New Swimmers FAQ
Thank you for your interest in the Carrollton Aqua Racers. We've tried to cover all of the common questions we've received from new team members. You can also review the team handbook for more detailed information about team rules and procedures. Don't hesitate to email or call if you have more questions.Who are the Carrollton Aqua Racers?
The Carrollton Aqua Racers Swim Team is a self-sufficient, non-profit organization, participating with the cooperation of the City of Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department in the State-wide Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) program.What are the requirements for tryouts?
The only requirement is that the swimmer can swim 25 yards without holding on to the sides and shows no fear of the water. The swimmer does not need to know any of the strokes. There is no minimum age requirement, but the youngest age group for competetion is 8 & Under.When and where will tryouts be held for new swimmers?
Tryouts for new swimmers will be held on May 3rd/4th from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at The Colony Aquatics Park located at 5580 North Colony Boulevard, The Colony, Texas. The pool is located indoors. No appointment is necessary. Aqua Racers coaches and volunteers will be at the pool.Do I need to register before I tryout?
No, but it will save you time at the pool. If you want to pay with credit card you must register online. Please bring a copy of your swimmers' birth certificate.How much does it cost?
Team Registration: $125 for initial family member (discounts for additional family members)Refundable Volunteer Deposit: $25 per family (see below)
Team Swim Suit / Cap / Goggles: $50 (approximately)
Admittance to meets: usually $2 per person (including swimmers)
Swimming all summer... priceless (couldn't resist)
Do I have to register online?
No, you can register and pay by check or cash during tryouts. To pay with credit card you must register online.Is a team swim suit required?
No, you do not have to purchase a team swim suit. But girls should wear one piece suits and boys should not wear baggy shorts. Team swim suits can be purchased at Kiefer in Plano (store info)How are swim practice groups structured?
Group practice sessions are based on the age of swimmers. Swim groups include the following ages: 8 years and under, 9-10 years, 11-12 years and 13 years and older. During evening practices, younger swimmers swim during the early session with progressively older swimmers practicing in the later sessions. Morning practices are held with the older swimmers first, followed by successively younger swimmers.When is practice?
2010 Practice begins Monday, May 10th in the evenings at The Colony Aquatic Park (map). Practice sessions will be moved to the Rosemeade Pool (map) beginning Monday, May 17th. Evening practices will continue through the second week of June, with morning practices beginning June 15th. Practices for all swimmers will continue through mid July. For those competing in the Region A or B meets and the state meet, practices will extend through the first week of August. The swim practice schedule for May has been posted hereSchedule subject to change, last updated for first week of 2009 season, check front page
When are the swim meets?
Swim meets are Saturday mornings or Friday nights from late May - July. View the complete schedule.Learn more about swim meets.
What are the regional meets?
After the regular season swim meets swimmers with qualifying times can compete in the "A" Regional swim meet. The top finishers from the "A" Regional swim meet qualify to participate in the state swim meet. Swimmers that do not qualify for the "A" Regional meet can swim in the "B" Regional meet. Read more about regional meets in the team handbook.Wow, that's a lot of swimming. What about vacation and all our other summer plans?
Most of the swimmers have other activities also. You can decide how much you want to get out of the swim season. Please see the handbook for a few restrictions about participating in the A Regional swim meet and relay teams.Do I have to live in Carrollton to join the team?
No, there is not a residency requirement to join the team.If I swim for another team can I still swim with the Aqua Racers?
To compete in T.A.A.F. swim meets, swimmers must not have participated with, trained with or competed with, any organized or unorganized swim program between January 1 and April 30, 2010. T.A.A.F. rules do allow swim training and clinic sessions twice per month during January through March, and no more than 90 minutes per week in April.What is the Volunteer Deposit?
Carrollton hosts two swim meets each year. It takes about 80 volunteers (working 1/2 sessions) to have a well organized swim meet. In past seasons we have struggled at times finding enough volunteers. The goal of the deposit is to encourage each family to provide one volunteer to work two sessions. We will try to accommodate your preference for time/job when possible. For those families that provide a volunteer they will receive their deposit back at the end of year swim party or can carry it forward to the next season.Read more about being a volunteer.
How do I register?
You can register online, at open registration days, or at most practices. See the schedule for the exact dates and times. To pay with credit card you must register online. Please bring a copy of your swimmer's birth certificate.More Questions? Please email us.
