FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is WEST?
Wichita Falls Elite Swim Team (WEST) is a year-round competitive swim team focusing on children ages 6-18. We are an independent parent-run, non-profit corporation and a member of USA Swimming. It is the goal of WEST Swim Team to offer age specific training for all of our athletes geared towards challenging and developing each individual to the best of THEIR abilities in a safe competitive swim environment.
How does my child start swimming with WEST?
Swimmers new to WEST must successfully complete a tryout. All swimmers must be at least 6 years of age and be able to:
- Swim 25 yards unassisted Freestyle
- Swim 25 yards unassisted Backstroke
- Jump from the side and safely swim in the deep end
- Listen and follow directions
- Focus for 35 minutes
Tryouts are held three times during the year: August, December and May. Registration is open for new swimmers in August, January and May. Send an e-mail to [email protected] if you are interested in tryouts.
What will happen after the tryout?
Parents will be notified upon completion of the tryout period via email regarding the results of the tryout. The coach will also set up an account for you on westswim.org
What happens if my child makes the team and we decide to join WEST?
Parents will receive a detailed email explaining the WEST online registration process. New swimmers must:
- update your account on westswim.org
- set up billing on westswim.org
- register with USA swim, the coach will send you a link ($88 annual fee paid on the USA swim website)
- join the Boys and Girls Club, the coach will e-mail you a form ($12 annual fee invoiced on your WEST bill)
- pay the $40 yearly WEST registration fee (invoiced on your WEST bill)
WEST registration fee covers 2 home meets per year, swim parties, and 2 t-shirts per year for the swimmer
I see three practice groups, which group will my child swim with?
Check out our "Swim Groups" tab for an explanation of each group, and the promotion guidelines. Most swimmers without prior team experience start in our RED Group.
What equipment will my child need for swim team?
Click on the "Equipment" menu under "Team Gear" for a list of required equipment for each practice group.
What does WEST cost?
WEST has three practice groups: RED, WHITE, and BLUE. RED Group is $50 per month, WHITE Group is $70 per month and the BLUE Group is $80 per month. There is also an annual registration fee that includes the USA Swimming Annual Membership, entry in our two (2) local home meets, two (2) WEST t-shirts (Fall Team and Spring "Themed") and our End-Of-Year Party. We offer team merchandise (swim caps, suits, etc.) but these items are not mandatory.
What is WEST's late fee policy?
We will charge $25 late fee if your account has an outstanding balance as of the 10th of the month. You will receive an email when the automatic payment on the 1st of the month fails, and you are responsible to update the payment information and manually make a payment by the 10th.
Does my child have to come to every practice?
No. WEST does not have a minimum practice requirement. However, we have found that it is best for RED Group swimmers to attend at least twice a week so they can continue to improve and not miss too much of the stroke progressions. WHITE group swimmers benefit most when they are coming at least twice a week. BLUE swimmers are asked to come at least three times per week to maintain a basic fitness and skill level.
Does a parent or guardian have to stay at the pool during practices?
No. You might enjoy visiting with other parents and watching your child progress from the stands, but you are not required to stay. Per USA Swimming guidelines, parents are not allowed on the pool deck during practices.
What are WEST’s bathroom/locker room policies?
For the safety of our swimmers, only swimmers and coaches are allowed in the bathrooms and locker rooms at the Boys and Girls Club. However, there are restrooms at the entrance of the pool available for parents and siblings. At the North Texas Rehab Center children under the age of 18 must use the individual restroom adjoining the pool, the locker rooms are for adults only.
What do I have to do when my child needs to leave the team (permanently OR temporarily due to conflicts with other sports or other family conditions, etc)?
** Please be advised that it is possible that your child could lose his/her spot in the roster group during the absence, as the coaches may fill the spot with another current and eligible swimmer. Thank you for understanding.**
What do I have to do when my child wants to RETURN to swim?
Once we receive the email, coaches will notify you if a spot is available in your child's roster group.
When are swim meets?
WEST usually hosts a local intra-squad meet in the fall and in the spring. Dates will be announced once they are finalized. WEST also attends meets in the Oklahoma City and DFW areas. These meets are announced once they are posted by the hosting teams, which can be several months or only a few weeks before the meet.
When are practices?
Please refer to our “Schedule & Pricing” page on our website for current information:
Does WEST have a bully and media policy?
Yes. It’s available on our website:
Can I see the WEST by-laws?
Yes. They are available on our website:
What is WEST's mailing address?
WEST Swim Team
PO Box 9888
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
