FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Are practices and meets mandatory?
No. This is summer swim and we understand many swimmers have signed up for camps or have family vacations planned. However, we appreciate every swimmer attending as much as possible for themselves and for the team.
***We ask that for any meets that you can not attend to please sign out in the Swim Meet Signout section of this website 4 days prior to that meet. This is very important for our coaches to be able to make an accurate line-up for the meet.
*** NJ Swimming and Diving Conference rules require swimmers to participate in 4 dual meets during the season to be eligible to swim in Championships and Conferences.
2. Can parents watch practice?
Yes, you can watch practice from inside the clubhouse or under the patio only. No one is allowed on the pool deck, grass or lounge chair area during practices for safety reasons and so that swimmers concentrate on listening to their coaches.
3. Can swimmers be dropped off early or stay late?
No. Coaches must be able to concentrate on their swimmers that are practicing and therefore, as there will be no adult supervision, swimmers should not come early or stay late. Thank you for planning on dropping off/picking up your swimmers within 5 minutes of practice time – carpooling really helps!
4. Does my swimmer have to buy a new suit?
We change our team suit every other year; as most manufacturers make "2 year suits" for competitive swimming. We ask that the team suit is purchased for the swimmer, however, it is not required.
5. What does the registration fee cover?
Practice and swim instruction times 5 days/week for 8 weeks with THE best coaches, 8 fun dual meets, cool ribbons and an awesome trophy/award at end of the season. Extra costs include team suit, goggles, swim cap, gator gear apparel and championship/conference meet fees.
6. Can my swimmers join later if they pass the deep-end test after the deadline?
Absolutely! We always welcome new swimmers early in the season when they are ready to join.
7. Do I need experience to volunteer for certain assignments?
Prior swim team experience is not necessary for most of the jobs. Only becoming an Official requires certification by attending a clinic and taking the test.
8. If I become an official, do I get special treatment?
Sadly no…but you will have our utmost respect and gratitude!! There will be more information forthcoming about an upcoming officials clinic
9. During the swim meets, what are the roles of all the participants? (Great question!!)
Coaches- The coaches prepare the line-up prior to the meet so please do not ask for entry changes or add-ons unless there is a discrepancy or missing swimmer. During the meets the coaches need to focus their attention on all the swimmers, provide support, advice and cheer them on. Coaches’ decisions are final during practice and meets. Please respect this at all times.
Older Swimmers – As veteran Gators, these swimmers will be helpful as Big Brothers and Sisters to our younger swimmers, help organize relays, lead cheers and swim really fast!!
Younger Swimmers– These fun Gators will try their best in the pool, listen to their coaches, participate in the cheers and look really cute!
Parents – Without parents, we cannot run the meets! We appreciate your support in helping out and volunteering when necessary. Parents can be cheerleaders for all the swimmers and should respect our coaches to direct and lead your children.
Everyone – Show good sportsmanship to our teammates and opponents at all times and have great GATOR team spirit! Remember that summer swimming is for fun and being part of a team. Take a deep breath and enjoy it!!
10. What should I do if my swimmer cannot attend a meet?
If your swimmer cannot attend a meet, please sign them out on the meet signout page for that particular meet. If they are not signed out, they will be included in the meet lineup and the coaches will have to scramble to make lineup changes at the last minute.
11. What is Tie Dye Day?
One of our Gator traditions is wearing Tie-Dye shirts to our Championship Meet. Tie Dye day occurs towards the end of the season after a morning practice. Please provide the following supplies for your swimmer: White Tshirt or Tank and a 1 gallon Ziploc Bag. We will supply the tie dye. The shirts will be sent home with your swimmer, wet in the ziploc bag. Please wash prior to the Championship meet.
11. What is Championships?
The Championship meet is against all of the teams in our current C League instead of a Dual Meet. A swimmer can swim a total of 4 events with a maximum of 3 individual events. All swimmers must have competed in 4 Dual Meets to compete in Championships.
12. What is Conferences?
The Conference meet is against swimmers from all of the teams in the NJSDC (A, B and C Leagues). Only swimmers that have achieved a "qualifying" time for that event during the current season can be entered. A swimmer can swim a total of 4 events with a maximum of 3 individual events. All swimmers must have competed in 4 Dual Meets to compete in Conferences.
13. What does it mean to be a Gator?
Being a Gator means you’ve joined a super-fun summer swim team that will give you memories and new friends to enjoy year-round. You will learn crazy new cheers, have “Fun Friday’s” and you’ll grow to LOVE the color green!
