FOLSOM SEA OTTERS NEW PARENT INFORMATION
Team Communication
Parent Handbook:
-Your go-to guide for team information. Review it regularly for updates.
Ottergrams:
-Weekly email updates.
-Check your inbox (including Junk/Spam folders).
-You will NOT be able to OPT-OUT of these emails
-If not receiving emails, contact [email protected].
Email Contacts:
-General Team Questions: [email protected]
-Coaching Questions: [email protected]
-Coaching Concerns: Contact the Coach Coordinator: [email protected].
Website:
-Visit www.folsomseaotters.com for team updates and event information.
Team Folders:
-Located in the FSO Team Shed (between the grass and bleachers).
Social Media:
-Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and announcements.
Practices
Supervision:
-Swimmers 8 and under must have a parent or responsible adult present for the entire practice.
Poolside Etiquette:
-Parents, siblings, and others must stay away from the pool’s edge and avoid conversations with swimmers or coaches during practice to ensure safety and focus.
Coach Communication:
-Practices are busy; direct concerns via email to [email protected] or schedule an appointment.
-For coaching concerns, contact the Coach Coordinator at [email protected].
Folsom Sea Otters Volunteer Policy
Objective
The Folsom Sea Otters Swim Team values and relies on parental and guardian participation to create a positive and efficient environment for our swimmers. This policy ensures fair distribution of responsibilities, smooth operations, and a collaborative community atmosphere.
Volunteer Commitment Overview
-General Requirement: Each family must complete 5 shifts per season (approximately 3 hours per shift).
-Champs Meet Requirement: Participation in the Championship Meet (Champs) requires parents/guardians to volunteer for one shift per day that their swimmer competes, without exception.
-Additional Volunteer Opportunities: Non-meet roles may be assigned on an as-needed basis; contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
Volunteering Process
Shift Sign-Up:
-After registration, parents/guardians will sign up for shifts online.
-Log into the team website, navigate to "Events," and select available roles.
-Volunteer shift sign-ups lock one week prior to the event. Changes must be coordinated with the Volunteer Coordinator before this
deadline.
Check-In and Credit:
-Volunteers must check in on the day of their event (sign into the binder at the start of shift and sign out of the binder at the end of shift). Attendance will be confirmed, and shifts will be credited after verification.
Standby List:
-Parents not assigned to a shift will be placed on the standby list and may be called upon the day of the meet to fill any openings.
-Standby volunteers must be flexible and ready to assist on short notice, ensuring all events run smoothly
Conflicts:
-If unable to work a specific meet or event, parents/guardians must coordinate with the Volunteer Coordinator to adjust their commitment. Options include:
*Volunteering at a non-meet event.
*Working a double shift at another meet.
Penalties for Failure to Complete Shifts
Failure to meet the volunteer requirement will result in the following penalties:
$100 automatically charged to your credit card on file
In order to maintain priority registration, you must fully satisfy your volunteer requirement. Please refer to the Parent Handbook for additional information.
Priority Registration
Families who fulfill their volunteer commitments, and attend three dual meets receive priority registration for the next swim season, ensuring early access. Those failing to meet their obligations will register during the general registration period.
Appeals Process
If unforeseen circumstances prevent a family from fulfilling their volunteer commitment, they may submit a written appeal to the Folsom Sea Otters Board. The Board will review each case.
Champs Meet Volunteer Policy
-Mandatory Participation: Volunteering at Champs is required for all parents/guardians of competing swimmers.
-Duration: Champs is a 3-day meet; families must volunteer one shift per day their swimmer competes.
-There is a $100 fee per missed volunteer shift at Champs.
Implementation and Updates
This policy is implemented at the start of each swim season and enforced consistently to ensure fairness. The Folsom Sea Otters Swim Team reserves the right to update the policy as necessary, with changes communicated to all members.
By registering with the Folsom Sea Otters, parents and guardians acknowledge their understanding of and agreement with this volunteer policy.
Thank you for supporting the Folsom Sea Otters and contributing to a successful swim season!
Swim Meets Overview
The Folsom Sea Otters (FSO) compete in the Suburban Swim League (SSL) against seven other teams in weekly dual meets, typically held on Saturdays or occasionally on Friday evenings.
Meet Types
-Time Trials: FSO-only event to assess times.
-Dual Meets: Seven meets (4 home, 3 away; alternates yearly).
-Champs: Final league competition.
-Meets of Champions (MOC): Post-Champs event for qualifying swimmers (details on the website).
Team Points
Points are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in each event.
Sign-Ups
-Deadline: Sign up one week prior to the event via the FSO website. If you miss the deadline, we will NOT be able to add your swimmer in. No exceptions.
-If you need to cancel, email [email protected] ASAP.
-Avoid missing meets after signing up.
Meet Participation Requirements
-Swimmers can compete in up to 3 individual events and 2 relays (if qualified) per dual meet.
-Swimmers must participate in at least 3 dual meets to qualify for Champs and end-of-year awards.
Evening Before the Meet
-Event Assignments: Posted on the FSO website the night before each meet.
-Assignments are subject to change during the scratch session.
Meet Day Essentials
Check-In
-HOME MEET Time: 6:15–6:45 AM at the designated team spot. You can only sign in your family (children should be present at check in). You cannot have another family check your family in.
-Late Check-In: If you MISS check in then your swimmer will be scratched from the meet and will not be able to swim. NO EXCEPTIONS. You will still be required to complete your volunteer shift.
*Warm-Ups, Team Cheer, Volunteer Meetings, National Anthem
-Meet officially starts after the National Anthem (approximately 7:30 AM, but varies).
Ready Bench
-Ages 10 & Under: All swimmers check in at the Ready Bench for races (except Individual Medley [IM]).
-IM Exception: IM swimmers go directly to the blocks for the first race of the day.
*Warm-Up Pool
-Open during the meet for warm-ups and cool-downs.
-Rules: No diving, horseplay, or non-team swimmers allowed.
*Listening to Announcers
-Event numbers are announced throughout the meet. Swimmers must go to the Ready Bench (or blocks for ages 11+) 5 events prior to their swim. Late arrivals may miss their race.
*Relays
-Swimmers must stay with their relay team. Check the Team Tent for updates.
-Arrive at the Ready Bench with all relay members for check-in.
Team Tent
-Visit for general information, questions, or updates during the meet.
-Meet Sheets: Posted by swimmer name and by event (event/heat/lane).
Blocks and Spectator Rules
-Parents can watch races or take pictures in designated areas only. There are NO Pictures of swimmers allowed from behind the blocks.
-Do Not: Accompany swimmers to the blocks. These areas are for officials, coaches, timers, and swimmers only.
-Respect meet officials and rules to ensure safety and smooth operations.
Leaving the Meet
-Check in at the Team Tent and notify a coach before leaving early.
This streamlined guide ensures swimmers and families are prepared, informed, and ready to enjoy a successful swim season!
NO PICTURES BEHIND SWIMMERS ON THE BLOCKS. USA SWIMMING AND LEAGUE RULE
New Parent Meeting -
WHEN: APRIL 29, 2025
START TIME: EACH Practice Time
WHERE: Folsom Aquatic Center classroom in the brick building.
WHAT: Learn about volunteer requirements, meet expectations, equipment, etc. Parents only please.
Welcome to the team. GO OTTERS!
