Swimmers who have competed in three different swim meets, including Invitationals, are eligible to participate in Championships.
We will be swimming against other teams from the San Pedro League. EVERY single swimmer is strongly encouraged to participate.
Unlike the regular meets, Championships is a TEAM Meet. Every year we have several swimmers or parents that think they aren't fast
enough to make a difference or to contribute. Every swimmer can help the team!! We are allowed to enter as many relay teams as we
have kids to make, thus increasing our scoring opportunities. (More swimmers equals more points) Every swimmer has the opportunity
to swim fast and hit best times in individual events, but they also can give confidence and momentum to the swimmers hoping to qualify
for Finals. Many of the races at the Finals are decided by just a tenth of a second. The cheering voices of every swimmer and every
swimmer's family can make a huge difference. Every swimmer loves to hear a crowd cheering for them! Please make every effort to attend
Championships, the culmination of the swim season, as every swimmer contributes to our team!
On Tuesday, July 8th, the swimmers
will have Preliminaries. Swimmers are entered into an event based on their fastest time. All entered swimmers are ranked by their
previous best time and divided into heats of seven. It is possible for swimmers to compete in three individual events. Ultimately,
it is the Coaches' decision as to who competes in what event, however, they often ask for input from the swimmer.
The entire
team, including parents and family members are welcome to sit under our shade canopies. Wear your TEAM T-shirst! Keep your swimmer
in the vicinity of the canopies so they are readily available when the coaches call them for their events. This year SAAA has enacted
a new rule and all swimmers must receive permission from a COACH before entering the warm-up pool. If the rule is violated,
even if a parent has granted permission, the entire team could lose warm-up privileges.
Be prepared to arrive early and
to be at the pool for the better part of the day or evening for Finals. It can be quite hot. The team will have shade canopies, but
you will need to bring chairs, extra towels, and lots of sunscreen. There is a snack bar on-site, however picnic lunches, snacks,
and bottled water from home are permitted.
The top seven swimmers in each individual event will qualify for finals on Wednesday,
July 9th. If your swimmer participated in Prelims on Tuesday, they are expected to be at the pool on Wednesday - even if they did
not qualify in an individual event. First, we need as many cheering voices as possible. Secondly, all swimmers are expected to attend
Finals, as they may be included in relays. We can enter as many relay teams as we can create with four swimmers per relay team. Unfortunately,
when one swimmer doesn't show up, three other swimmers lose their opportunity to swim in a relay event. Remember, each relay team we enter
increases our scoring opportunity.
