Firstly, a massive thank you to everyone who braved the weather, and especially those who doubled up their shifts to cover missing volunteers. We really appreciate you. It wasn't the most fun meet that we've ever had, but we pushed through!

The reason the mock meet is so important is that it gives the parents, coaches, reps, and swimmers an idea of what works, and more importantly, what doesn't. Thank you for showing grace to Amy and I today whilst we dealt with the volunteer lineups, and please take the following in the spirit that it is meant - constructive feedback that will make our meets better for the swimmers! 

1.  Attendance/no shows. I know today was a wreck in terms of weather. But dropping out last minute leaves us scrambling to cover volunteer shifts and affects all of the other swimmers in any relays that your child misses. This isn't fair to the other swimmers or to the volunteers who kindly doubled up their shifts. I appreciate those who at least let me know in advance. If you are one of the families that made no attempt to inform us and simply didn't turn up, be aware that we may not let your child swim the next race if you do it again. It sounds harsh, but these meets with 150+ swimmers are very hard to organize and we need everyone to do their part. 

2. Bullpen parents. It is YOUR responsibility to get the swimmers to the starting areas ON TIME. We had far too many late swimmers today - please, please, please, pay attention. "First call" means get your swimmers organized and ready. "Second call" means get them to where they need to be. "Final Call" means swimmers need to there and ready to swim. I know it's a case of herding kittens sometimes, but we can do better! 

3. On the same note. Parents, please, please, please, remind your children to behave in the bullpens and pay attention to the bullpen parents. 

4. Spectators and swimmers. We let it slide today, but at all other meets it's critical that the only people at the either end of the pool are coaches, swimmers due to swim, and timers. NOBODY else should be there. You can support/film your swimmers from the side of the pool. We had spectators standing in front of timers today! This is non-negotiable and I will be strict in enforcing it. 

5. Timers and judges for BOTH shifts need to be at the meets at 5pm. There will be a mandatory meeting with the starter at 5.15pm. Please be there.

6. If you are a second shift volunteer, please be where you should be before we switch over. It is usually around the 40th race point, give or take. 1st shift volunteers MUST NOT leave their positions until their reliever is present - whatever position you have.

7. Clearing up after the meet. THANK YOU! You all did  a great job helping to clear up. You have no idea how much that helps. The coaches and I begin setting up just after 3pm for home meets, so having help to clear up at the end of the meet is very much appreciated! 

8. Swim Caps. Coach Ashley noticed that we had a lot of girls swimming without swim caps, and struggling to keep their hair out of their faces. If your swimmer has long hair, Coach Ashley would highly recommend them wearing a swim cap. Come see me - they're free! 

We host Cambridge on Thursday. We hope to have a full contingent of swimmers. If you are considering not swimming, please pull out now so that we can make alternative arrangements for swimmers and volunteers. 

Thank you all for your help, it takes a village to make this happen! 

Steve