Join the Team

Dear Prospective Member,

All newcomers wishing to join the age group program must first attend a swimmer assessment before they can enroll with the Comets swim team (see calendar for the date of the next assessment -normally held once a month). Our assessments are intended to evaluate whether a child is prepared to participate in a competitive swimming program or must first complete swimming lessons. Swimmers between the ages of 7 and 18 are invited to attend. The swimmer belonging to a swim team in the past must still perform the assessment in order to be properly placed into one of our training groups. Swimmers intending to transfer from another team are encouraged to arrange a meeting with the head coach.

The primary pre-requisite to join the team is that swimmers demonstrate they can properly swim all four competitive strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. If they do not know how to perform all four competitive swim strokes, under no circumstances will they be admitted to the team. Swimmers who do not know one or all of the strokes will be advised to seek swim lessons with the Red Cross Learn to Swim Program (we recommend they reach level 5) or seek the services of a knowledgeable, private instructor. Please be aware that our assessment is designed to evaluate the child for entry into the Comets community swim team and not the Red Cross Learn to Swim Program.

We congratulate you on your decision to have your child become a part of a swimming program. Having your child on a swim team will be an endeavor that is sure to bring sustained fitness, health, and life-long enjoyment to your child. We believe that the habits, skills, and traits they develop will be assets to them throughout their life.

Parents: Please print the following form and bring with you on the date of the assessment.

Why have an Assessment?

Our assessments exist primarily to identify swimmers that exhibit a level of preparedness for the rigor and responsibility of being on a competitive swim team. Swimming demands a high level of commitment in order to be successful. Therefore, our assessments ensure that swimmers without the basic skills do not find themselves frustrated, unmotivated, and ultimately disappointed with the sport because they have not had some form of preliminary training.

What's Involved?

Once your child is placed into one of our training groups attendance at every practice is not mandatory, but highly expected. Each training group practice between five to ten times a week depending on the group. Swimmers are expected to compete in at least one competition per month. Meets are usually four hours long and held on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Warm-up is usually at 7:00 a.m and the meet will begin approximately 1 and 1/2 hours later.

More Info...

Prospective swimmers should check our Tips for Swimmers page to learn how to pass the assessment the first time. If you have any questions, please check the Parent FAQ for more details.