Big / Little Fish
What is the Big/Fish Little Fish Buddy Program?
The goal of the Big Fish/Little Fish Buddy Program is to strengthen a positive and supportive team environment, sportsmanship, and connections between swimmers and their families.
Who qualifies as a Big Fish/Little Fish?
A Big Fish is a swimmer who has at least 1 year of swim team experience and is 10 years or older. A Little Fish is a swimmer who has either no swim team experience and/or is 9 years and younger.
What does it mean to be a Big Fish/Why is it Important?
Being a Big Fish is simply being a cheerleader and older buddy to a younger swimmer. It may also involve answering questions a younger swimmer may have about the Hammerheads Swim Team. Don’t worry if you don’t know the answer, the Swim Team Committee is able to assist with any questions you are unable to answer. Being a Big Fish allows younger swimmers to feel more connected to the HH Hammerhead’s Swim Team community, as well as provides opportunities for you, as a Big Fish, to get to know younger swimmers and their families.
What are expectations for being a Big Fish?
● **Checking in with Little Fish at the beginning of a swim meet to wish them good luck.
● **Wishing your Little Fish good luck before their races, cheering for them during their races, and/or giving them a high-five, congratulations, great job after their race.
● Drawing/Writing spirit statements on their arm/back. For example, “Eat my bubbles” “Caution, Excessive Speed”, “O2 is Overrated”, “Born to Swim”, etc. Please get parent permission
● Making a sign to encourage your Little Fish during their race.
● Writing them a note to wish them good luck or congratulate them on their effort, improvement, win, etc.
● Giving your Little Fish a high-five if you see them at swim practice or the pool.
● Answering questions your Little Fish may have about swim team.
**Big Fish should complete 1 or both of these as a minimum expectation for each swim meet, unless they are absent.
What does it mean to be a Little Fish/Why is it Important?
A Little Fish is a swimmer who has either no swim team experience and/or is 9 years and younger. Being a Little Fish provides you, as a younger swimmer, the chance to learn how the HH Hammerheads Swim Team works from older swimmers and have an older buddy who can support and cheer for you or ask questions about Swim Team. Next, being a Little Fish provides you with opportunities to get to know other swimmers and families in the HH Hammerhead Swim Team family. Being a Little Fish allows you a chance to cheer for and support an older swimmer.
What are Expectations for a Little Fish?
● Checking in with your Big Fish at the beginning of a swim meet to wish them good luck.
● Wishing your Big Fish good luck before their races, cheering for them during their races, and/or giving them a high-five, congratulations, great job after their race.
● Making a sign to encourage your Big Fish during their race.
● Asking questions you may have about being a Hammerhead swimmer.
● Giving your Big Fish a high-five if you see them at swim practice or the pool.
Are Big Fish/Little Fish expected to buy things for each other?
Absolutely not. Although a lot of swimmers enjoy buying things for their Big/Little Fish, this is not an expectation and the above mentioned ideas are more meaningful ways to connect with/support your Big/Little Fish. If your Big/Little Fish insists on buying something for their Big/Little Fish, please consider doing an end of season gift to make things easier on yourself:)
How do we sign up?
This year (2026) there will be no sign ups for the Big Fish/Little Fish Buddy Program. This program will be an expectation for all swimmers.
When will my swimmer learn who their Big/Little fish is?
A list will be posted at the Ice Cream Social, as well as emailed to parents the following day.
Can my swimmer request their Big/Little Fish?
Unfortunately, no. Logistically, this becomes too complicated and does not align with the goal of expanding connections across the HH Hammerheads’ swim community.
Can I opt out of the Big/Little Fish Buddy Program?
This program is an expectation for all swimmers. However, if your swimmer has extenuating circumstances that will prevent your swimmer from participating, please message or call Wendy Haugan at 336-408-5758 or [email protected].
For additional questions, please message Matt Haugan ([email protected]) or Wendy Haugan ([email protected]).
