This email is long and full of details. Please power through to the end -- there is much to know before the first meet on Monday!

STROKE JUDGE CLINIC: Saturday, The Club Pool. 7:30 AM "refresher" for those that attended ANY CLINIC last year. "Long Clinic" for everyone else begins at 8:00 AM sharp (arrive early to sign in -- there will be people from all 25 teams at this last clinic), and we thank you in advance for attending. Even if you aren't planning on stroke judging, you are welcome to join us and learn the strokes. #BestSeatInTheHouse

VOLUNTEER TRAINING: One more optional information session on how to be an Age Group Parent or a Ready Bench volunteer will be held Thursday, 4:45-5:45 PM, at the Club pool, under the shade structure beyond the baby pool. Bring your questions!

PRACTICE: Remember that Friday is the first day of morning practice, and Meet Monday has a shortened-but-important schedule. Full practice schedule

FIRST MEET 6/4/18: Our first meet is at HOME with the Greatwood Geysers. Please park legally (one side of Walker School Road opposite the Club is a no-parking zone marked with hard-to-see signs), and bring your bug spray, extra towels, goggles/caps, snacks/drinks, etc. (see list on website). SUNSCREEN NOTE - please don't apply sunscreen on swimmers' arms until AFTER they have been marked at the meet (it ruins our markers and does not allow the pen to dry properly).

SPORTSMANSHIP: Please talk with your swimmer(s) before the meet about proper behavior and good sportsmanship, and help our coaches reinforce the encouragement of ALL swimmers, regardless of outcomes.

ARRIVAL TIMES for MEET #1:

(FYI, these times are later than they will be for the rest of the meets. The first meet is a special 5:30 start because the Greatwood swimmers are still in school on Monday.)

4:00 PM Age Group Parents: Sign in with Jamie* at the main volunteer sign-in table (near the restroom building) no later than 4:00 PM.

4:15 PM Swimmers: Sign in at your age group tent at 4:15 PM -- warmup starts at 4:25.

5:00 PM First-half volunteers and relay stroke judges: Sign in with Jamie* at the main volunteer sign-in table by 5:00 PM and get instructions for when and where to report.

6:30ish PM Second-half volunteers: Sign in with Jamie at the main volunteer sign-in table between 6:30-7:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, please wait until 6:30 to give the volunteer coordinators time to work on first-half responsibilities.

MEET ABSENCES: If your swimmer is NOT going to be able to swim at the meet, please report your absence with the MEET ENTRY button (illustrated how-to directions > HERE). We assume that all swimmers will attend, unless you report an absence. The coaches start lining up heats and relays on Friday and Saturday, so report absences early (you can do future meets now). Thursday is the last-minute deadline to report meet absences or change volunteer signups online for a Monday meet. If you have an illness or emergency that forces you to be absent on short notice, please email Brian* [email protected], Alex* [email protected], Mel* [email protected], AND Jamie & Purvi* [email protected]. For meet-day volunteer emergencies, text Jamie at 832-216-6175.

AFTER-MEET PARTY: Because our first meet starts extra late, our after-meet gathering will be WAY after... Meet us for lunch at Jade Ly at 12:30 PM on Tuesday. We love all of our sponsors!

BACKGROUND CHECKS: If you have signed up as an AGE GROUP PARENT or FLOATER (who might have to fill in as Age Group Parent), you must have a background check on file this week. Checks are good for three years -- you already got an email from our volunteer coordinators if you need to fill out the form this year. Email them at [email protected] if you have questions.

MEET JOBS/VOLUNTEERS: THANK YOU to those who have already signed up for 5 volunteer slots - GREAT JOB. If you have NOT secured your required slots, please do so as soon as possible -- deadline is June 11. Our volunteer coordinators are happy to help you find jobs, but they aren’t responsible for tracking you down -- you agreed to volunteer. Email [email protected] for help or more information.

BECOME THE BOARD: It’s not too early to start thinking about joining the Tarpons Board! Look for board members at the meet (in bright blue shirts with a silver Tarpon on them), and talk to us about what we do. We would love to have new volunteers step up for the future of the team!

Thanks for being awesome! Let us know if you have any questions! See you on deck!

* Names in this email: Jamie Daughdrill and Purvi Baron are our intrepid volunteer coordinators. Brian Russow and Alex Remy are our awesome head coaches. Mel Remy is our indispensible meet director and board president.