Notes for After Meet Awards

• Ribbons will be filed the morning AFTER a Swim Meet, please have your swimmers wait until the end of their practice to look for their awards.
  • the Family Mail-box will be kept at the front desk, usually on the counter
• DQ Slips are for learning - if your swimmer received a DQ slip it's important for your swimmer to talk to our coaches to learn how to correct their mechanics, this will help your swimmer develop and learn.

Disqualifications / DQs

• One of the most important aspects of competitive swimming is learning from experience, and disqualifications (DQs) are a key part of that process. 
• While no swimmer enjoys being disqualified, we encourage everyone—especially young athletes—to view them as stepping stones to improvement rather than discouragements.
• Disqualifications happen when a swimmer doesn’t meet specific rules set by governing bodies like USA Swimming. 
• These rules ensure fair competition and promote proper technique. Whether it’s an early start, an incorrect turn, or an improper stroke, each DQ provides a chance to refine skills and grow stronger as a swimmer.

Here’s why DQs are valuable:

• Encourages Learning: Identifying mistakes allows swimmers to improve their technique and avoid the same issue in the future.
• Builds Resilience: Handling setbacks with a positive mindset teaches perseverance, a critical skill in swimming and life.
• Strengthens Focus: Knowing rules and following them carefully helps swimmers become more disciplined and attentive in competition.

We encourage parents to support their swimmers by reinforcing that DQs are not failures—they’re lessons. Coaches work closely with swimmers after a DQ to help them understand what happened and practice corrections. Every great swimmer has faced disqualifications at some point, and learning from them is part of becoming a stronger, more confident athlete.

Thank you for supporting your swimmers in their journey.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.