Arlington Forest Club Tigers

Here you can find information about using the Swimtopia website. You can also go to the Helpful Links section to find more resources for using the Swimtopia website.

Volunteering

• Do I need to volunteer?
  • Yes! We need every family to contribute. We require a minimum of 12 volunteer points per season.
• Do I need experience to volunteer?
  • Most roles don't require experience. Officiating roles require NVSL training. See the Parent Handbook and NVSL Calendar for details.
• How do I volunteer?
  • Sign up online when registering your child for a meet.

Time Trials

• Will my child swim?
  • Yes! Time Trials establish baseline times for all swimmers.
• How long does it last?
  • About 3 hours, followed by a team cookout. Swimmers can leave after completing their events (inform a coach). Event order: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, by age group.
• What should my child bring?
  • Team suit, 2 pairs of goggles, team/plain cap, sunscreen, water, towel, and optional snacks/entertainment (no electronics, please).
• Where do they sit?
  • In the team area, supervised by coaches and marshalls.

Monday Night B Meets

• Will my child swim?
  • Yes! All swimmers can participate. Swimmers sign up for a maximum of 2 events. Exhibition swims are allowed but no placement ribbons are given.
• Will my child get ribbons?
  • Yes! Placement ribbons for 1st-6th, and participation ribbons for all others. Ribbons are in family folders in the Guard Room.
• What if they are disqualified (DQ'd)?
  • They'll receive a participation ribbon. Coaches will help correct the issue. It's a normal part of learning.
• How long do they last?
  • About 3 hours. Swimmers can leave after their events (inform a coach).
• What if it rains?
  • Meets continue in light rain. Lightning causes delays. We may wait out storms or cancel.

Saturday A Meets

• Will my child swim?
  • Depends on their times. Coaches select the fastest swimmers based on availability and team strengths (max 2 individual events per swimmer).
• How long do they last?
  • About 2-2.5 hours. Swimmers should stay for the whole meet to cheer on the team.
• Can they attend if not swimming?
  • Yes! Cheering is encouraged. Quiet during starts.

Communications

• Email: We use team email. Contact [email protected] if you're not receiving emails.
• Ribbons: In family folders in the Guard Room.

Swimmer Etiquette

• Follow safety rules (no running, pushing, etc.).
• Respect coaches, officials, and swimmers.
• Cheer for teammates.
• Stay in the team area.
• Wear team/plain caps.
• Quiet during starts.
• Congratulate other swimmers.
• Follow lane etiquette.
• No parents on deck during practice.
• Three strikes policy for behavior issues at practice.

Parent Notes

• Parents can observe from a distance.
• Let coaches manage practice.
• Direct questions to team reps or coaches before/after practice.