Parent FAQs

New to swimming or the Aquajets? Here are answers to common questions, written parent-to-parent to help you feel more at home. Have more questions? Reach out to the Head Coach ([email protected]) or a Board Member.

Group Placement

What level will my child be in?
Before registration, your child will complete a swim assessment. Based on ability, a coach will place them in the appropriate group. Advancement is based on attendance and progress, and may happen mid-season or at year-end.
Mini-Jets and Novice swimmers receive a mid-season and end-of-season report card.

Practice Schedules

How do I know when my child has practice?
Check the Programs tab on the CAJ website. Coaches will email and update the site if there’s a time change or cancellation. Be sure your swimmer is ready with suit, cap, and goggles before practice starts.

Practice Frequency

Why are there so many practices?
Competitive swimming builds speed, endurance, and technique. Regular practice helps swimmers improve skills like starts, turns, and stroke efficiency.

Swim Meets

Who participates in meets?
All swimmers in Novice 1 and above will have swim meets. Some meets are open to all, others require qualifying times. Intermediate and Advanced groups attend meets across Southern Ontario.

• Sign up online through the CAJ website
• Check your email and the Events Calendar for details
• Each meet has entry fees, listed in the sign-up info or meet package
• No refunds for missed meets once registered
• Qualifying meets include Regionals, Festivals, and Ontario Youth Juniors

Short Course season runs in 25m pools (Sept–Feb)
Long Course season runs in 50m pools (Feb–June)

How do I find the meet location?
The coach will post the address and a Meet Package on the website. This includes:

• Warm-up times
• Event schedules
• Parking and deck policies
• Swimmers must be on deck 15 minutes before warm-up.

What should we bring to a swim meet?

• Goggles (bring a spare)
• CAJ yellow cap (bring a spare)
• CAJ team shirt (required on deck)
• Blue or CAJ swimsuit
• 2+ towels
• Water bottle
• Small quiet activities (colouring, cards, etc.)

Tip: Label everything with your swimmer’s name and “CAJ”.

Notes:

• Most pools ban food on deck—check meet package
• Parents sit in the spectator area (bleacher-style)
• Swimmers can’t sit with parents once the meet starts
• Coaches must be informed if the swimmer leaves the deck
• Bring a seat cushion and dress in layers—it gets hot!

How can I follow meet results?

• Some meets sell printed programs (cash only)
• Many clubs post them online in advance
• Meet Mobile (subscription app) shows real-time heat sheets and results
• The Aquajets use Meet Mobile at our meets.

Swim Gear & Apparel

Where do I buy swim gear?

• Online Team Store (linked on CAJ website):
  • Available 3 times per season
  • Sells hoodies, shirts, warm-ups, hats, and other apparel.
• Swim Caps & Goggles:
  • Email [email protected] or ask your coach
• Other Retailers:
  • Ly Sports (Windsor)
  • Team Aquatics (Burlington)
  • Swim Outlet (US)

Becoming a Swim Official

How do I get involved as an official?

Swim meets rely on 40–50 volunteers per session. Parents can get involved by starting as a Timer.

• CAJ offers "Intro to Timing" clinics during the year
• It’s a great way to learn how meets work and help the team
• For more info or to volunteer, email: [email protected]

Best seat in the house is on deck!

Other Useful Resources

Swimming Canada (SNC)
www.swimming.ca
Track race history and official times. Search your swimmer’s name.

Swim Ontario
www.swimontario.com
See time standards, provincial meet info, and updates.

Swim News / SwimSwam
www.swimnews.com
www.swimswam.com
Follow Canadian and international swim news.

Looking for more information?

For full club policies (cancellations, fees, conduct, etc.), please read the Cambridge Aquajets Handbook—it's a great resource for everything you need to know.

This table includes links to commonly requested information.