Athens, AL

What are the prerequisites?: No prior competitive swim experience is necessary. We do require, though, that your child be able to swim an age-appropriate length without assistance: 25 yards (8 and under), 50 yards (9-12), or 100 yards (13-18).

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Parks & Recreation - Youth Swimming

1. Who is in charge of the Swim Team?: The Swim Team is ran by a volunteer parent board.

3. What are the prerequisites?: No prior competitive swim experience is necessary. We do require, though, that your child be able to swim an age-appropriate length without assistance: 25 yards (8 and under), 50 yards (9-12), or 100 yards (13-18).

4. How often does the team practice?: Summer practices are normally held every weekday morning (except Wednesdays). Younger children (10 and under) or beginner swimmers are generally only required to swim for 1 hour, and they may only swim 3-4 days per week. The coach will determine what is best. Attendance at practice is strongly encouraged; please notify us if you will be unable to attend on a certain day. Regular practice attendance builds discipline, both mental and physical, which is essential for competitive swimming. Generally, the more you practice, the more you win!

5. What are meet details?: All of our 6-8 swim meets are scheduled to be split between home and away. Our regular season away meets are within a 1 2-hour drive and are during the months of June and July. They are usually on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays.

6. Can I help?: Volunteers are needed for all meets. It is really fun to be part your child's team. Kids love to see that parents are an active part of their sports! No formal training is required for any of the duties; we can show you what you need to know in less than 2 minutes. Duties include Timers, Scoring, Judging and Ribbons. Sign up sheets are posted at practices so that all parents can sign up well in advance. Home swim meets cannot be run without 15 volunteers per meet! Away meets require 10 volunteers. Therefore, parents must volunteer for at least 2 meets or you may choose to pay $20 per meet so that we may hire someone to take your place.

7. Is there a uniform?: The Athens Swim Team suit is currently a TYR print available at First Place in Huntsville at:
805 Regal Drive SW
Huntsville, AL 35801

You are not obligated to use this suit; however, it is an excellent suit and will hold up well. We advise using it only for swim meets and using an inexpensive one for practices. A very large selection of goggles is also available at First Place. We recommend trying a few on to find a good fit. Representatives from First Place usually come to the pool the first week with suits and goggles as a convenience to parents.