Wilchester Wahoos

The Wilchester Swim Team follows the rules established by the Memorial Spring Branch Swim Conference (MSBSC). These guidelines must be followed in order for our Swim Team to compete in the League. Any violation could result in dismissal of a swimmer or our team from the league.  Guidelines can be found at Home - Memorial Spring Branch Swim Conference (swimtopia.com)

All ages are determined by your swimmers age as of May 1 of the current year.

Half Lappers:

In response to several concerns, safety and liability being at the forefront, Wilchester Swim Club has decided that the following rules apply to these age groups:

• A “Half-Lapper” is defined, consistent with the League Rules, as a “Six and Under” who cannot swim the length of the pool unaided in 55 seconds or less. (Note that the league rules specify one minute but due to limited lane space and coaches, Wilchester requires :55.) Your swimmer will have an opportunity to have your child timed at Swim Team Kick-Off Day.  Due to safety concerns, all half lappers must be able to swim safely to the side of the pool and keep their head afloat unaided while at practice.  All swimmers will be evaluated at registration or the first half lappers practice in May (parents choice).
• Half-Lappers are invited to join the Team for after school practices beginning mid May, see calendar for specific start date.
• Six and Under’s and Half-Lappers must be 4 years old by May 1. We cannot make exceptions to this rule.
• Any swimmer who is 6 by May 1st, is able to compete in Full Lappers as long as they are able to swim across the pool safely without assistance in 55 seconds or less.  Please let us know if you would like your child evaluated as you may choose to have your child be a Half Lapper if you feel this is a better fit for your swimmer.
• Half Lappers are invited to compete at our home meets at the Wilchester Pool.  Half Lappers will not compete at away meets.

Six and Unders - Full Lappers:

• Six and Under’s must be 4 years old by May 1. We cannot make exceptions to this rule.
• Any swimmer who is 4-6 by May 1st, is able to compete in Full Lappers, as long as they are able to swim across the pool safely without assistance in under 55 seconds. You may, however, choose to have your child be a Half Lapper if you feel this is a better fit for your swimmer.
• All 6U's will be competing in two events - Individual Freestyle and Mixed Freestyle Relay (boys and girls). A few swimmers, based on ability and time, will compete in the Backstroke. The backstroke swimmers will be announced several days before the meet.
• All events will be 25 yards.

7-8's:

• 7-8's will learn all strokes during practice times - Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.
• 7-8's will compete in a minimum of three (3) events per meet - Individual Freestyle, Freestyle Relay and the Medley Relay.
• A few swimmers, based on ability and time and scheduling, will participate in other individual events - Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly.

9-10's:

• 9-10's will learn all strokes during practice times - Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly.
• 9-10's will compete in a minimum of three (3) events per meet - Individual Freestyle, Freestyle Relay and the Medley Relay.
• A few swimmers, based on ability and time and scheduling, will participate in other individual events - Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly.
• All events will be 25 yards.

11-12's:

• 11-12's will practice all strokes during practice times - Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly.
• 11-12's will compete in a minimum of three (3) events per meet - Individual Freestyle, Freestyle Relay, and the Medley Relay.
• A few swimmers, based on ability and time and scheduling, will participate in other individual events - Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly.
• The Individual Freestyle will be 50 yards; the remaining events will be 25 yards.
• This group will swim the Individual Medley for the first time and it will be the first event of the meet.

13-14's:

• 13-14's will practice all strokes during practice times - Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly.
• 13-14's will compete in a minimum of three (3) events per meet - Individual Freestyle, Freestyle Relay, and the Medley Relay.
• A few swimmers, based on ability and time and scheduling, will participate in other individual events - Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Individual Medley.
• All events will be 50 yards, except the Individual Medley, which will be 25 yards/each.

15 -18:

• 15-18's will practice all strokes during practice times - Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly.
• 15-18's will compete in a minimum of three (3) events per meet - Individual Freestyle, Freestyle Relay, and the Medley Relay.
• A few swimmers, based on ability and time and scheduling, will participate in other individual events - Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Individual Medley.
• All events will be 50 yards, except the Individual Medley, which will be 25 yards/each.