Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

• What are the proposed changes for the Sugarbears in 2009?
• What are the advantages to Roseville Sugarbears?
• What are some of the potential disadvantages?
• Will Oakmont remain the home pool for the Sugarbears?
• Will the number of swimmers increase, decrease or stay about the same?
• Will the RAC remain the site of champs for the Sugarbears?
• Is switching to NorCal a done deal?
• What is the future of VFCAL and the remaining teams?
• Where can I learn more about NorCal?

What are the proposed changes for the Sugarbears in 2009?

The Roseville Sugarbears and the Woodcreek Seawolves plan to leave VFCAL and join the NorCal league.
NorCal is organized in different divisions based on team size and level of competition.
At least initially, it is expected that the Sugarbears and Seawolves will be placed in different divisions within NorCal.
NorCal was receptive in having the two team join before the 2008 swim season, but the City of Roseville Parks and Rec wanted to give the VFCAL teams more time before making the change. So, in fall of 2007, our VFCAL reps stated our intention of moving from VFCAL to NorCal beginning in the 2009 swim season. Important to note that the City of Roseville met with representatives and coaches from the Sugarbears and Seawolves, soliciting their input/feedback prior to making the decision.

The key ones are the following:

• Team will be placed and matched with teams of similar size and strength, so each meet and champs will be competitive.
• A two day champs format, with a shorter first day trials day, with a second day being a true championship meet for those that qualified.
• 6&Unders will not swim fly and breast in meets and champs.
• Our team will interact with additional teams and venues giving our team a broader perspective of the sport of swimming.

Some potential disadvantages are the following:

• Some of our away meets could potentially be farther away.
• A two day champs format is believed to be in the best interest of the swimmers, but some swim parents may potentially find it not as convienent, or desirable for themselves.
• Some swim parents may prefer their 6&Unders swim fly and breast in meets and champs.

Will Oakmont remain the home pool for the Sugarbears?

Yes.

Will the number of swimmers increase, decrease or stay about the same?

The change in leagues is not expected to be a real factor in the size of our team.
Our team size is expected to remain the same basic size, at least for the current maximums in the younger age groups that we have already reached.
Our team may grow slightly, naturally larger as some of the younger swimmers grow into some of the older age groups.
But, this is the case whether we stay or leave the VFCAL. Our maximum team size with all age groups full is 240.
We may go over in one age group if another is really low in numbers, but the total team size will stay at 240 or less
Being part of NorCal and placed properly within a division our team may not feel as forced to be large, just to be large, in order to compete with other teams.

Will the RAC remain the site of champs for the Sugarbears?

One of the NorCal Championships (it could be the SeaWolves conference, or the Sugarbears conference, and may rotate) will be at the RAC.
When not at the RAC, champs will most likely be at an alternate location, such as Rocklin or Woodland.
The City of Roseville will also be trying their best to host the Meet of Champs (MoC) at the RAC at least every other year, if not more often.

Is switching to NorCal a done deal?

Yes, the Sugarbears and Seawolves were voted into the league in the fall of 2008.
For right now, we do not suspect we will return to the VFCAL, but it isn’t out of the question for the future.

What is the future of VFCAL and the remaining teams?

Our current understanding is that Auburn, OV, GB and Placerville plan to stay with VFCAL and have been looking to potentially add a couple teams to replace the Sugarbears and Seawolves.
The City or Roseville has a long history with VFCAL and certainly wish them the best.

Where can I learn more about NorCal?

Click here to view more information on the NorCal League.
Click here to view a PDF copy of the NorCal ByLaws (adobe acrobat required).