GATOR GUIDE

The Glendale Gators will swim in the Blue Division of GPSA (Greater Peninsula Swimming Association for the 2024 season.  Glendale Pool membership is required to become a member of the swim team.  Team membership includes all practices and meets, a team t-shirt, as well as the Team Banquet, at which each swimmer receives a trophy.

Registration and fees

The 2024 registration form is available on-line at https://glendalegators.swimtopia.com.  Swim team fees are $75 per swimmer ($30 each for third or fourth swimmer from same family).   Team t-shirts will have all swimmer’s names listed on the back.  All swimmers must be able to swim the length of the pool without stopping (25 meters) prior to time trials. The Strive for 25 program is available for any swimmers that currently cannot swim 25 meters without stopping (see below for more details)

Strive for 25:

This program lasts for 7 days (Tuesday-Thursday first week, Monday – Thursday second week). The goal is to help swimmers achieve the goal of swimming 25 meters without stopping as well as to help with stroke development. The cost is $25 and, should your swimmer join the team, that money will be applied toward the $75 swim team fee.

Team Suit/Caps:

The official team swimsuit is the Speedo Wave Wall (green)

https://www.speedousa.com/wave-wall-team-jammer-style-7052175

https://www.speedousa.com/wave-wall-crossback-style-7192175

NOTE: this suit is no longer being made and availability is limited.  The official alternate suit is all black.

Our official supplier is:     Swim Outlet.com (see link on team swimtopia website)

Gator swim caps are available for purchase online or at the pool office.

Swimmer Conduct:

All swimmers are expected to attend and participate in practice and meets regularly (on time).  It is expected that all swimmers will exhibit good behavior and cooperation at all times.  All swimmers and parents must sign the code of conduct (https://glendalegators.swimtopia.com) before being eligible to swim in any meets. Team spirit and good sportsmanship are required at all times as well.

Glendale Swim Team Executive Committee:

President – Harry Grau

Vice-president – NEED A VOLUNTEER

Income manager – NEED A VOLUNTEER

Expense Manager – NEED A VOLUNTEER

Secretary – Shoshana Marziano

Members-at-Large:  Paul Creal,  Kim Hines, Kevin MacLuskie, Ryan MacLuskie

GPSA Representative:

Paul Creal

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach:  Havana Grau

Associate head coach:  Taylor Waddell

Assistant Coach:, Chloe Ward

Practice Schedule and Meet Information

Exact times for practices will be announced by the coaching staff; we anticipate  (1) an open “early-bird” session from 7:30 – 8:15 am, (2) 8 and Under: 8:15-9 am, (3) 9-12 yrs: 9 – 9:45 am, (4) 13 & older: 9:45 – 10:45 am, but NOTE: this is subject to change as the season approaches.  (from May 30 – June 8, practices will be held in the late afternoon.)

PLEASE ATTEND “MEET THE COACHES” ON SATURDAY MAY 27 NOON (at the pool) TO GET FULL DETAILS ON PRACTICE SCHEDULES AND OTHER TEAM INFO

Please have your child attend practice regularly.  This will only help your child develop and improve their swimming abilities. Any swimmer who is practicing with a USA Swim team should be attending those practices regularly.  However on the mornings that there is a meet ALL swimmers should attend Glendale practice!

There are seven teams in the Blue Division; each team swims against the others one time.  We have three home meets (plus time trials) and three away meets.  It is possible additional “friendly” meets may be scheduled.   City Meet will be TBD.

(see schedule information at https://glendalegators.swimtopia.com)

In the event of bad weather, please make sure someone is available to pick your child up from practice early.  Children 8 and under must have an adult and/or babysitter present (on pool grounds or parking lot) during all practice times. Should there be a last-minute emergency and your swimmer can’t swim in a meet for which they have been slated, please contact (call or text) the Coach as soon as possible, This will allow her to plan accordingly so your swimmer can be removed from the line-up and another swimmer can be chosen to swim. For home meets, swimmers need to be at Glendale by 4:30pm.  Please be at the host pool for away meets by 5:00 p.m, unless otherwise instructed by the coaching staff.  All meets begin at 6:00pm sharp.

Volunteers

Swim team is all about parent participation!  It would not be possible to effectively run the meets without YOU!  We need volunteers to make the season a success.  EACH FAMILY IS REQUIRED TO VOLUNTEER FOR 3 MEET MANPOWER SLOTS/VOLUNTEER “POINTS” (or alternatives).  Your swimmer(s) will NOT be entered in any swim meets until your family has signed up for 3 points.  Details about the various positions can be found in the swim team handbook, as well as via descriptions given at “Meet the Coaches” or on Swimtopia Sign-ups; signups will be available at MEET THE COACHES or on https://glendalegators.swimtopia.com; look for announcements about how to sign up during the season. Again, we cannot run these meets without you.  So please make sure to sign up!

Swim-a-thon

The swim team holds a swim-a-thon every season (Wed. July 19 morning); This is our primary fundraising tool.  EVERY SWIMMER AND FAMILY IS EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SWIM-A-THON, either directly or indirectly.

Swimtopiatm

The team will be using the SwimTopia team management system (https://glendalegators.swimtopia.com).  Parents are encouraged to download the SwimTopia app available at both the Apple Store and Google Play.  For home meets, we will be using Meet Maestro and Time Drops systems.  The costs for these systems are born by the team and thru the generosity of donors. 

Check the Glendale Facebook page or SwimTopia app for frequent announcements and updates

It is very important that children and parents (especially for the younger ones) pay attention to the order of the meets.  We do not want any child to miss their event because there are no make-ups.  For some away meets, the host team might not be using  an electronic tracking system and will be using paper lane slips; please help your swimmer keep their lane slips secure and have ready when their event is approaching.  Swim meets typically last 2-1/2 to 3 hours.   Please make sure to plan appropriately, especially for younger swimmers (coloring books, small games, books to read, snacks, water/Gatorade etc).  It is a good idea to bring an extra towel or blanket for your child to sit on during the meets. Make sure to label all bags, goggles, caps, towels, bathing suits, etc.  with your child’s name – things always get left behind.

Please remember that during a meet, our coaches need to be focused on the events and the swimmers in those events.  If you have questions or would like to speak with the coach about your child, please do so after the meet, after practice or contact the coach directly.  Please try to avoid these conversations during a meet.

GPSA Representatives will make all final decisions regarding weather cancellations.  These decisions are typically made at the very last minute in hopes that the storm will pass over and the meet can continue.  Rain only will not cause a meet to be cancelled.  Any sign of lightning or thunder will stop the meet and representatives will make the call based on the safety of the team.

Per GPSA (Greater Peninsula Swimming Association) rules, NO tobacco products or alcohol is allowed on the pool deck during swim meets or the team will be disqualified.

Cheer on other swimmers!  We love showing GATOR SPIRIT for all swimmers!

We are looking forward to a great season!

For more information, contact us at: 

nnglendaleswimteam@gmail.com