Parents, 

Summer Swim Team is the only team sport that I can think of -- and please let me know if you know of another -- where boys and girls aged 4-18 all compete at one meet and for one team. The community nature and the ability for our children to learn from each other and help each other is a unique feature of summer swimming. I am excited to begin this summer season. I mention this thought because I would like to get our kids into the water together as much as possible. This means I would like to have as few practices as possible per day so long as we can provide a positive experience and teach them properly. 

I am trying to put together the practice schedule for June, but I would like your input. (And, I ask knowing that I will not make everyone happy with the decisions that I make. But, we are trying to do what is in the best interest for the majority of people). 

Here is my proposed June practice schedule:

11 & ups: 8:30-10:00am
10 & unders: 10:00-11:00am

(Similar to May's practice schedule. You have the choice of attending all practices or as few as you want. The coaches will be present to teach. Your kids just have to show up). 

Now, onto the questions / statements / rationale. If you have no opinion, that's ok. 

1. First, the team has historically had the little kids go first in the water. Having not lived through an Atlanta June, is it still a little cold for them in the am? I speculate that it would be better to have the little ones (10&u) go later in the morning when it will be warmer. We wouldn't have to worry about cold kids as much. The greater issue will be sunscreen, but that should be easier to manage. So, would you mind if we moved the 10 and unders' practice to the later am practice? This would also move the 11 and up to earlier in the morning. 

2. We don't need to do evening practices for space reasons. But, do you need to have an afternoon/evening practice because of work obligations? Or, what time would you need a practice in the morning to be completed to avoid work conflicts? (I think we only need 2 practices to fit everyone into the pool comfortably and with good instruction). 

3. Our assistant coaches will offer Stroke clinics each week in June. The clinics will follow the last practice and be 30 min of instruction from Monday-Thursday. They will be limited to 10 kids/instructor and cost $20 for the week. We will group kids according to ability as best as possible. Signups will become available in May. Assistant coaches will also be available for private lessons if you prefer that option. 

4. All of our coaches have completed a coaching certification course based from the Positive Coaching alliance, passed a background check, and they will be lifeguard certified. Your children will be safe and well coached this summer. 

Lastly, if anything in this email is not clear, or you have questions or concerns that come up, please let me know. My goal is to make this a very well organized and well coached team. 

Our focus will always remain on teaching the kids to have fun with sport, to become good teammates to each other, and to learn how to swim well. 

Sincerely, 

Mark Fino