Highlands Park Otters

• Swimmers aged 10 and under events are 25yards (or meters) in length. The race expectation is to complete without stopping. That being said, we have had many Otters that stop to monitor the lane line as they make their way across the pool. The technical rule is as long as they don't use the lane lines to assist with forward motion, they will be legal. 
• 11 & up must be able to swim 2 laps continuously

Remember we represent Westerville and the Otters so we are respectful at all times; to the pool, the staff, our coaches, fellow swimmers, parents and our equipment.

If swimmers have committed to swim in an event, it is important to show up on time and be ready to swim when it's your turn. This means paying attention to the the order of events and knowing when and what you swim. If there is an emergency and you can't swim in your event, contact your coach, our head parent, head coach or team manager as soon as possible.

Be a great teammate! Encourage other swimmers during practice and at competitions. Work hard to include others in your fun! If you are an older swimmer, take the opportunity to be a good role model for our younger ones.

• Any one-piece black suit. No ties are permitted except on the inside of the seam, such as with a jammer or brief suit. See the official rules below. 
• You may choose to have "OTTERS" embroidered in Kelly Green. (not mandatory)
• We also have team swim caps. (not mandatory)
• We recommend saving Team Suits for meets. You may wear any one piece suit to practice.

Uniform Rules (we follow the rules for the National Federation of State High School Associations):

Suits worn by swimmers (excluding divers) shall be limited to the following requirements: 

a. Only one suit shall be permitted in competition. (A swimmer with special needs may request for customization to the state association through his/ her school.) 

b. The suit shall be: 

1. constructed of a woven/knit textile material; permeable (100 percent to air and water), except for one post‐construction, impermeable school name and/or logo which shall not exceed 9 square inches; 

2. made so as not to aid in buoyancy and shall not be altered to aid in buoyancy;

3. made with no zippers or other fastening system other than a waist tie for a brief or jammer and elastic material within the casing/ribbing in the terminal ends (straps, leg openings and waist openings); and 

c. Suits with a FINA marking, if otherwise legal, shall be legal for NFHS competition.

(Please check under practices>equipment for more suggestions about gear you may want to have.)

PRACTICE:

• In case of inclement weather, the city will update the hotline for any closings. Simply call (614)-901-SWIM (7946) for updates!
• If we hear thunder, see lightning or the lightning prediction system goes off (loud horn at softball diamonds) it is an instant clearing of all pools for a half hour.
• Some mornings are very chilly. Thankfully, our competition pool is heated. We typically will not cancel practice for "cold temperatures". The practice may be more dryland, but the kids still swim.
• As always, use your best judgment.

HOME MEETS:

• The same rule applies for lightning and thunder.
• We may have to cancel the meet if we are delayed too long and it becomes dark.
• Diving will be decided by 2pm. Swim by 4pm.

AWAY MEETS:

• We are at the mercy of the other pool.
• If we get confirmation of a cancellation, we will send it be email and post to facebook group IMMEDIATELY.
• Meets are cancelled at the last minute because there is rarely a make-up rescheduled!! We want to give the kids every opportunity to safely compete!!
• In case of meet cancellation, any child entered on the heat sheet for that meet will receive meet credit toward their total of 3 to be eligible for championships!