FAQ
FAQ
Is my swimmer qualified to join the Middlebridge Marlins Summer Team?
Absolutely! Whether your swimmer is looking to swim competitively, casually for fun, looking to learn how to swim a lap or learn different strokes, or just looking to meet new friends, this is the right place.
In order to swim for the Marlins swim team, swimmers must be able to swim a full lap (25 meters) without stopping. For swimmers who can't complete a full lap yet, we have a Pre-Team program called Mini Marlins. The only requirement for Mini Marlins is that swimmers are at least 5 years old, able to stand in the shallow end, and comfortable putting their head under water. As minis progress, they can (and will!) move up to the Marlins.
How do I register for the Swim Team?
Register and make payment to join the Marlins Summer Swim Team once Registration opens in April. Register online at https://mbmarlins.swimtopia.com/register/84707/main
Can I register my swimmer if we live outside of Middlebridge?
Yes, but space is limited for non-Middlebridge residents. There is an extra $100 fee on top of the registration fee that will go to the Middlebridge HOA.
What are the Payment Methods for Swim Team fees?
Payment can be made through Venmo, Zelle, and by check.
How long is the swim season?
Practices for Marlins start on Tuesday after Memorial Day. Mini Marlins will start shortly after that. Check the practice schedule for more information. The regular season typically goes through the 3rd week of July. Some swimmers may qualify to swim in Divisionals and All-Star events which take place the following week 2 weeks after the regular season. Please visit our calendar for more information.
Are parents required to volunteer?
Swim meets normally require up to 50 adults to handle all of the roles of timekeepers, officials and concessions. To ensure that we have adequate coverage for every meet, we encourage at least one parent from each swim team family to sign up to volunteer for at least 4 jobs during the season. It's easy and a great way to meet other families. See the Volunteers section for more information about each job.
What are Time Trials?
The purpose of time trials is to establish official times for the swimmers prior to the first “A” meet. Time trials are open to all team members that can swim the length of the pool unassisted. Participation in Time Trials establishes official times for the swimmers. Warm-ups will begin promptly at 8:30 AM, and timing begins at 9:00 AM.
How many meets are there during the summer?
Typically, the season includes 5 A Meets, 2 B Meets, Relay Carnival, and Divisional Championships, and MCSL All-Star Meets. Please refer to the Meets & Events tab on the Marlins SwimTopia site.
What's the difference between an A Meet and a B Meet?
All Middlebridge Marlins may qualify to swim in both A and B meets during the summer. B Meets are Wednesday evening meets, and swimmers may sign up for any event they choose (max of 3 events), as long as they are "legal" in the required stroke(s). B meets are not scored for MCSL points. A Meets are Saturday morning meets, and are generally more competitive. Three swimmers from Middlebridge may swim in each age group event (except freestyle, in which 6 swimmers may swim), and swimmers are chosen by the coaches based primarily on their times. A meets count towards MCSL team standing points. Ribbons are awarded in both meets and all times are recorded for our team information.
What are the other meets I hear about during the summer (Mini-Meet, Relay Carnivals, All-Stars, etc.)?
There are several special event swim meets each summer, including those mentioned. Here is what they are:
- Relay Carnival : These meets are special meets with all the teams in the division competing against one another in relay races. The coaches will select relay swimmers based on time and other MCSL regulations.
- Others : Other special events include Coaches' Long Course, All-Star Relays, and All-Stars. These events are for the top 8-16 swimmers in each event county-wide. Coaches will notify swimmers who qualify for these events.
How do I know what events my child is swimming in?
- B Meets : Swimmers may generally swim any event in which they have a legal stroke on Wednesdays, UNLESS they were the top 2 finishers in that event on a Saturday A meet the week before. Swimmers may sign up online by Monday night for Wednesday evening B meets.
- A Meets : Coaches will post the events list for Saturday A Meets online by Friday evening. Many factors are used by the coaching staff to determine who will swim in each event. These factors include, but are not limited to: a swimmer’s best times, performance trends, potential team point opportunities and the legality of a swimmer’s stroke. Typically, the best times for that week is the main criteria used to determine who will compete that week.
Who decides if my child swims in an A Meet or a B Meet
All our swimmers are part of the Marlins Swim Team. We do not have A Swimmers or B Swimmers. The coaching staff makes all decisions on competition in meets (i.e., A or B). There tends to be fluctuation between swimmers who participate in A and B meets during the season as children improve their skills, so swimmers and parents should check the meet entries EACH WEEK to see if their child is listed for the A meet, as changes on a weekly basis are expected.
What if my swimmer is unable to swim in a meet they are assigned to swim?
Tell the Coaches AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, but please plan ahead. Tell the coaches at least three days ahead of time if your swimmer is unable to swim during a meet. The most important task is for parents to ensure that they annotate in SwimTopia if their swimmer can NOT swim in the upcoming meet - we plan that ALL our swimmers are available unless told differently.
How do ribbons work?
If a swimmer places 1st-6th, they will receive a placement ribbon. If a swimmer place 7th or higher, they will receive a finisher ribbon. Swimmers who are disqualified do not get ribbons.
What does it mean to be "legal" in a stroke?
Each swimming stroke (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly) has specific rules for the way a swimmer moves his or her arms and legs. Legal swimming means that the stroke is performed in accordance with the rules set for that stroke. If a swimmer has not mastered the technique of a particular stroke, they can be disqualified in a race. If swimmers are unsure about whether they are legal in a stroke, feel free to consult one of the coaches. Swimmers who are not legal should not swim that stroke in a meet until the technique is mastered. You may reference the MCSL rulebook HERE for more information on legality.
How do we know if practice or swim meet is canceled?
We'll usually try to notify everyone if practice or meets are canceled. According to County regulations, we are unable to swim for 30 minutes after the sound of thunder. Do not drop off your child without confirming there is practice. Swim meets are generally held rain or shine, and often are just delayed when there is a passing storm. Please check your emails and the SwimTopia app for cancellations. The Swimtopia app is free and a great resource for updates and information about the team.The SwimTopia mobile app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
What if it is raining or cold?
We will hold practice unless the pool staff has closed the pool. Some children can be miserable on cold rainy days. It is ok to keep them home as we want all children to love the swim team. Because attendance tends to be lighter on those days, the swimmers get a lot of individual attention.
What are Pep Rallies & Meet Themes?
Every Friday evening before home meets, all swimmers and their families are encouraged to participate in a pep rally to get ready for the next day’s meet. Coaches rally the swimmers together to do cheers and show their spirit, there will be food and a group activity. Each week there is a different theme to help get swimmers into the team spirit. Coaches will announce the theme ahead of time and help the kids prepare as necessary.
What is the Swim Team Banquet?
The Swim Team Banquet is a fun, family celebration to recognize the accomplishments of the team and swimmers. All swim team members and their families are welcome to join in the festivities, which include paper plate awards, dinner, fun in the pool, and a look back at the season. Banquet ticket information will be available by early July.
We're going to be away for part of the summer. Is that a problem?
Not at all! The main purpose of the swim team is for the community to have fun together. Join us for as many practices and meets as you're interested in. There's no pressure and no hard requirement. Just make sure that you only sign up for the meets that you are here for (for A meets, ensure that you 'undeclare' the weeks that you are away).
