FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions, particularly by new and prospective swim team families. If you have any additional questions that are not addressed here, please reach out to [email protected]. We also have a Team Handbook with a lot of great information, especially for newer families.
What is the difference between Mini Rays and Stingrays?
Mini Rays is designed as a bridge program between swim lessons and swim team. Mini Rays are between 4-8 years of age and have not yet developed their swim skills enough to participate in Stingrays. In order to participate on Stingrays, swimmers must be able to consistently be able to swim independently across the pool (25 meters). Mini Rays will be placed into small groups with swimmers of similar abilities.
Can a swimmer transition from Mini Rays to Stingrays during the season?
Yes! One of our goals for Mini Rays is to "graduate" to Stingrays. This can happen during the season, as swimmers develop at different times. This would be a collaborative decision with the coaching staff and parents.
What is the minimum level of swimming ability needed to be on Mini Rays?
Mini Rays should be comfortable enough to swim independently for short periods of time in water in which they cannot stand. The Mini Ray program will be done in the diving well area of the pool.
What is the expectation for practice attendance? Is there a minimum number of practices swimmers must attend?
We do not have an official expectation or minimum number of practices. Our philosophy is the more you put into the season, the more you get out of the season! But we also understand that scheduling conflicts, vacations and other activities may impact practice attendance.
My swimmer won't be able to attend morning practices. Can we attend evening practices instead?
Once school is out for the summer, our "main" practices are in the morning. The morning practices are before the normal operating hours of the pool, which means that the team has more space (all six lanes) to practice. However, we also recognize that mornings can be difficult at times for some swimmers due to transportation, camps or other scheduling challenges. We do offer evening "make up" practices designed for swimmers who are unable to attend the morning practices. Because of limited space (the pool is open in the evening), we use a sign up system for evening practice attendance. Our practice schedule is listed here.
Who decides the events for swimmers in the meets?
Swimmers (with help from their parents) "declare" for meets. As part of declaring their intent to attend the meet, swimmers can select up to three events for a meet (a relay counts as an event). Swimmers can also enter information into the notes section. However, the coaches have the final decision on the meet lineups. Coaches take into account the events that swimmers prefer to swim, but also must weigh the team lineup needs as well. Swimmers can enter up to three events per meet.
What are Time Trials?
Time Trials are the first "meet" of the season, with only our team. Swimmers are entered into all of the events (except relays) to provide a baseline for the season. Times from Time Trials are used by coaches and swimmers to compare and measure improvement over the season, and to help determine meet lineups during the season.
Do parents need experience to volunteer?
It takes numerous parent volunteer to run a meet! We have a variety of volunteer positions - some require experience and/or certification (such as Stroke & Turn) while other require very little experience or knowledge of swimming (such as Timers). Volunteer positions will be posted in the Event page as a Job Signup, usually at least a week in advance of the meet. There will be email communication to let parents know that the volunteer job sign up is opened for a meet event.
