All,

We are approaching our first meet of the year.  It is a practice meet at our pool in Cypresswood.  All parents will receive notification from me each week about the meets.  During a dual meet, divisionals, or any invitational we participate in, I will send meet information to each of you.  As the team rep, it is my duty to ensure you have the required information via NWAL rules. Each dual meet will have specific information and instructions when we are away and all home meets will be similar to this weekend's meet for those who are new.

As a rule, we start at 8:30am and require each swimmer to sign in at the designated tables in the pavilion by 7:15am.  This allows our computer folks time to enter any scratches and/or changes we need to work out with the opposing team.  Signing in is a formality and confirmation from each swimmer's previous confirmation (RSVP) that they were participating in the upcoming meet via the website.  It is very easy to use once proper access and passwords are all worked out.  I know Kelly has been working with many of you to ensure this process is user friendly.

Just a few main comments about the rules during each NWAL sanctioned meet.  We are bound by NWAL rules and will observe them for the safety of our swimmers, volunteers and guests.  We have a zero tolerance policy for cursing, arguing with officials, conflicts with the other teams, and/or any disagreements a parent/swimmer might have with specific rulings.  Any discussions and/or disagreements with a ruling by the officials (disqualified for various reasons, i.e. one hand touch on breaststroke, touching the bottom of the pool, etc...) can be challenged and the process must go through the team rep. Most challenges (dq's) are not overturned but in some cases there is human error when recording things at the computer and those can be corrected. Any potential conflicts with others needs to be addressed with Rich (Team President), a board member, or myself.

Our main goal as the Cypresswood swim team each week is to ensure each swimmer has an opportunity to compete fairly, each swimmer has been afforded the opportunity to prepare, and each swimmer has a unique experience as a member of our swim team that will provide lifelong memories.  We cheer every swimmer (the other team or ours) when they do well and sometimes louder when they need help to finish.  Our goals as parents are to ensure we respect each other and provide an atmosphere that allows each swimmer an opportunity to improve each week and the encouragement necessary to become the best or strongest swimmer he or she can become.  Good or bad, hug your child when they finish a race, high five them when they finish the race, lend a shoulder to them when they don't meet their own expectations and first and foremost be your child's biggest fan.  

If anyone has any questions about the meet, NWAL rules, or specific team concerns, please let me or Rich know.  I can be contacted at 281-802-2643.

Good swimming,

George Ebelt-  Cypresswood Team Rep/C4 Division Rep