❓Frequently Asked Questions❓
Q: My child likes swimming but is not sure if they’re ready for the team. What should I do?
A: We offer a Free Trial Week at the start of the season for new swimmers to try it out.
Q: What if my child can’t attend every practice?
A: Practices are offered 3-4 times per week, mornings and evenings. We recommend attending at least 2-3 practices weekly, but attendance every day is not required.
Q: What equipment does my child need for practice?
A: A swimsuit and goggles are required. Swim caps are optional for practice (girls typically wear one-piece suits; boys usually wear jammer-style suits). Equipment can be purchased at sporting goods stores or online.
Q: Does my child need a specific swimsuit for meets?
A: Any suit can be worn at practice, but swimmers must wear the team suit at meets.
Q: How can I prevent chlorine damage to my child’s suit and hair?
A: Have your child wet their suit and hair with regular water before entering the pool to reduce chlorine absorption. Using conditioner before swimming and wearing a swim cap helps. Special shampoos and conditioners like Ultra Swim remove chlorine as well.
Q: Is my child required to swim in meets?
A: While meets are part of the competitive experience, attendance at a minimum of two swim meets is strongly recommended.
Q: Are parents required to volunteer? Why?
A: Yes, each family must volunteer at least 3 meets. Meets are run entirely by parent volunteers.
Q: Will my child compete against swimmers their own age?
A: Yes, meets are divided into these age groups based on age as of June 1: 6 & under; 7-8; 9-10; 11-12; 13-14; 15-18.
Q: How long are the swim meet events?
A: Events typically range from 15 yards, 25 yards (one length), to 50 yards.
Q: Can I choose which events my child swims?
A: No, the coach selects events based on your child’s skill and the meet requirements.
Q: How do I find out which events my child is swimming?
A: Once entries are accepted by the host team, event lists are posted on the Swimtopia app.
Q: Does my child have to stay for the whole meet?
A: No, swimmers may leave after their events, but staying until the end is encouraged.
Q: Where should my child be during the meet?
A: Swimmers should stay in the designated swimmer’s area on the pool deck to help coaches and volunteers locate them easily.
Q: What is a DQ?
A: A Disqualification (DQ) happens when a swimmer violates a technical rule.
Q: When do swimmers receive ribbons?
A: Ribbons are distributed at Wednesday afternoon practices.
Q: Why didn’t my child get a ribbon?
A: Ribbons are given for main event places and heat winners (for 10 & under). Swimmers disqualified do not receive ribbons.
Q: How can I track my child’s swim times?
A: Times are posted on the Swimtopia app.
Q: Why do I need to volunteer and fundraise if I already pay registration fees?
A: Swim team expenses include coaches’ salaries, equipment, and more. Registration fees don’t cover all costs, so parent volunteerism and fundraising are essential to keep the team running smoothly.
