General Information...

• What is the Walkill Valley Swim Conference and its philosophy?

The Wallkill Valley Swim Conference is a summer recreational program that is committed to the development of the enjoyment of swimming while teaching responsibility, camaraderie, sportsmanship with respect for teammates and opponents, and establishing a positive attitude towards competition. Summer recreational swimming is defined as a program to encourage children to swim for self-improvement, to establish a team identity and philosophy, and to develop a love for a sport that could benefit them in the future. Coaches, parents, and swimmers are to view competition with a positive attitude whether the team or individual is victorious or not. These are children and we want them to gain from this summer recreational program is team spirit, self-worth, and a positive attitude about themselves, others, and competition.

• How do I know if I qualify to swim for Championships?

Qualifying times can be found under the CHAMPIONSHIPS tab of this website. Our coaches will also publish cut off times and swimmers qualifying times approximately the third week of July. 

• What is the Invitational?

The North West Jersey Invitational is an all-day swim meet that the Newton Swim Team hosts every summer. It is an all-day team building event where we compete against 12 other teams and hopefully bring home a trophy – or more! It is also another opportunity to qualify for championships. Swimmers get to choose what events they want to swim! Choose up to 4 events – including some 100 meter events -  to improve times for championships. The top 12 places are awarded with ribbons and medals.

• What are Time Trials?

The Kittatinny Barracudas host an evening event in conjunction with the WVSC Swim-a-long. Unlike the invitational, this is not a team competition, but an opportunity to swim 4 chosen events to improve times for championships and raise money for our league chosen Swim-a-long charity.

• Swim-a-long? What’s that?

All teams in the Wallkill Valley Swim Conference collectively raise funds for a common cause. Swimmers are asked to solicit sponsors by lap or for a set donation. For example, 10 cents or more per lap OR a set dollar amount donation for the event. Newton Sharks can swim more than 100 laps and more when motivated by a good cause!

For Swimmers and Parents...

• How old do I need to be a Newton Shark?

Swimmers must be between ages 5 and 18 as of July 1st. 

• I'm new to swim team. What if I've never competed before?

That's okay!  Swimmers aged 10 and under need to swim 25 yards without assistance.  Swimmers aged 11 and up must swim 50 yards with an obvious freestyle stroke.

• I'm going to miss a practice. What do I do?

While practice is very important, we understand a missed practice here and there. There is no need to contact coaches in these cases. If you will miss a week of practice due to vacation, please tell our coaches.

• When is practice?

Practice is offered twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, Monday through Thursday, and just mornings on Fridays beginning late June.

• What do I bring to practice?

Swimmers are expected to be ready for practice at start time. Wear your swim suit, bring a towel, a swim cap, goggles, and a water bottle. We ask that all swimmers apply their sunscreen at least 30 minutes before practice so it doesn't wash off in the pool. 

• What do I bring to a meet?

Wear your swim suit, bring a towel, a swim cap, goggles, and a water bottle.  Snacks and food are available at all home and away meets during a "normal" summer swim season.  Chairs and/or blankets should also be packed for a place to sit. 

• How many meets during the season? 

We normally have 4 home meets, 3 away.  

• What do I do if I am going to miss a meet?

Please tell our coaches 48 hours prior to the meet. If you discover the day of the meet that you will be late or will need to miss the meet, please call/text our coaches as soon as possible.

• How many meets do I need to swim in?

Team policy mandates that swimmers participate in no less than 50% of our scheduled home AND away meets.

• What can parents do to help the team? 

This is a family run swim team. The only paid adults are our coaches and our parent volunteers are votal in helping run the meets and team. 

• I don't know how to work a swim meet. What can I do?

NO experience needed! We will teach you!  We always partner up our new parents with our veteran parents to learn the ins and outs of how easy it is to run a meet as a Newton Shark team parent. 

• Want to get more involved?

Just ask any Board Member! We are always looking for extra sets of hands and help!