Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do current swim team participants have to try out?

No, if they were registered and swam on the swim team during the 2010-2011 season they do not have to try out. Their coaches will put them in a group based on their age and ability.

2. When are tryouts and how do I register?

Tryouts for the 2011-2012 team will be held on Tuesday, September 13th and Thursday, September 15th at 4:00 pm. You may choose which day you would like to attend. The cost is $25 and you can either register prior at www.westporty.org or on the day of at the door.

3. What will they have to do during tryouts?

We will have the children swim at least one length of each of the four competitive strokes (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle). If they do not know how to properly swim all four strokes, don’t worry. Many of our swimmers start on the team with a vague knowledge of the strokes, then learn as they go. The coaches will also treat some of the tryouts as a practice session (asking them to perform certain tasks). This is to see how they will work in a practice-like setting.

4. How are the children evaluated?

The coaches evaluate the children in a variety of ways. The kids will be timed in some of the swims. The coaches will talk to and instruct the kids to perform tasks and take note of how coachable and eager they are and also how well they listen when giving instructions.

5. How many openings do you have?

We will not know the exact number until we hear from our current Swim Team participants on whether they plan to join us for another year. However right now we do know that we have a lot of 8/under spaces.

6. What if my child try’s out and does not make the team?

If a child does not make the Water Rats Swim Team, we make sure they we set them up for success and the possibility to join our team at a later time. Based on how your child performs, we will recommend them for another group. This may be our pre-competitive team group known as Bluefish and Stripers, or it may also be one of our many progressive swim lesson groups.

7. What is the difference between Bluefish and Stripers?

Bluefish is for participants 8 and under, Stripers is for participants 9 and over.

8. When are the Bluefish and Stripers practices and what is the price?

Bluefish and Stripers practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45-7:30pm. The price is $600. This takes into account that the children will be swimming twice per week. The season starts on September 27th, 2011 and ends on March 8th, 2012.

9. If my child does make the team, what group will they be in?
We base this on your child’s age and ability. We will not know the answer to this until after we have gone through tryouts and start sorting the kids into groups.

10. How do I register for Bluefish or Stripers?

You can register by invitation only. Please bring the letter that we send or give to you to suggesting your child for the group to the front desk when registering.

11. When are the Swim Team practices?

Please see the Practice Schedule page of this website.

12. What if my child can’t commit to all the practices?

Our program is a serious competitive program and we like to keep open and constant lines of communication between the swimmers and coaches. We also like our swimmers to be very well rounded. If you have to miss a practice, we just ask that you let your coach know by phone call, e-mail or simply by telling them. If you have to miss a series of practices, please discuss this with your coach in advance so they can provide you and your child with extra options or suggestions.

If you have other questions, please contact a member of the coaching staff.