Swim Team FAQ
Is my child ready for swim team?
You know your child best. If they are 5 or older and interested in giving swim team a try we would love to have them. Children should be willing to get into the water on their own and propel themselves forward, even if it doesn't look pretty that is okay. If your child does not like the water or is afraid to get in the pool without you then private swim lessons might be a better starting point this year to build their confidence.
What do we (parents/guardians) do during practice?
Parents of swimmers younger than 12 should remain at Springlake in accordance with pool rules. Feel free to enjoy the other pools or relax while the coaches are coaching so that the swimmers can focus on the instruction. Staying on deck during practice can be distracting for younger swimmers. Swimmers 12 and older can be dropped off for practice.
What is the “Deep End Test”?
The deep end test consists of swimming the width of the main pool and treading water for one minute. Swimmers must pass the deep end test before they can compete in a meet. You can take the deep end test any time the pool is open by asking a lifeguard. Swimmers may participate in practices if they have not passed the deep end test. There will be a group deep end test during a practice before the first swim meet for 8 and under swimmers.
Does my swimmer need to have a team suit?
It’s not mandatory to purchase the team suit, but we encourage it to show unity. Bathing suits for swim meets need to be one piece competition style for girls (no ruffles, tie backs etc.) and jammer or brief style for boys. No jewelry or watches may be worn for meets.
What do we do if our child is reluctant to get in the water?
Let the coaches do their thing! It is amazing what can happen when the coaches are able to work with the swimmers. Think about the first day of kindergarten or preschool and let the teacher work their magic. If the coaches need additional support from you, they will reach out. If your child does not like the water or is afraid to get in the pool without you then private swim lessons might be a better starting point this year to build their confidence.
How do the summer vacation morning and afternoon practices work? Which ones does my child attend?
Traditionally, there have only been morning practices. More recently, later practices were added as an option for working parents or for when swimmers are at camp etc. Come to what fits your schedule, but daily practice is highly encouraged.
What do we do if we can’t attend a practice or meet?
We know it is summer and folks have vacations, summer camps and lots of things going on besides swim team. For swim meets please let us know if your swimmer(s) will not be swimming with a RSVP via SwimTopia. The coaches need this information so they can create the entries from the swim meet. You do not need to notify coaches about absences for practices.
How do we know if practice is canceled due to weather?
An email will be sent to swim team members if we need to cancel practice. If the pool is closing due to weather, a text and/or email will be sent to all members.
What is “Time Trials”?
Time Trials is a first meet for swimmers to swim their events and get a baseline time. This helps coaches plan which events swimmers should be entered into for meets. It will be held at Springlake with only Springlake swimmers.
How long do the meets last?
The length of the meet depends on several factors such as number of swimmers for each team and any delays due to weather. Each individual swimmer can be entered into a total of 3 events including relays. Typically, the meet is finished between 12-1pm.
What happens the morning of a meet? What do we bring to a meet?
You set your alarm and drink extra coffee 😊 Warmups will begin for SPL swimmers at 7:30 and the meet will begin at 9:00. Parents drop swimmers off at SPL and either leave or bring in their gear and snag a spot. Swimmers should bring all of their swim gear and a blanket or chair to sit on, sunscreen, snacks and plenty of water. Parents should also bring folding chairs. Family and friends are welcome to come and watch even if they are not pool members (no guest fees).
What does my child do during the meet?
All swimmers will check in at the front desk and follow the coaches’ directions for warm up. During the meet swimmers should report to Kiddie Roundup prior to their event so that volunteers can make sure they are in the correct order for their heat and lane. In between events, swimmers cheer on their team meets, eat, drink plenty of water, reapply sunscreen and hang out with their friends.
What do parents do during the meet?
Parents need to make sure their child reports to the Kiddie Round up area on time for their event. All parents should volunteer for a job to help the meet run smoothly. Meets only occur because of volunteers and all parents are expected to help. Please plan on one adult from your family volunteering at a swim meet if your child is swimming in that meet. Don’t worry volunteering is easy and fun!
What is Kiddie Round up?
There will be a tent located at the deep end of the pool, opposite the pavilion. There is a sign that will indicate the event that swimmers should be reporting for. Ex: “6&U FREE” means swimmers 6 and younger who are swimming freestyle need to report to the tent. Volunteers will be asking for names and making sure the swimmers are in the correct lane and heat.
Where does my child get their race ribbons?
A few days following a swim meet each swimmer who placed in an event will receive a ribbon in their folder in the Ribbon Box. Ribbons are given out for places 1-8. The Ribbon Box is a file bin kept under the swim bulletin board.
What is Divisional? What is Straehle's?
The Divisional Meet is a swim meet for swimmers selected by their coaches to swim against the other teams in their Division. The Straehle Meet is a meet for any CMSL (Central Maryland Swim League) swimmer who qualifies based on time. Swimmers and their families will be notified mid-July if they have qualified for these invitational meets.
What happens at Awards Night?
All swimmers and their families are invited to celebrate the season with food, fun and music! Swimmers will be recognized for their achievements in a brief ceremony. The pool will provide pizza and parents sign up to donate appetizers, sides and dessert. There is a DJ and everyone has a great time.
