FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to be a good swimmer to start?
While some basic swimming knowledge is preferred, the coaches will help teach strokes and technique. "The SSL will allow for friendly competition during Dual and Championship Swim Meets, however, will maintain its emphasis on Recreational swimming." All children must be able to swim, unassisted, 25 yards (one length of the pool) to participate in a meet. This means, some children may start swim team practice but not participate in a meet until later in the season. We simply want our children to have fun while building more confidence in their swimming ability.
There are five practices a week! Does my child need to attend every practice?!
The reason behind a daily practice is so our swimmers can develop strength and stamina in the water. We do suggest the child attend three practices a week to swim in that week's swim meet. However, we understand many children are first time swimmers and the summer months can be packed with other activities as well as a change in child care routines. Our coaches will be happy to work with your family and swimmers.
Do I need to attend practice with my child?
You are welcome to attend practice with your child, especially in the first week as they get acclimated to how practice runs.
Do I need to wear the team suit?
The team suit is not required to participate in practice or meets. However, if the team suit is not purchased, we do recommend a racing type suit for both boys and girls as other types of suits can create more drag in the water.
When are practices and meets?
In general, all practices will be held at the Windsboro pool, five mornings a week. Details on Practice Times will be announced online under "Practice Schedule". Thursday is FUN DAY with games and snacks!
All meets are on Wednesday nights. Swim Team starts May 28 and runs through July 13. Three "home" meets will be held at Windsboro and three "away" at the other subdivisions in SSL. Please look at the schedule link for all swim meet dates.
What does my child need for practice and meets?
Multiple towels, one or two pairs of swim googles, Lawn Chairs (for adults at meets), sharpie marker (meet only, to write events)
Who will I be swimming against?
Swimmers compete against other swimmers in the same age group (8 & under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15-18 as of June 1st). Boys and girls compete separately. Events always start with girl 8 & under then Boys 8 & under, etc. There are usually 2-3 heats per event depending on the number of children and lanes in the pool.
What are heats?
The goal of each meet is to get a personal best time and have fun. :) The meet is organized by heats or races per event. Swimmers are placed in heats based on their personal best times. If a swimmer does not have a previous time, the swimmer will be placed in a heat usually with other swimmers with no previous time.
How many events will I swim?
A swimmer can compete in a maximum of five (5) events (3 individual and 2 relays). The number of events will be based on the number of swimmers competing as well as the swimmers' ability to swim the stroke correctly.
Where can I park at Windsboro for home swim meets?
If possible, please walk or bike to the pool to limit the number of vehicles. For others, you may park on the street observing the NO PARKING sides of the streets. Please be respectful of parking on side streets and ensure residents can still enter and leave their properties without issue. The pool parking lot will close early to protect pedestrian traffic thru the parking lot. Please plan on arriving early and dropping off children and items for meet around the pool and then parking. Swim meets are hectic and crowded. Please plan accordingly.
Where can the kids sit during the swim meet?
We ask that children set up on the north side of the pool area in the green space. Please don't "park" chairs alongside the pool deck on the east side. Leave this space open for people to have a view of their swimmers throughout the meet.
How can you help?
MANY volunteer positions are needed ASAP to get this team off the ground in the first years. You do NOT have to have a child on the team to help. Please sign-up online via the "Volunteer Sign-up" link. Descriptions of each volunteer role are listed there. This will direct you to the sign-up genius page mainly organized by home meet and away meet responsibilities. There are a few volunteer responsibilities (computer/ribbons, stroke/turn judges and starter) which we would like the same person for each of our three home meets.
