The Martinez Community Swim Team is a family oriented, summer recreational swim team. Our goal is to provide swimmers, ages four through eighteen, an opportunity to swim in a competitive and fun team environment. We emphasize individual goal setting and achievement as well as team spirit. A volunteer parent board administers MCST. Our team employs a paid, experienced coaching staff. MCST receives no public subsidies.
The MCST website is www.teamunify.com/recmcstca, which is our main means of communication with team families. The website gives updated contact information, practice schedules, meet schedules, and event information. Due to the nature of our sport, changes in our schedule are sometimes necessary. Thus, it is important to check the website regularly during the swim season.
A team roster of names, telephone numbers, and email addresses is compiled at the start of the season to facilitate contact about team activities. During the swim season, important notices are often sent by email to all registered families. Also, information and flyers about upcoming events will be distributed via the “family files,” which are accessible at practices, and at most home meets. The coaches will post important information on the “coaches’ information board”.
We encourage and welcome parents to attend our monthly parent meeting, held the second Thursday of each month. The dates, time, and location can be found on the “Announcement” page of the website. The Parent Meetings are a wonderful way to learn more about the team, meet other parents, and contribute to the team. If something concerns you, please mention it to your child's coach, a board member, or express it at a parent meeting.
League Membership
MCST is a member of the Twin Counties Swim League. The other teams in our league are the Benicia Stingrays, the Crockett Crockett-iles, the Hercules Piranhas, Brentwood AquaKnights, the Diablo Vista Dolfins, and the American Canyon Swim Team.
Team Membership
Our team welcomes swimmers between the ages of four and eighteen (as of June 15). Membership is open to all families and is not limited to Martinez residents. Swimmers with no prior swim team experience must register by the second week of preseason practice. (Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Head Coach). All new swimmers will be evaluated at the end of the two weeks to determine if the swim team is right for them. (See "Trial period" about the Coaches' evaluation). Swimmers joining our team must not have been a member of a U.S.S. team as of January 1st of the current year. MCST requires that any returning family who has not fulfilled their financial obligation from a previous swim season must be cleared by the team President and Treasurer before rejoining.
Our Insurance coverage requires that every swimmer have completed registration papers, including medical information and a signed medical release of liability. The Twin County Swim League requires parents & swimmers to sign an agreement regarding compliance with the TCSL Code of Conduct. No exceptions can be made.
Parent Commitment
Since we are a community swim team and do not receive public funds, parent participation is crucial in keeping costs reasonable. (1) A parent from each family is required to work ten (10) Team Job Assignments during our summer season. These work assignments include timing races, ribbon labeling, shepherding younger swimmers, and other modest assignments. (2) In addition, as part of the Team Job assignment, a parent from each family must "work a shift" (typically a three-hour commitment) at the Twin Counties League Championship Meet. (3) Finally, a parent from each family "must work a shift" at each "invitational" meet in which their swimmer(s) participate, (e.g. Devil Mountain, Scottsdale, County Meet). Our Team Job Coordinator(s) will assist you in selecting team job assignments.
Registration
Registration fees are due in full at the time of registration. The 2010 registration fee includes a temporary increase due to the fact that we won't have a 'home' pool this season. We will not be receiving funds from our snack bar or our 8 & Under Invitational. The increase in fees will only partially cover our missing income, and we hope to bring it back to 2009 prices next year. This year's fees are $240.00 for the first swimmer in a family, $230.00 for the second swimmer and $220.00 for the third swimmer; fourth swimmers pay no registration fee. This registration amount includes the "per swimmer" fee the City of Martinez assesses our team for use of the pool. The registration amount also covers fees associated with League Meet and other Invitational Meets that your swimmer may participate in through MCST.
MCST also requires a $40.00 per family Team Job Assignment deposit. Provided that all job assignments are fulfilled, your team assignment deposit will be refunded at awards night. If we need to use your $40.00 during the season due to an assignment "no show", another $40.00 will be collected per occurrence.
Registration fees DO NOT cover the cost of Team Outings or Team Suits.
Charge for returned check: All checks returned to MCST for non-sufficient funds will be subjected to a $25.00 Returned check fee.
A committee of (3) members will be established to accept payment schedules or a scholarship fund to those families who request financial assistance with their swim team registration fees and swim-a-thon monies. Motion was passed to extend a policy to provide installment payments, a sliding fee structure, or a scholarship, to any returning family who contacts a board member expressing concern with the ability to pay registration. A letter of request is to be submitted to the board committee to be confidentially reviewed. It is suggested that a family only receive one scholarship during its term of membership on MCST.
Little Otters
Our Little Otter Program is for 4, 5 and 6 year olds who are not capable of swimming one length of a 25-yard pool without using the lane ropes for support. It is a very important first step in the development of our swim team members.
The Little Otter registration fee is payable in full at the time of registration. Enrollment in our Little Otter program is limited and is filled on a first come, first serve basis. Little Otter swimmers must be "pool safe" and willing to participate in a group lesson atmosphere without the aid of parent. Little Otters who can successfully complete one lap may be invited to participate in a swim meet.
Communication
Team Roster ~ Every MCST family will receive a roster around mid-June. Please note that the information provided for this roster is for Swim Team use only. Please address any corrections to the Membership Director.
Our team uses several systems to insure that all our members stay informed. These systems work only if parents and swimmers take advantage of them!
Website ~www.teamunify.com/recmcstca. Our website provides up-to-date information about schedule changes, information regarding upcoming swim meets and events, general information items, and team sponsor information.
Family Files ~ Each family will have a file folder marked with the swimmer’s name(s). The Family Files are kept in file boxes at our pool during the season. Files are accessible “on deck” during each practice session and at home meets. These Family Files serve as our in-house mail system. All announcements, meet entry forms, ribbons, flyers, etc. will be distributed to our members using this system. Files should be checked on a daily basis. If your family has only younger swimmers, please have a parent empty your folder. Flyers being distributed through the Family Files must have the prior approval of the team President or Head Coach.
Parent Meetings~ Our team encourages you to attend the monthly MCST parent meetings. These meetings are held at a team member’s home and generally begin at 7:15 p.m., on the second Thursday of each month. Location of the team meetings are noted on the team’s website. You may also contact any board member for this information. We invite parents to join us in discussing team issues.
The team's major Fund-raising events are the "BBQ at the Vineyard" and restaurant fundraisers as scheduled.
"BBQ at the Vineyard": MCST hosts an annual "BBQ at the Vineyard" event at the beautiful Viano vineyards & Winery, 150 Morello Avenue, Martinez. This event is situated at the century-old vineyard, on the verdant hillsides located in the middle of Martinez, and cooled by the breezes from the Carquinez Straits, with a pleasing backdrop of music fit for the occasion. Guests gather and savor flavors of delicious food and a special selection of Viano wines, with the joy of meeting friends and neighbors from the team and community.
Rigatoni Night
It has been a long-standing tradition to share a meal before our League Championship Meet. This dinner is traditionally a pasta dinner, held the Friday evening prior to the League Meet, at the location of Martinez Junior High School. We enjoy a fun evening of special traditions including the "Crazy Hair" contest, "Age Group Basket raffle", and "Best Decorated Dessert" contest.
Deck Policy
During practice sessions, parents are not allowed on the pool deck. Parents are welcome to observe their swimmer from the bleachers. This policy benefits not only our coaching staff but also your swimmer. It assists our coaching staff by allowing them to keep their attention on the practice and not you. Since our coaches want to have 100% of their attention on swimmers in the water, we also ask that you do not request this time for conversation. Our coaching staff does welcome your questions, concern and comments. Feel free to call, or email, the Head Coach, Keelan Kirshen. Coaches are also available for a limited time after the last practice of the day. Due to the limitations of our insurance coverage, swimmers are NOT allowed to be on deck except during their practice session.
Our coaches have numerous commitments and must leave the pool at the end of the last practice. However, they cannot leave behind an unattended child at the pool. For the above reasons, we require that all swimmers be picked up promptly after their practice session ends.
Alcohol, Smoking and Pets: Alcoholic beverages, and beverages in glass containers, are not allowed at any swim team function where swimmers are present. Smoking is not allowed within the enclosed area of the pool. Pets are not allowed within the enclosed area of the pool. These polices are enforced at all pools within our League.
Equipment, Care & Return Policy
All swimmers must supply their own swimsuit, goggles, and towel(s). Goggles are required for all swimmers. Caps are required for all swimmers (male and female) with long hair. Older swimmers may be required to furnish additional equipment as deemed necessary. Team suits, goggles and caps will be available for purchase at a NorCal Swim Shop. It is strongly recommended that a practice suit be worn for all practice sessions to maintain the elasticity and color of the team suit. All equipment should be marked with yourswimmer’s name.
Team Unify is the supplier for the team swim suits for 2010. Please see Meets & Event Gear under the Team Store link on our website.
Advice on team suits: Lycra suits will last a long time if properly cared for. Immediately after each use, rinse in cold water and hang to dry. Never wash in detergent or softener or place in the dryer. Any suit that stays in a swim bag or towel overnight or any extended time in hot, moist conditions may show signs of “Lycra Breakdown”, where patches of the suit become thin. This is not a defective suit; it is caused by improper care.
Return policy: Custom items are not returnable. Any defective merchandise must be reported within one week of purchase. A suit that smells like fabric softener will not be accepted for return. The manufacturer will be responsible for chlorine-damaged suits nor suits with “Lycra Breakdown.”
Swim Meets
Swim meets are the rewards for the hours of practice a swimmer puts in. Meets should be fun for the swimmers and parents. At meets, our entire team swims as a unit against another team. Dual Meets are held on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. MCST participates in several two-day Invitational Meets (Saturday/Sunday). Those swimmers earning “County” times will participate in the CountyMeet, in August.
Swimmer participation in scheduled meets is strongly recommended. Swimmers who do not regularly attend practice may be excluded from a meet at the discretion of the coaching staff.
Meet Schedule
Wednesday meets are held in the evening usually running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday morning meets typically begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue to about 12:30 p.m. Multiple-day swim meets begin in the early morning and often continue through the afternoon. Starting times are subject to change! Please check the "coaches information board" before each meet! Warm-up time and event information is posted on Wednesday morning for Wednesday meets, and on Friday morning for Saturday meets.
Swimmers arriving at a meet more than 15 minutes into the team's warm-up period will not be allowed to participate in the meet.Late arrival to a meet because of an emergency or other special circumstance may be excused by the Head Coach. Please do not leave a meet before checking to see if your swimmer has been scheduled to swim in a relay. Relay team rosters are posted in the team area at each meet.
Invitational Meets
MCST has been very fortunate to be included in several (relatively) large Invitational Meets. These meets are a lot of fun for the swimmers. In addition, many swimmers have found that they swim their fastest times at these meets. Please consider the following Invitationals when planning vacations. Each meet is unique and allows a different venue for your swimmer.
Devil Mountain Pentathlon: Held Saturday and Sunday, mid-July. Each swimmer swims all five strokes - butterfly, back stroke, breast stroke, free style and Individual Medley (50 yards free style for swimmers who are 6 and under). Awards are given for both individual times and the fastest combined time of all five (5) events 'overall'. Only swimmers who can compete in all 5 events are entered into this invitational swim meet.
Scottsdale Invitational: Held Saturday and Sunday, early in August, this meet is the one last chance for all swimmers to make a 'county time'. Traditionally, the participating families meet for a barbecue or pizza following the end of the meet on Sunday.
Attendance & Absence Policies
Meet Attendance and Vacations: All swimmers are automatically entered for each dual meet and all Invitational Meets in which MCST participates (including Devil Mountain,Scottsdale, and League). (For Devil Mountain, only more experienced swimmers, who can compete in all 5 events are entered.) Swimmers are “entered” into the computer format for meet events, and that information is sent to the hosting team’s meet coordinator, two-to-three weeks in advance of the meet. Due to scheduling sequences, it is extremely helpful if you advise your child’s coach of vacation or camp plans as far in advance as possible.
Parents MUST let the coaching staff know, in advance, if your child will be unable to attend a scheduled swim meet or invitational, by leaving a note in the Head Coach’s file. In addition, a swimmer MUST be signed-OUT in the Vacation Binder that is located in the “Family Files” for this purpose. If a swimmer is not signed-out, and does not show up for a meet, that swimmer will be FINED, as it is a considerable problem for the coaches and computer committee to remove, replace, and re-seed swimmers with late notice. The family of a swimmer who “no-shows” will be fined $5 for the lst offense, $10 for the 2nd, and so on. If a swimmer is ill, or there is another emergency, parents need to contact the coach as soon as possible. (Please no calls to the Head Coach after 9 PM.)
If your swimmer does not sign out in the Vacation Binder for an Invitational Meet, you are responsible for reimbursing the team for the cost the team paid for your swimmer to participate in the meet. Your swimmer will not be allowed to get back into the pool for practice or meets until this reimbursement has been completed.
Meet Workers
Our parents staff our meets. Participating teams share the jobs. Our team is required to provide approximately twenty (20) workers for each meet. Each family is required to work ten team assignments per season, which often includes jobs at the scheduled meets. (See “Parent Commitment.”) You may sign-up for meet jobs through the team’s Job Coordinator(s).
Meet workers must check in with the Job Coordinator at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start of a meet. Some workers may need to report to their assignments earlier. When you receive a receipt that lists your jobs for the season, reporting times will be noted for Set-up and Snack Bar duties.
If you have vacation plans, job conflicts or childcare issues that would prevent you from working on Saturday mornings or Wednesday evenings, please contact the Job Coordinatorat the beginning of the season. With advanced notice, our Job Coordinator can often accommodate your schedule conflicts.
It is crucial that parents DO NOT sign up to work a meet that conflicts with their vacation time. After scheduling a work assignment, it is imperative that you notify the Job Coordinator if you CANNOT work the meet. A ‘No-Show’ for a work assignment will result in a $40 fine. Any responsible person over the age of 15 may act as your substitute, so you may arrange for an appropriate substitute. If you, or your substitute, does not fulfill your meet assignment, your $40.00 Team Job Assignment deposit will be forfeited and you will be required to make another $40.00 deposit, before your swimmer may get back into the pool for practice or meets.
A swimmer may not participate in practice and swim meets until all outstanding fines have been paid to the team’s treasurer. Please remember that the team does not want you to be fined. We need your participation!
Team Pictures
MCST's team pictures will be taken by a professional photographer on a Saturday in early June. All swimmers must wear a team suit or a solid navy suit to be included in the team photo. No shorts, t-shirts, hats, or sunglasses will be permitted. Individual portraits are also available. Order envelopes and information will be distributed via the family files. "Little Otters" are encouraged to participate.
Swimmer Recognition
MCST strives to recognize the hard work of our swimmers. The team has two ways in which swimmers are rewarded for their outstanding work or attitude.
Swimmers receive ribbons for their “place” in their races at each competitive meet. At home meets and Invitational Meets, our swimmers receive a ribbon for every event that they swim (unless “DQ ’d”/ disqualified). At “away” meets, swimmers can expect to receive ribbons for top 6-8 places or first-heat races. At the League Meet and other Invitational Meets, top times are often awarded large “rosette” ribbons or medals.
Swimmers of the Meet and of the Week: Our coaching staff selects several swimmers who were particularly successful at each meet and/or for the week for this award. These swimmers typically made dramatic improvements in their event times or will have contributed to points our team earned at the meet.
Medal Board & Publicity: A Medal Board lists each swimmer on the team and makes note of every “medal time” swimmers have achieved. Please remember that the Medal Board, although updated on a regular basis, cannot immediately reflect a swimmer’s progress. MCST makes every effort to get the results of our meets to the Martinez News Gazette and the Martinez Record along with pictures, if possible. If you do not wish to have your child(s) name or picture in these publications please contact the MCST Publicity Coordinator or Board President.
Awards Ceremony: Our Awards Night is held at the end of the season – usually the Monday after the County Swim Meet. Every swimmer is presented with a medal on a neck ribbon that corresponds to the highest “medal” time achieved. A certificate noting the swimmer’s “best” times in each stroke accompanies each medal. MCST awards a trophy in each of three categories: Most Valuable, Most Improved and the Coaches’ Award. Two trophies in each category are awarded per age group, one to a boy and one to a girl. We also highlight swimmers who have been with MCST for several seasons. These awards are made as a swimmer celebrates their fifth and tenth year with the team. Swimmers participating in the Little Otter program are awarded a medal and certificate to recognize their accomplishments.
Trial Period & Refund
New swimmers (defined as a swimmer who has never been a member of MCST) are allowed to swim with the team on a trial basis for two weeks. The coaching staff will evaluate all new swimmers during this period to determine if that swimmer meets the minimum level for team swimming. If the coaching staff determines that the swimmer is not ready for the team, all registration fees and deposit will be refunded (less $25.00 for administrative costs.)
Once registered, new or returning swimmers who decide to discontinue from the team, and who request a refund, will be reimbursed their registration fees on a prorated basis at the discretion of the Board. Refund requests due to medical reasons will require a written note of explanation from the child’s physician.
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to the team Treasurer. A $25.00 administrative fee will be withheld from all registration refunds and returned cheeks.
.jpg){kind=logo}
