Good evening parents!  I have important information regarding the Cuda season.  We are trying new things this year.  First, the North West Aquatic League (NWAL) has required teams to move completely to the Swim Team US website platform for all team activity.  In the past, we have used Team Unify for registration and all Cuda business.  We did have access to Swim Team US to view results.  If you’re receiving this email, you most likely have an account with Swim Team US.  You will use the following link to access the site: https://northamptoncudas.swim-team.us/.

Second, we are trying online registration this year.  I ask for your patience as we move to a new website and implement online registration.  We have placed Cuda related documents on the website in regards to registration costs and requirements, NWAL code of conduct, practice schedule, meet schedule, junior coach application, and scholarship application.  If you have any questions about registration, please contact Melissa Ward, Registration Chair, at [email protected] or Derek Lund at [email protected]    

Online Registration will open tomorrow Monday March 28th at 7pm.  You will be able to register your family and swimmers and pay your registration dues.  In addition you will have the opportunity to purchase caps, towels, and casino night tickets.  You can sign up for volunteer positions during and after the registration process.  Again, VOLUNTEER POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SIGN UP WHEN YOU REGISTER ONLINE.    

Please Note: Your account will move from active to pending once Melissa has time to review your registration.  To complete registration, you must show up in-person during the dates listed below at the Northampton MUD building: 

Saturday April 2: 10am – 2 pm

Sunday April 3: 1pm – 3pm

Sunday April 10: 12pm – 4 pm

***Again, your registration is not complete until you attend in-person registration to provide us with your volunteer check and pay any MUD fees (if applicable).  Your child will not participate in practice or meets until your volunteer check and MUD fees are paid. 

The board can answer any questions you might have at the in-person registration dates.  You can always show up at the in-person registration to complete the entire registration process (just like previous years).

 

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION:

The Cuda swim team is a non-profit organization that is parent run.  The only paid employees are the coaches.  The Cudas are your team.  The kids and the team need your help to create a fun and exciting swim season.  We ask for a $300 volunteer check to incentivize parents to help.  We don’t want to cash the $300 check.  Your help and time are more valuable than the check.  We deposited the most volunteer checks last year of any season.  I challenge everyone to find the time to volunteer for their kids, the team, and the community.  You will have an opportunity to sign up for volunteer positions during registration.  I would like to highlight some important positions we have available. 

We have four committee head positions available.  By accepting one of these positions, you will receive credit for all 8 volunteer points:

1. Volunteer Coordinator – The bulk of the work has been completed.Looking for someone to manage and organize the volunteers.Our previous coordinator, Shelley Furrh, has graciously offered to assist and train the new coordinator.
2. Casino Night Committee Head – We have revamped Casino Night this year.No longer our primary fundraiser (now Sprint Sizzler).We have changed it to a Parents Night Out.A thank you to the parents for their hard work and dedication to their kids and the team.If you like to coordinate parties, this position is for you!Date, location, and vendors already secured.
3. Awards Committee Head – Manage and organize ordering ribbons and end of year trophies.Manage volunteers in distributing awards to swimmers.
4. Head Timer Committee Head – On top of the action pool side!Organize and manage the timers and scribes.

Other Key Positions we are looking for:

1. OFFICIALS – One of the most important positions in running a swim meet.No officials = no swim meet for the kids.With a team our size, we are running low on officials.Please consider taking on this position and easily get your 8 volunteer hours.Why become an official: (1) The best seat in the house to watch your child swim.Closest individual’s to the swimmers and the action.(2) Free water and lunch.(3) The parent volunteers that provide a fair and safe environment for the swimmers.(4) Help the kids learn the strokes and rules of swimming.For more information, please contact Walter Basket, Head Official, at
2. Pictures – Organize picture day (vendor, date, and time already completed).Distribute pictures.Earn all 8 points with this position.

***Most of the board and committee head members have older swimmers.  In the next couple of years, most of the board and committee head members will no longer be on the team or preparing to phase out.  We are looking for parents with younger swimmers to prepare to take a leadership role with the team.  If you’re interested in a board or committee head position for 2017, please let us know and we can train individuals this year to step into a future role. 

We are looking forward to an exciting 2016 season.  Remember, safety, fun, family, and community are key points for our kids and the swim team!

Go Cudas!

Derek