Parent Handbook
Tsunami Swim Team
WELCOME
We are pleased your child or children have chosen to participate in the College Station Parks and Recreation Tsunami Swim Team. As a member of the Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL) and the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), the program offers youth the opportunity to experience competitive recreational swimming during the summer.
NWAL consists of Houston-area teams, primarily neighborhood-based. Teams in our division, organized by city representation, include the College Station Tsunamis, Bryan Barracudas, Navasota Mudcats, Huntsville Lakers, Brenham Dolphins, and Lee County Cats. Each team competes in a dual meet against every other team during the season. The summer concludes with a divisional meet that includes all teams.
The Tsunami Swim Team also participates in TAAF regional competition. The TAAF region includes the following counties: Bell, Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Comanche, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Grimes, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, Llano, Madison, McCulloch, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Navarro, Robertson, San Saba, Walker, and Washington.
Contact Information
Aquatics Supervisor
Jessica Scott
979.764.3540 | jscott@cstx.gov
Head Swim Coach
Robin Milstead rmilstead@cstx.gov
Team Website collegestation.swimtopia.com
ELIGIBILITY
• Ages 5–18 on May 1, 2026, and novice swimmers are eligible to join. Participants swim in the age group they are in as of May 1.
• Participants must be College Station residents. Non-residents interested in participating should contact the head swim coach about waivers.
• All participants must be able to swim 25 meters unassisted in the deep end of Adamson Lagoon. Swimming must be continuous with no stopping, hanging on lane lines, or assistance from staff, including coaches or lifeguards.
Registration Information
Register online 24/7 at rectrac.cstx.gov or in person at the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Payment may be made by cash, credit card, or check. Checks should be made payable to “City of College Station.” A fee will be assessed on all returned checks.
Waiting List
If the program is full when you register, your name may be placed on a waiting list. Placement on the waiting list does not guarantee a spot. Participants will be contacted if an opening becomes available. We make every effort to accommodate as many eligible swimmers as possible each season.
Withdrawals and Refunds
Classes and programs are subject to a $21 transfer or cancellation fee. Refunds are processed by check within two weeks of the request. No cash refunds will be issued. For the full refund policy or questions, contact the aquatics supervisor.
Special Accommodations
The College Station Parks and Recreation Department welcomes participants of all ability levels. Questions regarding accommodations should be directed to the aquatics supervisor. The department complies with Title II standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Photography
The City of College Station routinely takes photos and videos of participants and visitors for promotional purposes. By using our facilities and programs, you grant the city permission to use and publish your image, or your minor child’s image, with no monetary compensation.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We value our participants. If you are not satisfied with the quality of a program or service, inform staff immediately so we can correct the situation.
VOLUNTEERING
Running a swim meet requires a minimum of 25 volunteers. Each meet is ideally divided into two volunteer shifts, meaning at least 50 volunteers are needed to hold a meet. All parents are expected to volunteer during the season. Older siblings and other family members are welcome to assist.
Each Tsunami family must volunteer for a minimum of three shifts, with at least two shifts at a home meet. For 2026, each completed volunteer session earns one raffle ticket for an end-ofyear prize. The top two volunteer families with the most shifts will have registration fees refunded and receive two Adamson Lagoon daily pool passes.
Certified Volunteer Positions
• Stroke and Turn Judge: Ensures fair and competitive meets. Identifies infractions, reports disqualifications, and informs swimmers of disqualifications. Works closely with the referee.
• Starter: Announces each event, calls swimmers to the starting blocks, and starts each race. Manages the timer meeting and reviews timing rules before each meet. Works closely with the referee and clerk of course.
• Meet Referee: Oversees the entire meet. Certifies disqualifications and validates results for each event.
• Clerk of Course: Manages the entry list and communicates changes, scratches, and relevant information between the referee and computer entry.
• Computer Entry: Enters all times from timer cards into the computer. A minimum of two computer officials is required for certification. This position is air-conditioned.
Non-Certified Volunteer Positions
• Announcer: Comfortable speaking in front of crowds. Announces events as swimmers head to the Ready Bench and keeps parents and swimmers informed.
• Head Timer: Manages two watches at the start of each event and assists timers if a watch malfunctions.
• Timers: Stand at the end of pool lanes to start and stop watches for each race. Ensure the correct swimmer is in the lane and follow instructions from the starter.
• Ready Bench: Manages the flow of swimmers before their events. Ensures each swimmer is in the correct lane and aware of lane or heat changes. Works closely with the clerk of course.
• Runner: Delivers timer cards to computer entry volunteers and transports communications between computers, coaches, timers, officials, and the Ready Bench.
• Ribbons and Awards: Distributes heat ribbons and applies award labels. Works closely with the computer official.
• Volunteer Coordinator: Manages volunteer check-in, absences, and reassignments. Must be able to think independently and solve problems on the fly.
• Parent Liaison: Assists families new to swimming and acts as an additional communication resource between swimmers and coaches. Should be outgoing, welcoming, and work closely with the volunteer coordinator.
Swim Team Website
All swimmers or a parent must have access to collegestation.swimtopia.com. The site is used to register swimmers for meets, sign up for volunteer shifts, receive announcements, view meet results, and stay informed throughout the season.
To log in:
1. Use Google Chrome and navigate to collegestation.swimtopia.com.
2. Click the “Sign In” tab in the upper-right corner.
3. Enter the email address used during Tsunami registration. If this is the first season with the team, the email may not be activated for 2–3 days after registration is completed.
4. Welcome email: New families will receive an email with a link to set up a password.
5. After logging in, you will be prompted to create a unique password.
6. If the email does not work after the 2–3 day waiting period, or if login issues occur, contact the head swim coach.
TEAM PICTURES
No regular practice will be held on this day. Wear the provided Tsunami T-shirt and team swimsuit.
Memoir Photography: Friday, May 15
Schedule:
• Individual photos: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• Team group photo: 5:30 p.m.
Team Uniform and Practice Attire
Swimsuits for swimmers and spirit wear for parents are available for purchase through the team store. Each swimmer will receive a T-shirt and swim cap, which will be distributed during practice.
A link to the team store is available on the team website. Purchasing the branded team suit as soon as possible is recommended, as it is intended for swim meets. A separate swimsuit of your choice is recommended for daily practice.
Team Practices
Swimmers will choose either a Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday evening practice schedule until school is out. Practices are held at Adamson Lagoon. No practice will be held May 20 due to staff in-service or May 25 for Memorial Day. No Friday practices will be scheduled during this period.
• 8 and under: 4:30–5:15 p.m.
• Ages 9–12: 5: 15–6:15 p.m.
• Ages 13 and older: 6:15–7:45 p.m.
Morning Practices: May 26–July 29
Practices are held Monday through Friday at Adamson Lagoon.
• 8 and under: 8–8:45 a.m.
• Ages 9–12: 8:45–9:45 a.m.
• Ages 13 and older: 9:45–11:15 a.m.
Practice Guidelines
Evening Practices: May 26–July 28
Practices are held Monday through Thursday at Adamson Lagoon.
• 8 and under: 7–7:45 p.m.
• Ages 9–12: 7:45–8:45 p.m.
• Ages 13 and older: 7:45–9 p.m.
Please adhere to the practice times assigned to each skill group so swimmers receive appropriate instruction and workouts for their abilities. We ask families to respect the coaches’ efforts to maximize learning and productivity during each practice.
1. Parents or guardians must remain at the facility during practices for swimmers ages 8 and under.
2. Practice sessions are not intended for parent–coach discussions. If parents have questions during practice, please speak with the head coach after practice or send an email. Coaches should remain focused on instructing swimmers during practice time.
3. Swimmers are expected to pay attention and follow coaches’ instructions. For the safety of everyone involved, failure to follow instructions may result in a timeout or a meeting between the coach and parent.
4. Parents are responsible for ensuring swimmers arrive on time and are picked up promptly. Arrangements should be made before practice ends. Swimmers must wait inside the facility for pickup, and a coach will be present. Parents are asked to come inside the facility to meet their swimmer rather than using curbside pickup.
5. Swimmers are encouraged to do their best and communicate with their coaches about questions, concerns, or enthusiasm for practice and the sport of swimming.
6. Each swimmer may attend one practice per day. Evening makeup practices will follow the same structure as the morning workouts.
7. Swimmers should come prepared for practice with tinted goggles that cover the eyes only, a water bottle, swim cap, towel, appropriate swimsuit, and sunscreen. Regular clothing should not be worn over swimsuits, as it can interfere with proper stroke and turn technique and adds unnecessary resistance in the water. Scuba-style wetsuits may not be used in place of a swimsuit.
Inclement Weather Policy
Lightning Safety
City of College Station pools, including Adamson Lagoon, follow national lightning and pool safety guidelines. Earth Networks provides the weather detection system, and the front desk monitors the Earth Networks website periodically. Pools will remain closed until 30 minutes after the storm has passed. Each new instance of thunder or lightning restarts the 30-minute countdown.
Practices
Practices generally continue on a delay schedule and are only canceled if absolutely necessary. The head swim coach will notify parents of delays or cancellations through the team website.
Swim Meets
Swim meets follow the same delay schedule. If a meet is delayed for two hours, it will be considered postponed unless team representatives agree otherwise, in accordance with league rules.
Parents and swimmers must follow all lifeguard and aquatics staff instructions during thunderstorms.
Swim Meets
NWAL Dual Meets
Dual meets provide an opportunity for teams within the division to compete against one another. Swimmers may participate in up to three individual events and two relays (individual medley and freestyle). If available, teams may enter up to three relay teams in each relay event. Dual meets are typically held on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at the pool of a participating team. Ribbons and points are awarded for first through sixth place. The head swim coach will send meet information and warmup times several days before each meet.
NWAL Divisional Meet
The divisional meet is the culmination of the dual meet season and includes all teams within our division. Swimmers must compete in at least two dual meets with legal swims to be eligible for the divisional meet. Points are awarded for the top six places in each event, including relays. Medals are awarded to the top eight finishers in each event, and ribbons are given for ninth through 12th place.
NWAL Invitational Meets
Invitational meets are held the weekend following the divisional meet and are open to NWAL swimmers who meet qualifying time standards. Swimmers must achieve the minimum qualifying time for any event they wish to enter. Qualifying times are posted on the NWAL website, and swimmers may qualify at any meet during the season, including the divisional meet. Coaches will attend the invitational meets that our team plans to participate in. Additional details will be posted on the Tsunami website, and each swimmer’s family may decide which meets to attend. An additional fee is required, and entry fees must be paid in advance. Our team typically attends the Ponderosa Invitational and the Red, White & Blue Invitational.
TAAF Regional Meet
The regional meet is open to Tsunami swimmers who meet the eligibility requirements established by TAAF. Eligibility information can be found at TAAF.com. Swimmers who finish in the top three of an event at the regional meet qualify for the TAAF State Meet. An additional fee is required for each event entered in the regional meet.
TAAF State Meet
The TAAF State Meet, also known as the Games of Texas, is open to swimmers who qualify at the regional meet. The meet is conducted over four days, with events separated by gender and age group each day. Swimmers only need to attend the session in which their events are scheduled and are not required to attend every day. This meet marks the final competition of the Tsunami swim season. An additional fee is required for each event entered.
Please note: USA Swimming athletes may have eligibility restrictions for TAAF meets. If your swimmer participates in USA Swimming, review the TAAF eligibility requirements. The head swim coach will also communicate eligibility guidelines before the TAAF season begins.
Swim Meet Entries and Procedures
Parents must enter swimmers into their specific events by Thursday of each week. Swimmers not entered by this deadline will be unable to participate that week. Event registration is available on the team website. Participation is encouraged for all Tsunami swimmers, as meets provide a lowpressure environment for team bonding and competition. If parents are unsure which events to enter, they should contact a coach or email the head swim coach.
Individual Events
Each swimmer may enter up to three individual events per NWAL rules. Swimmers without event selections will not be entered in the meet.
Relay Events
For dual meets, relay teams are selected by the head coach with assistance from the team’s computer system. Swimmers must indicate if they are unavailable for a relay; otherwise, they may be placed on a team. For divisional meets, one relay per age division is allowed. The computer selects the team unless the head coach makes adjustments. Swimmers must declare unavailability for relays; otherwise, they may be placed on a team.
Divisional Entries
Swimmers must have at least two official times from NWAL-sanctioned meets to compete in the divisional meet. Time trial results are not accepted, including for relay events.
Check-In Procedures
Check-in times are announced before each meet. Swimmers must verify their events, and relay swimmers who do not check in or notify the head coach of a delay will be replaced. The parent liaison volunteer is available at each meet’s check-in table. Event numbers are marked on swimmers’ arms with a permanent marker.
Meet Warmups
Swimmers are required to participate in team warm-ups to acclimate to the water, practice starts, turns, and finishes. Even the youngest swimmers should swim a lap or two. Swimmers should be ready to enter the water at least 15 minutes before warm-up begins.
What to Expect
• Meets involve many swimmers, noise, heat, excitement, and fun.
• Bring drinks, snacks, chairs, and a tent for shade, as waiting areas are often outdoors.
• Sunscreen, bug spray, and shoes are recommended. Candy should be limited.
• Heat sheets and event information are available on the team website.
• Parents should supervise children at all times; running, wrestling, throwing objects, and other rowdy behavior are not allowed.
• Swimmers are responsible for arriving at the ready bench when called and checking with a coach after each race.
Events and Heats
Events are organized by gender, age, and stroke. NWAL meets have approximately 80 events, while TAAF meets include additional age groups. If the number of swimmers exceeds available lanes, events will be divided into heats, with swimmers seeded appropriately.
Lost and Found
Items left at practices or meets are placed in the lost-and-found baskets at the pool. Unclaimed items are donated to charity weekly. All belongings should be clearly labeled.
Results
Swim meet results are posted on the team website.
Disqualification
A disqualification occurs when a swimmer fails to properly perform a stroke or commits another infraction determined by a swim official. Officials will attempt to explain the infraction to the swimmer. Disqualified swimmers do not receive an official time, personal best ribbons, points, or placement in the race. Disqualified times do not count toward dual meet standings or divisional eligibility. Parents wishing to protest a disqualification must notify a coach before the end of the meet. League procedures will then be followed. Parents should not address swim officials directly.
MEET ORDER OF EVENTS
GIRLS
1. 10 & under 50 Free
3. 11-14 100 Freestyle
5. 15-18 100 Freestyle
7. 6 & Under Free Relay
9. 8 & Under Medley Relay
11. 9-10 Medley Relay
13. 11-12 Medley Relay
15. 13-14 Medley Relay
17. 15-18 Medley Relay
19. 6 and Under Freestyle
21. 7-8 Freestyle
23. 9-10 Freestyle
25. 11-12 Freestyle
27. 13-14 Freestyle
29. 15-18 Freestyle
31. 8 & Under Breaststroke
33. 9-10 Breaststroke
35. 11-12 Breaststroke
37. 13-14 Breaststroke
39. 15-18 Breaststroke
41. 6 & Under Backstroke
43. 10 & Under Individual Medley (IM)
45. 11-12 IM
47. 13-14 IM
49. 15-18 IM
51. 7-8 Backstroke
53. 9-10 Backstroke
55. 11-12 Backstroke
57. 13-14 Backstroke
59. 15-18 Backstroke
61. 8 & Under Butterfly
63. 9-10 Butterfly
65 11-12 Butterfly
67. 13-14 Butterfly
69. 15-18 Butterfly
71. 7-8 Free Relay
73. 9-10 Free Relay
75. 11-12 Free Relay
77. 13-14 Free Relay
79. 15-18 Free Relay
BOYS
2. 10 and under 50 Free
4. 11-14 100 Freestyle
6. 15-18 100 Freestyle
8. 6 & Under Free Relay
10. 8 & Under Free Relay
12. 9-10 Medley Relay
14. 11-12 Medley Relay
16. 13-14 Medley Relay
18. 15-18 Medley Relay
20. 6 and Under Freestyle
22. 7-8 Freestyle
24. 9-10 Freestyle
26. 11-12 Freestyle
28. 13-14 Freestyle
30. 15-18 Freestyle
32. 8 & under Breaststroke
34. 9-10 Breaststroke
36. 11-12 Breaststroke
38. 13-14 Breaststroke
40. 15-18 Breaststroke
42. 6 & Under Backstroke
44. 10 & Under IM
46. 11-12 IM
48. 13-14 IM
50. 15-18 IM
52. 7-8 Backstroke
54. 9-10 Backstroke
56. 11-12 Backstroke
58. 13-14 Backstroke
60. 15-18 Backstroke
62. 8 & Under Butterfly
64. 9-10 Butterfly
66. 11-12 Butterfly
68. 13-14 Butterfly
70. 15-18 Butterfly
72. 7-8 Free Relay
74. 9-10 Free Relay
76. 11-12 Free Relay
78. 13-14 Free Relay
80. 15-18 Free Relay
Ribbons and Awards
NWAL Dual Meet Scoring
Points and ribbons are awarded to the top six swimmers in each individual event, regardless of their heat, and to the top two relay teams.
Individual Events
• 1st: 7 points
• 2nd: 5 points
• 3rd: 4 points
• 4th: 3 points
• 5th: 2 points
• 6th: 1 point
Relay Events
• 1st: 7 points
• 2nd: 3 points
A team may earn points for only one relay team. If a team finishes first and second in a relay, only first-place points are awarded. Points from individual and relay events are added to create a team score. The total points determine the winning team.
Additional Ribbons and Rewards
Swimmers who improve their times in any individual NWAL dual or divisional event receive a Personal Best Ribbon. Base times are set at the swimmer’s first dual meet, and improvement is tracked at subsequent meets.
New for 2026, home meets will feature “hot heats,” where randomly selected heat winners receive additional awards such as rubber duckies, swim accessories, and more. At practices, coaches will give small rewards to swimmers who demonstrate exceptional effort, teamwork, or character.
End-of-Season Awards
• A high-point trophy is awarded to one boy and one girl in each NWAL age division who scores the most points during the regular season, which includes five dual meets and the divisional meet. Invitational meet points, such as Pentathlon, Trinity, or Ponderosa, do not count.
• Most Improved Awards are given in each gender and age group.
• The Tsunami DDD Award honors the memory of former swimmer Adam Lassiter. It recognizes swimmers for desire, dedication, and determination in each gender and age group.
• Record Breakers are acknowledged at the end of the season.
• High-Point Volunteer Awards are given to families and swim officials with the most volunteer points.
• The volunteer raffle award is presented at the end of the season, and volunteers are recognized throughout the year.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTS
Swimmers and coaches cannot perform at their best if parents do not understand the philosophies of the program. The following guidelines are suggested for parents:
1. Understand the daily pressures your child faces. Swimming should be a positive outlet and a place to have fun. Encourage your child and allow them to enjoy the experience.
2. Remember that children learn more from actions than words. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being respectful to players, parents, and coaches on both teams.
3. Appreciate the efforts of both teams. Applaud good performances by opponents. Parents should never display unsportsmanlike behavior.
4. Support the coach and communicate regularly. Coaches guide swimmers’ growth and provide instruction. Parents should not attempt to coach from the pool, as it can confuse the swimmer and undermine the coach. Questions about drills can be addressed to coaches after practice.
5. Avoid embarrassing your child through loud, rude, or attention-seeking behavior.
6. Focus on being a parent, not a coach. Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement. Constant criticism can dampen enthusiasm.
7. Encourage discipline by ensuring your child arrives on time for practices and meets and asks coaches questions or alerts them to any changes.
8. Help your child understand that team membership requires commitment. Regular attendance and preparedness are necessary for the team to function smoothly.
9. Set a positive example by volunteering and fostering an inclusive, supportive atmosphere.
10. Respect officials and their decisions. It is acceptable to disagree, but disparaging officials is inappropriate.