FAQ
Southampton Hurricanes Swim Team
Frequently Asked Questions
-What is the Southampton Swim team? The Southampton Swim Team exists to provide an opportunity for children in our community to be active during the summer. During the months of May & June, we have daily practices and/or swim meets where we compete against other Charlotte area swim teams. We are not a substitute for swim lessons, as children must be able to swim unassisted and older swimmers should have at least a basic knowledge of the four strokes to participate on the team. If your child is in need of lessons, please reach out and we can put you in contact with someone who can provide private lessons.
-What are the time requirements for swimmers? Daily practices begin Monday, May 12. Practice times are divided by age group (see this years’ times at bottom of this document). Practices are held in the afternoon while school is in session, and move to mornings once school is out. Swim Meets begin the first week of June and are held on Monday & Thursday nights (arrival time is usually 5 or 5:30 and meets begin at 6). Swim meets usually conclude around 9 or 10pm.
-What is the cost for swim team? This year, the cost for in-neighborhood swimmers is $115 for the first swimmer/ $100 per additional swimmer. Out-of-neighborhood swimmers are $135 for the first swimmer/ $120 per additional swimmer. There is also a $3.30 per athlete technology fee charged by SwimTopia at the time of registration.
-My child is a beginner swimmer, can they still join? Please know, that swim team is not a substitute for swim lessons. Therefore, swimmers must be comfortable in the water and able to swim unassisted. A basic knowledge of the four strokes is necessary for older children (10 and up). We will have swimming assessments for new swimmers on Monday, May 12 to be sure the coaches are comfortable with your child’s current level of comfort in the water. If it is determined that your child is not ready for this season, we can refund your registration. If you have questions, please reach out!
-What if I can’t make it to all the practices because of other activities? Not a problem! But keep in mind that swimmers will progress more quickly the more often they are at practice.
-I have vacation plans in June, is that going to be a problem? Not at all! Please update your swimmer’s availability in SwimTopia so the coaches are prepared for the meets
-What time do I need to be at the swim meets and how long do they run? Swim meets start at 6:00pm. Away meet arrival is usually 5:30pm and home meet arrival is 5:00pm. Meets usually run until 9:00pm but can vary depending on weather and size of opponent’s team
-Are there any parent/guardian obligations? We require each family to volunteer for at least two (2) full meets or four (4) half meets.
-Are there uniform requirements for swim meets? Basic requirements for meets include a solid black swimsuit and a solid black swim cap if they choose to wear one. There are team suits and caps available for purchase but are not required.
-My child would like to only participate in the swim practices, not the meets. Is that ok? We understand that meets can seem overwhelming for kids! Oftentimes, kids become interested in competing a few meets into the season. However, please keep in mind that we cap our registration, and a child that does not plan to swim in any meets may be taking the place of a swimmer that would like to participate.
-Are my children able to play in the pool during the swim meets? No, during swim meets all swimmers (and non-swimmers) must stay out of the pool and slide area when they are not competing.
-Can I drop off my children at practice? We ask that a parent or other designated adult be present for practices and swim meets for all children 10 & under. 11 & up swimmers are able to attend practice on their own. However, swimmers must be picked up promptly after practice. Please respect our coaches’ time!
-When is the last day to order swim team apparel? The last day to order swim team apparel through our SwimTopia site is April 15 (or at time of registration) to be included in our group order free shipping and guaranteed delivery before meets start. Additional apparel may be ordered directly though Kiefer swim, but shipping fees will apply. Please contact [email protected] for information on ordering.
-What are the practice times?
May 12- June 10 PRACTICE TIMES
5:00-5:30 pm Shrimps
5:30-6:30 pm Ages 7/8 and 9/10
6:30-7:30 pm Ages 11 +
June 11-June 23 PRACTICE TIMES
8:00-8:30 am Shrimps
8:30-9:30 am Ages 7/8 and 9/10
9:30-10:30 am Ages 11+
