Dear Raleigh Rays,

We are excited about the upcoming swim meet at Hedingham Sharks. Below, you will find the necessary details and instructions regarding the event:

Location: Hedingham Sharks 4401 Willow Oak Road Raleigh, NC 27604, USA 

Google Maps Link: Click here

Directions: From the 440 Beltline, take the US 64 Business exit (13B) toward Knightdale. Turn left onto New Hope Rd. Turn right onto Willow Oak (entrance to Hedingham) and take your second left into the pool parking lot. Limited parking is available at the pool, so we strongly recommend carpooling. Additional parking is also available along Willow Oak Road.

Parking: Our team can park in our pool's parking lot and overflow into Willow Oak Road.

Set Up at Pool: Our team will be on the pool's left side. We suggest bringing chairs as seating is limited. There will be a table for data entry people, the meet administrator, and the ribbon labeler in the far-right corner. Feel free to bring a tent or canopy, as shade is limited.

Pool: The pool consists of 6 lanes. Our team will be assigned lanes 2, 4, and 6 for scoring. The deck is well-lit, and Wi-Fi is available.

Warm-Ups:  Our team's warm-ups will start at 5:30 pm.

Timing: The meet will be using the Dolphin timing system. Each lane will require two timer volunteers, totaling six timers. Timers will also fill out manual timer sheets as a backup. The dolphin timers will start automatically, connected to our starter. Timers only need to stop the timers and clear their lanes when no swimmer is present. Please note that Hedingham is currently down one dolphin timer, so the second timer sheets for lane six must be manually entered.

It's essential to have both timers in each lane time every event and heat, as the starter will auto-start the stopwatches and stop any timers still running after all swimmers have exited the pool. If a timer leaves their watch running, it will affect the time recorded, and the dolphin system will take an average of those two times. If no swimmers are in a lane, timers must "blank" their lane. We recommend watching this short video explaining how the dolphin timers work: Video Link. We will also assist with a head timer on deck if needed.

Please note that we will NOT be merging any heats, as it interferes with the dolphin system importing into meet-maestro.

Ribbons: The Hendingham staff will label ribbons, eliminating the need for a ribbon writer.

Meet Management: Our team's lineup has to be ready for merging by 2 pm on Monday. The Raleigh Rays, the swimmer sign-up closes on Saturday. Hedingham kindly requests that our team complete our lineup by that time, as they intend to lock and build the meet at 2 pm. Afterward, we will review the lineup with your team to ensure accuracy and discuss options for filling gaps in lane assignments if necessary.

Officials Meeting: The volunteer meeting will occur at 5:45 pm near the far-right corner, close to the data entry tables.

Concessions: Hedingham will have a concession stand that only accepts electronic payments (cashless). They accept credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Various refreshments will be available, including hot dogs, pizza, chips, candy, snow cones, soda, water, and Gatorade.

50/50 Raffle: They will be hosting a 50/50 raffle during the event. Please note that this raffle is cash only. Tickets can be purchased for $2 each or $5 for three tickets. The winner will be announced at the end of the breaststroke event. Even families with swimmers aged six and under are encouraged to participate.

If you have any questions regarding your swimmers' events, please don't hesitate to contact Coach Lauryn. We wish you a fantastic swim meet and a Happy Fourth of July!

Tania Garrelts