UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

The basic items needed are a racing suit and a pair of competition goggles. The competition suit will be a TYR brand. Wal-Mart carries goggles or you can find them at a sporting goods store. The preferred goggles of many of our swimmers are Speedo Vanquisher.

It is best to have two suits. One to wear to practice and one to wear to meets (competition suits). The practice suit will get worn out and become slow, and the meet suit will stay snug and fast. The competition suit is only to be worn at swim meets. When the meet suit wears out, it can be used as a practice suit the following year.

You must have goggles for practice and meets! Two or three pairs are important because they tend to break at the wrong time.

Goggles protect the eyes from chlorine and help your child see underwater. There are many types and styles. It tends to be a matter of personal choice. Swedish style goggles (a hard plastic goggle that sits inside the eye socket) are not recommended for beginners.

Racing caps will be provided as soon as they are ordered and shipped. Take care of your cap. Additional team caps will be available for purchase while supplies last.

WHAT YOUR SWIMMER NEEDS AT MEETS

Stuff your bag with everything you normally would take to practice. Also include a change of clothes and a jacket. You know how the weather is in New Mexico. Arrive 20 minutes before warm-up to allow time to change and find your home base. Give yourself plenty of time and take a map.

If you have non-swimming brothers and sisters going to a meet, pack some creative fun things for them. Remember a pool can be a dangerous place, so keep an eye on them at all times.

Your swimmer will also need healthy snacks and or a lunch. Please send them with enough to drink. NO SODAS OR ENERGY DRINKS! Sodas can cause cramping in the water and energy drinks are a simple sugar that can be harmful in the warm weather and make you lethargic. Most facilities do have a snack bar and serve breakfast burritos, drinks, and snacks.

CONDUCT AT PRACTICE AND AT MEETS

Remember you are representing yourself, your families and the City of Socorro. Please stay out of the facilities while we are the visiting team. Please stay out of all baby pools. Listen to your coaches and make sure you know your events. There is NO CLOWNING IN OR OUT OF THE POOL.

8 & UNDER MEET and NEW MEXICO GAMES

There will be no bus for the 8 & Under meet. Your child will swim against other swimmers of their respective age. This is a very fun meet for the 8 & Unders!

New Mexico Games will be held at West Mesa Aquatic Center. This meet is not a part of the Sundance schedule but is a great opportunity for any interested swimmer of any age to compete against other swimmers from Sundance, USA and City teams. Those who qualify in the top three of any event will be eligible to swim in the State Games of America. I will have sign up forms for those that are interested. Check emails and remind messages for more information.

BUS INFORMATION

We will have a bus for all away meets with the exception of the New Mexico Games, 8 & Under Meet, and State Championships.  You are welcome and encouraged to take you swimmer to the meet. It is always great to have parent support at the meets to cheer loud and often for the Stingrays.

PRACTICE CANCELLATIONS

We will give our best effort to notify parents of any canceled practices due to weather or other circumstances. 

• We will be sending out alerts via Remind to each age group if practice is canceled due to the weather. What causes a practice to be canceled? Lightning (10 miles away or closer) or if it is raining enough that you cannot see the bottom of the pool.
• We use the lightning detector at the pool as well as monitor the weather bug app (available on Android and Apple) to monitor the safety of your swimmers and our coaches.
• Open Swim Incidents at the City Pool can sometimes require a chemistry adjustment and practice cancellation. These cancellations will be announced via Remind as soon as we are notified by the city.
• Be sure to check your alerts on Remind for updates on practices.

DQ'S OR BETTER KNOWN AS DISQUALIFICATIONS

Some, but not all meets will have a stroke and turn judge at the meet. Their job is to ensure that the rules relating to each stroke are being followed. If your child is disqualified (DQ'd) in an event, be supportive rather than critical. For beginning swimmers, a disqualification should be treated as a learning experience, not as a punishment. A DQ alerts the swimmer and the coach to what portions of the swimmer’s stroke need to be corrected. They should be considered in the same light as on incorrect answer in schoolwork. They point out areas which need further practice. The DQ is necessary to keep competition fair and equitable for all other competitors. A supportive attitude on the part of the official, coach, and the parent can also keep it a positive experience for the DQ's swimmer.

RIBBONS

Ribbons are the responsibility of the HOME TEAM. All heats will be given a ribbon. For the 8 and under meet and Finals, ribbons will be passed out at the swim banquet. There are no ribbons at the district meet.

STILL THERE?

Can't stop without a message. As a parent, your major responsibility is to provide a stable, loving, supportive environment. This positive environment will encourage your child to continue. Show your interest by ensuring your child's attendance at practice, and by coming to meets. Good sportsmanship starts with you: cheer for your child and your team. Remember that improvement and personal accomplishments are more important than winning. NOW LETS HAVE SOME FUN!