This is a frequently asked question, especially for children aged 8 and under. Once you reach out via email to express your interest in joining our organization, we will connect you with our coach. Together, you and the coach will arrange a time for a trial session to assess your young swimmer's readiness. If your swimmer needs more preparation, don't worry! The coach will offer helpful suggestions to build strength and confidence, ensuring a positive experience on their swimming journey. We're excited to support your swimmer every step of the way!

Before each season, we will hold a mandatory meeting for parents during the first practice. This meeting is designed to help everyone become familiar with our organization, the communication tools we use, and how meets are organized and prepared. We encourage you to come with any questions you may have!

Winter Swim
Practices will begin in early November and will take place twice a week. The specific start and end times will vary based on your swimmer's age and will be communicated via TeamSnap. Meets will be held on various Saturdays throughout the season. Refer to the schedule tab above for more details. 

Summer Swim
Practices will start in the evenings in early June. Once all schools are out for summer break, we will transition practices to the morning. To accommodate camp and work schedules, we will still offer evening practices during this transition period.

Please note that all schedules are subject to change based on the college schedule. It’s important to enable TeamSnap notifications and feel free to ask questions! We’re here to help.

This is an important piece of information! If your swimmer won't be able to attend a meet, please sign them out as soon as possible. This helps our coaches, who work hard to plan the swim program and set up relay teams. By signing out your swimmer, you notify the coaches, ensuring they won't be included in the program or relays.

To sign out, simply use TeamSnap. Go to the schedule section at the bottom of your screen, find the list of meets, and select the ones you can't attend. Then, just choose "yes" or "no" from the RSVP options. 

For practice, your swimmer will need a swimsuit, a swim cap, and goggles. If you're unsure about what to purchase, feel free to reach out to us at info@shomenswim.com—we're more than happy to help!

Along with their practice gear, they should bring a towel and a change of clothes, especially during the winter months, to avoid leaving the swim center damp. In the summer, most swimmers tend to stay in their wet suits, but changing is always an option if they prefer.

Swim meets can be quite an adventure! It’s a great idea to pack two towels in your swim bag—one for use during the meet and another for after. Don't forget an extra swim cap, as they can sometimes get a little worn out. A change of clothes for after the meet is also a a good idea!

To keep your swimmer's energy up, consider bringing a cooler filled with healthy snacks, Gatorade or Powerade, and extra water. It’s also handy to have a small amount of cash on hand, as there are often concession stands run by the home team. Swim meets are the best!

Parent volunteers play a crucial role in making our swim meets a success, second only to our amazing swimmers! Your help ensures that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

To sign up for a volunteer position, simply use our TeamSnap app. First, navigate to the 'Schedule' section and select the upcoming meet. Then, click on "My Assignments" to see the available roles. Choose a position—typically listed under your swimmer's name—and don’t forget to hit "save." On the day of the meet, you’ll find your designated spot!

If you're new to volunteering, don’t hesitate to reach out to a "veteran parent." They’ll gladly guide you to your location and explain your responsibilities.

Pro Tip: Timing is an excellent way to get a front-row view of your child in action!

Some positions require specific training. If you're interested in one of these roles, please email us for information on the training schedule. Training sessions are usually held in the evenings during practice or via Zoom, making it easy to fit into your schedule!

Get ready for an exhilarating swim meet! 

The competition kicks off with our youngest athletes, and girls take to the water before the boys. 

Here’s how the waves of excitement typically roll out:

1. Swimmers aged 6 and under

2. Swimmers aged 8 and under

3. Swimmers aged 9-10

4. Swimmers aged 11-12

5. Swimmers aged 13-14

6. Swimmers aged 15-18

Here are the thrilling events you can look forward to:

• Freestyle Relay

• Butterfly

• Backstroke

• Breaststroke

• Freestyle

• IM (Individual Medley)

• Medley Relay

Most pools feature either 6 or 8 lanes, creating a vibrant atmosphere. If we have more swimmers than lanes for an event, we’ll hold multiple heats to ensure everyone has a chance to shine! Swimmers are organized by age, but don’t be surprised if younger competitors join the older age groups for relays, all at the coach's discretion.

Once your swimmer has completed all their events, they can either change out of their suit and head home or stay to support the team. Choose whatever is most convenient for you and your family!