Parent Meeting Notes

 

Parent Meeting March 16, 2012

Code of conduct

I would like to start with referring to two points in our mission statement:

  1. Have a Quality Year-Round Program that
    • Provides a fun and rewarding experience for swimmers at all levels and ages.
    • Provides a wholesome atmosphere for development of good health and fitness, commitment towards excellence, and self-confidence.

Lately we have lost some of the fun and at times we have lost the wholesome atmosphere both at swim practice and at meets. The fun and wholesome atmosphere has been replaced with an atmosphere of negativity and confrontation. This situation has become very evident as very few parents sit in the stands any longer; as many people have commented being there is no longer fun. This does not mean that team parents are not entitled to individual opinions or concerns, but these concerns must be addressed in a manner that shows the kids we can address these items with reasonable and responsible attitudes.  So the board has developed and approved a code of conduct that must be signed and turned into the MMSC table at practice by all swim team members and parents as a condition of membership   If you choose not to sign the code of conduct and wish to end your membership in MMSC, an amount equal to one half of the yearly membership fee can be requested as a refund.

Highlights of the Code of Conduct:

Swimmers are expected to:

  • Show good sportsmanship
  • Respect and cheer for other Marlins
  • Respect and follow directions of the Coaches

Parents are expected to:

  • Show good sportsmanship
  • Let the coaches coach and support the swimmers respect of the coaches
  • Only approach coaches before or after practice and never during a swim meet
  • Refrain from negative or abusive behavior
  • If a parent is unhappy with a response or action of a coach, the concern must be directed to the Board president for resolution. A meeting with or without the coaches will be arranged to address the issue depending on the situation.
  • Support the team with volunteer activities. 

If swimmers or parents do not follow this code of conduct, disciplinary action may be taken on varying levels depending on the severity of the situation, up to and including suspension.

I have personally been associated with eight club teams and two college teams in my kid’s careers. With each team the difference between great teams and good teams was the commitment or love of the sport by the coaches and the ability of those coaches to pass the passion of swimming to their swimmers. Of all the coaches I have been associated with, this group of coaches is the best.    We pay our coaches very little compared to other teams, as our pool time is much higher than other teams.  With that; we need to show our coaches a great deal of respect as they are in many ways volunteering a great deal of time.  Following this code of conduct will show that respect as well as provide a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere for all of our swimmers and their families.

Coaching Change

Meredith has returned to her previous position effective March 3rd.  We wish to thank Julie Delaney for her contributions and hope that she will continue to demonstrate her love for the Marlins as a parent.

Board Members and elections

Our board members are charged with doing what’s best for the overall good of the team and are all easily accessible if not at the table, by email.  If you are communicating an issue that you are concerned about and want the board to consider the issue further, make sure the board member you are talking to understands that.

Randy LeValley, President
Michael Lee, Vice President

Karen Hirst, Secretary
Chong Domanowski, Treasurer

Katy Magee
Brenda Durand

Jan Coleman

Michael Rainey

Jeff Lozensky

Tim Lofton - Resigned

Each year the general population of the team elects 5 board members for two year terms.  Please contact one of the board members if you are interested in running for board member position.  Being a board member is quite easy, meeting several times a year, once every month or two. 

Marlins Budget

We continue to struggle with the new makeup of the team, moving to a younger average age, which results in lower average income.  Over the next few months the board will be working to figure out a path forward, along with working with the School District to keep our pool rates as

Upcoming Events

Luck of the Marlin Run

  • Tomorrow morning
  • If you are not signed up to help, please come anyway
  • If you still want to run come as well
  • Hope to see everyone in the morning.

SC Banquet

  • Friday April 13th
  • Celebrate the successes of the kids
  • Doors open at 4:30 to bring Dessert for auction
  • Each family should bring a main dish and side dish
  • Team will provide plates, silverware and drinks
  • Bring your best dessert for the auction

Marlins Madness

  • April 21-22
  • Setup Friday Night April 20th
  • This is our only full meet this year, we need to bring this meet in well
  • Please go on line and sign up for jobs

June 7thMarlins 10 Year Anniversary

  • Planned for a celebration and pictures that night
  • Save the date

Kirby

  • Spring Sensational Swimming
    • Program for middle school swimming
    • $175 for eight week program, with meet at Kamiak at the end.
    • Need to have 12 swimmers to pay for program
    • Maybe less if we only pay for one lane.
    • Pass information to friends
    • Starts immediately after Spring Break April 9th.
  • Spring Break
    • Pool will be closed Mon to Wed of Spring break.
    • Board and coaches have decided due to the timing with major meets it is best to take a break versus trying to swim at YMCA
    • Pool is closed to public all week, but Marlins will be back in the pool later in the week.
  • Summer schedule
    • 7:30 to 9:30 for Kirby and Karoline’s group
    • Normal schedule at night for everyone.