Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I let you know if my swimmer will not be at practice.
A: No. Many swimmers miss practices for various reasons during the season. There is no need to let us know that your swimmer will miss practice.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to let us know if your swimmer is signed up for a meet but will not attend for some reason. It can take several hours to put together the relay teams for the meets, even with the assistance of the meet software.
The absence of a swimmer that is signed up for a meet but then does not show up and does not let us know causes a lot of stress as we scramble to find someone to fill the position. When we cannot find a substitute, we have to scratch. So please let us know:
- when you cannot attend a meet
- if you cannot make it to a meet that you are signed up for
Q: Can my swimmer swim in a different age group at practice?
A: Yes, swimmers may swim up or down an age group in practice. The only limitation is that there should not be a huge difference in ability. Please check with the coaches first to make sure it's okay. After that, no need to inform us. Just show up and swim as usual. However, ALL SWIMMERS should come to their proper age group practice on meet days. All swimmers need to practice their assigned relay teams and do their assigned strokes for relay teams.
Q: What if my swimmer wants to give up swim team after the first few days?
A: PLEASE PLEASE let us know if your swimmer is not enjoying swim team. We will do everything possible to make sure that your swimmer has a positive experience and has a successful swim season. Solutions include moving down an age group, pulling a swimmer out for one-on-one instruction on certain skills, or otherwise modifying the swimmer's schedule. We will find a way to make swim team a great experience for your swimmer.
Q: Can I ask the coaches to give my swimmer private lessons?
A: Yes. Many coaches and youth swim coaches are happy to give private lessons. Please ask them directly. The rates are set between the parents and the coach. However, the coach OR the swimmer needs to be a resident of Kedron Hills to use the pool for lessons. If neither the coach nor the swimmer is a Kedron Hills, let us know and we will arrange for you to be the guest of a Kedron Hills resident during the lesson. The parent/guardian of the child MUST be present at all times.
Q: What should my swimmer's goals be for the season?
A: Swimming, especially Summer League, is all about improving as a swimmer and cutting time off their stroke times. You will be able to compare your swimmer's times via the Swimtopia website or APP. Swimmers SHOULD NOT compare themselves to other swimmers, whether on the same team or in the next lane at the meets. All comparisons should be on their individual times.
Q: How do I know if my child should swim with the Guppy Program?
A: If your child cannot swim across the pool unassisted, then you can sign them up for the Guppy Program. Guppy Program should be potty-trained and able to follow directions. Many of our junior swimmers learn to swim mid-season and then join the 6U group for practices and to swim in meets.
Q: My coach wants me to swim up an age group. Is this okay?
A: Yes, your swimmer may be asked to swim up an age group. However, at times your swimmer may be asked to step in and fill a spot in an older age group relay.
Q: How long is the average swim meet?
A: The average swim meet lasts 3- 3 ½ hours. This is contingent upon factors such as weather, size of the teams, and general flow of the meet. All meets begin at 5:30 PM. It is very important that your child be at the warm-up period prior to the meet. You should arrive 15 minutes prior to the warm-up period.
Q: My child is swimming in a relay – what does that mean?
A: It means that 3 other children are depending on them to complete an event that is either in the beginning or end of the meet, depending on their age. If you are trying to determine when your child’s last event is, you can gauge the time-frame accordingly. PLEASE DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHILD HOME BEFORE THEY SWIM IN THEIR RELAY. If a child leaves a meet early and causes a relay to be cancelled, he/she will not be entered in a relay the next meet.
Q: What’s the inclement weather policy?
A: We do swim in the rain for practices and for swim meets. We however DO NOT swim when there is thunder or lightening. There have been days where the 9am practice is cancelled only. But the 10am and 11am practice happen. Practice updates are communicated via email and the Swimtopia App.
If the weather is threatening late in the afternoon of a scheduled meet, check your email/notifications for instructions. Unless a meet is cancelled via Swimtopia App or email, plan to go to meet as scheduled. Weather can vary from North Fayette County to South Fayette County. If a meet is interrupted because of inclement weather, please stay in the area until the meet is resumed or “called." DO NOT GO HOME UNTIL YOU HAVE THE OFFICIAL WORD ON THE STATUS OF THE MEET. We will delay the meet until the storm passes. Keep in mind that a lot of summer storms can pass by quickly. We will try our best to get the meet in on its scheduled night. Usually swim meets are not made up.
