| RIO RAPIDS > |
| Here's what's going on with the Rapids ... |
| Swim Team Registration |
| It is time to register for the 2010 swim season. This year we will be having two registration events, the first one which will be held on Tuesday, February 9th at 7 pm. This is a great opportunity for new and returning families to meet the coaches, club personnel, the parent board members and other swim team families. The second event will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 9 am to 2 pm. This second registration event will be held by the front desk of the club, and is a great option for returning families. Whichever event you choose to attend, please bring your completed registration forms, your calendars so you can sign up for your volunteer shifts and your checkbooks for fees, clothing and clinics. By registering in-person you can make sure all of your paperwork is in on time, that you get a slot in any swim clinics your swimmers are interested in, and that you get the volunteer shifts you want. This year volunteer slots will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is also required that you sign-up for volunteer duties before your registration will be complete. We look forward to seeing you there. [2010 registration form] [registration checklist] [more information] [swim team brochure] |
| Swim Clinics in March |
| Swim clinics begin March 1st. See the swim clinic flyer for the dates, times and cost. |
| Swim Caps & Suits |
| Personalized swim caps are available. See the swim cap order form for details. Swim suit order day is April 21, at the pool. |
| 2010 Schedule |
| The schedule of meets and special events for 2010 is now available. See the events schedule for details. |
| Information for New Swimmers |
| Welcome to the Rapids! Check out our survival guide and parent volunteering pages to find out how you can help make this a fun and successful season. |
| Survival Tips for New Swimmers |
| Like every sport, swimming has its own set of rules, traditions, and idiosyncrasies. Here are some tips to help first-time parents navigate the murky waters of swim practices and meets. |
| 1. Befriend some families who have participated in swim team for some time. They will help you figure out all the dos and don'ts. |
| 2. Get to practice on time. Bring your own towel. And pack a nutritious snack for your swimmer. |
| 3. Label everything -- swimsuit, sweats, towels, goggles and cap. Try a white-out pencil for goggles and cap. |
| 4. Check your family file at least once a week. All notices about parties, practices, and swim meets are put in those files. |
| 5. Be positive and enthusiastic but not overbearing. Your child will stick with swim team only if it is rewarding and fun. |
| 6. If you are going to miss a swim meet, write your swimmer's name in the sign-out book (located in the family file) at least eight days before the meet. This information is essential for the coaches as they put together relay teams, etc. |
| 7. The night before a meet, check the list of swimmers posted on the swim team bulletin board. It will tell you what events your child is swimming in. Don't wait until the meet to figure it out. |
| 8. Not every swimmer swims every event in his or her age group. If you have questions, talk to the coaches before or after -- not during -- swim meets. |
| 9. Get familiar with the structure of meets. Hint: every race has the same number in every meet. Girls' events have even numbers; boys' events have odd numbers. |
| 10. Arrive early for swim meets. Park in the designated areas only, to prevent towing. At home meets, parking attendants will show you where to park. |
| 11. Long-haired swimmers prefer silicone caps, which don't pull hair. |
| 12. Remember to check in at meets, both at the registration desk and with the ready area parent. Otherwise, your child may be scratched from a race. |
| 13. Bring a pen to meets. Use it to write your child's race numbers, heat numbers, and lane numbers on his/her hand. You may want to write it on your hand too. It really helps everyone keep track of things. |
| 14. At meets, pretend you are going camping. Bring lots of extra sweats and towels (even sleeping bags) to keep your children warm in the early morning. And bring lots of sunscreen, hats (even tents) to protect them from the hot afternoon sun. Folding chairs are also a good idea; the ground gets pretty hard after several hours. |
| 15. Bring extra food and drinks to meets (but don't forget to frequent the snack bar). Bring extra suits and goggles, too, just in case. |
| 16. At meets, younger children get restless between their races. Bring coloring books, electronic games, cards, Legos, board games, etc. to keep them occupied. |
| 17. Parents also get restless at meets. Bring a book, newspaper, crossword puzzle and the like. Plan on being there for 4 to 7 hours. |
| 18. Cheer for all the kids. Good sportsmanship begins at home. Set a good example. |
| 19. Feed the coaches occasionally. It makes them happy! |