Q: When are the meets/What is the MAC swim season?
A: Our season begins in September. Our dual meets begin in the end of October on Saturday afternoons. The season comes to an end in late January. Boys/Girls will both swim/dive the same team at separate pools. One team is home and one team is away.
Q: How much is it to swim for MAC?
A: MAC is $550 and $15 snack bar fee (per family). We offer a multi-family sibling discount as well.
Q: What are the requirements to be able to join the team?
A: An evaluation will determine if your child will meet the requirements to swim for MAC. Requirements include children 5 years to 8 years of age must be able to swim 25 yards (1 length of the pool) freestyle (crawl stroke) and 25 yards backstroke without stopping, ages 9 to 12 must be able to legally swim 50 yards freestyle and Backstroke and 13 and over, 100 yards of each stroke. An evaluation doesn't guarantee placement on the team. MAC is capped at 130 SAL members and 70 USA members.
A: An evaluation done by our coaching staff will help us place the swimmer in the group that will match their age and ability level. Each swimmer is different and may or may not be ready. The assessment will take place at Methacton High School Natatorium and will last about 5 minutes. Swimmers should be ready to swim with swimsuit, goggles, and a towel. If you are a senior level swimmer, please send an email to the Head Coach with a list of your previous times.
Q: Why should my child swim?
A: There are many benefits to getting your child involved in competitive swimming, including:
- Swimming promotes physical development.
- Swimming develops aerobic endurance and is one of the most beneficial forms of cardiovascular exercise.
- Swimming enhances a child’s natural flexibility and promotes muscle development.
- Swimming develops superior coordination.
- Swimming is the most injury-free of all children’s sports.
- Swimming is a sport that will bring children fitness and enjoyment for life.
- Swimming promotes time management and is one of the top academically achieving sports.
- Swimming is an important safety skill for young children.
Q: Who can answer my questions about the swim team?
A: Send your email questions to [email protected]; Your question will be answered or we will direct you to the right person.
A: Freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.
Q: What to wear?
A: Swimmers should come to the evaluation ready to swim. This includes:
- Proper swim practice attire. Baggy shorts or ’beach wear’ are not acceptable. Call or email if you are unsure what this means.
- Goggles are mandatory, and a swim cap if the child needs one.
A: We are a competitive swim team, and swimming at meets is part of what we do. We like to use competition as a way to evaluate a swimmer’s progress using many different criteria, not just technique. For those who have never competed before, we do our best to make it fun. Most kids find that what at first seems scary, is actually a lot of fun!
A: The age groups in competition are 8 & under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18, and Senior (usually 15 and older). Every other year your child will have a year when they “age up” and are the youngest in their division and a year when they are the oldest in their age group.
A: We do not offer refunds.
A: Two towels, Sweatshirt, Sweat pants, extra dry clothes, 2 pairs of googles, 2 caps, Water bottle, flip flops for deck, healthy snacks.
A: Swim meets can not run without Parent Volunteers. Each family is required to fulfill their volunteer commitment or pay the volunteer opt out fee. The Volunteer commitment is determined at the beginning of each season and will be explained at the Parent Meeting.
A: MAC practices and holds home meets at the Methacton High School Natatorium. A practice schedule can be found under the Practice Schedule Tab on this website.
