Swim-Dive Team
Frequently Asked Questions
March 20, 2009

What is the difference between swimming & diving lessons and the swim-dive team?
1. Swim & Dive lessons are held 2 times per week for members who sign up for them. These are typically Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday at a time specified for your child’s age bracket. Please refer to the Swim/Dive Page for the appropriate times.
2. The swim-dive team has practice 4 to 5 times a week between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 pm. 
3. Typically swimmers and divers become more skilled by participating in the swim-dive team as they have more opportunity to practice and become competitive. The swim-dive team also provides the child with a sense of team spirit and commitment.

Are there swim-dive team tryouts?
1. All members are welcome to join the swim and dive team without trying out.

What are the commitments and expectations associated with being a RMSTC swim-dive team member?
1. Review Swimmer and Diver’s Code of Conduct and Expectations (also found in the RMSTC Member Handbook)
2. Practices are Monday – Friday mornings with the exception of swim meet days. Members can go to the Swim/Dive Page to see the appropriate time for your age bracket.
3. There are 6-8 either home or away swim-dive meets that members are expected to participate in. Travel to away meet is required.
4. Swimmers-Divers are expected to participate in the entire meet. Many hours go into planning each meet and an unplanned absence or a swimmer who leaves early could mean a forfeit of a race for the team.
5. RMSTC understands that summer time is family time. Participation in the team does not in any way preclude a family from being away and missing a meet or practice(s). The coaches require however that notice is provided to them when a team member will not be at practice or a meet.

What are the commitments associated with being a swim-dive team parent?
1. Review Parent’s Code of Conduct and Expectations (also found in the RMSTC Member Handbook)
2. Attend team member & parent meeting(s) scheduled by Swim-Dive Coaches.
3. Ensure children are at practices and meets, ready to swim-dive. Travel to away meet is required.
4. Volunteerism helps the team succeed. Parents are encouraged to assist during a minimum of 2 swim meets per season. Sign up to help! It is a fun way to meet people and have the meets move quickly.

What equipment is required?
1. It is expected that the swimmers and divers will be attired in the RMSTC swim suit. Swim wear can be ordered when members sign up for the swim-dive team. Goggles and swim cap (long haired boys and girls) are required.
2. RMSTC apparel can be purchased directly through the web site at designated times of the year. Emails are sent to members letting them know when apparel maybe ordered.

How long are the meets?
1. Most swim-dive meets typically start around 3:00 pm for warm ups and end around 6:00 pm.

How do the swimmers-divers get to the away meets?
1. Parents drive the children to the meets. Many children carpool together.

What if I cannot drive my child to a meet?
1. There are over 100 RMSTC swimmers and divers who attend the meets. Many children carpool together.

Why does it matter if my child does not show up for a meet when she/he says she/he will? 
1. The RMSTC coaches and volunteers spend considerable time putting together the swim meet and appropriate heats for all swimmers. 
2. If your child does not attend the meet and does not inform the coach that he/she will not be there they are taking away an opportunity for another child to swim and potentially eliminating the club from swimming in certain relays. This impacts the point structure for the club to win its meet.

Why does it matter if my child leaves early from a swim-dive meet?
1. The RMSTC coaches and volunteers spend considerable time putting together the swim meet and appropriate heats for all swimmers. 
2. If your child leaves early and did not inform the coach in advance that he/she had to leave early, they are taking away an opportunity for another child to swim and potentially eliminating the club from swimming in certain relays. This impacts the point structure for the club to win its meet.

How can parents help/volunteer?
1. The RMSTC has 6-8 swim meets where timers, ribbon writers, runners, etc. are required. 
2. Parents are required to volunteer 2 times per year at either the home or away swim-dive meets.
3. Parents can volunteer at the meets, help out during the pasta suppers or other fund raising activities.

Why should parents volunteer?
1. RMSTC is a member owned and managed club.
2. Swim-dive meets and other activities cannot be conducted with out parental assistance.

What is the difference in the Championship Meets?
1. There are 4 different championships for the swim-dive team.
A. 6 and Under Championship: This is the only championships for swimmers age 6 and under. It is typically held on a weekday afternoon, and is followed by an awards ceremony and ice cream social.
B. B Championship: This meet is typically for the less experienced swimmers. It is held the 1st Saturday in August. The coaches will make the final decision on whether swimmers will swim in A or B Championships. The parents will be informed ahead of time.
C. A Championship: This is held the second Saturday in August at Cederdale Swim and Tennis Club. The coaches will make the final decision on whether swimmers will swim in A or B Championships. The parents will be informed ahead of time.
D. Dive Championship: This is typically held at Cederdale Swim and Tennis Club on the 2nd Thursday in August. All divers are encouraged to attend! In 2008, RMSTC was one diver short of winning first place!

Is there a Banquet? Where? When?
1. RMSTC typically hosts a Team Banquet for the Swim-Dive and Tennis Teams the 2nd Sunday in August at RMSTC. It is a lot of fun and team members and their families are encouraged to attend.
2. Awards, trophies and recognition for the team members are provided.
3. It also consists of music, food and refreshments.