Frequently Asked Questions
When are tryouts and how do I register?
Tryouts for the 2024-2025 team will be held on Monday 8/19 and Tuesday 8/20. The cost is $30 for current Y members and $40 for non-members
Swimmers who are 13 and older should contact Head Coach Ellen Johnston to arrange a personal evaluation.
Do current swim team members have to try out?
No, if they were registered and swam on the swim team during the 2023-2024 season they do not have to try out. Their coaches will put them in a group based on their age and ability.
What do prospective Water Rats do during tryouts?
We will have the children swim at least one length of each of the four competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle). Older swimmers may be asked to do 50 yards of each stroke. Swimmers will also be asked to perform a racing dive. The coaches will also treat some of the tryouts as a practice session (asking them to perform certain tasks). This is to see how they will work in a practice-like setting.
How are the children evaluated?
The coaches evaluate the children in a variety of ways. The technique/legality of strokes will be observed, as well as speed endurance. Coaches are also looking for attentiveness, coachability, and ability to follow directions.
How many openings do you have?
We will not know the exact number until we hear from our current swim team participants on whether they plan to join us for another year. However, we already know that we have a lot room on our of 8/under group.
What if my child tries out and does not make the team?
Based on how your child performs, the coaches may recommend him for the pre-competitive White group (8&under swimmers), or they may suggest further swim lessons.
What is the Precompetitive/White group?
The White group is for swimmers who are not ready to compete at swim meets, but have the skills to begin to learn about competitive swimming. This group is for younger swimmers who can swim freestyle with side breathing and backstroke and have a very basic understanding of breaststroke and butterfly. They practice in a small group in the family teaching pool with swim team coaches to further develop their strokes. They practice either Mon & Wed or Tues & Thurs from 6:15-7pm. The session runs from the end of September until March, and then we offer a spring session April - June. In order to be placed in the pre-competitive group swimmers must attend one of the tryout sessions on Aug 19 or 20th. As a result of the tryout swimmers are either placed on the competitive team (need to know all 4 strokes and preferably dive), on the precompetitive team, or referred to lessons.
If my child makes the team, what group will she be in?
The groups are based on age and ability. We assign new swimmers to groups after we have evaluated them at tryouts, and after we have determined how many returning swimmers we have on the team.
When are the Swim Team practices?
Please see the Practice Schedule page of this website.
What if my child can’t commit to all the practices?
The Water Rat Swim Team is a serious competitive program and we like to keep open and constant lines of communication between the swimmers and coaches. We also like our swimmers to be very well rounded. (Many of our younger swimmers participate in another sports, such as Little League baseball or travel soccer, and a lot of our Water Rats are accomplished musicians.) If you have to miss a series of practices, please discuss this with your coach in advance so they can provide you and your child with training options or suggestions.
If you have other questions, please contact Ellen Johnston.
