How much does it cost for my child to swim with the Piranhas?

The 2009 single swimmer fee is $350 (includes a $75 refundable volunteer fee). The cost includes 4 months of 5-day-per-week coaching and attendance at 8 swim meets and a 2-day championship meet.

Will returning swimmers get priority?

Yes - All returning Piranha team members will be guaranteed a spot on the team if registration materials and full payment are post marked by February 11. After this date, space on the team cannot be guaranteed, even for returning swimmers.

Organizational

How do I know what age group my swimmer(s) is in?

The child’s age on June 15 of the swim year will dictate what age group he or she is in.

How do I find out who my team parent is?

The team parents and their contact information will be listed in the Piranha Press and on the Parents' Page.

Swim Practice Times

When are practice times?

The practice times can be found on the Practice Information Page.  Please check back frequently for changes since practice times change throughout the season.

How many practices do my kids have to swim a week?
The Piranhas is a recreational team; however, we do encourage your swimmer to attend at least 3 practices a week. A swimmer must attend a minimum of 3 practices the week prior to be eligible to swim in a meet. The coach may also use practice attendance criteria in determining how many events a child may swim in a meet.

Can my child attend a different practice time than the one they are assigned to by age?

If you feel your swimmer needs more of a challenge and would like them to attend practice times designated for older kids, or you are unable to make your age group practice time you will need to get permission to switch to another practice time from the Head Coach.

Why doesn’t my child get more individual help with his or her swimming?

The Piranhas does not provide swimming lessons, but rather skill improvement of existing swimming abilities. Coaches will help each child as much as possible; however, in large groups the coach must balance time spent on individuals with the needs of the group as a whole. Swimmers will be taught proper stroke technique, but your swimmer may require more assistance than what can be provided in a practice setting. Some of the coaches may be willing to provide private or small group lessons on their own time. Please feel free to ask your coach if such lessons are available and the cost (note that swimming lessons are not a Piranhas activity).

Swim Meets

What should I bring to a swim meet?

Remember to mark your items for easy recognition.  

What if we have to leave early for a meet or my swimmer can’t be there?

If you are going to miss a meet or leave a meet early you will need to sign the Miss-A-Meet Binder (located poolside at all practices) by the Tuesday the week before the meet. For instance, if you know you will miss the June 23rd meet, you need to sign the Miss-A-Meet Binder by Tuesday, June 12th. If you find out after the signup deadline that you will not be able to attend the meet, you need to notify your age group parent or contact as soon as possible.

If you do not sign the binder (or otherwise inform a coach) and you are scratched from the meet, you will not be allowed to swim in the next 2 meets. This rule does not apply to swimmers who miss a meet due to sudden illness, family emergency, etc. and have contacted one of the coaches prior to the meet start.

Is there a minimum number of swim meets my child is required to attend?

Yes - To qualify for participation at Championships, a swimmer must swim in at least two conference meets. The board member in charge of records keeps track of all swimmers to make sure everyone meets this league requirement. Please see the Meet Information page for information on which swim meets are conference meets.

Since there is a team parent, do I have to attend all meets with my child?

It is fully expected that at least one parent attend the meet to supervise and cheer on their own child. The team parent is responsible for getting the kids to the ready bench on time. They are not responsible for your child’s conduct during the time in between – the parent is. Please do not drop your child off and assume that someone else is responsible for them – they need you!

Does my child have to stay in the team area with their age group?

As long as your child stays in their age group area, the team parents will get them organized and make sure they get to the ready bench on time. Please keep in mind if your child does not stay in the team area it will be your job to get them to the ready bench on time. Make sure your child understands this, as sometimes they leave the team area without your knowledge.

What should a swimmer do when they have completed a race?

When a swimmer is done with their race they should congratulate the swimmer on either side of them before getting out of the pool (this would be the last swimmer in the relays).

Championships

Why is Championships two days and do I need to go to both days?

Championship meets last for two days (Saturday and Sunday) from approximately 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. with check in at 6:30 a.m. on both days. Saturday events start with the Preliminaries for the individual medley (IM), short free, and back. There is a short break and then Finals for IM, free, backstroke, and medley relays are ran. Sunday events start with Preliminaries for the long free and continue with Preliminaries for the breaststroke and butterfly. After a short break, the Finals for long free, breast, fly and free relays are held.

Events for 6 & Unders are on Saturday only. Once you have determined that your swimmer is NOT in the Final Relay, you are free to leave. Please do not leave the meet without checking with the coach or team parent to verify your swimmer is or is not in a Finals Relay. A missing swimmer will cause a relay team to scratch and forfeit any chance for team points or individual medals.

Additional information on Championships can be found in the Team Handbook on the Parents' Page.

What do I need to bring to Championships?

Bring double the items you normally bring for meets since champs are 2 days. You may also want to bring money for purchases at the snack bar, programs, or championship apparel. The team will provide many pop-up tents for Championships, but you may choose to bring your own.

Volunteering

How do I volunteer?

Each swim family will be asked to volunteer at least 20 hours during the swim season AND also required to participate in a minimum of 1 setup OR one takedown of meet equipment at a home meet (includes Time Trials and the Piranathon). This work involves manual labor such as putting up tents, running cables, moving chairs, benches, etc. from the onsite storage area to the pool and back. These hours count toward the total family volunteer time of 20 hours. A signup sheet will be available at Parents' Night so that each family can sign up for their setup or takedown meet choice.  In the registration packet you will also find a sign up form where you can indicate the types of other activities you would like to participate in.  Even if you are unsure of what is required, there are others who will be able to help you learn the task.  Please feel free to email or call any board member for help in how to volunteer.

How do I get my volunteer refund?

Volunteer cards are available at the meet check-in desk. Each volunteer is responsible for filling out their own card and then having the person in charge of the volunteer station sign off on the number of hours volunteered that day. Once you have reached your 20 hours, you may submit your volunteer card for reimbursement of your $75 fee to the following address:

Elk Grove Swim Team Boosters, Inc.
P.O. Box 1925
Elk Grove, CA 95759

Cards will be verified and deposits refunded to families after the end of the season which is Awards Night.  Please check Breaking News for information concerning specific dates.  Or, if you prefer, the $75 can be donated to the Team.

Can I apply my refund towards next years’ registration fee?

No.