The first meet of the season is quickly approaching (or already behind you in some states!)! Both new and returning swim parents often have many questions pre-season, several of which may involve “Disqualifications” (a.k.a. DQs). Returning parents might have encountered DQs in seasons past and new parents may be wondering what this “scary” acronym could possibly signify. Never fear! … [Read more...]
Mobile App Madness- SwimTopia’s Live Event/Heat Indicator
Summer is upon us and, if you’re a parent, we suspect you’re hustling to get everything organized for the swim season: stocking up on snacks, acquiring team attire, planning schedules, etc. It’s an exciting time and, perhaps, you’re most looking forward to the dynamic swim meet scene: team cheers, sharpie body art, and the almost addictive sense of chaos. It’s all part of the experience. However, … [Read more...]
From Swimmer to Coach: Making Waves a Little Differently this Summer!
Swim Parent Expectations- How Best to Support your Athlete
After two years of social distancing, limited on-deck capacity, and virtual meets, swim team is officially back. Across the country, parents, kiddos, and coaches alike are rejoicing this quintessential summer activity’s return. As a parent, you may be anticipating the return of various activities: cheering on your young athletes, volunteering to keep all things “swim” smoothly rocking and rolling, … [Read more...]
Mentoring Junior Coaches Through a Volunteer Coaching Program
SwimTopia Presents: Favorite Summer Swim Team Memories!
It’s here, it’s here! The best time of the year is really, truly almost here! And what time of year is that, you may ask? Summer swim season of course! This idyllic summer activity, known for its colorful ribbons, zany team cheers, and sharpie body art, has finally come once more. Coaches are gearing up for their springtime start, kiddos picking out their summer training suit, and parents debating … [Read more...]
Why Choose Summer Swim Team?
Summertime is so near, we can feel its humid breath on our necks. As those longer days and warmer months approach, you might ask yourself a very important question: “How, exactly, am I going to entertain my kiddos until the fall??” SwimTopia’s staff is made up of many parents and, goodness, we understand this question wholeheartedly! Or, perhaps, your youngster is jonesing for a new hobby this … [Read more...]
End of Season Swim Coach Gifts: What Coaches REALLY want
Somehow, faster than ever before (or so it seems), we have reached that time again: the end of the high school and year-round short course swim seasons (i.e. time to think about swim coach gifts!). Swimmers, coaches, and parents alike have survived the annual trek—swimmers crushing hours upon hours of training, coaches ceaselessly analyzing times and metrics, and parents producing endless meals to … [Read more...]
A Tribute to Swim Parents Everywhere
Why do we need to write a tribute to swim parents? Because there wouldn’t be any good swimmers if there weren’t great swim parents behind them! SwimTopia was born from summer league swimming roots, and we all know summer swim teams couldn’t exist without an army of amazing swim parents. We talk to them and work with them every day so feel uniquely qualified to appreciate swim parents and be … [Read more...]
Volunteer Signups: How Does Your Team Manage Them?
The Pros and Cons of Different Ways of Collecting Volunteer Signups SwimTopia works with over 1800 swim teams around the country, so we’ve seen thousands of different ways that teams can manage their volunteers. Ok, that might be a slight exaggeration. 😁 But teams can, and do, use many different strategies to manage their volunteers! Here we’ll explore some pros and cons of different ways of … [Read more...]