Welcome

Welcome, swimmers and parents! As the Willow Oaks Stingrays kick off another exciting season, we are thrilled to provide an environment that promotes self-discipline, dedication, teamwork, and—most importantly—fun.

Team Philosophy

To foster a competitive yet inclusive environment where as many swimmers as possible can participate, improve, and enjoy the sport of swimming.

Swimmer Guidelines

1. Basic Requirement: Swimmers must be able to swim the pool length using a competitive stroke. If not met by the Intrasquad Meet, swimmers must complete lessons before returning.
2. Attendance: Be on time for practice; assist with setup/cleanup when requested.
3. Participation: Swimmers unwilling to participate must leave practice (see Code of Conduct).
4. Behavior: Respectful and cooperative behavior is expected.
5. Mentorship: Older swimmers may be asked to assist younger swimmers.
6. Improvement: Seek extra help with stroke techniques as needed.
7. Eligibility: Swimmers must attend practice the day of a meet unless excused.
8. Club Swimmers: USA or other club swimmers should attend at least once per week to maintain team unity.
9. Meet Absence: No-shows may be benched for the next meet (coach’s discretion).
10. Conduct: Follow the GPSA Code of Conduct and show good sportsmanship.

Parent Guidelines

1. Complete all required forms.
2. Inform coaches of medical conditions.
3. Ensure swimmers arrive on time.
4. Notify the coach or board in writing of any planned absences. We ask you do not interrupt coaches during practice or meets. Please direct concerns to the Parent Liaison (Caroline Fenn), GPSA Rep (Whitney Rosario), or Board President (Jessica DiCarlo).
5. Learn about competitive swimming to support the team and coaching staff.
6. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation. Coaches cannot drive swimmers. Please pick up your swimmer on time or notify the coach immediately if delayed. Late pickups may incur hourly coaching fees.
7. Volunteering- Our swim team relies on volunteers to successfully run meets and provide a positive experience for all swimmers.
   Each family is required to earn a minimum of 4 volunteer points per season, with working half of a meet counting as 1 point.
   By participating, families agree to fulfill this requirement and support the team, as meets cannot operate without volunteer involvement.
8.  Fundraising-Our swim team relies on fundraising to cover expenses such as coaching fees, equipment, and team events, making it an essential part of supporting a successful season. Each family is required to raise a minimum of $200 through the fundraising opportunities.By participating, families agree to fulfill this fundraising requirement and help ensure a positive experience for all swimmers.

If you are interested in becoming a part of the fundraising committee please reach out to the board at wostingrays.gmail.com

Code of Conduct

Expectations

• Encourage all swimmers—yours and others.
• Support meet officials and volunteers.
• Follow facility rules and treat all staff and swimmers with respect.
• Negative behavior (verbal/physical abuse, harassment, or discriminatory comments) will result in removal from the facility and/or team.

Discipline Protocol

During Practice:

1. Verbal Warning
2. 10-minute sit-out
3. Parent called; swimmer sent home

Physical Contact:

• Automatic suspension from next meet
• Severe incidents (fighting, harassment) may result in removal from the team

Verbal Misconduct: Harmful, racist, sexist, or derogatory comments are strictly prohibited.

Swim Meets

Typical Season: 1 Intrasquad + 5 League Meets + Optional Practice Meets

• Weeknight Meets:
  • Home: Arrive to pool deck at 4:45 PM - Warm-ups at 5:00 PM
  • Away: Arrive to pool deck at 5:15 PM - Warm-ups at 5:30 PM
  • Meet Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM

Team Suits: Black or Sporti Stingray Suit

Meet Day Tips

• Avoid long sun exposure meet before meets. 
• Eat a solid mid-day meal; avoid soda and candy.
• Hydrate well.
• Post-meet dinners are optional but encouraged for team bonding.

Who Swims in a Meet?

Due to team size, not every swimmer competes in every meet. Coaches consider:

• Stroke proficiency and speed
• Attendance and participation
• GPSA rules (max 3 individual events + 1 relay per swimmer)

Coaches will always try to include as many swimmers as possible. Exhibition lanes are used to give more swimmers race experience.

Exhibition Lanes

Used at coaches’ discretion; no points awarded, but times are official. Not all pools have six lanes, so availability varies. Swimmers may request to compete in exhibition events.

Awards

Ribbons

Awarded for every event:

• 1st – Blue
• 2nd – Red
• 3rd – White
• 4th – Yellow
• Exhibition/Participation – Rainbow

Participation Awards

Swimmers who attend at least three meets (not including intrasquad, Mini Meet, or GPSA Champs) receive a participation award.

Coaches Award

Awarded to one boy and one girl who exemplify:

• Sportsmanship
• Team Spirit
• Attendance
• Cooperation
• Dedication

Championship Meet

Eligibility is based on GPSA time standards. Meet details are provided each season. Coaches encourage swimmers to set qualifying times as their goals.

Notify coaches promptly if your swimmer is sick or unavailable for a meet. Advance notice is crucial to adjust lineups accordingly.