Hello Force Nation! 

If you missed the meeting yesterday, you missed out on some Prime Parking. We raffled off 3 spots to some lucky winners. Get in on the fun. We will auction off Prime Parking and Poolside Seating as a fundraiser. Keep reading for more details.

Here is a recap of what was discussed.b Please read it carefully as it contains a lot of important information.

PRESIDENT: Norma Garza & Chelsea Green

• Key Points
  • Conflict Resolution: It is never ok to approach or confront judges, referees, or coaches with questions or complaints during practice times or during swim meets. Board members are here to help you address any problems that may arise
  • Safety: If your swimmer is at the pool and it is not his/her practice time, make sure you are supervising them. This applies to the pool area, pond area, and playground area
  • Etiquette: Do not drive or park motorized vehicles in the grass around the clubhouse area. We must abide by this and all other HOA rules.
  • Parking during swim meets: Limited parking during swim meets. The earlier you get there the closer you will find parking. All parking spots at the Lodge will be reserved during swim meets.
  • Get a reserved spot if you are a trained judge for that specific swim meet. (applies to home meets only)

• Other Important Points:
  • Swimmers are not permitted to climb on property, fences, fountains, or trample mulch beds or landscaping around the pool area
  • Fulbrook Force is allowed to use the facilities by the HOA and we want to stay on their good side
  • Please - No balls at swim meets. A child got hurt with a ball others were throwing so we have to be strict on that. Kids can bring electronics at their own risk, coloring books/pencils, reading books, and games to stay occupied while they wait for their next race. Don’t forget a chair and suncream for them, lots of snacks and water, although we will have a concession stand on site.
  • We will celebrate hard work by recognizing our Swimmers of the Week in each age group and the coaches enjoy playing a water game during a portion of Friday’s practice! This is the only time a ball is allowed.

• Parent Seating - Most away meets do not allow parents to sit with or even near the swimmer’s tents. They usually send us a map that outlines the Spectator Seating area. These maps will be emailed directly to all registered families. They will not be posted on our FB page.
• Swimmers should stay with the assigned Tent Parent at all times
  • Advise your swimmer that they must listen to their Tent Parent. They must ask permission first if they are going to the bathroom/concessions.
  • Swimmers should not wander. Tent parents know if they have time to go to the bathroom or anywhere before their next race.
  • We’ve had a situation in which a group of swimmers missed the entire heat because they were waiting on one swimmer. This is especially important for swimmers assigned to a relay.

TREASURER:(Jacob Neiman)

• Current Budget Review
• $350 draft on credit cards.
  • As it has already been stated, we need parents to volunteer for swim meets. We cannot hold a swim meet without the parents' help. We as a board do not want the $350 from you. But we have to have a financial commitment to make sure that you fill your volunteer roles. Hannah (our volunteer coordinator) will help you sign up for your roles. She will handle all volunteer roles. After the season is finished we will meet as a board and review any parents who didn’t meet their volunteer commitment. At such time we will release the funds or capture them. If we do capture them for non-volunteer status, this will also put you on the last-to-register list for upcoming swim seasons and run the risk of being rejected. Again we don’t want your money, we want to see you helping at meets to make it the best for the kids as possible.
  • Refunds - For any refund request send email to [email protected] Treasurer may forward you a Refund Request Form and submit the refund as appropriate. Please note that it isn’t a complete refund as we have administrative costs to cover to the WHALE board and credit card fees etc. The last day for a refund is the first day of practice, April 29, 2025.

VICE PRESIDENT:Ashley Trevino

I act as the liaison between parents and coaches. We ask that you do not directly approach coaches during practice. It becomes a safety issue if they take their eyes off the pool. A board member will always be at practice. Please speak with one of us if you have any questions or concerns.

2025 FFST Schedule:

• Practices for brand new swimmers will start on April 15th. All the times shared can be found on the website. For the first 2 weeks, the practices will be:
  • Girls 6U: 5:00-5:30 pm
  • Boys 6U: 5:35-6:05 pm
  • 7-8: 6:10-6:40 pm
  • 9 and up: 6:45 -7:25pm
• Season will run from April 29, 2025, until the end of June
• Practices will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and times will be staggered by age group.
• As of right now, these are the practice times:
  • Afternoon Practices through May 22
  • 4:30-5:10 -- 9-10
  • 5:10-5:50 -- 7-8
  • 5:55-6:25 -- 6 & under
  • 6:30-7:15 -- 11-12
  • 7:15-8:00-13+

• Morning Practices beginning May 23:
  • 6:30-7:15-13+
  • 7:15-8:00 -- 11-12
  • 8:00-8:40 -- 9-10
  • 8:40-9:15 -- 7-8
  • 9:20-9:50-- 6 & under

• We do not practice on Mondays, meet days, or the day after a meet.
• Fun Friday - Sign Up Genius will be sent out, it can be found on the website and on the QR codes in the room. It is set up for parents to volunteer to bring a special treat for Fun Friday practices. During the month of May (afternoon practices) it could be popsicles and during June (morning practices) it could be donuts! THIS DOES NOT FULFILL YOUR VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS! It is just something a little extra we like to do for the swimmers on Fridays to celebrate all of the hard work during the week.

• 2025 Meet Schedule:
  • Mock Meet: Monday, May 12, 2025 @ Home Pool
  • Meet One: Saturday, June 7, 2025 @ Tamarron
  • Meet Two: Monday, June 9, 2025 @ Sea Wolves
  • Meet Three: Saturday, June 16, 2025 @ Home vs Lakes of Bella Terra
  • Meet Four: Monday, June 23, 2025 @ Home vs Marlins

Specific swim meet information will be emailed at least a week before the meet is scheduled to take place. We will include maps indicating where to set up, where you can sit, and where you can park.

You will also be required to declare your swimmer for any upcoming meets. You can do this on our website or through the swimtopia app. Reminders will be sent out to declare swimmers. This enables the coaches to prepare the heat sheets and ensure everyone is accounted for. If you do not declare your swimmer, they won’t be able to participate in the meet. The deadline is usually 48 hours prior to the swim meet.

• Mock Meet: May 12
  • It is important for families and new swimmers to know what will happen during a regular meet.
  • Some returning swimmers also need a refresher.
  • Also used as Timed Trials
  • All volunteers are needed for this as it is an ideal practice run for you to get used to your role and ask any questions.

• Picture Day - Wednesday, May 14 - The photographer will be on-site to take individual pictures as early as 4:30. We would like everyone available for the Group Picture to be taken at 4:30 PM.

WHALe REP: Rob Shultz:

• Parents should familiarize themselves with Fulbrook Force Policy and Procedures and WHALe’s Policy and Procedures. Both are posted on each corresponding website.
• Abide by Pool Safety Rules that are posted by HOA.
• Volunteer judges are needed:
  • Watch videos and be familiar with strokes, kicks, and turns.
  • We need more judges.
  • You Get front row seating
  • Free dinner
  • Reserved parking at home meets

• Serious complaints will be reviewed by the Board. Once a determination has been made, you will be informed via email of the determination.
  • If you do not agree with the Board’s determination, you may appeal to WHALe.

Merchandising: Becca Nicholls:

• Team swimsuits will be available for sale on a first-come basis at D&J Sports on Mason Rd. - available now. When supplies run out, orders can be placed at the store & arrive in ~3-4 weeks
• Required to wear team suit at meets
• Any swimsuit can be worn to practice. It does not need to be the Team swimsuit. Girls are required to wear a one-piece swimsuit to practice.
• Merchandise was available during registration. For any additional orders, the last day to order is 4/25 (on the website: swim caps, hats, hoodies, personalized shirts & tanks)
• Hoodies with Team Logo $35
• Hats $20
• Merchandise will be distributed at practice, or arrangements can be made to pick up
• All additional merchandise orders will be limited-time sales.
• Be on the lookout for information on T-Shirt Design Contest. The winner gets $50 visa gift card.

Volunteer Coordinators:Hannah Endersen

• We need to have all hands on deck! If you do not have a position or need clarification about what your volunteer position entails, please email our Volunteer Coordinators.
• Athlete Protection Training (APT) is a required training and is exactly what it’s named for. It is training required by all volunteers, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc. to ensure we keep all our athletes safe. If you have not completed this mandatory training, click here https://training.swimwhale.com/courses/2024-athlete-protection-training

If prompted for a team code, use FFST.

• We are still in need of some volunteer positions. If you'd like to switch to one of the needed positions, please email us and we will be glad to help you switch positions.
• Needed Positions:
  • Judges*
  • Starter
  • Head Judge/Referee*

*These positions are key positions in order for the swim meets to run smoothly. If you are already signed up and want to change to one of these positions, contact Hannah or Chelsea.

• If you have a position that requires additional training, make sure you send your certificates to the volunteer coordinators for filing.
• Per League rules, swimmers are required to be at the swim meet’s location at least 90 minutes before the meet is set to begin.
• Set Up and Transport volunteers are required to be there earlier to ensure set-up is complete by the time swimmers arrive.
• Please keep an eye out for emails.
• On Meet Day, you will be required to Check In with us and take your badge, along with any other items you may need. You will also need to Check Out when you leave. Your swimmer must also stay at their designated Tent with the Tent Parent.
• It’s been said before, and we’ll say it again, we do not want to cash your $350 credit card hold. We want you to volunteer.
• If you will not be able to attend a swim meet, please let the Coaches and Volunteer coordinators know as soon as possible by email.
  • You will also need to declare swimmer as “Not Attending” in Swimtopia
  • Swimtopia is the website used to create the Heats (this is why we do not create FB events)
  • Swimtopia also stores all your swimmer’s times and helps you keep up with the Heats that are ongoing and upcoming if you have the App.

SPONSORSHIPS: ***OPEN for 2026*** (Currently Jacob Neiman)

• We are so thankful to the area businesses that have helped us raise $14K, thus far. Funds help pay our coaches’ salaries and purchase new equipment for the team.
• The final day to become a sponsor and receive recognition on our Banners and shirts is tentatively, April 25th, may be able to extend a few days.
• Bring a $500 sponsorship or higher and get your swimmer registration fees refunded. One registration fee is refunded per sponsorship. Bring two $500 or more and get two registration fees refunded. There is no limit on how many registration fees you can get refunded.
• All families and businesses are welcome. Inquiries should be sent to [email protected]
• Auction - Visit our Auctin site and bid for a chance to win Pool Side Seating and Prime Parking. Reminder - all the funds raised will go directly back into the swim team. If you are a lucky winner of one of the items, you will be contacted after to make payment arrangements.

CONCESSIONS:Emily Kappes

• Kona Ice
  • Range from $5 to $7 (all meets)
• Snacks, various drinks, pizza, and potentially Chick fil A.
• In addition to food and drink items, our concession stand will also have limited amounts of merchandise to sell during our Home Meet.
• We are looking for 3 or 4 persons for a Concessions Committee. If anyone would like to be part of this committee, reach out [email protected]

TECHNOLOGY CHAIR:Jason Bubenik

• Swimtopia App - We encourage everyone to download the Swimtopia App. It will give you up-to-date information on swim meets as they progress
• Remind - Sign up for REMIND. Any last-minute cancellations will be texted via Remind. Text @FFST2025 to 81010
• Calendar - You can subscribe to the Force calendar and add it to your personal calendar.
  • Go to www.fulbrookforce.com
  • Click on Meets & Practices
  • Click on View All
  • Click on Subscribe

See you at the pool and Go Force!