Practices are held Monday to Thursday.

There are no Friday practices except on the weeks we have a swim meet. Friday practices are designed specifically for the swimmers competing on Saturday. We’ll practice relays and scheduled events.

When should swimmers arrive to practice?

Swimmers should arrive 10 minutes early and be on deck at the start of their practice time.

Swim Practice Expectations

At every swim practice, swimmers are expected to follow these expectations (listed below). We will be going over these expectations this week and will be reviewing them throughout the summer. Please review these expectations at home as well to help ensure understanding.

Pool Rules

• No Running

• Diving is allowed in designated areas only. NO diving is allowed in water less then five ​feet deep.

• NO spins, flips or going backwards from the side of the pool.

• No glass is allowed in the pool area (including locker rooms).

• No hanging or sitting on the lane.

• Swimmers should not enter the pool (not even their feet) unless the coach has instructed them to do so.

• Keep hands/feet/water to yourself. There is no reason to have physical contact with another swimmer. When someone asks you to stop, then you need to stop.

Practice Rules:

Be respectful of everyone (swimmers, parents and coaches). We are a team. We do not tolerate bullying of any sort. We want everyone to feel welcomed and enjoy being at practice. You will be swimming with your teammates all season, everyone needs to be respectful to one another.

Inappropriate behavior or language will not be tolerated. If a discipline problem arises, the coach has the authority to remove the swimmer from the pool area. In the event the child is asked to leave practice, the parent will be notified. The goal of the coaches is to insure the safety of the swimmers and to keep the season enjoyable for all team members.

No talking while a coach is talking. There are many reasons for this rule. You are distracting to swimmers trying to listen, distracting to the coach who is talking, you may not hear directions on what to do, not paying attention can lead to injuries. We always give swimmers time to talk with friends before and after practices. If you have questions, raise your hand and a coach will be happy to help.

General Team Etiquette Rules

Be respectful of everyone (swimmers, parents and coaches). We are a team. We do not tolerate bullying of any sort. We want everyone to feel welcomed and enjoy being at practice. You will be swimming with your teammates all season, everyone needs to be respectful to one another.

Inappropriate behavior or language will not be tolerated. If a discipline problem arises, the coach has the authority to remove the swimmer from the pool area. In the event the child is asked to leave practice, the parent will be notified. The goal of the coaches is to insure the safety of the swimmers and to keep the season enjoyable for all team members.

No talking while a coach is talking. There are many reasons for this rule. You are distracting to swimmers trying to listen, distracting to the coach who is talking, you may not hear directions on what to do, not paying attention can lead to injuries. We always give swimmers time to talk with friends before and after practices. If you have questions, raise your hand and a coach will be happy to help.

Practice Rules:

Get in on time. You need to be ready to jump in and begin when practice starts. It is wise to arrive at least five minutes early to find goggles, put on swim caps, use the restroom, get swim gear, etc.

Do what you have been asked to do. Don't skip things during practice unless you've been given permission by your coach.

All swimmers who have long hair that can fall into their eyes and mouths should have it pulled back away from their face and are encouraged to wear a swim cap for practices and meets.

All equipment must be behind your lane and within reaching distance at every practice. Equipment needed at EVERY practice are: suit, kickboard, goggles, and flippers (a water bottle is highly encouraged). Coaches will give instructions to swimmers if more equipment is needed that day. Also, at the end of practice, please put all your equipment away.

The bottom of the pool is not for walking on or standing. Stay off the bottom unless you're resting on the wall, or if its use is part of the set you are doing.

If you leave practice at any time (to use the bathroom, get equipment, etc.), please let a coach know. We want to ensure the safety of all our swimmers, and if we don’t know where you are, we can not ensure your safety.

Please use the bathroom before and/or after practice. We would prefer you not get out of the pool to use the bathroom, but if you must, please let a coach know you are leaving to go to the bathroom.

HAVE FUN!!! Swimming is a great sport and we are so happy to have all of you join us. Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome and a part of our community while bettering our swim skills along the way. Our coaches will be there for support every step of the way. Let's make it a great season!

Lane Etiquette

Swim on the correct side of the lane. This is called circle swimming. We always swim on the right side of the lane. Swimming in the middle of the lane or on the wrong side can be dangerous for other swimmers in the lane. Especially during backstroke when you cannot see who or what is in front of you in the pool.

Leave 5 seconds apart: Leave five seconds behind the swimmer in front of you. This will allow enough space between swimmers for a smooth practice set.

Leaving too early disrupts the person in front of you; leaving too late disrupts everyone behind you. Leaving on time is the best way to ensure everyone is getting the best workout and the most out of their training, including you.

Swimmers that continually leave early and swim closely behind another swimmer are drafting, being pulled by the swimmer in front of them. Therefore, the second swimmer is not having to do as much work and is not getting the full effect of the workout.

Passing: If a swimmer is at your feet, always let them pass. Do not hold up the effort of another swimmer just because you want to be first. You are not helping anyone, especially yourself.

The swimmer behind should pass to the left (center of the lane). The swimmer being passed should be respectful, continue swimming slowly near the lane line, let the other swimmer pass, and fall in line.

Another alternative is for the lead swimmer to pause at the next wall and let the swimmer pass.

After letting a swimmer pass, don't be embarrassed or get frustrated and immediately sprint to pass.

The passing swimmer should always thank the other swimmer upon completion of the set.

Never grab another swimmer to pass; it's a good way to hurt yourself or the other swimmer.

Finish to the wall: Every swimmer deserves an opportunity to complete their swim.

After finishing all the way to the wall, swimmers need to move to the center of the lane to let everyone else finish.

May parents attend swim practices? What is a parent’s role?

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).