Frequently Asked Questions
We know you may have questions about the swim team, and we’re here to help! Below, you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about team requirements, practice schedules, meets, volunteer opportunities, and more.
For additional details, please refer to our Full FAQ Document or contact us directly.
We’re excited for another fantastic season—see you at the pool!
General Questions
Q: Does my swimmer need to try out for the 2026 swim team?
A: Returning swimmers from the 2025 Belterra Marlins and all swimmers aged 10 & up do not need an evaluation. New swimmers (only) aged 9 & under must complete a swim evaluation before joining the team - see our evaluation information.
Q: What equipment does my swimmer need?
A: Required items include a swimsuit, goggles, and a towel. Flippers are strongly encouraged for practice. The team suit can be purchased through SwimFreak, who will be at Belterra prior to the season for fittings - see the events schedule for the date/time. You are welcome to use any past Marlins suits that still fit properly. Each registered swimmer receives a team swim cap and T-shirt. Please label all personal items.
Q: Can my child miss practices or meets due to vacations or other activities?
A: Yes! We understand families have commitments outside of swim. Swimmers can participate at their level. An online sign-up is available to indicate meet attendance, and we ask that you notify coaches in advance if your child will be absent. Swimmers should aim to attend at least three practices per week if they plan to compete in a meet.
Q: What happens in case of bad weather?
A: See more information on the weather
- Meets: Meets are held in the rain but may be delayed or canceled due to thunderstorms. Updates will be communicated via email and posted on the website.
- Practices: Practice continues in light rain. If thunder or lightning occurs, the pool must be vacated for 30 minutes. Updates will be sent via the SwimTopia app, email, and the website.
Meet Information
Q: How do I sign up my swimmer for meet events?
A: Meet sign-ups are handled through SwimTopia. Swimmers may choose up to three individual events, while coaches assign relay teams. Sign-ups close before the meet; no deck add-ons are allowed per league rules.
Q: What if my swimmer cannot attend a meet?
A: Please mark your swimmer as absent in SwimTopia before the deadline. Advance notice ensures accurate meet entries.
Q: What volunteer roles are available?
A: The Belterra Marlins rely solely on parent volunteers! Each family is expected to participate. Roles include timers, ready bench helpers, event round-up, ribbon prep, set-up, and tear-down. Parents who volunteer receive priority registration for the next season. See the full list of volunteer roles.
Race & Team Logistics
Q: Where do I find the heat sheet, and how do I read it?
A: Heat sheets will be posted at meets and available on the SwimTopia App. Events are listed in order, with lanes assigned per swimmer. "NT" (No Time) indicates a swimmer's first time in an event.
Q: What is the difference between Event Round-Up and Ready Bench?
A: Event Round-Up: Swimmers gather here before heading to the host meet’s Ready Bench. Ready Bench: The final staging area before swimmers head to the pool. Volunteers organize swimmers by heat and lane assignment.
Q: Why doesn’t my swimmer have a seed time?
A: Seed times are established the first time a swimmer competes in an event. Swimmers aged 11 & up will start the season without seed times and establish them as they compete.
Q: Why did my swimmer not earn points on a specific event where it seems they should have based on their place results in the heat?
A: The most common reason is the league has rules against "sweeping" events. We can only score up to 3 swimmers per event, per team. We can only score one relay, even if a team were to score 1-3 in a given race.
Policies & Miscellaneous
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: No, we do not offer refunds.
Q: Is there a lost and found?
A: Yes! A lost-and-found bucket is near the pool maintenance building entrance. Junior coaches can assist in locating missing items.
Q: Which league do we belong to?
A: The Belterra Marlins are part of the Capital City Summer League.
Q: How many swimmers are on the team?
A: We typically have around 250 swimmers.
Q: How can I get my swimmer featured on the Marlins' social media?
A: We'd love to highlight our swimmers! Please send your photos to [email protected].
