Do I have to stay at the pool during my child’s practice?

While our coaching staff has received all the training necessary for a safe season, we still encourage parents to actively supervise their children during all activity in and around the pool. Per the Oakleigh HOA rules, children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult (or a designated responsible person) at all times while in the pool area. Please plan to supervise any children under the age of 14 for all practices and swim meets.

How do we handle inclement weather and cancelations for practices and meets?

We will communicate through text message and email. You may also check our Facebook and website. If we are at a meet, and a storm comes through PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE we will communicate with you if the meet is called, otherwise we will wait until it passes.  If there is a storm during practice, the swimmers will be moved indoors for Dry practice.

What am I committing to when I say I will volunteer for 5 shifts?

We ask that each family (no matter how many swimmers) commit to volunteer for at least 5 shifts during our swim meets.  A swim meet is divided into two shifts or halves with the first half usually ending between 8 and 8:30 or around event #45.There are multiple ways to fulfill your volunteer commitment – you can volunteer for one shift during 5 meets, you and your spouse could each volunteer for a shift during 2 meets etc.  Our volunteer coordinators will keep track of your shifts and you may see them for any concerns.

We will train you for any position you are placed in, but please don’t hesitate to ask our Volunteer Coordinators or Committee members for help.

What is the Flippers team?

We will have our 4 year old Flippers* this year, these children must be 4 by May 31, 2024, and although they will attend practices they will be unable to participate in swim meets. They will, however, participate in their own mock meet at the end of season party. Our hope is that they will be successful and ready to take on the competition the following year!

*4 year swimmers should have basic water skills and have some experience in the water. Swimmers must be able to fully submerge under water, float with support and have no fear of the water. We will work on Gliding, Jumping and Swimming on their Front and Back.

Where do I park for a swim meet?

Parking in the parking lot is very limited. We ask that you obey the no parking signs posted at the front of the neighborhood.There is absolutely no parking on the grass along Lost Mtn. Rd. Please park on the right side of the neighborhood streets and be courteous of neighbors and their driveways. You may not park along Oakleigh Manor Drive or near intersections.

What should I bring to a swim meet?

Oakamber Swim Suit and T-shirt

Towels – at least 2 per swimmer

Warm clothes – it can get cooler at night so a sweatshirt or jacket is good to have

Goggles – include an extra pair because one will break

Swim cap – optional

Water bottle

$$ for concessions and/or snacks, dinner

Lawn chairs

Sunscreen / bug spray

Sharpie marker – to label your swimmer’s event/heat/lane on their arm or leg

Depending on weather - ponchos, umbrellas, garbage bag to keep items dry

Cards, games, toys – something to keep occupied while waiting for your next event

How do I write my child's events on their arm?

This arm shows the Event (E), Heat (H), and Lane (L) for each race, plus a brief description. So, the arm indicates that the swimmer will swim event #6, heat 4, lane 4. It also says that this will be the 50 freestyle. When the meet is on event #3, your swimmer should be walking toward the starting end of the pool to line up for their race. Also, please write your swimmer’s name on their back, just below the neck area so the Bullpen Volunteer can easily see it. 

How long does a meet last?

For home meets, warm-up begins at 5:00, for away meets warm-up begins at 5:30.  Swim meets start at 6:00 and usually finish by 10:30 although all meets must end by 11 pm.  Our 5 and 6 year old swimmers will be finished by the half way mark event #46 or around 8/8:30.

How many events will my swimmer be entered in at each race?

5 and 6 year old swimmers will swim in a max of 3 races (freestyle, back stroke and a relay)

The maximum number any swimmer can be entered in at a meet is 5.  Each swimmer is allowed to swim 3 individual events and 2 relays.

Why is my swimmer being asked to “swim-up”?

Swimmers may be asked to ‘swim-up’ an age group for either individual or relay events. This could be for competitive reasons or simply to give a swimmer more events at the race if all the heats are full for a given race in their age group. This often occurs in the older age groups where teams typically have fewer swimmers. Swimmers are only allowed to swim-up one age group and may never swim-down an age group.

How are meets scored?

The first heat is the only scoring heat in summer swim league for each of the 86 events offered. For individual events, lanes 1 – 4 score while lanes 2 and 3 score for relays. Lane 5 is considered ‘exhibition only’. We do give ribbons based on finish place. For example, if lane 5 wins, they will get the first place ribbon but will not actually score any points for the team

What ribbons are awarded?

First place through 5^th place in each heat for each event will receive a ribbon.  Ribbons will be available at either the Wednesday morning practice or later that week.  At the end of the season, each swimmer will receive a medal.

How do I know what events my child is swimming?

Heat sheets will be emailed the day before the meet. Please make sure your child knows what event, heat, lane and stroke they are swimming for each event. Most kids utilize the "Event - Heat - Lane Grid" written on their arm or leg with Sharpie.

Can adults consume alcohol or tobacco products at the swim meets?

NO – Per West Georgia Summer Swim Association (WGSSA) league rules there is absolutely NO alcohol allowed on the premises!