Practices

2011 Settlers Landing Sharks
Swim Team Practice Schedule

Team practices are held Monday through Friday, except for the day after a meet.  We hold a ribbon ceremony the morning following a meet, but no practice.

Tuesday, May 31 through Friday, June 17

Monday, June 20 through end of season

EVENING PRACTICES:

Please make every effort to make the morning practices, but if you cannot due to VBS events, job requirements, day-care, etc… we will have regular evening practices on Monday, Wedsnesday, and Thursday beginning on June 20.  You must sign up on the board by the snack shack at the pool to attend.

Mon, Weds, and Thurs  6:00 – 6:30 PM   Mini-Mites and Mites

6:30 – 7:00 PM  Midgets, Juniors, Intermediates, Seniors

MINIMUM SWIMMING REQUIREMENTS:

Every swimmer must be able to swim 3/4 of the 25-meter pool unassisted (with the exception of 6 and younger).  If you are unsure of your child’s ability/interest, your child is welcome to try out the team for the first week of practice on a trial basis for free.  Please come to the pool during practice hours (May 31 -June 3).  We will also need a signed waiver from the parent (download the Settlers Landing Registration Form from this website).   The coaches will be glad to assist you.

JUNIOR SHARKS PROGRAM:

The Junior Sharks is a 3 week program intended to instruct younger swimmers lacking the stroke skills needed to be a Mini-Mite.  They are not non-swimmers, but Mini-mites that need a few extra weeks of small group instruction.  The program will begin on June 1st and end on June 16th.  When practices switch to the morning, Junior Sharks should be ready and will be expected to practicd with the Mini-Mites.

A Junior Shark is a swimmer who is:

- Confident in and familiar with the water

- Can swim with little to no assistance but needs some extra individualized instruction

- Can listen to instructions

- Be ready to join the Mini-Mites by June 20th and eventually compete in meets

- 6 years old or under (some exceptions for swimmers 7-8 years of age)

WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS FOR SWIM PRACTICE AND MEETS:

A swimsuit, goggles and a towel are needed for practice.  Swimmers are welcome to wear a swim cap at practice if they prefer.  In addition, it is necessary for your child to bring a positive attitude and good listening skills to practice.  The pool can be a dangerous place, and swimmers must listen to their coaches to avoid accidents.  Practice is a fun time- encourage your swimmer to meet his/her fellow teammates and to enjoy the time he/she spends practicing!

For meets, it is recommended that each swimmer wears an official team swimsuit. Team suits are available at Disco Sports, 1400 Starling Drive, Richmond, VA 23229  (In the West End, across from Regency Mall)  Phone: 285-4242.  Swimmers should also wear a swim cap during meets, and bring goggles and a towel.  You should receive a Settlers Landing swim cap when you register for swim team.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT:

Swim team isn’t only for your child- it’s for you too! Practices and meets are perfect times to watch your child progress and improve, and to socialize with other swim team parents.  The best way to enjoy your swim team experience is to volunteer at the meets.  Volunteering is an easy way to truly learn about what your child is involved in, and there are plenty of ways to get involved.  We need all parents to help at the home meets.  Check on the Volunteers page of this website, or just ask either Joanna Nee (Swim Team Rep) or Jules Purisima (volunteer coordinator).   Also, feel free to come watch your child practice, and attend the ribbon ceremony the morning after every swim meet!