Session 1 will begins in September and ends at Fall Break.
Regionals will be on January 22 (high school) and 23 (middle school). These dates are not confirmed.
State in Knoxville (high school) February 4-6
What are Sessions? The season is broken up into 3 Sessions.
Session 1 is open to anyone who can swim 25 meters/yards. This a great opportunity to test out swimming as a sport. If you are a returning swimmer, Session 1 is perfect for conditioning and getting ready for the season.
Session 2 is open to swimmers who wish to continue on to the competitive season. Training ramps up in both distance and intensity. Swim meets are held against other teams. We focus on refining strokes and finetuning skills.
Session 3 is by coach invitation. Session 3 is our championship session. Session 3 focuses on preparation for the championship meets at the Regional level (high school and middle school) and the State level (high school).
When are tryouts?
Tryouts for Session 2 are on the calendar.
Tryouts? How do I make the team?
High school swimmers must be comfortable in the water and able to swim at least four lengths of the pool without stopping.
Tryouts will be coach driven meaning coaches may ask athletes to perform skills not listed here. Athletes will be expected to be able to legally swim 2 strokes including freestyle, complete a dive from the blocks, and complete a flip turn.
What is the practice/meet schedule?
See the calendar for practice times and meets.
Do I have to swim in meets?
Yes. Part of being a team means competing with the team - We understand your first meet is hard but we know you can do it!
Swimming is not my primary sport - I'm just looking for offseason training.
Perfect. You won't find a better sport for getting fit with minimal risk of injury
My sport/activity doesn't end until ____?
You may be able to join the swim team when your sport/musical/concert is over. We can chat about it.
I am a year round swimmer. Can I still swim on the team?
YES! Year round swimmers are welcome to join the swim team. Year round swimmers will not regularly practice with the team and therefore do not use all the team resources. As a result, year round swimmers pay a discounted fee. Read more about the qualifications HERE
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Communication: The team, parents, and coaches use the GroupMe app as our primary form of communication. High school swimmers will receive a link to sign up for their school's GroupMe
Meets: Meet sign ups are available 1 week before the meet. Coaching staff will determine meet entries. All swimmers are expected to attend meets, regardless of their skill level.
Registration Before practicing, students must complete the online registration form found on your team's page.
Fees: There is a participation fee per session. See your team's page for fee instructions. Fees go towards pool rental, coaching, and meet fees. High school swimmers will also need a practice suit, goggles, fins, and snorkel.
Swimmers who are practicing with their club team (NAC, Ensworth, Excel) are eligible for a discounted rate. This rate is available only to swimmers in their club's Senior groups or middle school age group as determined by coaches. (SwimFit & other non-competitive or pre-competitive groups are not eligible).
Parent Participation Each team will need a parent to act as volunteer coordinator. Email us if you are interested. A sign up will be sent out to sign up for volunteering at meets. Each family must provide a volunteer for at least one meet.
The swim team relies on parent participation in a variety of ways. Each family is required to volunteer during the season. The team is required to provide at least four timers each meet (no experience required). The swimmers love snacks and gatorade at the meets. Some swimmers need rides to the meets and practices. Swimmers love treat bags before meets. Sponsors for t-shirts and team travel are needed. And I am sure there are 100 other ways parents can help make the swim season great! Please reach out to April via email if you are interested in sponsoring the team or have helpful ideas.
Is swimming a school sport? Yes and no. Swimming is not governed by TSSAA therefore some schools recognize swimming as a club rather than a school sport. Swimming is governed by Middle Tennessee High School Swim Association (MTHSSA), Tennessee Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (TISCA), and the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS). Some swim meets are sanctioned by USA Swimming and/or Southeastern Swimming. We do not receive any funding from MNPS because swimming is not considered a varsity school sport in MNPS.