Important Information about TAAF

Hi Everyone,

The following are some important reminders about TAAF.  Please read the entire email as there are some important instructions from Coach Russell and it is all information you need to know.

1. Location: LCISD Natatorium - 5021 Airport Road, Rosenberg, TX 77471

2. Schedule:

10 & Unders - Warm up: 7:30 a.m.  Start 8:30 a.m.  Plan to arrive by 7:00 a.m.

11 & Overs - Warm up: 11:00 a.m.  Start 12:30 pm.  Plan to arrive no later than 11:00 a.m. in case the 1st session ends early because then they will start the 2nd session earlier.

3. Relays:  Do not treat this meet like our usual NWAL meets.  If you are scheduled to swim a relay, we need you to swim.  Failure to attend will affect 3 other swimmers' chances to move on to the State Meet.  There can be no substitutes at Regionals.

4. Jewelry:  No one is permitted to wear any jewelry while in the water.  This includes: bracelets, watches, anklets, earrings, ponytail holders around the wrists.  NOTHING.  They can and will disqualify swimmers for this infraction.  Coach Russell lost a relay for a sports watch 9 years ago.  Please leave all accessories at home so they don't get lost and you don't forget to take them off.

5. Ready Bench:  The morning session will use a Ready Bench area to line up the swimmers.  The afternoon sessions will have the swimmers report directly to the blocks for their events.  For the afternoon swimmers, it will be helpful to mark their arms with Event # / Heat # / Lane #.  i.e.  E26 / H5/ L2

6. Volunteers:  Thank you to those who have already volunteered to time a shift on Saturday.  I broke it down so that everyone should only have to time for an hour.  There are still 2 spots left to fill in the afternoon session.  Please volunteer when you get to the pool so the others who volunteered don't get stuck doing double duty.

7.  Setup:  This meet has an outdoor setup (it is basically an outdoor pool).  The Coaches are bringing 5 or 6 Township tents, but if you have a tent, you may still want to bring it.  Also, chairs, coolers, games and whatever else you usually bring to a dual meet.

8.  State Entries:  Based on the number of regional registrations, it is anticipated that the top 5 finishers in each event will go on to the State Meet.  But ask on Saturday to make sure this is still the case.  If you qualify for States you need to declare your intentions by the end of your session at the Regional Meet.  If you KNOW you DO NOT want to go to the State Meet in Corpus Christi, please let them know because they will bump up the next qualified swimmer.  If you DO want to go to States, you will need to declare and pay your entry fees right then and there.  State Meet fees are $7.00 per individual event and $28.00 per relay (whole team).  The entry fees for States must be paid in CASH so BRING CASH.  No checks will be accepted.

Parents, it is your responsibility to keep up with the State entries.  If a swimmer qualifies for States and leaves the pool before declaring attendance or no-attendance, the Coaches will assume you are NOT GOING if asked.  The Coaches WILL NOT sign up siwmmers for States so keep up with declaring.  Also, if you are on a relay, make sure your teammates (or alternates) are planning to attend before you sign up.  Try to sign up together.  Seasoned TAAF folks, please help the new TAAF folks.  It can be a confusing process.

9. Coaches:  Coach Russell's back has gone out and he may not make it on Saturday.  Have no fear, Coach Kyle and Coach Stephanie will be there (and hopefully Coach Russell).  Look for them when you arrive.  They'll be under the big, white tents.

10.  Most Important Reminder:  Swim fast and have fun!!!

Thanks,
Kallie