Manta Rays News 10.16.25

Jocelyn Paxton

Good Afternoon, Manta Rays!

I hope you’re all enjoying this lovely day! Here’s our weekly news update:

Check-in & Check Out:

In order to allow coaches to properly supervise athletes at practice locations, spend time building relationships with athletes and meet supervision requirements from all governing agencies (USA Swimming, Safe Sport, Praesidium, YMCA of the USA, etc…) the Manta Rays Swim Team has the following policies for check-in, and check-out:

Check-in: all athletes will be checked in for practice using approved methods by a parent volunteer or other designated person.

Check-out: all athletes will be checked out before leaving the practice location.  Athletes 12 years and younger must have a parent on-site (on-site is defined as: inside the building of the practice location) before being allowed to leave or being checked out.  Athletes 13 & over may be checked out without a parent on-site under the following conditions:

  1. A waiver of release must be on file with the team.
  2. The parents must communicate by the season registration deadline the method of notification used between athlete and the responsible adult that will pick up the athlete from practice.
  3. The parent and athlete understand that the athlete should not leave the practice facility until they have confirmation that an adult is on-site.
  4. Any athlete 15 years or older with a school/work permit or valid drivers’ license is permitted to check themselves in and out for practice, but a waiver of release must be on file with the team by registration deadline or whenever the athlete obtains legal permission to transport themselves.
    1. Any athlete that is able to transport themselves to practice WILL NOT transport any other athletes to or from practice unless that athlete resides in the same household or is a sibling.
    2. Waivers of release should be on file for all siblings.
  5. Check-out will not be required for any practices held at the YMCA due to the additional supervision provided by YMCA staff.

Parent Involvement with CHECK-IN/CHECK OUT:

  • Each day practice is offered; we ask a parent to assist with tracking attendance (check-in and check-out).
  • Sign up for check-in/out slots are posted via a sign-up form on the team website under the “Parent Info” tab.
  • Parents will have until a specified date to select the minimum number of slots for that month (which will vary based on number of practices that month and number of athletes on the team roster).
  • After the established deadline, any families that have not selected slots will be assigned to empty slots by team administration.
  • Parents/Families that are working a check in/out slot are the only parents permitted to remain on site within the facility during practice times.
  • If, for any reason, you are unable to work your check in/out slot, you are responsible for finding a replacement.

 

To Sign Up for A Check in/Out Shift October 20th-30th please use this Link: https://signup.com/go/zChWwMx

 

Safe Sport

All parents/guardians of Manta Ray athletes and all athletes (ages 12-17) are required to complete the USA Safe Sport Training. Not only will this course allow you to understand what we do to keep your child safe at swim practices and meets, it serves as an amazing resource for all swim families and athletes.

These trainings are offered online on a monthly basis and last for 1 hour (7-8pm Central time) via Zoom or any time through USA Swimming University.  Once training is completed they are valid for 18 months!

To access the training via USA Swimming University:

  • Log in to their USA Swimming parent account
  • Click Education> Safe Sport.
  • Scroll to "Parents Guide to Misconduct in Sport"> Select the training.
  • Once completed: our Club portal will be automatically updated with a record of those that have successfully completed the training.

If you or your athlete(s) attend the Zoom training our club portal will be updated manually by the Safe Sport staff that led the training, but we would appreciate it if you let us know you have attended so we can monitor our Club's portal for updated information. If you complete the training via USA Swimming University, our club portal will be automatically updated! If you or your athlete has completed the training while registered with another team please let us know so we can reach out to Safe Sport Staff for those records.

Safe Sport for Parents

  • Tues., Oct 21 at 8:00 p.m. EST | REGISTER
  • Tues., Nov 4 at 8:00 p.m. EST | REGISTER
  • Tues., Dec 9 at 8:00 p.m. EST | REGISTER

Safe Sport for Athletes

  • Thur., Oct 23 at 8:00 p.m. EST | REGISTER
  • Thur., Nov 6 at 8:00 p.m. EST | REGISTER
  • Thur., Dec 11 at 8:00 p.m. EST | REGISTER

 

Rookie Academy Week: October 20th-24th:

  1. ALL Rookie Manta Rays are required to attend this week of practice.  You are encouraged to attend all five days, if possible, if not, please attend at least 3 of the 5 days. October 23rd will be held at the YMCA, all other days are at MHS. We will split into two sessions:
    1. 8 & under: 5:45-6:20 pm
    2. 9 & up: 6:30-7:10 pm
  2. We will be covering a lot of important information that will set your swimmer up for a successful season this week! Parents are welcome to observe during Rookie Academy, but our time is limited so please do not distract the swimmers or coaches & remember NO VIDEO OR PHOTOGRAPHY!
  3. Team Registration Part 1 (via the Team Unify website) & Part 2 (Jot Form) MUST be completed prior to attending Rookie Academy. The attached spreadsheet shows what has been completed and what still needs to be done for each swimmer!
  4. Please see Practice Protocols below for additional info.  Practice gear will not be required for Rookie Academy Week. We will have headsets for athletes to use during the first few weeks of practices.

 

Thanks and see you soon!

Jocelyn