Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about the swim team?  Don't know the difference between a Saturday "A" meet and a Monday "B" meet?  

The Swim Team Handbook is a fantastic resource that is likely to answer any question you may have.  We have also included a list of frequently asked questions below.

What’s the difference between the Mini Wildthings and the Regular Swim Team and how do I figure out which to sign up for?

The general rule of thumb, is that Regular Swim Team members must be able to comfortably swim at least one full lap without stopping and have the endurance to handle a 45 minute practice.  The Mini Wildthings are generally between 5 and 8 years-old (although there are no age restrictions) and must be able to swim approximately 10 meters without stopping and without assistance.

The biggest difference between the Mini Wildthings and the Regular Swim Team is the intensity of the practices.  At a Regular Swim Team practice, the swimmers will be asked to swim multiple laps (with breaks) unassisted by coaches.  The practices are focused on improving stroke technique and building strength and endurance through repetition and specific drills.  For this reason, the swimmer must be able to comfortably swim multiple laps in order to keep up.  While the Mini Wildthings may perform the same drills, the practices are less intense and require the swimmer to swim fewer laps.  Also, there are generally more coaches in the water to help out swimmers who may be tired or require more frequent stroke technique feedback.

Please keep in mind that Mini Wildthings may participate in Monday Developmental Meets (aka B meets) if they are capable and they are free to move up to the Regular Swim Team as soon as they are capable.  This can happen at any point during the season, so please do not feel like you are limiting your swimmer by registering them for the Minis.  If you have any doubt, we recommend you contact our coaches and schedule an evaluation.

 

I want to help out with the swim team, but I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to get started.  What should I do?

This is a very common reaction from new swim team families.  Swimming is unlike most sports and can be very confusing at first.  Luckily, we have a great resource in the Swim Team Handbook, which is available via the Documents tab.  It should answer most of your questions regarding volunteer requirements and the different jobs.  However, if you still have questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone on the Swim Committee – we are all happy to help.

 

It is unclear how the decisions are made for the A meet.  For example, I don’t understand why my child is no longer on the relay team.  Who should I speak to?

Many factors go into putting together the meet.  The Langley NVSL Reps meet each Tuesday evening with our coaching staff to review the latest ladder (a list of the fastest times for each stroke) and evaluate our upcoming opponent.  Our strengths and weaknesses are measured against our opponent and we look for any strategic advantage that can be gained.  The Team Handbook (available under the Documents tab) has a good overview of this process.  For more information on A meet selections or relay team selections, please speak with our NVSL Reps.

 

I’m confused about the volunteer requirements.  Who should I speak to?

The volunteer requirements are based on a few factors, including the number of swimmers you have and whether they swim meets or not.  For more information, please see the Volunteer Info page.  If you still have questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinators.

 

What is the difference between swim lessons and the swim team?

The swim team is not a “learn to swim” program.  The goal of the swim team is to improve stroke technique, build strength and endurance and improve the child’s swimming ability overall.  In contrast, swim lessons are intended to help a swimmer learn to swim.

 

Will the swim team coaches provide private lessons?

Yes, our swim team coaches are happy to provide private lessons to your child.  Please contact them directly for scheduling and pricing information.

 

I don’t understand the requirements of each stroke.  Where can I go to learn more?

Stroke requirements can be one the most confounding items for new swimmers and swim families.  Luckily, there are a lot of great resources available.  The Team Handbook (available under the Documents tab) has basic information on each stroke.  Additionally, you can reference the official NVSL documentation provided to Stroke and Turn Officials here (stroke requirements begin on page 6).  Finally, you can speak to any of the Langley coaches or officials.

 

I’m pretty sure my child earned a ribbon at the last meet.  Where should I go to find their ribbons?

Congratulations!  Each swimmer has a folder in the ribbon filing cabinet, which is stored under the main desk at the entrance of the pool.  Ribbons are usually available the day following the meet.  For more information on ribbons and how they are awarded, please refer to the Team Handbook (found under the Documents tab).

 

I’m interested in learning more about what a swim official does, who should I contact?

Thank you!  Our swim officials are one the most critical positions (you can’t have a meet without 6 of them) but they are also the most understaffed.  We can’t thank you enough for your interest.  We encourage you to attend a NVSL sponsored training class and to work with an experienced on deck.  There is no commitment necessary – we just encourage you to give it a shot.  For more information, please contact our officials coordinator.

 

I want to learn more about what my children are doing at practice, who should I contact?

Talking to your kids about what they do at practice is one of the best ways to help your child.  The coaching staff plans each practice – they know what skills they will be focusing on, what drills will be executed and how many sets the swimmers will do.  We encourage you to email or talk to a coach after practice to learn they did and why it was done.  Take this information home and start a dialog with your swimmer.  They will appreciate your interest and it will likely spark an interesting conversation!

 

My swimmer’s times are not appearing on the team website.  Should I be concerned?

Generally, swim times are posted the day following the swim meet.  However, on occasion it may take longer for the times to be posted.  For example, the times from Time Trials and the first B meet are not posted until after the first A meet roster is announced.  If you are experiencing problems or have other questions about the team website, please send an email to [email protected].

 

I have some special dietary restrictions, can they can be accommodated at social events and meets?

We will definitely make an effort to accommodate your restrictions.  We already do our best to provide gluten free and peanut free options.  If you have restrictions, please contact our Social chair and our Snack Bar leads.

 

I’m curious to learn more about the post season awards and how the recipients are selected, who should I contact?

The team gives out a variety of post season awards.  Some are based on a quantitative criteria (most improved) while others are more qualitative (coach’s awards).  The awards and the associated criteria are detailed on the website under Swim Team Info / Awards.

 

I’ve read this list of questions and the handbook, but I still can't find what I was looking for.  Is there someone who can help me?

Yes, the Swim Committee will be happy to help you.  You can contact anyone on the committee directly or send an email to [email protected]