Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I sign my child up for swimming or join a team?
Answer: Find your a team in your area, and contact the listed coach or administrator to arrange for a tryout. During your tryout a registered coach will assess the skill level of your child and assign them to the appropriate group on their team. You'll receive the USA Swimming Athlete Registration form which you will need to complete and show a birth certificate. Once you are registered, you may join the team and being the journey to becoming a swimmer!
Question: What are time standards and why are they important?
Answer: Time standards are a way to assess the progress of a swimmer. Time standards are used by USA Swimming to create a minimum required level (or sometimes a maximum level) to compete at meets. For example, in order to compete in a "Blue" meet, your child must swim faster than the time listed for "Blue" meets in a specific event. Time standards also provide motivation for your swimmer to improve, and creates a feeling of accomplishment when your child achieves their goal time standard. Some of the highest time standards include times that are required to go to the United States National Championships, or to participate in the US Olympic Trials.
Question: How do I enter my child in a competition (swim meet)?
Answer: Once you join a team, your child's coach will inform you of the meets your team will particpate in. Most meet entries are made by your coach/team, electronically. Meets have entry fees which are normally added to your swim team dues by your team administrator. Make sure you ask your coach or team administrator their specific processes.