Woodridge Stingrays

Woodridge Swim Team Philosophy

Swimming is a wonderful, lifelong sport.  Our team’s goal is to develop competitive swimmers while maintaining a love for the sport.  Through stroke development, conditioning training and recovery fun days, the athletes gain an understanding of swimming competitively as part of a team.  Ultimately, they will accomplish the ability to swim all four strokes correctly, conduct themselves with fairness and good sportsmanship and develop a love for the sport of swimming.

6 and under - (All new swimmers in this age group require an assessment by one of the coaches before being eligible for participation on the team.  This will be done the first week of practice.  By the end of the first week of practices all 6 and under kids will need to be able to swim half the length of the pool without assistance.  By the end of the 2nd week of practice all swimmers need to be able to swim the entire length of the pool unassisted.)

Minimum requirements for this age group include: confidence in the water without a parent, with face under water and to stay afloat swimming the width of the pool (via dog paddle, bobbing, floating or any other individual means).  Basic swimming skills are the initial lessons for this group (breath holding under water, stomach & back floating, and long axis/short axis alignment).  The final goal is to have the child swim the length of the pool independently in a meet.  It is extremely important for this age group to attend practice regularly.  Each day builds on what was learned the day before.  Fun is emphasized through games and free play.

7 to 10 year olds - The main focus in this age group is on developing correct strokes in a fun and mildly competitive environment.  Basic Components of a training regime are introduced, such as interval training and sprinting sets.  This is a transitional stage for these swimmers.  It is important for them to be exposed to these skills in order for them to progress into tougher levels of training.  However it is also necessary for them to enjoy what they are doing so they will have a positive experience as a member of a team sport and hopefully remain a lifelong swimmer.

11 to High School Seniors - The emphasis of this age group is stroke development and more importantly aerobic and anaerobic training.  This level helps prepare a swimmer to compete on a high school team if desired.  It is vital to attend each practice in order to keep up with the progressive workouts.  Fun is also incorporated into practice.  One practice a week is designated as a rest/recovery and fun day.  These help the athlete stay positive and motivated to swim.

Parent Responsibilities:

Our team is run by an all volunteer group of parents. A parent from each family is expected to actively participate in team activities. Be prepared to sign up for at least THREE events per family in the following areas:

• Age Group Parent – Along with a line up supervisor, assist in lining up swimmers for their events. This year we are requesting 8 volunteers to assist in gathering all ages, rather than one volunteer for each age group.
• Runner –General assistance at the swim meets. One needed per meet.
• Timers – Use stopwatch to time events, may also require recording of times in assigned lane. Need several at each swim meet.
• Awards–Sort ribbons and apply labels after meets. Need two volunteers for each meet
• Meet Set Up – Assist with moving tables/chairs, hanging banner, etc prior to meet.
• End of Season Party – order supplies, plan activities and serve/cleanup for team party. Need several volunteers.
• Clean-up Crew – Stay after the meet ends to take down tents and clean-up around pool.
• Meet Officials– Stroke judges needed! Training will be provided during May through NSSL.

During the registration process, you will be required to sign up for three volunteer positions. What better way to show support for your kids? We greatly appreciate the help!!!!