Swim Team Attendance Policy

We understand that families have busy schedules, and we want to create an environment that balances commitment with flexibility. Below are the attendance expectations for each group to ensure all swimmers get the most out of their experience.

Bitty Barracudas (Bitties)

• Practice:
  • Bitty Barracudas should aim to attend most practices each week.
  • There is no need to notify coaches if your swimmer will miss a practice.
  • If a swimmer consistently misses practice, we may recommend moving them to a group that better aligns with their attendance and skill level.
• Meets:
  • Bitty Barracudas are required to attend at least three (3) of the five (5) home meets during the season.
  • They will compete at the beginning of each meet and are free to leave afterward or stay to cheer on their teammates.
  • Bitties do not attend away meets.
  • Meet sign-ups will be required and communicated in advance.

Cool Cudas ('Cudas)

• Practice:
  • 'Cudas should try to attend most practices.
  • Regular communication between parents and coaches is encouraged to ensure we meet each swimmer's needs.
  • Parents should expect to get in the water with their swimmer at each practice unless the swimmer and coach agree that it is no longer necessary.
• Meets:
  • Meets are optional, but we encourage swimmers to give them a try!
  • Meets can be loud and overwhelming, so there will be a designated area for 'Cudas and their families.
  • 'Cudas will race at the beginning of every home meet, right after the national anthem.
  • 'Cudas do not attend away meets.
  • Coaches will communicate with parents about meet participation—there is no formal sign-up process for 'Cudas.

Age Groups (8 & Under through 15+)

• Practice:
  • Swimmers are expected to attend most practices throughout the season.
  • Missing an occasional practice will not impact performance, but missing multiple practices in a row may.
  • If a swimmer will be absent for more than a week, please email Coach Richard at [email protected] so we can track long-term absences.
  • There is no penalty for missing practice, but consistent attendance helps swimmers build friendships and improve performance.
  • If a swimmer under age 12 needs to leave practice early, parents should notify coaches before practice begins.
• Meets:
  • Swimmers must participate in at least six (6) competition or distance meets throughout the season.
  • At least two (2) of these must be away meets.
  • Swimmers are welcome to participate in all 10 competition meets and 1 distance meet, but six (6) meets are required before championships.
  • Meet sign-ups open one week before each meet.
  • Sign-ups will close either the day before the meet or when 120 swimmers have registered, whichever comes first.
  • When signing up for a meet, swimmers are expected to stay for the entire meet. If they cannot commit to the full meet, they should not sign up.
  • Pulling out of a meet within 24 hours may result in swimmers being held out of relays for reliability issues.
  • Parents and Swimmers should email if an emergency happens that prevents them from attending a meet they signed up for.

Typical Home Meet Schedule:

Set-Up: 2:00 PM

Doors Open: 3:30 PM

Fairwood Barracudas Warm-Up: 4:00 PM

Meet Begins: 5:00 PM

Meet Ends: 8:30 PM

Thank you for your commitment to the team! We appreciate your support in creating a positive experience for all swimmers. If you have any questions, please reach out to the coaching staff.