Welcome Swimmers, and Families to the 2025 Crockett Swim Team season.
My name is Kayla Alvarado, President of Crockett Swim Team and TCSL League Representative, the Board and I would like to welcome our new and returning swimmers. I am so excited to get this year's swim season off to a great start.
Our swimmers had a wonderful 2024 swim season, with many of them reaching personal best times and breaking records. 2025 is scheduled to be our busiest one yet with more dual meets, invitationals and fun team activities.
As a recreational swim team, our team depends on the support and participation of all families. It is only with the support of our amazing parents, grandparents, and other family members that our season can be successful. As they say, 'It takes a village.'
The Crockett Swim Team is one of five teams in the Tri-County Swim League (TCSL) and will have 5 league meets, in which all families must work and volunteer their time. Throughout the season there will be special meets/invitationals, while it’s not required for swimmers to participate it is highly encouraged. If your swimmer competes you will be required to work/volunteer.
The Crockett Swim Team is a great opportunity for your child to stay active during the summer months, become strong swimmers and build friendships that could last them a lifetime. Our wonderful coaching staff will be there to teach and encourage your swimmer. They have years of knowledge between them that they are eager to share. Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts and concerns this season.
Thank you,
Kayla Alvarado, CST President
Crockett Swim Team Board
President: Kayla Alvarado [email protected]
Vice President: Veronnica Caniezo [email protected]
Special Meets/Apparel: Veronnica Caniezo [email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer: Evelyn Ragonton [email protected]
Computer Contact: Veronnica Caniezo [email protected]
Snack Bar: Sabrina Sheats [email protected]
League Rep: Callie Bremer [email protected] & Kayla Alvarado [email protected]
Crockett Swim Team Members At Large / Committee Chairs
Coaching Staff:
Alisa Airoldi [email protected]
(510)260-4281
Dominic Alvarado [email protected]
Crockett Pool: (510)787-2567
Acknowledgements
The Crockett Swim Team owes a debt of gratitude to the Crockett Recreation Department (CRD). It is important to remember that the CRD is made up of community who work hard to ensure that the pool facilities are well maintained for all the people who use them. Let us all show our appreciation by obeying pool rules and doing everything we can to keep the facilities neat and clean.
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A very special thanks is owed to the Crockett Community Foundation for their support of the Crockett Swim Team. Their matching funds program alone generously contributes up to $1000 to our fundraisers.
In recent years, the foundation provided our team with a grant to purchase our new Colorado Timing System, build a new shed and purchase new laptops to run our meets. All these items were badly needed and were not inexpensive. The foundation has played a large role in the success of our swim team.
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Section 1: Information
A. Fees Structure:
2025 REGISTRATION FEES
NOTE: Multiple swimmer discounts apply to siblings residing in the same household/address on a permanent basis. Multi-families residing in the same household/address contact a board member for review.
The fee does NOT include public swimming. For further information, please contact a member of the Crockett Swim Team board. All fees are due when you register your child. Because of insurance regulations, all registration forms must be completed before the swimmer enters the water.
B. Refund Policy:
Refunds are generally not a practice. Depending upon circumstance, requests will be resolved by the board. Refund requests must be in writing and will not be accepted after May 31.
C. Work Obligations and Money Matters:
Parent participation is mandatory at all dual meets, time trails, and League Finals. If this obligation is not fulfilled it puts an unnecessary burden on the other families. A $200 deposit is required and will be made in advance of the season. Deposit may be in the form of cash or a post-dated check (August 31, 2025).
If requirements are fulfilled, deposits will be returned in the same form as the deposit was received, unless otherwise agreed upon with the Crockett Swim Team Board of Directors.
All fees and deposits must be paid in full no later than June 1. Swimmers may be prohibited from participating in practice, swim meets, receiving awards, etc. until outstanding balances are paid in full.
See additional detail in Section 3
Parents of all swimmers participating and competing in swim meets are required to work/volunteer. League Finals will need additional support. Punctuality is extremely important for all working at a swim meet. When one is not ready to work the time they have been scheduled, it creates a domino effect and puts a burden on others.
If you are unable to work as scheduled, due to unforeseen circumstances, please find an acceptable substitute to fill your shift. Reminder: volunteers must be 18 years or older. If you are unable to find an acceptable replacement, contact the Volunteer Coordinator as early as possible.
D. Fundraisers
Raising funds throughout the season is an important part of the operations of our team. Some of the required costs for the team are pool rental, swim-meet supplies, ribbons, trophies, insurance and coaches’ pay.
1. Crockett-ile Raffle: 20 Raffle Tickets @ $5 each are included in the fee for each family. These raffle tickets may be re-sold to recoup the expense to the family. Additional raffle tickets will be available for purchase to raise more funds. The raffle will have three drawings for cash prizes.
Drawing #1 of 3 Friday, May 30, 2025 Prize: $200
Drawing #2 of 3 Friday, June 27, 2025 Prize: $300
Drawing #3 of 3 Thursday, July 24, 2025 Prize: $500
2. The Crockett Conditioning Circuit Fundraiser is a fun event where swimmers get sponsors based on the number of conditioning circuits, they think they can complete. The swimmers complete as many circuits as they can in one hour. Donation letters also go out to local businesses for help. If you personally know any generous givers, please share their names with our coordinator, or put in a good word for the Crockett Swim Team.
E. Clothing
The team suit chosen for this season can be ordered directly from the company. More information will be available soon. If you have any questions, please contact Veronnica Caniezo at [email protected].
Our team shows pride and spirit when all swimmers wear suits and apparel that represent the team. It is recommended that swimmers use another suit for practice in order to extend the life of their team suit.
Practice suits must be appropriate training attire. Girl’s suits must be one piece or official two-piece practice suits; it’s hard to dive when the suit falls off. Boy’s suits must be jammers or Speedos; it is hard to swim when the pockets fill up with water.
Our team colors are officially royal blue with white, and matching team suits are black/royal blue.
F. Awards
Swimmers can earn stars to sew on their sweatshirts by making an "A," "B," "Honor" or "County" time. The color of the star signifies the stroke and level of achievement. The following is a breakdown of those levels:
“B” Stars “A” Stars Honor Stars County Stars
Freestyle Small White Large White Small Gold Large Gold
Breaststroke Small Red Large Red Small Gold Large Gold
Butterfly Small Royal Large Royal Small Gold Large Gold
Backstroke Small Navy Large Navy Small Gold Large Gold
IM Small Yellow Large Yellow Small Gold Large Gold
The list of qualifying times will be made available to each swimmer or it can be found on the website under STAR.
Ribbons will be awarded for swimmers placing 1st through 6th place only. Participation ribbons for 8 & under swimmers will be given for each stroke swam where a place ribbon was not earned. Ribbons can be found in your family folder as soon as possible after the meet. (See Section 3: Parents Responsibilities.)
G. End of Year Awards
Awards will be given out at the end-of-season banquet (generally in September). Besides participation awards, there is a possibility of up to three separate categories of awards that will be presented to boys and girls of each age group.
1. High Point Award
This award will be given to the one boy and girl in each age category with the highest points earned over the season, more meets a swimmer participates and places in the higher chance they have to receive this award.
2. Most Improved Award
This award is based on improvement throughout the season. The frequency and consistency of improvement will also be a consideration. Award is at the coaches discretion.
3. Hustle Award
This award is given for hard work, a swimmer who is consistently putting in the effort to improve their technique and time. Award is at the coaches discretion.
4. Coaches Award
This award is given for hard work, a positive attitude, attendance at practice and meets, and setting a good example of team spirit and sportsmanship. Up to one award per five children within each age/gender group may be awarded. Award is at the coaches discretion.
Awards may be trophies, plaques, medals, and/or rosettes.
Section 2: Guidelines
A. Communication
Communication with families is handled three ways.
1. Dry erase board at the entrance of the pool. It will have any immediate notifications for the week.
2. Every family will have a folder with the family name on it. Please have your child check the folder regularly as vital information and awards are placed in these folders.
3. E-mail will also be used to keep families updated. If you have any changes in your e-mail
address or you need to contact the team for any reason, please contact us and we will respond as soon as possible.
B. Parents at Practice
Parents are welcome at practice. If the need arises to discuss your child’s progress with the coach, please wait until the end of practice to do so. No sideline coaching please. Respect the decisions of our coaches and Jr. coaches. Our coaches are highly trained, and our Jr. coaches are handpicked because of their years of experience. Please keep all children from running at the pool or getting too near to the pool’s edge. It is important that all people, children and adults, follow all pool rules as posted and outlined in the code of conduct. Use of the baby pool is prohibited.
C. Missing Practices and Tardiness
Frequent absences from practice may result in your child’s exclusion from the meets or restrict the events they swim. If a swimmer is late to practice, the coaches reserve the right to exclude the swimmer from practice. It is important for swimmers to have time to stretch before the workouts begin.
D. Transportation
No driver under age 18 may transport other swimmers to meets. If you cannot accompany your swimmer to the meet, please make arrangements for another adult to drive him/her.
E. Pool Rules & Behavior
1. Children 10 years and under must be accompanied by an adult or responsible sibling 15 years or older.
2. The Recreation Department will not be held responsible for lost or stolen property.
3. Swimmers should use showers before entering the pool.
4. Anyone afflicted with an infection, severe cold or wearing bandages shall not be allowed in the pool.
5. No glassware within the pool area.
6. Any refreshments or edibles will be allowed in designated eating areas only. Clean up after yourself.
7. No sunflower seeds or gum are allowed in the pool area.
8. Absolutely no smoking.
9. No artificial swimming devices allowed in the pool unless authorized by the lifeguard.
10.People will refrain from rough and boisterous play. No running in the pool area, including the grass.
11.Only authorized personnel will be allowed in filter room or behind the counter in the lobby.
Please abide and respect all pool rules and the League’s code of conduct. Keep in mind that you
represent CST, and sportsman-like conduct is a must.
F. Code of Conduct
A team sports code of conduct is a set of rules and expectations for how athletes should behave. It can include expectations for how athletes should treat their teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials. It can also include expectations how athletes should behave in and out of the pool.
1. Respect: Respect your teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and the sport/game
2. Fair play: Play fairly, follow the rules, and accept the decisions of officials
3. Sportsmanship: Demonstrate good sportsmanship before, during, and after meets
4. Responsibility: Be dependable, punctual, and self-disciplined
5. Cooperation: Be cooperative with your teammates and help them be better
6. Honesty: Be truthful, loyal, and trustworthy
7. Safety: Maintain a high level of safety awareness
8. Respect for property: Respect the property of the team and others
9. Respect for victory and defeat: Respect victory and defeat
G. Disciplinary Actions
Persons violating the above rules or whose conduct is jeopardizing the safety or pleasure of others will be subject to disciplinary actions. The coaches and board will document instances and reserve the right to suspend a swimmer from practice, meets and/or the team for unsportsmanlike behavior.
H. Meet Participation (Attend/Decline)
CST utilizes the Sports Engine platform to track swimmer participation. Swimmers by default will be committed to ALL league meets. If a swimmer is unable to or do not want to participate, they must DECLINE within the portal, no later than 7 days prior to the meet. Coaches build meet events based on responses. The assignment of events is at the coaches’ discretion.
I. Eating Before Meets
Please make sure that your child has a light, nutritious meal about an hour before a meet. The best foods are carbohydrates (pasta, potatoes, cereals, etc.). Avoid sugary meals like donuts or candy before meets.
J. During the meet Please respect the decisions coaches make when it comes to the swimmers. They have been coaching
for many years and make decisions about heats and relays based on their experiences. We have a strong coaching staff and we need to remember that during meets.
K. After the Meet
Everyone is expected to clean up the team area at "home" and "away" meets.
Section 3: Parent Responsibilities
A. Sign-ups
Swimmers by default will be committed to ALL league meets. If a swimmer is unable to or do not want to participate, they must DECLINE within the portal, no later than 7 days prior to the meet. Coaches build meet events based on responses. The assignment of events is at the coaches’ discretion.
Through our website we track all participants and volunteers for meets. Parents/swimmers must sign the swimmer in or out for each meet. The assignment of events is at the coaches’ discretion.
Invitational or special-event swim meets generally require a 2-week advance notification and fees. These special meets will be advertised in advance and as soon as information is available. Registration forms for these events will be circulated and the appropriate fees collected. Late registration for these events is not permitted.
Various announcements and notifications will be via e-mail, our website, and/or by newsletter or flyer, which is placed in the family folder and made available during the daily practices. Please have your child check the folder daily to avoid missing vital communications.
You may contact a board member at any time. Check for names and e-mails listed at the front of thehandbook.
B. Working the Meets
Each swim meet is a cooperative effort operated by parent volunteers. Help is essential at all meets. For most job positions, it is possible to watch the meet while you work. The following is a description of the specific positions. After the position name, either "both" or "home" will designate whether the position is needed at either away and home meets, or strictly home meets. There is also a number designation,which indicates how many workers are needed for that particular position. Our website has a place next to each event where parents can sign up and pick which jobs they will work for each meet. Please do this soon as good positions fill up quickly.
Note: One parent from each family should be prepared to work at every meet their child swims. Parent participation is mandatory at all meets. If this obligation is not fulfilled, the family forfeits the $200 deposit at the end of the season. Depending on the circumstances, a child may be prohibited from swimming in the next meet if fees aren’t paid. Furthermore, awards and recognition will not be awarded to the swimmer if penalty fees are left unpaid.
C. Job Descriptions
1. Head/Backup Timer: Home 1
The Head Timer stays on deck near the Starter and next to the line of Lane Timers. The Head Timer will maintain two additional stop watches for each race in case one of the Lane Timers doesn’t get an accurate time. When the need arises for a backup time, the specific Lane Timer will call out "Timer", whereby, the Head Timer will proceed to the lane in need and either trade watches or get a finish time and report it to the Lane Recorder.
2. Lane Timer: Home 9 / Away 9
The Lane Timer will use one stopwatch to time each race accurately from start to finish, when the swimmer correctly touches the wall.
3. Recorder: Home 3 / Away 3
The Recorder sits behind the Lane Timers and records the swimmers’ appropriate statistics as they line up for their upcoming event The Recorder must make sure to get the swimmer’s name, age, event, lane, heat #, team, and the finish times from each of the three Lane Timers.
4. Ribbon Writer: Home 2 / Away 2
The Ribbon Writers transfer the statistical information from the Recorders’ individual sheets and prepares the appropriate ribbon based on the finish time for each event per heat.
5. Shepherd: Home 4 / Away 4
One shepherd will be assigned to chaperoning one of the following swimmers:
a. 6 & under boys
b. 6 & under girls
c. 7-8 boys
d. 7-8 girls
They need to know where their swimmers are at all times and direct them to each of their
individual and relay events. Remember, their parents are working other positions and are unable to get them to the blocks.
6. Stroke & Turn Judge: Home 4 / Away 4
The Stroke & Turn Judge determines any swimming disqualifications. The person performing this duty must complete training with a qualified instructor.
Note: Stroke and Turn clinic is scheduled TBD for all interested parents who wish to participate as a Stroke and Turn Judge, a Referee, or Starter. Please contact a board member if you are interested in this clinic.
7. Relief/Alternate: Home 3 / Away 3
The Relief/Alternate provides relief for breaks or fills in for absences. At home meets, these people assists in the hosting duties.
8. Starter: Home 1
The Starter begins each race using the starting-time system with a bullhorn, whistle, or
microphone and speaker system.
9. Announcer: Home 1
The Announcer acts as a Master of Ceremonies, announcing each race. The person performing this position should be familiar with race protocol and have completed training by a qualified instructor.
10. Set Up/Clean Up: Home - ALL Available
The Set Up and Clean Up committee also includes any board members participating in the meet.
The Set Up people are at the pool at least one-and-a-half hours prior to meet start time. The many jobs include removal of the pool cover, connection of lane ropes, the setup of flags, lane timer/recorder chairs, sunshades, the starting and speaker system, scoring and ribbon writers tables, and the Welcome Board. The bathrooms should also be checked for cleanliness. Clean Up people put things away and returns the pool area to its original condition. Again, special attention should be given to the restrooms. All parents should participate in clean-up.
11.Runner: Home 1
The runner transports the recorder’s statistics to the scoring table.
12. Snack Bar Crew: Home 4
The Snack Bar Crew sets up one hour prior to meets, arranging the refreshments for sale, posting the menu/price list, setting up the cash box, preparing any food/drinks ahead of time (i.e., coffee,lemonade, nacho cheese, chili, soup, etc.) The sales crew will be two people inside the snack bar and one Snack Bar Maintenance person who will maintain the prepared food/drinks and the condiment table for the Chef area. This person also does the running for backup supplies in the swim-team shed and plays Hostess to working parents in other positions. After the meet, the crew cleans up the snack bar and returns it to its original condition.
13.BBQ Chef: Home 2
The chef is the barbecue or cook who prepares meals for patrons during swim meets. The chef sets up the work station one hour prior to meet time by unloading all necessary equipment from the swim team shed and returning it at the end of the meet.
Note: Everyone working at a meet is expected to be prompt. It can’t be stressed enough that your help is seriously needed to make the swim meets a good experience for all concerned. Please be courteous and arrange for an age-appropriate alternate if you cannot work a meet you have signed up for.
Section 4: Swimmer Responsibilities
A. Arrive Early For Meets
A swimmer needs to arrive one hour early to warm up for Home meets, 45 minutes early for Away meets. Warm-ups are vital to a swimmer’s performance.
B. Clothing, Etc.
• Suits, preferably team suits
• Sweats
• Goggles and caps
• Sunscreen and shade are advisable at day-long meets
C. Label Personal Items
Please label all of your items so they can be returned to you if they are lost. A lost-and-found box is kept throughout the season. Please check the box on a regular basis as things seem to pile up as the season progresses.
D. Schedule of events
The schedule of events for each meet will be determined by coaches and posted in the team area at meets. Swimmers must consult with their coach prior to the meet if they have special requests.
E. Event Starts
The swimmer is responsible for getting to the starting blocks on time. Swimmers should stay behind the Recorder’s chair while waiting for their race.
Section 5: Workout Objectives
The following is a list of what your swimmer can expect to work toward while on the swim team.
Ages 6 and Under
• Introduce proper drills for all strokes.
• Teach the basics of proper strokes.
• Learn streamlines.
• Develop breath control in freestyle and butterfly.
Note: Parents please be aware that "swim team" does not mean "swim lessons." Swimmers 4 years of age by 06/15/2025 is the youngest allowed to swim in dual league meets. Teen volunteers assist with the 6 & under non-swimming members. In time these non-swimmers will learn the skills to swim unassisted up and down the lanes of the pool. CST now offers swim lessons beginning 06/10/2025.
Ages 7-8
• Develop proper, efficient technique in all strokes.
• Develop streamlines.
• Develop breath control in freestyle and butterfly.
• Develop aggressive kick.
Ages 9-10
• Develop proper, efficient technique in all strokes and try to break bad habits.
• Learn to swim a proper 50-yard race including disciplined breathing patterns in freestyle and butterfly.
• Introduce and develop proper techniques for all turns.
Ages 11-12
• Develop proper, efficient techniques in all strokes, and try to break old habits.
• Strengthen kick in all strokes.
• Develop a disciplined breathing pattern in freestyle and butterfly.
• Introduce and develop proper techniques for all turns.
Ages 13 and over
• Introduce more intense, disciplined training.
• Perfect turns, strokes and kicks
Disclaimer
All CST Handbook details are subject to change upon board approval. All families will receive notification of all changes via email. Families will have 14-days to review prior to enforcing.
