Wilchester Wahoos

It's time once again for Swim League. Swimmers ages 4 – 18 are welcome!

Swim League Philosophy (from the Memorial Spring Branch Swim Conference By-Laws)

It is our desire that all competition is conducted on the highest level, and every adult associated with the program emphasizes by word and action, the virtues of clean competition and sportsmanship.

It is our desire that the conference provide a competitive outlet and disciplined training program for many to who this would normally not be available, and that it encourage the broadest possible participation, protect the dignity of younger and less experienced competitors, and provide balanced competition for all. The ultimate goal of this program is to provide a fun and competitive experience of all involved. This is not a USA Swimming swim team.

Parents are responsible for their child's behavior at all swim meets, practices and swim team functions. It is the child's responsibility to be ready to swim at race time. Please make sure your child stays in the designated areas during swim meets, time trials and other functions. Homeowners dues must be paid up to date for you child to participate on swim team. See https://msbsc.swimtopia.com/ for more information on our Swim Conference.

Swim League Eligibility Rule

Please note that you are NOT eligible to swim in our League if you trained on or competed with a USA Swimming, or USA Swimming sponsored conditioning program (stroke clinics are OK) after the published date each year. Any failures will result in our team having to forfeit any swim meet participated in by any ineligible swimmer!

Swim Preparation Programs

Some area aquatic facilities offer summer league preparation programs and stroke clinics which do not impact eligibility under league rules.

• Stroke clinics (usually 1 wk programs) at swim clubs and athletic facilities. This includes USA club, MAC and other stroke clinics.
• Summer league preparation courses currently approved by the league are:

* Youth Aqua Fit (YAF) @ the MAC,

* Streamline @ DADS Club Aquatic Center.

Please contact these facilities directly if you would like information on the prep programs.

VOLUNTEERS and PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents - we need your help to make swim team happen!

Parent Volunteers

This is an all volunteer league, except for coaches. Each family is required to volunteer during swim season. Registration is available during online sign up in March/April. It will be your responsibility to find a replacement and notify the Volunteer Coordinator if the assigned job does not work for you. In addition, if your child participates in the Meet of Champs, you will be assigned a Volunteer Position during the weekend of Meet of Champs.

Parent Responsibility

During practice hours swimmers may be in the water ONLY during their practice time. No lifeguards are on duty during practice hours, accordingly no one, regardless of age or experience, will be allowed in the water except for their practice time – this includes the back pool, the big pool, the deep end and the stairs. This is a liability issue for the club.

• For your children’s safety please ensure your children are only in the water for their practice.
• If you or your child fails to adhere to this rule during practice hours, you and your child may be asked to leave the pool.
• Our coaches can be more effective when they are not babysitting swimmers, siblings or having to monitor and police the deep end and the steps.
• If a child’s’ parent is present the child will be allowed in the baby pool when the parent is supervising.
• Children are NOT permitted on play in the back area of the pool without adult supervision. This is a liability issue. Children will be asked to leave the premises immediately if this is observed.

6 & UNDER and HALF LAPPERS

6 & Under Policy

• In order to participate as a 6 & Under, swimmers must be able to swim the length of the pool UNASSISTED, in 55 seconds or less. If your swimmer is unable to complete a lap unassisted, they will be considered a Half Lapper and will start practice when Half Lapper practice begins.
• If during practice, the swim coaches determine that a swimmer is not able to safely participate as a 6 & Under they will make the decision to move the swimmer to the Half Lapper category until they can meet the minimum requirements. Please understand this is due to safety concerns.

Half Lappers Policy

• A Half-Lapper is a swimmer that is a minimum of 4 years old by May 1 who cannot swim the length of the pool UNASSISTED in 55 seconds or less.  Please note that a half lapper must be able to jump in pool and get to the side safely in order to participate.  
• Half-Lappers are invited to practice after school beginning mid May.  See calendar for specific date.
• Half-Lappers swim only at Home meets and will swim prior to the first event of the meet.

TIME TRIALS

All swimmers, except Half Lappers.

Time trails allow the coaches to evaluate each swimmer as they race the clock. Swimmers are placed in meets based on time trial times, practice attendance & behavior, attitude and meet performance. Time Trial dates will be posted on the Calendar page. 

STROKE CLINICS

We want to give our swimmers additional opportunities to work on individual strokes this year so three (3) Stroke Clinics will be offered this year. This will be in addition to the regular practices. Dates and times will be announced and will be posted on the Calendar page. The number of participants will be limited and a small fee will be assessed per swimmer.

PICTURES

Individual and Team - May