Question: How good of a swimmer does my child need to be?
Answer: 8 and under swimmers should be able to swim 25 yards (one length of the pool) without stopping or touching the bottom of the pool. Swimmers 9 and older should be able to swim 50 yards (two lengths of the pool) without stopping. Swimmers who are unable to swim the required lengths are encouraged to join Junior Racers where they will receive stroke technique instruction and participate in exhibition events at home meets.

Question: Does my child need to try out?
Answer: As long as swimmers meet the minimum distance requirements mentioned above, they are welcome to join the team!  We encourage all new swimmers to come for the new swimmer evaluation on May 29, 2025. Coaches can help provide guidance on whether swimmers should be in Racers or Junior Racers.

Question: What is the time commitment?
Answer: The time commitment is up to each swimmer and family.  The team offers practice five days a week and one or two swim meets each week, but they are not mandatory nor is attendance taken.  Most swimmers and families may have other commitments throughout the summer! Coaches encourage swimmers to attend practices/meets, as more time in the pool means better, faster swimmers!  Plus, swimmers typically love the meets and find that to be the best part.

Question: What if my child cannot swim all four strokes?
Answer: Not a problem!  We'd still love to see your swimmer join Racers.  Most swimmers cannot swim all four strokes when they first start, and swimmers will not be entered into events that they cannot swim. With practice, hopefully they will learn all their strokes by the end of the season.

Question: What is the practice schedule for Jr Racers?
Answer: Jr Racers practice on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm.  Practice typically starts in early June and ends in mid July.  Jr Racers are encouraged to attend 1-2 home meets throughout the season.

Question: What is the practice schedule for Roselle Racers?
Answer: The Racers typically offer practice in the mornings (M, T, W, F) and in the evenings (T, Th).  Morning practices vary depending on age group, and 2025 season practice times will be: 6:45-8:45am (11 and up), 7:15-8:45am (9 and 10), 7:45-8:45am (8 and under).  Evening practices on Tuesday and Thursdays are from 5:30-7:30pm.  

Question: What happens if I can't attend a practice or meet?
Answer: That's OK!  Attendance at practice and meets is encouraged but not mandatory. Swimmers and families may have other commitments throughout the summer. Swimmers and their families can choose how many and which meets they want to compete in.

Question: What is the cost of the program?
Answer: The Roselle Park District sets the cost of the program, and exact costs will be posted in the 2025 Summer Brochure.  The costs will likely range between about $200 and $280, depending on if you register for Jr Racers or full Racers, if you get the early registration discount, whether you are a resident, and more.  This includes the cost of the program as well as the cost of a Kemmerling Pool pass, which the Park District requires to participate on the swim team.

Question: When does the season start?
Answer: It usually starts the last week of May or the first week of June. There will also be a new swimmer evaluation during the first practice for new swimmers considering Racers and Junior Racers.  All new swimmers are encouraged to attend so coaches can help evaluate placement.  The summer schedule will be released in March 2025.

Question: How many swim meets are there?
Answer: We swim 8 dual meets (against one other team), Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings from June till mid-July. Plus there are two conference meets (against teams in our division) at the end of the season. Every swimmer participates in either A or B conference. Participation is determined by best times.

Question: How long are the meets?
Answer: A swim meet usually lasts 3 hours. Wednesday meets generally begin at 6:30 PM, but the swimmers arrive 5:15 – 5:45 PM depending on whether we are home or away. Saturday meets generally begin at 8:00 AM, and the swimmers arrive 6:30 – 7:15 AM depending on whether we are home or away. Check the schedule on the team website for actual meet times.  While this may seem long, the time passes quickly!

Question: Will my child swim in meets?
Answer: Your child will swim at least 2 events at every meet he/she signs up for, with 5 being the maximum number of events that they are allowed to swim. The coaches try to divide the events equally and give each swimmer equal opportunity over the course of the season.

Question: Will my child get ribbons?
Answer: Ribbons are awarded for 1st through 6th place for swimmers 12 and under, 1st through 4th for swimmers 13 and older. Trophies are awarded to all swimmers at the banquet.

Question: Do I have to buy a suit and clothing?
Answer: We have a team suit and apparel, but it is not required that swimmers purchase them.  Orders are placed in mid-May and early June.

Question: When does registration begin?
Answer: Registration will begin on April 1, 2025 through Roselle Park District.  Mark your calendars today!  Families that register before April 21, 2025 will receive a registration discount.

Question: What if I don't live in the boundaries of the Roselle Park District?
Answer: If this is your first summer joining a team in the Dupage Swim and Dive Conference, you can join any team you want.

Question: What if I still have questions?
Answer: Please feel free to ask any questions you have using this form, and a current Roselle Racer parent will get back to you within 3 days.  We also a Racers Parent Info Night on Wednesday April 16, 2025 at 6:15pm at Clauss Rececreation Center.