There is a $50 resident pool fee and $75 non resident pool fee charged to us by the City of Oak Ridge for use of the pool. This will allow swimmers to use the pool for swim practice, meets, and also to be able to swim during the regular pool hours through out the summer. If you are a resident the discount will be reflected at your Cheddar Up check out not throught Swimtopia.

The Oak Ridge North Otter Swim Team depends on parents volunteering to run the meets. While no parent is expected to be an expert, all parents are highly encouraged to help during each meet. When you help the Otters, you are helping all of our swimmers.

Volunteers can choose from the following roles and should sign up for their preferred role on the Parent Volunteer Sign-Up Page on the Otters Website. 

Each Family is responsible for volunteering 20 hours during the regular season and 5 hours during divisionals or invitationals.  For a total of 25hrs.  The average for the regular season is three hours per meet, and volunteering offers the best seat in the house—on deck. A master job list will be available on the team web site one week prior to each meet. 

If a volunteer needs to switch a job assignment, the volunteer is expected to check the master list and work it out with another parent, or find a replacement prior to the meet.  Please notify a volunteer coordinator if you need to drop your sign up.  Checking In with the Volunteer Coordinator at the beginning of the meet is highly advised to make sure your hours are recorded correctly. The Coaches, Volunteer Coordinator and Board Members can't be held responsible for parent volunteer hours and shifts. A $300.00 check will be collected at the beginning of the season from each Family to ensure your commitment. If a family neglects to meet their required twenty-five (25) hours of volunteer time they will forfeit their $300 check. Specifically, we will hold the check until the end of the season and return it if volunteer hours are met. If volunteer hours are not met the check will be cashed. This refund will be dependent on the hours worked AND recorded by the Volunteer Coordinator during the season. Any fee not qualified to be refunded will be forfeited to the Otters General Account.  Please bring a $300 check made out to Oak Ridge North Otters to the Otters Concessions stand before Time Trials by April 25th, 2025.  Volunteer checks must be on file for your swimmer to compete.

Opt-Out Clause:

I understand the above obligations are necessary and required by the team. I therefore choose to opt-out of performing the required 25 volunteer hours and choose to pay a $300.00, non-refundable fee to the Oak Ridge North Otters Swim Team. If you choose to opt out please pay the opt out fee with registration.

Meet Officials:
Our team always needs meet officials; each meet requires 10 to 14 trained officials. If you are interested in becoming an official, please speak with a board member. If you are a certified judge or starter, please let a board member know ASAP! We have a shortage of officials this year!!!
Announcer:

Spectators and swimmers want to know when an event is called to ready bench, when an event is called to the blocks, what event is in the pool, emergency announcements, etc. One announcer is needed for home meets.
Set-Up/Clean-Up Team:
Ten people are needed before and after each meet to Set-up and Take-down. Volunteers set up and take down the sound system, timer's chairs, ready bench area, scoring tables and chairs, coaches chairs, concession counter, and grill (one shift handles set-up and take-down).

Timers:
Timing is one of the easiest and most exciting jobs. It is also the job that requires the most volunteers -- between 6-12 per meet! WE ALWAYS NEED MORE TIMERS. During a regular season meet, each team is responsible for supplying half of the timers. 6-12 timers work the first half of a meet (anticipated to be only 2 per lane this year so numbers may vary) and 6-12 work the second shift.

Scribes:
Legible handwriting is a must for this task. A scribe will take the times from the timers and write them on a lane/timer sheet. This form is forwarded to the computer personnel by the runner.

Runners:
A runner retrieves lane/timer sheets from scribes and brings the sheets to the computer table for final calculations. One runner works first shift, another works second shift.
Ready Bench:
The Ready Bench is a staging area where swimmers gather a few minutes before their event. It keeps the meet moving along and avoids waiting or forfeiting caused by missing swimmers. Two volunteers per shift are responsible for getting swimmers their lane assignments and placing them in appropriate order prior to the event being called to the blocks.
Computer Personnel:
There will always be a senior computer clerk at each meet, however we always need help checking entries, circling times, and other clerical responsibilities.

Awards Personnel:
The Awards Person sits at a table and is responsible for attaching pre-printed labeled results (swimmer's name, event, heat, and time) on ribbons and sorting them by team. One volunteer is needed per shift.
Home Meet Concessions Team:
In addition to providing snacks and dinner to home and visitor team, the concessions area is a great team fundraising program. Three-to-five volunteers are needed (3-5 counter workers per shift). These volunteers are allowed to leave temporarily when their children are swimming. Our concession stand is a good place to work and carry on conversations at the same time. It's also a great way to meet people!

Grill Master:

Responsible for running the grill and managing the meat.  Burger patties, chicken, and hot dogs.

Other Positions:

From time to time we will solicit help in various areas in order to support our children such as year-end awards, parties and communications. If this fits the bill then let a board member know.

Opt-Out 

I understand the above volunteer obligations are necessary and required by the team. I therefore choose to opt-out of performing the required 25 volunteer hours and choose to pay a $300.00, non-refundable fee to the Oak Ridge Otters Swim Team. If you choose to opt out please add the opt out fee to your cart at checkout on cheddar up and pay with your registration.

Waiver and Indemnity Agreement

Acceptance of my entry and participation in the events of the Oak Ridge North Otters is without responsibility of any kind by the Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL) or the Oak Ridge North Otters, all of the residents, or any other entity sponsoring a related event. I do hereby for and on behalf of myself, and my heirs and legal representatives RELEASE and forever discharge the NWAL, its officers, directors, representatives, coaches and volunteers, and all of the residents from any and all claims, demands, and injuries, howsoever arising, whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the NWAL or any of its swim clubs and their representatives, representatives of other sponsoring clubs, or by third parties, which injuries may be in any way related to my activities as a member of the Oak Ridge North Otters and any prior traveling to or from the events described, and all such claims are hereby WAIVED and RELEASED, and I agree not to sue therefore. The parent and guardian, by signing below, does hereby agree to INDEMNIFY and hold harmless the NWAL and its officers, directors, coaches, representatives, volunteers, the sponsoring swim club, and all of their residents from any liability which may incur to the participant, however arising and whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of NWAL, its officers, directors, coaches, representatives, volunteers, the Oak Ridge North Otters, and all of the residents.

NWAL COVID-19 Disclaimer

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

The Northwest Aquatics League (NWAL) and Oakridge Otters cannot prevent you (or your child(ren)) from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while participating in NWAL sanctioned events. It is not possible to prevent against the presence of the disease. Therefore, if you choose to participate in an NWAL sanctioned event, you may be exposing yourself to and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

BY ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN ANY NWAL SANCTIONED EVENT, YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO COVID-19 AND FOREVER RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS NWAL AND (your team's name here) AND THE POOL FACILITY OWNERS AND EACH OF THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM ANY LIABILITY OR CLAIMS INCLUDING FOR PERSONAL INJURIES, DEATH, DISEASE OR PROPERTY LOSSES, OR ANY OTHER LOSS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CLAIMS OF NEGLIGENCE AND GIVE UP ANY CLAIMS YOU MAY HAVE TO SEEK DAMAGES, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

NEW THIS YEAR, NWAL will be fining individuals who interfere with the officials. If you have a complaint please let a coach know your concerns.  Children’s sports are supposed to be fun for the children. Unfortunately, many parent, fans, and coaches don’t realize that their actions, whether verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effects on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly taken away by adults. This following Code of Conduct is for parents and spectators to abide by at every practice and meet.  

Preamble

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the sport is for youth, not adults.

2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

3. I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the league.

4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators at every meet, practice, or other sporting event.

5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of un-sportsman like conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as:

booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.

6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.

7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

8. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, wieght, sex, or ability. Bullying will not be tolerated.

9. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a race or his/her performance.

10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.

11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

12. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize meets and competition in the lower age groups.

13. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

14. I will respect the officials and their authority during meets and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches or officials at the meets, and will take time to speak with them at an agreed upon time and place.

15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during meets and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

¨ Verbal warning by official, head coach and/or head of league organization

¨ Written warning

¨ Parental meet suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved.

¨ Meet forfeit through the official or coach

¨ Parental season suspension. 

Registration fees are refundable* prior to the day of the Team’s Practice Meet. No refunds after April 26th, 2025.

*If, after Rookie Camp, your child chooses not to swim with The Oak Ridge North Otters Swim Team, your registration fee will be refunded, minus $75 per family to cover coach’s salaries.

All Swim Apparel sales are final and worn apparel shall not be returned.

All Midseason & Post-Season Invitational Meets fees are the responsibility of the parents and are due at the time of registration of the meet (emails will be sent identifying these dates). No swimmer will be entered in a Invitation Meet if fees are not paid.

Only swimmers, Life Guards, Coaches, Officials and Volunteers are allowed on the Pool Deck during a Meet as per the NWAL insurance policy.

The Coaches, Board Members, and Life Guards are not responsible for watching your non-participating children. Please make every effort to ensure you are with your children before, during, and after practice.

Each and every family is solely responsible for maintaining their respective areas at Swim Meets. Police your sitting area during and after the Meet.

Here is the upcoming summer league schedule (subject to change):

• Rookie Camp April 8th-11th 4:30pm-6:30pm
• School Days Practice April 15th-May 23th 4pm-8pm T-F
• Summer Practice May 27th-June 13th 7am-11am T-F and 5-8 Tues & Thurs
• Post Seasonal Practice June 17th - 20st
• April 26th Time Trials 6am-2pm
• May 5th PICTURE DAY 5pm-7pm
• May 10th Home Meet - Riptides 6am-2pm
• May 17th Home Meet - Hurricanes - 6am-2pm
• May 24th Away Meet - Gleannloch Farms 6am-2pm
• May 31st Home Meet - Shenondoah 6am-2pm
• June 7th Home Meet - Marlins 6-2pm
• June 14th Divisionals @ Glenloch (Probably)
• Swim A Long June 4th 8am-11am
• Water Park June 4th TBD
• Spaghetti Dinner June 13th 5-8pm
• Awards Dinner June 18th 5-9pm

The Oak Ridge Otters Swim Team is one of NWAL’s (Northwest Aquatics League) first teams; four of the original teams remain. All practices and home meets will be held at the Marilyn Edgar Park in the City of Oak Ridge.

The age of your child as of May 1st, 2025 will determine her/his age group. This ruling has changed since 2022, it is a new NWAL ruling that affects all May birthday swimmers.

Time Standards will be enforced.

Practice times are based on age and swimmer experience which will be posted at the beginning of the season. The season ends in late June. Meets are on Saturdays, (some invitationals occur on Sundays too).

Parents are a key part of the team. They are expected to work one of many vital volunteer jobs during each meet.

Swim meets are arranged by event, age, and gender. The meet follows the order of events determined by our league (NWAL). The events alternate during the meet. The event, gender and age separation add up for a total of 78 events.

Meet Day:

Bring a pop-up canopy for shade if possible. During the heat of the summer, your swimmer and family need to have shelter from the heat. Bring plenty of healthy snacks and water … swimmers do get dehydrated. Concessions will be available at all home meets.

Bring something to entertain your swimmer (i.e. Hand-held games, cards, etc) when they are not competing.

Remember to have goggles, an extra pair of goggles, two swim caps, towels and a blanket or something for your swimmer to rest on out of the sun.

Bring Sun Block.

Have chairs for each family member during the meet. Get there early for a good spot.

Divisional Meet:

The Divisional Meet is just like a Dual Meet except all six teams are there to compete. Get there early and remember all the Meet Day supplies.

In order for a swimmer to compete in the Divisional Meet they must have competed in at least two regular season Dual Meets, and have an official time in their event.

Invitational Meets:

These meets are by invitation only; qualification is based on official times in a given event. Each invitational has its own qualifying times.

Historically, the Oak Ridge North Otters attend two post season invitational meets, Ponderosa and All Stars (or possibly Trinity). These meets will be held the weekend after the divisional meet (end of June). Both meets require entry fees per event to be paid up front and the fees vary from Host to Host; individual event fees are the responsibility of the parents of the swimmer or the swimmer themselves. Please review the invitational meet documents available on the NWAL website (nwal.org).

The entries for both All Stars and Ponderosa will be submitted soon after the divisional meet. You will need to indicate your intent to attend or not to attend. If you choose to attend any one of these meets, a payment due date will be posted. Swimmers are responsible for individual meet entries; the Otters Swim Team pays for relay entries.

Contact us if you have questions:

Please visit our website for updated information. Included on the website are contact email addresses.

https://oakridgenorth.swimtopia.com/

The Oak Ridge Otters Swim Team is on Facebook. This is a great tool to get information out to both parents and swimmers; please consider joining our group.

Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions, comments or concerns, or text Meggan @ 281-794-1910

We are requiring a team fundraiser this 2025 year. One $60 fee per family in exchange for a box of 30 of The Worlds Greatest Chocolate to be sold off by your kiddos at $2 each and regain your fundraiser fee. You can choose to pay your $60 fundraiser fee and opt out of selling the chocolate. 15 - 18 yr age group will not be held responsible for this fundraiser but may opt in at cheddar up checkout.

By checking this box I agree to pay the $60 fundraising fee but I do not wish to receive product.

(ONLY check this box if you DO NOT want receive product for your fundraiser fee.)

NORTHWEST AQUATIC LEAGUE 

PARENT/COACH CODE OF CONDUCT

Children’s sports are supposed to be fun-for the children. Unfortunately, many parent, fans and coaches don’t realize that their actions, whether
verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly
taken away by adults. This following Code of Conduct is for parents and spectators to abide by at every practice, meet and invitational.

Preamble

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:
trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and caring and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition

reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the sport is for youth, not adults.

2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
3. I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the league.

4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by
demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators at every meet, practice, or other sporting event.

5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsman-like conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting;
refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.

6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

8. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

9. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a race or his/her performance.

10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

12. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize meets and competition in the lower age groups. 

13. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

14. I will respect the officials and their authority during meets and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches or officials at the meets, and will take time to speak with them at an agreed upon time and place.

15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, vapes, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during meets and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

Verbal warning by official, head coach and/or head of league organization 

Written warning

Parental meet/Invitational suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved. 

Meet forfeit through the official or coach

Parental season suspension.

The basis for this code of conduct is produced by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

The Northwest Aquatics League (NWAL) and (your team's name here) cannot prevent you (or your child(ren)) from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while participating in NWAL sanctioned events. It is not possible to prevent against the presence of the disease. Therefore, if you choose to participate in an NWAL sanctioned event, you may be exposing yourself to and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

BY ATTENDING OR PARTICIPATING IN ANY NWAL SANCTIONED EVENT, YOU VOLUNTARILY ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO COVID-19 AND FOREVER RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS NWAL AND (your team's name here) AND THE POOL FACILITY OWNERS AND EACH OF THEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR OTHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM ANY LIABILITY OR CLAIMS INCLUDING FOR PERSONAL INJURIES, DEATH, DISEASE OR PROPERTY LOSSES, OR ANY OTHER LOSS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CLAIMS OF NEGLIGENCE AND GIVE UP ANY CLAIMS YOU MAY HAVE TO SEEK DAMAGES, WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.