I wanted to spend a few moments and remind the team of a few things in regards to our Lettering Requirements and the expectations of the team.

1. Practice: Regardless of if you are swimming at a meet on the weekend or not your athlete must attend practices. If you are not coming to practice - I need to know why - your athlete cannot just show up.
   1. It is the responsibility of the athlete to find rides to & from practice, stay caught up in school with their assignments & grades. I understand that stuff happens - HOWEVER, that should happen once in a while - NOT every week. Or missing practice for a full week (or more). I'm starting to see some trends with athletes. It will reflect on your lettering requirements.
2. Time is a premium. It is expected that athletes are at the pool on time and ready to get into the pool after dryland as they are given anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Some athletes are taking advantage and not getting into the pool until 8:10 or 8:20 - this is not ok and will effect your lettering requirements. This also goes for bathroom breaks during our hour in the pool when you had time to go before hand, and joking around too much during our time at the Aquatic Center
3. Meets - again very few parents are letting me know why their swimmer is not at an event on the weekend. I still need to know prior to you saying no. Please be kind and remind with an email, text, or phone call - 2 weeks before your RSVP.
   1. Again, if something happens let me know as soon as possible. 

Let me also say - thank you to everyone who has already done the above Coach Burns and I are truly grateful. And Keep it up!

I've copied the criteria for lettering below.

Part I: All athletes must meet each of the following criteria. Meaning you need to meet all of them.

• Attendance – Athletes are expected to be at all practices, this does not apply to club swimmers and divers. Excessive absences will not be tolerated.
  • Practice Attendance: 90% of all practices must be attended. This applies to year-round swimmers who will be attending their year-round practices. Conflicts in Attendance – i.e., medical/dentist appointment, illness, religious, club sport, prescheduled activity, or other commitment as verified, will not jeopardize your Lettering opportunity provided that ample communication is made in advance.
  • Meet Attendance: All schedules meets MUST be attended, unless prior approval is given by Coach Gingles in advance. If you miss a meet without approval, it could cost your varsity letter.
    • Swimmers and Diver are expected to attend ALL meets, even if they are not participating in them. Unless given prior approval by Coach Gingles.
    • If you are not able to attend at least TWO WEEKS prior notice must be given.
• Participation – Athletes are expected to put forth 100% of effort at practices, during training, and in all events. Horseplay and lack of willingness will not be tolerated at practices or meets.
• Sportsmanship & Behavior– Athletes are expected to be respectful at all times towards Teammates, Competitors, Coaches, Referees, Officials, Aquatic Center Staff, and Spectators. Additionally, swimmers and divers are expected to uphold Cobb County, GHSA, and NFHS athletic standards. The North Cobb Swim & Dive program is an extension of North Cobb High School and Cobb County profanity, degrading remarks, and intimidating actions directed at officials, competitors, and other spectators will not be tolerated.
• Accountability: Be on time; that means in the pool, equipment ready, caps and goggles ON. On time does not mean walking into the aquatic center or dressing/undressing, talking with friends, etc. Pool time and dry land time is at a premium. Report any illnesses or injuries in a timely manner. Manage your time on and off the team (this is includes sports, homework, family time, appointments, etc.).

Part II: An Athlete must meet one of these qualifications

• Points: Score a minimum of 50 points to letter for the season.
• Qualify to compete in the Cobb County Championships in an Individual event by achieving the time standard required, in a GHSA approved race.
  • Only the lead-off legs on the 200 and 400 Free Relays may also qualify if the time standard is met.
  • Divers must achieve 120 points in an 11 Dive format to be eligible. [Hosted by the CSCA].
• Qualify to compete in the State Championships in an Individual event, including diving, or as part of a competing Relay.
  • Alternates do not automatically qualify unless they have met a County Championships time standard. [Hosted by the GHSA].

Part III: Loss of a Varsity Letter:The following will result in the automatic loss of a varsity letter (Even if you have met the criteria earn a varsity letter).

• Out-of-school suspension.
• Two “No shows” at any meet. (Meaning I don't know why you're not there or you don't give a logical reason)
• Refusing to swim an event or missing an event
• Disqualification for any Sportsmanship issue