One of our goals is to try to keep you as up-to-date and informed about what is going on with the team as we can. There is a lot to learn if you are a first time swimmer or first time Swim parent. Communication is a must for the Parent, Swimmer and Coaching staff. Below are some reminders of some ways that you can learn more about the team and its activities.
Team Communications
WEBSITE
We are excited to unveil our new website, built for us by Mind Blossom Creations (Roger Sievers) out of Red Wing, MN. Jen Reilly will keep our team website updated as frequently as possible with new news and information parents need to know such as the meet schedule, hotel accommodations, etc. Every swim family should visit the website regularly to stay up to date with news and events.
CONTACTING COACHES
If you need to let the coach know about upcoming conflicts or have a question, you can send an e-mail from any page of the HAST website by clicking on the Contact Us link in the upper right hand corner.
HAST Newsletter
Currently we are publishing our newsletter about every other month. Check out the current May/June HAST Newsletter.
NEWS Updates via Website Homepage
We will be supplementing our Team newsletter with news updates for our team swimmers so we can address some additional information to help newer and younger families keep update to date on what goes on with the team. This way we keep everyone “in the know”. You can always send us an email at any time if you have questions.
HAST File Boxes
When you enter the pool you will see two clear square files boxes on the table. Or if you are at the outdoor pool they are located by the black fence inside the pool area next to the deep end. Each swimmer is assigned a file and info is out into these files often for your swimmer to bring home to you. Please remind them to check their boxes daily and bring all papers home. They often end up in the bottom of a swim bag, crumpled and wet if the swimmers are not reminded. We will also try to keep much of this information updated on the website as well should you lose a paper or two. There are also two large manila envelopes in these boxes that hold meets fees and swim shop purchases. Should the envelopes not be in place you could always turn things into coaches after practice. Please make sure your information is either in a clearly labeled envelope or secured in some other way so it stays together.
Practices
In order to make the most of our practice time, please have your swimmers on the pool deck and ready to swim for their appropriate groups swim time. It is a disruption to the coaches and other swimmers when kids come to practice late. See Practice Schedule for more information about groups and times.
We don’t normally “call off” practices ahead of time unless we are sure we will not be getting in the pool (i.e. pool issues). We will swim outdoors for summer practices @ HFAC rain or shine. When we have severe weather, such as lightening, we do move practice indoors to the Hastings MS pool. Swimmers/Parents please note: When we switch pools we “hustle”, everyone works together, car-pooling as needed. We do not stop moving until we are inside the Hastings Middle School. Once inside we will regroup to make sure everyone is accounted for. (If the weather is really severe we will seek shelter downstairs at the Middle School. SAFETY comes 1st, swimmers this is not the time to think “I deserve a break today” and then bike/drive/walk home.)
Getting Involved
Most swim teams, ours included, are run by parent volunteers. HAST runs swim meets, fundraising events, team picnics, and an annual banquet; we travel around Minnesota, Wisconsin and sometimes Iowa. We send senior swimmers to national meets all over the United States. All this is possible because of our parent volunteers; pretty much everyone you cross paths with in the swimming world is a volunteer. Start small – donate drinks/chips/bagels when requested or volunteer to time at a swim meet. As your swimmer progresses through the team and you become a veteran swim parent you can become a stroke and turn official, run the swim meet computer, or be a board member! Board meetings are held monthly. Also, there will be a general parent meeting for ALL parents, especially the new swim parents, periodically. Even if you aren’t ready to commit to a volunteer position, please make sure you attend the general meeting to meet other parents and learn more about HAST. To find out more about how you can volunteer, contact us.
Practice Equipment
Every swimmer should have a comfortable pair of goggles for swim practice. Every swimmer should also have an extra pair of goggles in their bag because goggles break and you don’t want to be left without a pair. Also, all girls should get used to wearing swim caps. You will need to wear them in swim meets and you will want to wear them as you progress through the swim team. Besides, they help keep your hair from breaking, make it easier to breathe, and make you look like a pro! Boys should consider wearing swim caps as well because they are required for all swimmers at meets. Competition swimsuits are available for purchase from Elsmore Aquatic. Each swimmer should purchase a practice suit for daily wear. Team suits should be reserved for meets only. A good practice suit is made of polyester fabric. These can be a little more expensive but that last much longer and are worth the investment. Elsmore has a variety of suits from different manufacturers and it is always best to go to the store and try them on for the perfect fit. You can always track down a veteran swim family and ask more questions with regards to suits.
Swim Meet Attire
We would like to see all HAST swimmers wearing HAST apparel. When you are in the water, we want everyone to know what team you swim for! Girls and boys should wear HAST caps and HAST team swim suits. HAST t-shirts, sweatshirts, warm ups, etc. are usually available for order at the start of each swim season.
Learn More
To learn more about our team, contact HAST today!
