Q: How much is registration?

A: Registration is $140 per swimmer. If you do not live in New Territory, there is an additional $25 fee per swimmer to cover additional facilities costs. The Torpedoes will NOT have a Capital Fund Contribution of $25 per family for 2024 to help defray the cost of new equipment. If your family needs to cancel their enrollment from the Torpedoes swim team before May 5, there will be a partial refund of the total registration minus $65.00. There will be NO refunds after Friday, May 5, 2024.

Q: When are the meets?

A: The league establishes the final schedule in early April. Meets will be Monday nights, except for Memorial Day weekend when the meet will be either the following Tuesday or Wednesday night.

Q: Why do I have to volunteer?

A: The Torpedoes Swim team is kept at an affordable price because the swim meets are run by ALL volunteers. In order to make a swim meet run smoothly we need parents to volunteer to help out. The best part about volunteering for key positions like Technology chair, Console operator, Starter, Stroke judge, Touch and Turn judge is that you get a front row seat to all the swim action.

Q: How often do I need to volunteer?

A: You can anticipate the need to volunteer at each meet in some fashion. Each job at the meet is valued at a predetermined number of points, and the total point requirement varies slightly each season based on final enrollment numbers. There are additional volunteer opportunities for events such as the Kickoff Party, Time Trials, Popsicle Fridays, etc. However, the bulk of your points will be earned at meets. In mid-April the Volunteer Coordinator will determine the final point requirement and volunteer job schedules, then send you emails informing you when the volunteer registration will go live. Failure to meet the volunteer requirement will result in forfeiting you the $250 volunteer encouragement deposit.

Q: What do I do if I am unable to volunteer?

A: Parental volunteering is a commitment necessary for the swim team to operate. Most Torpedo parents work, and although challenging, they find ways to successfully volunteer and earn their points. The Volunteer Coordinator will be able to answer specific questions and help guide you to a successful strategy.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: If it’s just raining, we swim. If it’s thundering or lightning, we stay out of the pool until after it stops. We post updates on Facebook/Twitter when possible. If your older swimmer bikes or walks to practice, please be sure that you have a plan for a prompt and safe way home if the practice is canceled due to lightning.

Q: Is my child eligible to swim?

A: Swimmer Eligibility & Meet Participation: a swimmer must be four (4) years old and may be no older than eighteen (18) by May 31st of the current swim year to be eligible to compete.

Q: Is there a minimum skill requirement?

A: Yes, we are a competitive team and all swimmers must meet the following requirements:

1) Child must be FULLY POTTY TRAINED;

2) Child must not be afraid to enter the water;

3) Child must be able to follow directions; and

4) Child must be able to swim across the 25 yd pool.

If it is determined that your swimmer will not be able to meet these requirements within 1 week of practice (by May 5th), your registration fee will be partially refunded (minus a $50 fee) via check. If it is determined that your swimmer cannot swim the length of the pool (25 meters) after May 5 (as determined by the head coach), your swimmer will be ineligible to compete in swim meets. Your swimmer will be able to practice with the team, but will not swim competitively. No refunds will be issued if this determination is made.

Q: Is the team swim suit required?

A: Yes, the team suit is required, and generally will be refreshed every two-three years. Team suits for 2024 are available in our team store at Swimoutlet.com. All swimmers must wear the current team suit for the meet competition. If there are questions regarding modesty or other religious accommodations, please email us for guidance. Generally, a monochrome black form-fitting cover up will suffice to meet modesty requirements and still allow the swimmer to wear the team suit. Also see the home page for link to our team store.

Q: How do I get ready for the meets?

A: Meet Tips:

- Label EVERYTHING – suits and t-shirts are the same, and goggles and clothes are flying around and being trampled. Bring an extra towel and change of clothes. The kids get in and out of the pool a lot and things seem to get left on the wet ground.

- Bring your own chairs. There will not be enough seating for everyone.

- Swim meets last for hours and the kids (and parents!) get hungry. Concessions with are available, so bring cash. Many parents also opt to bring a small cooler.

- DO NOT park on New Territory Blvd or on the lake side of Walker School Rd. You WILL be towed.

- Mark your swimmer with their swimmer number with a black sharpie (right hand and right shoulder blade) before they come and before applying sunscreen (sunscreen is oily and the marker won’t write over it). Swimmer numbers can be found on the website.

- Age Group Marshals are there to help! They will check in the swimmers, get them marked with their events, get them lined up and in the proper lanes, and make sure the kids stay in their designated tent area. However, Age Group Marshals are NOT babysitters. If you are not working a volunteer shift that is stationary to one spot, you should be keeping an eye on your kids. Tablets and small games/activities are helpful.

- Have fun! First meets can be overwhelming and intimidating. Remember: we are here to have FUN. Meets are a celebration and test of each swimmer’s individual progress. Please keep your feedback positive and in perspective! What they have accomplished already is amazing – I’ve seen fears conquered and some real dedication to daily practice.

- Other Info: Check out the Torpedoes Shop!! We have some amazing gear to show your support for your favorite swim team, including purple baseball caps and visors with the Torpedoes logo, drawstring bags, high-performance t-shirts, hand fans, event lanyards, yard signs, swim caps, and more. You can order online using a credit card or arrange to purchase with cash or check. At practice, if you move chairs or tables at the pool for shade or comfort, please make sure to put things back where you found them. We always have to leave the pool decks the way we found them.