New to Arlington Park Swim and Dive? This is the place to start with basics of our team.
Dive Team info found here.
Our swim team is split into two programs:
Prep Team - This group is for younger beginner swimmers who have had some swim lessons and are ready to learn the strokes. Prep team focuses on stroke development, technique and building endurance. Swimmers should be able to swim ~5 yards independently and be comfortable with their face in the water. This is a safety concern and not a tryout, so technique or style is not a major factor. Prep swimmers will be assigned a time slot for practice based on swimmer's last name at 8:45-9:25, 9:25-10:05 or 10:05-10:45am.
We do move kids up from Prep to Big team as soon as they are ready. For some kids that's 2 days into the season; for others it takes 2 seasons or so on Prep.
Swim Team (aka "Big" Team) - This is our main swim team for all ages up through the summer after graduating high school. To be on "big" team, an athlete needs to demonstrate legal technique in at least 3 of the 4 strokes, be close in the 4th stroke and have some endurance; or be at least 11 years old. All swimmers 11 and older, regardless of ability, move to Big team unless there is a special circumstance. Big team runs three practices split by age:
- 7:45-8:45am = 10 and unders
- 8:45-9:45am = 11-12 year olds
- 9:45-10:45am = 13 and olders
Prep and Big team both require a competitive style swim suit and goggles. The suit must be a one-piece and avoid frills or other accessories. You cannot wear a tie-back suit in competitions. Most girls and some boys will wear a swim cap as well, but not required.
Want more info? Or new to swimming? We are here to help! We have TONS of information on the other pages under our "About" tab across the top. Or contact Coach Sean directly at ([email protected]). Team fees are posted under the "Registration" tab across the top.
Feel free to contact any coach or parent board member directly at anytime (see links). Registration night in mid April is a great night to interact in person with coaches and parent board members (see calendar for specific date) .
