INFORMATION & PARENT HANDBOOK
Dear Swimmers and Parents,
Welcome to the Mammoth Lakes Swim Team!
The goal of the Mammoth Lakes Swim Team is to develop swimming for the benefit of school-age children of all abilities. This is accomplished through regular attendance at scheduled practices, participation in team events and fundraising, and competition at swim meets.
We are proud to offer a program that not only improves swimming ability, but also builds confidence, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
We look forward to another exciting and enjoyable season.
Leadership & Contacts
Board Executive Officers
- Rachele Jaegers — President
- TBD — Vice President
- Lenka Stepan— Treasurer, [email protected]
- Serena Kadish — Secretary
Members At Large
Galina Goldshleger
Mary Bassler
Coaching Staff
Carrie White — Head Coach
Katrionna Furness — Assistant Coach
Liza Elder — Assistant Coach
If you have any questions, please contact a coach or board member: [email protected]
Season Overview
The MLST season runs from mid May through mid August.
Swimmers have the opportunity to participate in approximately 90 practices during the season, in addition to swim meets and team events.
Our program is designed to support swimmers at all levels — from those learning the sport to those pursuing competitive goals.
Safety, Supervision, and Responsibility
Swimming is a physically demanding sport that involves inherent risks, including injury, illness, and accidents in and around the pool.
By participating in MLST, families acknowledge and accept these risks.
MLST is not a childcare provider. Coaches are responsible for supervising swimmers only during assigned practice sessions and official team activities. Parents and guardians remain responsible for their swimmers before and after practice and during all other times.
Whitmore Pool is staffed by lifeguards employed by the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Lifeguards are responsible for overall pool safety and emergency response. However, they do not replace the responsibility of MLST coaches during practice or parents outside of practice times.
Practices
Practice sessions focus on developing proper stroke technique, improving endurance, and building overall fitness. Practices may also include swim games, especially for younger swimmers.
Swimmers are expected to arrive on time, ready to enter the water, and prepared to listen to their coaches.
To participate, swimmers should be able to swim at least 25 meters without assistance. New swimmers may be asked to complete an in-water evaluation.
Practice groups are typically divided by age and ability, with some flexibility based on skill and commitment.
Practice schedules may change due to weather or facility conditions. Updates will be communicated through the Team App.
What to Bring to Practice
Swimmers should come prepared with:
- Goggles (an extra pair is strongly recommended)
- Swim cap
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Dryland clothes and shoes
- Long floating fins and any additional equipment required by coaches
Being prepared helps swimmers get the most out of each practice.
Equipment
Team suits and caps are required for swim meets and team events.
Swimmers are responsible for purchasing:
- Team suit
- Team cap
- Training equipment
Replacement caps may be purchased from coaches if needed.
USA Swimming Membership
All MLST swimmers are required to maintain a current membership with USA Swimming.
This membership provides athlete insurance coverage, eligibility for sanctioned competitions, and access to official times and rankings.
USA Swimming membership is not included in MLST registration fees and must be obtained separately.
Recommended options include:
- Seasonal Membership for full participation
- Flex Membership for younger swimmers with limited meet participation
Swim Meets and Events
Swim meets are an important part of the MLST experience. They provide swimmers with the opportunity to challenge themselves, track progress, and develop confidence.
Dates and meet availability may change. Always refer to the MLST website for the most up-to-date information.
2026 Season Schedule
- Registration — March 30 to June 30
- Intermountain Classic — May 22–24
- MLST Splash & Bash — TBD
- Bishop Invitational — June 13–14
- Reno Gamble — June 19–21
- Home Swim Meet — TBD
- Fundraising Events — TBD
Parents are responsible for transportation, supervision, and ensuring swimmers are prepared and on time.
Swimmers are responsible for:
- Knowing their events
- Checking postings, heats, and lane assignments
- Reporting to the blocks on time
- Checking in with coaches before and after races
Swimmers are encouraged to participate fully, including attending warm-ups, which are important for both physical readiness and familiarity with the pool.
Swim Meets 101
If your family is new to swim meets, expect a busy and exciting day. Meets usually begin early, with warm-ups before the first event. Families should arrive with enough time to park, find a place to sit, check in, and help swimmers get organized.
Swimmers should know their event numbers, follow postings, watch heats and lane assignments, and be ready well before each race. Every summer swimmers miss events simply because they are not paying attention to the meet flow, so families should help younger swimmers learn how to follow the schedule.
Warm-ups are strongly recommended. They help swimmers loosen up, get comfortable in a new pool, and prepare for starts, turns, and race pace.
What to Bring to a Swim Meet
- Team suit and team cap
- Extra cap if possible
- Goggles, with an extra pair if possible
- Towels
- Sweatshirt, sweatpants, and easy on-off shoes
- Sunscreen, water, and healthy snacks
- Chairs, shade, and anything needed to stay comfortable between events
- Patience, encouragement, and team spirit
Volunteer and Fundraising Expectations
MLST is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on volunteer support and fundraising.
Participation in fundraising events is expected and helps keep team fees affordable.
Parents are expected to volunteer at meets and events. These roles are essential for running successful competitions and supporting the team.
Away Meet Requirements
At away meets we are required to provide timers and officials. Each family is expected to time or officiate at these meets.
Home Meet Requirements
We are hosting 1–2 home meets this year. It takes approximately 30+ people to run every meet we host during the season. The presence and participation of each family is critical to assuring the continuance of successful results and helps reduce costs.
If your child is swimming in one of our home meets, you will be required to volunteer. We are aware that some families may be new to the sport of swimming. For this reason, timing positions at home meets are often reserved for first-year families.
Sign-ups for events will be made available on the team website and positions will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Financial Policies
10 & Under Group: Early Bird Rate $325
Standard Rate $350 (after May 15th)
11 & Over Group: Early Bird Rate $325
Standard Rate $350 (after May 15th)
Athletic Conditioning (11 & over): Early Bird Rate $250
Standard Rate $275 (after May 15th)
Sibling discount: $25
Payment is made through the registration portal unless arrangements are made with the Treasurer.
Registration fees cover coaching, pool use, and team operations.
Additional expenses include team suit, team cap, and USA Swimming registration. Additional costs may also include meet entry fees, travel expenses, accommodations, goggles, long floating fins, and other required training equipment.
Refund Policy: Partial refunds (50%) are available until May 31. After that date, refunds or credits are only granted in exceptional circumstances with board approval.
New swimmers may attend a practice before registering to determine if the program is a good fit.
Drop-in swimmers from other teams may attend practice for $15 per session with proof of USA Swimming membership.
Financial aid may be available through the Tony Colasardo Scholarship Fund.
Communication
Our season includes many important dates and events, and timely communication is essential.
Information is shared through:
Email — for announcements and updates
Team App — for practice changes, meet reminders, and weather updates
Website —
www.MammothSharks.org
Families are responsible for staying informed through these channels.
Code of Conduct
We expect all swimmers, parents, and coaches to act in a respectful and courteous manner at all times.
Behavior that is not acceptable includes:
- Abuse of facilities or equipment
- Verbal or physical misconduct
- Harassment or bullying
Swimmers are expected to:
- Show respect and sportsmanship
- Be prepared and attentive
- Follow coach instructions
Horseplay, disruptive behavior, and inappropriate conduct are not permitted.
Parents are expected to:
- Support the coaching staff
- Avoid interrupting practice
- Communicate concerns appropriately
- Supervise all children
Swim team is not a substitute for childcare.
SafeSport & Athlete Safety
MLST follows athlete safety standards established by USA Swimming SafeSport.
Locker rooms are shared public spaces and should be used respectfully. Swimmers should minimize time in locker rooms and report any concerns immediately.
Communication between coaches and athletes must remain professional. Parents should be included in communication with minor athletes.
One-on-one interactions between coaches and athletes must be observable and interruptible and should occur in open settings.
Health & Safety
The safety and well-being of our swimmers is a top priority.
Families are responsible for providing complete and accurate medical information for their child(ren), including any allergies, medical conditions, and medications, as part of the registration process. This information must be kept current throughout the season.
Swimming is a physically demanding activity, and participation involves inherent risks. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their swimmer is healthy and able to participate safely in all practices and events.
In the event of an accident, injury, or illness involving a swimmer, MLST coaches, board members, or designated representatives may take reasonable action to ensure the swimmer receives appropriate care. This may include contacting lifeguards, emergency services (911), or other first responders, and arranging transportation to a medical facility if necessary.
Licensed medical professionals and emergency responders may provide necessary medical treatment as required.
Every effort will be made to contact a parent or designated emergency contact as soon as possible.
Parents and guardians accept full responsibility for any medical expenses incurred.
Concussion Awareness
Families are encouraged to understand the signs and symptoms of concussions and other injuries.
If a swimmer shows signs of a concussion or other condition that may affect safe participation, they should not return to practice or competition until evaluated and cleared by an appropriate healthcare provider.
Pool Rules
Pool rules must be followed at all times.
No running on deck.
No glass containers.
No unsupervised children under 13.
No use of lifeguard equipment.
No animals on pool grounds.
Children not participating in practice must be supervised.
Lost and Found
Items left at the pool may be collected and donated if unclaimed.
Label all belongings clearly.
Final Note
The Mammoth Lakes Swim Team is built on the participation, support, and respect of its swimmers and families.
By working together, we create a positive and successful experience for everyone involved.
