Frequently Asked Questions
What swimming skills are necessary to join the swim team?
If your swimmer is 'not ready' for swim team, we recommend Gutter Guppies which will provide small group instruction. Children initially registered in Gutter Guppies can graduate to swim team at any time during the season. In order to begin workouts with swim team, we suggest swimmers to be able to:
- Swim one lap (25 yds) freestyle, unassisted.Swim backstroke with limited assistance.
- Swimmers must be comfortable in the water swimming on their backside for safety reasons.
- Understand that they should be diving into the pool fingers first, and are very close to doing so (vs. feet first).
What is the practice schedule for summer like?
- 11/12: 8:00–9:00 AM
- 13 & Up: 9:00–10:15 AM
- 9/10: 10:15–11:15 AM
- 7/8: 11:15 AM–12:00 PM
- 6 & Under: 12:00–12:30 PM
Does my swimmer have to attend every practice?
We recommend swimmers attend practice as frequently as possible, as success in swimming is directly related to consistent implementation of skills and endurance attained during training sessions.
Does my swimmer have to attend every meet?
Meets are encouraged as they help swimmers implement the skills they are working on during practice. Meets are also a great way for swimmers to work on supporting their teammates and spreading team spirit! Meets are optional but if you choose not to attend a meet we ask that you sign your swimmer out.
What are the times of the meets?
Swim meets are scheduled on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. On Saturdays, swimmers typically check in around 8 AM and meets end around 1:30 PM. On Wednesdays, swimmers typically check in at 5 PM and the meets end around 8:30 PM. If you have a parent job obligation to fulfill, you may be expected to be at the meet before the meet start time or stay until the very end of the meet so be sure to confirm your exact arrival and job completion times. Swimmers are not required to stay at the meet until the end, once your swimmer is done swimming their events, you are free to go. An email with meet specific details will be sent out before each meet.
Are there additional costs associated with the team after registration?
Once your swimmer is registered, they will need a team suit and cap for meets. You can purchase these items under the Swim Apparel tab. Swimmers will also need fins, goggles, and a practice suit (team suits should not be used for practice). It is also encouraged that swimmers and families attend social functions, some of which may have an additional cost.
What is the parent commitment?
Rancho Colorados Swim Team families must fulfill parent jobs during the season (final number is determined after registration). Click here for more information about the parent job commitment. Please review the Parent Job Commitment Policy here.
What if we sign up for the swim team and my swimmer doesn’t like it? Is there a cancellation policy?
Last day for refunds, minus a $50 processing fee per swimmer, is Monday, May 30. In the event of unexpected or unforeseen, extended periods of pool closure, the swim team committee will evaluate refunds and make up sessions at that time. Note: We cannot issue any refunds or schedule any makeup clinic sessions/workouts/lessons in the event of other unexpected or unforeseen pool closures.
Can my swimmer swim down and practice in a lower age group?
It's our goal to ensure that each swimmer gets the appropriate level of technique and training at each stage of development. We don't encourage swimmers to swim down, to give the best quality coaching for their age group. Any changes will be determined by the coaches, please be respectful of their guidance.
Can my swimmer swim up and practice in an older age group?
No, Rancho Colorados Swim Team does not allow swimmers to swim up in an older age group. Practices are designed for the appropriate level of technique and training at each stage of development. Please respect the coaches' guidance.
What are spring and fall clinics and who is eligible to participate?
Spring Stroke Clinic is open to all Rancho Colorados member swimmers, with previous swim team experience or Rancho fall swim program experience. We understand all of our swimmers are anxious to get back in the water; however, for the spring clinics, we will not have the coaching staff needed for our youngest Wahoos. For questions about eligibility, please contact Coach Adrian.
Fall Swim Program is open to swimmers from all teams and is fully compliant with the latest County Meet Rules (participation will NOT jeopardize your eligibility for next summer). Swimmers must be able to swim unassisted for the duration of the practice time without a coach in the water. This is not for learn-to-swim or swimmers who still struggle to cross the pool.
