HVAC offers a pre-team for emergent (non-independent) swimmers typically aged 4-5. Pre-team is for children who are not yet independent in the pool; those who need a flotation device or an adult next to them in the pool, and cannot yet swim the full length of the pool on their own. Pre-Team swims only in the summer season after Memorial Day and ends the day before the Fourth of July holiday. Pre-teamers do not compete at Championships. The swimmer must be 4 years old by June 1 to be eligible. 

How do I register for pre-team?

Registration for pre-team is done through the same registration process as our main team swimmers. Visit the registration page on our website and go through the process. Registration is open for Pre-Team until the team is full, then it is closed.

When is Pre-Team Practice?

Pre-Team swims only in the summer season from late May to early July, which is typically 4 or 5 weeks depending on how Memorial Day and July 4th holiday fall in the calendar year. Practice is a half hour long and held 5x per week, Monday - Friday. Exact times and dates will be updated on the website practice schedule page.

What is the Rate?

We offer a discounted rate for Pre-Team at $190 per swimmer for the season (for both Pool Members and Non-Members). If a swimmer moves up from pre-team to team at the beginning of the year, we will adjust the rate accordingly. If a pre-teamer progresses well enough during the session that they compete in dual meets, there is no additional rate change or cost.

How do I know if my child is ready for team?

Main team consists of swimmers who can confidently make it across the length of the pool (25 m) without assistance. Does this mean they have perfected every stroke? Nope! We just need to know that these swimmers can be in the water, safely, follow directions, and participate in swim practices. During main team practices, coaches are typically in the water with the 6U swimmers at the beginning of the season, and develop the swimmer skills to be independent in the water at the end of the season with the goal of a full 25y lap swim legal for competition. Later in the season, coaches will likely be on deck watching, critiquing technique, and giving instruction.

Pre-team covers a range of abilities. These swimmers may just be learning to blow bubbles, put their head under water, or using a flotation device. Or, these could be swimmers who put their head in the water, know how to kick, and even know how to do a freestyle stroke---but they just haven't put it all together yet! Basically, pre-team is for those who still need in-water instruction and assistance.

Borderline Swimmers: How to Choose Pre-team or Team

Sometimes we just don’t know until the child is in the water with other swimmers and coaches. For this reason, we offer a 1-2 week observation “trial” period for children aged 4-5 where your swimmer may join the 6 & Under practice at the beginning of spring season to see how it goes. During this time, our Coaching staff will be working with your swimmer in the water to determine which placement is best for your child. Parents are not in the water with their child during practice. After the observation period, the Coach will inform the swimmer and parent if they recommend pre-team or team.

• If your child is best suited for Team, your child will continue with the 6 & Under practice group. The registration rate will be adjusted accordingly and we will contact you for additional payment or refund, depending on how the original registration came through.
• If your child is best aligned for Pre-Team, we will pause in-water activities (practice) until the summer session. The registration rate will be adjusted accordingly and we will contact you for additional payment or refund, depending on how the original registration came through.
• If your child is not yet ready for pre-team, we will provide information regarding swim lessons at one of the local swim schools, and your registration fee will be refunded.

What’s the Difference? Main Team vs Pre-Team

No matter the age or ability, main team or pre-team, all our simmers are full-fledged WAHOOs! All swimmers are encouraged to participate in all spirit activities be in the team picture, wear the team suit, etc. Functionally, here are the differences between team and pre-team.

What is the Refund Policy?

We understand that sometimes swimmers aren't ready to enter the pool or a change in plans may occur. Our Pre-Team Refund Policy is as follows:

• If you notify us before the first day of practice of the summer session (before Memorial Day): All but $65
• If you notify us before the end of the second week of practice: All but $75
• Afterward - no refund