Mini-Viperfish Program - Frequently Ask Questions:

  • What is the Mini-Viperfish Program? The Mini-Viperfish is an introductory program for future swim team members.  The program focuses on basic stroke development.  Swimmers in this program are not yet ready for a traditional swim team practice but are progressing towards that goal.  We hope the Mini-Viperfish program is a positive and fun experience for all.  Our goal is to foster an excitement for swimming, motivate our young swimmers to work on and improve their strokes, and engage new families, all while proactively developing our next season of competitive swimmers. 
  • Are Mini-Viperfish members of the Loudoun Valley Viperfish Swim Team? Yes, the Mini-Viperfish are the youngest members of the Loudoun Valley Viperfish Swim Team.  They are invited to all age-appropriate social activities and are recognized at the end-of-season banquet along with other team members of all ages.  Mini-Viperfish parents will receive the same email updates as all team members, even though some of these updates will pertain only to older swimmers.  
  • Does the program require any prior swimming experience? Yes.  Mini-Viperfish is NOT an introductory swim lesson program.  Swimmers interested in the Minis should have taken prior swim lessons and have an interest in joining the Loudoun Valley Viperfish in the next season.  Mini-Viperfish should be able to: 
    • Submerge completely for 5-10 seconds
    • Float on front or back for 5-10 seconds unassisted in 5 feet of water
    • Swim at least 10-15 feet (approx. half pool length) freestyle or backstroke unassisted in 4 feet of water
    • Be comfortable in the water without a parent nearby
    • Be comfortable in  a group instruction environment and have necessary listening skills to be coachable
    • Be fully potty trained
    • Note: Evaluations will be conducted during the first week of practice to make sure new swimmers meet these requirements.
  • When are practices? Mini-Viperfish practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings.  Specific practice times will be announced by first week of May under the Schedule tab.   
  • Are all practices mandatory? Swimmers will see the most improvement from consistent practice and training.  While the coaches recommend attending as many practices as possible, it is understood that summer is filled with other commitments and family vacations.  Please communicate extended absences in advance to the coaching staff. 
  • Are Mini-Viperfish practices the same as swim lessons? In most cases, the primary purpose of swim lessons is to teach swimmers how to be safe in the water and become just efficient enough to be able to survive in a life-threatening situation.  With a swim team, swimmers learn to become strong, efficient swimmers by repeatedly practicing and correcting stroke technique and specific skills necessary to gain efficiency in the water.  Mini-Viperfish practices will focus on the competitive swim strokes and coaches will teach proper form and technique.  There will be coaches in the water working with swimmers. Please respect the process and do not intervene during practice, even if your child is crying.  The coaching staff will request your help if the feel it is needed.  For safety reasons, please hold any questions for the coaches until after practice or by email. 
  • Do Mini-Viperfish ever swim at big Viperfish practices?  Depending on ability, Mini-Viperfish swimmers may be invited by Coach Jasmine to 'graduate' from Mini-Viperfish and attend big Viperfish practices and/or swim in a Viperfish season meet. 
  • Can siblings use the pool or baby pool during morning practices?  NO, children are not permitted to use the pool, baby pool, or water features during morning swim practices.  Swimmers may only be in the pool during their designated practice times and are asked to leave the pool area when their practice is complete.  This is important for maintaining safety and to allow the Coaches to focus on the swimmers attending practice.  
  • How will I know if practice is cancelled?  If practice is canceled due to weather conditions, we will send out an email and text notification to all member families as quickly as possible.  Sometimes, weather conditions worsen after practice has started and the decision to cancel practice is made midway through. 
  • Will the Mini-Viperfish have a Meet? Yes, Minis have one 'fun meet' during their last week of practice.  They can compete in 25 freestyle, 25 backstroke and 25 kickboard (with coaches in the water for safety).  The date of the meet will be communicated in advance and published on our swim team calendar. 
  • What is the parent volunteer commitment? Mini-Viperfish parents are not required to fulfill the same volunteer hours as big team parents.  However, we do anticipate needing some assistance from Mini-Viperfish parents during the season.  This requirement will be finalized after registration is complete and communicated to parents, as early as during the parents meeting or a few weeks before the last week of practice.