Pirate Families,

A few things to address that may be helpful to you that will DEFINITELY be helpful to the team:

1) The RSVP function on the schedule is active and ready for responses.  Coach Sam will need RSVPs from all swim families in order to create lineups and I will need them in order to activate the volunteer sign ups for each meet.  Many of you already know which meets you will be able to attend, so if you could go on and RSVP as soon as you are able that would be great!  Please follow the directions below to RSVP for each meet.  I know plans can change, so please note that the RSVP function will be closed four days before each meet in order to have ample time for creating lineups.  Thank you so much for helping with this!  

How do I RSVP my child for a meet?

Go to Schedule Tab:https://peninsulapirates.swimtopia.com/swim_meets

Scroll down and click the green Meet Entry box to the right of the meet. 

Click Edit. 

Click the swimmer you wish to select, and scroll in the drop down menu.  Select whether you will or will not be attending the meet.

REMEMBER to click SAVE once you are done with your RSVP or it will not work!

2) If your child is swimming in a meet, it is policy that you volunteer in that meet.  Please note the volunteer policy below:

The most important way parents provide support to the team is by working at swim meets. At least one parent must volunteer at each meet in which their child swims. It is our obligation, and it is one of the best ways to get to meet everyone and feel a part of the team. If you have never worked a swim meet before, don't worry! We will show you what to do!

It takes almost 25 parent volunteers to run each away meet, and about 50 parent volunteers for home meets. Our team is also responsible for providing volunteers to work at the Smoky Mountain Invitational and the City Meet.

Some parents choose to work the same volunteer position every time, and some prefer to try a variety of jobs. Although hearing others opinions about certain positions can be helpful, I suggest taking them with a grain of salt. Everyone is different, and one volunteer's preference can be another's nightmare. If you work a shift that you do not enjoy, don't be afraid to sign up for a new position next time. They are all very different and accommodate various personalities and skill sets! If you are at a loss as to which job would best suit you, contact the Volunteer Coordinator and she will help you find a good fit.

There will be online sign-ups about a week before each meet. It is your responsibility to sign up for a volunteer position. Try to sign up as soon as you can once the volunteer spots open, as you will have a larger selection of jobs to choose from. You may get stuck with a job you don't like if you wait too long to sign up.

*If your child is swimming in a meet that you are unable to attend, you will need to find someone to volunteer in your place as we must have team volunteers in order to run a meet that is smooth and ends on time. Grandparents, babysitters, or friends can most certainly volunteer in your place if you cannot be there! 

*If you sign up for a position and last minute you cannot make the meet, you will need to find a substitute who will volunteer in your place. I know there are things that come up, but if you find yourself in this position, please make an effort to find your own replacement. If you cannot find anyone, email the Volunteer Coordinator and she will do her best to help you find someone to fill your spot.

If you are interested in training for Stroke & Turn judge, Starter, or Referee, plan to attend a GKAISA training session. Please go to www.gkaisa.org for complete and updated information on all training sessions offered in the Knoxville area. We cannot run meets without these volunteers, and would LOVE to have you fill one of these positions!

If you have any questions regarding volunteering, please contact Lauren: [email protected].

3) Lastly we still need stroke and turn volunteers. The only people who have emailed me regarding this role are team parents that are already serving in really active roles within running a meet.  If any parents have swim experience, this would be a great volunteer role for you. You have to be trained to fulfill this volunteer role.  Please click this link for the GKAISA training schedule. https://d1nmxxg9d5tdo.cloudfront.net/3002/files/Officials_Clinic_Schedule_2019_v3.pdf?1556558993

**We also need a volunteer to announce our 2 home meets.  There is a script, so it is fairly easy to do, you would just have to be comfortable with holding a microphone. Please contact me if you are interested in volunteering for this, it would be a great help!

I hope this information helps, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!