What are the expectations of my swimmer?

We have a code of conduct for all Marlins and Marlin coaches and we take them very seriously.  Review the code of conduct and the NVSL Oath. A signed copy is required to begin practices with the Marlins. 

What is a Time Ladder?

A time ladder is the tool that the coach and team reps use to determine which swimmers are eligible for Saturday morning, Division III swim meets.  The time ladder records all the swimmer’s fastest time for each stroke. Once a swimmer swims their fastest time, that time remains on the ladder until the swimmer improves upon that time. The time ladder is the only tool used when placing swimmers for events (strokes and relays) and meets. If the top swimmer is unavailable to swim, then the next time is used.

Swim Team Structure

The Marlins swim team is an exciting, intense 6-8 weeks in the first part of summer, running from the end of May-end of July. If you plan to engage in all the Marlins have to offer, please refrain from scheduling vacation during this time, or allow time to come back for a Saturday/Monday Meet.

Practice is held daily. While school is in session, practice will be in the afternoon. Once schools close, practice moves to the morning for the remaining season. Practices are broken out by age group.  Swimmers may not swim in other age groups. They should practice with their peers, as they will compete within their age group. 

Future Marlins Assessments/Evaluations

The Future Marlins provides group training for children who can swim unassisted 15 meters of the pool. Focus is on proper breathing, stroke technique, and building endurance. Future Marlins can transfer to the competitive team when they can swim freestyle for one full length of the pool unassisted (keeping their face in the water with minimal stopping) and one full length of another stroke. Children must be evaluated before they can participate.

Practice Schedule:

Before School Ends:

Time                                           Age Group

3:45 pm - 4:45 pm               13 and older
4:45 pm - 5:30 pm                8 and under
5:30 pm – 6:45 am               9–12-year-olds
15 minute dryland after each practice

After School Ends: Time                           Age Group

7:15 am – 8:15 am               13 and older
8:20 am – 9:20 am               11–12-year-olds
9:20 am – 10:15 am             9–10-year-olds
10:15 am – 11 am                8 and under
10:45 am – 11:30 am           Future Marlins
 
Weather Delays:
The goal is to have every practice and every meet without delays or interruptions, when a weather delay occurs it is good to understand the rules. Weather delays will occur due to thunder and lightning. Delay times vary by pool rules.
There are no delays for rain.
 
MSTA Delay Information
                        Reason                             Time Delay            
                        Thunder                     30 minutes off the deck
                        Lightning                    45 minutes off the deck
 
When a delay occurs, swimmers will be asked to leave the pool deck for safety.  Lifeguards will indicate the wait time. It is advised to have access to Team Unify, a cell phone, or email. Team Rep will send updates out to the swimmers and parents on the schedule, whether the meet is to continue or will be canceled.