim unassisted, they are permitted to ride their bike or walk on their own to & from practice, but must leave right after practice is over unless their family has a swim waiver filed and there is a life guard on duty

What are the expectations of my child during practice and at meets?

Respect your teammates, coaches, officials and opponents at all times.
Be on time for practices and swim meets.
Give 100% effort at each practice and meet.
Support and encourage your teammates.
Set a positive example.
Wear the required Spirit Wear at all meets and practices.
Display good sportsmanship at all times both on and off the pool deck.
Be alert for any inclement weather updates.

What level of individual instruction can parents expect for their swimmers at group practices?

Please be aware that the large number of children per practice, their various levels of ability, and general time constraints preclude any significant individual instruction during regular practice.

Our Coaches are committed to making practices as much fun and safe as possible. Although this is summer swimming, a certain amount of stroke technique instruction and endurance building workouts are required to sustain a level of competition. Much of the enjoyment of the program comes from participating on a team, the camaraderie with fellow team members, and reaching one’s own personal goals. Feel free to talk to the coaches before or after practices about your child and any concerns you may have. They are available to spend extra time helping your swimmer with technique. During a meet, please allow the coaches to focus their attention on the meet.

Do the Coaches give Private Swim Lessons?

Yes, our coaches do offer Private Swim Lessons. Private Lessons for Manchester Marlins Swim Team members are managed by the coaches directly. They schedule all lessons, collect and receive all payments, and handle all communications directly. You may speak with them on the pool deck or contact them via email/text when they are not coaching swim team and not providing private lessons

** Please be aware that the large number of children per practice, their various levels of ability, and general time constraints preclude any significant individual instruction during regular practice. **

Swim Meets:

What is the swim meet schedule?

The meet schedule is listed on the Meets and Events page of our website. You will also find a section where you will need to declare your swimmer in or out for meets and sign up for meet volunteer positions or concession donations.

Are meets mandatory?

We encourage you to come to all six meets, but we understand if you need to miss a meet. We ask that you declare if you are coming each week (by the Sunday before the Tuesday meet) so we can make sure to include you in our meet lineup. You will use Swimtopia to declare whether you are coming to each weekly meet.

What time does a swim meet start/end?

Swim meets are scheduled for Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM. Warm-ups begin at 5:00 PM for home meets and 5:30 PM for away meets. We ask all swimmers to be at the meet location 30 minutes before warm-ups. If the meet is rained out, it is moved to Wednesday.

Meets begin promptly at 6:00 PM and conclude around 9:00 PM ish, depending on the size of the pool, the number of swimmers, and potential weather delays. Please do not leave the meet until you have confirmed with your coach that you are done with your races and relays.

Note: The 6&U age group does NOT swim the last two events of the meet (Butterfly and the Freestyle Relay) so the youngest swimmers will be done closer to 8:00PM ish, unless they are swimming up in a relay.

What should swimmers bring to a meet?

Bring/wear your team suit, swim cap, 2 pairs of goggles (in case one pair breaks), and 2-3 towels. Bring warm and dry clothing (it can get chilly after dark). Bring a sharpie marker to mark your swimmer number on your arm (or better yet, mark arms before you arrive). Bring healthy snacks and water or sports drinks. Bring a positive attitude!

What should parents bring (and not bring) to a meet?

Bring a chair, sunglasses/sunscreen, dress in layers (it can be sweltering hot and it get cooler on some nights), water, snacks, money for snacks, and a positive attitude!

https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/2020s-v...

NOT ALLOWED AT ANY TSA MEETS: alcohol, tobacco, e-cigarettes, firearms, weapons, fireworks, etc.

How many meets do we swim each season?

There are a total of 6 swim meets (dual meets) per season that are scheduled for Tuesday nights (Wednesday in the event of a weather cancelation). There are 3 home meets and 3 away meets. The first three swim meets are out-of-division meets, and the final three meets are against the other three teams in our division. These meet results are used to determine the Division champion. There may also be an end of season Championship meet that is optional (referenced in FAQ below).

What are the age groups for our swim meets ?

Swim meets are conducted based on the following age groups: 6-and-under (6U), 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-18 years old. The swimmer’s official age for TSA purposes is determined based on the swimmer’s age on June 1. Swimmers do not change age groups during the TSA swim season.

What are the events/strokes included in the meet?

Swimmers participate in individual events for their age group only. Age groups, distances, and strokes for individual events are as follows, separately for boys’ events and girls’ events:

6-Under: 15 yards each of freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, unassisted. 6-U do not swim butterfly or relays. A rope is put across the pool at the 15 yard mark for 6-Under swimmers to swim to.
7-8 and 9-10 years: 1 length of the pool (25 yards) each of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
11-12, 13-14, and 15-18: 2 lengths (50 yards) of the pool each of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.

What is the order of events?

Events are swum, alternating between boys’ and girls’ events, starting with the youngest boys’ age group swimming the event, in the following order: Medley Relay, Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle Relay.

The order of events at swim meets is as follows:

Medley Relay: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-13, 15-18
Freestyle: 6U, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18
Backstroke: 6U, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18
Breaststroke: 6U, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18
Butterfly: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18
Freestyle Relay: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18

Each event starts with the youngest boys first, then the youngest girls, on through to the oldest girls. 6U swim 15 yards, 7-10 swim 25 yards, and 11-18 swim 50 yards.

Up to three swimmers may swim the main event. No swimmer can swim all of the main events for their age group. The main event race is held first, with additional heats if there are at least two swimmers desiring to participate. Additional heats are held to provide an opportunity for all swimmers to participate in the meets and build their experience. Additional heats may be discontinued at the discretion of the team TSA Representatives as needed (due to late nights, weather, etc.).

How does the scoring work?

Points are awarded for individual MAIN events as follows: 5 points for first place, 3 points for second place, and 1 point for third place.

For relay events, 5 points are awarded for first place, only.

What is a Main Heat? What is a Heat Sheet?

Main Heats:

All swimmers will have the opportunity to swim in all six regular season meets. Three (3) swimmers in each event will be selected to swim in the main heat (the heat which scores points for the team and lane numbers are assigned in the heat sheet) and the rest swim in participatory heats (swimmers are randomly assigned a lane by the clerk of course). All relays are main events - 3 per team. The main heat and relay selection is left to the discretion of the Coaches and is generally based on the best times from previous meets. No swimmer can swim all of the main heat for their age group. If there are not enough swimmers in a certain age group, younger swimmers can be moved "up"for relays but older swimmers can not be moved down an age group.

Heat Sheets:

Heat Sheets are prepared for the Main Heats and participant heats. Typically, the home team will swim in even number lanes and the away team will swim in odd number lanes (or vice versa). heat sheets are printed for all kid pushers and various other meet personnel as well as a paper copy will also be posted on the wall at the swim meet.

What about Swim Meet Ribbons?

Each home team will provide ribbons to the swimmers on both swim teams (home and away). MSRC provides ribbons as follows at our home swim meetings:

Parent "Ribbon Writer" volunteers handwrite the 1st - 6th place ribbons (main events only) during the meet. Place ribbons are awarded to the swimmers at the following practice or as soon as the meet is finalized. They will be filed in each family’s folder in the swim team file box.

Parent "Heat Ribbon" volunteers hand out "Heat Winner" and "Participation" ribbons for non-main heats during the swim meet (for ages 10 and under).

What ID number do I mark on my Swimmer’s Arm for a swim meet?

Before you arrive to a swim meet, Mark your swimmer's upper right arm and left shoulder (back) with their unique ID number with a black permanent Sharpie marker. This Swimmer ID number is used by the Timers to match the swimmer to their times.

2022 Manchester Marlins Roster ID Numbers will be posted on the website before the first meet.

Why is it important to “declare my swimmer” as a YES or a NO for a swim meet (and not just show up at a meet)?

It is critically important that parents complete the signup process for each of the six meets (declare your swimmer via the website as a YES or a NO for each swim meet as soon as possible and no later than the Sunday before each Tuesday meet).

This information is used to develop the list of swimmers for the individual stroke main events and the relay teams. Without this information, coaches are unable to effectively perform their job and provide the best opportunity for our swimmers to compete. Swimmers whose parents do not complete the signup process by the Sunday before the swim meet will not swim main events that week and will be assigned a lane for heat races. Coaches need to prepare the swim roster before the swim meet and same-day changes are unfair to the coaches’ time and to the swimmers who have been told they are swimming main events.

Although emergencies do arise, please try not to wait until the day of the meet to notify us of your child’s absence. This adds unnecessary confusion to an already hectic time. Relays and heat assignments are made the weekend prior to the meet and the coaches must be informed of a child’s inability to attend to make the proper assignments.

How many parents does it take to run a meet? What are my family’s volunteering responsibilities?

It take a village of over 50 parent volunteers to run a swim meet (including volunteers from both the home & away teams). To run a successful swim meet, we need many parents filling the following jobs: Meet Set-up and Sound System Set-up, Starter/Announcer, Clerk of Course, Stroke & Turn Judges, TSA Rep, Timing System Coordinator, Scorekeepers & Recorders, Place Judges, Runners, Kid Pushers, Ribbon Writers, Timers, Concessions and more.

** If you are unable to fulfill your designated volunteer assignment for a given meet it is your responsibility to find a substitute for that meet.

There are also additional volunteer opportunities (contact a current swim team manager for more details): including Swim Team Mangers, Volunteer Coordinator, Sponsorship/Fundraising Coordinators, TSA Representatives, Baquet/Awards Chair, Website/Technology, Team Photographer, among many others. Note: TSA Reps and Stroke & Turn Judges require additional training. Some of the positions may be filled, but could always use a backup. Also, the current volunteer will eventually need to turn the position over to someone else- it is very helpful to do some “on the job training” even if the position is not vacant.

What are the Volunteer Job Descriptions?

Please review the Volunteer Job Descriptions section under Meets and Events page on our website.

What are “Time Trials”?

Time Trials is another name for a “practice” swim meet. This is typically done early in the summer swim season on the Tuesday before the first dual Meet at the Manchester pool with just our team swim

It provides an opportunity for parents and swimmers to participate in a mock meet and get a sense of the rhythm and flow of a swim meet. It gives parents an opportunity to serve in a volunteer role with other MSRC parents and get a sense of understanding and comfort with these duties. It gives the swimmers a first chance to compete against others and see how fast they can swim. Finally, the time trial results are used by the Coaches to assign main event swimmers for the first meet of the season.

What happens if there is thunder or lightning?

In the event of thunder, the pool must be cleared for 30 minutes. In the event of lightning, the pool and the deck must be cleared for at least 30 minutes. The 30-minute rule applies to the last observation of thunder or lightning; the clock restarts with each observation. A meet may not be delayed more than 60 minutes due to inclement weather. If the meet is interrupted more than once during an evening because of inclement weather, the meet will be stopped. Delays and decisions to proceed are made at the sole discretion of the TSA Representatives for each team. In the event that meet cannot be completed on a Tuesday night, the meet will continue the following night.

In the case of inclement weather during practice, the Manchester Swim Team managers will send out notifications about practice cancelations as soon as possible.

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