How to Join Race - Tryouts happening all the time!

If you would like to join RACE but have never been on a swim team before, you must complete a swim assessment.  Schedule an assessment by with our Age Group Head Coach Tom Applegate.  Email him at [email protected].  ​10 and under swimmers must swim the length (25 yards) of the pool in each freestyle (with side breathing) and backstroke.  11 and over swimmers must be able to swim all 4 strokes.   If you think your swimmer is not ready to perform this task for tryouts, we encourage you to fill out this questionnaire for The Rockwall Swim School.  The swim school is in our building and knows what we expect during tryouts to make the team.

If you have been on a swim team before and would like to join RACE also contact Coach Tom Applegate with a sampling of your fastest times, your age, and the name of the team you are coming from.  Group tryouts may be held within the season depending on demand.  

Registration information

You will be asked to agree to our policies during the online registration with our team.  Please insure your swimmer is registered with RACE before bringing them practice.

  • Membership Registration Form
  • Consent for medical treatment
  • Financial Responsibility
  • Mandatory Service Hour Policy
  • USA Swimming Registration

Website Tutorials

Apps you need, Apps we love!

  • Ondeck - it is the web version of the website.  Very easy to use.
  • Meet Mobile - all results during our swim meets show up on this app.  It also has the heat and lane your swimmer will be in for the meet.  RACE does not charge for this information but other teams hosting meets might.  
  • USA Swimming - as a member of USA Swimming this app is handy to have
  • Swimmetry - for more advanced swimmers/parents.  It contains the fastest times and timecuts of your swimmer as well as other USA Swimming members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the procedure for joining the RACE Swim Team?

If you would like to join RACE but have never been on a swim team before, you must complete a swim assessment.  Schedule an assessment by with our Age Group Head Coach Tom Applegate.  Email him at [email protected].  ​10 and under swimmers must swim the length (25 yards) of the pool in each freestyle (with side breathing) and backstroke.  11 and over swimmers must be able to swim all 4 strokes.   If you think your swimmer is not ready to perform this task for tryouts, we encourage you to fill out this questionnaire for The Rockwall Swim School.  The swim school is in our building and knows what we expect during tryouts to make the team.

If you have been on a swim team before and would like to join RACE also contact Coach Tom Applegate with a sampling of your fastest times, your age, and the name of the team you are coming from.  Group tryouts may be held within the season depending on demand.  

What forms do we need to bring to join the team?

You will be given a link to our online registration page.  All the forms are viewable online during registration or clicking the links above.

What if I am registered with another team?

If you are currently attached to a team other than the RACE, you will complete a USA Swimming Transfer form online, and pay a nominal fee. Once the form is processed, you will be unattached from previous team and be labeled unattached-RACE and then eventually just RACE (USA Swimming has a specific "unattached" time frame).  To learn more click HERE.

What does unattached mean?

Unattached means you are unable represent the new team because of USA swimming transfer policy. You are still able to practice with and compete with the RACE team, but you will be swimming unattached. Your RACE coaches will still be coaching you at the meet.

Where do we get our equipment and what do we need?

Please click here for a list of items you will need based on which practice group you are assigned.  

  • Team Apparel - swimoutlet.com including team suits, parkas and sweats
  • In Person Swim Store - Rockwall Swim & Sport Located in the party city shopping center in Rockwall

What if I can’t make the recommended practices per week?

We believe attendance is one of the keys to successful swimming. You should make every effort to be at all practices. Should you have an emergency or appointment that necessitates missing a session, try to let the coach know in advance.

Where and when are the swim meets?

The Meet Schedule is on the front page of our website and will be updated frequently based on the North Texas Swimming, Inc. website.

We are new to the sport of swimming. What do we need to do to better understand the sport?

You are welcome to ask the coaches or staff of the Rockwall ISD Aquatic Center about any part of our program or swimming in general. We also have a large parent group who are willing to help you in any way they can.  We also have a parent orietation video that can be found on our front page or HERE.

Who will be coaching my child?

The coaches are assigned to specific practice groups. Our coaches do work jointly for the whole team. Occasionally, due to absence or other conflict, a different coach may work with a different practice group.

Is there transportation available?

You are responsible for your own transportation to practice and to meets. You are welcome to form a carpool with other swimmers, but this is done at your own discretion. The RACE team and Aquatic Center are NOT responsible for transportation issues at any time.

Who owns the Team?

The team is USA-sanctioned and is owned by Rockwall Independent School District.

Is there a parent board?

We do not have a "governing board of parents" but we have many parents who collaborate ideas frequently. Don't hesitate to join in a discussion.

Are there scholarships available?

We do not provide scholarships, as this team is voluntary participation. If you have a financial difficulty, please speak with the Aquatic Center director.

Are there monthly parent meetings?

We will have meetings at various times throughout the year when events are occurring or when big changes are going to be made. We will most commonly post information in the home page under Events tag (under team picture) under team functions of this website. We also will be sending our members e-mails regarding such important meeting.

How do you become a swim official?

If you wish to become an official, review the information here. Officials must be certified by USA Swimming through North Texas Swimming, Inc.

Can swim team count as a middle school Physical Education requirement?

We do provide off-campus physical education credits for students. You will need to get the appropriate forms and requirements from the counselors of your school to see if our program will substitute. We do not keep this information on file as our students represent a wide variety of cities and districts.

What is the minimum requirement for team participation?

10 and under swimmers must swim the length (25 yards) of the pool in each freestyle (with side breathing) and backstroke.  11 and over swimmers must be able to swim all 4 strokes.   If you think your swimmer is not ready to perform this task for tryouts, we encourage you to fill out this questionnaire for The Rockwall Swim School.  The swim school is in our building and knows what we expect during tryouts to make the team.

Do you have to live in the school district to swim on RACE?

The RACE team swimmers do NOT have to live in Rockwall or attend RISD schools. Our swimmers attend a variety of surrounding districts.

What type of swim suit should be worn during practice or meets?

Swimmers will need a competition-style swimsuit for practice and meets. BOYS: jammers or Speedo brief style; GIRLS: one-piece suit with shoulder straps.

Where can parents sit during practice?

Parents will be asked to sit in the second floor bleachers during all practices. Parents will only be allowed on deck if they are working a needed position during a swim meet, they have been asked to come down on deck by a coach, or if there is an emergency.

If you do not find the answer you are seeking here on this site, please email [email protected] or call the RISD Aquatic Center office at (469) 698-7410. We will be happy to assist you. You may also visit the Our Coaches page to find email addresses for our coaching staff.