FAQ's
Q.- What are the requirements to be on the team?
A.- To be eligible for the swim team your child must either live in West Springfield or attend a school in West Springfield.
Q.- My child has never swam competitively. Can he/she still join the team?
A.- Yes. Your child does not have to be a proficient swimmer to join the team. However, for safety reasons, children under 8 years of age should be able to swim one length of the pool (25 yards). Children 9 and over should be able to swim two lengths of the pool (50 yards). Practices are not intended to be swim lessons. If your child is not completely comfortable at swimming then we ask that you take swim lessons first. Instruction on the proper techniques for competitive swimming will be provided. All new swimmers will be asked to take a swim test to demonstrate the basic swim requirement outlined above.
Q.- My child is not certain if swimming is for him/her. If I sign up tonight, do I have to pay a fee?
A.- No.The first two weeks of the season are designed as a "feeling out" period for your child to see if competitive swimming is for him/her. No fees are due until after this period.
Q.- If we decide to stay, how much will it cost to join the team?
A.- Fees for the winter session are $100 for the first child in the family, $95 for the second, $90 for the third, and free for each additional child. Checks should be made payable to West Springfield Torpedoes. If you cannot afford the fees, waivers are available at the Recreation Department. This information is kept strictly confidential between the Board President and the Recreation Department. If payment/waiver is not received by two weeks after the open swim trials, your child will be suspended from practice and meets until such payment is made.
Q.- How long is the season?
A.- The Winter season typically runs from October through January. Meets begin in November. Meets will typically be Saturday mornings. Spring season is April - July and meets begin in June and run through July. Meets are typically held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Q.- What kind of equipment does my child need?
A.- Our swimmers are not required to have a particular suit, however there will be a team style swim suit available to order the first two weeks of practice. Swim caps are given to all members as they sign up. Replacement caps are available for $3.00. A popular type of goggles is the Tyr Technoflex, which are available at West Side Sports.
Q.- Who are the coaches?
A.- Please visit the About Us Link on the website and select "coaches" from menu.
Q.- What about pool safety?
A.- The coaches and Board take safety very seriously. A lifeguard is present at every practice and meets. In addition, our safety rules are strictly enforced. If a child's behavior disrupts practice, he will be first spoken to. If it continues, then the child will be timed out on the bleachers, then returned to the pool. If the behavior persists, the parent will be notified and the Board may implement further measures.
Q.- When does the team practice?
A.- The team practices on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the Sady Pool at West Springfield High School. Practices are between 5:45pm and 8:45pm. Times depend upon the level you are in. Swimmers are assigned to the appropriate practice, at the coach's discretion, based on ability. It is important to arrive 10 - 15 minutes prior to the start of practice in order to be ready to swim at the top of the hour.
Q.- Does my child have to attend every practice?
A.- In order to be eligible to swim in the weekly meet, your child must attend at least two practices per week. Swimming improves with conditioning and practice. The more practices attended, the better your child's swimming will become.
Q.- What if I have a question during practice?
A.- There is a board member on deck at every practice to answer your questions. If they cannot answer your question, they will find out and get back to you. You will become familiar with them. They sit at the table near the door. The coach will be available before and after each practice. Please do not disturb the coaches during practice.