FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
The section below lists some information on frequently asked questions. Please consult it, and if you can't find the info you need, see our Contact Us page to e-mail a board member for more information.
Jump to: General Info Registration Meet Info Inclement Weather Policy
General Information
What ages can swim with the Brushy Creek Marlins?
Swimmers must be at least 5 years of age as of September 1, 2016. Swimmers may not be older than 17 years of age as of May 1, 2016. Swimmers age category is determined by their age as of May 1, 2016. On occasion, provided coaches consent, younger swimmers can be team members, provided they can swim the length of the pool by May 16, 2016. Coaches will determine if the swimmer’s ability meets minimum standards and will make recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Do parents need to volunteer? Are their opt-out fees?
At least one parent must volunteer to work at each meet in which their child swims. Many families with multiple children swimming will volunteer for more than one shift during a meet. At the present time, there is no opt-out fee in use by the Marlins. If your child swims the meet, you are expected to volunteer.
How often are practices?
Practices are held daily on weekdays, beginning shortly before school ends in the spring. More info on practice times will be available after registration is completed.
What is a Family Folder?
Each family will have a folder labeled by last name, available at all Marlin's practices that will be used by the Marlins to deliver information from the team on upcoming events, ribbons from the last meet, and other items of interest. Please check your family folder at all practices.
Registration
When does registration start for the 2016 swim season?
Registration for the 2016 season starts for returning Marlins on February 26, 2016 and runs through March 11, 2016 at 6:00PM Central. New Marlins can begin registration on March 12, 2016. Registration closes for all swimmers on April 15, 2016 at 6:00PM Central. Registrations after the close date will incur a $25 late fee and will require a tryout. It is recommended that you sign up as soon as possible, as many age groups fill up quickly.
How much does it cost to be a Marlin?
2016 Brushy Creek Marlins Registration costs per family are as follows*:
1st swimmer - $185.00
2nd swimmer - $175.00
3rd swimmer - $165.00
4th and additional swimmers - $140.00 each
Swimmers 15 and up - $140
*Each swimmer will receive a Marlins T-shirt as part of their registration fee.
Is there additional merchandise for purchase?
A variety of additional merchandise will be available for purchase at practices and meets, such as Marlins Swim Caps, goggles, Marlins water bottles, etc.
What if I have a returning Marlin and a new Marlin? Can I register them both at the same time?
Yes, families with at least one returning Marlin swimmer are considered returning families, and should register the returning swimmer first, then add the new swimmers as needed.
Is swimmer insurance covered in the Marlins registration fee?
Yes, part of your registration fee per swimmer includes insurance as determined through the Northwest Swim Circuit.
Swim Meets
When do I need to sign up for swim meets?
Swim meet signup and volunteer selections for actual meets will open up during the first week of practice. An announcement will be made on the website soon. See the Meets page for meet dates.
Do I need to purchase a Marlins swim suit?
The Marlins choose a new swim suit on yearly basis. All swimmers will need to purchase a new suit, if a team suit is desired. As per the Marlins parent handbook, swimmers are required to swim in the Marlins team suit or a solid black suit. Suit purchasing information as well as other team gear can be found on our Team Gear page.
Do I have to swim each meet?
All swimmers must compete in at least 2 meets during the season or forfeit the opportunity to participate on the Marlins team the following year. It is recommended that Marlins team members swim as many meets as possible in the season, in order to improve their event times and to allow the maximum number of chances to qualify for Invitationals.
Where are meets located?
All Marlins practices and some meets are located at Sendero Springs pool, 4203 Pasada Ln, Round Rock, TX 78681. See the map to the right.
Other meets are held at competitor host pools throughout the swim season. Information on meet locations, warm-up start times and meet start times will be available as part of the schedule that will be posted at the beginning of each season.
Inclement Weather Policy
What if there is bad weather at the pool?
The Marlins put your child's safety at the top of our priority list. In the event of bad weather, our policy is that no one will be allowed in the pool within 30 minutes of thunder or lightning. Each time thunder or lightning occurs, the 30 minute timer is reset at the coach's discretion.
If your child's practice is cancelled due to weather, they may participate in any other regularly scheduled practice that day, as long as there is sufficient pool space to add more swimmers to the desired time slot. If not, you will be requested to attend a later session that day if possible.
Other Ways to Stay In Touch?
Are there other ways to stay in touch with the Marlins?
You should always check the bcmarlins.com website for updates.
The Marlins are also on Twitter (@bcmarlins) for late-breaking news and updates (especially weather-related updates on meet days).
