SOLO FAQ

Table Of Contents

How can my child join the team?  Does my child have to try-out for the team?
 How do we know which group to sign our child up for?

What can I expect if my child joins the team?


Do I have to purchase a USA Swimming registration?


What is USA Swimming?

How many practices a week should my child attend?

Are swim meets manditory?

If we want to compete in swim meets, which ones should my swimmer look at competing in?

What equipment will my child need?

How can my child join the team?  Does my child have to try-out for the team?  How do we know which group to sign our child up for?
There are no “try outs” in order to “make the team”.   All swimmers are, however, evaluated by a SOLO coach and placed in groups according to skill level, age, practice performance, attitude and space availability in the groups. Swimmers may be moved from one group to the next at the coach's discretion. The coaching staff must be consulted before a move can take place. Such talks need to take place when the coach is not coaching. Most group transfers take place at the start of each season; that is, either in September or after the short course season, which ends in April.

The first thing you should do is contact Coach Tom at (650) 851-9091 or email  solotom@yahoo.com. You will be able to discuss your options and make sure that the program is the right fit for your child. Then you will need to follow the registration process and choose the practice group for your child based on your conversation with the coach. This registration process focuses on collecting all the administrative information prior to the evaluation.


What can I expect if my child joins the team?


As most things in life, you get as much as you put in. The SOLO swim team is no exception. The highly qualified coaches are committed to making a difference for your child, but for this to happen it requires a minimum level of participation. The coaches’ expectations vary with the different groups but it also takes in consideration the swimmer’s goals. Regardless, our approach to swimming is through technique. We often tell our swimmers that they are what they practice and therefore to be an efficient swimmers, one must repeat correct strokes and drills.


Do I have to purchase a USA Swimming registration?


Yes.   In addition to SOLO Aquatics member registration, all athletes are required to join USA Swimming. Registration with this organization is MANDATORY because it provides liability insurance and supplemental medical insurance. It also is required for participation in swimming competitions.

For year round SOLO swim athletes, the USA Swimming annual membership is for a calendar year period (January-December) and memberships processed on or after September 1 are valid through December 31 of the following year. As part of the SOLO registration process, SOLO submits the USA Swimming registration on behalf of the athlete upon receipt of the $75 registration fee. This registration may only be made for one calendar year in advance. For spring/summer swimmers, the USA Swimming seasonal membership is $45 and covers most of April through August. No prorations or refunds are available.

What is USA Swimming?

As the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is a 300,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events and education.

Our membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. USA Swimming is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition including the Olympic Games, and strives to serve the sport through its core objectives: Build the base, Promote the sport, Achieve competitive success.  For more information, check out the USA Swimming website and the fabulous video off our website.

How many practices a week should my child attend?


The more -- the better!   SOLO recommends a minimum of 2 swim practices per week. Not only this will enable the coaches to get to know our swimmers more quickly, but also it will give your kids the best chance to develop strong technique. 

Are swim meets mandatory?


No!  That said, the coaches will encourage all swimmers to consider participating in at least one of SOLO’s two home meets during the year.  While swim meets are one of many tools to help a swimmer measure their progress, they are only one tool.  Team-only time trials are another tool—and all swimmers are encouraged to attend those. Time trials are where our SOLO swimmers race against themselves to benchmark their personal bests.

If we want to compete in swim meets, which ones should my swimmer look at competing in?

SOLO athletes should enter these meets (for registration and meet sheets for current meets at Swim Connection Registration and fastswims.app):

* time required

What equipment will my child need?

SOLO provides most of the necessary practice equipment including: hand paddles, pull buoys, kick boards, tubes, zoomers, and other dry land equipment. Swimmers may be asked to bring in personal training items such as fins, shoes and water bottles. Swimmers must provide their own suits, goggles, caps and towels.  For more information on goggles, caps, and purchasing SOLO logo gear, check our our Coach's Corner.