Devil Rays Families,

Thank you to everyone who attended our parent meeting last Wednesday. Below is a summary of important information covered during the meeting for the 2026 season.

Coach Information & Expectations

Coach Lino reviewed several important expectations for swimmers:

• Bring goggles, a swim cap, and appropriate swim attire to practices and meets (one-piece suits for girls are recommended).
• Arrive on time for meets. Warm-ups are an important part of meet preparation.
• Meet commitments must be submitted by Tuesday each week.
• Coaches will determine event selections and relay assignments.
• Swimmers should check in with a coach after each event.
• If a swimmer needs to leave a meet early, please notify a coach before departing.
• The best ways to communicate with coaches are via email or after practice. Please avoid interrupting coaches during practice sessions.

Volunteer Requirements

Our team relies on volunteers to make meets run successfully.

• Families with swimmers participating in meets are expected to volunteer for approximately half of the meet.
• If you have a special circumstance that affects your ability to volunteer, please contact us.
• Volunteer sign-ups are posted each Sunday at 6:00 PM.
• Each family is required to sign up for one deck setup or deck breakdown shift during the season.
• We are also looking for ideas and volunteers for our parade float.

Practice Information

• Parents of swimmers ages 10 and under must remain on deck or at the playground during practice.
• The baby pool and shallow end are closed during practice times.
• Coaches serve as lifeguards during practices.
• Please do not speak with coaches during practice sessions.
• Parents are encouraged to support swimmers but should avoid sideline coaching.
• Once meets begin, swimmers should check their team folders regularly for information.
• Pre-season evening practices are now through Wednesday June 17 (no practice June 16 as that is the last day of school)
• Morning practices begin Thursday June 18. Please refer to our practice schedule on dearboughtswim.org

Meet Information

• Swimmers must be declared available or unavailable by Tuesday each week.
• Meet notices will be sent on Thursday and will include directions, arrival times, and meet information. Heat sheets may be distributed on Friday.
• Please cheer on and support all swimmers.
• If plans change and a swimmer must leave early, notify a coach before departing.
• Swimmers must compete in at least 2 of the 4 division meets to be eligible for Divisionals or All-Stars.
• Families are encouraged to share tents and team space.
• Concession donations are optional but greatly appreciated and help offset team expenses.

Communication

Stay connected through:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook Group
• Instagram
• SwimTopia App- highly encourage everyone to download as we will send important messages like practice cancelations through the app as well as via email and facebook
• Meet Mobile
• Time Drops

Team Spirit Wear

Team spirit wear links are available online.

Team suits are not required. Black or red suits are perfectly acceptable.

Fundraising Opportunities

We appreciate your support of our fundraising efforts throughout the season:

• Five Guys- done
• Swag Sale- June 25; bring any gently used swim items you'd like to donate to the sale before then. Collection bins are on the pool deck during practice times.
• Ledo Pizza- June 23
• Playa Bowls- July 8

Events

• Team and individual pictures- June 25 time TBD
• Walkersville Parade- July 3

Swim Caps

Please pick up your swim cap if you have not already done so.

• One latex cap is included.
• Additional caps are available:
• Silicone Caps: $12
• Latex Caps: $5

Caps will be available for purchase at home and away meets. Please bring exact cash, as change may not be available.

Additional Information for New Families

Practice Expectations

• Please allow coaches to coach. Sideline coaching can be confusing for swimmers.
• If you need to discuss something with a coach, please email or speak with them after practice.

Helpful Terms & Resources

We reviewed:

• FSSL- Frederick Summer Swim League
• Divisionals
• All-Stars
• Meet Mobile
• SwimTopia
• Time Drops
• Year-round swim team opportunities
• MAC, FAST, FOX, YMCA
• We will try to post tryout information as we receive it

Understanding Swim Meets

Topics discussed included:

• Volunteer positions and responsibilities
• How a swim meet operates
• Relay events
• What to bring to meets:
• Extra cap and goggles
• Warm clothing
• Sunscreen/bug spray
• Chairs and/or tent
• Food, water, and drinks
• Cash or card for concessions

If you have any questions throughout the season, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are looking forward to a fun and successful summer with the Devil Rays!

Go Devil Rays!