Frequently Asked Questions

How are swimmers grouped?

The MCSL Swimming Age Groups are 8&Unders, 9-10s, 11-12s, 13-14s and 15-18s. A swimmer shall compete for the MCSL season at the age he or she is on June 1 of that year. Since MCSL is an age-group, developmental league, swimmers should compete in their own age group (e.g., an 11- year old in the 11-12 age group).

What are Time Trials? 

Time Trials are a special pre-season swim meet just for our Seahawk swimmers! Usually held on a Saturday morning before the first official meet, Time Trials give each swimmer the chance to swim all four strokes - and the IM, if applicable - to establish baseline times. These times help the coaches create line-ups for the first meet of the season. It’s also a great opportunity for new swimmers to experience a meet environment and for parents to try out volunteer roles they may be interested in learning. It’s a fun and important way to kick off the summer!

How long does a Wednesday night swim meet last? 

That depends on how many swimmers are swimming! Usually meets are finished between 8 and 9pm. Please note that the meets will be temporarily delayed or cancelled if we are asked to clear the pool due to lightning in the area. Safety is our top priority, and we follow all pool and weather protocols to ensure a safe environment for swimmers, volunteers, and spectators. 

How does each team score points in a dual meet?

Each team may enter three swimmers in every individual event—except for freestyle, where each team is allowed to enter up to six swimmers. Individual events are scored: 6-4-3-2-1. Each team may enter two relay teams in each relay event. The relay events are scored: 8-4-2-0. 

Points are not awarded for any event unless the event is actually swum. In the event of a tie, the points for the tied place and the next place will be added and divided between the tied swimmers. The next finisher will receive the next place down. (Example: a tie for first in an individual event. Add the points for first and second place (6 + 4 = 10) and divide by 2 (10 divided by 2 = 5). The two tied swimmers each receive five points and the next finisher receives third place and 3 points). 

What Should a Swimmer Bring to a Meet?

To be prepared and comfortable during meets, swimmers should bring:

• Team suit and swim cap
• Two pairs of goggles (just in case one breaks!)
• 2–3 towels
• Warm clothing like sweatshirts and sweatpants — it can get chilly on the grass, especially in the evening!
• Healthy snacks such as pretzels, veggies, crackers, cheese sticks, and grapes (or cash to buy dinner and refreshments at concessions!)
• Plenty of water or sports drinks like Gatorade to stay hydrated
• Most importantly: sportsmanship, team spirit, and excitement!

And don’t forget—if your swimmer wants to join in on the fun, they can also bring a costume to go with the theme of the week! Dressing up is totally optional, but it's a great way to show your Seahawks spirit! Themes change weekly, so be sure to check your emails to stay in the loop!

How does the Coach decide who swims each event on Saturdays?

Generally, the three fastest times in each event for each age group swim in the “A” meet on Saturday except for freestyle, which includes swimmers with the top six times from each team. Each event will run one heat with the exception of freestyle, which has two heats. As a result, at a dual meet, there will be three swimmers from each team in each event (or six in the freestyle events). The exception to this is Divisionals, where each team will field their top two swimmers for a total of two heats in each event. The coaches put each swimmer in the event where the team needs that swimmer most. This may not necessarily be the child’s best or favorite event.

Any questions about meet lineup should be addressed *only* via email and never on the pool deck or in person. Emails can be addressed to [email protected]

Who goes to the Seahawk's banquet?

The Seahawk’s banquet is a celebration for all swimmers, divers, and their families! It’s a fun, festive way to close out the season and recognize everyone’s hard work and achievements. The banquet is open to all swimmers and their families - from Kiddie Hawks to the Big Team!

It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the season, enjoy some team bonding, and celebrate the spirit and accomplishments of everyone involved! 

What's the best way to learn more about the Cedarbrook Seahawks?

Thanks for asking! We have an easy-to-follow slideshow packed with information here! You can also reach out to a committee member at [email protected] or contact a coach directly at [email protected].