News & Team Information:
Coaches' Corner: USA Swimming Official Bonnie Finnigan
Why do swim Officials disqualify (dq) kids? Why don't they just let them swim?
This is a frequent question by parents when their swimmers experience disqualifications at meets. The role of an official is two-fold. First, officials are tasked with providing a safe and fair competitive environment. The second role is in educating swimmer both those learning the strokes and those who may have become complacent in practice. For both of these reasons, consistent enforcement of the rules is important.
However, what happens if your swimmer has been incorrectly disqualified? What if there are extenuating circumstances like crowd noise during a start? Officials are trained to give the swimmer the benefit of the doubt and if they aren't sure, a good official won't make the call. However they are also human and can make mistakes. For that reason, there is always the right of a respectful request to review disqualifications by asking the meet referee to interview the officials involved in making and accepting the call. As a parent, if you have a question about the legitimacy of or reason for a dq, instruct your swimmer to ask their coach. Often the coach also saw the infraction and can clarify the call for the swimmer. But in the case of an error, this is the role of the coach as an advocate for their swimmer. A parent or swimmer should never approach an official to request review of a call. A coach will know the protocol required to give the swimmer the best opportunity for a fair review. Encourage communication between your swimmer and your coach and foster trust in that relationship. The coaches are invested in your swimmer trust them to act in your swimmers best interests and to grow your swimmer through all of their experiences.
- USA Swimming Official Bonnie Finnigan
- Have you considered being a Swim Meet Official?
The first step in the process is attending a clinic. We have been approved to conduct a clinic here in Sugar Land at the Settler’s Park Clubhouse (3010 Settler’s Way Blvd) next to the community pool. The clinic will be on Tuesday, October 10 th, at 7pm and it will last until approximately 8:30. During that time I will help you understand the process to get started, what the job of an official looks like, and what is required to become certified, as well as answer any questions you might have. There is no pressure to become an official if you attend, so if you are unsure or have questions, this is the right place to start. To attend, please go online to sign up. After you sign up to attend, please fill out this form and bring it with you to turn in if you decide to continue and train with us. No payment is required, since that expense will be covered by the team. - USA Swimming Official/ Head Masters Coach Bonnie Finnigan. If you have any questions please email me at [email protected].
- Red Team outlasts Blue Team in first meet of season! Great job to all the swimmers that participated at the RWB Intrasquad Challenge Meet. Thank you to all the parent volunteers! CLICK HERE for a summary of the meet!
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We Are Family - Hurricane Harvey Relief:ýWe have many resources, including assistance from Gulf Swimming, to provide for you in this time of need. Anything we can help with, including providing general home supplies, cleaning supplies, contractor information, practice equipment or swimsuits for your athlete(s), or anything else- please let us know here: CLICK HERE for more details.
- National Night Out - This is a reminder that FCCA and Settlers Park Association will be hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, October 3rd. For the Aquatic Center plan on parking on Cross Lake Blvd or the school parking lot across the AC. For Settlers Park plan on parking in the parking lot of the elemetary school across the street. Thank you! Email your lead Coach for any questions.
Verifying your Cell Number to receive Text Alerts
- Please consider verifying your number for FCST to use all of its resources to their maximum potential
o Simply go to the team website and log in o In the left column choose “My Account” o From the drop down options again choose “My Account” o Click ADD SMS tab on right side § Input cell number and carrier § You will receive a text message with a verification code. § Input verification code into website, click VERIFY o Click “Save Account Changes.” |
Important Dates: Oct 14 & 15: Oct. Gulf Open; Developmental Oct 21 - 22: FCST/ DADS Dual Meet Nov 4: Nov. Developmental Meet Nov 10 - 12: FCST, FLEET, TWST Tri Meet  Main League/Lessons/Tri Masters Social Media Time Standards Parent Education Parking at FCST Pools Contact Enrollment |
Meet Entry Timelines and Information*:
| Meet Webpage,Dates, & Location: |
Athletes eligible: |
Prelim and Final entry deadline: |
Volunteer opportunities: |
| October Gulf Open Meet; Developmental Oct 14 & 15, Emmons Natatorium |
Red, White, and Blue 1 |
Sept 14 and 21 |
N/A |
| FCST vs. DADS Dual Meet HOSTED by FCST Oct. 21 - 22, Lamar CISD Nat. |
Blue2, All Age Group, All Pre-Senior and All Senior groups |
Sept 28 and Oct 5 |
Coming soon! |
| November Developmental Meet HOSTED by FCST Nov 4th, Lamar CISD Nat. |
Red, White, and Blue 1 |
Oct 19 and 26 |
Coming soon! |
| FCST, FLEET, TWST Tri Meet HOSTED by FCST Nov 10 - 12, Training Pool |
Blue 2, All Age Group, All Pre-Senior and All Senior groups |
Oct 19 and 26 |
Coming soon! |
*Families are responsible for communicating meet entry issues with their athletes respective coach, as their primary coach is most responsible for their athletes training and competitive plan.
**Once the final entry deadline has passed, no changes may be made on FCSTs' end. Athletes can deck-enter at the meet (if allowed by meet management) at their own expense and with coachs permission. This is not the most ideal way to enter a meet having schedules planned ahead of time is very beneficial to the athlete.
FCST Contacts^:
- FCST Office: (281) 969-8759; Mon.- Thurs: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Fri: 9:00am - 12:00pm
- Team Accounts & Billing: Hillary Martinez ([email protected])
- HR & Administration: Christina Hollar ([email protected])
- Volunteer Cordinator: Lisa Kolluri ([email protected])
- Team Merchandise: Janet Blowers ([email protected])
- FCST Coaches & BOD: Contact Page
- Group Webpages: FC:Senior, FC:Pre-Senior, FC: Age Group, FC:Blue 1& 2, FC:White & Red, New Territory, 7M: Pre-Senior & Senior, 7M:Age Group & Dev, Beaumont, Masters, Lessons/League/Tri
^If you are no longer affiliated with the team and would like to be removed from the distribution list, please email fcstadmin
