Socorro Ragin' Gators

We are so glad you decided to join our team!

Being new on a swim team can feel overwhelming sometimes -- there are a lot of moving parts and it will be like no other sport you've participated in. Don't worry, we've got you! We'll help you get settled in.

Our team typically has over 120 swimmers, 6-8 dedicated swim coaches and everything is run entirely by volunteers. It takes every parent to help practices and meets run smoothly and to keep all of our kids having fun in the water! Part of a successful swim season requires a commitment not only from your children but from you as well. Our goal is for our children to love the sport of swimming!

Your first week of swim practices and the swim meets can be confusing because you don't know what to expect. PLEASE don't be shy -- ask your fellow parents about whatever might seem confusing to you. There is always a veteran swim parent that can help you! Please feel free to email us anytime at [email protected].

Below you will find some tips that we hope will answer any questions you may have!

The team website has a lot of information! Some things to look for:

• GENERAL INFO: You will find details about practice, equipment needed, meet details, and many other basic policies. 
• SWIM MEETS tab is where you will find the swim season calendar. You'll also find details what to expect at a swim meet: how long they last, what to bring etc. You will also find the Heat Sheets for each meet. TIP: Heat Sheets are emailed the night before.  Please print it and highlight your child's name so you can know when they are swimming. 

PRACTICE TIPS:

• We recommend labeling EVERYTHING with a permanent marker.
• Swimmers should wear a one-piece swim suit, goggles, and a swim cap.
  • The team suit will last longer if it's only worn at meets.
  • Please do not let your swimmer(s) wear bikinis or rash guards (These are never used for competitive swimming).
  • For religious exemptions, please speak with your coach.
• Bring a water bottle and towel
• Bring tennis shoes (not sandals or crocs) for dryland
• Bring a kickboard, snorkle, and fins
• Parents can sit on the benches inside the pool at the SAC
• Coaches are exclusively focused on the swimmers during designated practice times and meets. If parents have questions or want to speak to their child's coach, please schedule a time to meet with them before or after practice.

MEET INFORMATION:

• Meets are 1-2x per week in June and July, typically on Mondays and Thursdays
• Our final end of the season meet is on Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th, 2025.
• Meets typically *start* around 3/4pm and end around 7PM.
• Please expect to arrive to the meet at least 30 minutes prior to the start time for warmup.
  
  • The specific time your family will need to arrive for the meet will always be emailed and posted 1 day prior to the meet.
• All families are required to volunteer for at least one swim meet during the season. Trust us, volunteering makes the day go by faster!
• The volunteer shifts will be posted on the website as we get closer to our swim meets.
  
  • If you have a young swimmer and it is your volunteer shift, we recommend you plan to have another adult come to the meet that day to help with your child's needs.
• Most swimmers will swim 2 individual events and possibly 1-2 relays depending on the needs of the team.
• The championship swim meet will typically be held on a Saturday and/or Sunday at the end of July.  For 2025, it is July 19th & 20th. Please save the dates as it is required that ALL swimmers attend.

WHAT TO BRING TO A SWIM MEET:

• We recommend labeling EVERYTHING with a permanent marker
• Foldable chairs, blankets, pillows, and quilts for ground coverage
• Sunscreen and bug spray for away/outdoor meets
• Goggles and swim cap
• Towel(s) - don't forget to write names on them
• EXTRA goggles and an extra swim cap
• Activities for the kiddos to do in between events (ideas might include: coloring books, card games or other similar games, simple craft activities, etc…).
• Healthy snacks and water to stay hydrated for both you and your swimmer (there are concessions at each home meet but having your own stash is a good idea)
• The heat sheet will be emailed out the night before. Please look it over, print it, and use it to mark your child’s arm with their events so they know when to swim. It’s best to mark your child the morning of and before sunscreen. Avoid sunscreen on the marked area or it will smear.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT A SWIM MEET:

• Look for the Gators coaches and team seating area. Please be on time or your child may be scratched from any potential relays.
• If you are scheduled to volunteer, please check in with the coaches. They will give you details on where/when you need to report to your volunteer position.
• Space will be limited at meets so arriving early is always a good idea. Please be mindful of needs to share space with fellow swim families.
• Follow along with your heat sheet so you can watch your swimmer race and cheer them on!

EXTRA TIP: If you are volunteering when your swimmer is scheduled to race, just let someone in your area know and you can go watch. We want everyone to get to see their swimmers in the water! Do not miss your child swim!!

ENJOY THE DAY AND THE ENTIRE SEASON!