Hello Marlin Families!
Championships will look a little bit different this year. Please read on for important information about our team's participation, and all the details you need to know for the big day!
But first! ALL MARLINS SHOULD RSVP YES OR NO FOR ATTENDING CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Please do this to make sure that we have a correct assessment of how our team will be represented, and that we get everyone on the list who needs to be there! Please review the information below carefully, and let us know your plans. Thank you for your RSVP!
IMPORTANT CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION:
CHAMPIONSHIPS (ALL SWIMMERS)
DATE: TUESDAY JULY 9, 2024
TIME: 7:45AM START, 6:30AM WARMUP.
PLEASE EXPECT THE MEET TO TAKE ALL MORNING.
LOCATION: ORO VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER
FINALS (TOP 5 FINISHERS IN EACH EVENT - see below for more details)
DATE: THURSDAY JULY 11, 2024
TIME: 5:00PM START, 3:30PM WARMUP
LOCATION: ORO VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER
The DEADLINE TO RSVP IS FRIDAY JUNE 28 AT 12 NOON. Due to SAAA requirements, we are not able to accept late adds or changes under any circumstances, so please do not delay! If you have already responded but need to change your RSVP, please contact us and we can make amendments PRIOR TO THE DEADLINE ONLY. Thank you for your understanding.
If you RSVP yes for your swimmer - hooray! We can't wait to see your Marlin doing some AMAZING swimming at championships! However, we do have a favor to ask. Please do commit to attending and participating in all events if you are signed up. CT must pay an entry fee for each swimmer and each event to all SAAA meets; these costs are not refunded if swimmers do not attend or leave early and miss races. Additionally, non-attendance can cause other swimmers to miss out on participating in a relay. We want all of our Marlins to have a great experience at championships, and we appreciate your support!
Of course we understand that illnesses or emergencies can happen, and a swimmer may need to cancel their attendance. In that case, please reach out to Coach Claudia or Coach Rowdy as soon as possible (text preferred if last minute situation). This will help them to know which swimmers to expect, and plan for that on the day. Their contact information can be found here. Additionally, you may contact Fred, our Team Manager, here.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We need volunteers to provide shade for championships! CT maintains a supply of Team Tents to shade our team and families, but we need parent volunteers to help us set them up and take them down. Tent setup will take place on July 8 directly before the Marlins Team Pasta Night party. We will also need a few volunteers to help take down tents at the end of the meets. Thank you for your help in keeping us all a bit cooler!
If you can help with tent setup please contact Team Manager Fred ASAP. Thank you!
CT may also be asked to provide volunteer timers during championships. If you are interested in volunteering, we value your support! Please reach out to Fred or Volunteer Coordinator Alicia if you can help.
NEW THIS YEAR:
In recent years, SAAA has been split into two leagues, making for a long day at championships! This year, the teams have been split into three leagues, with fewer teams competing in each league. CT is taking part in the first day of championships as part of the Catalina League. We will be swimming against Oro Valley Swim Team, Sabino Vista Hills, and SWAS. Fewer teams should support us in having a shorter event, and reducing the time our swimmers & families spend in the heat!
The majority of swimmers will only participate in Day 1 (July 9). This includes all relays and all 6 & Under events.
The top 5 finishers in each league for each event will advance to the Super Final on July 11. In addition, the swimmers with the next 5 fastest times across all 3 leagues will also advance. If any of these swimmers scratch (notify that they cannot attend), then the swimmer with the next fastest time will be invited to participate until there is a total of 20 swimmers in each event.
If your swimmer is likely to be a top 5 finisher in any event, please plan to attend on July 11. If your swimmer is likely to be a top 10 finisher in any event, please hold the Super Final event in your calendar - the last 5 swimmers in each event will not be confirmed until the end of the Santa Rita League Final (taking place the morning of the 11th). We will notify families and post heat sheets as soon as the information is made available to us.
Please let our coaches know ASAP if your swimmer is not able to attend on July 11 - they will need to notify SAAA directly following our championship on the 9th. Any swimmers that advance to the Super Final but cannot attend should scratch so that the next fastest swimmer can be invited to participate.
OTHER REMINDERS ABOUT SAAA EVENTS AT OVAC:
Bring your own everything - there is NO snack bar! CT will provide shade tents, but please bring your own seating, food, water, sunscreen, towels, and anything else you need to keep the day enjoyable for you or your swimmer! Small toys and games are also recommended for younger children to entertain them between events.
Please expect the weather to be HOT - plan accordingly to keep you and your swimmer cool and hydrated!
On deck restrooms at OVAC are for SWIMMERS ONLY. Parents and spectators are requested to use restrooms located in the park to the north of the pool (near the playground area).
PARENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED past the barriers. A roundup volunteer will collect the 8 and under swimmers for each event from the team tents, and walk them to the barriers to meet a coach; coaches will then walk swimmers to the blocks. Parents and spectators may watch events from the bleachers.
PHOTOGRAPHY IS NOT ALLOWED in the area directly behind the blocks or from the bleachers. Please observe all signage related to photography and filming, and take photos and videos in approved areas only.
The restroom, access, and photography notes above are the rules of SAAA, and they are strictly enforced by SAAA staff at Oro Valley Aquatic Center. Thank you for your understanding.
Go Marlins!
Comments