REGISTRATION:

"How do I register?"

Registration is easy! New families need to come to complete the evaluation/information form found on the homepage by clicking on the splash night button. Be sure to bring your swimmer and have them ready to swim for the coaches. They will be evaluated and placed in the appropriate training group. All families will register online once the coaching staff approves them to join. Fees vary depending on the practice group level. These fees will be posted before registration.

USA SWIMMING:

"What is the USA Swimming Membership?"

It is required that all WEST swimmers have a current USA Swimming membership. This membership not only supports swimming throughout the country, but it also provides accident and medical insurance for every swimmer and every club. Each swimmer is covered at any organized practice of WEST Express and at every competition that is USA Swimming sanctioned.

REGISTRATION:

"What forms of payment can I use?"

Cash/Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or ACH (E-check from bank account).

REGISTRATION:

"How well does my child have to swim to join WEST Express?"

Because West Express is not "swimming lessons," we ask that a child can "swim" one to two lengths of our 25-yard pool safely and without assistance. The stroke does not have to be perfect or even pretty. We will fix that!

REGISTRATION:

"Do I have to "try out" for the team?"

No. West Express holds in-the-water evaluations for level placement to ensure swimmers are put in a practice group that best suits their age and ability.

SWIM SEASONS:

"How long is the swim season?"

West Express swimmers swim all year, but there are two "seasons."

Short Course season starts in September and ends in late Feb/early March. During the Short Course season, the swimmers compete in 25-yard pools. Swimmers may practice at PRMS, CMSE, and CCC.

Long Course season starts in April and ends in late July/early August. During the Long Course season, the swimmers will practice at the PRMS pool. Older/advanced swimmers may also practice at the 50-meter pool in Bloomington a few mornings a week. Many of the meets during Long Course season are held in 50-meter pools. We register swimmers for one season at a time.

SWIM PRACTICE:

"How many days a week does my child have to practice?"

West Express understands that families are busy. We offer practice for each level, as shown below. Coaches at EncoWest Express understand that families are busy. We offer practice for each level, as shown below. Coaches encourage swimmers to attend as many practices as possible to make the most progress throughout the season. Monthly practice calendars are posted on the website.

VOLUNTEERING: 

"What volunteer opportunities are there for me as a parent?"

WEST is a parent-run volunteer organization. We rely on families to participate in our fundraising activities throughout the season. These can include:

SWIM PRACTICE:

"What equipment will I need for practice?"

You will need a swimsuit. We recommend a one-piece suit for girls and tight swimming shorts (jammers) for the boys. You will also need a pair of goggles and a swim cap. After the season starts, coaches may ask swimmers to purchase a set of fins and a unique swimming snorkel. Swim gear can be bought at Elsmore Swim Shop - there is a link to the WEST page on our team homepage.

SWIM MEETS:

"Are swim meets required?"

Swim meets are not required, but they are strongly encouraged. They are the best way to measure your improvement, and they are lots of fun.

SWIM MEETS:

"How do I know what swim meets are coming up, and how do I sign up?"

The season meet schedule is posted on our website. Click on the home page and select the meet you want to sign up for or click below to bring you there directly. Most meets are on Saturdays and Sundays. You can choose to swim one or both days of any meet.

SWIM MEETS:

"Do swim meets cost extra?"

Yes. Fees vary by meet. Posted meet information includes meet fees. WEST also charges each swimmer attending a meet a $5.00 surcharge to cover meet-related expenses.

SWIM MEETS:

"How do I know my child is ready to participate in a swim meet?"

Your coach will let you and your child know when he is ready to swim at a meet. Meets are a learning experience, and kids are encouraged to participate as soon as they feel comfortable. Feel free to ask if the swimmer(s) are ready, too.

SWIM MEETS:

"Do I get to choose the events my child swims at a meet?"

The events a child participates in at a swim meet are determined by their coaches. Coaches assess the swimmer's abilities, strengths, performance in practice, and their personal goals. While parents may express their preferences or input, it's essential to trust the coach's expertise in event selection. Coaches have a comprehensive understanding of their swimmers' capabilities and the meet's requirements, and they aim to make choices that are in the best interest of the swimmer and the team. Ultimately, the goal is to help young swimmers develop their skills, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the team's success. The events chosen for a swimmer are typically aimed at achieving these objectives.

SWIM TEAM:

"What is the required team uniform?"

WEST requires a team cap, a team suit, and a team warm-up jacket. Swim caps can be purchased from the coaches. Suits and jackets will be bought from Elsmore Aquatics at the beginning of the season.