Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my swimmer is ready for Signal Creek Swim Team?
Basic Skills: We welcome swimmers who can safely and independently swim the length of the pool. We also ask that swimmers know how to float on their backs.
Discipline Level: As with any organized sport, team swimmers need to be able to listen to the coaches, stay focused during practice, commit to regular practice sessions, and hone their skills on their own. This looks different at age six than it would for a pre-teen, so just consider what an organized team setting might look like at your child's current maturity level.
Age requirements: Signal Creek Swim Team members must be between 5 and 18 years old by June 1, 2025. No exceptions. Please remember that our younger swimmers are asked to be safe and independent for up to 45 minutes during practice. With some exceptions, our youngest swimmers are around seven.
What do the Signal Creek Swim Team tryouts look like?
Signal Creek tryouts are scheduled for June 2nd, from 7:30-8:30 and 3rd from 8:30-9:30 at the Signal Creek Pool (pick one.)
During tryouts, swimmers will be asked to first do a back float in the shallow end for about 5-10 seconds. If they are successful with the backfloat, then swimmers will be asked to swim 25 yards using the stroke of their choice. Depending on the swimmers skill level, we may ask to see some other strokes to determine the best placement on our swim team.
Try outs can sometimes be scary, but please know we are here to help support your swimmer. Our main goal is to assess your child’s swimming skills, determine what team best fits your swimmer and determine your child’s safety in the pool. We also want to meet and get to know our newest members of our team and answer any questions you may have.
Do you offer a refund if my child’s tryout is not successful?
Yes.
What if we can’t come to tryouts?
If you are not able to attend try outs on one of the designated try out days, then please email Coach Kristin to set up a time to try out. We typically have kids try out before or after practices during the first weeks of practice.
What if we can't make all the meets or practices?
Like any activity, you get what you give. Swimming is a very technical sport and the more practices you attend, the more you will learn! We swim in a recreational league—we do not take attendance, there are no team points, and individuals are awarded ribbons for placing first through eighth in their events. If you are going to miss a meet or several practices, please let the coaches know. It is not necessary to notify us if you will be missing a single practice.
We need to miss a week due to camp/vacation. What happens?
Please let one of the coaches know if your child will be gone for an extended period of time. You may also temporarily switch to a different practice time. (For example, come at 7:30 so you can make your 9:00 activity.) Please just let a coach know. We do not prorate for a partial season or vacations.
What if my child would like to swim at practice, but not compete?
Swim Meets are not required, but please know that it is fun and satisfying to compete in meets, especially in a recreational league. Competing in a meet is a great way to chart your progress throughout the season. Because meets can sometimes be a scary and unfamiliar adventure for new swimmers, all swimmers are encouraged to attend the 3rd Annual Signal Creek Practice Meet in early June (Date TBD). The purpose of this meet is to ease swimmers into the swim meet culture by creating a fun and stress-free experience as well as familiarize swimmers with swimming rules and regulations. This opportunity will allow swimmers and parents to experience a swim meet, ask questions, and see all that a swim meet entails.
What if my child wants to quit the team?
You may receive a full refund minus the cost of insurance and the T-shirt ($30) if you quit by the end of the first week of practice only. After that there will be no refunds.
What is the role of a Signal Creek Swim Team parent/community member?
Our team is a volunteer-run organization. And many hands make light work! Our paid coaching staff provides high-quality, kid-focused coaching during practices and meets. Volunteers do the rest. From the board of directors, meet volunteers, concessions volunteers and more - there are plenty of opportunities to lift up the Signal Creek Swim Team. Please look for opportunities! (We love our grandparents, friends, older siblings and other community members that lend a hand as well.)
What swimming equipment will my swimmer need?
Competitive swimwear is required, including a suit, cap and goggles.
It is recommended that swimmers have at least one competitive suit. A traditional pair of swim trunks or a swimsuit/two piece will make it extremely difficult for your swimmer to have a good experience.
It is also recommended that swimmers purchase a team suit (optional), especially if your child will be participating in meets. Team suits should only be worn for competition. Wearing a different suit to practices will ensure the team suit will be in the best shape for swim meets. Also, it is easier for coaches to locate our swimmers at a swim meet if they are wearing the team suit. We will be wearing the same suit as the past two years.
Fins are also highly recommended for practice. Fins are worn during every practice and used for stroke technique and speed assisted training. We are making plans with our vendor to make equipment available to purchase, or you can purchase from another source. If you buy fins on your own please be sure they are swim fins and not dive fins.
We will provide one Signal Creek Swim Cap for each swimmer. If you need another swim cap throughout the season, they are available for purchase for $10.
Goggles are needed for better visibility and protection against the irritation of pool water. Be sure the goggles you buy are comfortable and watertight. Please keep in mind that recreational swimwear/googles and competitive swimwear/googles are different.
We will provide swimmers with kickboards as well as other practice tools while at practice. Team suits and swim caps are ordered at the beginning of each season. We will have a vendor on deck to help with these items. Look for that date to be announced soon.
How do you place swimmers on teams?
Signal Creek Swim Team consists of two groups: White Team and Blue Team. We strive to place swimmers in a practice team in which they will receive the practices necessary for their level of stroke technique, endurance, and maturity. Team placement is a coaching decision based on what is best for each individual and the practice team.
Also, teams are fluid throughout the summer. Some swimmers may swim with another team based on the skills they need to work on at each practice. Please know moving a swimmer from Blue A to Blue B for a few practices is not a demotion. Coaches are working together to strengthen all our swimmers skills.
May parents attend swim practices?
Parents/guardians/family members are more than welcome to stay and watch during our practices, as long as they do not interrupt practice by talking to swimmers or coaches during practice. Talking to a swimmer or coach during practice distracts either the swimmer or coach from utilizing their full attention and efforts. Coaches are available to talk before or after practice (or if it is a burning, quick question, asking a coach during our warm up is probably the best time).