Our first-year swimmers are, for the most part, our youngest members of the team. These are those swimmers that are joining swim team for the first time. These swimmers are evaluated by our coaching staff to determine if they are ready for swim team, and to assess their individual proficiency in water safety, confidence, and where they are in development of foundational strokes.

Whether you are meet-ready or still working on making those last few yards of the 25-yard free unassisted – we want every swimmer to know that they are a valuable member of the team. After all, the experiences and strides our young ones make in their first seasons will impact our team for years to come. In addition, every swimmer is unique and progresses at their own individual rates. This is especially true for our 8 and under swimmers. Not just in terms of physical development and mastering stroke technique, but also in emotional maturity. Once school lets out, all swimmers 8 and under will attend the same practice session, where our coaches will be able to group swimmers based on a combination of age, maturity, and experience. Maybe a swimmer is physically ready to tackle their first meet, but needs more to gain more confidence first, by placing him/her in a group of swimmers with similar needs and skillsets. As the season progresses, and swimmers master new skills we will be able to adjust accordingly.

How will I know if my swimmer is eligible for swim team?

If you have a swimmer who will be joining swim team for the first time, he/she will need to attend our swimmer evaluation session.

During registration you will have an opportunity to indicate whether your swimmer(s) are joining swim team for the first time. Following your completed registration, you will receive a link to sign up for our evaluation  following the completion registration.

Should our Coaching Staff feel that a first-year swimmer(s) would benefit from additional lessons before joining the team, CRR will provide a full refund of his/her registration fee. If after a few lessons your swimmer has gained the confidence and necessary skills to join the team, we encourage them to do so to allow these first-year swimmers to continue to build confidence and work towards mastering each swim stroke. A pro-rated fee will be applied depending on where we are in the season.

What qualifications must First-Year Swimmers exhibit in order to be eligible for Swim Team?

Swim approximately 25 yards (the length of the pool) with some version of freestyle (front crawl) OR backstroke and do so while:

• Placing their face comfortably in the water for majority of the length (freestyle)
• Remaining on their back for majority of the length (backstroke)
• Arms must be used and come out of the water the majority of the length (regardless of stroke).

A child’s emotional development and maturity is also important when determining if a child is ready for swim team. He/she must be able to listen and follow instructions. He/she should be able to sit quietly when asked, while waiting for their turn, and while coaches are giving instructions. This also applies to any swimmers that may not have the confidence or comfort-level with being in the water.  All of these things are completely normal, as all children progress physically and emotionally at their own developmental rate. Regardless, the safety and well-being of your swimmer(s) will always be our top priority.   Also a priority for CRR, is providing a safe and fun environment where each child can thrive in the wonderful sport of swimming! 

When will evaluations of First-year swimmers occur?

Registered swimmers will be evaluated on May 17, 2025 from 1:00pm-4:00pm at the pool.  

How will we know if our First-Year swimmer made the team?

After evaluating your swimmer(s), our coaches will discuss the evaluation with you. This will include one of the following:

• Swim team ready
• Recommended for lessons focusing on specific areas 
• A discussion involving parents and coaches that may not be emotionally / physically ready for swim team along with recommendation for lessons

Will I receive a refund of fees paid should my child be recommended for lessons?

Should our Coaching Staff recommend your swimmer for lessons or need additional confidence with being in the water, CRR will provide a full refund of his/her registration fee.

If after a few lessons your swimmer has gained the confidence and necessary skills to join the team, we encourage them to do so, as this will allow him/her to continue to build confidence and work towards mastering each swim stroke. A pro-rated fee will be applied depending on where we are in the season. 

My child was a "first year swimmer" last season, but only swam in one meet - do they need to be evaluated?

No.   If your child made the team last year, they do not need to be evaluated for the new season.   This applies to all RETURNING swimmers, regardless of how many meets they participated in.   If your child did not swim in any meets last year, they are also exempt from evaluations.   

My child was evaluated last year and needed additional lessons.  If we completed those lessons, do we need to indicate that he/she is a "First Year Swimmer"?

Yes.  Evaluations are also important for our Coaching staff to assess the most appropriate practice group for each individual skill level.  The coaches will want to re-evaluate the progress your child has made since last May.