New Swimmer FAQs
Q – What is “Short Course season” and “Long Course season?”
A – Short Course and Long Course refer to the length of the swimming pool used in competitions. From September to the middle / end of March is Short Course season. Competitions are held in 25 yard pools and races are measured in Short Course Yards (SCY). Long Course season runs from April through mid-to-late July. Long Course competitions are held in 50 meter pools and races are measured in Long Course Meters (LCM).
Q – How long is each swim season?
The Short Course season often spans 7 months (September – March) while the Long Course season spans 4 months (April – July).
Q – What is the difference between “Age Group” and “Senior” swimmers?
A – USA Swimming and NSC refer to swimmers that are aged 14 and under as Age Group swimmers. Senior swimmers typically refer to high school aged swimmers (15 and up).
Q – Should my swimmer attend all of the practices?
A – Practices are not mandatory, so your swimmer should attend the amount of practices that fits best into your family’s schedule. But we like to say, the more you attend, the better you will get, the more fun it becomes! Your swimmer will get to know teammates better, gain endurance, and have more opportunities to focus on stroke, turn, and start technique if they consistently make practices.
Q – Should I drop off my swimmer and leave or stay and watch practice?
A – You can drop off your swimmer. Rather than dropping your swimmer off at the curb, we encourage you to park your car and walk your swimmer to the door of the aquatic center. Please do not drop off more than 15 minutes before swim practice. You are also welcome to watch your swimmer’s practice from the balcony seating. Parents are not allowed on the pool deck for liability and safety reasons. If your swimmer needs to be dropped off early or stay late to wait for siblings, your swimmer will need to be supervised by an adult.
At the conclusion of each practice, the coaches are no longer responsible for the safety of your children. We ask that all athletes be picked up at the conclusion of their practice and are not left waiting around the building unsupervised. Parents of athletes that are consistently left unsupervised may be subject to fine and/or suspension from the team.
Q – Where does my swimmer go for practice?
A – Swimmers enter the pool deck through locker rooms or the main double-doors at the pool entrance. Each squad has a designated meeting place for practice.
Q – What is dryland?
A – Strength training, stretching, and aerobic activity all help us to develop better athletes and swimmers. Most days, 10 - 30 minutes at the start of each squad’s practice is dedicated to dryland activity out of the water. Examples of dryland activities include running, pushups, pull-ups, squats, stairs, medicine balls, and resistance bands. Swimmers should come to practice in comfortable workout clothes and sneakers. It is suggested they have their swimsuit on underneath so they can transition quickly from dryland to the pool.
Q – I need to ask the coach/my swimmer a question during practice.
A – Please do not talk to your swimmer or the coach during practice. The swimmers need to pay attention to what the coach is telling them and the coaches need to give 100% of their attention to the swimmers. Coaches are usually available after practice in the pool lobby or via email to answer your questions.
Q – Where do we purchase NSC swimsuits and caps?
A – Swim caps and other training equipment such as goggles, fins, paddles, etc. can be purchased at our swim store on the pool deck. If you are interested in purchasing an item from our swim store, please ask a member of the coaching staff after practice. Swim suits and other gear can be purchased online at our Online Store.
Q – What are Championship meets and does my swimmer qualify?
A – During the season, swimmers are working to qualify for the end of Short Course and Long Course Championship meets. The two main Championship meets that swimmers qualify for are the Divisional meet and/or State (Age Group or Senior) meets. Qualifying times are set each year by Indiana Swimming and get more difficult to achieve as swimmers age up. Qualifying times are grouped by 10 and Under, 11-12, and 13-14. Most recent time standards can be found on the Indiana Swimming Time Standards website. It is helpful for young swimmers to look at the cuts for Divisional times as a first major goal. More elite swimmers can move on to qualify for Zones, Speedo Sectional, Jr. National, or Olympic Trial events.
