FAQs
Are all practices and meets required?
Swimmers are strongly encourged to attend all practices that they are able to attend. However, we know that summer can get very busy with different activities. Come as much as you can to the practices and meets, but if you have to miss for a good reason, that is understandable!
Keep in mind that the best way to improve is to regularly attend practices and meets!
Driver's Ed students - talk with the coach to look at ways to work around your practice schedule.
How do I sign up for meets?
When you register, you will have an account linked to the registration for your swimmer(s).
From the team website (www.harlanswimteam.com), click the Swim Portal link
Login to the same account you used to register for the season
Under the Harlan Swim Team heading, you will see a menu option to VIEW MEETS - click that option
For the meet listed, choose Attending or Not Attending
Make sure to click SAVE when done!
How far will I have to swim?
In a meet, ages 10 & under will swim one width of the pool (25 yards) in each race. Ages 11 & up swim 2 lengths or 50 yards. In order to be on the swim team, a swimmer must be able to make it across the pool unassisted before sign up. However, if this is not complied with by the end of the first day, if the child is unable to swim the appropriate length, they will be dismissed.. With that being said, during an entire practice, we swim numerous times across the pool.
What volunteering do I have to do?
You will need to volunteer at 3 meets, or forfeit your $100 deposit. You can buy-out your volunteer requirement by paying $100 at registration.
What equipment do I need?
Or course, a swimsuit and a towel are needed at practices and meets. Swimmers should have goggles to be able to see while swimming. No certain suit is needed, but girls often have a one-piece competition swim suit and boys ofter wear a jammer suit.
Do I have to order team apparel?
No, but we do offer team apparel for swimmers and families. Once the orders close, we usually can't reorder, so make sure you buy when you have the chance if you want clothing.
How can parents help?
We always need help at meets! Parents can help by timing, recording times after races, picking the finishes of the races, bringing drinks to workers, lining up swimmers, writing ribbons, or helping to record the official results of the meet at the scorer's table. Volunteer opportunities will be shared throughout the season.
Do I have to swim at meets?
It is encourged. Meets are not mandatory, but they are a great way to track improvment and provide motivation to get better throughout the season. Swimmers must attend at least 2 meets to be eligible for the conference swim meet.