A Guide for Swim Team Parents 

 

A group of people with blue text Description automatically generated 

 

 

MISSION 

Parents of Mid-Maine Dolphins swimmers provide enthusiastic support to all Mid-Maine Dolphin swimmers and coaches.  

PURPOSE 

The purpose of the parent group is to support the team, coaches, and individual swimmers. Parent support is critical to team success and the success of each child. One of the major ways parents support the team is volunteering at home meets. When the team travels to away meets, parents get to be spectators (and occasionally timers), but when the team is home, it’s all hands on deck – literally! It takes many hands to run a smooth meet. 

PARENT EXPECTATIONS 

  • Volunteer for events and fundraisers when possible. 

  • Be positive and encouraging to all swimmers, parents, and coaches. 

  • Communicate openly with coaches and encourage your swimmer to do the same. 

  • Parents are welcome to attend practice but should not interrupt. 

  • Get involved! Share your energy and ideas! 

  • Leave the coaching to the coaches.  

 

COMMUNICATION  

Parents are encouraged to speak with coaches! If you have a concern, a question, or just want to get to know the people caring for your child, please speak with a coach directly. Parents are also encouraged to speak with the Aquatics Director, Director of Healthy Living, or other AYCC administrators at any time. Fellow parents can also be a great resource, especially for parents new to swimming.  

 

There are several avenues for team communication: 

  • Bookmark this page! It includes a calendar of events, meet sign up, results, and more 

  • Emails from coaches through Team Unify 

  • Emails from AYCC staff, directly or through Team Unify 

  • Facebook pages – Mid Maine Dolphin Boosters 

  • Team Reach – download the app from the App store and enter Group Code: Booster22-23  

 

 

VOLUNTEER 

Team parents are responsible for organizing events that directly benefit all the swimmers on the team. The following are areas where team parents can best offer their support: 

Home Meets 

Volunteer to work at home meets, including such roles as timing, officiating, merchandising, running, computer/table, and other roles requested by coaches such as labeling ribbons. 

Fundraising 

Organize and/or participate in fundraisers that support all team members. The AYCC is a 501(c)(3) organization and must follow applicable IRS guidelines. As such, activities and events must be approved in advance, and all funds shall support the team as a whole and are not to be given directly to a swimmer, parent, or coach.  

 

Funds must be counted by two individuals and both people sign a receipt verifying the deposit amount, which shall be deposited with the AYCC Finance Department within 48 hours of an event. 

Team Spirit  

Support all team members and coaches, including cheering at meets, making posters, civic events, and the like. Buy and wear team apparel. Organize parties and other special events including location, food, activities, volunteers, and duties. Special events throughout the year may include: 

  • Team Picture Day 

  • Holiday celebrations (Halloween, Christmas, Yankee Swap, etc.) 

  • Psych Parties (before Championship, etc.) 

  • Senior recognition meet 

  • Season banquet  

Transportation 

Work with the coaches to identify transportation needs throughout the season and chaperone bus trips. 

Parent Meetings

There will be several parent meetings each season. These meetings are open to all parents/guardians, board members, coaches and AYCC staff. Meetings will generally take place at the beginning of the regular season, mid-season and towards the end of the season. Other meetings will be scheduled as needed. 

USA & YMCA – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? 

As a YMCA team, the Dolphins compete in YMCA sanctioned meets in winter and summer seasons. This includes dual or tri meets (against one or two other teams) as well as invitationals which have four or more teams. Swimmers may also opt to register for USA Swimming for an additional fee and attend additional meets. USA meets often offer a greater variety of events, have more swimmers, and may involve additional travel.  


APPAREL 

Families can purchase items from the team store located online at www.swimoutlet.com/mmd.  The store includes team suits as well as equipment and apparel, many options have our team logo already attached. The team suit is by Arena. Wearing a team suit is highly recommended, but not required. A team uniform helps reinforce team unity and makes swimmers easily identifiable on a crowded pool deck. However, your child should wear what they are most comfortable wearing. Please note, any swimsuits that are ordered with personalization (team logo) are not able to be returned. Also note, the team earns a percentage from all sales through our team store. Talk with a coach before purchasing a tech suit!  

ALFOND YOUTH & COMMUNITY CENTER POLICY 

As a program of the AYCC, the Mid-Maine Dolphins shall follow AYCC policies including but not limited to those related to membership, behavior, facilities, and fundraising. As such, fundraisers and team events must be approved by the Director of Healthy Living Programs (or designee).  

PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES 

While parents work closely with coaches, it is important to maintain professional boundaries. Coaches are AYCC employees and will follow staff policies and procedures. 

BULLYING 

All forms of bullying are strictly prohibited and must be reported to AYCC staff immediately. Swimmers or parents who engage in bullying will be suspended or removed from the team.