Cottontail Cobias

The swim team season begins the day after Memorial Day, with the start of our after school practices. We have new swimmer evaluations the first two days of practice (this is not for Minis) and all swimmers who are new to the team and who can swim are invited and encouraged to come to this evaluation.

The Cottontail Swim Team is open to all children who are active members of Cottontail Swim and Racquet Club ages 3-18, as of June 1st. Swimmers who are able to swim multiple laps and have the endurance for 45-minute to 60-minute practice sessions will practice with their age-groups according to the season schedule. Beginning swimmers and/or those who are not able to swim multiple laps of the pool will be placed in the Mini (ages 8 and under) Cobia practice groups.

Good sportsmanship is an essential aspect of being a Cobia.  We want our swimmers to know that competition is fun and good sportsmanship is emphasized and promoted by our coaches. Cobia sportsman-like behavior extends to swimmers, officials, coaches parents, and spectators.

Certain Standards of Conduct guide swimming and diving within the Northern Virginia Swimming League (NVSL). Cobias programs support NVSL standards and operate to promote respect, fairness, civility, honesty, responsibility, and appropriate behavior. These Standards foster a positive environment at all swim and dive meets; establish an atmosphere of respect for all participants, officials, and spectators; produce positive learning outcomes for all; build participant and team spirit; and enhance the sports of swimming.

Here are NVSL Guidelines to follow:

Avoid using inappropriate language, profanity, humiliating or intimidating remarks or behavior toward any athlete, coach, team representative, official, or spectator.

Follow applicable management, pool, and facility rules, respecting others’ property at all times.

Display respect, courtesy, and good manners toward athletes, coaches, Team Representatives, and spectators. Team Representatives shall assist officials in maintaining control of spectators during meets.

Demonstrate humility in victory and courtesy in defeat.

During swim meets, swimmers should sit with the team, cheer for their teammates, and show good sportsmanship at all times. Please remind your swimmer to remain in the pool until every swimmer has finished the event, and to shake hands with the swimmer to the right and left.

Coaches will provide positive, constructive feedback to swimmers. If the participant is disqualified, the coach will explain the disqualification to the swimmer/diver. If a parent would like information about a disqualification, see a coach or a qualified official after the meet or the coach at the following practice.

The main form of communication for all matters pertaining to the swim team is through email and this website. This includes information concerning: practice, meets, volunteer activities and fun events. Please check your email and this website as frequently as possible! It is impossible for every swimmer to be called or advised in person when changes are made - especially due to weather. Checking your email frequently, at least once a day, will be your best link to receiving the most up-to-date information. 

File boxes containing a folder for each swim team family (in alphabetical order by last name) will be available during practices and in front office during pool hours. Please check your folder regularly as this is where you will find the meet ribbons earned and any announcement flyers. 

During the summer swim season, swim team parents will receive weekly emails from the team reps and your swimmers will be receiving daily communication from the coaches during practices.  Team reps are volunteer parents who have swimmers on the team and were new to the summer swim team at one time. The team reps are responsible for managing every aspect of the team and officially represent the Cottontail Team in the Northern Virginia Swimming/Diving League or Burke-Springfield Developmental League. It is a job that is impossible to do without the help of the great many parent volunteers that step up each year.  We employ a fantastic team of coaches. Our coaching staff include a Head Coach, Assistant Head Coach, Mini Head Head, and Junior Coaches.  The Team Reps are here to help new members acclimate to the fast paced summer programs. Never hesitate to email or phone the Team Representatives.